Genesis GV70 wins 2024 AutoTrader.ca award

GENESIS MOTORS CANADA - The winners of the 2024 AutoTrader.ca Awards were announced, with Genesis Motors Canada taking home another accolade. The 2024 Genesis GV70 and Electrified GV70 took top honours in AutoTrader.ca awards, being chosen as Best Compact Luxury SUV for the second year in a row.

After evaluating and considering every single new vehicle that’s available for sale in Canada, more than 20 automotive journalists from all over the country place their votes in over 30 categories. Overall, 12 key criteria are thoroughly analyzed - including design, innovation, engineering excellence, quality, and safety. Perhaps most importantly, the jury votes for vehicles they would feel confident recommending to their own family and friends.

The AutoTrader.ca Awards are considered by consumers to be among the most trusted and comprehensive automotive awards in Canada, with winners being chosen for setting a benchmark for their respective segments.

“As the Genesis lineup continues to expand into new segments and we continue along our ambitious journey towards electrification, we are very pleased that our newly launched models are so well received by the most respected experts in the industry,” says Eric Marshall, director of Genesis Motors Canada. “We are both humbled and grateful to the AutoTrader.ca team of voting jurors for recognizing our achievements and presenting us with such significant awards.”

The GV70 compact luxury SUV won its category in 2023 and was once again selected as the best in the segment for 2024. The vehicle impressed the jury once again with its winning combination of styling, composed yet dynamic driving sensibilities, luxurious interior, and intuitive integration of technology. In this increasingly competitive segment, they agreed that the compact luxury SUV continues to have what it takes to stand out ahead of the crowd. The Electrified GV70 builds upon this formula, but without a traditional internal combustion engine. Robust electric all-wheel drive propulsion provides unrelenting acceleration and balanced handling, which is wonderfully complemented by a smooth, serene driving experience that is well suited to a luxury vehicle. 

“The Genesis GV70 and Electrified GV70 embody the overall excellence that our expert jury is looking for when voting on the best vehicles,” says AutoTrader.ca Editor-in-Chief Jodi Lai. “The lineup’s winning combination of style, driving dynamics, and attention to detail is something Genesis can be proud of and the fact that this is a repeat win cements the GV70 lineup as one that’s tough to beat.”

Shaped by desire: the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLE

MERCEDES-BENZ CANADA - The new CLE Coupe: the essentials in brief

Shaped by desire: Mercedes-Benz is continuing its long tradition of sporty, elegant dream cars with a new, independent series. The new CLE Coupe uses the conceptual and technical innovations of the C-Class and E-Class. With its expressive design, exclusive comfort features for maximum individuality and confident, sporty driving performance, the new two-door coupe raises the bar for its segment. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Coupe will arrive in Canadian dealerships in early 20241 2. The CLE Cabriolet will follow for open-air connoisseurs by mid-20243.

Iconic design: The striking exterior design features a long wheelbase, well-positioned and strongly inclined A-pillar, a short front overhang and a slightly longer rear overhang, as well as pronounced shoulders and large wheel arches. The new CLE Coupe combines these sporty, elegant proportions with the modern design language of Mercedes-Benz. True to the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of Sensual Purity, the result is a powerful, dynamic design that embodies an emotional statement from every perspective.

Athletic appearance: The progressively forward-leaning front section ("shark nose") with a low-slung hood, unique, flat LED headlights and the newly designed, three-dimensional radiator grille contribute to the athletic yet highly elegant appearance. The strongly contoured power domes on the long hood denote the powerful engines with up to six cylinders. The vehicle's profile features a distinctive shaped edge. This character line runs from the headlight to the exterior mirror and from the rear light to the door handle. The muscular back end is characterized by flowing surfaces, smooth transitions and two-part LED taillights with new contours and three-dimensional light bodies.

Plenty of space: At 4,850 millimetres long, 1,860 millimetres wide and 1,428 millimetres high, the new two-door model is the largest coupe in the midsize segment. With its dimensional concept, including a 25 millimetre longer wheelbase, the CLE Coupe offers more space than the C-Class Coupe. Rear passengers benefit from 10 millimetres of additional headroom, 19 millimetres of additional shoulder and elbow room and 71 millimetres of additional knee room. The trunk volume offers approximately 60 litres of additional space and can easily accommodate three golf bags.

Sporty luxury: The interior features a free-standing 12.3-inch, fully digital driver display and 11.9-inch, driver-oriented central display in user-friendly portrait format. The enhanced 64-color ambient lighting, available standard, extends from the center console to beneath the outer air vents. In each of the doors, a strip of light runs along the contours of the armrest and beltline to the rear cabin. Another highlight is the front seats in integral sport design, developed exclusively for the CLE. With the optional (in Canada) Burmester® 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos®, the fronts seats are each fitted with two speakers at the level of the headrests to create an individual and immersive music experience.

Specific EASY-ENTRY function: For the first time at Mercedes-Benz, the front seats are unlocked with an elegant loop made of Nappa leather conveniently located at the upper edge of the backrest of the front seats.

Latest generation MBUX: The CLE Coupe adopts numerous digital innovations from the new E-Class. With new electronics architecture and the third generation MBUX infotainment system, it is the most intelligent coupe from Mercedes-Benz. It offers an exceptionally interactive entertainment experience with third-party apps and a new level of personalization.

Electrified driving experience: The available engines are exclusively mild hybrids with an integrated starter generator and 48-volt electrical system. In Canada, customers will have access to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain equipped on the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC.

Extensive safety: Numerous driver assistance systems, some of which have been further developed, offer situation-specific support for more safety. The extensive standard equipment includes ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Brake Assist and the Parking Package with reversing camera.

Unique Polestar 2 ‘Arctic Circle’ exhibits Swedish EV engineering expertise

POLESTAR CANADA - Polestar cars engineers its vehicles in extreme conditions in various places around the world – from the searing heat of Arizona to the bitter cold of northern Sweden. As a Swedish premium EV manufacturer, it is this especially cold environment where Polestar’s engineering expertise comes to the forefront and sets the brand apart.

 

Utilizing this expertise, Polestar chief chassis engineer – and trophy winning rally driver – Joakim Rydholm created the unique Polestar 2 ‘Arctic Circle’ as a one-off special version of the performance-oriented electric fastback, bringing winter rally inspiration to a Polestar for the first time. Rydholm has led the dynamic development of Polestar vehicles for over a decade and advocates tuning in this extreme winter environment.

 

“Tuning a chassis on snow and ice allows us to develop our cars in what feels like slow motion and with better accuracy,” says Rydholm. “With such low levels of grip, we can feel and analyze the dynamics at a much slower pace than on tarmac, which means we can really fine-tune the way our cars behave, down to the smallest details. These are my absolute favorite conditions to develop cars in.”

 

To make the Polestar 2 Artic Circle, a Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor with Performance Pack received several specific tweaks in order to be agile on snow and ice. Changes include: a raised ride height (+1.18 in / +30 mm), increased power and torque output (469 hp / 350 kW and 502 lb-ft / 680 Nm) and custom-made 19-inch studded winter tires (245/35 R19), each featuring 0.16 in / 4 mm metal studs (490 per tire).

 

The three-way performance Öhlins dampers were specially designed and tuned for this car together with Öhlins, including springs 30% softer than those found in a road-going Polestar 2. They are set to nine clicks front and rear – slightly softer than the standard Polestar 2 with Performance Pack setting – and the dampers feature auxiliary adjustment chambers. Front and rear strut braces have been fitted to increase torsional rigidity and steering responsiveness. The 4-piston Brembo front brakes from the Performance Pack are unchanged from the production vehicle. A prototype launch control system has also been integrated via steering wheel-mounted paddles. A carbon fiber snow shovel and a recovery strap are mounted in the rear of the car – winter accessories that are equally as stylish and functional.

 

Visually, rally inspiration includes the fitment of 19-inch OZ Racing wheels, four Stedi Quad Pro LED front lights and a unique exterior livery in matte grey and white. Inside, custom-upholstered Recaro front bucket seats in charcoal are accented by Ohlin’s “Swedish gold” branding. The front bumper features a carbon fiber skid plate for additional underbody protection.

 

“I wanted to have more fun than usual with this car – really being able to push it in terms of performance and handling in a winter environment like a frozen lake. The balance and predictability we have achieved with the raised ride height and specialized tires are particularly noticeable when you enter a bend completely sideways, with a bigger-than-usual smile on your face, and in total control,” said Rydholm.

 

Executed within the Arctic Circle at a latitude of over 66-degrees north, Polestar’s intense winter testing program runs annually for 15 weeks from December to March and sees teams of engineers pushing prototypes – and themselves – to the limit.

 

The Polestar 2 Arctic Circle is a unique showpiece and will not be put into customer production.

2022 INFINITI Q60 coupe complements captivating exterior with intuitive, standard wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility

INFINITI CANADA -  INFINITI's sleek coupe gets even more intelligent this year. The 2022 INFINITI Q60 coupe debuts this month with wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility across all grades.

Its newly standard tech inside complements a striking silhouette and dynamic drive. Every 2022 Q60 is powered by an award-winning 3.0-litre twin-turbo V-6 engine that produces 300 or 400 maximum horsepower. Offered in four exceptional grades: PURE, LUXE, RED SPORT I-LINE, and RED SPORT I-LINE ProACTIVE, the 2022 Q60 reasserts itself as a thrilling luxury performance sports coupe for discerning tastes.

The 2022 Q60 is expected to arrive in Canadian showrooms later this month for $51,095 MSRP to start, with other markets to follow later.

Performance with a purpose

Powered by an award-winning VR-series 3.0-litre twin-turbo V-6, the 2022 Q60 cements its position as INFINITI's premier luxury coupe with performance potential.

A V-6 engine that makes 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm paired to a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching powers the 2022 INFINITI Q60 PURE and Q60 LUXE grades. The engine produces 295 lb-ft of torque across nearly the entire rev range: 1,600-5,200 rpm for consistent and predictable power performance.

The high-performance Q60 RED SPORT I-LINE turns up the wick to 400 maximum horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft across the same slice of the rev range. Twin turbos that spin up to 240,000 rpm enable that performance and deliver on-demand response.

All-wheel drive is provided by INFINITI's Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system, which can reroute up to 50% of the available power to front wheels for enhanced road-holding or all-weather grip, as needed1. When possible, the system drives the rear wheels with 100% of the engine's available power for a classic sports coupe-type drive.

Two suspension systems offered on the Q60 give drivers flexibility and confidence to drive to their specifications. Standard on all Q60 models is a four-wheel independent suspension system with front aluminum double wishbones and a rear multi-link configuration. Dual flow path shocks are used at all four wheels, and 26.5-mm front and 20-mm rear stabilizer bars provide confidence while cornering. Exclusive to RED SPORT I-LINE models is a Dynamic Digital Suspension that delivers enhanced ride comfort and agility thanks to adaptive dampers that continuously adjust to provide ideal performance.

Enhanced tech, exceptional interior

In addition to standard wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, which is new for 2022, every Q60 is equipped with a high-resolution INFINITI InTouch dual touchscreen display and INFINITI InTouch Services telematics with Wi-Fi hotspot. Two illuminated USB connections (one Type-A, one Type-C) support USB-based Android Auto infotainment.

Semi-aniline leather-appointed seats are standard on Q60 LUXE and Q60 RED SPORT I-LINE grades. The latter offers Gallery White leather with Red and Gray stitching, Graphite leather with Red stitching, or the dynamic Monaco Red with Black accents and stitching. The 2022 Q60's stunning exterior colour palette includes Pure White, Black Obsidian, Graphite Shadow, Midnight Black, Majestic White, Grand Blue, Slate Gray, and show-stopping Dynamic Sunstone Red.

All Q60s feature advanced Active Noise Cancellation technology that hushes the cabin on long-legged cruises — that is unless drivers and passengers have different ideas.

A remarkable 13-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system with Bose Centerpoint surround signal processing is standard on Q60 LUXE and Q60 RED SPORT I-LINE grades. It fills the passenger cabin to the brim with deeply impactful audio from any source. Notes filter through polished metal speaker grilles that enhance the quality of the music reproduction as well as the interior aesthetics of the Q60. A rolling two-door personal concert hall? Perhaps.

Daring design

The 2022 Q60 carries forward the coupe's strength and style without sacrificing grace or elegance. The striking two-door proportions are enhanced by muscular body lines that flow across the body with subtle tension and attitude. INFINITI's double-arched grille is bookended by "human-eye" shaped headlights that reach back toward the front wheels.

The Q60's athletic rear-drive coupe proportions are punctuated by standard 19-inch wheels pushed to the corners with short overhangs. On Q60 RED SPORT I-LINE grades, exclusive 20-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels are even more expressive.

Further reserved for 2022 Q60 RED SPORT I-LINE coupes, Dark Chrome interior accents and Matte Black Carbon Fiber interior trim tack toward performance-minded shoppers with uptown tastes.

At the back, dual exhaust tips with chrome finishers accentuate the Q60's sporty potential. On Q60 RED SPORT I-LINE, brushed satin finishers are subbed in for an even more expressive sporty look. (If the sport brakes with red-painted calipers don't do it first.)

Four comprehensive grades

The 2022 INFINITI Q60 will be available in four well-equipped grades when it goes on sale in the fall.

The Q60 PURE starts at $51,095 MSRP and includes 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated front seats and steering wheel, brushed aluminum interior trim accents, leatherette-appointed seats, INFINITI InTouch dual touchscreens for infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, and much more. INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is standard on all grades.

The Q60 LUXE grade builds on that impressive roster with Bose Performance Series Audio, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Front and Rear Sonar System, Intelligent Cruise Control with Full-Speed Range, semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, remote engine start, navigation and more for $57,995 MSRP. This year, the Q60 LUXE grade is equipped with an expressive exterior appearance with unique 19-inch wheels and dark chrome exterior trim pieces.

For even more performance and expression, the 2022 Q60 RED SPORT I-LINE starts at $66,695 MSRP. It includes 20-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels, Digital Dynamic Suspension, fast ratio electronic power steering, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a performance exhaust, carbon fiber spoiler, and more.

Take it up a notch to the Q60 RED SPORT I-LINE ProACTIVE. Starting at $69,195 MSRP, this grade offers additional premium technology that includes Direct Adaptive Steering, Active Lane Control, Lane Departure Prevention, Adaptive Front lighting System, and more.

(MSRP excludes the Freight and PDE charge of $2,095.)

1. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive cannot prevent collisions or provide enhanced traction in all conditions. Always monitor traffic and weather conditions.