GLITTER, GO-FAST AND GREEN DEBUT IN L.A.
Reflecting its long-standing reputation as one of the most enviro-conscious cultures in the U.S., California’s annual Los Angeles Auto Show used to be known as the ‘green’ car show. But now both domestic and import car brands are continually being unveile
2016 CADILLAC ATS- V COUPE AND
We’ll have to wait to get our hands on a final production version and wring it out properly on a closed circuit, but the latest challenger to the BMW M3 and M4 stranglehold as the king of compact supercars — this here new 2016 ATS-V Coupe and Sedan — just may usurp the German legends. The new high-performance ATS-V certainly comes well prepared, with a 455 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre six-cylinder gas engine. According to its makers, the V6 allows the ATS-V to scoot from rest to 96 km/h in just in 3.9 seconds and top out at 298 (hey, let’s call it 300!) kilometres per hour. Sounds sweet to us.
AUDI PROLOGUE CONCEPT
Whether you like it or not, you better get used to the way the new Prologue looks. The full-sized two-door concept coupe previews what every new Audi coming down the pipe will look like — apparently starting with the 2016 Audi A8 luxury sedan. From its angular and piercing front end to its Kim Kardashian-like rear, the Prologue is unmistakably a product from the German automaker, but in a more contemporary and sophisticated form. To be honest: we’re just happy that somebody has finally decided to take on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe in what has been to date a class of one.
Launched in foreign markets as the Honda Vezel, the subcompact Fit-based HR-V is finally coming to Canada — a dream for those who have been moaning the demise of the 1990s Civic Shuttle wagon. The Mexican-made HR-V has a 1.8-litre fourcylinder gas engine that makes 138 horsepower, with the pick of either a six-speed manual or CVT. Either front- or all-wheel drive is available, but the six-speed is only available on FWD versions. Given the demand for small-and-tall crossovers thee days, the HR-V looks like a sales slam dunk for the Japanese automaker.