2024 Genesis G80 and G90 secure Top Safety Pick+ honours

GENESIS CANADA - The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced that the 2024 Genesis G80 sedan and G90 flagship sedan have earned TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) recognition. The TSP+ award applies to 2024 model-year vehicles built after October 2023, when Genesis modified the rear seat belts in the G90 to improve rear occupant protection. Cars built before that date still qualify for the TOP SAFETY PICK award.

IIHS’ top safety award identifies the best vehicle choices for safety within size categories during a given year. This year’s evaluation upgraded G80 and G90 from their previous TOP SAFETY PICK ranking. G80 and G90 join the 2024 GV60 and GV80 with top honours.

“The top IIHS rating for G80 and G90 vehicles built after October 2023 proves our commitment to safety remains firm,” said Brian Latouf, global chief safety and quality officer for Genesis. “With two more vehicles added to the growing lineup of Genesis models proudly bearing the TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, customer safety endures as a top priority for the brand.”

To qualify for IIHS TSP+, a vehicle must earn:

• Good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, updated side and moderate overlap front tests
• Acceptable or good headlights standard across all trims
• Advanced or superior ratings of a front crash prevention system in both daytime and nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations
  
  

To earn the TSP+ award this year, an acceptable or good rating in the updated moderate overlap front test is required, while a good rating in the original moderate overlap front test remains sufficient for the lower-tier TOP SAFETY PICK.

Before results in the updated tests were available, the G80 and G90 sedans qualified for TOP SAFETY PICK. Genesis maintains a strong commitment to customer safety and following the initial tests modified the rear seat belts in the G80 and G90 to improve rear occupant protection.

All Genesis models are equipped with a comprehensive suite of exceptional active and passive safety technologies including Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and more. Each vehicle in the Genesis line-up offers standard advanced safety features that help avoid collisions and provide advanced occupant protection if they do occur.

The 2024 Genesis G80 and G90 sedans are equipped with the latest in safety and driver assistance technologies, including:

• Ten standard airbags, including front centre airbag between the driver and centre console, minimizing collision damage between driver and passengers.
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist* which can help mitigate the risks of collisions with detected vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in certain conditions.
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist**, helping reduce the chance of potential impact with a vehicle that is detected in the blind spot.
• An innovative platform – with strong focus on safety – including passenger compartment protection and reinforcement areas using advanced high strength steel for rigidity and safety.
• Genesis Connected Services and Connected Care, providing always-on connection and allowing for peace-of-mind safety features like Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and SOS Emergency Assistance when the vehicle has access to a cellular network connection.
  

 

The Nissan Sentra Cup enters its tenth season on Canadian tracks, from May 17 to 19

NISSAN CANADA - Next Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, renown Ontario racetrack, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, in Bowmanville near Oshawa, will continue  the tradition of hosting the first Nissan Sentra Cup event of the season.  Presented by Nissan Canada and JD Promotion since 2015 (when the Nissan Micra Cup was launched), the Nissan Sentra Cup will begin its tenth season during Victoria Day Weekend SpeedFest.

In addition to this milestone, it will be the first season in history to only feature drivers racing Nissan Sentra race cars, as the Micra class will not be back this year. Between twenty and twenty-five drivers are expected to take part in this 2024 championship which will see Quebec driver Alexandre Fortin compete as the defending champion.

Five-time winner, and driver of the Ste-Foy/Beauport Nissan team, Alex will attempt to become the first driver since the Sentra models entered the series in 2021 to win back-to-back titles. But this goal promises to be difficult, as two former Series' champions will also aim for the title: Valérie Limoges, the first female driver to be crowned overall champion of a Canadian national road racing series in 2022 and who has won three events in 2023, and Xavier Coupal, who clinched the title in his only full season in the 2016 Nissan Micra Cup.

They will not be the only ones competing for the top step of the podium as more than ten competitors can legitimately claim the 2024 title. Among them are veterans Sylvain Ouellet and Éric Chaput, rally champion Simon Vincent, the very promising rookie Nicolas Lévesque (last champion of the Micra class), Nicolas Barrette (a first Series' victory in 2023), Daniel Fortin (Alexandre's father) or the brothers Matt and Nicolas Miron.

This season, seven drivers will be making their first appearance at the wheel of the Sentra race car. Three of them experienced the series during the Micra Cup in previous years while four will be rookies in the Nissan Sentra Cup. This includes owner of the Nissan Thetford dealership, Steve Poulain, along with Stéphane Pouliot, the experienced Martin Harvey (several seasons in the Porsche GT3 Cup) and Rénald Hamelin, who started his Canadian racing career in the 1980s.

Once again, we find several veterans and drivers who simply want to participate and have fun  in a series with low price points  while  at the wheel of beautiful, high-performance production cars. With that said, it will also be interesting to follow the progress of the youngest drivers in the series: Marie-Soleil Labelle who is almost 20 years old, and returning for her second season, along with Vincent Lalande, who impressed during his debut last year at only 15 years old. After having perfected his experience in rally competitions where he has excelled in recent months, he will approach this new season in the Nissan Sentra Cup with confidence.

"I am happy to see that more than twenty drivers have once again entered for the tenth season of our series on Canadian tracks" mentions promoter Jacques Deshaies. "In addition, all the drivers who competed for the Micra class last year have acquired a Sentra to continue with us. It's a proof of loyalty for our series and I thank them for their involvement. I also believe that with so many Sentra's on the track, it will be an exciting season," he adds.

A season which, after the kick off at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), will pick back up at the beginning of July at the Complexe ICAR in Mirabel, Quebec, as part of the second edition of the Nissan Grand Prix. An event which was a great success last year and is highly anticipated by fans and competitors of the series.

"I am also looking forward to the 2024 Nissan Grand Prix with great enthusiasm," says the president of Nissan Canada, Steve Milette. "The Nissan Sentra Cup is entering its tenth season of activities in the country and with all these Sentra's on the track there is no doubt that the battle for the title will be thrilling. For fans of the Nissan brand, competitors, partners, I am confident that with six very promising events (three in Ontario, two in Quebec and one in the United States), we will have a show that meets expectations," he adds.

Two weeks after the Nissan Grand Prix, the Nissan Sentra Cup will make its debut on United States soil, on July 19 and 20 for two races at Lime Rock Park, in Connecticut. The always popular Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (August 9 to 11) will be the third event, followed by a second visit to the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park during the Labour Day weekend in early September, then the final round, which will take place in Ontario, at the Calabogie Motorsports Park, south-west of Ottawa. This site replaces the previously announced Circuit Mont-Tremblant. Calabogie will offer a unique challenge to competitors in the series since this track  has never  hosted a Nissan Sentra Cup race, nor season finale!

Both events held at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, will be broadcast live on the Nissan Sentra Cup Facebook page. During the first event, the Series' drivers will be on track Friday May 17 for three 30-minute practice sessions. On Saturday, a qualifying session will be presented from 8:40 a.m. and the green flag will be given on the first race of the 2024 season at 1:30 p.m., for 40 minutes of action. On Sunday May 19, the second 40-minute race will take place from 11:25 a.m.

For more information on the Nissan Sentra Cup, visit coupesentra.comOpens in a new tab. and the series' social media channels. To watch the 2023 season events on the web, go to the Nissan Sentra Cup Youtube pageOpens in a new tab..

2024 CALENDAR – NISSAN SENTRA CUP

May 17, 18, 19                     Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Bowmanville, Ontario
July 6 and 7                          Nissan Grand Prix, Complexe ICAR - Mirabel, Quebec
July 19 and 20                      Lime Rock Park, Connecticut (USA)
August 9, 10, 11                   Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, Quebec
August 30, 31, Sept. 1         Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Bowmanville, Ontario
September 27, 28, 29          Calabogie Motorsports Park, Ontario

Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan introduces extensive updates for 2025

MERCEDES-BENZ CANADA - Mercedes‑Benz continues to develop the EQS Sedan and its portfolio of all-electric vehicles with new updates and innovations incorporated more quickly than ever before. For 2025 model year, the EQS Sedan introduces numerous upgrades with a new larger battery for increased electric range, refined front fascia featuring a new grille design and Mercedes-Benz standing star on the hood, as well as new standard and optional equipment to enhance comfort for rear passengers. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan arrives at Canadian dealerships later in 2024.

All 2025 EQS Sedan models benefit from an all-new battery with an increased usable capacity of 118 kWh for improved electric range. In addition, new regenerative braking software enables greater energy recuperation.

Due to the high proportion of recuperation with regenerative braking, the brake discs in the EQS Sedan are used less often during regular driving compared to models with combustion engines. A special function helps maintain the brake system by automatically applying the pads to the discs from time to time.

Modern styling combined with the iconic Mercedes star

A distinguishing feature of Mercedes‑Benz all-electric vehicles is the deep black panel grille, which connects seamlessly with the headlights. The design of the EQS Sedan is now refined with a unique front fascia. The new grille design features flush-mounted chrome slats for an elegant contrast to the deep black surroundings. A new standing star on the hood – unmistakably Mercedes-Benz – and a standard AMG Line bumper provide further visual refinement.

Other exquisite details are also reflected in the interior of the EQS Sedan. Chrome accents now adorn the climate control vents on the B-pillars. The comfort pillows for rear passengers are enhanced with contrast stitching and Nappa leather piping.

Expanded rear comfort features

EQS Sedan models equipped with the optional Pinnacle Trim with Executive Interior Package feature a front passenger seat that can also fold forward to provide additional space for second row occupants, along with a backrest for the rear seat that can be adjusted up to 38 degrees. Rapid heating rear seats, neck and shoulder heating for rear passengers, as well as pneumatic adjustment of the rear seat depth are also included. Another exclusive element is the illuminated trim accents integrated into the back of the front seats.

Enhanced comfort also extends to the standard rear seats in the EQS Sedan. The angle of the backrest for the rear seats can be adjusted from 27 to 36 degrees at the touch of a button, and an additional 5.08 mm (0.2 inches) of foam has been added to the rear seat backrest. The layered design also visually emphasizes the individual comfort for passengers.

Did you know?…

...the MBUX Hyperscreen is standard on the EQS Sedan, as of 2024 model year. Three displays merge almost seamlessly into one another, creating a curved screen band over 55 inches wide.

...the standard heat pump increases climate comfort and efficiency. The waste heat from the electric drive (inverter and electric motor) and high-voltage battery can be used to heat the interior. This significantly reduces the need to utilize battery power for the heater and increases electric range.

...the Disconnect Unit (DCU) in 4MATIC models automatically decouples the electric motor on the front axle depending on the driving situation and the required performance. At low loads, the DCU switches to 4x2 driving mode. The electric motor and transmission on the front axle then come to a standstill, which increases electric range.

...the recuperation level of the EQS Sedan has been increased. The greater deceleration (up to 3 m/s2) means more energy recovered and therefore a greater range. Mercedes‑Benz has also optimized the braking system, starting with the 2024 EQS Sedan, for a better pedal feel thanks to a modified brake force cylinder.

...the EQS Sedan can be easily started and locked with the standard KEYLESS-GO comfort package and Digital Vehicle Key1 with compatible devices2. Key sharing is also possible.

...other models with the EVA 2 fully electric architecture (EQS Sedan, EQS SUV, EQE Sedan, EQE SUV) will also benefit from many of these improvements.

The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: exclusive and year-round open-air enjoyment

MERCEDES-BENZ CANADA - With the new CLE Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its long tradition of four-seater open-top dream cars. It combines dynamic driving characteristics with a high level of everyday comfort for year-round open-air enjoyment. The AIRCAP® electric wind deflector system and the AIRSCARF® headroom heating system are standard, and both systems have been further developed. They make open-top driving in cool outside temperatures more pleasant. The standard fabric acoustic soft top also contributes to year-round usability. It is available in black, red or grey. Its multi-layer structure with extensive insulation allows for optimal thermal comfort in all seasons. It also reduces wind and driving noise. The soft top opens and closes within 20 seconds up to a speed of 60 km/h. For the first time, its operation is completely electric, making it even quieter. The folded soft top is automatically separated from the remaining space in the luggage compartment.

As the largest convertible in the mid-size segment, the sporty two-door model offers a high level of long-distance comfort for four people. Its dimensions are: 4,850 millimetres long, 1,861 millimetres wide, 1,434 millimetres high and a wheelbase of 2,865 millimetres. Thanks to a 25 millimetre longer wheelbase, the CLE Cabriolet is significantly more spacious than the C-Class Cabriolet. Rear passengers, for example, benefit from 14 millimetres more leg room, 22 millimetres more shoulder room and 17 millimetres more elbow room. With a volume of 385 litres (295 litres with the top down), the trunk is extremely practical for everyday use. If required, this space is expandable using the folding rear seat backrests. Customers can conveniently fold them down from the trunk in a 60:40 split. The trunk can also be opened contactless thanks to HANDS-FREE ACCESS as standard. KEYLESS-GO is also part of the standard equipment. The vehicle doors lock and unlock by touching a door handle.

Sporty luxury in a class of its own

The freestanding 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display and the 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display in portrait format are eye-catchers in the interior. The latter can be electrically tilted from 12 to 32 degrees to prevent distracting glare when the soft top is down. Another highlight is the optional dynamic ambient lighting. Bands of light sweep from the cockpit over the doors and rear side panels to behind the rear seats. This stylish wraparound feel is enhanced by two further details: the top of the dashboard, the beltlines and the soft-top stowage lid are upholstered in black man-made nappa leather effect. Added to this is the chrome trim that runs around the entire passenger compartment.

To prevent the optional leather seats from heating up too much in the summer, they have a special coating which reflects the sun's near-infrared rays. As a result, the leather remains up to 12 degrees cooler in direct sunlight than untreated standard leather. Even with the top closed, the interior heats up less thanks to the cool seat covers. The standard AVANTGARDE Line offers ARTICO man-made leather in black. The front seats, developed exclusively for the CLE, have an integral sports seat design. In conjunction with the optional Burmester® 3D surround sound system, they each have two loudspeakers level with the head restraints. This premium sound system has a total of 17 loudspeakers.

Exceptionally interactive and customized

The entertainment offering is highly interactive and personalized. Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX offers a new level of personalization with automated convenience functions. At market launch, customers will be able to use templates for standard routines. Examples include "Cold days" (seat heating switches on at a certain outside temperature) or "Date night" (romantic music plays via Bluetooth audio; the ambient lighting turns pink). Users access the templates via a carousel in the central display. They can also create their own routines by linking several functions and conditions. They are able to do this on the central display and the resulting routines appear under the "My routines" menu heading.

Dynamic and comfortable driving experience

The chassis of the new CLE Cabriolet provides driving pleasure on winding roads. At the same time, it offers exceptional ride comfort on long journeys. The comfort suspension, which has been lowered by 15 millimetres, is standard. It combines a supremely comfortable ride with responsive, sporty handling. A sports suspension with an amplitude-selective damping system is available as an option.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet available in Canada offers a 2-litre inline 4-cylinder mild hybrid engine with integrated starter generator (ISG). The ISG also includes a 48-volt on-board electrical system that ensures functions such as coasting, boost and recuperation.

Sophisticated aerodynamics for maximum ride comfort

Open-top models such as the CLE Cabriolet face particular challenges in aerodynamic development. In addition to low aerodynamic drag, comfort properties take centre stage. These include reduction of draughts for all four passengers as well as acoustic comfort, which reduces annoying wind noise. Although the standard AIRCAP® reduces unwanted air turbulence when open, it is also a potential source of noise. Extensive fine-tuning in the wind tunnel led to an optimised design of the AIRCAP® system, which reduces noise to a minimum. The airflow is largely responsible for the final shape. This applies to the louvre geometry, the design of the radii and shapes in detail, the flow through the mesh fabric and the interaction with the rear wind deflector. Artificial heads and near-field microphones record all sounds precisely. At the same time, a dummy for analysing draughts measures the air currents close to the passengers' bodies. Both measuring instruments use data analysis to quickly and accurately detect and eliminate sources of error.

The requirements for the opening and closing of the soft top are also stringent. This function must work smoothly at speeds of up to 60 km/h. The soft-top system is subjected to even higher speeds in the wind tunnel. This is to ensure that the design functions reliably even in headwinds. No twisting or turning of any components is allowed, in order for them to reach the correct end positions. In addition, the entire system must seal acoustically. This includes the kinematics with its many moving parts, the gasket joints and all side windows including the guides. A new feature in the CLE Cabriolet is the seamless one-piece cover as the outer closure. In order to capture the acoustic contribution of the soft top, all body joints right up to the door handles are meticulously masked. The fabric roof must also retain its properties up to a top speed of 210 km/h, even if the wind load deforms it slightly at top speed ("ballooning,") at which the soft-top seals then have to work hard. Overall, the wind noise level has been further improved compared to the previous models.

Driving in the rain is also part of the specification. This is because the side windows must remain free of water film so that the view to the exterior mirrors is clear. However, the soft top has no rain gutters or rain mouldings like vehicles with a fixed roof. Precision work on the windscreen frame, the A-pillars and the exterior mirror covers of the CLE Cabriolet ensures that the rainwater is channelled so that the views to the mirrors remain as clear as possible.

Extensive safety equipment

Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the CLE Cabriolet meets all high internal safety requirements, which go beyond the legal regulations and are based on real-life accidents. Thanks to specifically reinforced bodyshell structures, the four-seater has a high level of structural safety even without a fixed roof. Added to this is the rollover protection system. Together with the rigid A-pillars, it is intended to ensure survival space in the event of an imminent rollover. The restraint systems also offer a high level of protection in the event of an accident. The new centre airbag between the two front occupants and the PRE-SAFE® system, which can prepare the occupants and the vehicle for an imminent collision, also comes as standard.

Numerous driving assistance systems, some of which have been further developed, can support drivers and thus relieve them. The standard equipment includes ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist and the Parking package with reversing camera. The Driving Assistance Plus package is available as an option. It includes more than 10 latest-generation assistance and safety systems.

Technical Specs at a Glance

			CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet
Displacement	cc		1,999
Rated power	hp		255
at	rpm		5,800
Additional power boost	hp		23
Rated torque	lb-ft		295
at	rpm		2,000-3,200
Additional torque boost	lb-ft		151
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	s		6.6
Top speed	km/h		210

Bronco Raptor's New Black Appearance Package Debuts, Overshadows a Total Solar Eclipse

FORD CANADA - Under dramatically darkened skies, and in front of owners at the Bronco Off-Roadeo Texas, Ford introduced the 2024 Bronco Raptor Black Appearance Package. A mix of Shadow and Matte black exterior features, the new option package gives the Bronco Raptor’s go-over-any-terrain capability a sinister new look.

The Black Appearance Package comes with a striking Shadow Black painted roof complemented by matching mirror caps, a painted roll bar, and fender flares, all in the same shade, to create striking contrasts with the Raptor’s bold paint catalog. Bronco Raptor also comes with a Matte Black steel bumper, skid plate, and tow hooks. 

 

The Shadow Black painted roll bar is reminiscent of the contrasting roll bar on the sixth-generation concept Bronco SUVs and the painted skid plate comes in response to current Bronco Raptor customers who have painted the skid plates themselves.

 

Unique Raptor body-side and hood decals round out the package’s C$6,995 MSRP, which customers can order at a dealer soon. 

 

“Customers choose Bronco Raptor for two reasons: its high-performance off-road capability and its distinctive appearance,” said Bronco Brand Manager Jason Hyde. “The Black Appearance gives them a look that stands out on any trail and under any sky, even a total solar eclipse.” 

 

Bronco owners will get the first look at the Bronco Raptor Black Appearance Package during an owner-exclusive event at Bronco off-Roadeo in Austin, Texas, at an appropriately dark time: under the backdrop of the April 8 total solar eclipse.

 

The Black Appearance Package follows the vibrant Code Orange package introduced in 2023. 

Mercedes-Benz Partners with The MICHELIN Guide to offer A Taste of the Future at unique dining events in cities across Canada

Exterior of restaurant shot with car, moss star logo and restaurant with guests inside

MERCEDES-BENZ CANADA - Canadian culinary talent shines with the stars in a new dining series created by Mercedes-Benz and The MICHELIN Guide. The dining series, A Taste of the Future, pairs chefs from Canadian MICHELIN-Starred restaurants with emerging Canadian culinary talent to create menus inspired by three key themes that are driving the future of automotive excellence at Mercedes-Benz: technology, aesthetics, and sustainability. The dining series was inspired by the relationship between tradition and innovation that exists in both culinary arts as well as automotive engineering.

"From the first Motorwagen all the way through to today's all-electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz has always been fuelled by a pioneering spirit. In partnership with The MICHELIN Guide, we are working with chefs who share that spirit and who are channelling it to create unique, unforgettable dining experiences," says Andreas Tetzloff, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Luxury customers trust the star as a symbol of excellence, whether it is a restaurant's MICHELIN Star or the iconic three-pointed star on a Mercedes-Benz vehicle."

"The MICHELIN Guide has long celebrated culinary innovation and excellence. The stars truly aligned for our partnership with Mercedes-Benz. The brand's values of quality, creativity, and innovation echo the characteristics of MICHELIN-Starred restaurants and the chefs that drive them," says Cara Cornelius, Vice President of Food and Travel Experiences for MICHELIN Americas.

Serving Up Innovative Collaborations with Esteemed and Emerging Canadian Chefs

Mercedes-Benz kicked off A Taste of the Future at Toronto's FRILU restaurant, the only restaurant in Canada to hold both a MICHELIN Star in recognition of its culinary excellence and a MICHELIN Green Star in recognition of its sustainable practices. The event was also a collaboration between FRILU's Executive Chef John-Vincent Troiano, and emerging culinary talents Chef Joel Gray and Hannah Harradine, co-founders of Down Home – a farm-to-table restaurant in Grey County, Ontario, that celebrates sustainable farming, foraging, and production practices, and uses collaborative tasting menus to tell the stories of local farmers and producers.

"I loved the unique challenge of collaborating with other Canadian culinary talent to craft a menu inspired by the key themes that are driving the future of Mercedes-Benz. The iconic brand, especially its luxurious electric vehicles, has been a rich source of inspiration," says John-Vincent Troiano, Executive Chef and Owner, FRILU.

"We're immensely grateful to Mercedes-Benz for shining a light on our dedication to sustainable fine dining," says Hannah Harradine, Co-founder of Down Home. "Our collaboration with Chef Troiano and the FRILU team was strengthened by our shared drive to innovate while maintaining standards of excellence – something we share with Mercedes-Benz, as well."

The result of the collaboration was a delectable, multi-course tasting menu that used local ingredients to create dishes inspired by Mercedes-Benz and its luxurious electric vehicles. For example, Chef Troiano's ‘Land, Sea, and Air' course featured ingredients representing each point of the iconic Mercedes-Benz Star. This three-pointed star began as a statement of intent, and today reflects the brand's environmental focus and sustainable business practices. Guests also enjoyed transportation to and from the event in technologically advanced, luxurious, electric vehicles including the EQB 350 SUV, EQE 350 SUV, EQS 580 SUV, EQS 580 Sedan, and AMG EQS Sedan.  

A Taste of the Future Continues in Vancouver and Montreal

The A Taste of the Future dining series will continue this spring with stops in Vancouver and Montreal.
J-C Poirier, Executive Chef at MICHELIN-Starred St. Lawrence in Vancouver will collaborate with emerging culinary talent, Chef Simon Mathys of Mastard in Montreal. The pair will create exclusive menus building on their innovative approaches to Quebecois and French cuisine with inspiration from technology, aesthetics, and sustainability – the key themes that are driving the future of automotive excellence at Mercedes-Benz.

With this dining series, Mercedes-Benz continues its commitment to celebrating emerging Canadian culinary talent. The relationship between Mercedes-Benz and The MICHELIN Guide began in late 2023, when Mercedes-Benz presented the MICHELIN Young Chef Award at The MICHELIN Guide Ceremonies in Toronto and Vancouver. The MICHELIN Young Chef Award recognizes emerging talent that consistently demonstrates culinary innovation. In 2023, the winners were David Schwartz of Toronto's Sunnys Chinese and Warren Chow of Vancouver's Wildlight Kitchen + Bar.

"Mercedes-Benz and MICHELIN have both built their legacies on a commitment to innovation. It's this commitment paired with strong visions for a more sustainable tomorrow that are driving these iconic brands into the future," says Tetzloff. "These dining experiences reflect our dedication to sustainability, while creating special moments that are uniquely Mercedes-Benz – from having our guests arrive at the event in electric vehicles crafted by Mercedes-Benz, to each unforgettable dish."

Canadians can learn more about A Taste of the Future by visiting www.mercedes-benz.ca/atasteofthefuture, and by signing up for news about Mercedes-Benz and the world of Mercedes-Benz luxury. 

Volvo Car Canada reports record sales of electrified vehicles in March

VOLVO CANADA - Volvo Car Canada reports double digit growth for the month of March, with sales of 1,179 vehicles, up 21.7 percent over the same period last year. For the quarter, the company sold 2,626 vehicles, up 5 percent.

The company reported sales of 589 Electrified vehicles (those with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain) up 131 percent, representing the most electrified vehicles sold in a single month.  Electrified models accounted for 50 percent of total sales. 

During the month of March, the XC60 compact luxury SUV was the top selling model accounting for 39 percent of overall sales, this led by record XC60 Recharge sales, up 669 percent.

“March results signal strong continued demand of our Electrified models,” said Matt Girgis, Managing Director, Volvo Car Canada. “This momentum brings a strong close to the quarter and sets us on solid ground as we approach the Spring.”

Polestar 4 electric SUV coupe makes North American public debut at the 2024 New York International Auto Show

POLESTAR - Polestar celebrates the North American public debut of Polestar 4, the all-new electric performance SUV coupe, at the 2024 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Polestar 4 has a starting MSRP of $64,900^[1] CAD for the Long range Single motor and $74,900^[1] CAD for the Long Range Dual motor with standard Pilot Pack. Polestar 4 will be available to order in North America beginning in late April 2024 with customer deliveries planned for the fourth quarter of 2024.

“Debuting Polestar 4 to the North American market on a stage such as the New York International Auto Show is a significant milestone for our brand,” said Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar North America. “Polestar 4’s innovative SUV coupe design offers the best of both worlds for those seeking the ultimate driving performance without sacrificing occupant comfort and a captivating exterior design. Together with Polestar 3, we transition from a one-car to a three-car company, with two luxury SUVs arriving this year.” These two SUVs are the result of what Polestar has set as its goal: combining performance and luxury in a new way, creating a new standard in the electric age.

 

Positioned between Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 in terms of size and price, Polestar 4 is the second SUV in the brand’s dynamic lineup as it rolls out its model offensive and grows from a one-car to a three-car company this year. The new addition transforms the aerodynamics of a coupe and the space of an SUV into a new breed of SUV coupe.

 

Polestar 4 features a plethora of standard content including 20-inch 5 V-spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, adaptive cruise control, 360 parking camera with 3D view, energy saving heat pump, front illuminated Polestar logo, e-latch doors, power operated tailgate with soft close, Polestar digital key, wireless phone charging, and 8-way electrical driver seat and 6-way electrical passenger seat.

 

Pilot Pack, which is standard on the Long range Dual motor variant, features Pilot Assist and Lane Change Assist. Pro Pack brings 21-inch Pro wheel with black seat belts with a Swedish gold stripe and Swedish gold valve stem caps.

 

Plus Pack provides customers with a graphical head-up display, automatically dimmed exterior mirrors, 12-way electrical seats with manual leg extension, electronic reclinable rear seats, MicroTech upholstery, 3-zone climate control, rear control and entertainment screen, heated steering wheel and rear seats, 11 kW AC charging, and Harman Kardon premium audio system.

 

Performance Pack is available on Long range Dual motor only and features 22-inch Performance forged wheels, Brembo brake calipers in Swedish gold, summer performance tires, Polestar engineered brake discs, Polestar engineered performance chassis, Swedish gold seat belts and valve stem caps.

 

Polestar 4’s innovative design maximizes aerodynamic efficiency with a low nose, retractable door handles, flush glazing with frameless windows, rear aero blades and airflow optimization around the rear light bar. The rear glass has been eliminated and replaced by a high-definition screen that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera, enabling a far wider field of view compared to what is found in most modern vehicles.

 

The fastest production car the brand has ever developed to date, Polestar 4 can accomplish a 0-100 kph sprint in 3.7 seconds^[2] and has a maximum power output of 544 hp. In line with the Polestar brand, driving dynamics and performance are a priority, with sharp steering and handling responses that result in a thrilling and nimble experience for all occupants.

 

The Long range Single motor variant features a rear-wheel-drive powertrain capable of delivering 272 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque with a preliminary range target of over 483 km EPA^[2]. A 102 kWh battery is fitted to both long range versions, with up to 200 kW DC and 11 kW AC charging included.

 

Polestar 4's infotainment system is powered by Android Automotive OS, and the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform now utilizes a 15.4-inch landscape-oriented screen.

Thanks to Google built-in, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, Polestar continues to offer a leading connected in-car experience. As with all other Polestar cars, regular over-the-air (OTA) updates allow for new features and improvements to be sent remotely to all vehicles.

 

Polestar recently announced the expansion of its manufacturing footprint into South Korea, through an agreement between Polestar, Geely Holding and Renault Korea Motors (RKM). Expected to begin in 2025, the agreement will bring contract manufacturing of Polestar 4 vehicles for the North American and domestic South Korean markets to RKM’s Busan, South Korea plant.

 

Polestar 4 premiered globally at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2023 and went on sale in Europe and Australia in January 2024. The vehicle joins the Polestar 2 fastback and Polestar 3 SUV in the brand’s electric lineup as it transitions from a one-car to a three-car company in 2024.

 

For more information on the Polestar 4 electric performance SUV coupe, please visit www.Polestar.com

 

Polestar 4 (prices in CAD)

Variant	Drivetrain	Battery capacity	Max charging speed, DC	Estimated Combined EPA range[2]	Power	Torque	0-100 kph	Price [1]
Long range Single motor	RWD	102 kWh	200 kW	483 km	272 hp	253 lb-ft	6.9s	$64,900
Long range Single motor w/ Pilot Pack	RWD	102 kWh	200 kW	483 km	272 hp	253 lb-ft	6.9s	$66,800
Long range Single motor w/ Pro Pack	RWD	102 kWh	200 kW	483 km	272 hp	253 lb-ft	6.9s	$67,400
Long range Single motor w/ Plus Pack	RWD	102 kWh	200 kW	483 km	272 hp	253 lb-ft	6.9s	$71,900
Long range Dual motor w/ standard Pilot Pack	AWD	102 kWh	200 kW	435 km	544 hp	506 lb-ft	3.7s	$74,900
Long range Dual motor w/ Pilot and Pro Pack	AWD	102 kWh	200 kW	435 km	544 hp	506 lb-ft	3.7s	$77,400
Long range Dual motor w/ Pilot and Plus Pack	AWD	102 kWh	200 kW	435 km	544 hp	506 lb-ft	3.7s	$81,700
Long range Dual motor w/ Plus and Performance Pack	AWD	102 kWh	200 kW	435 km	544 hp	506 lb-ft	3.7s	$87,500

 

1. Price does not include destination fee of $2,700 CAD.

2. Preliminary data. Final data to be confirmed at a later date.
3. Preliminary data. Certified range and energy consumption data to be confirmed at a later date.