This Week on CanadianDriver
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Day-by-Day Review: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8GT; Day 4
You'll forgive James if he's a little blue this week, having had to give up what has been one of his favourite cars of the year. Maybe the only downside was fuel consumption on the high side, but this is the price you pay for 300-plus horsepower.
First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Successor to the SLR McLaren but built on a totally different platform by AMG, the SLS AMG is a “usable, driveable supercar that melds impressively advanced technology with a heritage that very few automakers can approach,” says reviewer Tony Whitney.
Product Review: Michelin Smart Jumper Cables
Michelin’s “Smart Jumper Cables” are designed to help avoid injury from an exploding battery and/or electrical damage to your vehicle that may be incurred during an improper jump-start, says Senior Editor, Paul Williams.
What's New: 2010 Acura RDX
For 2010, the Acura RDX receives a refresh, including new front and rear fascias and redesigned wheels. New standard features include a backup camera, USB connector, Bluetooth, and compass. Base MSRPs range from $41,990 to $45,100.
Steering You Right: Reciprocity, Part one
Breaking the law in another province or state can come back to bite you at home, says lawyer Jordan W. Charness. Canadian provinces have agreements with other provinces to suspend drivers’ licences for offences committed in other provinces.
Test Drive: 2010 Mazda3 GS sedan w/five-speed automatic
The mid-level Mazda3 GS sedan with new five-speed automatic transmission is a comfortable and sporty compact sedan that’s well-equipped for the price, says editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. But stability control should be standard, not optional, he says.
What's New: 2010 Audi A8
With an all-new version arriving for 2011, the 2010 Audi A8 and A8L are unchanged, but the S8 model and W12 long-wheelbase model have been discontinued for 2010. Prices are unchanged from 2009. MSRPs range from $95,000 to $100,000.
Motoring Memories: Checker, 1922-1982
The most famous of North American cabs, Checker cabs lasted for 60 years but the company’s failure to update the vehicle’s design in the 1970s led to the company’s demise.
Used Vehicle Review: Pontiac G6, 2005-2009
Offered as a sedan, coupe and convertible, the Pontiac G6 has been fairly reliable when it comes to its powertrains, but some models have had problems with the steering and brakes, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.
What's New: 2010 Ford F-Series
Completely redesigned for 2009, the Ford F-Series continues into 2010 with numerous changes, notably the deletion of a flareside box, the availability of Ford Work Solutions, and a new SVT Raptor model. Base MSRPs range from $24,599 to $48,299.
Inside Story: 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R
The Outback’s roomy cargo area thwarts prying eyes with a retractable cargo cover and spring-loaded panel to meet the seatbacks, reports interior reviewer Michael Clark. Standard roof rails feature unique swing-out crossbars that require no tools to lock in place.
First Drive: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7
Due to arrive in the spring of 2010, BMW’s ActiveHybrid 7 is a “mild” hybrid that delivers an average 2.0 L/100 km improvement in fuel economy over the BMW 750Li “with virtually no trade-offs”, reports contributor Brian Early.
What's New: 2010 Honda Civic
For 2010, the Honda Civic is carried over and is unchanged, save for a new standard auxiliary input jack and centre console armrest on the DX model, and exterior colour changes. Base MSRPs range from $16,990 to $27,350.
Auto Tech: AJAC Technology Awards – Audi Drive Select
Another entry in the annual Best New Technology Awards, Audi Drive Select is driver-selectable feature that adjusts the engine, automatic transmission, steering, suspension, and differential to provide increased comfort or greater performance.
Test Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX 3.0 AWD
“Smaller, leaner, and more efficient,” the new Cadillac SRX now shares its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. “It’s a much better fit with key import competitors,” he says.
What's New: 2010 Maybach
For 2010, the Maybach line-up includes a new Landaulet soft-top, and new 57 Zeppelin and 62 Zeppelin models with more powerful engines. Only 100 are planned for production. Maybach MSRPs range from $348,000 to $1,380,000.
