VW future cars update: CrossBlue SUV and Cross Coupe SUV coming soon

Here is the update from the VW.ca website on the new upcoming diesel/electric hybrid vehicles. This will be a game changer. If priced correctly VW will be eating everyone's lunch as well as their desert.

CrossBlue SUV:



"Combining a TDI Clean Diesel engine with 2 electric motors to produce 305 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, while still getting a remarkable 2.7 L/100 km in electric mode.
A huge interior and three rows of flexible seating means the CrossBlue can carry everything you need, wherever you need to go."

Cross Coupe SUV:


"A TDI Clean Diesel engine, two electric motors and five distinct driving modes, all for your enjoyment. The result? 516 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and fuel consumption levels of just 2.7 L/100 km."

So as you can see this is pretty much the same engine and vehicle. Power comes from a 2 Liter common rail diesel engine and two brushless electric motors. The result is 305 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque with a 0-60mph (98km/h) in 6.5 seconds and a fuel consumption level of  2.7 L/100 km in electric mode.
What VW has done is cater one towards family friendly and the other towards a sporty single person. Nice job VW you got pretty much everyone on the planet who likes the looks and can afford the cost of one (undisclosed, rumored around $32,000 US). Great concept you have done a great job.
Further information on these vehicles can be found on VW.ca website at this link: http://www.vw.ca/en/models/concept-car/crossblue.html
There is also an older article from Sep. 2013 in Autoweek.com which discusses more the technical aspects of the vehicles: http://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews/volkswagen-crossblue-concept-first-drive

Winter tire tread, are they still safe to use?

As all of us know all winter tires will lose gripping power as their wear increases. Well at what tread depth level are they still safe to drive on in the winter?
Legally the answer is 2/32, but reasonably by the 4/32 the tire should be replaced.

Detailed information below is from Canadian Tire which explains winter tire tread depth the best:
6/32" -- Your tires have sufficient tread depth
5/32" -- Consider replacing your tires if wet road conditions are a concern
4/32" to 3/32" -- You should consider a tire replacement or monitor closely
2/32" (1.5mm) -- Your tires are considered legally bald and need to be replaced

Not all winter tires will wear out at the same speed, snow tires will generally last longer than models designed for icy conditions. Compound quality also plays a key role in tire durability. Most "ice tires" with the exception of Nokian's R2, the compound will only be good for the first 50% wear of the tire. After that point the special rubber compound looses it's grip, Michelin X-ice, Bridgestone Blizzack, Yokohama IG, and Toyo winter tires are just some examples. Not sure what secret compound Nokian uses in the R2 but it is throughout the entire tread life if the tire. If you are interested here is the article on those tires.
http://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/nokian-hakkapeliitta-r2-northern-comfort/

So how do you know how deep your tire tread depth is? There are several ways, here are the three most popular.
First, most newer tires produced incorporate a tire tread depth numeration system in the tire, an example below are my Nokian Hakkapeliitta5 tires. From the pictures you can see that the tread depth is 6/32 and moving towards 4/32 as they continue to wear the 6 will disappear.

Second, measuring your tires tread depth using a penny.
Canadian penny: Place a penny in the tire groove with the Queen’s crown facing down, if you can see the top of the Queen's crown you need to replace your tires.
The Canadian quarter (penny discontinued): Insert a 25¢ Canadian coin in one of the grooves with the caribou facing down. If you see the tip of its nose, it means the tread depth no longer meets 6/32 of an inch.

American penny coin: Turn the penny so that Lincoln’s head points down into the tread see if the top of his head disappears between the ribs. If it does, your tread is still above 2/32” . If you can see his entire head, it may be time to replace the tire because your tread is no longer deep enough.


Third, tire tread depth gauge, this is the most accurate way of measuring your tires tread depth.


Insert the pin of the gauge into the shallowest groove of the tread until the base of the gauge is flush with the tire, they read the scale.

Useful reading articles on tire tread depth:
http://tires.canadiantire.ca/en/info-centre/tireTreadDepth/
http://www.auto123.com/en/news/calculating-winter-tire-wear-and-preventing-premature-wear?artid=125534
http://www.continentaltire.ca/www/tires_ca_en/themes/contiacademy/tire_service_maintenance/tread_depth_en.html
http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tread-and-trend/drivers-ed/how-to-check-your-tire-tread-penny-test