Ah, Mother’s Day, the second favorite day of the year for flower shops and chocolatiers.

In an attempt to sell SUVs and minivans to modern family-goers, car companies have come up with some funny and clever commercials aimed at making these vehicles slightly less boring.

Take a look at a few good commercials aimed at the modern Mother:

4. Family Friendly Vehicle – Kia Sorento

Not particularly funny, but this is one of a series of “documentary-style” ads Kia put out for the 2013 Sorento. They each go over individual features of the SUV aimed at showing mothers why it’s a smart vehicle for them and their little ones.

3. Safety Sacrifice “Ridin’ Dirty” – VW Tiguan

2. “The Motherhood” – Fiat 500L

Clever and well-done ad from Fiat that got some flak when it came out, but overall a good response. I think it’s funny.

Bonus: The Fatherhood

1. “Swagger Wagon” – Toyota Sienna

Easily my favorite Rapping Mom commercial, we posted about the Swagger Wagon when it was first released a few years ago.

Did we miss any of your favorites? Send these to your Mom and let us know what you think!

Originally posted on

Gas prices are steadily going up, and the government is not only making stricter emission standards but also making the manufacturers meet tougher average mpg figures for their lineup of cars to meet. What does all this mean?  The hybrids are invading!  This decade is all about skinnier, less grippy, fuel saving tires, electric engines, and alternative fuel.  

The leaps in performance are saved for the ultra rich, while one by one the high performance affordable sports cars fall by the wayside.

Well what if you’re just an evil hoonigan?  What if you’d rather not have a car that silently wafts by like a spring breeze?  What if you are such a mad man…that you’re unconcerned with the baby deer and family of rabbits who are apparently inhaling straight from your exhaust pipes and prefer something a little more…exciting?  Maybe you prefer the snarling turbo straight pipe street beasts of yesteryear; the type of ride that would make a Nissan Leaf wilt and blow a hole in the ozone with every up shift.  Let’s have a look back at the best tuners!  They may not meet the emission standards, and they may hurt the manufactures mpg average, but we love them anyway.  Tree huggers may disdain you for driving them and go-green hipsters deem them unnecessary…but the loud, sideways-sliding hoonigans get the warm fuzzies from driving these Top 5 Tuners:

#6. Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX

The Eclipse GSX disappeared after 1999, and there hasn’t been an AWD turbo eclipse since.  While this may not have been a king of the streets, it was still a quick car and put it’s minimal ponies down off the line well.  The 2.0L DOHC turbo engine was a great base for the car tuners as well.  Stock, it had an acceptable 210 hp out of the inline 4 engine and a limited slip diff.  It was almost an Evo “preview” for the states with the same 2.0L Inline 4 single turbo setup, 5-speed manual transmission, and similar AWD drive-train, however the Evo VIII had 271 hp stock.  Despite the slight under-steer issue, this is a great little tuner!

You can kind of think of the GSX as the Evo’s kid brother.  The world might not have room for a new turbo AWD Mitsubishi but I would like to see what kind of sports coupe they could come up with to revive the GSX name.

#5. Subaru STi Coupe

Yes, it’s another AWD turbo coupe from Japan.  The coupe body style Impreza vanished after the turn of the century and sadly has never returned.  By the time the STi made it across the pond it was only available in a 4dr body style, however Subaru did give us a little taste of their street rally car ways with the Impreza 2.5 RS.  There was one thing that was terrible about this car however.  It drew quite a bit of attention to itself as it strongly resembled the turbo model, but only eeked out 165 hp compared to the real deal which was boosted to 276 hp…making the 2.5 seem rather horseless.

The 22B body also looked better than the newer Imprezas, something about the compact 2 door look channeled an R34 GTR. This car didn’t suffer from the excessive understeer that plagued the next Impreza either.  I think it would be great to see them revive the coupe, and bring back a shorter wheelbase STi.  The flat 4 turbo combined with a more nimble chassis would make something worthy of home made Gymkhana videos…I’m talking to you Subaru!  We want to hoon, so give us the backroad boxer that destroys the Evo.

#4.  S2000

Honda has completely shunned their sporting ways and gone all soft on us.  What’s up with that?  The S2K was an absolute street legend!  The Civic Si just isn’t going to cut the mustard…I’m just telling you there is NOTHING exciting or good or fun about FWD, and that’s a fact.  You won’t impress your friends by understeering into a curb, or torque steering into the neighbor’s tree.  Also everyone who does reverse donuts need to be punched in the face, honestly.

For some reason when Honda decides to do an affordable RWD sports car, good things occur.  Just look at the NSX or as you can see above these words, the quite agile, quite fast S2000.  They got 237 hp out of a 2.2L non-turbo I4 DOHC.

So naturally every ricer bolted a turbo onto it to.  The car was also extremely savvy when it came to corners, so for a very affordable price you already had a great stock platform for tuners to build on.  With the resurrection of the NSX upon us, it would be great to see a 2014 S2k although it’s doubtful.  Maybe offer a hardtop this time around so people don’t have to go out and buy one for themselves.  The point, however, is that when Honda actually tries, their donuts make me go nuts.

#3.  Mazda RX-7

Okay let’s not sugar coat this…the RX-7 and RX-8 were a pain in the ass to run on a frequent basis.  Everyone knows they weren’t a daily car, and the rotary engine is about a fussy as they come.  But the hard core RX-7 was a labor of love.

The standard twin turbo system boosted it up to 255 hp…not bad for the early 90′s!  The 50/50 weight distribution made it a bit of a handful under braking, but if we can learn anything from the Viper that means it is easy to kick the arse out, which equals loads of tire squealing fun.

I think it’s also one of the best looking cars ever made, and it sits very low to the ground.  Then Mazda killed the RX name by coming out with the RX-8, which was soft, under-powered, and terrible with fuel consumption.  I can verify that as a previous owner.  The rotary was known for these problems and that’s why it became popular for engine swaps.  If you put a LS1 V8 you would actually improve the fuel economy and have the insane grip and lightness!  2JZ engine swaps became very popular as well (for those of you that don’t know, a 2JZ is a Supra engine).  Mazda needs to bring the RX back with the same simple beautiful looks, only this time with a range of inline 6 cyl engines…from non-turbo to twin turbo.

#2. Nissan 240SX

When you think of drifting, and then type it into youtube because you’re bored at work, almost every video features a Nissan 240SX.  This car goes has gone through about three phases, S13, S14, the Kouki, and finally the S15 which we didn’t get to the States.  That’s the beauty pictured above.  The 240SX came into life entering the 90′s with a 5-speed manual and I4 140 hp engine.  It was eventually given 155 hp in ’91.  In ’95, the S14 made its debut with improved styling (ditching the pop-up head lamps) but remained at only 155 hp.  However the wheelbase was 2″ longer, it had a wider stance, and lost 80 lbs.  In 1997 the exterior changed but the chassis was still the same.  The headlamps looked a little meaner along with the grill and side skirts.  The body style from 97′ to 98′ was referred to as the “Kouki”.  When the S15 slid onto the scene it had an I4 with a turbo that boosted it up to 250hp!  Sadly this car never came to the States, and by 2002 it went out of production.

These cars had ample room in the engine bay to install mods and do engine swaps, and with the RWD platform the possibilities were almost endless!  2JZ, and GT-R engine swaps were very popular.  Also upgrading the 4 cylinder block with a turbo was very common.  While Nissan has the Z series coupes, and the GT-R on the market right now there isn’t much room for another performance line.  What they should do is bring the Silvia back under the Skyline name and have a series of trim levels leading up to Godzilla.  For instance start with the Skyline.  Just a RWD non-turbo inline 4 with a 5-speed and say…250 hp.  Have the same car with a turbo 6-speed for the next step up and give it 300 hp and that would be the Skyline R.  The last trim level before the GT-R would be the Skyline GT, and this would be AWD!  Also put a 3.7 but without turbos.  Tune it to put out the Nismo Z 350 hp and call it a day.  There you go Nissan!  I have it all laid out here, now just go and do it!

#1. Toyota Mark IV Supra

The Mark IV Supra is the king of tuners that has fallen by the wayside.  After the Celica Supra (1982-1986) and the Mark III (1986-1992) the 93′ Supra made a rather choice return sporting a new sexy look.  It was curvaceous and had quite a nice ass.  Like having a hot girl with you out on the town, you just want to be seen with this car! Especially when it’s done right with some aftermarket magic (the car, not the girl.)

The MKIV made its silver screen debut in The Fast and the Furious (2001) which solidified it as street racer royalty.  The base had a 3.0L I6 that had an exciting  220 hp transferred to the rear wheels.  However there was a twin turbo model…which whirred 320 hp from the 2JZ inline 6 to the rear tires, and not only did this make the car a legendary drifter, but the engine itself became one of the most popular engines for swapping into other tuners.  You would frequently find these in Silvias, or RX-7s and RX-8s.  Sadly they quit production for the exports in 1998 and finally ceased all Japanese production in 2002 due to emission standards.  When you see a Mark IV drive by…you look…because they are somewhat rare, hard to find, and special.  The Supra  has an epic presence like a Skyline GT-R!  It’s one of the big boys.

Screw emission standards, bring it back and make it better than ever!  Make an affordable R35 challenger, for a price tag closer to 50K and you have another legend on your hands, Toyota.

Originally posted on

Easter eggs related to automobiles consist of unique features making the ownership experience just a little more special. Like a uniquely painted Easter egg, the features define a single model or an isolated assortment of vehicles. However, past Easter egg features in motoring have hitched and multiplied. Ford SYNC, OnStar and even stop-start technology have grown to be widespread hatchlings in modern vehicles.

In 2013, a new batch of Easter egg features will delight motorists in current or soon-to-be released vehicles.

2014 Honda Odyssey HondaVac

The minivan sector has a habit of adding Easter Egg-type features in order to define otherwise boxy, difficult to define shapes. Rear passenger DVD entertainment and unique seating options are some features auto companies have used to triumph over each other in the minivan class. A low-tech Easter egg, the Honda Odyssey gained notoriety for its coin holder. At the 2013 New York International Auto Show, Honda’s upgraded version of the Odyssey minivan really sucks (in a positive way).

The first of its kind on-board vacuum unit, HondaVac the most sanitary motorist will not need to fret over dirty shoes or cookie crumbs. Integrated into the 2014 model year Honda Odyssey with cooperation between the auto company and Shop-Vac, the on-board vacuum is a powerful electric unit. A full-function vacuum installed along on the driver-side portion of the rear cargo area, the HondaVac includes several nozzle attachments.

The HondaVac will be standard on the 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite model.

Mercedes-Benz SLK Magic Sky Control Roof

The thrill of purchasing a convertible is having the beaming of natural light surrounding you as you drive. Having just left winter, most of us in North America have not been thinking of acquiring a drop-top. Sunroofs can serve the need for sunlight often creates an oven-like experience in a vehicle’s cabin. In 2011, Mercedes-Benz recognized the dilemma by creating an intelligent sunroof system for their retractable hardtop SLK Roadster.

Using nano particles charged by an electrical current, the Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster’s Magic Sky Control Roof could alter the illumination level. Controlled either by the driver or through an automated system, the Mercedes-Benz Magic Sky Control Roof allows maximum brightness on cooler days. Under scorching sun, Magic Sky Control Roof can automatically adjust to a darker shade to aid the climate control system in preserving a cool temperature. As of 2012, Magic Sky Control Roof system is added to the Mercedes-Benz SL model.

Jeep Patriot Boston Acoustics Liftgate Speakers

On the now-discontinued Dodge Caliber, a Chill-Zone beverage cooler in the dash panel could keep up to four drinks at a refreshing temperature. The Caliber and platform-mate the Jeep Patriot also offered a unique sound system feature. Originally called Magic Gate on the Dodge Caliber, a pair of Boston Acoustics audio speakers mount on the vehicle’s liftgate. Designed for camping or other social gatherings, the liftgate speakers can be folded down to create a party-like sound system.

Unfortunately, the unique features were surrounded by uninspired interior designs that for years haunted many Chrysler products. The Dodge Caliber has made way to the 2013 Dart but the Jeep Patriot remains for the 2014 model year.

2013 Toyota Avalon QI Wireless Phone Charging

Making vehicles connected has been the latest ambition of automakers. Adding Apple iPod jacks and USB connections, Bluetooth has also become a regular on new vehicles. The next trend is to integrate a special type of wireless device charger into new cars. General Motors and equipment provider Powermat announced early in 2011 intentions of putting wireless inductive charging units on vehicles for mid-2012. As of 2013, the Powermat based charging equipment has yet to be included on any Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet or GMC vehicle. With General Motors delaying in-car inductive charging, Toyota has decided to be the auto company to bring near effortless to operate hardware to motorists.

Included in the 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited model, the wireless charger technology employs Qi interfaces. Unlike the Powermat system that requires a special accessory to be retrofitted to a phone, the QI system is built into devices. The LG Google Nexus 4 and Nokia Lumia 920 are early adopters of a promising charging standard. Attachments are available for other smartphone devices.

Rolls-Royce Wraith’s Satellite Aided Transmission

When you spend $320,000 for a vehicle, it’s easy to say you have high expectations the vehicle. When Rolls-Royce introduced the two-door Wraith at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the super luxury carmaker was required to explore the heights yet unattained by current vehicles. A personal luxury car providing impressive performance and comfort, the Rolls-Royce Wraith’s 624-horsepower momentum will be funnelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission is guided by an additional influence.

The Rolls-Royce Wraith is the first-ever vehicle to have a transmission that uses GPS (global positioning system) data in the electronic decision making when shifting gears. Rolls-Royce’s Satellite Aided Transmission of the Wraith employment of navigational information not only adjusts precisely to the current road position but also has the power to plan gear selections for the road ahead. Maybe it is a bunch of over-engineering, but the Satellite Aided Transmission will permit the Rolls-Royce Wraith to roll smoother than almost any Easter egg.

Information and photo source: American Honda Motor Company, Chrysler Group, Daimler AG, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Toyota Motor Corporation

Originally posted on

Ladies and Gentleman, the king of the jungle is reprising his role, and has Godzilla in his sights.  So you may have seen the pictures of the prototype debuted a while back in 2007.  At the North American International Auto Show the Toyota FT-HS was showcased.  Toyota said this car would be powered by a 3.5L V6 engine but would be boosted by an electric engine, the exact same principle as the power plant for the Prius.  However there was minor difference, this was to output 400 hp…with 197 hp maximum output from the electric engine!  That is basically a 2013 Civic Si.

The catch was they wanted to wait and see how well the FRS/GT-86 sales went.  Apparently it did well enough!  Because not only is the Supra name coming back, but Toyota has decided to alter their original ”Prius on steroids” plans.

It’s time to bring some old school to the new school, and welcome the 3JZ engine.  This will be a 3.5 L inline 6 twin turbocharged monster underneath the hood, with an estimated 560 hp in the base model.  To get around the emissions laws it will have a system similar to the Prius but this option can be turned off.  Essentially it’s an electric motor that can kick in at highway cruising speeds that will increase mpg along with an active aerodynamics system.

While the exact specs are still a bit fuzzy, we are hearing that it will have an active AWD system as well that will send the masses of hairy chested brutal power to the rear tires, while the front tires will have a small amount of power distributed to them as needed to pull those few extra g’s Toyota needs to outshine the GT-R.

More news to make you drool, the word from Toyota is that it will be more affordable than the GT-R, somewhere in the 50-60k price bracket and have a 2015 release…or possibly sooner!  Now all we need is a targa top.  What we have here could quite possibly be the best tuner ever created!  Stay tuned for more details, and let us know what you think of the concept pictures.

Oh, and by the way, happy April Fool’s Day tomorrow (you really think this would be believable if it was published tomorrow?) But really, let’s get on this Toyota. When/if the Supra MKV is finally released, I’d like to see how close to spec we are.

Originally posted on

Serving as a Christmas after Christmas for me, the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto is my first chance to gain a firsthand view of the most recent products. While many have made global debuts at many prior auto shows, I will attest there is no replacement to setting your own eyes on the presence of great vehicles. Therefore, as a member of accredited media, I set out to the festivities in Toronto ready to be dazzled once again by lovely creations from metal and applicable composites. Fitting for this year, the media day corresponding with Valentine’s Day allowed me to spend a day with ones I love the most from the families of General Motors, Ford, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, just to mention a few.

By entrance into Toronto was confronted by an occurrence that left me feeling a little sore. Getting off a crowded transit train, I attempted to be courteous and allow someone else to step down the stairs from the Toronto’s Union Station first platform. For some reason, the person gave a dirty look at me with a most ungrateful fashion. Chivalry is said to be dead; I am sure people like the one I experienced was the one who killed it. After being in the presence of so many disrespectful people in the past few years, I entered 2013 realizing I need to spend less time trying to be nice to the rotten and rude people because there are too many nice individuals on this planet who deserve respect. The fact that I have written over 500 articles for Automoblog.net and sister site Audisite.com demonstrates mutual goodwill I am thankful to be part of with every project I produce. It was just a bad predicament that shamefully detracted me from my enthusiasm for the 2013 auto show.

There is also the consideration that I believe that the automobile is an exclusive culture. The development of the automobile has always been the result of mass cooperation or mass competition among respectable rivals. For this reason, I looked forward to making up way to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow. From the buzz of this year’s show, I knew it would be a bustling exhibition of vehicle lifestyle. I was not to be disappointed. Rather than giving an hour-by-hour account of everything I had the pleasure to immerse myself in during the Valentine’s Day media festivities at the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow, I can sum up the presentation along several themes.

The first such theme of the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow was more free-spirited automotive creations. The BMW i cars (the i3 hatchback and the i8 sport coupe) were found right beside a BMW Z4 roadster and 560-horsepower BMW M6 Gran Coupe creating a satisfying concentration of the German automaker’s best. Toyota brought their far-out Fun-Vii concept vehicle (a design I continue to liken to a lovechild between an electric car and smartphone). The dynamic screen-like panels of the Toyota Fun-Vii was worth beholding in person. With South Korean brand Kia, their display of family and economy-oriented vehicles (such as the newly revealed Cadenza sedan) was joined by a series of art cars.

It was my plan to regularly update of transpiring activities through Twitter but spotty media WiFi in the complex left me sending far fewer than I wanted. Nonetheless, I was able to send out a few rather eye-catching spectacles from the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow. An instantly memorable example was a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG treated with a gold exterior. All I could think of when seeing that sport utility vehicle was who would drive something as lavishly but also lovingly pompous as a gold-plated luxury product. As if 544-horsepower from a highly capable four-wheel drive is not extravagant enough. The gold Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG was fittingly placed nearby the SLS AMG GT Roadster and just a small walk away from a disco ball-themed Smart Fortwo.

Aside from the outright showmanship, the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow had many new examples of premium motoring. Maserati held a press conference for the new Quattroporte sedan, Lincoln placed the MKC compact crossover at the centerpiece of their brand exhibition, Acura arrived at the auto show with a detailed prototype of the NSX supercar and McLaren attracted a steady crowd of journalists with the MP4-12C Spider. The ELR plug-in hybrid coupe was one of many vehicles shown by Cadillac in the brand’s floor space. This year, Cadillac was noticeably further from the other General Motors products between Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Topping the premium brands, Audi uncovered the SQ5 crossover, RS7 Sportback and the a red 2014 R8 supercar.

The 2013 show in Toronto also serves as a showcase for two American-derived high performance vehicles. The 2013 SRT Viper GTS in a candy red colour accent to 640 horsepower was understandably the pride and joy of Chrysler’s display. Despite the allure of the Viper supercar (especially in the year of the snake), Chevrolet practically saved the best for last at the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow’s media day. Knowing that everyone in the press were waiting for a special sports car to break away from its concealing sheet, the Chevrolet presentation was actually heavily focused on another vehicles; the next-generation Silverado pickup truck. The reasoning is actually quite excusable based on the fact the Silverado would be a major breadwinner for the brand but this only fanned anticipation for what is the heart of Chevrolet from 2014 and beyond. Finally, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray came to sight needing only a brief introduction. At no other time in the day was there such a media mob surrounding one vehicle and I can‘t blame them (mainly because I, myself, did not let the gray 2014 Corvette Stingray leave my sights for about fifteen minutes). On Valentine’s Day, I stood only a matter of a foot away from one of the special beauties in the modern automotive world.

Every year, I acknowledge the fact it is hard to make these articles engaging when much of the vehicles are not that new to readers. However, every year there is some ‘Canadiana’ present at Toronto’s car show that allows us to stand apart from our northern neighbours. From General Motors, Canada receives the compact utility Chevrolet Trax and Orlando for which are denied a presence in the United States marketplace. In addition to showing off the 2014 Outlander crossover, Mitsubishi has been displaying their newest subcompact car at the Canadian shows ahead of United States presentation in New York later this year. Aside from individual cars, the Suzuki brand of automobiles remains alive and well for the time being in Canada as the United States new car sales have been ending.

During the presentation of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a guest to the unveiling was Canadian sports car driver Ron Fellows. Having taken a Corvette to victory at sports car races at Daytona, Sebring, Road Atlanta and Le Mans, Fellows is so storied with the Corvette name that a special edition version of the C6 version honoured his devotion to the sports car. I can personally confirm that Ron Fellows is one classy guy who has granted me the pleasure of his time on several occasions.

Best thing about major auto shows is not limited to the new cars. Several exhibitions such as Auto Exotica, Canadian Hot Rod Builders Showcase and Cruise Nationals gave an additional flavour to the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow. Consisting of high-end new cars such the Ferrari F12berlinetta and a Skyfall Silver edition of the Aston Martin Vanquish, Auto Exotica also presented a Maserati MC12 Corsa, Ferrari F40 and a 1989 Formula 1 Ferrari driven by Nigel Mansell.

While I prefer the pristine, stock-level automobile, I am not without appreciation to the personalized efforts that go into customized vehicles. The Canadian Hot Rod Builders Showcase was a scene where mild to more extreme custom cars and trucks were treated with unique touches. One noted vehicle was decked out as a street rod version of a Bell Canada service truck. A Chip Foose modified Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was another one of many attractive machines.

An annual event for the Canadian International AutoShow again collected a selected is few vehicles from various outdoor car shows over the past summer in the province of Ontario. The 2013 Cruise Nationals combined stock and custom vehicles that are featured in a room opposite of Auto Exotica. This year’s finalists ranged from a 1937 Studebaker Dictator and 1969 Lincoln MK III to a 1955 Ford F100 truck that was rebuilt from scratch into a custom. On display at the 2013 show, the nature of Cruise Nationals insures the owners do not have to maintain their vehicles as ‘trailer queens’ meaning that all the finalists will once again be hitting Canadian roads when the weather improves.

This year’s Canadian International AutoShow was the 40th consecutive edition in Toronto. From what I had been witness to for the 2013 edition of the auto event, celebration is everywhere. For someone who attended the show with little sleep from the night before, overloaded by camera equipment this year, I left the day knowing my love is well placed in automotive culture.

Information, photo, video source: Canadian International AutoShow, Chris Nagy

Originally posted on

Expected to adhere to constantly changing criteria driven by government and consumer fronts, automakers have utilized the practice of building multiple vehicles off a single platform. Existing as a kind of foundation for automotive designers, vehicle platforms represent a series of standardized parts that can conform to various cars, trucks and crossovers. Defining a standardized platform has provided car companies with the opportunity to maximize their market reach in a cost-effective manner.

In some cases, platform sharing results in nothing more than a lazy effort in brand engineering. Several General Motors products built in the past 20 years (such as the Chevrolet Cavalier based J body vehicles) qualified as less than stellar examples of platform diversity. In contrast, there are several examples where the modern auto industry has created products transcending across a single vehicle category. Today, a one platform can used to deliver coupes, sedans, wagons, crossovers and even electrified alternative powertrain vehicles.

The following is some of the more popular vehicle platforms that we not even know are the basis of so many products:

GM Delta II

In earlier iterations of small car platform sharing had resulted in a rather chilly reception among the North American market (let along the all-so-important global spectrum). Created accepting that a greater focus must be placed on the compact car category, General Motors commissioned the Delta II chassis as a bold move to capture international acclaim. In a way perhaps no one could have predicted, the GM Delta II platform delivered on provocative boasts by the automaker.

The GM Delta II platform debuted in production when the Chevrolet Cruze was introduced to the international market in 2008. A compact car that focused less on being a budget-oriented option, buyers of the Chevrolet Cruze were acquainted with a heightened level of refinement and build quality. As the Cruze arrived in North America, positive press on the Delta II platform Cruze allowed Chevrolet to become a serious challenger in the compact sedan category. European models have also been treated to the Chevy Cruze in hatchback and even a station wagon body style. For the 2012 model year, North American motorists received a Buick version of the compact sedan based on the Delta II platform called the Verano. Several markets excluding the United States (Canada included) received a utility compact Chevrolet Orlando on the Delta II serving to the diversity of the General Motors platform.

Serving not only gasoline and diesel powered vehicles, the Delta II became noteworthy for powering the first major production model of a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Adding a large battery, electric motor and reallocating a gasoline engine as a “range extender”, the Chevrolet Volt coasts on similar underpinnings as a Cruze. At the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a Cadillac ELR becomes the latest recipient of the Delta II architecture.

Developing what will become the Delta III platform, General Motors has aligned with PSA Peugeot Citroen. The General Motors/PSA Peugeot Citroen collaboration of the future small car framework is targeted, not only, to provide a single platform architecture to a multitude of vehicles but also incorporate advanced materials for the lower cost automotive market.

Toyota MC Platform

An industry born from modesty after the Second World War, Japan’s auto sector has been mastering the technique of sharing as many components as possible to build a fleet of vehicles. Toyota can credit much of their growth (and their recent reclamation of the position as the world’s top-selling auto company) to the fact they have mastered the ability of creating a global line-up of cars and sport utility vehicles using a handful of platforms. Without much doubt, the Toyota MC platform exists as the backbone of the auto manufacturer’s success.

While the MC platform is not a household name, many of the Toyota-related products constructed on the single source of technology can be found near the top of vehicle sale charts. Produced since 2006, the Toyota MC platform has been applied to the construction of small to mid-sized cars, sport utility crossovers, and minivans. In fact, the vehicles using the MC platform architecture accounts for the majority of the over two million Toyota Motor Corporation vehicles sold during 2012 in North America. Under the Toyota brand, the Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Prius hatchback and Sienna are currently produced on the MC platform. Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus and youth-oriented marque Scion also use the same underpinnings. The ability to create multiple products from roughly the same basis has been performed near seamlessly acting as a benchmark for all other auto companies.

Seven years on the market, a next-generation replacement for the Toyota MC platform is presently under development.

Nissan D Platform

Recognizing the high upfront engineering costs of a platform, many auto companies have realized that sharing development between brands can help to greatly optimize their resources. Japanese auto company Nissan has enjoyed a close strategic and financial partnership with French car builder Renault. From 2000, platform sharing between the two companies have become greater. A utility player in a global marketplace for the Nissan-Renault alliance, the D platform offers the footprint for a variety of mid-sized vehicles.

The successor to the platform known as the FF-L, the D platform features a growing variety of Nissan’s top front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive products. In 2007, the Nissan Altima became the first vehicle built on the D platform followed shortly by the Nissan Murano and the Maxima. In other parts of the world, the D architecture is used for the Renault Laguna and Latitude as well as for two vehicles built under the Renault Samsung name in South Korea. Demonstrated early on mostly sedans (with exception to the Murano), the mid-sized vehicle platform would show utility. The eight-passenger Elgrand minivan was first sold as a luxury product through much of the Asian continent during 2010. In 2011, the latest generation Nissan Quest was granted a striking redesign based on the D platform. The Nissan Pathfinder’s migration from a truck-based utility to a large crossover vehicle is another high capacity offering on the same underpinnings as several other vehicles. Thanks to the sharing of platforms, finding the new Nissan Altima in Dubai is now possible.

Ford C Platform

As Ford Motor Company has been flourishing in North America, many would say several international markets exists as areas where the 110 year-old auto company is required to show even greater focus (excuse the pun). Though Ford has had a global presence since the Model T, their attempts to keep a profitable worldwide business model has faced challenges. For the most part, Ford believed that the answer for the European market was unique vehicles catering to the market‘s preference for smaller cars. However, financial constraints, global reputation building and changed vehicle buying attitudes have led to Ford’s development of a consistent global line-up.

For the most part, that has involved the North American importation of vehicles such as the Ford Transit Connect and Ford Fiesta. The Ford Focus had also been the crown jewel to what was intended to be a strong global presence. While a rough in the United States and Canada hurt the Focus, it also became a case where Ford fell into old habits when the company decided to completely reengineer the European model on a newer C1 platform while North American audiences settled on a redesigned version based on the older C170 platform. For the 2012 model year, the Ford Focus was finally harmonized again under what is known as the global C platform.

The basis for compact vehicles, the 2012 Ford Focus was the first vehicle that introduced North American car buyers to their C platform. A year later, the all-new Ford Escape was treated to a significant remodel on the latest generation platform. An addition to the US market last year, the Ford C-Max multi-purpose vehicle also displays the C platform. Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid models of the Ford C-Max demonstrated how modern platform development now includes the versatile application of advanced powertrain compatibility.

Information and photo source: Chris Nagy, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Nissan North America, Toyota Motor Corporation

Originally posted on

At a creative standpoint, we are currently witnessing a vibrant era in the automotive industry. Weathering some tough economic conditions and even confronted by challenges for more fuel-efficient vehicle fleets, most of the auto companies have raised their innovation game. Not just accepting the long-standing tradition of furthering design, tangible technology advancing engine, infotainment and other aspects of the driving experience makes exhibitions as such the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit a once-again captivating display.

This year’s auto show catered to a near-record paying crowd of over 795,000 people who inquired on the present and future of motoring. While the present or near present is dealt with vehicles such as the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Infiniti Q50 and the Audi RS7 Sportback, a handful of concept cars display what could be some profoundly important insight into vehicles that will occupy the roads and highways in coming years. The following sampling to what could be the most influential concepts:

Ford Atlas Concept

The pickup truck business is a market as gigantic as the vehicles that inhabit it. At Ford Motor Company, truck sales alone (not including utility vehicles such as the Escape, Expedition or Explorer) account for amount 37 percent of their 2012 vehicle sales in North America. Last year, the F-Series line of pickup trucks represents over 645,000 vehicles sold by Ford. When Ford presented a pickup truck as their display centerpiece in Detroit, it makes quite a bit of sense.

Overall a rather production-ready design study, the Ford Atlas Concept is immediately remarked to this vehicle being the precursor to future Ford pickup trucks. Revealing multiple design cues of an upcoming Ford truck, the Atlas Concept crew cab exhibits multiple features to benefit use by drivers. A cargo bed not only includes multiple tie-down locations but 110-volt electrical outlets. There is also a Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step and Cargo Cradle that extends for greatly use as well as accessibility. Intelligent electronic features related to the Atlas Concept include a 360-degree camera system and Trailer Backup Assist able to bring relief to a very difficult task.

A pickup truck for the not-so-distant tomorrow, the Ford Atlas Concept makes use of a variety of energy-saving technologies. LED lighting is found inside and outside of the Atlas Concept truck. Without going into detail, the Ford Atlas Concept promotes power from a next generation EcoBoost engine. Aerodynamics have also been optimized with the Ford truck concept as active grille shutters, active wheel shutters and power running board are incorporated with this tough vehicle.

Honda Urban SUV Concept

When the Honda CR-V was introduced in 1997, it made a splash as a smaller sport utility vehicle. In a time where the sport utility vehicle market segment gained life, the CR-V presented a than-rare interpretation of a car-like utility. Times have changed and auto companies have now begun a transition to the next scale of compact crossover utilities. Based on the Honda Fit, attendees of the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit were treated a peek at a close representation of a production crossover set for release in 2014.

One of the first things the Honda Urban SUV Concept design excels in doing is winning over critics decrying Honda’s recent trend of conservative styling. Working with an overall length of 169.3 inches, Honda has integrated a decisive coupe-like appearance into the Urban SUV Concept cast by the roof sloping and hidden rear door handles. Executive vice president of sales at American Honda John Mendel commented on the auto company’s direction saying, “With the continued expansion of our North American manufacturing operations, we expect fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive ‘small’ cars to play a key role in meeting the needs of our customers in the U.S.”

The production version of the Honda Urban SUV Concept will be built alongside the Fit subcompact at a Mexican manufacturing plant set to open by the spring of 2014.

Smart Forstars

Years ago, there was some concern that the Smart brand has reached its peak. The nifty Fortwo has epitomized economy-geared driving across the globe inspiring imitation from others. However, Smart has fought with limited success in attempting to make their vehicles appear hip and exciting to image-conscious buyers. Debuting the Forstars concept car at the 2013 Detroit show, Smart wants everyone to see the electrified powertrain in one of the sportiest forms.

Given a front end appearing more like a Jeep product than a Smart product, the Forstars delivers some serious street creditability to the mellow small car brand. In order to present the Smart Forstars concept’s sporty look, the wheelbase was stretched rather sizably compared to their production vehicles. At 97.2 inches, the wheelbase of the Forstars is nearly two feet longer than the Smart Fortwo. An overall length of 139.8 inches places the Smart Forstars closely equal to the span of a Fiat 500.

Partly contributing to the Smart concept’s name, a glass roof brightens the small but well-equipped interior. The two-seat configuration features a two-tone leather cabin with a high-quality stereo system and Bluetooth connectivity options.

A beyond outrageous (and likely not be to appear on the production vehicle feature list anytime in the future) is the Smart Forstars video projector system. Mounted on the hood, the projector can be activated from an Apple iPhone via Bluetooth.

Toyota Furia

Without regret, I placed the Toyota Corolla on a list of boring cars last year. Not criticizing the vehicle as time-honoured solid, reliable transportation, the Corolla is simply a dull design. In theory, there should be not reason to expect building some style into the sedan would compromise the vehicle’s cornerstones. Well, it appears Toyota agrees choosing the 2013 Detroit auto show as the premiering showcase for a design concept meant to shape the future look of the Corolla.

Called the Furia or the Corolla Furia Concept, Toyota is advertising a future compact sedan that is actually attractive. Described as “Iconic Dynamism” by Toyota, the Furia Concept defines an edger four-door. Attitude asserting front end, chiselled bodylines and massive 19-inch wheels of the Toyota Furia Concept sends a strong message that the Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus and Honda Civic will definitely take seriously.

Selling over 290,000 units last year in the United States, the Toyota Corolla is padding a sales volume of nine million vehicles since introduced in 1968. The Detroit debut of the Furia Concept is Toyota’s recognition that the auto company only sees the potential of great days ahead.

Information and photo source: American Honda Motor Company, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, North American International Auto Show, Toyota Motor Corporation

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Setting out from Lima, Peru on the fifth day of January, a field of 448 vehicles raced across difficult to tame South American terrain for one of the world’s most extreme rally competitions. Housing cars, trucks, motorcycles and quad all-terrain vehicles, the 2013 Dakar Rally was 14 stages of punishing uncertainty.

A journey between 8,121 and 8,574 kilometers depending on the vehicle class, teams were tested physically as well as mentally. On January 19th, the 2013 edition of the Dakar event concluded with a 630-kilometer trek from Le Serena to the finish line in Santiago, Chile. Though everyone able to bring their vehicle to the finish achieved a great accomplishment, a few who survived the 2013 Dakar Rally proved supreme to their competition. Honoured the following day in Santiago, the best of the 2013 event stood on the podium with the greatest recognition for their efforts.

In the high-profile car class, it was the Mini All 4 Racing piloted by Stephane Peterhansel that bettered everyone opponents. Along with co-pilot Jean Paul Cottret took the class lead overall in the second stage and did not turn back. Driving conservatively through the late stages of the Dakar Rally, Peterhansel placed no higher than fourth place in the last four daily standings. Despite this, Stephane Peterhansel won his fifth Dakar Rally in the car category and eleventh time when combining his motorcycle victories during the 1990s. Peterhansel dedicated the win this year to the memory of a past team manager Jean-Claude Olivier from the years of motorcycle class dominance.

Finishing second, 42 minutes and 22 seconds behind, Stephane Peterhansel’s entry was the Red Bull-backed Toyota Hilux occupied by Giniel De Villiers and co-driver Dirk Von Zitzewitz. Finishing third in the car category was the Russian pair of Leonid Novistkiy and Konstantin Zhiltsov in a second Mini.

Aside from the podium finishers in the late days of the 2013 Dakar Rally, a standout was an orange no. 315 Hummer. American driver Robby Gordon proved exceptionally strong in the final four stages of the car class. Winning two daily stages and finishing second in another driving a Hummer, Gordon’s early struggles in the 2013 Dakar Rally perhaps cost him a chance at the event.

For the 2013 Dakar Rally bike category, celebrated French rider Cyril Despres recorded another victory in the event. However, Despres’ 2013 effort was by no means a runaway on the Red Bull-sponsored KTM factory team. After suffering a 15-minute penalty when an engine was changed on his motorcycle, Cyril Despres was down in fifth place at the end of stage eight. Resilient, the Frenchman in the second half of the Dakar Rally demonstrated some solid riding over the South American terrain. In just two stages, Despres’ KTM raced into the lead and held off fellow Red Bull KTM rider Ruben Faria by just over 10 minutes.

Since 2004, the French motorcycle competitor has not finished lower than 3rd place in the Dakar Rally including what is a fifth win in 2013. “Of course every win at the Dakar is special but this one stands out for me because it is the first time I have been able to defend my title.”, said Cyril Despres noting his victory in back-to-back years is a particular accomplishment. Ruben Faria recorded his personal best overall effort in the Dakar Rally in six attempts by recording a runner-up position in his KTM. In fact, KTM motorcycles dominated the final results in the bike category taking the top five spots. United States motorcycle competitor Kurt Caselli finished in 31st place overall in the 2013 Dakar Rally after recording two stage wins in this event.

In a dominant style similarly demonstrated by the overall winner in the car category, the 2013 Dakar Rally’s quad class saw Argentina’s Marcos Patronelli claim victory riding a Yamaha. Winning with a 1-hour, 50-minute advantage over the class runner-up, Patronelli celebrated a second Dakar Rally overall win on a quad.

In the truck category, Red Bull-sponsored Kamaz 4X4 vehicles grabbed the top-three podium positions at the end of 14 stages of competition. Eduard Nikolaev was the driver of the winning no. 501 vehicle finishing 37 minutes ahead of teammate Ayrat Mardeev despite not winning a single daily stage. Andrey Karginov brought the third Red Bull-based Kamaz across the line just 47 seconds behind Mardeev. Nikolaev’s win in the truck category of the 2013 Dakar Rally is his second career.

Red Bull sponsored race machines claimed two of the four classes in this year’s edition of the Dakar Rally. Able to celebrate the victorious efforts of Cyril Despres and Eduard Nikolaev, the loss of the two Qatar Red Bull Rally Team buggy racers in competition when the middle of the event comes as a crushing disappointment. Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al-Attiyah will have to wait until next year to mount a refreshed challenge on the rally’s car category.

The first major auto racing event of 2013, the Dakar Rally concludes in fantastic style as an ultimate off-roading endurance test.

Here’s a highlights video from Red Bull:

Information and photo source: Amaury Sport Organization, BMW AG, Red Bull, Toyota Motor Corporation

Originally posted on

The Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as other daylong races at the Spa-Francorchamps and Nurburgring are renowned tests in motorsports. Stretching the limits on machinery and the humans operating them in competition, the automotive world has benefited greatly from experimentation in largely controlled chaos. Originating in the late days of 1978, the Dakar Rally is a comparably younger race to other endurance tests in the motorsport world but is perhaps the most gruelling adventure available on two or four wheels.

The Dakar Rally is not simply a motorsport event; the multi-week trek that generally involving 14 to 18 stages is a test of strength, stamina and survival. Environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, floods and sandstorms as well as seemingly endless variety of vehicle mechanical issues are typical accompaniments to the competition between cars, trucks, bikes and quad runners. For a long time the Dakar Rally rolled through the European and African continents until a terrorist threat in 2008 ultimately halted the event. From 2009, the Dakar Rally has taken place in South America where they were able to reasonably match the rugged, challenging conditions.

Prior to the 2013 edition of the Dakar Rally, 25 competitors have died attempting to finish the event. Sadly, the number increased to 26 when French motorcycle rider Thomas Bourgin was killed following a collision with a police vehicle just ahead of starting the Dakar Rally’s seventh stage.

Despite the tragedies and time of sorrow, the Dakar Rally is still a motorized endeavour many motorsport competitors hunger to compete in each year. Ever since the first Dakar Rally, four-wheel drive vehicles have been fighting to stake claim to a car category victory. A Range Rover piloted by Alain Genestier and Joseph Terbiaut won the inaugural rally. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Peugeot and most uniquely two Porsches represent the past manufacturers who best survived a Dakar Rally event in the car class. Last year, former motorcycle competitor Stephane Peterhansel and co-pilot Jean-Paul Cottret claimed overall victory with a modified Mini Countryman called the All 4 Racing.

Wanting to win the most extreme motoring honour of the year, 459 competitors among four categories assembled for the 2013 edition of the Dakar Rally starting in Lima, Peru. Part of the popular car category involved in the 16-day span trekking to Santiago, Chile has been the Red Bull team entries driven by Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al-Attiyah.

The year 2012 concluded as a banner year for Red Bull-backed activities testing that tested the limits of human beings. In Formula 1, Sebastian Vettel performed a remarkable recovery in the latter part of the season to be crowned the Driver’s World Champion for a third-straight season. As Vettel elevated himself with Red Bull sponsorship to a massive victory, the energy drink’s most memorable participation was with someone who took a dive, a supersonic dive performed by Felix Baumgartner.

Red Bull sponsored an armada of entries in car, bike and the large truck classes of the 2013 Dakar Rally.  The majority of attention has been devoted to the Qatar Red Bull Rally Team and their new buggy. Powered by a Chevrolet Corvette LS6 V8 engine, the Demon Jefferies built buggy is tailored for the Dakar Rally. Qatar Red Bull Rally Team structured winner of the 2010 Dakar Rally Carlos Sainz and the 2011 event victor Nasser Al-Attiyah in what they intended to be the force to be reckon with for the 2013 rally honours.

Starting on the 5th of January, Spanish driver Carlos Sainz immediately showed the strength of the new buggy. Showing that the handlers of the Red Bull buggy were an affirmative one-two punch, Nasser Al-Attiyah was fastest in the third, fourth and sixth daily stages eventually ranked second overall in the car category. A roughly 8,500-kilometer event for the car category, technical problems with Qatar Red Bull Rally Team’s new off-road racing machine claimed Sainz on the sixth stage of the 2013 Dakar Rally leaving Nasser Al-Attiyah to fight with the lone remaining buggy. Unfortunately, Al-Attiyah would have to retire a few days later ahead of stage nine when what is suspected to be a failed water pump brought an end to his 2013 Dakar Rally and the final hope for the Qatar Red Bull Rally Team.

As the Red Bull-sponsored buggies suffered a heartbreaking double retirement, the Austrian energy drink brand is still riding over the dirt paths on the side of other competitors. With the attrition of the buggy vehicles, 2009 Dakar Rally winner has been carrying the flag for Red Bull in a No 301 Toyota Hilux. South African Giniel De Villiers is 50 minutes is off from the lead vehicle in the car category. The No 336 Overdrive Toyota Hilux driven by World Cup ski jumper Adam Malysz is fourteenth overall after the 12th stage. Dakar Rally’s reigning champion Stephane Peterhansel is in prime position to defend his car class win with the Mini All 4 Racing.

In the bike class, the KTM Red Bull Rally Factory Team featuring four-time Dakar class winner Cyril Despres is riding in the lead after 12 stages of the 2013 Dakar Rally. Despres is fighting to defend his 2012 event victory. Red Bull also supports third place runner Francisco Lopez, eighth place Helder Rodrigues and tenth place Jakub Przygonski riding for the Orlen team. American Kurt Caselli is also riding on a KTM backed by Red Bull in 25th place in bikes with two stages remaining. Caselli has stood out in the 2013 Dakar Rally by claiming two stage victories in the bike category in addition to some top-5 placements in other stages.

After 12 rounds, the Red Bull livery on the Kamaz 4X4 driven by 26-year old Eduard Nikolaev is holding down the overall lead in the 2013 Dakar Rally truck category. Fellow Red Bull-sponsored truck Ayrat Mardeev is trailing close in second place. Red Bull-supported Kamaz 4X4s are also found in third and thirteenth in the running order as the finish line nears.

For a company that enjoys being in contact with extreme sports and lifestyle events, Red Bull participation in the 2013 Dakar Rally could be a chance to once again be connected to sporting greatness. Zeroing in on Santiago as 1,365 kilometers remains in stages 13 and 14 of the 2013 Dakar Rally, the remaining vehicles have a remarkably long homestretch where only the best in people as well as equipment will survive.

Information and photo source: Amaury Sport Organization, Red Bull

Originally posted on

Through the past decade, drivers have grown increasingly accustomed to the notion of all-wheel drive vehicles. Providing careful distribution of power on surfaces with varying traction, all-wheel drive should never be confused with four-wheel drive. Whereas all-wheel drive can help in securely negotiating an ill-maintained dirt road, vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive could potentially climb through a shallow bog.

Despite all the rugged terrain that almost appears to be telling us not to trek, the strength of four-wheel drive part of a well-constructed vehicle opens the world to potential exploration for work or play. Whether being trails in the United States, Australian, Asia or the Middle East, the following group of off-road utility vehicles have each participated in taking humans to outlying regions for decades with four-wheel drive:

Land Rover Defender

While the prototype was derived from a Jeep frame, Land Rover charted its own path through British off-roading history. Created as an agricultural vehicle, the Land Rover brand started as a work truck-oriented builder.

The current model Defender is a reference to where Land Rover’s point A existed. The character of an upbringing where the four-wheel drive was expected to play in the mud, the Land Rover Defender’s continuation in production is a stark difference to its trendier brothers such as the Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque. While Range Rover products or other Land Rover models haul families, celebrities and the occasional monarch, variations of the Defender is handled by the armed forces as well as other security services.

After over 60 years of production, the Land Rover Defender model is reaching the end of its trail. Still a capable vehicle, the Defender is simply not welcomed in an auto market that expects the civility of modern technology for emissions and fuel economy.

Though a retirement of the current Land Rover Defender characteristics appears in the planning stages talking to industry insiders, the four-wheel drive vehicle continues to blaze trails. In the 2013 Dakar Rally. The Race2Recovery team, a group consisting of wounded soldiers piloting a Defender through the desert rally, is ranked 89th in a field of competitors after the 10th stage on Tuesday. The Land Rover Defender was granted at least one final crowning moment serving the British people thanks to the recent James Bond movie Skyfall.

Mitsubishi Pajero

In 1982, Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors began production of a four-wheel drive vehicle that would define the company globally for going almost anywhere. A vehicle known by many names across the world (such as the Montero in the United States), the Mitsubishi Pajero immediately earned its stripes among other more seasoned four-wheel drive utilities. Entering the vehicle in the Paris Dakar Rally in 1983, the Mitsubishi Pajero would win the punishing off-road race for the first time in 1985. In total, the Mitsubishi Pajero has won a record 12 editions of the rally.

The drive to win the Paris Dakar Rally race involved the creation of the Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution in 1997 built to maximize car class rules. Powered by a 276-horsepower, Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control (MIVEC) 3.5 liter V-6 engine, the Evolution version of the Pajero sport utility was definitely a four-wheel driver flyer for its time.

The Mitsubishi Pajero is a popular in many parts of the world especially in Middle East counties such as the United Arab Emirates (region of the world known for their enthusiasm of four-wheel drive vehicles, car insurance often involves explicit coverage for 4X4 off-roading).

Toyota Land Cruiser

A Japanese manufacturer recovering alongside their country after the events of World War Two, Toyota created their first post-war utility vehicle called the BJ in 1951. The Land Cruiser is adopted in 1954 as a response to the Land Rover‘s fame.

Evolving from a two-door soft-top, the four-wheel drive Toyota Land Cruiser expanded to meet the demands of a rebuilding domestic market with a pickup truck and four-door variant added by the end of the 1950s. In 1960, Toyota’s production of their breakthrough 40 Series version of the Land Cruiser earned the brand a reputation worldwide for building solid vehicles.

Many believe that Toyota’s production of small cars was credited to them becoming a world-leading auto company today. Toyota Land Cruisers were the first Japanese automobiles to attract a steady customer base in other countries such as Australia. In truth, the Land Cruiser sport utility vehicle is the reason that Toyota Motor Corporation was able to become a global brand. When Toyota initialized their entrance into the United States auto market in 1957, the Land Cruiser gave the automotive importer a cause for optimism after the Toyopet Crown failed to appeal to American buyers.

As the Toyota Land Cruiser reaches 60 years in the marketplace, the vehicle has become an upper class, premium-appointed sport utility. However, the Land Cruiser rides high on achievements of the earlier vehicle and acts as an inspiration for Toyota’s FJ Cruiser.

Jeep CJ/Wrangler

Originally conceived as a piece of military hardware for World War Two, the legend of the Jeep epitomized four-wheel drive mobility.

A product of a three-wide bid for a United States military contract between Ford Motor Company, Willys-Overland and American Bantam, the four-wheel drive Jeep became a one of the most active machines to work in concert with servicemen. The tough, go almost-anywhere Jeep was a formidable vehicle in moving troops, cargo and weapons across rough war fronts. The collective production capacity of Ford and Willys-Overland, almost 648,000 Jeeps were built from 1940 to the end of the Second World War in 1945. A term once used generically to describe a four-wheel drive vehicle suitable for tackling off-road terrain, Willys-Overland adopted the Jeep as a brand name and began selling it for civilian applications.

Representing much of the same technology and embodying the same capabilities as the military model, the CJ existed for a long time as the only definition of Jeep. Farms as well as off-road work and recreation kept the Jeep CJ at the forefront of North American four-wheeled trekking. When Chrysler obtained the Jeep brand in 1987, the CJ would become the Wrangler and evolve to incorporate more urbanized manners when it comes to occupant comfort. However, the Jeep Wrangler preserves its four-wheel drive bravado with models like the Sahara and the Rubicon.

The Jeep CJ or Wrangler is no just a monument of mobility under American auto company names. Mitsubishi Motors of Japan, who later became known for the Pajero, was one of the companies that constructed the classic Jeep under permission of Willys. Indian industrial giant Mahindra and Mahindra as well as Egypt’s American Arab Vehicles were others who have proliferated the original Jeep’s image.

Information and photo source: Askmen.com, Chrysler Group, Jaguar Land Rover, Mitsubishi Motors, Toyota Motor Corporation, World War 2 Database

Originally posted on

If you judge a car’s sticking power by the amount of speculation, modifications, renderings, and overall “chit chat,” Toyota’s managed to create a knock-out with their new GT86 sports car. Who wouldn’t love it, anyway? Not only is it Toyota’s first real sports car in over a decade (nearly two, really,) but it’s a damn good one no matter who made it. Yeah, it might be a bit underpowered on paper, but talk to anyone who’s driven it and they don’t care. After all, check out Luke’s review and competitive analysis of the GT86′s sister car, the Subaru BRZ.

Our pals over at Car Throttle, who named the GT86 2012′s Car of the Year, just sent us these high-res renderings of what they’re calling the Toyota GT86 Shooting Brake – a modification of the sexy coupe’s body to make it a bit more…practical. Take a look:

So what are the changes? Here’s what they’re thinking:

- Body length increased by 55mm
- Current fold-flat rear bench is ditched in favour of a practical 60/40 split
- Boot capacity increased from 243 litres to 298 litres, with seats down capacity at 1040 litres
- 0-62mph of 7.8 secs and 8.5 secs (manual/auto) due to 65kg weight increase
- UK pricing starts at £26,945 for manual and £28,445 for auto

Well, it could just make a new baby-daddy a happy man, not having to give up his dreams of a peppy RWD sports car just because he’s a family man. After all, even Ferrari’s doing it with the FF. With a slightly higher price tag, that is.

Our take? It might work in Europe; Toyota’s name is synonymous with practicality, and with Britain’s love obsession with hatches and getting the most storage space and fuel economy for the pound.

But don’t expect to see it any time soon in the States. First, this car is branded as the Scion FR-S for us, which means it’s a slightly different car with a slightly different purpose. Scion is a young and hip brand. While you’d think the target market would be spot-on for this car, I don’t think they’d sell many Scion FR-S Humpback Editions. There’s also the fact that there are plenty of other editions on the way. We know a high-performance version is in the pipeline – probably sporting a turbocharger and getting 250-ish HP (hopefully closer to 300) – and we can’t stop talking about it. Subaru will most like be calling theirs the BRZ STi, appropriately. We also know that they’re working on a Scion FR-S Convertible. Just like any sports car ever; like it or not, a convertible version is inevitable. We expect Toyota to have the GT-86 Convertible on display at the Geneva Motor Show this year, which we’ll be covering live.

Cool idea, and I think Toyota could explore this area. But for god’s sake, let’s get that turbocharged version out first, stat!

Originally posted on

The North American International Auto Show has a full slate of debuts scheduled. Right now Toyota is trying to stir up excitement for its new Furia sedan. Stirring up excitement for a Toyota sedan…yeah, that isn’t an enviable job.

Fortunately, the Furia may be unlike Toyota sedans that have come before it. Toyota is talking big about the car, leading us to believe that it is emblematic of its change in attitude toward performance vehicles. So far the company has delivered, with two outstanding sports models – the Scion FR-S and 2013 Lexus GS.

Very little is known about the Furia concept. We aren’t sure if its a pie-in-the-sky concept, a preview of an existing production line, or an upcoming all-new model. You know what we would like? A rear-wheel drive sedan based on the Scion FR-S platform. They can badge it either a Toyota or a Scion, we don’t care. Most likely the Furia is a front-wheel drive compact – surprise us Toyota. The teaser reveals a few details, such as a shadowy silhouette and a heavy use of carbon fiber. We like the striking orange color.

There is also some very stylized LED lighting, unlike any Toyota that we have seen. Toyota’s other launch at the Detroit show includes a production debut of the next generation Lexus IS sedan. That car was rumored to use the FR-S platform at one point, but it appears that plan has been ditched. Instead, the IS will use a shorter version of the GS platform. The Furia will make its appearance at Cobo Hall on Jan. 14, 2013 at 2:25 p.m. EST, with a presentation by Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division. Until then, check out Toyota’s teaser and let us know what you think in the comments section.

Originally posted on

If you a purchaser of the latest in high-tech items but do not welcome the overnight line-up at an electronic store, you are perhaps very familiar with the process of waiting a special, desirable product. A case of days or weeks in many instances, there is also times where a specific item could be delayed for months or even years. Living in Canada, I remembered a five-year wait until satellite radio services were officially sold in the country.

For the case of some vehicles, the wait for certain vehicles to be officially welcomed to the United States has stretched decades. The Toyota Prius was first marketed in 1997 but would not be sold by the Japanese auto giant in North America until the 2000 calendar year. A similar, longer scenario played out in regards to the Nissan Cube that was brought to the United States after around a decade of enchanting its domestic market with the funky, odd shape. With the news of the world more accessible than ever, the word of a special vehicle spreads at the speed of light. For this reason, the game is up for automakers wanting to preserve the secret of concern cars and trucks limited to their selected marketplace.

Reflective of a more global auto market, the following vehicles are examples of how the North American car buyer has received a reward for patience:

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

First constructed in 1979, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (earlier known as the G-Wagen) has been in continuous production since. A classic body-on frame, four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle, the G-Class was accepted by European buyers as well as by numerous militaries. With the United States love for large sport utility vehicles being especially strong during the late 1990s through to the 2000s, it made little sense why Mercedes-Benz chose to put priority to the M-Class crossover while keeping the G-Class out of the market. Eventually, Mercedes-Benz bowed to pressure by introducing the heavy sport utility vehicles to their North American line-up in 2002.

Though not officially going on sale in the United States until 2002, those with money and the desire for the G-Wagen or G-Class could acquire them through import channels. Some companies would import Mercedes-Benz G-Wagens and convert them to comply with American vehicle regulations. When Mercedes-Benz finally began importing the G-Class through their dealerships, those same buyers were actually saved money when comparing the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price to the ‘gray market’ importer cost.

In 2013, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has out-lasted the whole product line-up from the Hummer division as a pompous display of luxury and off-road capability in one vehicle. A Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG can also be selected containing 536 horsepower that can move the vehicle from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds.

Ford Fiesta ST

For an auto company that started in the United States, it is surprising to see how many vehicles Ford Motor Company has produced for other markets but kept away from their domestic buyers. In 2005, Ford chose to present an all-new Focus to the European market while leaving North American buyers with the older Focus that wasn’t entirely revisited until the 2012 model year vehicle. 2005 was also the same year the Ford Fiesta ST debuted on European roads. In a marketplace where the Ford Mustang isn’t the name of performance for the Blue Oval, the need to improvise has created a variety of sport compact vehicles to fill the void. The side effect of creating some breath-taking small performance cars in Europe is the fact North American buyers will eventually see the vehicle and want it themselves.

Through the arrival of the Transit Connect, C-Max and the Transit van, Ford appears more open to sharing European-positioned vehicles with their stateside line-up. Under the weight of public outcry, the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show came highlighted by the announcement that the next generation Ford Fiesta ST is coming to North America. A 2014 model vehicle, the upcoming Fiesta ST features a 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine producing 197 fun-loving horsepower. The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST will join another long-time holdout Focus ST as examples of European small car performance present in United States showrooms.

Scion (Toyota) iQ

While it’s clear that Europe and Japan are big microcar markets, the wide, long roads of North America have not always delivered the same amount of love for smaller vehicles. Referred to as microcar, city car and super compact, the vehicle segment has attracted several serious automakers with fuel economy standards set to more than double in some world regions by 2025. In 2007, Toyota debuted a concept called the iQ that entered production in late 2008. A 120.1-inch long vehicle powered by a small engine, the Toyota iQ began running about Japan and Europe in award-winning fashion.

Interesting enough, British luxury carmaker Aston Martin had reached out to Toyota so they can build their own iQ microcar. Called the Cygnet, the Aston Martin super compact car is significantly dressed up version of the iQ meant to satisfy their clientele. While it’s questionable whether the US auto market would accept a luxury city car let alone the general vehicle type, Toyota realizes that a growing influx of smaller vehicles into the North American marketplace is enough to sell the iQ.

Four years since being named the Car of the Year in Japan, the iQ can now roam United States and Canadian roads. Seeing the vehicle as more tempting as first-time new car buyers, Toyota decided to marry the iQ into the Scion brand. Priced at a nifty $15,385 starting price, the 2013 Scion iQ also sports super-efficient fuel economy numbers of 37 miles per gallon highway.

Audi TT RS

Kept away from the subcompact Audi A1 and such high performance offerings as the RS6 Avant, the North American market is understandably unnerved by being overlooked concerning certain models. However, as Audi has devoted a greater global focus to their product line, there seems to be some optimism for United States customers wanting something more from Volkswagen Group’s premium luxury division. With the Audi Q3 crossover all-but here, modern motoring times has also allowed many of the specialty RS vehicles to cross the Atlantic.

For the 2012 model year, the North American marketplace was treated to the hyper-powered edition of Audi’s entry-level TT sports car. The Audi TT RS had brought all 360 horsepower from its TFSI 2.5-liter engine to the United States after nearly three years in Europe. Since the TT RS was set loose on the Autobahn and other roadway in European locales, hardcore Audi fans stateside led a fierce campaign to bring the car over the ocean. When Audi posted a petition on their Facebook page with 11,500 respondents requesting the TT RS, the auto company finally concurred that the sports car belonged in the marketplace. Arriving only as the TT RS Coupe, this vehicle brought some life back to Audi’s smaller sports car.

Nissan GT-R

The story of the Nissan GT-R’s arrival to the United States was a long one. Connected to the Nissan Skyline for nearly four decades, the GT-R badge was one of the Japanese leading supercars remaining as a long held secret for the land of the rising sun. Thanks to the enthusiastic launch of the compact tuner car market during the 1990s, the all-wheel driver, twin-turbocharged engined Nissan Skyline GT-R was vaunted into the world spotlight. So desired, versions of the Nissan Skyline GT-R was a product of various second-hand importing attempts. For the most part, the desired R-32 to R-34 variants of the Nissan Skyline GT-R built between 1989 to 2002 was illegitimately brought into the United States.

At last, the time had come in 2008 that the GT-R moniker grew into its own supercar. By doing so, the Nissan GT-R was free to enjoy its first legal trip to the United States. Incorporating the latest performance-oriented ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive and originally the twin-turbo 3.8 liter V-6 engine that originally cranked out 480-horsepower, the Nissan GT-R became and continues to strike terror in a challenging Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette. Producing a mammoth 545 horsepower for under 3 second launches from 0 to 60 miles per hour, the 2013 Nissan GT-R is very much the fans of the brawny Japanese supercar wanted to see (though the just under $100,000 base price may not be).

Which cars are you glad that you’re finally able to see in the States?

Information source: Audi AG, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, Nissan North America, Toyota Motor Corporation
Photo source: Chris Nagy, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, Nissan North America

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For sports cars, there is a traditional launch playbook. Coupe comes first and then a convertible later to boost interest and sales into the car’s model cycle. The Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ are still riding high on a lot of pent up demand, but Autocar is looking ahead to the convertible model. Toyota originally wouldn’t confirm or deny a convertible, but we all knew one was coming.

According to the report, the drop top will debut (as a Toyota GT-86) at the Geneva Motor Show next March. Scion previously confirmed a launch date for early 2014, meaning either that has been moved up, or the convertible will be launching internationally first.

The FR-S was designed from the beginning to be offered as a convertible, eliminating the need for a lot of extra bracing to stiffen things up. The standard car was developed with a focus on pure performance, eliminating unnecessary weight that would distract from that goal. The result is an incredibly well-balanced and light-weight sports car with a great price tag.

The convertible will live up to those goals as well. Instead of a heavy and expensive retractable hard-top system like a lot of today’s convertibles, the FR-S will have traditional soft-top. The need for extra space will require the elimination of the rear seats, which weren’t usable anyway. Under the hood, the car’s 200 horsepower 2.0-liter boxer four will remain the same. Many enthusiasts are hoping a power upgrade is in the works. While it certainly isn’t slow with 200 hp, the FR-S is begging for more power. Turbo charging that puts it near the 300 hp mark would be great.

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A few years back, Toyota realized it had a problem. It was losing enthusiasts and younger buyers, which was detrimental to it’s future. Chief executive officer Akio Toyoda took charge and shook the development process up. The result is a far more engaging 2013 Lexus GS and the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ twins that were years in the making. Both proved that Toyota still knows how to make fun to drive vehicles.

The problem is there now needs to be more of them. Over the past few years we have heard rumors about a comeback for the Toyota Supra and mid-engined MR2 sports car. The FR-S already serves duty as a modern Celica of sorts. New information is emerging now that could offer an exciting possibility for the Supra.

Toyota chief engineer Tetsuya Tada says the company wants to have a green image along with products that offer driving fun. The Detroit Bureau has a new report out on how they are going to do that. It’s no secret that Tesla and Toyota have a great working relationship. Toyota has limited experience with pure electrics and turned to Tesla to quickly develop the RAV4 EV.

A few years down the road Tesla wants to bring out a sports car once again. The Detroit Bureau speculates that Tesla and Toyota could jointly work on a next all electric Supra. A new Supra is all but approved, but we have never heard anything else like this. Tada was tight lipped on the car’s powertrain but internally other executives aren’t. Tesla could provide the powertrain in addition to the use of the Model S platform. Tesla has recently hinted about working on a sports car. This would be a surprising development if true. We’ll have to see if anything comes of it.

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