The Porsche 918 Spyder represents the future for ‘green’ sportscars.

Metroland Media/Wheelstalk.com -

The Porsche 918 Spyder embodies the essence of the Porsche idea.

It combines pedigree motor racing technology with excellent everyday versatility, and maximum performance with minimum consumption.

The task faced by the development team was to create the super sports car for the next decade with a highly efficient and powerful hybrid drive.

Developing the car from scratch with a clean sheet of paper allowed Porsche engineers to come up with a no-compromise concept. The entire car was designed around the hybrid drive.

The 918 Spyder therefore demonstrates the potential of the hybrid drive to a degree never before seen: the parallel improvement of both efficiency and performance without one being at the cost of the other.

This is the idea that has made the Porsche 911 the most successful sports car in the world for 50 years. In short, the 918 Spyder will act as the gene pool for the Porsche sports cars of the future.

The 918 Spyder reveals its close links to motorsport in a variety of ways.

It has been designed, developed and produced by Porsche engineers who build racecars, in co-operation with series production specialists.

A great deal of insight gained from the development of Porsche race cars for the Le Mans 24 hours in 2014 is thus integrated into the 918 Spyder – and vice versa.

A key message of this car is that the hybrid drive from Porsche is a plus for no-compromise driving dynamics. Drivers can experience this thanks to the unique all-wheel drive concept with a combination of combustion engine and electric motor on the rear axle and the second electric motor on the front axle.

This model also has the potential to break many records. The current lap time for the Nurburgring-Nordschleife is 7:14 minutes.

This time was achieved in the presence of international journalists during test drives in September 2012 – more than a year before start of production.

The 918 Spyder prototype was therefore approximately 20 seconds quicker than the Porsche Carrera GT.

Employees at Chrysler Group’s Toledo Assembly Complex configure tires to the one-millionth Jeep Wrangler JK.

Metroland Media/Wheelstalk.com -

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most iconic vehicles in the world and the one-millionth JK model rolled off the assembly line at Chrysler Group’s Toledo (Ohio) Assembly Complex recently.

Chrysler executives, plant employees, UAW representatives and supplier partners gathered at the end of the line to mark the occasion.

Since 1941, Jeep – the original sport-utility vehicle – has represented freedom, authenticity, adventure and passion. From its start, the Jeep brand has continued to stay true to its heritage with a commitment to providing leading off-road capability in all of its vehicles.

Named after America’s most demanding off-road trail, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition takes its place as the most capable production vehicle ever.

The limited-production vehicle is loaded with hardcore off-road equipment for its enthusiasts including all-new steel winch-capable bumpers with removable end caps, additional ground clearance, new rock rails and BF Goodrich KM2 Off-road Tires.

All-new 2014 Fiat 500L arrives in FIAT studios throughout Canada this month with a starting price of $19,995 and four value-loaded models.

Metroland Media/Wheelstalk.com -

The all-new 2014 Fiat 500L expands the 500’s appeal by offering 42 per cent extra interior space with comfortable seating for five, engaging driving dynamics and a 160-hp 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine with two fuel-saving, six-speed transmissions.

All this comfort and technology is wrapped in contemporary Italian design with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,995.

Leveraging the style, technology, efficiency and convenience features that made the modern Fiat 500 an international success, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L builds upon these attributes through four models.

Introductory specials on the Fiat 500L include no-charge features with up to $2,195 of added value.

These limited-time launch packages will include a no-charge Beats Premium audio system on the Sport model and a no-charge Beats Premium audio system and power sunroof on the Lounge model.

The Beats Audio studio-quality sound system includes six premium speakers, 6.5-inch dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with trunk-mounted enclosure and an eight-channel amplifier with Beats Audio digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm.

As you can see, I really had my hands full at the Royal Tyrrell Museum near Drumheller, Alta.

By Jim Robinson,
Metroland Media/Wheelstalk.com-

It’s not everyday you come face-to-face with a real Tyrannosaurus-Rex but that’s just one of giants from the time of the dinosaurs to be found at the Royal Tyrrell Museum near Drumheller, Alta.

During a recent Ford press launch to sample the full line of F-150 pickups, part of the event was a visit to this gem.

It is world renown, and now having been there, I know why.

Last year they had something like 400,000 visitors, the largest amount of any similar centre in the world.
Located in Midland Provincial Park, it covers more than 835,000 sq. ft. of the Alberta badlands. The ultra modern building covers 120,000 sq ft of which 45,000 sq. ft. are open to the public. This does not include the 16,500 sq. ft. ATCO Tyrrell Learning Centre that is set aside for educational programming.

Inside the museum, there are more than 140,000 individual specimens, of which more than 300 are holotypes (the term used to describe an individual plant or animal that serves as the basis for the description of a species).

We got to take a look behind the scenes and I was flabbergasted at seeing row after row of floor-to-ceiling shelves packed with thousands of artifacts, all carefully preserved in plaster of Paris.

Shelves contain thousands of artifacts behind the scenes.

The museum has a 13.7 metre T-Rex, one of only two ever found in Alberta. I was surprised to learn, that while there are millions of T-Rex bones that have been found around the world, only about two dozen have been found intact.

Another remarkable thing was a fossilized dinosaur footprint found only steps from the museum’s front door.

If you are ever in Alberta, this is a must-attend site, especially if you have children.
For more information or to book a program, please visit: www.tyrrellmuseum.com/programs

A custom car show wouldn’t be a custom car show without a “lead sled” like this one.

Story and photos by Jim Robinson,
Metroland Media/Wheelstalk.com -

June 7-9 marks what is probably the greatest outdoor car show held in Canada and it only costs $10 to get in.

The Fleetwood Country Cruize-in, held annually just outside London, just keeps getting bigger and better.

It began humbly nine years ago when a small group of collector car owners arrived at the 250-acre estate/farm of Steve Plunkett south of London, Ont.

The talk got around to having a place where people could show off their treasures. Not just hyper restored vehicles that come to events on trailers, but everyday cars people are proud to own.

“It started with 60 cars and two cases of Coke,” Plunkett said. “The next year we had 400 cars and then it just grew out of control.”

People line up all day to take a ride down the pond in the Amphicar.

This year, more than 3,000 cars are expected to be displayed on the lawn with more than 25,000 people attending.

Due to increased public attendance, Plunkett has expanded the show to Saturday and Sunday. In addition to every collector car you can think of, there will be special attractions such as Amphicars taking people for rides on the pond.

Joining legendary custom car creator Gene Winfield will be George Barris of the “King of the Kustoms” fame and the creator of iconic TV and movie cars such as the Munstermobile, General Lee for the Dukes of Hazzard and the Starsky and Hutch undercover police car. He is back for the seventh year and has become a show favourite for the way he is constantly moving through the crowd talking and signing autographs.

And talking about legends, Linda Vaughn, Miss Hurst Golden Shifter will also be on hand greeting visitors and signing autographs.

Legendary custom car builder Gene Winfield will once again be on hand with a number of his classic creations such as the Jade Idol II.

And nowhere else will you see a collection of rock legends like Plunkett brings for concerts under the big top.

It beings on Friday, June 7, with Paul Revere and the Raiders, Mary Wilson, the Association and Mitch Ryder. Cost for the show and dinner is $59 per person.

On Saturday night Bobby Vinton is on stage singing all his hits such as Roses are Red, Blue Velvet and Mr. Lonely. Cost is $89 for the dinner and dance.

Throughout Plunkett has insisted daytime admission to the grounds be held at $10 per person. Local service groups such as the Lions and Optimists run all concessions and every penny goes to 32 London-area charities. To date, a total more than $1 million has been raised.

From more information visit the website at www.fleetwoodcountrycruizein.com

You name the “muscle car” and it was at the Fleetwood Cruize-In sponsored by Steve Plunkett.

Labatt’s Breweries in London, Ont., once had a fleet of these stunning aero delivery trucks.

One of the most sought after muscle cars was the Plymouth Roadrunner with its giant rear wing and Loonie Tunes character logo.

Chevrolet Impala, Cadillac XTS and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles are shown coming off the Flexible Manufacturing Line at GM’s assembly plant in Oshawa. The Buick Regal is also built on the Flex Line.

Story and photo by Jim Robinson,
Metroland Media/Wheelstalk.com -

Production of Chevrolet’s flagship model, the 2014 Impala, is underway at GM’s Oshawa Assembly Plant.

It is built on GM’s Flexible Manufacturing Line along with the Chevrolet Camaro, Buick Regal and Cadillac XTS.

Seen during a recent tour of the plant by Canadian autowriters, the “Flex Line” allows any combination of the four cars to come down the line, making it possible to see an Impala followed by a Camaro and that followed by a Cadillac and another Impala.

“The all-new Impala demonstrates the new direction of Chevrolet,” said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of GM Canada.

“Our employees in Oshawa have executed a flawless plan in bringing this iconic nameplate to life.

“The newly-redesigned Impala will exceed customers’ expectations because of the hard work and dedication of our employees at Oshawa Assembly.”

Chevrolet’s latest MyLink radio debuts in the 2014 Impala. The in-vehicle entertainment system adds an eight-inch color display screen that is customizable. The system also adopts natural voice recognition – a first for Chevy.

The Impala has several new features, including Adaptive Cruise Control and crash-avoidance technologies like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert. Ten standard airbags are included as well – among the most in the segment.

The Flex Line is located beside what is known as the Consolidated Line that builds the Chevrolet Equinox and the older model Impala, which is still sold in the United States to mostly fleet customers.

Together, both lines produced 394,094 vehicles in 2012.

The Flex Line puts out 1,056 vehicles a day with three shifts, and the Consolidated line, 318 per day with one shift.

The plant covers 9,070,000 square feet and sits on 700 acres employing 3,624 hourly and 426 salaried workers.

In addition to employment at the plant, there are 1,034 vendors supplying 12,027 unique parts.

GM invested $68 million in the facility to prepare for the 2014 Impala and another $117 million prior to that for the 2013 Cadillac XTS.

The Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Coupe is a true performance car, aimed at the driving enthusiast. Styling has been tweaked for 2013 with faux hood intakes, redesigned grille, LED daytime running lights and taillights. But the big news is the boost in power for both four cylinder and V6 models.

By Neil Moore,
Metroland Media/Wheelstalk.com -

“Who needs the radio when you can listen to this?”

So said my 10-year-old son after I fired up the Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Coupe – my tester for the week.

I agree it’s an unusual observation from a youngster, but he’s probably heard me say it before, while testing some other road burner that sounded oh so good.

In the R-Spec, this delightful melody was courtesy of an optional quad tip, axle-back exhaust system that delivered a baritone somewhat out of character for its 2.0-litre powerplant.

Mind you, this is no ordinary four banger, as Hyundai’s DOHC mill with dual CVVT also gets a twin-scroll turbocharger that pushes horsepower to a robust 274 and torque up to 275 lb/ft, coming in at 2,000 rpm.

And yes, there’s a bit of turbo lag, but with the standard-equipped six-speed manual (the only way you can order this model), it spins up pretty quickly.

There are no fewer than seven ways to order the Genesis Coupe – five with a turbo four and two with a 3.8-litre V6 – but the R-Spec offers arguably the most fun for the buck.

From the rear, the 2013 Genesis Coupe’s wide track, sloping roofline and flared wheel arches combine for a truly athletic look.

About a year ago, I reviewed a key competitor, the all-new Scion FR-S, and gushed about its near perfect balance, nimbleness and superb handling. This was a vehicle long overdue for Toyota.

I still believe in cars that are more about finesse than brute force – in other words, those that reward the skilful driver. But if you can have both – why not?

The R-Spec Coupe, at $28,799, may sit near the bottom of the Genesis lineup, but if you’re looking for a vehicle that’s equally at home on the track as it is during your morning commute, this is it.

The R-Spec pounds out 74 more horses than the FR-S and 124 more lb/ft, and despite weighing in excess of 300 kg more, is significantly quicker.

I will also note that although this model’s V6-powered sibling offers even more grunt (348 hp, 295 lb/ft), the R-Spec would be my Genesis of choice. It’s lighter, more evenly balanced, and $8,200 less (and $10K cheaper than the 3.8 GT with automatic).

The Genesis Coupe lineup starts with the 2.0T ($26,499), which is also powered by the turbo four, but doesn’t get some of the performance goodies found on the R-Spec and 3.8 GT.

The interior of the 2013 Genesis Coupe is nicely laid out, with ample soft-touch materials (with attractive stitching) and metallic accents, along with electroluminescent instruments. The revised centre stack includes three analog gauges for fuel consumption, turbo boost and oil pressure.

It does, however, provide all the stuff you’d expect at this price point such as automatic climate control, power windows and locks, leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering with audio and cruise controls, six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, automatic headlights and power heated mirrors.

It also comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, with the automatic setting you back another $1,800.

The 2.0T Premium package, starting at $29,899 for the manual version, includes a sunroof, leather seats (heated in front), touch-screen navigation and an upgraded audio system.

But despite being $1,100 more, it doesn’t benefit from the R-Spec’s track-tuned suspension, Torsen limited-slip differential and Brembo brakes with red four-piston callipers, peeking out from behind a set of 19-inch alloy wheels (all other 2.0-litre coupes get 18-inch).

The R-Spec interior, while missing a few Premium amenities, is still nicely appointed with plenty of soft touch in the doors and dash, stitching in key areas and metallic accents around the cupholders, gearshift, instruments and more.

Seats are upholstered in a grippy fabric with aggressive leather bolstering that is not only attractive, but really holds you in the corners. And I love the ‘old school’ analog gauges for fuel consumption, turbo boost and oil pressure.

Seating is comfortable in rear, with adequate kneeroom. But with the rear-sloping roofline, headroom is tight for most adults.

As in all Genesis Coupes, the rear passenger cabin is best suited to kids or short adults. Seats are comfortable and supportive, with more legroom than I expected, but headroom is tight – which is no surprise considering its low silhouette.

Ride, with the ‘track-tuned’ suspension, is a bit harsh over rough pavement, but the chassis is tight, and the car feels extremely solid and composed during a turn.

For track enthusiasts, there’s even a front strut camber adjustment that allows up to -1.5 degrees of negative camber for more responsive turn-in and reduced understeer.

The clutch is nicely weighted and has a reasonably smooth takeup, and although the throws are a bit long, it’s a pleasure to row through the gears. In particular the lower ones are where you can really feel the torque.

Punch the accelerator out of a turn, and the traction control clamps down hard to straighten the back end. Turn off this nanny, and a similar prod will get the tail wagging – in theory, of course.

As for Hyundai’s $850 free-flow exhaust system, it kept a smile on my face throughout the test period. I even found myself running the R-Spec in the underground garage of my Dad’s retirement home – with both windows down – just to savour the sweet, sweet sound.

And that point wasn’t lost on Hyundai’s PR rep as he pried the keys from my hand at the end of the week.

HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE 2.0T R-SPEC 2013 AT A GLANCE
BODY STYLE: compact sports coupe
DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbocharged DOHC 16-valve four cylinder (274 hp/275 lb/ft of torque)
FUEL ECONOMY: 2.0T with manual 10.0L/6.6/8.5L/100km (city/hwy/comb)
CARGO: 332 litres
PRICE: 2.0T manual $26,499, automatic $28,299; R-Spec $28,799; 2.0T Premium manual $29,899, automatic $31,699; 3.8 GT manual $36,999, automatic $38,799
WEBSITE: www.hyundaicanada.com

Looking imposing from any angle, the 2013 Ford SVT Raptor pickup excels and not just going fast in a straight line, but handling just about any off-road challenge it comes up against.

Story and photos by Jim Robinson,
Metroland Media/Wheelstalk.com -

DRUMHELLER, Alta: Most people think of the Ford SVT Raptor pickup as one of the most potent vehicles on the road, and it is.

But did you know it is just as capable off-road?

At a press presentation of the full line of Ford F-Series pickups held in Drumheller, Alberta, there were several different comparative exercises such as fuel economy, towing, payload and off-road.

Beside an ordinary looking F-150 4X4 was a Raptor looking like it was ready to leap off the line to an off-road test track with serious down hills, tight climbing turns and undulating “whoopdedoos”.

Available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configuration, the SVT Raptor is fitted with a 6.2-litre SOHC V8 engine, producing 411 hp and 434 lb/ft with a 5-1/2 foot box. Power goes through an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and SelectShift Automatic functionality.

The 4WD system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability from the transfer case that can be selected by a rotary knob on the centre stack for 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L (two-wheel high, all-wheel-drive, four-high and four-low.

Probably the most outstanding feature is the way the tires can be locked to the optional forged wheels so they can’t become detached in situations where the air pressure is reduced when extra grip is needed.

When it comes to going down steep inclines, standard Hill Descent Control is what you want. The Raptor also comes with available “beadlock” rims (shown) that lock the tire to the special forged wheel to prevent them rolling off when air pressure has been reduced to extreme grip conditions.

All the owner has to do is take off the outer decorative ring, put on the optional “beadlock” ring kit and put the tire back on.

Ford says this is the first time there has been a wheel capable of both normal and beadlock at the same time and Ford has filed for a patent on it.

Also offered is a Torsen limited-slip front differential in the 4WD system that routes torque back and forth between the front wheels. If the left front wheel loses traction, the system forces torque to the right front wheel, and vice versa.

The front axle Torsen has 4.10 to 1 gearing. The rear axle is also 4.10 to 1, with an electronic-locking differential making for matched power usage and resulting in more stability.

Taking a hard turn on the earthen off-road test track in 4L, the Raptor with Torsen cornered very well as opposed to the F-150 4X4 we drove next that had a very wide turning circle (also in 4L) as do most 4X4s of my experience.

With all the power, the Raptor climbed like a mountain goat, but it also went down steep inclines with no sweat thanks to standard Hill Descent Control that is engaged by a button on the transmission tunnel.

What it does is sense the angle of descent and controls the brakes and engine so the Raptor inches down at a controlled pace without driver intervention.

Well folks, when you stop at the edge and all you see is sky ahead, going over the crest takes a leap of faith. I’ve done this before but it always unnerves me.

The Ford Raptor also has a front facing camera that allows the driver to see what is below his field of view such as boulders or in this case, coming down with the standard Hill Descent Control engaged.

But this time there was something different.

Last year Ford started fitting cameras to the nose of the Raptor.

It’s really a backup camera looking to the front with grid lines that twist to follow the surface and give the driver a look at what is ahead – and below.

It can be viewed on the centre stack LCD screen. It even has a washer that keeps the lens clean in muddy, wet or snow conditions. The camera actives when the driver is in 4L and under 20 km/h.

For me, seeing when the bottom of the ridge was before tipping over was very reassuring, but still intimidating.

And for those who buy a Raptor for its power in flat-out desert driving, there’s more than just the very rugged suspension and tires. The Raptor comes with industry-exclusive internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox dampers and skid plates.

The cabin, as was the case in all the F-150s I drove in Drumheller, is well equipped and, in the case of the Raptor, comes with standard unique leather and cloth-trimmed seats with driver’s side power actuation and six-way adjustability. These seats feature Raptor-specific bolsters to keep the driver and first-row passenger firmly in place, regardless of terrain conditions.

The SVT Raptor interior features a unique centre stack and door trim applique finish and leather-trimmed steering wheel with thumb pads. In addition, the SVT Raptor can be specified with an interior color accent package, featuring contrasting blue against a black environment and real aluminum trim components.

For 2013, SVT Raptor’s driver connectivity has been upgraded to MyFord Touch using an eight-inch centre stack touch screen with five-way controls mounted on the steering wheel.

In addition, this connectivity upgrade features the 4.2-inch productivity screen, mounted in the instrument cluster. Driver-configurable, this LCD screen includes menus for gauge setup, trip computer, fuel economy and towing/off-road applications.

Truck-specific MyFord Touch offers additional button controls and rotating knobs to accommodate work gloves.
Going fast, going slow or going about your business, the SVT Raptor for 2013 blends performance with the ability to go just about anywhere at anytime.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 2013 at a glance
BODY STYLE: Performance light duty pickup.
DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, four-wheel-drive.
ENGINE: 6.2-litre, SOHC V8 (411 hp, 434 lb/ft)
FUEL ECONOMY: (Regular) 18.5/12.8L/100 km city/highway
TOW RATING: 3,691 kg (8,000 lb)
PRICE: $58,599
WEBSITE: www.ford.ca

Although the 2013 Nissan Murano is well into its second generation after a redesign in 2009, it still remains a stylish, five-passenger midsize crossover.

Story and photos by Lorne Drury,
Metroland Media/Wheelstalk.com -

I was just about to pull away from the gas station after filling up when I heard a ‘tap, tap, tap’ on my side window.

I put the window down and the man outside said to me with a smile,

“You know, I just have to tell you, I really like the Murano and that is the nicest looking one I have ever seen. The colour is spectacular!”

I thanked him and chuckled to myself because just seconds before, as I was walking back to the vehicle, I had been admiring the colour myself.

And the man’s comments about the 2013 Nissan Murano LE Platinum edition weren’t the first I had received during my week with it.

After he walked away, I sat there for a second and wondered why anyone would buy a plain silver or white-coloured vehicle when they could have a spectacular colour like this called Midnight Garnet.

The five-passenger midsize Murano made its debut in 2002 as a 2003 model and at that time it was rather unique in the marketplace.

The basic design hasn’t changed much since then, yet I think it’s still one of the more stylish crossovers on the block, even late into its second generation after a redesign in 2009.

The Murano has an expansive rear glass area with new LED taillamps for 2013.

While sales in Canada were down about 11 per cent last year over 2011, the Murano continues to be a solid model for Nissan with sales of 4,300 units last year.

Little has changed for 2013 except for a few tweaks here and there and the addition of technological goodies like moving object detection, lane departure warning and blind spot warning as part of the $3,000 Platinum Package that was included on our test vehicle.

The Murano has a distinctive styling with its bulging front fascia and a wide grille with integrated headlights. There are strong character lines along the side and a distinctive rear featuring an expansive glass area and LED taillights.

A 3.5-litre DOHC V6 engine with 260 hp and 240 lb/ft of torque powers the Murano. Offered only with an all-wheel drive system that adjusts to road conditions in just a tenth of a second, the Murano, like most Nissan models, features a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has been refined over the years into one of the better units on the market.

Noise, vibration and harshness have been reduced on the ‘D’ platform used for the Murano, as the torsional rigidity is one-and-a-half times better than one the original model.

Four-wheel independent suspension helps produce a smooth ride, even on rough road surfaces.

Because all-wheel drive is standard, fuel economy in the Murano is compromised somewhat. The Natural Resources Canada fuel guide rates the Murano at 11.5L/100 km city and 8.5L/100 km highway.

Rear seat passengers in the 2013 Murano have ample legroom, even with the front seats in their rearmost positions.

The interior is richer and more luxurious than one would expect for the price point with lots of soft touch materials and contrasting accent pieces.

New this year is an innovative cargo organizer.

When you need it, simply push a button and it pops up from below the rear cargo floor revealing a flat, recessed space that is great for groceries and sports equipment, so it isn’t rolling around in the cargo area.

Among other standard interior features are push button ignition, dual zone climate control, a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system and easy-to-read Fine Vision gauges.

The Murano is available in four models— S, SV, SL and LE— starting at $34,498 rising to $44,098. Our LE with the Platinum Package was priced at $48,983 including $1,750 for freight and PDI.

On the base S trim, the Murano is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights and LED taillights, manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power windows and automatic door locks with remote keyless entry, six speaker audio system and a six-way manual driver’s and four-way manual passenger’s seats.

The SV ($37,598) adds a dual panel moonroof, auto on/off headlights, heated front seats with eight-way power driver’s seat and four-way power passenger seat, an 11-speaker Bose audio system with steering wheel mounted controls, seven-inch color vehicle information display, XM satellite radio and Bluetooth hands-free phone connections.

With the SL ($40,698) comes a heated steering wheel, power liftgate, HID bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, power flip up rear seats, leather seating surfaces and rain-sensing wipers.

The LE ($44,098) has 20-inch alloy wheels, heated rear seats, wood-tone trim, silver accented roof rails and power tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

The Platinum Package adds techie goodies like hard drive navigation system, blind spot warning, moving object detection and lane departure warning.

Since the Murano first debuted, the competition in the midsize crossover market has increased considerably. The list now includes vehicles like the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Venza and Highlander, Kia Sorento and many more.

However, with its agile handling, luxurious appointments and general car-like feeling, the Murano still equates itself very well against the competition and is a solid contender in the midsize crossover segment.

Nissan Murano LE AWD at a glance
BODY STYLE: mid-size five-passenger crossover SUV.
DRIVE METHOD: front engine, all-wheel drive.
ENGINE: 3.5 litre DOHC V6 (260 hp, 240 lb/ft of torque) with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
CARGO CAPACITY: 895 litres (31.6 cu ft.) with rear seat up, 1,812 litres (64 cu ft) with rear seat down.
FUEL ECONOMY: 11.5L/100 km city and 8.5L/100 km highway.
PRICE: $34,498 to $44,098. As tested $48,983.
WEB: www.nissan.ca

Buick recently celebrated its 110th birthday. After a few years of experimenting with automobiles built at his home in Detroit, David Dunbar Buick – a former plumbing inventor and businessman – incorporated the Buick Motor Company on May 19, 1903. A State of Michigan historic site marker outside General Motors Global Headquarters at the Renaissance Center in Detroit commemorates the day. The first production vehicle, the Buick Model B, was offered to retail customers the following year. Today, Buick produces a range of luxury vehicles including the Encore and Enclave crossovers and the LaCrosse, Regal and Verano sedans.