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HEADLINES:
  • Mazda CX-4 breaks cover:
  • New Fiat Spider will adopt the Alfa 4C engine:
  • The Envision redesign shows a styling direction for Buick:
  • The CRZ will shift from eco weenie to turbo terror:
  • It’s not yet time for more Zs:
  • Hyundai is chasing the hot hatchback market . . . to the letter:
  • Ford’s heavy-duty pickup adds muscle:
  • The long-awaited Bronco has a couple of surprises up its sleeve:
  • Cadillac will replace the ATS and CTS with one new model:
  • Adios Grand Caravan, hello Voyager:

NEW-VEHICLE REVIEWS

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI: The company credited for inventing the hot hatch turns up the heat another notch

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI: The company credited for inventing the hot hatch turns up the heat another notch

March 14, 2022
Since the mid-1970s, Volkswagen’s replacement for the iconic Beetle found its niche as an affordable little hatchback. Adding the Golf GTI with a stronger engine and a sporty interior for 1983 — called the Rabbit GTI in North America — began a series that existed through seven generations. The eighth iteration of the front-wheel-drive GTI,
2022 Honda Civic: A new look, more room and fresh content with familiar powertrains

2022 Honda Civic: A new look, more room and fresh content with familiar powertrains

March 14, 2022
If there’s one vehicle that’s synonymous with the Honda brand, without question it would be the Civic. It was the automaker’s breakthrough model when it first arrived here in the early 1970s. Throughout the ensuing decades, the Civic has remained a strong seller in its class despite the seismic market shift to utility vehicles and
2022 Hyundai Tucson: Hyundai’s all-purpose wagon makes gains in style and stature

2022 Hyundai Tucson: Hyundai’s all-purpose wagon makes gains in style and stature

March 14, 2022
The Tucson’s cabin is a model of clean-slate, uncluttered simplicity. The two round digital gauges are propped up behind the steering wheel and appear a bit like afterthoughts beside the large (up to 10.25 inches) and neatly integrated touch-screen. You won’t find many knobs or switches, and push-button controls that have replaced the traditional transmission
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander: The alliance with Renault-Nissan bears fruit for Mitsubishi, although it looks a bit like another apple in the basket

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander: The alliance with Renault-Nissan bears fruit for Mitsubishi, although it looks a bit like another apple in the basket

March 8, 2022
The Outlander uses a nearly identical 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine to the Rogue that makes 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. For the Outlander, that’s a nice little bump over the previous base four-cylinder that produced 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet. The previously optional 3.0-litre V-6 with 224 horses and 215 pound-feet has been put
2022 Nissan Frontier: Not 100 per cent new, but new enough to matter

2022 Nissan Frontier: Not 100 per cent new, but new enough to matter

March 7, 2022
A five-foot-long bed is standard with all four-door crew cab Frontiers. A six-foot-long variant is optional, but the King Cab gets it as standard equipment. Each box gets a dampened tailgate opening and dual lights at the rear of the bed. A factory-applied spray-on bed liner and special cargo dividers are available. The Frontier’s standard
2022 Mazda MX-30: Is there enough to lure buyers to Mazda’s first EV?

2022 Mazda MX-30: Is there enough to lure buyers to Mazda’s first EV?

March 7, 2022
The MX-30 can’t produce rapid off-the-line bursts and the throttle response is on par with a modestly powered four-cylinder gasoline engine. The base MX-30 costs $44,000, including destination fees, and comes reasonably loaded, including navigation, heated front seats and an eight-speaker audio system. The GT trim gets a power moonroof, 12-speaker Bose audio system, faux
2022 Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer: Four-wheeling in limo-like spaciousness sets these big Jeeps apart from other Jeeps

2022 Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer: Four-wheeling in limo-like spaciousness sets these big Jeeps apart from other Jeeps

March 7, 2022
The Wagoneer and more luxurious Grand Wagoneer are at the top of the scale in terms of size, being significantly larger overall than both the seven-passenger Jeep Grand Cherokee L that was introduced for 2021, and the regular-length five-passenger Grand Cherokee that’s new for 2022. Combined, this utility-vehicle foursome represents unparalleled market saturation for the
2022 Ford Maverick: Can this little pickup pick up some new fans?

2022 Ford Maverick: Can this little pickup pick up some new fans?

March 7, 2022
If the Maverick name sounds familiar, it’s because Ford once applied it to a small car in the late-1960s. Back then, it was the most affordable Ford you could buy. Well, the same goes for the 2022 Maverick, which on price alone is bound to garner plenty of attention from both traditional and nontraditional pickup
2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Subaru takes direct aim at the growing outdoorsy market with a tricked-out Outback

2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Subaru takes direct aim at the growing outdoorsy market with a tricked-out Outback

March 5, 2022
Pricing for the Wilderness starts at $44,400, including destination fees. That’s obviously more than the base Outback ($33,600), but it’s less than the top-level Premier XT trim that lists for $46,600. Standard Wilderness equipment includes the usual convenience features as well as safety technology such as forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross: What’s most surprising is how long it took Toyota to flesh out the void between the Corolla and the RAV4

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross: What’s most surprising is how long it took Toyota to flesh out the void between the Corolla and the RAV4

March 5, 2022
Compared with the RAV4, the Corolla Cross is 14 centimetres shorter, 2.5 centimetres narrower and the roofline is more than 5.0 centimetres lower. The wheelbase — the distance between the front and rear wheels — is 5.0 centimetres less. The cargo area behind the split-folding rear seat is about 20 per cent less than the
2021 Toyota Venza: The is a big deal: Previously, the Prius was the only Toyota model to be available only as a hybrid

2021 Toyota Venza: The is a big deal: Previously, the Prius was the only Toyota model to be available only as a hybrid

July 7, 2021
The base Venza LE comes with a decent degree of content, such as a power driver’s seat, interior ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, hands-free power liftgate and a six-speaker audio system. You also get most of Toyota’s active-safety technology and driver-assist features. The XLE adds roof rails, front- and rear-parking assist, heated and ventilated power
2021 Subaru Legacy: A four-sedan that out-Subarus other Subarus

2021 Subaru Legacy: A four-sedan that out-Subarus other Subarus

June 9, 2021
The infotainment system is operated by way of a touchpad on the centre console, which might not be to everyone’s liking and could prove distracting. Protruding from the dashboard is an 8.0- or available 10.3-inch touch-screen that’s part of the optional navigation system. The standard eight-speaker audio system can be upgraded to a premium 14-speaker
Cadillac CT5-V: If there’s such a thing as a bargain luxury-performance sedan, this is it

Cadillac CT5-V: If there’s such a thing as a bargain luxury-performance sedan, this is it

June 9, 2021
The infotainment system is operated by way of a touchpad on the centre console, which might not be to everyone’s liking and could prove distracting. Protruding from the dashboard is an 8.0- or available 10.3-inch touch-screen that’s part of the optional navigation system. The standard eight-speaker audio system can be upgraded to a premium 14-speaker
FIRST DRIVE: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport: It’s based on the Ford Escape, but you would never know it

FIRST DRIVE: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport: It’s based on the Ford Escape, but you would never know it

June 9, 2021
The infotainment system is operated by way of a touchpad on the centre console, which might not be to everyone’s liking and could prove distracting. Protruding from the dashboard is an 8.0- or available 10.3-inch touch-screen that’s part of the optional navigation system. The standard eight-speaker audio system can be upgraded to a premium 14-speaker
2021 LEXUS NX 300H: This compact utility vehicle flaunts its style, technology and fuel efficiency

2021 LEXUS NX 300H: This compact utility vehicle flaunts its style, technology and fuel efficiency

June 1, 2021
The infotainment system is operated by way of a touchpad on the centre console, which might not be to everyone’s liking and could prove distracting. Protruding from the dashboard is an 8.0- or available 10.3-inch touch-screen that’s part of the optional navigation system. The standard eight-speaker audio system can be upgraded to a premium 14-speaker
2021 DODGE DURANGO: The brand has just one utility vehicle, so it has to be a good one. Good thing it is

2021 DODGE DURANGO: The brand has just one utility vehicle, so it has to be a good one. Good thing it is

June 1, 2021
For 2021, a limited number of Durango SRT Hellcat models are being produced as a one-year-only extravagance. Under the hood is a supercharged 6.2-litre V-8 that punches out 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. It’s the one to get if you require 3,950 kilograms of towing capacity, or relish the thought of sprinting to
2021 TOYOTA SIENNA: Possibly the closest thing to a seven-passenger sports car for the masses

2021 TOYOTA SIENNA: Possibly the closest thing to a seven-passenger sports car for the masses

May 19, 2021
For 2021, the new fourth-generation Sienna receives a complete redo that encompasses every aspect of the minivan. From the front, the appearance is similar to most other Toyota models, including a wide-mouth grille protruding ahead of the hood and headlights (apparently inspired by Japan’s extra-quick Bullet Train). But a check of the remaining bodywork reveals
2021 TOYOTA RAV4 Prime: Fuel economy doesn’t have to come at the expense of performance

2021 TOYOTA RAV4 Prime: Fuel economy doesn’t have to come at the expense of performance

May 19, 2021
All-weather capability, top-level performance and exemplary fuel economy pretty much sum up of the 2021 RAV4 Prime. All three strengths confirm Toyota’s stature as the preeminent leader when it comes to hybrid powertrains.

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

Honda reveals the next HR-V:

Honda reveals the next HR-V:

Lotus’s first utility vehicle is revealed, and it’s an electric:

Lotus’s first utility vehicle is revealed, and it’s an electric:

Volkswagen reveals a production-ready electric minivan, sort of:

Volkswagen reveals a production-ready electric minivan, sort of:

The Cadillac Lyriq officially joins the electric revolution:

The Cadillac Lyriq officially joins the electric revolution:

Polestar has three new vehicles and a sports car under development:

Polestar has three new vehicles and a sports car under development:

Jeep’s first EV goes on display:

Jeep’s first EV goes on display:

Alfa Romeo debuts its first electrified vehicle:

Alfa Romeo debuts its first electrified vehicle:

Winnebago has an electric camper in the works:

Winnebago has an electric camper in the works:

Jeep keeps adding longer models:

Jeep keeps adding longer models:

A frugal Toyota Sequoia?:

A frugal Toyota Sequoia?:

The tale of the tailgates:

The tale of the tailgates:

Will Tesla’s Cybertruck be available in two sizes?

Will Tesla’s Cybertruck be available in two sizes?

Honda’s junior-size utility vehicle is redesigned for 2023:

Honda’s junior-size utility vehicle is redesigned for 2023:

Cadillac adds more muscle to the Escalade:

Cadillac adds more muscle to the Escalade:

Is Sony entering the automobile business?

Is Sony entering the automobile business?

Mercedes-Benz fights EV range anxiety:

Mercedes-Benz fights EV range anxiety:

You mean there’s another EV startup on the way?

You mean there’s another EV startup on the way?

An Electra-fying Buick:

An Electra-fying Buick:

Subaru’s sporty WRX has been officially unveiled:

Subaru’s sporty WRX has been officially unveiled:

Chrysler plans for a battery-electric future beginning with a name from the past:

Chrysler plans for a battery-electric future beginning with a name from the past:

The Genesis GV70 gets an electric “boost”:

The Genesis GV70 gets an electric “boost”:

Lexus preps for its first dedicated-platform EV:

Lexus preps for its first dedicated-platform EV:

The Volvo XC90 replacement will run on battery power only:

The Volvo XC90 replacement will run on battery power only:

BMW’s new high-end, high-performance utility vehicle will be electrified:

BMW’s new high-end, high-performance utility vehicle will be electrified:

Mazda adds another utility vehicle to the mix:

Mazda adds another utility vehicle to the mix:

The 911 could soon offer an electrifying experience:

The 911 could soon offer an electrifying experience:

The Ranger gets a significant makeover for 2023:

The Ranger gets a significant makeover for 2023:

Toyota’s first North American EV is on the way:

Toyota’s first North American EV is on the way:

The design of the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover is sleek and simple:

The design of the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover is sleek and simple:

The Mercedes-Benz SL sportscar is back for 2022, but it’s a four-seater:

The Mercedes-Benz SL sportscar is back for 2022, but it’s a four-seater:

A makeover and added luxury for the GMC Sierra:

A makeover and added luxury for the GMC Sierra:

2022 Civic Si details revealed:

2022 Civic Si details revealed:

TECH TRENDS

Shape-shifting seat subject of JLR research:

Shape-shifting seat subject of JLR research:

Concept car ‘all Canadian’:

Concept car ‘all Canadian’:

Amazon electric-delivery-van order boosts Rivian fortunes and future:

Amazon electric-delivery-van order boosts Rivian fortunes and future:

Bosch reports $14.15 billion in electromobility orders:

Bosch reports $14.15 billion in electromobility orders:

Porsche Taycan focuses on beating battery-heat management:

Porsche Taycan focuses on beating battery-heat management:

Electric turbos spin up boost in one-quarter second:

Electric turbos spin up boost in one-quarter second:

FCA exec is a ‘firm believer’ in an electric-performance future:

FCA exec is a ‘firm believer’ in an electric-performance future:

General Motors says carbon fiber over steel if the cost makes sense:

General Motors says carbon fiber over steel if the cost makes sense:

Particulate-free, clean air system ‘up to 99 percent effective’:

Particulate-free, clean air system ‘up to 99 percent effective’:

‘Smart’ motorcycle helmet records, monitors, analyzes performance:

‘Smart’ motorcycle helmet records, monitors, analyzes performance:

Simple design of vehicle has a dedicated EV platform underneath:

Simple design of vehicle has a dedicated EV platform underneath:

BMW is developing self-driving SUV test fleet; expects to sell autonomous vehicles as early as 2024:

BMW is developing self-driving SUV test fleet; expects to sell autonomous vehicles as early as 2024:

Kids’ electric Bugatti is not your father’s pedal car:

Kids’ electric Bugatti is not your father’s pedal car:

Drive.ai ‘goes big’ in Arlington:

Drive.ai ‘goes big’ in Arlington:

Speed, protection mark 2020 Ford police utility:

Speed, protection mark 2020 Ford police utility:

Infiniti concept extends ‘Japanese sensuality’:

Infiniti concept extends ‘Japanese sensuality’:

Electric VW buggy portends low-volume, niche vehicles:

Electric VW buggy portends low-volume, niche vehicles:

EV profitability looms, says GM CEO Barra:

EV profitability looms, says GM CEO Barra:

Queen names racing designer-engineer as Commander of the British Empire:

Queen names racing designer-engineer as Commander of the British Empire:

Fingerprint technology gets touchy:

Fingerprint technology gets touchy:

Prius model gets electric all-wheel-drive:

Prius model gets electric all-wheel-drive:

Autonomous-driving simulator “assesses the unexpected”:

Autonomous-driving simulator “assesses the unexpected”:

Detroit Symphony mellows Lincoln’s harsh:

Detroit Symphony mellows Lincoln’s harsh:

Harley-Davidson shows all-electric Livewire:

Harley-Davidson shows all-electric Livewire:

Through-air charging system said to be 97 percent efficient:

Through-air charging system said to be 97 percent efficient:

Chevrolet electrifies the Camaro:

Chevrolet electrifies the Camaro:

Mazda vectoring system touts ‘feeling of control’:

Mazda vectoring system touts ‘feeling of control’:

Plug-in Jeep Renegade next in FCA’s EV plan:

Plug-in Jeep Renegade next in FCA’s EV plan:

Audi declares fossil fuels ‘ancient history’:

Audi declares fossil fuels ‘ancient history’:

Ram eTorque puts the brakes on wasted heat loss:

Ram eTorque puts the brakes on wasted heat loss:

AI system takes 10 milliseconds to make decisions

AI system takes 10 milliseconds to make decisions

3-D printing coming to Volkswagen vehicles

3-D printing coming to Volkswagen vehicles

TOOLS, GIFTS, GADGETS AND MAN CAVE

It has a magnetic personality

It has a magnetic personality

A strong exhaust note

A strong exhaust note

Keep the cold outside

Keep the cold outside

Small driver, fast job

Small driver, fast job

Stay organized on the road

Stay organized on the road

Get drawers, and a floor

Get drawers, and a floor

A classic charge

A classic charge

Gearhead fashion for suits

Gearhead fashion for suits

Car seats become handbags

Car seats become handbags

A light dusting for your vehicle

A light dusting for your vehicle

From minivan to mini-camper

From minivan to mini-camper

Keep your battery topped up

Keep your battery topped up

Vacuum, charge and boost

Vacuum, charge and boost

These watches are classics

These watches are classics

Rooftop gear transporter

Rooftop gear transporter

Give your vehicle the brush-off

Give your vehicle the brush-off

A stretch to clean

A stretch to clean

Stay comfy in back

Stay comfy in back

Expanded seating

Expanded seating

Work from home on the road

Work from home on the road

High-flying office chair

High-flying office chair

A V-8 engine to build to scale

A V-8 engine to build to scale

Looks, power upgrade

Looks, power upgrade

Charged up for charging on

Charged up for charging on

Be visible in an emergency

Be visible in an emergency

Let there be light

Let there be light

Only nine will be made

Only nine will be made

Cool alloys for work vehicles

Cool alloys for work vehicles

For the love of racing art

For the love of racing art

Take a vacuum with you

Take a vacuum with you

Build your own Lego Raptor

Build your own Lego Raptor

Rack up the rubber

Rack up the rubber

FEATURE STORIES

Three years later, Speedsport returns

Three years later, Speedsport returns

Two 2021 GMC Sierras: 5.3 vs. 2.7

Two 2021 GMC Sierras: 5.3 vs. 2.7

Spring/summer show time

Spring/summer show time

Super wash: By machine and by hand, we experiment with a German supercar

Super wash: By machine and by hand, we experiment with a German supercar

Wheeler dealer Rick Hendrick: life lessons in the car biz

Wheeler dealer Rick Hendrick: life lessons in the car biz

$3.5 M!

$3.5 M!

Slowly, but surely

Slowly, but surely

Pony Party; 50 years

Pony Party; 50 years

Ate/eight Corvettes

Ate/eight Corvettes

ELectRic

ELectRic

McLaren 650S

McLaren 650S

VIDEO PICKS FROM OUR EDITORS

Audi Presents: An Avant Story

Audi Presents: An Avant Story

CATEGORIES

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  • AUTO ALMANAC
  • AUTO EDIT
  • AUTOKNOW
  • HOT NEWS
  • SHIFT!
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  • SLEUTH
  • SPECIAL DELIVERY
  • TOP GEAR
  • VIRTUAL AUTOSHOW
  • WEB FINDS
The Octane Lounge - Not just another car site!
  • Close
  • HOME
  • CONTACT US
  • OUR CONTENT PROVIDER
  • CATEGORIES
    • NEW-VEHICLE REVIEWS
    • AUTO ALMANAC
    • AUTO EDIT
    • AUTOKNOW
    • HOT NEWS
    • SHIFT!
    • OCTANE LOUNGE
    • SLEUTH
    • SPECIAL DELIVERY
    • TOP GEAR
    • VIRTUAL AUTOSHOW
    • WEB FINDS
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