French Open winner Maria Sharapova was driven to the glamorous Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Pre-Wimbledon Party in the Porsche 918 Spyder – the Stuttgart marque’s fastest, most powerful production car to date, and one of the lowest-emitters of CO2 of any class of car.

Fresh from his drive in the Le Mans 24 Hours race, Sharapova’s chauffeur for the night was Porsche factory ‘works’ driver, Mark Webber, complete in smart chauffeur attire.

Sharapova, a Porsche Ambassador, was collected from The Goring Hotel in Belgravia and driven by Webber to the prestigious event at Kensington Roof Gardens in West London.

Being driven in the most powerful Porsche road car to date, by arguably the world’s fastest chauffeur, was an experience savoured by Sharapova. Speaking about the drive, she commented: “What a fantastic way to arrive at the party. To be in the fastest Porsche with a racing driver like Mark is amazing. And it’s great also to be driving in a city like London running only on electric power – it’s an unbelievable car!”

Webber was equally impressed by the car. The Porsche World Endurance Championship driver said: “Having just driven the Porsche 919 Hybrid race car at Le Mans last weekend, I already know that this technology can produce incredible results. The 918 Spyder is the closest thing to a road-going version, and it’s just as amazing – especially as it can be driven into London for free. And of course it’s great fun to drive Maria around in it!”

The 918 Spyder has a mid-mounted 4.6-litre V8 race engine coupled to two electric motors with lithium-ion batteries. It is a remarkable plug-in hybrid super sports car that can reach a top speed of 344 km/h, sprint from zero to 100km/h in 2.5 seconds, and yet at 72 g/km (70 g/km with the lightweight Weissach Package) produces so little CO2 that it is exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

It has a total power output of 887 hp and holds the current lap record for a production car at the famous Nürburgring race circuit of just 6 minutes 57 seconds. Despite all that performance, its plug-in hybrid technology means a low fuel consumption of 3.0 L/100kms is possible.

The GT4 Stinger provides a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia’s future…

MINI John Cooper Works Concept
MINI John Cooper Works Concept
MINI John Cooper Works Concept
MINI John Cooper Works Concept

Detroit…

Flocks of international journalists roamed the floors of COBO Hall in downtown Detroit on the occasion of the 25th annual North American International Auto Show.

With a plethora of automotive goodness under one roof, it’s hard to narrow down which ones to focus on. After all, there are concepts, production vehicles and much more. And there are a lot of them.

To kick things off on my list, let’s start with some concepts.

Ah, MINIs. For over a decade, they have been romping the streets and causing people to smile, whether driving them, sitting in them or watching them.

At the NAIAS, the masses were introduced to the MINI John Cooper Works Concept. Not a whole heck of a lot of information was released but you can bet your bottom dollar that it’ll be fast. There are large air inlets, 18-inch wheels and the unmistakable MINI silhouette and face. It’s built as much for the road as it is the track. Did I mention it’ll be fast? Until the production vehicle is produced, we will just have to be patient and wait for pricing, specs and all the fun stuff.

Kia certainly drew the crowds when it came to their GT4 Stinger Concept.

**********

“The Best and Brightest of the 2014 Detroit Auto Show” by Keith Morgan (January 17, 2014)

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According to Kia, the “GT4 Stinger was conceived by the “gearheads” in Kia’s Irvine, Calif., design studio, birthplace of iconic concept vehicles such as the Track’ster and Cross G.”

The rear-wheel drive, 2+2 sports car, had a powerful stage presence. And also packs a healthy dose of 315 horsepower from a turbocharged, 4-cylinder powerplant.

The Korean carmaker mentions that there are no pending plans to bring this particular car to market, however, Kia has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to the concept that preceded them, and the GT4 Stinger provides a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia’s future.

And if it’s the future we’re after, it looks good.

Kia GT4 Stinger Concept

Moving from fantasy to fiction, we have the Honda Fit.

It’s a spectacular little car and has been a popular selling vehicle in Canada. And it’s all new for 2015.

Up front, the Fit sports a new grille and headlight design. Around back, there are rear reflectors and LED taillights run along the hatch with a chrome tailgate garnish and rear diffuser.

Furthermore, Honda keep’s their exclusive Magic Seat, which offer multiple configurable seating positions. Translation, the Fit provides an unrivaled 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the second row seats are folded flat.

It also gets a bump in horses. Included is an all-new direct-injected 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 130 horsepower and 114 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s an increase of 13 horsepower and 8 lb.-ft. of torque in comparison to the outgoing engine.

Honda Fit
Honda Fit
Honda Fit
Honda Fit

The VW Golf R is no stranger to Canadians. It has been sold here in the Great White North for the last couple of years. But they’re kind of like the tooth fairy. You hear about them, but you rarely see them. Why? Because they were sold in limited quantities. Meaning only a few hundred were allocated for Canada.

But I’m hoping such is not the case with the upcoming 2015 Golf R. Making its debut at the show, you can liken it to a donut. A donut that is fat free, calorie free and has sprinkles on top. Yes, it’s just that delicious.

The all-wheel drive 5-door has plenty of appeal. But with the option of outfitting it with a 6-speed DSG with paddle shifters (it was previously only available with a 6-speed manual,) it might just reach out to a few more takers. That’s if we can get our hands on them. Oh, and there’s an allotment of 290 horsepower, too. Yum.

VW Golf R
VW Golf R
VW Golf R
VW Golf R

Speaking of cars with four cylinders and all-wheel drive, the Golf R has some competition lined up in the form of the Subaru WRX STI.

With a 305 horsepower horizontally-opposed turbocharged boxer engine, multi-differential controllable all-wheel-drive system, and a six-speed gearbox, those looking to take shortcuts off the beaten path can do it. And do it in style.

Contact: alexandra [dot] straub [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

Subaru WRX STI

*The best and brightest from the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, from American muscled classic like the Corvette and the Mustang to the newest from Toyota, Fiat, KIA, and Mini’s John Cooper Works…

2015 Chrysler 200: Chrysler’s answer to the mid-size sedan challenge from the likes of the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord. Due later this year.

2015 Chrysler 200: Chrysler’s answer to the mid-size sedan challenge from the likes of the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord. Due later this year.

2015 Corvette Stingray: The all-new Corvette Stingray—the seventh generation, or C7, as it is known, scooped the North American Car of the Year award at the Detroit show.

2015 Corvette Stingray: The all-new Corvette Stingray—the seventh generation, or C7, as it is known, scooped the North American Car of the Year award at the Detroit show.

2015 Corvette Stingray: The all-new Corvette Stingray—the seventh generation, or C7, as it is known, scooped the North American Car of the Year award at the Detroit show.

2015 Corvette Stingray: The all-new Corvette Stingray—the seventh generation, or C7, as it is known, scooped the North American Car of the Year award at the Detroit show.

2015 Corvette Stingray: The all-new Corvette Stingray—the seventh generation, or C7, as it is known, scooped the North American Car of the Year award at the Detroit show.

2015 Corvette Stingray: The all-new Corvette Stingray—the seventh generation, or C7, as it is known, scooped the North American Car of the Year award at the Detroit show.

2015 Ford Mustang: The Mustang has won the best production car award at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. It will arrive in dealerships worldwide in the fourth quarter of the year.

2015 Ford Mustang: The Mustang has won the best production car award at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. It will arrive in dealerships worldwide in the fourth quarter of the year.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe: The Coupe is an all-new car, based on the popular new ATS sedan. Should be in dealerships by the summer.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe: The Coupe is an all-new car, based on the popular new ATS sedan. Should be in dealerships by the summer.

2015 Acura TLX prototype: The production model will replace the TL and TSX this summer. The TLX. designed by Acura's California design studio, will be available with a  2.4-litre I4 engine or 3.5-litre V6.

2015 Acura TLX prototype: The production model will replace the TL and TSX this summer. The TLX. designed by Acura’s California design studio, will be available with a 2.4-litre I4 engine or 3.5-litre V6.

2015 Porsche Targa4: The design pays subtle homage to classic versions but a very contemporary engine powers it. The options are a 3.4 litre with 345 horsepower or a 3.8 litre with 395 hp.

2015 Porsche Targa4: The design pays subtle homage to classic versions but a very contemporary engine powers it. The options are a 3.4 litre with 345 horsepower or a 3.8 litre with 395 hp.

2015 Porsche Targa4: The design pays subtle homage to classic versions but a very contemporary engine powers it. The options are a 3.4 litre with 345 horsepower or a 3.8 litre with 395 hp.

2015 Porsche Targa4: The design pays subtle homage to classic versions but a very contemporary engine powers it. The options are a 3.4 litre with 345 horsepower or a 3.8 litre with 395 hp.

2015 Porsche Macan: The German performance car manufacturer’s all new entry level crossover-sport ute.

2015 Porsche Macan: The German performance car manufacturer’s all new entry level crossover-sport ute.

2015 Ford F150: Ninety-three percent of that new body is made from an aluminum alloy similar to what the US military uses in its M2 Bradley fighting vehicles and Humvees. A new 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 option is added to the engine lineup and it features auto start-stop.

2015 Ford F150: Ninety-three percent of that new body is made from an aluminum alloy similar to what the US military uses in its M2 Bradley fighting vehicles and Humvees. A new 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 option is added to the engine lineup and it features auto start-stop.

2015 Honda Fit: The new fit gets a 1.5-litre, direct-injection four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. Fuel consumption is estimated to be a miserly 7.13/5.74 L/100km (city/highway).

2015 Honda Fit: The new fit gets a 1.5-litre, direct-injection four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. Fuel consumption is estimated to be a miserly 7.13/5.74 L/100km (city/highway).

2015 Hyundai Genesis: The all-new, second-generation Genesis Sedan offers luxury at sticker price in the low $40,000 mark. The engine options are a 5.0-litrer V8 or a 3.8-litre V6.

2015 Hyundai Genesis: The all-new, second-generation Genesis Sedan offers luxury at sticker price in the low $40,000 mark. The engine options are a 5.0-litrer V8 or a 3.8-litre V6.

Audi All Road Shooting brake concept: Based on the forthcoming TT, this concept uses the S3's 2.0TFSi engine of 292hp. It also gets a hybrid motor between the engine and the S-Tronic transmission.

Audi All Road Shooting brake concept: Based on the forthcoming TT, this concept uses the S3’s 2.0TFSi engine of 292hp. It also gets a hybrid motor between the engine and the S-Tronic transmission.

BMW i8: A supercar in eco-clothing. The i8 is a hybrid electric car set for launch this summer.

BMW i8: A supercar in eco-clothing. The i8 is a hybrid electric car set for launch this summer.

BMW i8: A supercar in eco-clothing. The i8 is a hybrid electric car set for launch this summer.

BMW i8: A supercar in eco-clothing. The i8 is a hybrid electric car set for launch this summer.

Fiat L: This Fiat L crossover, based on the popular 500, is ready for the beach.

Fiat L: This Fiat L crossover, based on the popular 500, is ready for the beach.

John Cooper Works MINI 01: Yet another iteration of the BMW-produced sub brand. This souped-up version of the new MINI will make it to the production line.

John Cooper Works MINI: Yet another iteration of the BMW-produced sub brand. This souped-up version of the new MINI will make it to the production line.

KIA GT4 Stinger 01: It’s a 2+2, rear-drive coupe with a detuned version of the 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder. No plans for production, says KIA. Nobody believes that!

KIA GT4 Stinger: It’s a 2+2, rear-drive coupe with a detuned version of the 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder. No plans for production, says KIA. Nobody believes that!

KIA GT4 Stinger 01: It’s a 2+2, rear-drive coupe with a detuned version of the 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder. No plans for production, says KIA. Nobody believes that!

KIA GT4 Stinger: It’s a 2+2, rear-drive coupe with a detuned version of the 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder. No plans for production, says KIA. Nobody believes that!

Lexus LF-NX: This concept previews the look of the next small SUV from Lexus.

Lexus LF-NX: This concept previews the look of the next small SUV from Lexus.

Lexus LF-NX: This concept previews the look of the next small SUV from Lexus.

Lexus LF-NX: This concept previews the look of the next small SUV from Lexus.

Lexus RC 350: A 3.5-litre, 450-plus horsepower V6 engine will power the RC350.

Lexus RC 350: A 3.5-litre, 450-plus horsepower V6 engine will power the RC350.

Nissan IDx: This rear-wheel-drive IDx concept, which resembles the olf 510, will likely go into production in 2016.

Nissan IDx: This rear-wheel-drive IDx concept, which resembles the olf 510, will likely go into production in 2016.

Nissan Sport sedan concept: A new design direction for Nissan, offered just before the new Maxima is revealed.

Nissan Sport sedan concept: A new design direction for Nissan, offered just before the new Maxima is revealed.

Toyota FCV: A hydrogen fuel cell powered car, expected in late 2015.

Toyota FCV: A hydrogen fuel cell powered car, expected in late 2015.

Toyota FTI: This wild, sporty car draws inspiration from the now defunct Celica and Supra.

Toyota FTI: This wild, sporty car draws inspiration from the now defunct Celica and Supra.

Toyota FTI: This wild, sporty car draws inspiration from the now defunct Celica and Supra.

Toyota FTI: This wild, sporty car draws inspiration from the now defunct Celica and Supra.

Toyota FTI: This wild, sporty car draws inspiration from the now defunct Celica and Supra.

Toyota FTI: This wild, sporty car draws inspiration from the now defunct Celica and Supra.

Volkswagen Dune concept: A dune buggy version of the popular VW Beetle.

Volkswagen Dune concept: A dune buggy version of the popular VW Beetle.

Volvo XC Coupe concept: This crossover from Volvo may just see the light of day.

Volvo XC Coupe concept: This crossover from Volvo may just see the light of day.

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