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NEW YORK - New York City's Taxi of Tomorrow vision is about to be realized in just a few months. Later this fall, the all-new and completely redesigned taxis are due on the city's streets.

This comes just two years after global car maker Nissan won a bid to redesign and supply the New York City fleet of cabs. Since then the company has been singularly focused on perfecting the vehicle for passengers, drivers, and owners.

Recently the final official milestone meetings for key stakeholders took place in Manhattan. It was a chance for the Taxi & Limousine Commission, drivers and inspectors to react to the Taxi of Tomorrow prototype before production starts.

This meeting, like the many before it, was designed to further refine the vehicle before it is put into service for the more than 600,000 people who hail a cab in NYC each year.

"Seeing the knobs and buttons put in place, seeing the screen where it is, seeing the whole thing come to life is really exciting. And that was just sitting in the back seat. When we started rolling, it really came to life," said Andrew Salkin, deputy commissioner operations, NYC Department of Finance.

Nissan says that from powertrain, to chassis, to interior fit and finish, the Taxi of Tomorrow demonstrates the type of innovative spirit that goes into all Nissan vehicles, on the city streets of New York and around the world.

I had the pleasure of being invited to an exclusive media day session for kartSTART, an exciting one day driving course involving go-karts. I heard about this place before, but it’s not that often I go-kart.

The invitation read that kids over eight-years-old are welcome, so I was excited to ask some family members who can share in this unique family experience. My nine-year-old cousin, Jacob was the perfect candidate, as I just heard he started go-karting just a month prior. It didn’t take long to get a response that he and his dad were in and we were all pumped to go!

What I was most enthusiastic about was for kartSTART to provide Jacob with essential driving tools to better his driving performances when he goes racing. Kids like to race in go-karts, but in most cases they don’t have the patience to learn what racing line to take, how to use the chicanes to their fullest and adopt an overall proper driving technique.

Not a big surprise, but we were one of the first groups to arrive that Sunday morning to the event held at Sunset Speedway in Innisfil, Ontario. The hosts led by director and owner of the program, Russ Bond and PR director and performance driving instructor, Juliana Chiovitti greeted us and brought us in to their lounge area for some much needed coffee and breakfast before the learning session. Waiting for us there were brand-new and shiny kartStart racing suits – a nice break from sweaty used ones!

Russ Bond took control from there and preached safety through education. The plan was to start with the go-karts in the morning learning the proper way to drive without anti-lock brakes (ABS) or traction control. “If you don’t spin, you’re not testing the go-Kart,” Bond said. 

After that the program shifts its focus to the adults in actual Toyota vehicles to learn about Toyota’s STAR safety systems. The kartSTART program is supported by Toyota, so it only made sense to bring out the Highlander and Avalon for their demonstrations.

Let’s get back to the go-karting…

We were separated into two groups and led out to the Sunset Speedway track for three different racing sessions. I was happy to hear we were all going to participate and test our skills out. 

Helmets were on, we were strapped in the go-karts and ready for some action. Jacob followed a lead instructor around showing him the correct racing lines, braking points and cornering positions on a slower first lap pace to get the feel of the track. With each session, Jacob had more freedom to have at it and that he did. For a nine-year-old he impressed the driving instructors and in particular Mr. Bond…I had to say it once. Jacob never spun out and turned those corners like a pro. Sometimes all you need is that little extra guidance along the way to better your driving techniques.

Like any kid, Jacob wanted to race more and wasn’t satisfied with just the three sessions, heck, I wasn’t either, but it was lunch time and soon time to get educated on Toyota’s safety features. 

Toyota has been a leader in safety, which is at the top-of-the-wish list for any family buying a vehicle. They have plenty of safety features such as vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brake force, but for our demonstrations we would be focusing on ABS and Smart Stop Technology (SST) in the Toyota Highlander. 

After a brief talk by Bond – we all knew the key would be in the demonstrations, so we headed back to the track. The ABS was tested first at a speed of 65 km/h and they worked perfectly stopping in 1-2 seconds inside of the hand-made braking zone. You never know what can happen out there on the road and it’s nice to see that the ABS can save you some costly damages or worse.

The next step was a bit different and one I’ve never experienced before. That was Toyota’s advanced SST system that reduces engine power when both the accelerator and brake pedals are simultaneously pressed and if you press it long enough the vehicle will come to a quick and complete stop. Not that you really want to do this on the road, but it actually works even at 55 km/h and brakes at a much smoother pace than pounding the brakes on the ABS test. In real life terms, SST can be a useful tool for drivers that need to shift from braking to acceleration when climbing a steep hill to avoid any rollback. 

kartSTART provided a great experience for the whole family and at the end of the day, we all took some knowledge with us whether it was from the go-karts or Toyota’s STAR safety features. If you’re looking for some family fun and something unique – I would definitely recommend the kartSTART program. It has something for everyone and can provide your child or teenager with their first driving experience that they will always remember. You never know if you start them young, they could turn out to be the next James Hinchcliffe.

To try out the kartSTART program, go to kartstart.ca and register.

Here’s the 2013 program schedule that begins July 16th.

2013 Program Schedule

ATLANTA, GA - The Porsche 911 resolves apparent contradictions like no other sports car – such as between tradition and innovation or between exclusivity and high social acceptance, and of course between performance and efficiency. And so, Porsche is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 911 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt with a special anniversary model based on the 911 Carrera S: like the original 911, the 911 50th Anniversary Edition is a coupe with a flat-six rear engine and rear wheel drive. Its efficient performance, active sport suspension – and special body have current relevancy: the anniversary 911 features the wide body, which is typically reserved for the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models. This special edition will be limited to 1963 cars, a number that represents the year of the 911 world premiere.

For the US market, the 911 50th Anniversary Edition will be equipped as standard with a Powerkit, which increases engine performance to 430 hp and includes the Sport Chrono Package.  The 911 50th Anniversary Edition sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds (3.8 with PDK) and can reach a top speed of 186 mph (185 with PDK). The limited edition models will be available at Porsche dealers this fall and will be priced from $124,100, not including a $950 destination charge.

Porsche will present the limited edition model in time for the 50th anniversary of the 911 at the IAA motor show in Frankfurt, which opens its gates to the public on September 12, 2013. In 1963, Porsche presented the original model to the public at this leading international show for the automotive industry. Since its first presentation – initially as the type 901 – the sports car icon has excited automotive fans across the globe, and today it is considered the reference for all other sports cars. Since making its debut in 1963, the model series has progressively developed without interruption. In the process, the unique character of the 911 was always preserved. The result of this evolution over a 50-year period – which included countless race victories as well – is a sports car that fully embodies the authenticity of the Porsche brand. Its DNA is reflected in all Porsche models.

This limited edition of the 911 Carrera S includes features that have contributed to the 50-year success story of the 911. For example, the limited edition includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with special tuning to complement its increased track width and to add support to the exceptional cornering dynamics of the 911. The sport exhaust system outputs a fitting emotional sound. Special 20-inch wheels are a visual tribute to the legendary "Fuchs" wheels and are finished in matte black paint with machine-polished centers. Chrome trim strips on the front air inlets, the fins of the engine compartment grille and the panel between the rear lights emphasize the distinctive appearance of this limited edition model. Another technical highlight of the car's equipment is the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) with bi-xenon headlights and dynamic cornering lights.

Two unique colors are available for the anniversary 911, a darker graphite grey and a lighter geyser grey metallic. In addition black monochrome is also available. Each of the cars has a two-tone 3D-effect badge on the rear lid with the numbers "911 50". This is repeated in three color embroidery on the headrest and in two colors as a logo on the tachometer and the aluminum door sill plates. It can also be found on the cup holder panel together with the limited edition number of the individual vehicle. Other exterior characteristics of the special model are high-gloss window frames and sport design exterior mirrors on the doors panels.

There are tributes to the original 911 in the interior as well: green labeling on the instruments with white pointer needles and silver caps on the instrument pivot pins, just like 50 years ago. Another special feature is the center panels of the leather seats, which are designed with a fabric pattern reminiscent of the "Pepita" tartan design from the 1960s. The full-leather interior is designed in agate grey or black with decorative stitching, some in contrasting color. The driver and front passenger experience typical 911 driving fun in 14-way sport seats or optional 18-way sport seats plus. The gear shift or selector lever – which matches the decorative panels on the dashboard, doors and center console in brushed aluminum – comes from the Porsche Exclusive program.

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) is poised and ready to hold its second annual Eco Run this week from June 4th to 6th. Last year, AJAC ventured through Ontario from Brighton to London, but this year the drive will go from the nation’s capital of Ottawa into the province of Quebec eventually ending in Montreal.

The Eco Run is a driving campaign that follows a specific route showcasing different technologies in the automotive industry. There are 22 vehicles involved that range from pure electric vehicles to hybrids to diesel engines and more with the purpose of creating fuel-efficiency awareness and providing consumers with objective research. The range of vehicles will allow consumers to learn about alternative, more fuel-efficient vehicles and gain insight on which type of vehicle can suit their needs.

The Eco Run is not all about cars. The other aspect of the experience is learning how to drive more fuel efficiently. There’s no race involved, but there will be a green jersey competition between the 22 AJAC drivers involved in the event, similar to the yellow jacket in the Tour de France cycling event. The green jersey will be awarded to the driver who exemplifies the best eco-friendly driving.

Stay tuned throughout the week for more info on the AJAC Eco Run through our twitter handle @thedrivermag and @david_miller11.

Here’s the list of the vehicles involved in the Eco Run:

Ford Focus EV

Ford Fusion Energi

Ford C-MAX Hybrid

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Porsche Cayenne Diesel

Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid

Mazda3 SkyActiv

Mazda6 SkyActiv

Mazda CX-5

Mitsubishi I-MiEV

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Dodge Ram 1500 HFE

Infiniti M35 Hybrid

Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

Chevrolet Volt

Smart ForTwo electric 

Mercedes-Benz B250

Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 BlueTEC

Lexus ES 300h

Toyota Prius v

Kia Rio 5-Door LX + Eco

Subaru Forester