First Drives

Porsche used all the features of the Boxster Spyder to create the lightest and fastest Cayman ever – the new 2012 Cayman R, which will be available in Canada as of April at a base price of $75,600. When it comes to performance, weight-to-power ratio is everything. This prompted Porsche’s …

In 2000, in its infinite wisdom, Ford management decided to replace its popular Escort with the Focus. It featured a brand new European-designed platform, an interesting range of engines and a modern shape. Moreover, the line-up included a very useful and well-liked wagon. The Focus made a great first impression, …

It’s no secret that Italians are crazy about sports cars. You may think it’s just a stereotype, but I saw the proof first hand during a very special test drive of a Lamborghini Gallardo Ultraleggera. As part of a program organized by Audi and Lamborghini dealing with ultra-light materials, our …

For the past two years, Audi has been floating on a cloud as its products are scooped up quickly, without any real incentives required. Sales in Canada are up by 27% over last year, and the number of models offered just keeps on climbing. You could say that Audi has …

A few weeks ago in San Diego, California, Chrysler unveiled the convertible version of its new 200. Kudos to Chrysler for knowing that it would have been a bad idea to test drive a convertible in Canada in February! You guessed it, the 200 convertible is closely related to the …

Among the more impressive new products to come out in recent months, the Nissan LEAF ranks high on the list. My colleague Gabriel Gélinas was one of the first Canadians to take a ride in this electric vehicle. Then, as the Los Angeles Auto Show approached last November, my other …

In 1957, as Italy was slowly and arduously recovering from the Second World War, Fiat unveiled a small car that would give Italians the means to get around. The 500 – the Cinquecento, as the Latins say – helped get both the country and the national economy rolling again. As …

A little less than two years ago, the Chevrolet division offered up its Camaro sport coupe, after an absence of several years. It came back with an extremely modern shape and a platform developed in Australia by the Holden division, the manufacturer’s rear wheel drive specialist. Impressive handling, a heck …

Stuttgart, Allemagne, 125 years to the day after Carl Benz obtained a patent for his three-wheel motor vehicle, considered by many as the birth of the automobile; Mercedes-Benz unveiled the third generation of its SLK roadster. The event took place at the German brand’s design centre and guests included Formula …

In 2005, when Chrysler unveiled the 300, everyone and their dog was impressed. Its aggressive lines, size and comfort all contributed to its success. A success it was. Fortunately, as the contemporary 300 had to make people forget a whole series of 300s (from 1955 to 1971), including some models …