Test Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback

By Kevin Harrison

People love to throw words around all the time when they don’t really make much sense. For instance, the word ‘epic’ is grossly overused. Have you noticed that? Somehow everything is ‘epic’ these days.

“What an epic goal!”

“Epic fail!”

“That pizza I just ate was epic”

And so fourth. But really, the only thing that’s “epic” these days is the tolerance I have for people who overuse the word.

Likewise, people (car manufacturers specifically) are all about the word ‘crossover’. But what exactly is a crossover? Some people say it’s a vehicle that looks like an SUV, but has a car-like ride. Oh really? Then why not just buy a car? Why do you need to ‘crossover’ into another vehicle segment?

In my mind, a true crossover is a vehicle that can handle all the elements. That is, it can handle all sorts of terrain, can swallow all sorts of cargo, can hold its own performance wise, is safe, looks good, is decent on gas, can hold a lot of people comfortably and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. If you’re going to ‘crossover’ different vehicle segments, might as well cross them all to be a true crossover.

A lot of people say Subaru was the first to do this with its Outback. Now completely redesigned for 2010, does the crossover that started the whole craze still have the goods?

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Mark July 9th On Your Calendars!

Mark July 9th on your calendars and buy some champagne because the very last Chrysler PT Cruiser ever is going to roll off the line that day! That’s right, the Chrysler PT Cruiser has officially been discontinued!

Possibly the worst and ugliest car ever made, the fug-mobile was first introduced in 2000 and essentially went unchanged for ten years. It was an idiotic version of the Neon, which was a horrible car itself. I hated the PT Cruiser along with anyone who owned one.

Chrysler then decided it was actually possible to make the PT Cruiser uglier by adding a convertible variant. Thankfully, it didn’t sell too well, but it’s considered bad luck whenever you see one around. Okay, I made that up, but seriously, you must’ve done something wrong if karma forces you to lay eyes on a PT Cruiser convertible.

On top of horrendous styling, the PT Cruiser was notoriously unsafe. It scored only two out of five stars for front impact ratings, which pretty much guaranteed certain death if you were ever in an accident in one. It was also very unreliable. It did badly on gas considering its size, it didn’t hold its value and was miserable for any kind of performance. This begged the question, why did it even exist? Well because there are a lot of fools out there, that’s why. Chrysler knows its customer base well.

Anyway, July 9th can’t come soon enough. I hate you PT Cruiser. With a passion. I will be celebrating your demise with a beer. Or several.

[Detroit Free Press]

Jeremy Clarkson Shows Us Why Three-Wheeled Cars Don’t Work

If you’ve ever been to Europe, you’ve likely noticed that the type of cars they drive over there are awesome. Sometimes, though, they come up with some pretty crazy ideas. Case in point, the Reliant Robin – a three wheeled car.

What is the point of a three wheeled car you might ask? Well apparently in Britain, if you purchased a three wheeled car back in the day, you got a 55 pound tax credit. Yeah, that’s pretty much it.

As you’d imagine, and as Jeremy hilariously shows us, three wheeled cars don’t exactly work. Yet shockingly, there seems to be quite  a following for them even today.

Check out Jeremy’s antics in the video above. Part two is after the jump.

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BMW’s Supercar to be Called M8? May Have Hybrid Set Up

It’s going to be the battle of the 8′s! M8 vs. R8.

BMW’s new supercar is reportedly going to be called the M8 according to Autozeitung. It is going to take aim directly at the Audi R8.

The M8 is going to take a lot of styling cues from the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept pictured above. That concept uses a diesel-hybrid engine which relies mostly on torque for its get-up-and-go and was thought to carry over to the production model, but apparently BMW has dropped that idea in favour of another hybrid set up.

They will reportedly take the power plant from the upcoming M5 which is expected to produce 580 horsepower from either a V8 or a V10. They are then going to add two electric motors for added boost and of course for added efficiency. Since it’s a BMW, the weight will be distributed properly with one electric motor in the front, and the other in the back for perfect weight distribution. Total output is expected to be in between 600 and 700 horsepower!

Add the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG into the mix and you’ve got yourself one tasty German supercar showdown. Can’t wait!

[Autozeitung via BMWblog]

Oh Hi: 2011 Mini Cooper Lineup

When BMW isn’t prodding Porsche to race, they’re hard at work refreshing the Mini lineup for the 2011 model year. We’ve pretty much seen what the refresh is going to look like through spy shots, but BMW has released official photos of the Cooper lineup.

The biggest news is that both engines get a boost in power. The regular Cooper gets a bump from 115 horsepower to 122, while the spicier Cooper S gets its power boosted from 172 to 180. Mini is still going to stick to turbocharging the Cooper S models, mostly to keep fuel efficiency numbers in check.

On top of that, the Coopers will all get LED tail lights, a slightly refreshed front facia and the Camden edition will be optional on every Cooper trim level, not just limited to the Cooper S like it is now.

Click here to check out an aray of pics, courtesy of Autoblog.

[Mini via Autoblog]

Toyota Canada Issues Stop Sale On Lexus HS 250h

Toyota isn’t effing around anymore, are they?

Toyota Canada has quickly issued a stop sale on the Lexus HS 250h due to fire risk concerns. Apparently if a rear collision is severe enough, excessive amounts of fuel can spill out causing a risk of fire, or even an explosion.

Toyota said in a press release:

“As part of its annual compliance testing program, the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently conducted a test of the
2010 model year HS 250h. The test involved striking the vehicle with a
deformable barrier from the rear at approximately 80 km/h. The vehicle
is struck by a moving deformable barrier with a 70 per cent overlap. As
part of the test, the vehicle was then rotated on its longitudinal axis
incrementally to each successive increment of 90 degrees. During the
rotation, the vehicle exhibited fuel spillage that exceeded the
requirement in the standard.”

That’s all fine and good, but what is the solution Toyota? They have no idea. Until they can think of something, no new 2010 HS 250h’s will be delivered or sold to the public.

Better get on a solution soon, Toyota.

[Toyota Canada]

Can You Hear Me Now? Nissan Debuts LEAF Sounds

The Nissan LEAF is likely going to be the first mass produced all electric vehicle and initial reports have it pegged as being quite successful as pre-sales are all sold out.

There are undoubtedly lots of good things about the LEAF (using no gas at all and no emissions being the biggest), but like everything there are a few downsides. One in particular is that the Nissan LEAF makes no noise at all when in motion since it is all electric. If you’ve ever driven a hybrid on electric mode only, you know that it is eerily quiet and takes some getting used to.

This may not seem like such a big deal, but it probably is a big deal if you’re blind. The blind rely heavily on their other heightened senses (such as hearing) to know if they are in danger of being hit by a vehicle. Obviously they can’t get out of the way of something they can’t hear.

So to combat that, Nissan has added a fake sound track to the LEAF to help the blind. The sound kicks in a lower speeds. And it sounds like some sort of rocketship from the future. Odd, but kinda cool. The LEAF makes a different chiming sound when in reverse (hear it after the jump).

That is all fine and good, but the problem with fake sounds is that it doesn’t take long for them to get immensely irritating. You only need to be the owner of a cell phone to know what I’m on about. You eventually just turn everything to vibrate.

Well with the LEAF, you can apparently turn off the sounds as well, which I suspect most people will do once the novelty wears off. But what about the blind people?!

The Federation for the Blind has complained to Nissan about this. Nissan has since made it so that the sound re-enables for each trip. Not sure if that will work or not.

In any event, very interesting stuff.

[New York Times]

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This Is the Only Reason to Ever Opt For An Automatic

Those who know me well, and those of you who frequent this blog, know that I am an avid manual transmission fan and an avid automatic transmission hater.

After seeing this commercial for the new Mazda2 however, I will concede that there is one reason to opt for an automatic transmission.

Check it out above.

[veryfunnyads.com]

Canadian Kid Kicks Ass Against Ferrari F1 Pros

Remember that 11 year old kid from Montreal that was causing quite a stir at pro-karting events? He was so good that he caught the eye of Ferrari who quickly signed him to their Driver Development Program.

Well, there’s been an update on Lance Stroll. He’s embarrassing all the F1 driver’s at Ferrari!

Stroll came in second place in a friendly pro-karting challenge full of Ferrari F1 veterans, including Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. Even test driver’s that drive the Scuderia models were involved in the race. And Stroll kicked all their asses. Well, except for the guy who came in first which, by the way, Ferrari is keeping tight lipped about. Having an 11 year old beat almost your entire elite F1 lineup is a bit embarassing afterall.

But who cares, they’ve got a driving prodigy on their hands. They know the future of Ferrari racing is going to be alive and well with Stroll on their team.

Thanks for doing Canada proud, kid!

[Ferrari]

WTF? 2011 Honda Accord

It’s very clear that Honda had absolutely no ideas when it came to refreshing the 2011 Accord.  They must’ve thought “oh, let’s just add some red reflector strips to the trunk lid to make the Accord tackier”

The front facia is also slightly revised and is now a bit more similar to the Crosstour, which is also a bad idea.

The automatic transmission equipped with the four cylinder has been revised and is now more efficient – by two mpgs.

The coupe also gets similar updates as the sedan except if you opt for the automatic, you get paddle shifters. Also V6 models get different alloys.

Yup, it’s all very exciting, isn’t it?

Check out pics of the coupe after the jump if you care.

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Hot Seller: 2011 BMW 5-Series Sold Out in All Markets

Turns out BMW may have a winner on their hands in the form of the new 5-series. The all-new design just went on sale a month ago in North America, but apparently it is already all sold out. Not just in our market either, but every market accross the globe!

If you had your heart set on one, you’re going to have to wait an estimated three to four months now.

The new 5-series comes ins 535i and 550i trim levels. It is expected to gain a 528i varient later this year and by the looks of it, BMW would be mighty smart to do so. Although the 5-series initially is not offered with a manual transmission option, one is expected to show up further down the line.

Audi and Mercedes-Benz better start ramping up their A6 and E-Class. Looks like BMW has the game set.

International Engine of the Year Award Winners Announced

Congrats to Volkswagen!

They picked up International Engine of the Year award honours for 2010 for the 1.4 litre TSI twincharger engine typically found in the Golf, Jetta, Scirocco, Tiguan, Touran, and Seat Ibiza Cupra. Unfortunately for us, we don’t get to experience that engine in any of VW’s offerings in North America. Volkwagen also picked up a second award for the 2.5 litre five-cylinder turbo that they use in the amazing Audi TT-RS.

BMW picked up the most awards for four different engines. The first was for the incredible 3 litre inline six D1 twin turbo used in the 135i, 335i, 535i, X5 35i, X6 35i and Z4. Next BMW was awarded for the 1.6 litre turbo found in the Mini Cooper S, Clubman S, Peugot 207 & 308 as well as the John Cooper works Edition Cooper and Clubman. BMW’s wonderful diesel was recognized as well, specifically the 2 litre twin turbo used in the 123d and X1 123d. Finally, and not surprisingly, BMW picked up an award for the 4 litre V8 used in the M3.

Mercedes-Benz and Toyota rounded out the list, each picking up one award. Mercedes-Benz won for their 6.2 litre V8 found in all the AMG models and Toyota was awarded for their 1 litre engine found in the Yaris and IQ.

Congrats to all the winners!

[International Engine of the Year]

BREAKING: Toyota’s Chief Test Driver Dies During LFA Testing*

Autoblog is reporting that Toyota’s chief test driver has died in a head on collision near the Nurburgring.

Although there has been no name released, Toyota’s chief test driver is Hiromu Naruse. Naruse also serves as Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda’s personal driver.

Naruse was out testing the Lexus LFA – Nurburgring Edition when he apparently veered into an oncoming BMW. There were two people in the BMW, both test drivers themselves. One has sustained life-threatening injuries and the other is in critical condition.

Condolences to the families of those involved in the crash.

*UPDATE: Toyota has released a statement regarding this incedent. Read it after the jump.

[Autoblog]

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Hyundai Set to Introduce 5-litre Genesis Coupe!

Hyundai really wants to be taken seriously in the performance world and its Genesis Coupe makes an excellent arguement for both value and performance. It is a great looking, great handling car. The 2.0T has some zing to it and the 3.8 GT will put a grin on your face.

But Hyundai is taking aim squarely at the muscle car market. The Challenger, Camaro and Mustang all offer variants of muscle that can churn out anything in the 400 horsepower range. Hyundai wants a piece of that pie.

So they are reportedly developing a 5.0 litre V8 that will pack 429 horses and 376 pound feet of torque. Yum.

That 5 litre obviously means inevetiable comparisons to the Mustang’s newly introduced 5.0 litre engine in the 2011 model. Since the Mustang can apparently now hold its own in the bends (for the first time ever in its life) it should be quite the entertaining battle.

[Car and Driver]

And The Winner Is…

…Porsche!

That’s right, after all that back and fourth between Mini and Porsche, the 911 Carrera S came out on top. See Porsche? You should’ve just accepted the challenge, there was nothing to be scared of.

The race was held as scheduled at Road Atlanta, though not on the actual course. It was on the course’s paddocks and was laid out in an autocross style by Mini, which clearly helped the lil’ Cooper gain some advantage. Apparently not enough advantage though.

The end result was the 911 Carrera S being a full two seconds faster despite being almost 500 pounds heavier and much larger overall compared to the Mini. Mini was quick to point out that even though the Porsche won, it boiled down to $38,000 per additional second. Again, Mini is touting the value of the Cooper S.

But the folks at Mini aren’t sore losers at all. They said CEO McDowell will wear a “Porsche beat us” t-shirt for a week. They said it was all in good fun and they are the only car company not taking everything so seriously all the time, and I have to say, they are right. All this really brought out some friendly fun competition and everyone ended up having fun in the end. It was a brilliant strategy by Mini (even though they lost) because it got them lots of free press, maintained the Mini’s image as being fun and playful and it helped them to point out an extra 2 seconds on your lap time will cost you plenty.

Now, to make things even more interesting, take Hyundai up on their offer, Mini!

Check out the race above and check out the pre-interviews of the Mini and Porsche drivers after the jump.

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