Peter Bleakney

Oakville

Auto Writer at Freelance

Bass player and auto journalist

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Articles

2025 Mini Cooper JCW Review

2 weeks ago | autotrader.ca | Peter Bleakney

Detailed ReviewYou know you’ve got the most potent Mini in the stable when the letters JCW are attached to it. The 2025 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) gains a fab new interior to go with an extra 44 lb-ft of torque compared to its predecessor and a smart dual-clutch automatic transmission — but it also loses its manual. Alas, it’s a sign of the times, it seems (for more proof, see the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI).
The A to Zs of Naming Your Kid After a Car (1)

1 month ago | autotrader.ca | Peter Bleakney

A treasure trove of names can be found in the automotive world. From elegant to lyrical, from trendy to traditional, from the sublime to the ridiculous, here are some unique baby names to consider. Junior never had it so good. Here are some suggestions from A to Z. Use at your own risk!Aztec - Perhaps you have a fascination with this ancient South American culture, you are a fan of Breaking Bad (Walter White drove a pathetic beige Pontiac Aztec) or your offspring is just heroically homely.
Sharing the Wealth: What Good is a Fancy Car if You Can’t Share It With Others?

1 month ago | autotrader.ca | Peter Bleakney

There’s no doubt about it: reviewing cars is a pretty cool gig. Sure, we can complain about jet lag (and get no sympathy), or whine about nutty schedules and brutal deadlines (no sympathy again), or try to convey the sad truth that when flying to cool exotic locales to drive expensive cars, we generally have barely enough time to drive the vehicle, take the pictures, and shoot video (no sympathy v3).
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan First Drive Review

1 month ago | autotrader.ca | Peter Bleakney

Now in its third generation, the Volkswagen Tiguan sees some big changes for 2025. As expected, Volkswagen’s entry in the highly competitive compact crossover segment follows the usual script: different dimensions, more power, increased screen size, and new technology. Perhaps what isn’t expected is its weight loss — it’s dropped 77 kg (170 lb) compared to its predecessor, although that’s because it’s slightly shorter than before.
eBay auctions off custom 1993 Porsche 911 for charity

1 month ago | driving.ca | Peter Bleakney

Canadian model Winnie Harlow, champion for Vitiligo Support International, gives custom 964 seal of approval at Miami F1 GP • • You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Article contentMiami is a nutty town. Take a healthy dose of flagrant excess, Latino flair, skimpy fashions, supercars never getting out of second gear, exotic cuisine, then bake under a hot sun. Quite a recipe.
2025 Lincoln Navigator gets improved body control, 24-inch wheels | Reviews

1 month ago | driving.ca | Peter Bleakney

2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label Atmosphere is the ritziest version of this flagship SUV • • You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Article contentI’m cruising up the San Diego Freeway in a 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label Atmosphere which, with a Canadian sticker of $169,000 (before taxes) is the ritziest version of Lincoln’s reimagined flagship SUV.
2026 Genesis GV70 First Drive Review

1 month ago | autotrader.ca | Peter Bleakney

Detailed ReviewLaunched just a few years ago, the Genesis GV70 came out of the box with its guns blazin’. This was a fully realized product that put the established luxury brands on notice, wowing with its refined drivetrains, slick styling, class leading interior, and incredible value. This compact crossover has been a darling of the pundits since its debut, winning more awards than Meryl Streep. About the only thing it doesn’t have going for it is a German legacy badge on its hood.
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI, Golf R Hatchback Review, First Drive - Reviews

2 months ago | driving.ca | Peter Bleakney

Is the VW Golf R worth 25% more than the GTI? • You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Article contentI’m chewing up a twisty rural Virginian road in the refreshed 2025 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn, its front end dutifully biting into the corners, the clever electronically controlled limited-slip front differential pulling me out with surprising vigor.
2025 Lincoln Navigator First Drive Review

2 months ago | autotrader.ca | Peter Bleakney

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator has been overhauled, with an all-new interior that features a full-width infotainment screen, plus the introduction of the brand’s Black Label treatment — an exclusive trim that pushes the posh (and price) beyond what was previously possible. While Black Label models have been available in the United States for a decade, Lincoln feels like the time is right to bring this elevated level of luxury and services to Canadian customers.
2025 Lexus TX Review

2 months ago | autotrader.ca | Peter Bleakney

Detailed ReviewNow in its second year on the market, the Lexus TX provides this premium Japanese brand a legitimate player in the luxury three-row crossover segment. Yes, the body-on-frame GX has a third set of seats, as does the larger LX, but neither of those hits the bullseye for family hauling. Based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, the Lexus TX lays on the posh and delivers all you’d want in a crossover this size: a roomy cabin, comfortable ride, and lots of modern amenities.