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Roadside Reading : August 12th Edition

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Khatir Soltani
A Canadian BMW dealership deserted in 1988 still in perfect condition
The building, located in Oakville (Ontario) hides a real automotive treasure. In fact, in this abandoned BMW dealership rests – just to name a few – a brand new E28 5-Series and a 635CSi, both stored in a typical 80s German manufacturer showroom. The place is surrounded with mystery, since its history is still obscure. Some sources are claiming that someone comes every now and then to take care of the place, maybe a die hard fan of BMW! (more info Endras BMW)

Cadillac to launch the Converj, a Volt-based range-extended car
A General Motors employee revealed to Green Car Reports that the U.S. automaker is preparing to launch the Converj, a concept vehicle first seen at the 2009 Detroit auto show, under the Cadillac banner. It was recently given the green light by executives, who are aiming to introduce it for 2013 as a 2014 model. A "generation 1.5" Voltec powertrain based on the one currently used in the 2011 Chevy Volt will power the car. Some changes are expected to be made to better suit better Cadillac's performance image. The Converj name could also be replaced to support a three-letter classification, aligning with other of the brand's products. (more info Green Car Reports)

Lincoln to unveil MKZ concept at the 2012 NAIAS
The Lincoln MKZ is slowly coming to the end of its service life, and it was just a matter of time before we had to get bits and pieces of information about its replacement. Two insiders mentioned to Car & Driver that the Blue Oval will unveil a concept version of its mid-size sedan in Detroit auto show next January. It should be based on a new platform (offering either front-wheel drive or AWD) which will also serve as the basis for the new Fusion. Under the hood, V6 and four-cylinder EcoBoost engines – the latter will probably be the same used in the Ford Edge – are expected, while Max Wolff's new design direction should be "a clear evolution" compared to the current generation. (more info Car & Driver)

Toyota Tacoma to conquer the South Pole
Polar explorer Jason De Carteret, Lotus engineer Kieron Bradley and Canadian contest winner Jason Thomas will conquer the South Pole driving a highly modified Toyota Tacoma, aiming to beat the record for the fastest time to cross it. They are hoping to achieve this in less than 2 days, 21 hours and 21 minutes, a record currently held by Mr De Carteret himself. Powered by a 390-horsepower supercharged V6 engine, a five-speed automatic transmission and counting on the benefits of AWD, the mean looking pickup and the three men will have a rough challenge ahead of them. The adventure will begin on December 14, exactly 100 years after Ronald Amundsen and his four-member team crossed the South Pole. They had managed to do what nobody had done before in 57 days, pulled by sled dogs. (more info Popular Mechanics)

Audi gives us a taste of its urban concept
Here's a short video that will give you a better idea of what Audi will bring to the table at the Auto Frankfurt auto show next month.





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Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada