4 - RPM Canada

Transcription

4 - RPM Canada

MAKE YOUR SPORTS CAR
YOUR ONLY CAR.
THE ALL-NEW 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE 4-DOOR SPORTS CAR.
There was a time when having a 300 HP V6 engine, luxurious leather interior
and four-door entry meant having two cars. Now, there’s a cure for such excess.
D-shaped Steering Wheel | Driver Oriented Cockpit | Xtronic CVT with Manual Mode
Starting from $35,900*
Nissan.ca/2016maxima
Available features. *Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Dealership may sell for less. Equipment, specifications and price are subject
to change without notice. Starting from MSRP does not include Freight & PDE of $1,720 taxes, levies (including air and tire levies, where applicable),
duties, other fees (including dealer administration fees), license, insurance or registration (all of which may vary be dealer and/or region). Please see
dealer for details. Prices shown not applicable in Quebec. 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum shown with an MSRP of $35,900. The Nissan names, logos,
product names, feature names, and slogans are trademarks owned by or licensed to Nissan Canada Inc. and/or its North American subsidiaries.
Contents
Genuine Contender
The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V is set to give its
German rivals a run for their money ...pg 12
Golf R
The Volkswagen
Golf R is a true
hot-hatchback
...pg 36
Civic
AJAC
AJAC uses Test
Fest to determine
the Canadian Car
of the Year Finalists
...pg 18
SEMA
The storied Civic
enters its 10th
generation in 2016
...pg 26
ALSO
INSIDE
Scat Pack
Starting Lines-------------------------------------- 4
RPM Test Fleet------------------------------------24
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander----------------------30
The Truck Guy ------------------------------------31
Porsche 911 GTS 4 Cabriolet-------------------32
The latest and
greatest from
the 2015
SEMA Show
... pg 38
Our test drive of
the Dodge
Challenger Scat
Pack Shaker
model ...pg 28
MX-5
The Mazda
MX-5 has been
completely
redesigned for
2016 ...pg 21
Lexus IS350---------------------------------------34
Classic Corner------------------------------------42
New Product Showcase-------------------------43
Parting Shots-------------------------------------46
RPM Dec 15 / Jan 16 Volume 17, Issue No. 6
December 2015/January 2016
BMW Unveils the all-new
2016 M2 Sports Coupe
Publisher / Editor:
Dean Washington
[email protected]
Associate Publisher:
David Symons
[email protected]
Managing Editor
Jordan Allan
[email protected]
Circulation:
Brenda Washington
[email protected]
Copy Editor
Gerry Frechette
[email protected]
Sales & Marketing
Elaine Fontaine
[email protected]
Contributing Writers/Photographers:
Jordan Allan
Gerry Frechette
Ian Harwood
LJ Koch
Nigel Matthews
Russell Purcell
Benjamin Yong
RPM IS AVAILABLE
AT THE FOLLOWING:
VALUE-ADDED &
FORWARDING
PARTNERS
BMW has decided to place an M badge on the popular 2-Series lineup and has created the newest
member of its product family, the BMW M2. Under the hood of the all-new model will be a 3.0-litre inline
6-cylinder engine that features the innovative M TwinPower Turbo technology along with other features
such as High Precision Direct Injection, variable camshaft timing (Double-VANOS) and VALVETRONIC
variable valve lift control. The engine produces an impressive 365 horsepower along with 343 lb-ft, which
will feel like even more in a car that weighs only 3,450 lbs (1,565 kg). Putting power from the engine
to the wheels is a choice of either a standard six-speed manual transmission which uses carbon-fibre
friction lining to enhance shift precision, or a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT)
that produces lightning quick shifts using automated mode or manually via steering wheel-mounted
paddles. The new M2 features an Active M Differential which optimizes traction and maximizes directional stability, and is proactively controlled with extremely high precision and speed.
Legendary Car Customizer
George Barris Passes Away at 89
We are saddened to share
the news that legendary car
customizer George Barris
has passed away at the age
of 89. It is reported that he
passed peacefully in his sleep
surrounded by family and in
the comfort of his own home.
George created numerous
eye-catching vehicles over the
years but will most certainly be
best remembered for creating
the original Batmobile for the
Batman TV series in 1966.
George retained ownership
of the original Batmobile until
2013 when it was sold at the
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
auction for an astonishing $4.6
million. Barris also built many novelty vehicles for numerous celebrities over the years, such as Elton
John, Elvis Presley, John Wayne, and Sonny and Cher, among others.
Publishing Schedule: RPM is published 6 times per year by RPM Media Inc. Every second month.
Subscription Info: 1 year: (6 issues) $9.95 + hst, 2 years: (12 issues) $17.95 + hst.
Second class mailing #40050183.
General Policies: The views expressed by the writers are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. Reprints with permission only. Advertisements are
accepted in good faith, but we suggest that it is in your best interest to check offers personally. Publication by rpm motoring monthly should not be
taken as an endorsement of the product or services offered. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any materials sent to our offices by
individuals or organizations.
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2017 Buick LaCrosse
Unveiled at LA Auto Show
The Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) entered its 108th year for 2015,
and the latest iteration featured an abundance of vehicle model
redesigns. For example, GM introduced the 2017 Buick LaCrosse,
which actually represents two unveils in one: it was, of course, the
first time people laid eyes on the third generation mid-size executive sedan, but also the red, silver and blue Tri-Shield emblem that
again gets a dash of colour after existing in monotone for more than
a decade. The LaCrosse, powered by a 3.6-litre, 305-hp engine with
fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and start/stop technology mated to
an eight-speed transmission, has undergone some significant weight
loss. The large four-door is 136 kg lighter than the existing model,
thanks in part to the use of speciality steels and sound-deadening
materials, like a dissipative dash mat in lieu of heavier noise-cancelto both the Altima and Maxima, the Sentra completes the trio and
undergoes the current design language treatment receiving a signature V-Motion grille, “Boomerang” headlights and taillights, as well
as a new hood, fenders, and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. Interior
parts that have been replaced include the steering wheel, shift knob,
instrument panel (now utilizing a TFT LCD flat panel display) and
centre console, among others. When it’s released early in 2016, the
Nissan Sentra will be offered in six trims: S 6MT, S Xtronic, SV 6MT,
SV Xtronic, SR and SL.
Lexus Adds to its F Series
with the 2016 GS F
ling pads. Part of the vehicle’s rebirth is its sleek look — the car is
slightly longer (15 millimetres) than before, and the wheelbase has
been stretched 65 mm. The roofline is lower, too, by 40 mm, giving
it a leaner and wider appearance. Transmission choices are frontwheel drive or Buick’s first twin-clutch all-wheel drive system. Duncan
Aldred, U.S. vice president of Buick and GMC, calls the LaCrosse
a “bold statement about the future of Buick.” The car goes on sale
early summer 2016.
2016 Nissan Sentra Debuts
Another car that gets a hefty makeover is the 2016 Nissan Sentra.
Fred Diaz, senior vice president of U.S. sales and marketing, took to
the stage and called it the “year of the sedan.” Following big changes
RPM Dec 15 / Jan 16
Lexus has decided to take its signature GS sport sedan and give it
the “F Series Treatment,” creating the 2016 GS F which combines
the speed and athleticism of a sports car with the refinements of a
four-door luxury sedan. Powering the new model is the same naturally-aspirated, Atkinson-cycle 5.0-litre V8 engine found in the RC
F that produces 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque. Also like
the RC F, the GS F is equipped with Active Sound Control technology that enhances engine and exhaust notes inside the cabin. The
engine is paired to a quick-shifting eight-speed Sport Direct Shift
automatic transmission that can be controlled with steering wheelmounted paddle shifters. Advanced technologies and performance
enhancements can be found on the GS F, such as a Lexus Torque
Vectoring Differential, a four-setting drive mode selector, and a custom configured suspension. On the outside, the GS F features bold
styling cues such as a pronounced mesh grille flanked by large air
vents, a wide low stance, F badging, and a carbon fibre rear spoiler,
just to name a few.
Ford Focus RS
Ford Releases Final Power Numbers
for All-New Focus RS, plus Introduces
Stall Recovery Feature
We’ve told you in issues past about Ford’s newest upcoming AWD
hot-hatch, the Focus RS, and have shared industry speculation
of possible power numbers. Now we are pleased to tell you those
speculations have been greatly surpassed, as the new model will
produce an astounding 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft. of torque from
its 2.3-litre 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. These monster numbers are
achieved thanks to the all-new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with
a larger compressor wheel that is able to deliver more airflow and
power throughout the rev range. The peak turbocharge boost will be
23.2 psi. The manual-only sporty hatchback backs up the increased
output with a large intercooler to maximize charge density. Additionally, a brand-new feature that will be included on the RS will be stall
recovery, that uses the same technology as the start-stop feature,
and allows the driver to automatically restart the engine by pressing
the clutch after stalling.
be raised. The scandal has affected 482,000 TDI vehicles in the US
alone, including 2009-2015 TDI Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Beetle and
VW Diesel Scandal Explained
Audi A3s, plus the 2014-15 VW Passat. Back in September, VW anWe’re sure by now you’ve heard at least something about the Volknounced plans to refit up to 11 million affected vehicles worldwide, with
swagen Diesel scandal that saw the German automaker basically
Germany alone seeing 2.8 million vehicles having to be recalled.
cheat its way through emissions testing, allowing the vehicles to emit
much more pollution than originally thought. The company was able
to do this using a defeat device which is really more of a software All-New 2017 Alfa Romeo
that let the TDI cars detect when they were being tested, therefore
Giulia Quadrifoglio Sets Impressive
emitting much fewer pollutants than normal. VW was found out by
the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) performing Nurburgring Lap Time
independent on-road emissions tests, and finding much worse results When the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is begins production
than were expected, leading to further tests on a dynamometer which for North America late in the second-quarter of 2016, it will feature
were passed by the vehicles and immediately caused red flags to Alfa Romeo’s most powerful production car engine ever with a Fer
RPM Dec 15 / Jan 16
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2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
rari-derived 505-horsepower bi-turbo V6 engine under the hood. It
will be the ultra-high performance model in the Alfa lineup and will
achieve an excellent balance of engineering and emotion creating
a race-inspired sport sedan that will stand out in its segment. The
aforementioned bi-turbo motor will be an all-aluminum 2.9L six-cylinder engine with 90-degree layout that is lightweight and compact.
It, along with a near perfect 50/50 weight balance allows the car to
go from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds and complete a Nurburgring
lap in just 7 minutes and 39 seconds which is the fastest time ever
by a four-door production sedan. Following the launch of the Giulia
Quadrifoglio, Alfa Romeo will introduce the full-line of Giulia models
that include an all-new all-aluminum four-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct injection for maximum responsiveness.
Porsche to Possibly Launch
911 R with GT3 Engine and
Manual Transmission
A report from Car and Driver magazine has suggested that Porsche
could be releasing a special edition 911 called the 911 R, which would
be fitted with a naturally-aspirated engine closely related to that of
the GT3 that makes 500 horsepower, plus a manual transmission.
Over the past few years, Porsche has taken the manual option out of
a large number of 911s in favour of the lightning-quick-shifting PDF
dual-clutch manumatic transmission, leaving only a few entry-level
911s still offering a third pedal. The report says that the new model
will be so clean and subdued in appearance when
compared to, say, a GT3, that it will definitely be
described as a sleeper. Car and Driver expects the
911 R to be shown off at the Geneva Auto Show
next March.
Castrol Reinventing
the Oil Change
Castrol has recently launched the Nexcel oil cell
which is a combination lube container and filter, and
aims to offer faster oil changes and reduce wasted
used oil and carbon dioxide emissions. The company
speculates the cell will allow oil to change in approximately 90 seconds compared to regular oil changes
today which take approximately 20 minutes. The
Aston Martin Vulcan racing supercar will be the first
vehicle to be equipped with Nexcel technology, with
road cars fitted with it expected to go into production
in the next five years. The cell process begins by
putting the vehicle into a service mode to activate a
small electric pump that picks up oil from the bottom
of the sump, and pumps all of the oil back into the
10 RPM Dec 15 / Jan 16
D
E
R
E
V
CO
WE
cell. The used cell which contains all the used
oil and an integrated oil filter is removed. The
procedure ends by dropping in a new oil cell
with fresh lubricant and a fresh filter. Additionally, the pump is programmed to move only
some of oil into the engine immediately after
cell installation which helps minimize carbon
dioxide emissions. Testing and installing the
system on a low-volume car like the Aston
Martin Vulcan allowed the company to develop
the technology faster, allowing it to be ready
for mass production sooner.
U
O
Y
T
’ V E GO
Cadillac to Boost
Efficiency for 2016
Model Year
As the 2016 model year production begins,
Cadillac will be offering a plethora of fuelsaving technologies, such as Active Fuel
Management, Automatic Stop/Start and
widespread use of an 8-speed automatic
transmission. The new 3.6-litre V6 engine
found in the ATS and CTS product lines offers
the Active Fuel Management System (also
called cylinder deactivation) which enables
it to seamlessly switch from six-cylinder to
four-cylinder operation under certain light load
conditions. Additionally, the Escalade SUV’s
V8 will shift to four-cylinder operation in daily
driving conditions. The 2.0-litre turbocharged
four-cylinder engine found in both the CTS
and ATS now features Automatic Start/Stop
technology which reduces emissions and
fuel consumption by turning off the engine
when the car is stationary. The engine is automatically and quickly turned back on when
the driver releases the brake. Finally, the new
8-speed transmission sees another efficiency
gain and provides fast and smooth shifting in
every driving situation.
NEW!
RPM Dec 15 / Jan 16 11
Genuine Contender
The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V
for 464 horsepower. This engine is most impressive, quickly and
smoothly revving to redline, and producing a great sound. There
may be a touch of turbo lag in low-rpm situations, but kept in the
adillac has made big strides the past several years in mak- right gear (like, above 2,000 rpm), there is nothing but a smooth
ing the kinds of products that will get the brand recognized rush of power.
as more than just a manufacturer of luxury cars for older folks.
The V line of performance cars was launched some 12 years ago The ATS-V can be had with both an eight-speed automatic transto take on the best from overseas, and Cadillac’s “entry luxury” mission, and a six-speed manual, just like the M3. The sedan
model, the ATS, is the latest model to get the treatment, putting we drove at AJAC TestFest had the automatic, and with Sport
mode and paddle shifters, it complemented the engine very well,
it firmly into the territory ruled by cars like the BMW M3.
albeit with shifts not quite as quick as the best of the dual-clutch
GM is still offering the big pushrod V8s in some applications manumatic transmissions we have driven. Cadillac has put just as
(including the new Cadillac CTS-V), but also embracing smaller much technology engineering into the shift-yourself unit which has
engines in premium applications. The regular ATS models can Active Rev Match (defeatable for those who can do it themselves)
be had with turbo-four and V6 power, but the ATS-V ups the ante and No-Lift Shift (keep the throttle buried). Both transmissions
with no less than a twin-turbo version of the 3.6-litre V6, good have Launch Control for serious hooning. It would be a tough
choice as usual, but at least
Cadillac gives the enthusiast
the option.
Story by Gerry Frechette,
photos Courtesy Cadillac Canada
C
The power goes to the rear
wheels only, through a limited-slip differential. Magnetic
Ride Control optimizes the
damper settings on a much
stiffer suspension. Tires
are big Michelin Pilot Super
Sports. Enormous Brembo
brakes (six-piston up front,
four-piston in the rear) haul
it all down from speed. If
you are starting to get a
picture of a very serious
performance car, you would
be correct.
At AJAC Car of the Year
testing, we are afforded
one lap of the test track,
and then half an hour out on
country roads in each car, so
a premium is put on how quickly you can form an opinion of a
given car. In the case of the ATS-V on the track, with all settings
dialled up for high-speed capability, the car was so easy to drive
fast. Balanced, smooth, and very capable. The ZF electric power
steering is the best such unit we’ve tried for feel and feedback.
Its engine and chassis are truly excellent, and it takes a back
seat to no car in this segment.
Zero-to-100 km/h happens in the mid-four second range, and
quarter mile times are in the low 12s, so this is a quick car. It’s
said to be fast too, for what it’s worth, capable of over 300 km/h.
But of course, there is more to any car than driving it fast on a
track, hard as that may be to believe; you still need to live with it
day-to-day, and this is where the interior comes in.
The optional (for $2,645) Recaro seats are the first thing you see,
and as always, they are supremely comfortable and a must-have.
Then you notice the attractive finish on the doors and dashboard,
with carbon-look and alcantara suede trim slathered throughout.
vents, etc) to the lightweight
stuff, and with the Phantom Grey
metallic paint ($575), the ATS-V
looks very stealthy. One very
interesting option (for $1,430)
is an onboard Performance Data
Recorder that allows drivers to
record high-definition video,
with data overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the
track, enabling sharing on social
media.
Is this segment stilled ruled by
the BMW M3 and the other German cars? On the basis of pure
performance through engine and
chassis technology, we’d have to
say no – the Cadillac ATS-V has
all the right parts, masterfully
combined into a true driver’s car.
It has a lot of road presence and
really looks the part, too. It’s a
tough segment that the Germans
have controlled for decades,
but Cadillac now has a genuine
contender in the ATS-V.
So the environment is attractive, but the interior is otherwise
pretty much the same as the “regular” ATS’s, which is to say
that rear seat room is limited, and the gauges are nothing too
special; maybe the system from the CTS will find its way into the
ATS, which would be an upgrade. And, the controls for the CUE
infotainment system are, like in all Cadillacs, nicer to look at than
to use. Just changing the volume is neither quick nor easy, and
you had better not have gloves on.
As you’d expect, there are many options available, and the car
we drove had many of them. The Carbon Fibre package ($5,755)
changes most of the aero features (splitter, diffuser, spoiler, hood
SPECIFICATIONS
Base price: ........................................................................................... $65,750
Price as tested: . ................................................................................... $86,630
Type: ....................................................................... 4-door, 5-passenger sedan
Layout: ................................................................................ Front engine, RWD
Engine: ..................................................................... 3.6L DOHC Twin-Turbo V6
Transmission: . ..............................................................................8-speed auto
Power: . .................................................................................................. 464 hp
Torque: ........................................................................... 445 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Curb weight: . ...................................................................................... 1,725 kg
Fuel Consumption (L/100km, city/hwy): .............................................14.7 / 9.8
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AJAC
Canadian Car
of the Year
Awards
AJAC Announces Finalists
for 2016 Canadian Car
of the Year Awards
This year, 1,911 test drives occurred at TestFest generating over 110,000
objective and subjective data points throughout the week for the calculation
of the Canadian Car of the Year Winners.
The overall category winners from the finalists were announced on Tuesday,
November 24, 2015 in Toronto, Ontario. These winners will then compete
Story and Photos by Gerry Frechette
for the top honour of 2016 Canadian Car of the Year, Canadian Truck or
Utility Vehicle of the Year, Canadian Green Car of the Year, and Canadian
he top three finalists in nine “Best New” categories have been an- Green Truck or Utility Vehicle of the Year.
nounced for the 2016 Canadian Car of the Year Awards (CCOTY). The
annual awards are determined by the Automobile Journalists Association Special thanks to AJAC for getting RPM the results in time!
of Canada (AJAC).
Top Three Finalists & Winners in Each Category
The results represent voting by the largest group of Canada’s best-known 2016 Canadian Car of the Year Awards
automotive journalists, who gathered this October at the Canadian Tire
Motorsport Park (CTMP) in Clarington, Ontario for four days of intensive BEST NEW SMALL CAR:
testing of all-new or significantly updated vehicles for 2016. The event was Honda Civic Sedan
hosted by CTMP, while Shell Canada was the official fuel supplier for the Toyota Yaris Sedan
tenth year.
Volkswagen Jetta 1.4TSI
Predicton: There were some great small cars this year, with Scion iM
The program capitalizes on the experience of some 80 member journalists, and smart fortwo not making the final cut. But the one that stood out, and
who drive all category entries on a series of drive routes, including public has to be an early favourite for overall Car of the Year, is the impressive,
roads, a performance course, a handling course, and/or an off-road course,
covering a range of conditions that consumers are also likely to experience.
Dozens of factors are scored, and everything from noise levels and
cargo space, to fuel economy and acceleration figures are considered and
weighted. Vehicles are categorized on their type and price, and all entries in
each category are driven back-to-back, on the same day and in the same
conditions, to ensure fair and objective comparisons. T
“The benefits are twofold,” says Justin Pritchard, CCOTY co-chair. “First,
back-to-back testing brings out even subtle differences between competitors, which are reflected in the scoring results. And second, all of our
results are quantified. When a vehicle wins or loses in the program, the
public can see precisely why, since all of our testing and voting data is
published online at www.ajac.ca. This isn’t a popularity contest. When we
declare a winner, we’ve got hundreds of thousands of data points, collected all-new Honda Civic.
during thousands of man-hours of controlled test-drives, to back it up.” WINNER: Honda Civic
Chevrolet Volt
BEST NEW FAMILY CAR:
Chevrolet Volt
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen 1.8TSI
Predicton: Only three cars in this group this
year, so they all made the final cut. They are quite
different in their approaches to family-style ecoconscious motoring, and we like them all, but if we
have to stick our necks out, we’ll go with Hyundai
Sonata Hybrid.
WINNER: Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen 1.8TSI
BEST NEW SPORTS/PERFORMANCE
(under $50K):
Mazda MX-5
Mini John Cooper Works
Volkswagen Golf R
Predicton: This was a group of five very fun and
affordable cars, with the latest version of the iconic
Volkswagen Golf R
Mazda MX-5 roadster, and the most potent Mini
and VW Golf models ever, making the final cut.
The Golf should win on actual point scoring, but the
MX-5 might take it on the top-down fun factor.
WINNER: Volkswagen Golf R
BEST NEW SPORTS/PERFORMANCE
(over $50K):
Cadillac ATS-V
Ford Shelby Mustang GT350
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S
Predicton: It’s a tough group when the Corvette
Z06 and the Lexus RC350 don’t make the final cut,
with the sophisticated turbo sedans (Cadillac and
Mercedes) taking on the brawling muscle car (the
Shelby Mustang) in the final three. We think the
Ford should win.
WINNER: Mercedes-AMG C 63 S
Porsche Cayman GT4
is the most capable here off-road, we’ll take the Mazda, the most capable
on-road, to win.
WINNER: Mazda CX-3
BEST NEW SUV/CUV ($35K-$60K):
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sorento
Predicton: This is the heart of the SUV market, and it was a real dog fight
with seven entries, making for some excellent vehicles not making the cut.
How can one choose amongst the three that did? A bit of a hunch, but we
think the Kia might take this.
WINNER: Kia Sorento
BEST NEW PRESTIGE /
PERFORMANCE
Cadillac CTS-V
Mercedes-AMG GT S
Porsche Cayman GT4
Predicton: Out of four cars entered, only the Lexus RC F didn’t make the
cut. The remaining three are all fabulous performance cars, but judging by
the smiles on all those who drove it, the Porsche should win for its pure,
unfiltered driving dynamics and speed.
WINNER: Mercedes-AMG GT S
BEST NEW SUV/CUV (under $35K):
Honda HR-V
Jeep Renegade
Mazda CX-3
BEST NEW SUV/CUV (over $60K):
Lincoln MKX
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC Coupe
Volvo XC90
Predicton: Hard to believe the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid didn’t make
the cut, but its much higher price than the others probably conspired against
it. The Volvo is everything a high-end SUV should be (except being diesel)
and should win.
WINNER: Volvo XC90
BEST NEW PICKUP:
Chevrolet Silverado
GMC Canyon Diesel
Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab
Predicton: This is a tough call, as all three trucks (the only three entered)
are different and worthy in their own ways. The GMC is the first mid-size
diesel pickup, while the Silverado and Tacoma are benchmarks in their
Predicton: These little crossovers are the most popular vehicles in many full- and mid-size segments. We’ll pick the Toyota here.
showrooms, and fun-to-drive aspects are a big reason. Although the Jeep WINNER: Chevrolet Silverado
GMC Canyon Diesel
Legendary
Roadster
The 2016 Mazda MX-5
Story and photos by Benjamin Yong
W
ith today’s stringent safety regulations and emphasis on technology-driven creature comforts, it’s almost a given that any new
generation of a particular model of vehicle is going to be bigger and
heavier than the last. That might be true of common cars, but the 2016
Mazda MX-5 Miata is no common car.
Another quirk I should mention is that there is indeed the presence of a
12-volt cigarette lighter adapter, if you need one. Look under the passenger side dash in the footwell. Also, it should be noted that there is
barely any storage space in the cabin (read: no glove box). You’ll have
to make do with a tiny pocket next to the emergency brake, and the
aforementioned compartment between the two seats.
To keep the weight down, there aren’t very many heavy electrically-asBoth lighter and smaller than ever expected, buyers can finally start sisted creature comforts. Power windows, sure, but in true throwback
getting their hands on the fourth iteration of the legendary roadster first fashion, seat adjustment and even the top is completely manual. I was at
teased to the world last year. One of the final badges in the current
Mazda lineup to get the efficient SKYACTIVE/flowing KODO Soul of
Motion makeover, enthusiasts will be pleased to see that while almost all
the styling is drastically different, the “smiley face” front bumper opening
has been retained.
Listening to the rumblings of interested parties, thoughts on the new exterior design seem split down the middle. Some like the radical departure
from MX-5s of old, giving the car an avant-garde aesthetic of Jaguar
F-Type meets BMW Z4. Others can’t help but see the face of a catfish or
some kind of aquatic creature. I had numerous people approach me; an
older gentleman on a Harley rolled by and simply commented “not bad,”
while another long-time gearhead driving a mid-’90s Mercedes-Benz
C-Class lamented the step away from traditional British styling.
During my time with a Blue Reflex Mica press vehicle in GT trim, I came
across a 1990 to 1997 NA chassis and of course, I just had to line them
up side-by-side. Then came the shocking revelation: the new ND is
actually shorter than the original, by about 33 millimetres (and shorter
than the outgoing model, by 81 mm), although it does look significantly
more muscular and filled out.
The 2016 has made bold moves in the interior as well. Previous Miatas
all had similar layouts: the classic multi-dial instrument cluster with a
front-and-centre oil pressure gauge, the centre cubby harbouring a fuel
door release lever stealthily hidden inside. Surprise! Neither of those
exists anymore. Save yourself the embarrassment I went through, half
my body hanging out the side of the car trying to peer into the forward
facing storage compartment looking for a switch, and just hit the power
door unlock button that will release the gas lid.
first taken a little aback by the absence of the power retractable hardtop
that I grew quite fond of during the last go-round, until a colleague assured
me the soft top operation is not like what I was imagining.
On the original NA, putting up the top usually involved getting out of
the car, hoisting it up, getting back in the car and then securing two
spring latches. Now, you can simply release the single clasp, reach
behind you while still sitting in the driver’s seat, and fling the lightweight
gen. The motor is situated lower
and deeper in the engine bay, giving the car an uncanny feeling of
balance when you’re pivoting the
car around corners.
The ND begs to be revved up and
tossed around. It’s not a loud car,
but the high-pitched whine of the
engine is paired perfectly to rapidly rising rpms, peaking at 6,000.
And no matter how much I wrung
it out in city or on long stretches
of highway, the fuel consumption
never crept past 9.3 L/100 km.
The suspension set-up is familiar:
double wishbone front and rear
multilink that is smooth and always
surefooted.
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 comes
standard with air conditioning,
LED headlights with automatic
levelling/LED combination taillights, Bluetooth connectivity and
top one-handed and clamp it down, all in a matter of seconds. Simply USB input, and either a six-speed manual or automatic with paddle
beautiful.
shifters. The base GX trim starts at $31,900, and the grade-topping GT
with leather, Bose premium audio system and heated exterior mirrors
Press the engine start button and the twin tailpipes at the rear emit a is priced at $39,200.
pleasant burst of sound as the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine
SPECIFICATIONS
fires up. Miatas have always provided drivers with great ergonomics and
seating position, and this one is no different. The hood is lower than
Base price (MSRP): .............................................................................. $39,200
Type: ............................................................ two-door, two-passenger roadster
before, so all you see are the creased ridges flaring up on either side.
Layout: ................................................................ front engine, rear-wheel drive
The wheel, shifter and pedals are situated where it feels perfect when
Engine: ..............................................SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor
Transmission: . .......................................................................six-speed manual
your hands and feet are at the ready.
A lot of naysayers say, “Oh, well it’s only got 155 horsepower.” And yes,
that’s true. Let’s not forget that Mazda has managed to drop about 68
kilograms of weight, making it only about 83 kg heavier than the first
Power: . .............................................................................155 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: ........................................................................... 148 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
Curb weight: . ...................................................................................... 1,058 kg
Brakes: ............................................................... power-assisted front/rear-disc
Fuel Consumption (L/100km, city/hwy): .................................................8.8/6.9
TEST FLEET
Dodge Charger Rallye AWD
Price: ................................................................................................ $46,575
Engine: ..................................................... 3.6 L Pentastar VVT 24-valve V6
Trans: ....................................................................................... 8-speed auto
Power: ................................................................................................ 300 hp
Torque: ............................................................................................. 264 lb-ft
Curb Weight: .................................................................1,900 kg /4,188 lbs.
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) . .................................. 12.8/8.6
New for 2016: The Charger received a major update for 2015 and now
features a sharper looking, aggressive front fascia along with a number of
updates to the interior. An 8-speed auto transmission is now standard across
the lineup. It remains relatively unchanged for 2016.
Segment Competitors: Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Chrysler 300,
Hyundai Genesis
The Skinny: The Charger enters 2015 after receiving a major update that
we think makes it one of the better looking vehicles in its class. Although it
seemed a bit strange at first to drive an AWD Charger, we found that it handled great and the 3.6L V6 put plenty of power down to all four
wheels. The re-designed interior looked amazing and made it very easy to control any of the car’s functions.
Pros: We thoroughly enjoyed the new look of our test model equipped with the Rallye package.
Cons: Although it has adequate power, it just isn’t the same without a big V8 under the hood.
The Verdict: The V6 version of the Charger may not have the power or muscle car feel of one of the V8 versions, but it certainly does
enough good things like provide good fuel economy to warrant consideration from potential buyers.
Acura RDX
Price: ............................................................................................$41,990
Engine: . ............................................................................. 3.5L i-Vtec V6
Trans: ...................................................................................6-speed auto
Power: ............................................................................................279 hp
Torque: .........................................................................................252 lb-ft
Curb Weight: ........................................................... 1,756 kg /3,871 lbs.
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) ...............................12.7/9.1
New for 2016: The Acura RDX receives a mid-model facelift for 2016 that
sees the addition of Jewel Eye LED headlights, some styling updates both
inside and out, and a revised V6 engine.
Segment Competitors: Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus NX 200t
The Skinny: The Acura RDX is currently in its 3rd year of its 2nd generation
and receives a few changes for its mid-cycle refresh for 2016. It’s a small(ish)
sporty SUV that drives and feels like a car, but with the versatility of an SUV,
and includes great features such as Variable Cylinder Management which
turns off three of the six cylinders under light load conditions.
Pros: We had a chance to take the RDX on a small road trip and were impressed with the fuel economy and overall luxury car-like feel
while behind the wheel.
Cons: We were not fans of how the RDX has its climate and infotainment controls laid out.
The Verdict: The RDX is one of the better driving vehicles in its class and should definitely be considered near the top of the small
luxury SUV class.
Chevrolet Colorado Z71
Price: ................................................................................................ $37,895
Engine: ................................................................... 3.6L DOHC 24-valve V6
Trans: ....................................................................................... 6-speed auto
Power: ................................................................................................ 305 hp
Torque: ............................................................................................. 269 lb-ft
Curb Weight: ..................................................................1,919 kg/4,230 lbs.
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) . .................................. 13.0/9.2
New for 2015: The Chevy Colorado mid-size pickup was completely redesigned for 2015 after having been off of the market for 3 years. Its exterior
and interior styling is very reminiscent of the current full-size Silverado and
one of the goals in the new design was to provide the truck with world-class
aerodynamics in order to improve fuel economy.
Segment Competitors: Toyota Tacoma, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier
The Skinny: The 2015 Colorado re-enters the market at a perfect time, as
the mid-size pickup market had gone quite stale over the past few years but
is due for a rejuvenation due to the new GM Colorado/Canyon twins as well
as the all-new 2016 Tacoma. The Colorado offers a great deal of technology
such as wi-fi hotspot connectivity, and a ride that feels more car than truck like.
Pros: The Colorado can truly handle anything you need it to thanks in large part to a number of features such as the CornerStep rear bumper,
GearOn Accessories System, and EZ lift-and-lower tailgate.
Cons: Fuel economy was impressive, but maybe not as impressive as the numbers stated.
The Verdict: The Colorado effortlessly provides a unique combination of drivability, ruggedness, practicality and performance that is hardly
if ever seen in other vehicles.
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Returning
to its Roots
First drive of the 2016 Honda Civic
I
n late October, Honda officially began mass production of the global
platform tenth-generation Civic at its Alliston, Ontario manufacturing
plant. Over the next 18 months, the automaker will begin rolling out
the vehicle in five different forms, starting with the sedan, and then a
coupe, hatchback, Si and for the first time in Canada, an ultra-high
performance Type-R model.
— but also 20 mm lower and with a shorter front overhang reduced
by 30 mm to give it better handling characteristics.
Rather than going with a conventional flat sedan shape, designers
have opted for a fastback look, similar to the shape of the Honda
Crosstour; however, the Civic is sleeker and less bloated than its
sibling that was discontinued last year. This move gives the vehicle
a unique appearance while yielding significantly more interior space,
particularly in the cargo area.
Lighting has been given an upgrade to full LED front and back.
The headlights are fully integrated into the grille as though it were
one piece, and the taillights are shaped like large “Cs” wrapping up
and onto the trunk area, flanking a handsome subtle lip spoiler (on
EXT/Touring).
A couple of big changes in the interior include the use of higherDuring a presentation to the media, Dave Gardner, senior vice presi- quality materials, and a traditional handbrake delete, replaced by an
dent of operations at Honda Canada, said this is “ the most ambitious electronic unit to save space. This allows for the much larger storage
console that can gobble up an iPad, large drink containers, and even
redesign of the Civic in Honda’s history.”
has a small tray for your key fob. All grades benefit from a brake hold
Somewhere along the way, the country’s best-selling passenger car button that when activated automatically applies the brake for you,
for the last 17 consecutive years lost a bit of its spunk that made it without using your foot.
so loved in the first place. That’s why Gardner said the Civic is finally
returning to its roots of being fun to drive and possessing great fuel Android adopters no longer have to be jealous of iPhone users and
vice versa, because both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supefficiency.
ported (LX and above). So is wireless charging (Touring), for people
The four-door now looks like a completely different animal compared with properly-equipped mobile devices.
to the 2015 version. It’s bigger — 50 millimetres wider than before
The news that everyone really wanted to hear revolved around the two
newly developed engines. A normally-aspirated 2.0-litre motor will be
standard on the base LX and EX, producing 158 horsepower and 138
pound-feet of torque. The show stealer, though, was the introduction
of the first turbine-driven powerplant ever offered by Honda, and the
most powerful in a non-Si model: a 1.5-litre turbo making 174 hp and
162 lb-ft., available on EX-T and Touring. Consumers interested in
the former can choose either a six-speed or CVT transmission, with
the latter having only the CVT as an option.
A driving partner and I took a Touring for a lengthy test run in rural
Ontario, and made a couple of noteworthy observations. Turbo lag
is mostly imperceptible, and fuel economy is excellent, as you would
expect of any Civic. In mixed driving conditions, we netted an average
consumption of 7.5 L/100 km.
Pricing will be made available when the 2016 Honda Civic Sedan
goes on sale later this fall, and stay tuned in the coming months for
more information on the other variants.
Worth noting, the Challenger had the best sight lines I’ve
experienced in any modern muscle car of its type.
Now let’s get to the good stuff. A 392 HEMI 6.4-litre V8
engine powers this beast and makes an impressive 485
horsepower with 475 lb-ft of torque, paired to a six-speed
manual transmission that easily slid in and out of gears
at a rapid-fire rate. Given that this was the Scat Pack
Shaker model, the car had a number of performance
upgrades to go along with the 392 HEMI: Brembo brakes,
performance suspension, and an active electronicallycontrolled exhaust that produced a head-turning throaty
exhaust note that sounded astonishing.
HEMI Power!
Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Shaker
Story by Jordan Allan,
photos courtesy of Dodge Canada
W
hen the Dodge Challenger made its triumphant return back in 2008, it
sent a bit of a shockwave through the automotive industry, as the new
model remained true to its early 1970s counterpart - which was something
that was not commonplace at the time. The Camaro wasn’t being produced
at that point, and the Mustang had just gotten on the long road back to
the retro-reminiscent styling it sports today. That left only the Challenger
as a modern day muscle car whose styling and overall demeanour were
unmistakably straight out of the 1970s.
In addition to the aforementioned performance upgrades,
the Scat Pack Shaker model adds a distinctive bumble
bee rear stripe, unique 20x9-inch forged lightweight Hyper Black II matte aluminum wheels, and of course, the
Shaker hood which basically sees a hole cut right in the
middle of it, allowing a fully functional cold-air intake with
a conical air filter poking through. This helps the car meet
fresh air demands at high speeds and contributes to the
overall look and experience of the car. You can literally
see it shake at the touch of the throttle.
Spending a week driving the Challenger was not easy for my wallet at
the gas pump, but that should never enter the equation with this type of
car. It was addicting to drive thanks to the exhaust note and throw-youback-in-your-seat power, while impressing with its handling - despite its
over-4,000-pound weight and full body size.
The thing that truly brought this 1970s muscle car into the 21st century is
the launch control feature, something you would more expect to find in a
German performance car. Activating it using the touchscreen is a breeze
and even allows you to set up which RPM you want it to launch at. At
a standstill and with the control engaged, the small screen between the
Unchanged from the 2015 Challenger’s refresh, which lent a few new
heritage exterior styling cues such as a split grille surround, split LED tail
lamps with a gloss black surround as well as retro-inspired new colour
speedometer and the tachometer will instruct you to press the clutch, apply
full throttle, and then release the clutch. Although it seems a bit strange
at first and you half expect the car to sit in its current spot spinning its
wheels, the system is somehow able to get this beast’s tires to hook up
with the pavement after only a few spins, and takes off with an incredible
burst of speed.
options like the incredible TorRed hue, our 2016 Scat Pack Shaker test
model had them all. Add to that an already good-looking baseline and you
get what truly appears to be a modern muscle car with an overall mean
and aggressive look …but with a touch of modern refinement.
Inside the Challenger, the designers appear to have kept things simple,
which is great for a car of this ilk. A simple-to-use class-exclusive 8.4-inch
touchscreen controls just about everything you can think of, mounted on
a high-sill centre console, while a 1971-inspired driver-focused instrument
panel relays all of the pertinent information directly to the driver. The leather
racing-inspired seats hold you firmly in place ready for any eventuality.
While this iteration of the Challenger is not the headline making 700+
horsepower Hellcat version, it is definitely one to also take a good look
at. It comes in at a very respectable $56,000 as-tested price, which is
relatively cheap in the world of performance vehicles. So if a true modern
day muscle car with old school charm is what you’re after, look no further
than this retro beauty.
SPECIFICATIONS
Base Price (MSRP): . ............................................................................ $50,895
Type: ............................................................ 2-door, 5-passenger sports coupe
Layout: ............................................................... Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: ..........................................................................6.4L SRT 392 HEMI V8
Power: . .............................................................................485 hp @ 6,100 rpm
Torque: ........................................................................... 475 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission: . ......................................................................... 6-speed manual
Fuel consumption (L/100 km, city / hwy): . .........................................15.7 / 9.5
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running lights, front/rear skid plates, power folding side mirrors, liftgate and door garnishes, and
18-inch wheels.
To witness the advertised reduction in NVH for
myself, I joined a group of journalists gathering
in Vancouver to test the fresh crop of Outlanders
on a drive from Vancouver to Whistler and back.
I experienced part of it by just by getting in.
Sound deadening material has been added to
the leading edge of the door that gives it that
satisfying premium “thud” when shut. Even the
actual door handle itself has been rejigged to
offer a better tactile feel. Clearly, a lot of attention has been paid to the doors, because there’s
also dampening sheets that have been added
inside to lessen unwanted sounds. In addition,
windshield and door glass have been thickened
to help the whole down-with-NVH cause.
Continuous
Improvement
First Drive of the
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
In regards to convenience, laying down the
second-row seats is now much easier, thanks to
the introduction of pull straps. One of the straps
folds the head restraint forward, the other lifts
the cushion up and tucks it in front. The third and final step is just lifting up
the lever on the side and folding the seatback forward.
Engine choices are carried over from 2015: consumers have a choice between a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 166 horsepower and 162
lb-ft of torque, or a 3.0-litre V6 making 224 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. New
for the former is the introduction of a CVT8 transmission that improves on
downshift response times and yields better acceleration.
Adding to the lineup is a limited ES All Wheel Control (AWC) Touring Edition, based on the ES AWC Trim. For $29,698, it is packaged with options
efinition, kai·zen (ˈkīzən) n. 1: a Japanese business philosophy of con- like a power sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Sirius satellite radio
tinuous improvement 2: the reason behind the “most profound series and more.
of changes for the Mitsubishi Outlander since 2002.”
All Outlander variants receive all-wheel drive capability, except the base frontWait — didn’t the mid-size crossover just receive a refresh last year? Yes it wheel drive ES. There are no surprises for those familiar with Mitsubishi’s
did. However, see the definition above, in particular, the part about continu- AWD system — depending on where you are on the trim scale, you either
get the standard AWC with Eco, Auto and Lock modes, or the Super AWC
ous improvement.
D
“That’s [kaizen] why you’re seeing a lot of enhancements in such a short
period of time on this vehicle,” says Don Ulmer, Mitsubishi senior manager
of product planning. “We launched the [third generation] in ’14, we made
some enhancements in ’15, and now we’re making some more significant
enhancements to the vehicle.”
The first round of changes that Ulmer is referring to last year involved minor
tweaks like a straight-slatted front grille, a blacked out front bumper, the addition of matte wheel arch mouldings, and different alloy wheels. For 2016,
the styling is going in a new direction, which he says is reflective of the entire
company, and not just the Outlander.
The front fascia of the car receives the most obvious of the modifications,
with a barely-there front bumper. It’s part of the “Dynamic Shield” design
motif, expressed on the vehicle by the gaping gloss black painted section in
the middle, outlined by an X-shaped chrome flourish that brushes up against
that electronically controls all four wheels using an Active Front Differential,
the headlights on the top half, and hugs the fog lights on the bottom.
and provides drivers the extra choice of a Normal and Snow setting.
I’m not actually sure what Dynamic Shield means, exactly. One corporate
Mitsu page describes it as “staying true to Outlander’s history of command- I got the chance to pilot both engine configurations during different legs of
ing, athletic creations.” Another claims it is “meant to express dynamic and the journey and have to say I liked the four-cylinder more than I thought I
innovative styling as if bracing the vehicle for better safety.” Either way, the would. The CVT8 doesn’t feel like other whiney setups on the market, and
affords an above-average drive feel. That’s not to take anything away from
look is unmistakable.
the smooth V6, but factoring in the lower price point and better fuel economy,
The bumper represents only one of what Ulmer explains is over 100 updates it’s something to consider.
in total for the SUV, 31 of those having to do with tackling noise, vibration and
harshness (NVH). To list off a few of the other exterior revisions (dependent “We believe growth for the Outlander will come from the four cylinder. That’s
on trim level): a new hood, fenders, LED headlights, rear lights and daytime where the focus is going to be,” says Ulmer.
head and chest protection, and the front seat side airbags protect against side
impacts. There is also a full length curtain airbag to help reduce potential of
head injury and roll over ejection for front and rear passengers. Inflatable knee
bolster helps protect the driver against leg injury from the steering column.
Roadworthy:
Driving the Range Rover Sport is a smooth experience, and the Supercharged
V6 engine can really pack a punch when you need it to. The impressive powerplant and 8-speed transmission make for a flawless transition from slow to
fast, all the while keeping the ride comfortable.
Range
Rover Sport
Story by Ian Harwood, photos courtesy of Land Rover
In The Cab:
y first impression after climbing into the cab was one of disbelief. I did not
expect that level of comfort. The sight lines are amazing and the blind
spot was almost non-existent. The rear seats had plenty of room for adults
and the cargo area was adequate. The heated leather-wrapped steering
wheel featured all the controls one needed to operate the equipment without
distraction. The front and rear seats are heated. Power tilt/slide front sunroof
and a large glass roof over the rear seats allow plenty of natural light in. It
is top-shelf quality through and through. The only problem I had is with the
touchscreen. There is a big delay when you select a feature, and the buttons
on the centre stack are positioned in such a way that you can accidentally
press one as you rest your arm on the console.
M
Power:
The engine is a 340-horsepower, supercharged 3.0-litre V6 that puts out 332
lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm through an 8-speed automatic transmission. This
transmission features Command Shift that actively responds to your driving
habits and road conditions by reconfiguring the shift patterns for optimum
drivability in all situations, and is mated with a 2-speed electronically controlled
transfer case. Four-wheel electronic traction control, hill descent control, and
four-corner air suspension with terrain response not only make this vehicle
manoeuvre well on the road, but can take you on some of the roughest back
roads Canada has to offer.
The Terrain Response System gives the Range Rover outstanding off-road
capabilities; it adapts the response of the vehicle’s engine, transmission,
centre coupling and chassis system to the terrain you’re driving on. It also
maintains driver comfort as well as maximizing traction. Terrain Response
works continuously, but the driver can change the setting depending on the
terrain conditions, including mud and ruts, snow, or sand. Hill Descent Control
automatically controls and restricts the speed downhill, using anti-lock brake
system, and improves driver control on slippery descents.
Pump frequency: 14.0/10.5 L/100km (city/highway)
Warranty support: 4 years / 80,000 km
Sticker price: $77,640
Safety first:
Verdict:
Range Rover has a long history of making safe vehicles, and the Sport model Range Rover is a luxurious vehicle that is right at home, whether off-road
is no exception. Driver and passenger front airbags are designed to provide or on.
Track-Ready
Performance
2016 Porsche 911 GTS 4 Cabriolet
Story by Russell Purcell, photos courtesy of Porsche
be driving way over your head to induce either under- or over-steer in
this automobile. Porsche’s all-wheel drive system will actively route most
he Porsche 911 is one of the true icons in the automotive world. Varia- of the power to the rear wheels to help preserve the preferred driving
tions of this model have been available for over five decades, and as experience of most enthusiasts, but should the need arise, it will redirect
a result, it has evolved into one of the most capable automobile platforms power forward to help maintain traction. This car truly powers through
corners like it is on rails.
on the road today.
T
The 911 GTS package is a new offering this year, and the designation is The 911 GTS is available fitted with a short-throw seven-speed manual
applied to four variations of the German company’s legendary sports car. transmission (with rev matching capabilities) or Porsche’s ultra-quick,
The 911 GTS is based on the potent Carrera S and Carrera 4S models, seven-speed dual-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) auto-manual.
The majority of 911 buyers are ordering the PDK, which comes partnered
with paddle shift levers on the steering wheel.
Acceleration is linear and visceral, and launches from a standstill to 100km/h will approach four seconds with little effort from the driver. To help
keep speed in check, the GTS is equipped with ABS-supported oversized
disc brakes front and rear, but carbon ceramic units are available as an
option should you wish to spec the car for track day use.
Your ears will tickle and the hair on the back of your neck will stand at
attention when the car is driven in anger, as the standard sport exhaust
system barks out an aggressive engine note that is highly addictive.
Sharp observers may notice that the rear of the GTS is slightly wider (44
mm) than that of a Carrera S and that the car rides 10 millimetres lower
as it comes with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM)
system as standard equipment. This helps give the car a more aggressive
and is offered in both coupe and convertible form. The GTS has been stance, as do the 20-inch, black painted Turbo S wheels which feature
packaged to appeal to those customers looking to maximize their driving trick centre locking hubs. The GTS also features Porsche Stability Mansatisfaction without taking it to the extreme that comes with upgrading to
one of the ultra-pricey Turbo or GT3 models. As a result, the GTS comes
fitted with a long list of standard equipment designed to enhance the car’s SPECIFICATIONS
performance and dynamic handling, including the Power Kit option, which
Base Price (MSRP): . ........................................................ $143,900 - $149,430
brings an additional 30 horsepower to the party versus that offered by the Type: .................................................... 2-door, 4-passenger sports convertible
Layout: ..................................................... Rear-engine, rear- or all-wheel drive.
Carrera S or 4S.
Engine: ...........................3.8L DOHC boxer 6-cylinder with direct fuel-injection.
The 3.8-litre flat-six engine produces 430 horsepower and 325 pounds-feet
of torque. Our test vehicle was a GTS 4 model, which adds all-wheel-drive
to the recipe. The latter system inspires confidence in the driver as it gives
the car unbelievable levels of grip. So much so in fact, that you have to
Power: . .............................................................................430 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque: ........................................................................ 324.5 lb-ft @ 5,750 rpm
Transmission: . ................7-speed manual or optional 7-speed PDK manumatic
Brakes: ............................................................................................... Disc/disc
agement (PSM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring
(PTV), two electronic marvels that help the car
maintain traction and hopefully, keep you as the
driver, out of trouble.
Our test vehicle was cloaked in a retina-searing
red paint (Carmine Red), which apart from making
it a highly visible target for the radar guns of the
local constabulary, also helped to draw attention
to the car’s unique black trim and styling elements.
Black highlights include the name script on the rear
of the car, headlight bezels, air intake grilles, and
the exhaust pipe tips.
Subtle revisions to the front apron, large air intakes, and an integrated front spoiler help improve
aerodynamic efficiency and help direct cooling
air to vital components as needed. The latest in
lighting technology includes Bi-Xenon headlights
which incorporate the Porsche Dynamic Light
System (PDLS) as well as LED taillights.
The car’s cockpit has been designed to place the
driver in the optimal setting to become one with
the car, and the most vital controls, gauges and
switches are easily accessible for the operator.
The adjustable body-hugging sport seats feature
alcantara inserts, a synthetic suede material that is
used throughout the cabin of the GTS. A splash of
colour in the form of contrasting stitching and bold
head restraint embroidery help mark the GTS as
something a little different from a garden variety
911, as does the presence of the ‘Carrera GTS’
logo on the door sill guards.
The 911 GTS delivers the potent combination of
exceptional track-ready performance and comfortable road manners in a slinky package that looks
as great today as it did 50 years ago. Add to this
the availability of an all-wheel drive variant and
you can quickly make the argument that the 911
GTS may just be the perfect four-season sports
car for the Canadian marketplace.
Interior features include the best feature of the car;
an innovative digital based instrument cluster with
an adaptive tachometer with a moving centre ring
and liquid crystal displays inspired by the LFA. With
a push of the menu button on the steering wheel; the
tachometer moves to the right to reveal a TFT screen
and menu based controls. Other exclusive features
include perforated F Sport NuLuxe, F Sport badged
Steering Wheel and Shift Knob, and drilled aluminum
F Sport Pedals. Elements that add to the already fantastic interior. Four Easy to select performance modes
from the dial located in the centre console: Normal,
Eco, Sport S and Sport S+. The Series 3 adds the
835 watt Mark Levinson 15 speaker surround sound
system, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, pre-collision
system and power rear window shade.
Refined
Package
Lexus IS350 AWD F-Sport Series 2
Story and photos by LJ Koch
Along with the styling elements the IS is packed with
technology. The Lexus Enform App Suite offers access to your favourite mobile applications through your
vehicle’s centre console display. After downloading the
app on your compatible smartphone, you can search local listings, stream
music, listen to live radio, place restaurant reservations and buy movie
tickets. The Lexus app can help you remotely start the engine, lock and
unlock doors, check the status of doors and windows as well as your fuel
level, and can help find your vehicle’s location in a parking lot. If for some
reason you decide to lend your Lexus to another driver, you can receive
instant alerts about how it is being driven. The app also enables remote
access to information about your vehicle’s status and maintenance needs.
Easily accessed through LexusDrivers.com or the My Lexus and Beyond
S
ports sedan territory has long been dominated by the Germans. When
the Japanese launched their luxury brands the goal was to target the
market segment that only had the German option. In the early days of
Japanese luxury they were simply trying to emulate what they believed
the buyers wanted. Toyota launched the Lexus brand in 1989 with the
LS400 and ES250 models. The LS400 was a saloon car and offered their
first V8 engine along with rear wheel drive. The real target was the BMW
3-Series. They introduced IS200 in 1998 and the IS300 in 2000. Great
looking cars and iconic in their own way, but not the 3-series. Lexus tried
again in 2005 with the second generation IS and raised the bar in 2007 by
introducing the IS F. An attempt at competing with M-Power? If you were
an M3 buyer this car wasn’t going to make you switch teams.
The third generation IS was launched in 2014. Improving on their tradition
of striking styling. The front spindle shaped grille is def a love it or hate it
styling feature. It makes a dramatic statement. I like dramatic statements,
so for me it is more on the love side of the ledger. Taking inspiration from
the Lexus LFA, Lexus introduced the IS350 AWD F Sport in Series 2
and Series 3 packages for 2015. Although not anywhere near being the
performer of the LFA it has brought over some of the aesthetics of the
supercar. It shares the 3.5L V6 producing a peak 306 horsepower and up
to 277 lb-ft of torque with the standard IS350. So similar performance times
to the standard model. Where this car differs is in the suspension along
with exterior and interior elements inherited from the big brother.
Exterior features include 18” Y-spoke design wheels and 225/40R18 front
255/35R18 rear Bridgestone Turanza ER33. In addition to the tire upgrade
Lexus has added a tuned suspension. For the front F Sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension; independent, double-wishbone with coil springs,
electronically controlled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. For the rear
F Sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension; independent, multilink with
coil springs, electronically controlled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. To
go along with the handling a aerodynamics package with special F Sport
badging, exclusive colour options Ultra White, Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0
and Obsidian give it a look that separates it from the other IS models. My
test model came in the Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 and when the sun was
shining it seemed to make the car pop off the pavement. For the 2016
model Lexus introduces standard LED headlamps, power moonroof and
Rain Sensing Wipers. They are also offering two new colours, Redline
and Eminent White. Underneath F Sport scuff plates.
mobile app, you can get information on maintenance alerts and Vehicle
Health Reports. The only unfortunate part of this great technology is that
Lexus still has the Remote Touch navigation system controller. Located
in the centre console; I found it distracting and required more attention
than it should.
During my time in this car I came to realize it is not a German luxury sports
sedan; It is a Japanese luxury sports sedan. What I enjoyed most about
this car was that I could drive it every day. With the all-wheel drive and
staggered all-season setup I was able to travel the Coquihalla Highway
without any difficulty. The mountain pass wasn’t as treacherous as it can
be, but the car was more than capable. Equipped with winter rubber I
get the feeling it could go almost anywhere. Enough performance with
the 306hp 3.5L V6 and packed with technology that mostly works. Good
looking, fun and still calm enough to be a daily driver. The Lexus IS 350
AWD F Sport offers a refined package with some edge. I like what I like
and I like the IS 350 AWD F Sport.
SPECIFICATIONS
Base Price (MSRP): . ............................................................................ $51,900
As Tested Price: . .................................................................................. $55,424
Type: ................................................................................... 4-door sport sedan
Engine: ......................................................................... 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6
Power: . .............................................................................306 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: ........................................................................... 277 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: . ..................................................................... 6-speed automatic
JANUARY
27-31
SCOTTSDALE16
NORTH SCOTTSDALE - LOOP 101 & SCOTTSDALE RD.
1969 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 429
1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE L88
KK 2029, includes original bulid sheets
MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE IN
SCOTTSDALE
THIS
JANUARY
MAXIMIZE YOUR VEHICLE’S VALUE WITH RUSSO AND STEELE
1965 FERRARI 330 GT
“SHARK NOSE”
1970 CHEVROLET
CHEVELLE LS6
1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI ‘CUDA
1 of 10 built and only 2,500 actual miles
1970 OLDSMOBILE 442 W-30
CONVERTIBLE “HOLY GRAIL”
1968 DODGE HEMI CHARGER R/T
“ONE OF ONE”
1962 PORSCHE 356
SUPER 90
1957 CADILLAC ELDORADO
BIARRITZ CONVERTIBLE
•
•
•
•
•
•
Very rare 4-speed, code FC7 paint
Veteran, World Champion auctioneers
Extended block time
Intense post-reserve bidding
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Just 200 exclusive lots per day
Option of Reserve available
1973 FERRARI DINO
246 GTS SPYDER
1968 DODGE HEMI
DART L023
2005 FORD
GT
1962 PORSCHE 356 B
T6 CABRIOLET
WILL SELL
NO RESERVE
WILL SELL
NO RESERVE
1966 SHELBY
GT350
1967 SUNBEAM TIGER
MK1A CONVERTIBLE
WILL SELL
NO RESERVE
1957 FORD FAIRLANE
CUSTOM “T-BOLT”
1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
427/435 ROADSTER
1954 AUSTIN HEALEY 100/4
BN1 CONVERTIBLE
WILL SELL
NO RESERVE
1957 CHEVROLET
BEL AIR
WILL SELL
NO RESERVE
1984 PORSCHE
930 TURBO
1969 CHEVROLET
“FOOSE CAMARO”
WILL SELL
NO RESERVE
1970 FORD MUSTANG
MACH 1 428CJ
1971 PLYMOUTH ‘CUDA
CONVERTIBLE
CONTACT US TODAY FOR CONSIGNMENT, BIDDER REGISTRATION OR AUCTION INFORMATION
R U S S O A N D S T E E L E . C O M 6 0 2 . 2 5 2 . 26 9 7
The second major upgrade is 4MOTION all-wheel drive,
a fifth-generation Haldex design, for those keeping track.
With this kind of power, AWD is just about mandatory,
and it very effectively puts the power down in all the
situations we tried, especially out of slow corners at the
track. It does that with an electronic coupler that can send
between zero and 50 percent of the power to the rear
wheels. Torque vectoring, using the brakes, can direct
power side-to-side at both ends of the car. It all works to
give you higher limits, and a secure feeling.
The third big upgrade is Adaptive Chassis Control, VW’s
name for the system that adjusts the shocks, steering
and throttle from Comfort to Normal to Race (Sport has
been skipped, curiously for a street car). If there is any
surprise here, it is how wide the gulf is between Comfort
and Race, from a firm sort-of-regular Golf feeling, to a
hot hatch with lightning-quick reflexes.
A True
Hot-Hatch
2016 Volkswagen Golf R
Story by Gerry Frechette,
photos courtesy of Volkswagen
T
here is something very appealing about the idea of a compact hatchback
family car with big power running out to all four wheels. These rally-inspired pocket-rockets are probably the ultimate “have your cake and eat it
too” cars for the enthusiast.
The other upgrades over the GTI range from the musthaves like Bi-Xenon headlights, 19-inch wheels and
sport seats (in leather only, unfortunately), to a few subtle aero pieces low
on the body, unique steering wheel, aluminum-trimmed pedals, small “R”
badges,and quad exhaust tips, the latter looking a bit over the top for a
four-cylinder car. Overall, though, it is a very low-key approach in this class
of car – no wings or any trim that shouts out. The big wheels are the major
clue that this is a special Golf.
On VW Canada’s website, under the typical “build and price” section for the
R, there is a list of standard features, some of which have been crossed off
and are now offered in the optional “Technology Package” for $2,015. We
One of the more eagerly anticipated such cars is now in Volkswagen showrooms – the fourth-generation Golf R. The first couple (called R32 with VR6
engines) weren’t sold here, but the last version was, apparently in enough
numbers for VW Canada to bring the new one here too. It’s still only a fourdoor; unfortunately – no two-door body is offered.
As before, the R is a step up from the popular GTI, and for the extra $11,400
in base price, one gets a long list of upgrades. The engine is at the top of
the list, as the 2.0-litre TSI turbo four has been endowed with bigger turbo, suspect this was an effort to keep the base price below (by $5) the magic
new cylinder head, and a high-pressure injection system, yielding 292 $40,000 level in the face of currency fluctuations. Anyway, if you want adaptive cruise control, the latest infotainment and active safety gear, Bluetooth,
and Navigation, you need to pony up for this package. It’s actually not a bad
deal for the technology you get.
Given that the R is a Golf, it possesses all the base model’s attributes like
room for four or five adults, a great driving position, and a hatchback to
access the big cargo space made bigger by the folding rear seats. Fuel
consumption should be reasonable in normal light-footed use, and there
are plenty of comfort and convenience items, making the R a small luxury
car as well as a performance one.
But still, this is a $40,000+ VW Golf, as hard as that may be to comprehend.
There are several other hyper compacts on the market around that price,
so there is no shortage of demand for a car like the Golf R that can do so
many things well, from being an economy hatchback to a very capable
horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque (from 122 cubic inches!), a bump up of performance car. Its advantage might be that it is subtle, understated and
some 72 horses and 22 lb-ft from the already-quick GTI. The result is the classy, inside and out.
zero-to-100 km/h run takes a second-and-a-half less time, right around the
SPECIFICATIONS
five-second mark, depending on transmission.
The last R, in 2013, only had a six-speed manual, but now you have the
choice of that or the six-speed DSG twin-clutch box (for $1,400) we’ve come
to love. Having driven both, the choice would be very difficult. The shift-yourself R is big-time fun to wind up and down through the gears, but the DSG
is quicker-shifting and accelerating (by 0.2 seconds to 100 km/h).
Base MSRP: ......................................................................................... $39,995
Type of vehicle: ....................................... Front-engine, AWD 4-door hatchback
Engine: ...................................................................2.0L DOHC turbocharged I4
Power: . .............................................................................292 hp @ 5,400 rpm
Torque: ............................................................. 280 lb-ft @ 1,900 – 5,300 rpm
Transmission: . ................................6-spd manual (6-spd DSG manumatic opt)
Curb weight: . ...................................................................... 1,489 kg / 3,286 lb
Fuel consumption (city/hwy): ............................................ 10.9 / 7.7 L /100 km
SIZES
'3%
17 X 8
18 X 8
19 X 8.5
20 X 8.5
• MANUFACTURED IN
DIRECT BOLT APPLICATIONS
1&3'03."/$&8)&&-
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OFFSETS AVAILABLE
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• OPTIONAL COLORS ARE AVAILABLE
WE RECOMMEND ZENNA BRAND
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8IPMFTBMF*ORVJSJFT0OMZ
EXPERT DESIGN AND
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+VOF_)4
LIFETIME STRUCTURAL
WARRANTY
• AVAILABLE IN GUNMETAL
W
e here at RPM were once
again lucky enough to attend the annual SEMA (Specialty
Equipment Marketing Association)
Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, and
this year’s version certainly did
not disappoint. The show serves
as the perfect platform for aftermarket automotive manufacturers
and OE manufacturers to display
their latest and greatest products
to people involved in the automotive industry. It truly is the premier
automotive specialty products trade
show event in the world, as it brings
together professionals from all over
the industry in one place, which is a
great opportunity to see everything
new in products, technologies and
even business strategies. Over the
next few pages, you will see some
of the ‘can’t miss’ highlights from
this year’s iteration.
ROUSH Unveils First-Ever
Turbocharged Vehicle
ROUSH certainly seemed to have a busy show
this year, and it is worth mentioning that they
unveiled the first ever turbocharged ROUSH vehicle, the 2016 ROUSH Mustang EcoBoost RST.
The ROUSH Turbocharger upgrade kit takes the
stock Mustang EcoBoost from 310 horsepower
and 320 lb-ft of torque to an astounding 511
horsepower and 465 lb-ft out of its 2.3L 4-cylinder
EcoBoost engine. In addition to the turbo upgrade
kit, the great-looking car featured a set of Forged
VPS-308 Vossen Wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires,
custom LED headlights, a Brembo brake upgrade,
and a ROUSH R7 Aero body kit, all wrapped in
a custom 3M matte military OD green wrap. The
company will begin offering phase kits for the stock
turbocharger early in 2016.
the awards are a way to tap into the exhibitors’ ability to identify
what’s hot on the market. Categories for the awards are Hottest
Car, won this year by the Ford Mustang; Hottest Truck, awarded
to Ford F-Series; Hottest 4x4-SUV, the Jeep Wranger; and finally,
the Hottest Sport Compact, Ford Focus.
SEMA Announces 2016 New
Product Showcase Award Winners
Recently, at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the 2016 SEMA
New Products Showcase Award Winners were announced. Almost
2015 SEMA Award
Winners Named
The SEMA Awards winners are chosen by a process which includes counting the vehicles displayed at the exhibitors’ booths
during the show so it can be identified which vehicle models they
believe will resonate best with the enthusiast company. Basically,
3,000 products were entered into 16 different categories and the
winners were selected based on a variety of factors that include
quality, marketability, innovation, technology, consumer appeal
and more. The Mobile Electronics category winner was Cybcar
America with its OEM Integrated Drive Assist System, while C&R
Performance took home the best Performance-Racing product
award with its Drag Race Barrel Intercooler. aFe Power’s DFS780
Series Diesel Fuel System won the Performance-Street Product
category and the Tire and Related Products Category winner was
Continental’s ExtremeContact DWS06 tire. Finally, the Wheel and
Related Product category was won by BBS of America with its BBS
2 PC Motorsport Tuner Wheel. For a complete list of winners from
all 16 categories including the runner-ups, visit www.sema.org.
Ford Makes a Few Announcements
Ford began the 2015 SEMA show by collecting three awards. Hottest Car: Ford Mustang. Hottest Truck: Ford F-Series. Hottest SubCompact: Ford Focus. After that they continued to the momentum
with Dave Pericak taking the stage to make some huge announcements at their Tuesday morning press conference. Announcements
included an all new Ford GT and a return to Le Mans in June 2016
with four cars and partnering with Michelin and Chip Gnassi which
will debut at 24 hours at Daytona in January. Michelin is also partnering with Ford for all of their performance tires including fitment
on the Mustang. Ken Block also took the stage to introduce the all
new Focus RS with its torque vectoring setup and also to announce
a specially tuned Escort RS on stage being raffled off in support of
Juvenile diabetes Research Foundation. Vaughn Gittin Jr followed
Mr.Block with the unveiling of the Mustang competition spec RTR
which is a 900 horsepower drift car based on the all new suspension, stiffer chassis and weighing in at only 2,800 lbs. Ford finished
it up by announcing the Ford Mustang CobraJet which is an out of
the box 8 second quarter mile car. Reserve yours because they are
only making 50 cars in 2016.
How do you put a value on
the car you’ve always loved?
The thrill of driving it
the heads you turn
the gleam in your kids’ eyes
All the barns you searched
the hands you shook
the money you paid
don’t add up to what it’s worth to you
BECAUSE LIFE’S BETTER IN A CLASSIC
Replacing ‘priceless’ isn’t easy, but that’s exactly what Hagerty does,
with Agreed Value coverage. Learn more and get a quote at Hagerty.ca.
877.922.4041 | LOCAL BROKER | HAGERTY.CA
Hagerty Canada, LLC policies are underwritten by Elite Insurance Company, an Aviva Canada company.
CLASSIC CAR INSURANCE
I first became aware of this having witnessed the sale of his 1963 Ferrari 250
GT Lusso at the 2007 Christies Auction
in Monterey, Calif.
At the time, these cars were changing
hands for approximately $250,000 and the
auction estimate was that the McQueen
ownership might result in a hammer price
of $800,000. To the surprise of all involved,
it fell at a whopping $2.3 million
Then there was the driving suit that McQueen wore in the 1971 movie Le Mans,
which sold for $984,000.
If you collect chronograph watches, the
Holy Grail is an original 1969 Heuer
Monaco, which was the first automatic
example, as well as the first square-cased
chronograph.
Star Power and
Ownership Boosts
Auction Prices
These have become highly collectible
because McQueen wore one in the movie
Le Mans. The finest vintage examples of
the Chronometric Heuer Monaco sell in
the $40,000 to $50,000 range today. The actual watch that McQueen
wore in the movie sold for $650,000.
I suppose you could say that Bonham’s were literally riding on Steve
McQueen’s coat tails when they sold the brown herringbone tweed jacket
Story by Nigel Matthews
I
can’t think of another star whose previous ownership of a vehicle, a watch
or a piece of clothing can command such a high price at an auction as
Steve McQueen.
We all know that celebrity ownership does not change the engineering or
handling of a vehicle — unless it is something like a Ford V8-powered Volvo
960 Wagon owned by David Letterman — but having Steve McQueen’s
name attached to an object gives one huge bragging rights.
with the suede elbow patches that he wore in the 1968 movie Bullitt for
$120,000.
The most recent McQueen vehicle to change hands was his special-order
slate grey, 1976 Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo, more commonly known as
the 930 Turbo.
The last time this car changed hands at an auction it was lot number 68
at the Gooding and Company, Pebble Beach auction in 2008. Despite
being marketed as a Steve McQueen car, it sold for $137,500, which
was a bit of a premium because a similar non-McQueen car was worth
$55,000 at that time.
The most recent sale in Monterey during August shattered all of the records. The car was marketed very well by Mecum Auctions and it paid off
with a hammer price of $1.95 million. A similar car without the McQueen
cachet in the Hagerty Value Guide is worth approximately $290,000.
Nigel Matthews is the global director of client services for Hagerty Insurance Agency, LLC — Hagerty is the world’s largest specialist provider
of collector car insurance and provides many resources that support
the classic car lifestyle. Contact him at [email protected] or visit
hagerty.ca
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
SCT Announces Custom Tuning
aFe Power Releases All-New
Support for the New 2016 Camaro SS Twisted Steel Header for 04-15
Subaru WRX STI
SCT Performance, which is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of handheld automotive performance and custom tuning software, is proud
to announce it
is releasing custom tuning for
the brand new
2016 Chevrolet
Camaro SS. Using one of SCT’s
flash programmers and using
the Advantage
3 Custom tuning
software, SCT
dealers are now
able to custom tune one of the most anticipated vehicles released
for the 2016 model year.
aFe Power has introduced an all-new Twisted Steel Header for the
2004-2015 Subaru WRX STI with the H4-2.5L engine. During testing, the header produced a maximum gain of 9 horsepower and 13
lb-ft of torque. The
headers are constructed of nearly
equal-length mandrel-bent 1-5/8-inch
into 2-1/2-inch 16gauge 304 stainless
steel tubing and
uses 3/8-inch thick
flanges for strength
and to ensure a leak
free seal. The smooth curves and increased diameter of this header
helps remove restriction and keeps exhaust gas flowing smoothly
for improved performance and durability.
For more information please go to www.sctflash.com
For more information please go to www.afepower.com
Ridetech Level 2 Air System for
2015 Ford Mustang
The Ridetech Level 2 Air System for the 2015 Ford Mustang provides adjustable rebound tuning with the HQ Shockwave front strut,
which mounts like a coilover and replaces both the coil spring and
the shock absorber. It lowers the vehicle in the front and provides
the ability to go even lower when not being driven by lowering the
air pressure further. The CoolRide rear kit replaces the traditional
coil-spring and shock with an air spring and shock. The RidePro
compressor system is outfitted with a high-capacity compressor
and three-gallon tank, and features three ride height presets with
optional “ride height on start” feature.
For more information please go to www.ridetech.com
Parts
For
Any
Mopar
Everything you need...
Anywhere you need it!
VarsityChrysler.com
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Forgeline Motorsports CustomMade AR1 Monoblock Wheel
Forgeline Motorsports is now offering the AR1,
which is a monoblock wheel design
made to order and
crafted to fit virtually any application. It features an
extremely angular
split spoke pattern,
extra-deep concave profile, and a
radically angle-cut
outer edge. The
AR1 is available in
18-, 19-, 20- and 21-inch diameters with a wide range of widths and
offsets, and is offered in deep, medium, or shallow concave profiles
depending on size. Forgeline confirms the fitment specification for
each customer application to create a custom production order.
For more information please go to www.forgeline.com
Wilwood Engineering Releases
New Rear Parking Brake Kit
for Mazda MX-5 Miata
Wilwood Engineering’s
rear DynaPro 4R/MC4
parking brake kit with
12.88-inch rotors for the
2006-2015 Mazda MX-5
Miata replaces the factory
components on models
that have 17-inch or larger
wheels. Calipers come
available in either gloss
black or red powder coat
finish, and a choice of
either SRP drilled and
slotted or GT competition
series face-slotted rotors.
BP compound SmartPads
are included in the kit to
deliver high-performance response for the street or strip. All necessary hardware for installation is included.
For more information please go to www.wilwood.com
EXCEEDS
FACTORY
SPECS
• ESTER-BASED FULL SYNTHETIC
• 1200 PPM OF ZINC
• LONGER DRAIN INTERVALS
• LOWER OIL TEMPS
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RPM Dec 15 / Jan 16
44 15-015_RPM_CANADA_NEW_BOTTLES.indd
1
9/3/15 10:04 AM
K&N Typhoon Air
Intake System for
Audi A4, A5, and A6
The K&N
Typhoon
air intake
system is a
free-flowing,
mandrelbent aluminum tube
air induction system
designed to
fit specific
Audi A4, A5 and A6 models. The factory air
filter and air intake housing are replaced by
the K&N intake which is made to dramatically reduce air flow restriction as it smooths
and straightens air flow. This will allow your
vehicle’s engine to inhale more air than the
factory intake which results in more power
across your RPM range. The kit includes a
black rubber-topped K&N high-flow air filter
and a heat shield with a replacement embossed fresh air duct.
For more information please go to
www.knfilters.ca
McLeod’s New Street
Level Clutches Bring
Quality to Entry Level
Clutch Market
McLeod Racing has added Street Level Clutch
Kits to its lineup to include high quality yet
very affordable entry level clutch kits. The kits
are recommended for use with cars with mild
bolt-on upgrades and are available for a wide
range of applications including 10.5-inch Fox
Body and Modular Mustangs, 11-inch Modular
Mustangs, 10.5- and 11-inch GM along with
with GM LS applications. The Street Level kits
include a high clamp load pressure plate for
increased holding power and the disc is an
organic material for smooth engagement.
For more information please go to
www.mcleodracing.com
Looks like he shouldn’t have
taken this detour.
That’s one way to parallel park.
Not sure that’s how that works.
Why wipe the snow off
when you could just go?
It’s a real shame there’s no
video of this one.
SmartCar... the ideal off-road machine.
Parting Shots is where we share those photos that defy classification. If you’ve seen something four-wheeled (or
otherwise) that you would like to share, please send it to [email protected]
AVAILABLE IN:
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GREEN
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YELLOW
4300K
OE
6000K
WHITE
8000K
SLIGHT
BLUE
12000K 25000K 35000K 40000K
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BLUE
DEEP
BLUE
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MATCH YOUR XENON HIDS WITH OUR
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