all looks. - RPM Canada

Transcription

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Contents
Legendary Power
2015 BMW M4 Coupe ...pg 12
Polestar
The S60 and V60
Polestar are the
fastest offerings
ever from Volvo
...pg 20
Sport-Hybrid
Tire Guide
The 2015 RPM
Performance
Tire Guide
...pg 26
Caddy
The Acura RLX
Sport Hybrid’s
electric motors
work in tandem
with the engine
...pg 16
ALSO
INSIDE
Starting Lines-------------------------------------- 4
FCA Winter Drive Program----------------------15
RPM Test Fleet------------------------------------22
The Truck Guy ------------------------------------35
Tire Review: BFG Comp2-AS-------------------- 37
Lexus
The Lexus RC350
should establish a
solid fan base
...pg 33
Car of the Year
The ATS has
added a sportier
two-door to its
lineup
... pg 36
The Subaru
Legacy has been
named the 2015
AJAC Car of the
Year
...pg 18
Spring Break Nationals--------------------------- 40
Classic Corner------------------------------------- 42
New Product Showcase-------------------------43
Parting Shots-------------------------------------46
RPM April / May 2015 Kia Canada Reveals Rear-Wheel
Drive GT4 Stinger Concept
Volume 17, Issue No. 2
April/May 2015
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
Arch Linsao
Dave MacKinnon
Nigel Matthews
Russell Purcell
Benjamin Yong
RPM IS AVAILABLE
AT THE FOLLOWING:
Kia Canada recently unveiled the brand’s most aggressive concept car ever, the GT4 Stinger, which is
a rear-wheel drive sports car with 2+2 seating that features bold new looks and excellent performance.
Under the hood of the concept is a tuned version of Kia’s proven 2.0L turbocharged T-GDI engine that
puts out an impressive 315 horsepower and is the same engine found in the Optima race cars. The
power is put to the ground via a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, and the custom 20-inch
aluminum centre lock wheels have carbon fibre inserts for strength and weight reduction. The concept
car features the latest iteration of the signature Kia grille which sits low to the ground for maximum
engine cooling and cold-air induction. LED headlamps can be found on either side of the grille, and
a carbon fibre splitter is mounted below the front bumper to provide added downforce for the car at
high speeds. The GT4’s interior includes race-inspired leather bucket seats, a thick D-shaped steering
wheel, and a red LED-illuminated instrument panel with a large tachometer and gear indicator. There
are currently no plans yet made about bringing the GT4 Stinger to production; it is meant to provide a
possible glimpse into Kia’s future.
Nissan Legend Yutaka Katayama
aka Mr.K Passes Away at 105
VALUE-ADDED &
FORWARDING
PARTNERS
The first president of the Nissan Motor Corporation USA, Yutaka Katayama, aka Mr.K, has recently
passed away at the age of 105. Originally joining the company in 1935, Mr.K made one of the first
colour films of a Datsun on Japanese roads and went on to
film motorsport races across the globe, which raised the bar
for decades of visual story telling. He built the Datsun brand,
which was Nissan’s initial brand name in the U.S., from scratch,
and ran operations in the 1970s, becoming widely known as
the father of the Datsun Z, which was a world-class affordable
sports car and is still revered by driving enthusiasts. He was
the team manager as two Datsun 210s were entered in a grueling rally circling the Australian continent, and the subsequent
victory paved the way for the brand to gain worldwide renown,
and set the stage for Datsun imports. He retired from the company in 1977, and was inducted into the American Automotive
Hall of Fame in 1998, as well as the Japan Automotive Hall
of Fame.
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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Tel: 604.629.9669 Fax: 778.285.2449
Toll free: 1.888.500.4591
Website: www.rpmcanada.ca
RPM April / May 2015
YOU DRIVE INTO A
DOWNPOUR. TIME TO:
take cover
take control
© 2015 MNA(C)I. All rights reserved.
Prototype Car Shown
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Chevrolet Officially Commits to
Bolt EV Production
After its debut at the North American International Auto Show, Chevrolet has now officially confirmed it will put the Bolt EV into production
at GM’s Orion Assembly facility near Detroit. The Bolt EV uses the
same battery technology found in the Chevrolet Volt and Spark EV
and was developed as a game-changing, long-range, fully-electric
vehicle that is designed to offer more than 300 km of range at a tar-
versions - one that boasts 540 horsepower and another that makes
an impressive 610 horsepower, with a 0-to-100 km/h (60 mph) time
of just 3.2 seconds and a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205mph).
Putting power to the ground will be a 7-speed S-tronic transmission
and a newly developed Quattro drive system. The exterior design
of the new R8 is very reminiscent of the first generation with a few
tweaks. The use of an Audi Space Frame (ASF) ensures low weight
and optimum axle load distribution and is made up of aluminum and
carbon fibre-reinforced plastics. Inside the R8, the displays are digital
and most important controls are grouped together in button clusters
on the steering wheel. Audi is also expected to be offering the R8
E-Tron model which is an electric powered vehicle boasting 456
horsepower and an incredible 679 lb-ft of torque with an all-electric
range of up to 450 km. No pricing information has been released
here in North America yet, but the base model in Europe will run you
165,000 euros.
Redesigned 2015 Subaru
Legacy Named 2015 AJAC
Canadian Car of the Year
The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) have
recently announced at the Canadian International Auto Show in
geted price of around $30,000 USD ($37,848 at current CDN dollar
exchange). The new vehicle will feature selectable driving modes
for preferred driving styles such as daily commuting, and was made
to support fast DC charging. An official production start date as well
as more details will be released at a later date. In order to support
the production of this next-generation electric vehicle, the Orion Assembly plant is receiving a $200-million investment, with $160-million
for tooling and equipment, and the remaining $40-million to Pontiac
Metal Center facilities.
Audi Debuts the Second
Generation of the R8 in Geneva
Recently, at the Geneva Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Audi
unveiled the second generation of its high-performance sports car, the Toronto that the completely redesigned 2015 Subaru Legacy has
R8. This new version offers the 5.2L FSI V10 engine in two different been named the winner of the 2015 Canadian Car of the Year award.
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2017 Ford GT
The Legacy was named AJAC’s Best New Family Car in the under
$30,000 category this past December and in doing so was entered
in the running to be named Car of the Year, eventually beating the
Hyundai Genesis, Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC and the Volkswagen
Golf to take home the crown. The 2015 Legacy features great looks,
one of the roomiest interiors in its segment and all the latest safety
technologies, plus boasts an All-Wheel Drive system as standard
equipment. The AJAC Canadian Car of the Year program features
the country’s top automotive journalists, using detailed criteria to
evaluate vehicles in real-world driving situations on public roads, to
provide Canadians with relevant consumer-driven information to take
with them to the marketplace.
Chevrolet Teases All-New 2016 Malibu
Ahead of its New York Release
Chevrolet has officially announced that it will be unveiling an all-new
2016 Malibu at the New York Auto Show which takes place in April.
Using a blank slate approach, Chevrolet designers are using an entirely new architecture which includes a wheelbase that is four inches
longer than the outgoing model, which results in more rear legroom
and interior space. Thanks to a higher-strength steel structure, the
new version of the Malibu is expected to be 300 pounds lighter than
the current model, which will benefit the vehicle’s fuel economy as
well as handling. Ed Welbum, General Motors’ vice president of Global
Design, has stated that the roofline has been stretched towards the
back to give a more sleek profile, and the front and rear overhangs
have been reduced, which will help the Malibu achieve a more
dynamic and sophisticated look. More information will be released
ahead of the New York Auto Show, and we will be sure to keep you
updated once the reveal happens.
New Ford GT to Possibly
Carry a Price Tag of $400,000
When the new Ford GT debuted at the North American International
Auto Show in Detroit, it created a buzz across the automotive world,
as its stunning looks and incredible power are sure to make it a hit
among the public. Recently, a Car and Driver report indicated that
upon the supercar’s debut in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show,
performance chief Dave Pericak indicated that it would be priced
competitively with the Lamborghini Aventador, whose base price is
nearly $400,000. With that information plus the fact that production
is expected to reach only a number in the hundreds, it is not likely
that you will be seeing the Ford supercar on the road anytime soon.
Official performance, production, and pricing figures are not yet
known, but the EcoBoost V6 engine under the hood is expected to
produce over 600 horsepower and the carbon fibre construction will
allow it to be very lightweight. The question is - will a $400,000 price
tag be justified?
Pagani Huayra Roadster to Have More
Power, Less Weight than Coupe
A recent Autoblog report confirmed that Pagani has sold out the
entire production run of the Huayra and will stop building them once
the remaining 29/100 are finished. With this comes the news that
Pagani is preparing to launch a Roadster version once production of
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Pagani Huayra
the coupe has stopped. Top Gear recently spoke to founder Horacio
Pagani in Geneva and were told the forthcoming Roadster version
will be lighter than the coupe by more than 100 pounds and will have
a good 20 more horsepower coming from the 6.0L twin-turbo V12,
which puts the number somewhere around 750. Only 100 examples
of the Huayra Roadster will be made and it is slated to debut at the
2016 Geneva Motor Show.
BMW Unveils Mildly
Updated 6-Series
ting power to the ground for all three engine options is a 7-speed M
Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic that provides
lightning-quick shifts that can be controlled using steering wheelmounted paddle shifters. There are a few minor tweaks to the exterior
of the car with the most notable being a sharpened front end with a
slightly different grille and a lower air dam to accentuate the vehicle’s
width. All versions now come with standard full LED headlights and
inside, there is high-gloss black trim covering the centre, with LED
lights throughout the interior.
Illinois Auto Museum to Give Away
The BMW 6-Series has received a mild refresh for the 2015 model
year and will be offered in three distinct body styles - traditional two- ‘Back to the Future’ DeLorean if
door coupe, open-air convertible and unique four-door Gran Coupe.
Chicago Cubs Win World Series
All three versions will be offered with a choice of BMW TwinPower
As first reported by ABC Chicago, Chicago’s Volo Auto Museum
Turbo engines - the 315-horsepower inline-six in the 640i models and
has fully committed to giving away its Back to the Future DeLorean
the 445-horsepower V8 in the 650i models, with the top-of-the-line
Time Machine if the Chicago Cubs can win the 2015 Major League
M6 offering a 560-horsepower M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine. PutBaseball World Series as predicted in 1989’s Back to the Future Part
Scion iM Concept
10 RPM April / May 2015
Kia Soul EV named AJAC
Green Car of the Year
Recently at the Vancouver International Auto
Show the Kia Soul EV was named the inaugural AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association
of Canada) Canadian Green Car of the Year
beating out the other finalists which included
the Honda Fit, Subaru Legacy and Toyota
Camry Hybrid.
STRONGER
TOUGHER
W
THE ORIGINAL
W
II. In the movie, it is predicted that the Cubs
would win the World Series against Miami in
2015, which inspired the Museum to put the
car on the line. The contest is set to begin
March 21st and any visitor to the museum
will be automatically eligible to enter and the
museum will be accepting entries throughout
the 2015 baseball season as long as the Cubs
remain in the running. The museum’s 1984
DeLorean is a replica of the car from the movie
and has been on display since the late 1990s.
Something tells us the replica will remain in its
original home as the Cubs haven’t appeared
in a World Series since 1945 and haven’t won
since 1908, which is the longest championship
drought of any major sports team in North
America. Prove us wrong Cubs!
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Kia Canada National Manager for communications, Jack Sulymka accepted the award on
behalf of Kia and stated that it’s been hugely
popular since coming to market last year and
that they plan on getting as many of examples
of the vehicle into Canada as possible. This is
the second AJAC award the Soul EV has won
since its Canadian launch late last year as it
was named the Best New City Car back in December as a result of testing at TestFest. The
Soul EV features a 109 horsepower 27kWh
electric motor that gets an estimated 150km of
range which is good enough to top all other EV
competitors besides the Tesla Model S.
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RPM April / May 2015 11
Living up to a Legend
2015 BMW M4 Coupe
Story and photos by Gerry Frechette
driveability is a very good one, and the M4 can knock off 0-to-100
km/h runs in the very low four-second range. All this, with a reduction
hen you look back at all the iconic performance cars of the last in fuel consumption and emissions of nearly 25 percent.
few decades, one name is always mentioned, and always near
the top of anyone’s list – the BMW M3. Tracing its ancestry back to How quick the M4 is depends on the transmission it is equipped with,
the 2002tii model of over 40 years ago, and now the fifth generation as the optional (for $3,900!) 7-speed DCT twin-clutch manumatic with
of the M3 first introduced in 1985, the new model is well up to the Launch Control is quicker (by a couple of tenths) than the standard
6-speed manual our tester was equipped with. In either case, the M4
task of living up to the legend.
is rear-wheel drive only; none of this X-Drive stuff for this performance
In keeping with BMW’s new nomenclature, which sees odd numbers car. One reason for that is the quest for light weight. The new model
being sedans and even numbers reserved for coupes, the latest M is some 80 kilograms lighter than the last one, thanks to liberal use
car based on the 3- and 4-Series is therefore both an M3 and M4. of carbon fibre, including the roof and the driveshaft
W
The rest of the mechanical componentry is, as you’d expect, a step
up from the garden-variety 4-Series cars upon which the M’s are
based. The Active M Differential, for example, uses an electronically
controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential to optimize traction and
directional stability, something many cars accomplish with brake application. The suspension components, both front and rear, are largely
made from aluminum. The 19-inch forged alloy wheels are light, and
wider in the rear. The electro-mechanical steering allows the driver to
select from three levels of assistance. The M brakes are lighter than
regular ones, and carbon ceramic discs are available.
Our tester was the M4 coupe, and much has changed since the last
generation.
The biggest revision is under the hood. That previous model had a
normally-aspirated V8, which probably annoyed a few aficionados of
straight-sixes. It was certainly fun to drive and made great sounds, but
when the time came to spec out the latest M3/4, a straight six – with
twin turbos – was back in the engine bay. By the numbers, there is
no comparison, as the new 3.0-litre six has no less than 111 more
pounds-feet of torque, at as low as 1,850 rpm, more than 2,000 revs
lower than the V8’s peak. The effect on acceleration and everyday
Inside the M4, the standard appointments of the 4-Series coupes
are augmented by many M trim bits like gearshift, instruments and
steering wheel, while the front seats are pretty special visually, with
SPECIFICATIONS
Base MSRP: ......................................................................................... $75,000
Price as tested: . ................................................................................... $87,245
Type of vehicle: ............................................. Front-engine, RWD 2-door coupe
Engine: ...................................................................... 3.0L DOHC Twin-Turbo I6
Power: . .................................................................. 425 hp @ 5,500-7,300 rpm
Torque: ................................................................ 406 lb-ft @ 1,850-5,500 rpm
Transmission: ........................................................................ Six-speed manual
Brakes: ...................................................................... Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires: ............................................................255/35R19 front, 275/35 R19 rear
Curb weight: . ...................................................................................... 1,601 kg
Acceleration, 0-100 km/h: .....................................................................4.3 sec.
Fuel Consumption (L/100 km, city/hwy): ..............................................13.7/9.0
twisty back roads we could find, we can report that it is a blast to drive.
Fast, stable, precise, very high limits, rewards driver involvement and
commitment – all can be used to describe the M4 driven hard. Of
course, it is perfectly capable of handling city traffic just as well.
a full-size single-piece back panel, like a real racing seat. The side
bolsters are adjustable, but the illuminated BMW M logo on the seat
backrests is perhaps one feature we could forgo.
As is becoming the norm, the M4’s major functions can be customized
by the driver. The stability control, engine, steering and suspension
each have three settings – Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus. In the first two
of them, the revs can be matched in downshifts, like the skilled driver
can do with heel-and-toeing.
In recognition of those who are accustomed to using the many apps
on their mobile devices, the M4 has an app, too – the M Laptimer.
The app records the car’s speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration,
engine revs, the gear engaged, steering angle, accelerator position
and fuel consumption. That means, when the data is subsequently
analyzed via graphic displays on the smart phone, the driver’s reac- The base price of the M4 is $75,000, and as you might expect, the
tions can also be assessed. Additionally, there is an app to fully control various options packages available can push the price northward in
a GoPro camera through the car’s iDrive controller.
a hurry. Our tester was $87K, and that was without the DCT or the
carbon ceramic brakes ($8,500). One suspects that someone wantUnfortunately, we didn’t have access to a proper test track the couple ing this, the most legendary of performance BMWs, won’t be too
of times we drove the M4, but after some good runs through the best concerned with such trivial matters.
FCA Winter
Driving
Program
The 200S features a great AWD system and a ton of power from its
3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and due to its lightweight was incredibly
easy to tame through the tricky corners of the circuit in less than
ideal conditions. The Renegade shouldn’t have made my most
surprising list as it bares the Jeep name, but upon my first look it
appeared to be just another quirky compact SUV. These notions
were immediately squashed as once I got behind the wheel it was
Story and photos by Jordan Allan
I
f you were unlucky enough to experience the type of winter that hit
Eastern Canada this past season, you undoubtedly found yourself
in some snowy or icy road conditions that made getting around safely
somewhat of a challenge. A good set of winter tires is a good way
to help deal with the dangerous conditions, but perhaps the best
method is to drive a vehicle fitted with an AWD or 4x4 system. Given
the fact that 17 of the 26 vehicles in the FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, formerly Chrysler Canada) lineup include an AWD or 4x4
system as an option, there’s a good chance you’ll find one that suits
you. To showcase their entire winter capable lineup, FCA brought us
out to Circuit iCar just outside of Montreal back in February to show
just how ready their vehicles are to tackle old man winter.
At the facility, the FCA and iCar’s highly trained staff had set up
a slalom, a skid pad, an icy race course and a separate off-road
course for us to take the 14 available vehicles on hand and put
them through their paces. Given that FCA has a total of 22 different AWD/4x4 systems available throughout the lineup, as soon as
I hit the laid out circuit I quickly noticed that each vehicle had its
own distinct feel but all were able to allow me to be fully in control,
despite the icy and sometimes deep snow conditions. This was due
to the fact that although different, each vehicle provided you with a
feel of predictability which was key if you found yourself spinning
the tires or losing your rear end.
In total I drove 8 vehicles around the icy circuit (Dodge Charger
Rallye, Chrysler 300, Jeep Renegade, Ram 2500 Power Wagon,
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Dodge Charger Police Pursuit, Jeep Grand
Cherokee, Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, Chrysler 200S) and while
all of them kept me in control and flexed their all-wheel capable
muscles, the ones that surprised me the most in terms of handling
the frigid conditions was the Chrysler 200S and new for 2015 Jeep
Renegade.
clear that it could handle anything you through at it, including the
icy race track or the off-road course.
The off-road portion of the program allowed us to take the Renegade, Power Wagon, Wrangler, and Cherokee through a difficult
but well laid out course. The Wrangler, as expected, was the topof-the-class handling everything with ease and showcasing why it
carries the reputation that it does. Not far behind though was the
aforementioned all-new Renegade, in its Trail Rated Traihawk trim,
which also was able to negotiate each obstacle and showed that it
is definitely not to be thought of as just a quirky compact SUV, but
rather something that will do the Jeep brand proud.
The program clearly showed us that FCA is dedicated to providing
safe, capable vehicles that can handle just about everything as is
evidenced by the sheer number of vehicles offering AWD/4x4 systems. Having had the chance to test a number of these vehicles,
I can confidently say that this program has proven there is a FCA
vehicle for everyone and it will surely be able to handle whatever
challenges you throw at it.
Leading-Edge
Technology
is more to this car than straight line runs, and this is where the technology
gets to work.
We are starting to hear more about Torque Vectoring, where power can be
apportioned to each wheel of the car according to where it is most needed
for traction at the moment. Traction can mean many things, not just getting
Acura RLX Sport Hybrid
up a snowy hill. Simply put, the car will corner better if the outside rear wheel
Story and photos by Gerry Frechette
has more torque, and the inside rear wheel has less torque, than the equal
amount they would have if the car was moving straight ahead with constant
There are more and more pure electric vehicles on the road, but for the most speed. Varying the torque can occur with some combination of brake applipart, you’ll find most vehicles with batteries and motors also have some cation or rear differential control in ordinary all-wheel drive cars, but the RLX
type of internal combustion engine onboard. It is how the two propulsive has two motors back there, with instant and independent torque on tap.
technologies are mated that makes things interesting. Some of the latest
high-end performance cars use multiple electric motors to drive one end of So, turning into a slow-to-medium corner with adequate traction at ‘enthuthe car, but they work in tandem with the engine.
siastic’ speeds, the big RLX handles like a sports car half its weight, as the
motors instantaneously apply as much positive (outside wheel) and negaBut what if the engine and the motors are completely separate in their tive (inside wheel) torque as is needed for a perfect arc through the corner,
functioning? What if the two ends of a car were essentially separate entities
in terms of moving the car down the road? Acura sought to answer those
questions, and the RLX Sport Hybrid is the result.
Under the hood is the familiar 3.5-litre V6, mounted transversely and driving
the front wheels through a new seven-speed twin-clutch manumatic transmission, onto the back of which is attached a small electric motor, primarily
for charging the batteries and starting the car. Almost like a typical hybrid
– except, the motor doesn’t do much to drive the car, except in high load
situations like full throttle, when it contributes 47 horsepower to the cause.
But wait, there’s more. Two identical 36-hp electric motors reside in the rear
of the car, coupled together by a planetary gear set and producing 54 lb-ft of with no under- or oversteer. Even wilder, if you lift off the throttle in mid-turn,
torque. A motor for each wheel, each capable of independent function. This usually a recipe for disaster, the car will continue in its arc, because the
is the basis for the latest version of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.
resulting regenerative braking energy will be applied to the inside wheel,
slowing it that way.
So how does it all work? Move the RLX away from rest, and the rear motors
do all the work, although you don’t get much beyond 30 km/h as an EV, This is a glimpse of the future of high-performance handling, at least in Honda
since the motors and batteries are relatively small. At that stage, the engine products, and the new Acura NSX will have a similar system, except rotated
up front joins the party, and the car goes from a rear- to a front-drive car as 180 degrees with the motors in the front.
the motors shut down. At normal constant speeds, the engine might shut
off if there is enough juice to power the motors for a while, but that is more The RLX, whether Sport Hybrid or not, is far from the biggest seller in this
likely in urban driving. But Acura has other plans for the motors, more than tough segment, despite it being very luxurious and high-tech. It’s attractive,
simply assisting the engine at low speeds.
well-equipped, comfortable, and especially quiet inside the cabin. The electronic steering is vague like many such systems are, and the brakes are a
This is where the ‘Sport’ in the name comes in. Boot the RLX off the line, bit grabby on initial application, as we’ve seen before from regen systems
and with one engine and three motors, you have some 377 horsepower at on hybrids. But if you can live with these two foibles, and appreciate a big,
your disposal, and zero-to-100km/h runs in the five-second range, which fast sedan that handles better than most small ones, the RLX Sport Hybrid
is quick enough for a big luxury sedan weighing over two tons. But there offers leading-edge technology that no other manufacturer has.
Car of
the Year
Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited
Story and photos by Gerry Frechette,
additional photos courtesy of Subaru Canada
H
ave you seen the Subaru television ad for the new Legacy sedan?
It goes something like this. “Did you know that Subaru builds an
all-wheel drive family sedan? It gets really good fuel economy too.” Apparently, the maker of the popular Outback and Forester, to say nothing
of the WRX and STI performance models, would like the motorists of
Canada to know that it also makes a very nice mid-size family sedan.
traction in a rain storm or in snow is a good thing, then this is the car
you must look at first.
Under the hood is either a 2.5-litre flat-four, or a 3.6-litre flat-six as our
tester had, and it is a smooth, powerful unit. The four is a little less so,
but for normal family use, it is just fine. Both engines are backed up with
a CVT automatic transmission, which functions better than most of them.
You can ‘shift’ it yourself for more of a sporty feel, but that is about as
sporty as you are going to get; this is a family sedan, as close to a luxury
car as Subaru makes, so performance has taken a back seat.
The new exterior design is contemporary and attractive, but more to the
conservative side than some other players in this group. It is the interior,
and the safety equipment, where Subaru has devoted most of its effort.
The rear seat passenger is the biggest beneficiary of the new, larger
Legacy design, as there are now over three inches more legroom back
there. The trunk volume is up slightly as well, although it is not the most
capacious in the class due to the differential and multi-link suspension
needing room underneath.
Of course, Subaru has made such a car for many years now. Like Inside the Legacy, the new focus is apparent. The front seats are wide
most Subarus, it has appealed to those who appreciate its reliability, and multi-adjustable, if a bit soft. The instrument panel and centre stack
all-weather capability and even its quirkiness. But it’s just that with the are as attractive as any others in this segment, with a nice variety of
tones and materials. There are new soft-touch materials on the arm
rests. Everything is set up for easy, comfortable driving.
The new technology that Subaru is getting some deserved recognition
for is the EyeSight driver-assistance system, available on the Limited
models in 4- or 6-cylinder versions for only $1,200. It includes pre-collision
braking, brake assist, and throttle management, adaptive cruise control,
lane departure warning, lane sway warning and lead vehicle start alert.
A Subaru thus equipped has two “eyes” at the top of the windshield,
operating in stereo to measure everything in front of the car.
The new Legacy is a very well done family/luxury sedan. So well done,
in fact, that it was recently named the 2015 AJAC Canadian Car of the
move into a very mainstream design for the all-new model, Subaru Year, after having won the Family Car Under $30,000 award.
understandably would like to see more “mainstream” numbers of them
being sold – and that meant designing a Legacy with more refinement, SPECIFICATIONS
luxury and space.
MSRP (base Legacy): ........................................................................... $23,495
The basic recipe is the same as for all the previous generations of Legacy
– a horizontally-opposed engine, supple suspension that soaks up big
bumps, and full-time all-wheel drive across the model range. In this
segment that almost all the manufacturers play in, only two others offer
any sort of AWD, and only on top-end models. If you think that ultimate
Price as tested: . ................................................................................... $35,395
Vehicle Layout: ........................................................ 4-door, Front-engine, AWD
Engine: ....................................................................................... 3.6L DOHC H6
Transmission: ......................................................................................CVT auto
Power: . .............................................................................256 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: ........................................................................... 247 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Brakes: ......................................................................... 4-wheel disc, ABS, EBD
Fuel Efficiency: (L/100 km, city/hwy) ..................................................11.9 / 8.2
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Scandinavian Twins
2015 Volvo S60 Polestar
and V60 Polestar
Story and photos by Benjamin Yong,
additional photos courtesy of Volvo Canada
I needed to learn more. I discovered that the V60 Polestar was
released in conjunction with the S60 Polestar sedan, the fastest production offerings ever made by Volvo, and are based on the current
pedestrian versions of both vehicles. Although they’re obviously much
remember it like it was yesterday.
more aggressive looking, the aerodynamic additions aren’t over the
At TestFest back in October, where members of the Automobile Jour- top and are the result of extensive wind tunnel testing.
nalists Association of Canada (AJAC) gather once a year in Ontario
Form-fitting splitters are neatly clipped to each corner of the front
bumper, and a black diffuser is attached to the bottom of the rear
bumper that features vortex generating “fins” protruding out, similar to
what you see on aircraft wings or the roof of a late-model Mitsubishi
Lancer Evolution. On the wagon, there’s a hatch spoiler hanging out
above the rear window. The sedan gets a trick duckbill spoiler that
angles up from the trunk edge just enough to make a statement.
I
The purpose of all these doodads is to smooth out the airflow underneath the car and increase downforce so all four wheels stay planted
on the ground during high speeds and cornering manoeuvres. If
there’s one thing Polestar knows, it’s downforce. Founded in 1996
in collaboration with Volvo, it is the performance division in charge of
running the Swedish automaker’s motorsport program. After years
of research and development, the two vehicles bearing their same
name discussed in this article are the blessed result.
Following TestFest, Volvo Canada kindly provided the twin variants
for me to drive back-to-back. Having also driven the standard S and
V60s, I had a good baseline from which to compare everything.
to evaluate the newest models from various auto manufacturers, I
was walking past the makeshift slalom course constructed in a large The interior is one of the areas that has, for the most part, been left
largely alone. True, the inside is brighter and more colourful to align
parking lot.
“Vrroooom! Screeech! Burble burble.” This was the racy cacophony
of sounds coming from the tarmac that caused me to turn around,
expecting it to come from maybe a BMW M4 or at least an angry
Jaguar F-Type. Nope. It was a Volvo.
Not just any Volvo, though — a bright Smurf-coloured (Rebel Blue)
V60 Polestar wagon of all things, modified with all kinds of body
aero, huge wheels and dual polished exhaust tips straight from the
factory!
SPECIFICATIONS
V60 Polestar:
Base price (MSRP): .............................................................................. $66,895
Type: ...................................................................... 5-door, 5-passenger wagon
Layout: ................................................................................. front engine, AWD
Engine: ..............................................................................3.0L DOHC inline six
Transmission: . ..............................................................................6-speed auto
Power: . .............................................................................345 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque: ........................................................................... 369 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
Curb weight: . ...................................................................................... 1,719 kg
Brakes: .........................................................................front/rear disc with ABS
Fuel Consumption (L/100km, city/hwy combined): ................ 13.1 L (observed)
SPECIFICATIONS
S60 Polestar:
Base price (MSRP): .............................................................................. $64,895
Type: ....................................................................... 4-door, 5-passenger sedan
Engine: ..............................................................................3.0L DOHC inline six
Power: . .............................................................................345 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque: . ......................................................................... 369 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
Curb weight: . ...................................................................................... 1,671 kg
Fuel Consumption (L/100km, city/hwy combined): ................ 14.6 L (observed)
stiffer than those found on the already-sporty R-Design trim level.
The shocks are also less forgiving, and the wheels are 20 inches in
diameter, which doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for tires. However,
that means the handling is nothing short of amazing, especially for
the bigger and heavier V60.
Power is produced from the top-of-the-line T6 six-cylinder engine
outfitted with a new twin-scroll turbo and intercooler, now pumping out
345 horsepower and a serious 369 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm. We’re
closer with the brand’s signature blue, and there’s suede on the steering wheel to reinforce the feeling of being in a race car. The seats are
more supportive, too, and then there’s the cool backlit gear knob. But
the centre console (now covered in garish carbon fibre finish) with
the unmistakeable keypad and four control dials is still there, along
with the rest of the familiar dash layout.
People are definitely on either side of the fence in regards to the classic, somewhat spartan design — I for one have always felt at home
talking gobs of torque that will catch your passenger(s) by surprise
when you step on it to merge onto the highway, or just because you
can. Gasses are expelled with a happily undignified tone through a
2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust system.
sitting inside a Volvo. I love Scandinavian attention to detail, like the
little slot next to the steering column where you can conveniently
insert your key fob, so you don’t have to search for it in your pockets
or garbage-filled cupholder each time you park. And why doesn’t
every car have a little flap attached to the corner of the windshield to
clip parkade receipts or passes?
Whether for safety, performance or both, grip is constantly maintained
by a special Haldex all-wheel drive system working in conjunction
with a recalibrated traction control system. With little effort from the
driver thanks to a six-speed automatic gearbox, 0-to-100 km/h can
be achieved in the sub-five-second range.
So, if I’ve convinced you that you should begin your quest to find one
of these limited edition beauties, the question becomes: which one
should you pick? It really comes down to a lifestyle choice, because
the fun factor is almost identical in either model. If we’re going to get
picky, the wagon does weigh approximately 48 kilograms more, but
some say the extra girth in the back makes the V60 feel a little more
Before I get into driving impressions, an early disclaimer: if you like balanced. It definitely has more cargo room of the two, with 692 litres
a comfortable ride, these may not be the vehicles for you. Among of capacity versus 339. Then again, I think the sedan looks sportier.
the many chassis and engine upgrades, the springs are 80 percent In other words, you really can’t go wrong with either.
TEST FLEET
Lincoln MKC
Price: . ..........................................................................................$54,170
Engine: ............................................... 2.3L EcoBoost DOHC 16-valve I4
Trans: ...................................................................................6-speed auto
Power: . ..........................................................................................285 hp
Torque: . .......................................................................................305 lb-ft
Curb Weight: ............................................................... 1,798kg/3,963lbs
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) . .............................12.9/9.2
New for 2015: The Lincoln MKC is an all-new vehicle for 2015 and is a
performance-minded small utility vehicle that features an elegant design and
all the safety and technology features you could want.
Segment Competitors: Kia Sportage, BMW X3, GMC Terrain, Nissan
Juke, Ford Escape, Audi Q5, Mazda CX-5
The Skinny: The new MKC was designed to meet the needs of luxury buyers who want a more personal car-owning experience. It features a graceful,
purposeful and well laid-out interior, and has a rare combination of power
and efficiency thanks to its EcoBoost powerplant.
Pros: Found it to have an incredibly smooth ride, and all of the technology goodies made it an especially enjoyable experience.
Cons: Nothing major, but pushing a button to select a gear has always felt weird to us.
The Verdict: The MKC will enter its segment and immediately challenge for the crown, as you would be hard-pressed to find a single
thing it doesn’t do well.
Mercedes C400 4MATIC
Price: ............................................................................................... $51,400
Engine: ...................................................... 3.0L biturbo DOHC 24-valve V6
Trans: .............................................................................. 7-speed automatic
Power: ............................................................................................... 329 hp
Torque: ........................................................................................... 354 lb-ft
Curb Weight: ...................................................................1,695kg/3,737lbs
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) . .................................11.1/8.4
New for 2015: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is all-new for 2015 and now
features a dynamic exterior design with dramatic lines that give it a sophisticated
yet aggressive appearance. Our C400 model featured a 3.0L biturbo engine
and the 4Matic AWD allowing it to handle just about any driving situation.
Segment Competitors: Hyundai Genesis, Lexus IS, BMW 3-Series, Audi
A4, Infiniti Q50
The Skinny: The C-Class is the brand’s sales leader on an international scale,
making it a very important vehicle for Mercedes. Thanks to a hard charge from
its competitors from here in North America, to Europe and Japan, Mercedes
had to make sure the redesign was a successful one.
Pros: Was a blast to drive thanks to its incredible power and 4Matic AWD system.
Cons: If you aren’t careful, you’ll find yourself making more trips to the pump then you had anticipated.
The Verdict: The overhaul of the Mercedes C-Class has certainly made the most of its redesign as was exemplified by our top-of-the-line
C400. The combination of refinement, performance, and that classic Mercedes look are sure to make it a top competitor in its segment.
Porsche Macan S
Price: . ..........................................................................................$57,200
Engine: ............................................. 3.0L twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V6
Trans: ...................................................................................7-speed auto
Power: . ..........................................................................................340 hp
Torque: ........................................................................................339 lb-ft
Curb Weight: ............................................................... 1,865kg/4,112lbs
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) . .................................. TBD
New for 2015: The Macan is an all-new vehicle for 2015 and is Porsche’s
first entrant in to the popular mid-size SUV category. The S model is the least
expensive in Porsche’s current lineup but that certainly doesn’t mean it doesn’t
feature Porsche’s patented performance and good looks.
Segment Competitors: BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, Audi
SQ5, Volvo XC60, Volkswagen Touareg, Cadillac SRX
The Skinny: As you might expect, as soon as you start driving the Macan, you instantly take notice that you’re behind the wheel of a Porsche.
The 7-speed PDK transmission provides lightning-quick shifts and the 340
horsepower under the hood generates a very nice sound. Although it might
not handle quite as well as a 911, it would give anything in its class a run for its money.
Pros: Is incredibly fun to drive but still just as practical as any mid-size SUV option out there.
Cons: The Macan can get very pricey when you start adding in options.
The Verdict: Although the Macan S is the cheapest way to get into a Porsche model, it certainly doesn’t feel like it once you do so. It
provides comfort for up to five passengers and enough room to haul lots of cargo around, and does so with a fire-breathing twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood. Let’s see how many more examples of that you can find.
We dream of roaring engines
of metal, rubber, the smell of exhaust
of a car that does more than A to B
it stirs the soul
It’s not some pie-in-the-sky dream
it’s the dream we earned
the dream we live
the dream we’ll pass on
BECAUSE LIFE’S BETTER IN A CLASSIC
We believe in keeping the dream of classics alive. That’s why we do everything we do: insurance
and roadside service tailored to classics, classic vehicle valuation tools, Hagerty Classic Cars
magazine and more. Do you dream of classics? Join us and learn more at Hagerty.ca.
CLASSIC CAR INSURANCE
877.922.4041 | LOCAL BROKER | HAGERTY.CA
Hagerty Canada, LLC policies are underwritten by Elite Insurance Company, an Aviva Canada company.
Membership in Hagerty Plus Roadside Service program is provided by Hagerty Plus Canada, LLC, a
non-insurance affiliate of Hagerty Canada, LLC. Roadside service provided by Signature Motor Club, Inc.
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PERFORMANCE TIRE GUIDE
way you want it to and for the purpose
you want it for.
The same way that no vehicle or driver
is created equal, no tire is created equal
either. They’ve all got different strengths
and weaknesses, and each tire out there
is geared toward a specific purpose,
specific vehicle, and specific driver. The
key is finding the one that fits you, your
vehicle, and your purpose. It’s at that point
when you’ll experience the true meaning
of “performance”.
Bringing a Knife
to a Gunfight?
Story by Arch Linsao,
photos courtesy of the manufacturers
T
his is one of those concepts that seems like it should be pretty
obvious. The concept behind the popular phrase “bringing a knife
to a gunfight.” Basically, describing the idea of having the proper
equipment for the task at hand. Obvious right? Well, not always when
it comes to choosing tires, apparently.
Let’s face it, people... just because it’s black and round, or costs a
certain amount, or is made by a particular company in a particular
part of the world, doesn’t always make it the proper tire to put on
your vehicle. Every tire has a particular purpose, every vehicle has
a particular purpose, and every driver has a particular purpose. Now,
when you take each of those factors into consideration, you can
easily narrow down the multitude of choices out there and pick the
proper tire for your particular purpose. If you decide to ignore one
of those factors and you choose a tire that doesn’t quite meet all of
your expectations, then you can’t expect your vehicle to perform the
Now if that still doesn’t quite make a whole
lot of sense (I’ve been told that sometimes
I don’t), let’s take a look at the same
concept, but in a world that has nothing
to do with cars or tires. We are all Canadian, and thus we all love hockey, right?
So let me put it in a way all of us hockey
fans will understand. It’s obvious that
hockey players are excellent ice skaters.
Honestly, they’re some of the best skaters
out there, if you take into consideration
all the athletic manoeuvres they’re able
to execute whilst wearing what are essentially just boots with a metal blade attached to them gliding on a
sheet of ice. Now imagine the same hockey players going about their
business, but wearing skates designed for figure skaters. They’re still
ice skates right? Still just boots with metal blades gliding on the ice,
right? It should be no different right? WRONG.
It’s the same thing as trying to tee off on the golf course with a putter, win a boxing match with baseball gloves, dribble a football on a
basketball court, or throw a touchdown with a soccer ball. I mean,
you could probably try it, but you likely won’t get the desired results.
Why? Because you’re not using the right equipment. I could go on
and on with the analogies, but I figure at this point (at least I’d hope)
you’ve been able to connect the dots and see where I’m going with
this idea.
The same concept applies when talking tires. Your vehicle will probably still work fine even with the wrong type of tire on it, but it won’t
get you the desired or optimal results. It’s like putting an ultra-highperformance race tire on a minivan, a long-lasting eco-friendly touring
tire on a supercar, or a super-aggressive competition rock crawler tire
on a truck that would never leave the pavement. Sure they’ll work,
but they won’t “perform”.
Performance is all about having the right equipment. The last thing
you’d want to do is show up to a gunfight with a knife. Or a hockey
stick. Or boxing gloves. Or... okay fine I’ll stop. You get the point.
Featured: g-Force Comp 2 A/S
BFGoodrich’s best all-season ultra-high performance tire ever. Ultigrip technology composed
of a new all-season compound and directional tread designed to provide the best wet and dry
grip. ETEC equal tension containment system optimizes contact patch and the g-Force tread
evenly distributes stresses across the tire footprint resulting in ultimate grip in hard cornering.
Stops up to 15 feet shorter on wet roads and five feet shorter on dry roads compared to leading
competitors.
THERE’S MORE TO
PERFORMANCE TIRES THAN YOU THINK
Our Fastest Tire Yet
The ADVAN Neova AD08R is engineered to deliver sharp steering response with
maximum cornering stability on dry and wet surfaces. Nearly 100 years of Japanese
engineering precision and over 50 years of global motorsports heritage have taught
us a thing or two about delivering performance in all conditions. Infused with an
all-new race-inspired compound, the ADVAN Neova AD08R offers improved grip and
a faster ride for drivers who push the limit.
Yokohama. Take the lead.
Featured: Potenza RE-11
The Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 is designed for drivers desiring high performance. Optimized for traction and performance, this tire helps promote an exhilarating ride. Stealth blocks promote higher tread
stiffness while enhancing water evacuation, larger outer tread blocks improve cornering performance,
circumferential grooves help channel water out of the footprint area to improve resistance to hydroplaning, and asymmetric construction provides optimal performance in various conditions based on a tread
pattern that varies from shoulder to shoulder.
Featured: ExtremeContact DWS06
The ultra-high performance, all-season tire choice for drivers seeking true, year-round traction. All new
SportPlus Technology provides precise handling; security on wet, slippery roads; and excellent tread life.
The ExtremeContact DWS06 is Continental’s fine-tuned, ultra-high performance all-season tire. Traction
Grooves improve snow performance through increased pattern edges, while X-Sipe technology improves
braking, cornering and acceleration in wet, snow and ice. Quickview Indicators visually inform drivers to
the level tires are performing in dry, wet and snow and the need to check vehicle’s alignment.
Featured: Direzza ZII
The new Direzza ZII is the fastest Direzza Ultra-High Performance summer tire. The true circle profile
enhances flexibility to help provide cornering during shifting load conditions of race track cornering. It
also features a harder topping compounding to help promote improved responsiveness and a wide
contact area to help deliver stronger grip on pavement. High, rigid shoulder grooves and blocks help
with high stability during hard cornering.
Featured: Azenis FK453
The AZENIS FK453 is the latest generation of Falken’s steadfast ultra-high-performance tire, available in a wide array of diameters, from 17-inch to 22-inch, along with staggered widths, making this
tire versatile, resourceful, dynamic, and powerful. In addition, FK453 features the latest developments
in noise-absorption technology, and incorporates a high silica compound that presents better dry and
wet grip. The multiple nylon-reinforced layers allow for better high-speed stability, an important asset
based on the driver’s exacting demands. Asymmetrical tread design with large outside shoulder blocks
provides enhanced cornering and better braking while reducing tire noise.
Featured: G-MAX AS-03
Dominant ultra-high performance tire that delivers precise response in dry and wet conditions. When
interlocked tread blocks work together, they improve handling and reduce heat for increased tread life.
Visual Alignment Indicators and Replacement Tire Monitor Technology aid consumers in detecting wear
and misalignment.
Featured: Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
Revolutionary handling for an exceptional ultra-high-performance driving experience. Features include
a new tread design with motorsport resins which help in providing superior dry handling, a lightweight
racing-derived construction for reduced unsprung mass which enhances steering position and handling,
and active braking technology that offers enhanced stopping power on wet and dry roads. Also features
an advanced tread block pattern to reduce excessive road noise.
Featured: Ventus S1 noble2
The Ventus S1 noble2 is the ideal balance of all-season ultra-high performance. It features a new silica
compound for improved wet grip and lower rolling resistance, a two-layer jointless nylon full cover for
enhanced durability and tread stiffness, and equilibrium carcass line design to minimize tire deformation
and allow greater sidewall stiffness. Handling is improved through the use of 3D kerfs which maintain a
stable shape during acceleration, braking and cornering. An advanced Aqua Hydro Block design was
developed through 3D hydroplaning simulation to provide highly efficient wet braking.
Featured: Ecsta XS KU36
The ultimate in street handling and grip, the Ecsta XS is designed for the most extreme handling and grip capability
in normal street use. Built to be used on the street as well as the race track, the Ecsta XS provides the steering
response and dry grip of a race compound tire with the added street use durability for driving a vehicle in everyday
activities. The Ecsta XS is also legal for use in SCCA “ST” class events. If your passion includes driving your vehicle
to the racetrack for a lapping day and returning home on one set of tires no matter what the weather, the Ecsta XS
is the tire for you. The extreme handling, traction and cornering grip is achieved with a combination of a low-void
asymmetric tread with circumferential grooving, ultra fine carbon black compounding and ultra-wide tread contact
with highly-rounded shoulders, which also provide an optimized footprint shape during high lateral loads.
Featured: Maximus M1
The Maximus M1 features a modern, soft asymmetric high-performance tread pattern. The heavy
body ply and double overwrap layers provide sidewall strength for crisp handling and high-speed
performance. The silica tread compound offers enhanced wet traction and handling.
Featured: Pilot Super Sport
Born from endurance racing, Pilot Super Sport gives you the exhilaration of driving Michelin’s bestperforming street tire. This tire is up to 12-percent better handling, two times longer lasting and better
in braking than its leading competitors. This is accomplished through the use of Variable Contact Patch
2.0 and Twaron belt package, a LeMans-inspired tread compound on the outer shoulder and the latest
generation of wet-oriented elastomers on the inner portion of the tread. The tire is inspired by the same
engineering that has powered 13 consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Featured: N’fera SU1
The N’Fera SU1 is your summer tire of choice when navigating through a sudden storm or cruising on
a desert road. The tire’s three main grooves and one semi-groove designs work together to enhance
handling in wet conditions. Excellent dry and wet traction are supported by optimum split surface siping.
By increasing shoulder block stiffness, pressure distributes evenly and ensures maximum cornering
performance.
Featured: NT05
The NT05™ is a max performance tire that was developed through extensive computer simulation
modelling and on-track testing. These rigorous development procedures helped produce a street tire
that provides precise and responsive handling and performance. Knowing the tire is responding to your
inputs will inspire your confidence. The continuous centre rib combined with larger outer shoulder tread
blocks provides consistent contact with the road for a high level of dry performance. The specifically
formulated tread compound and reinforced internal construction were engineered to emphasize dry
road response, traction, handling and high-speed capabilities.
Ask Your Toyo Dealer About Technology And Value
When you pull over and take a moment, you’ll discover that better tire value is all in
the design and manufacturing process. Toyo is well-known for the latest technology
and designs that deliver superior handing and
performance. And by stopping right now you have
the opportunity to save $70 on select sets of four.
R E BATE OFFE R E NDS MAY 31ST, 2015
toyotires.ca
Featured: Cinturato P7
Expression of the Pirelli Green Performance philosophy: a perfect synergy in terms of performance,
safety, driving pleasure and attention to the environment.Cinturato P7 is the right choice for drivers looking for a high-performance and eco-compatible tire for medium- to high-powered cars. Pirelli’s Green
Performance philosophy has resulted in a tire that offers energy efficiency, clean air technology, noise
reduction and increased mileage combined with Pirelli’s proven performance.
Featured: HTRZ III
The HTRZ III offers maximum performance across a range of conditions. Combining euro performance
with street tuner appeal, the HTRZ III delivers enhanced wet and dry traction, exceptional handling,
smooth ride and a new level of maximum performance. The five-rib asymmetrical design of this tire
give it exceptional lateral stability and high-speed handling and turn-in response. Its four straight, wide
grooves and siped tie-bars aid in water evacuation for increased wet traction.
Featured: Proxes T1 Sport
The goal of Toyo Tires is to ensure that your Toyo replacement performance tire not only maintains the
performance qualities built into your original equipment tire designed for your vehicle, but exceeds them.
The Toyo PROXES T1 Sport meets this challenge by offering an ultra-high-performance tire, which provides
performance characteristics expected from a PROXES tire with added comfort and stability for a luxury
performance ride. The centre rib and wide blocks provide high-speed stability and increase the tire contact
area. Both of these, combined with an asymmetric tread pattern, add up to a tire with improved braking,
cornering and handling performance and quick responsive steering. Finish it all off with wide, straight
grooves to provide a wide water channel for excellent wet weather performance and traction.
Featured: Advan Neova AD08R
Designed to deliver a sharp steering response with maximum cornering capability on dry and wet surfaces,
the Advan Neova AD08R is Yokohama’s fastest tire yet. Almost 100 years of Japanese engineering
precision and over 50 years of global motorsports heritage have allowed the company to deliver performance in all conditions. The new performance tires are infused with an all-new race-inspired compound
and offers improved grip and a faster ride for drivers who like to push the limit.
Featured: Argus UHP
The Zenna Argus UHP is an ultra-high performance tire with the latest design and technology for the
most demanding drivers. Outstanding ride control is achieved via a tread designed for stability with a
large contact patch, yet it’s been noise-treated to keep it quiet. Exceptional wet and dry performance
for all weather conditions.
Sleek, Sexy and
Very Sporty
2015 Lexus RC350 AWD
Story and photos by Russell Purcell
dian buyers will order the all-wheel drive model to help cope with our
often challenging climatic conditions. Lexus also offers several option
he Lexus brand has a large following in Canada, as the company packages to allow buyers to dress the car up to best suit their individual
has a reputation for making well-equipped, high-quality products tastes and needs.
steeped in luxury and blessed with Toyota reliability. However, there was
one segment of the consumer pie that was not being served very well Under the hood resides a proven 3.5-litre V6, a Lexus staple. This smooth
engine produces 307 horsepower and 276 pounds-feet of torque, and is
by the upmarket Japanese auto builder.
mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox in rear-wheel drive models,
Unfortunately, enthusiast drivers with a penchant for sporty automobiles
that DID NOT feature four doors were largely being ignored by Lexus.
Well, this has changed with the arrival of simply one of the prettiest
automobiles to hit the asphalt in years - the 2015 Lexus RC350.
T
The RC 350 has been engineered to cater to the needs of those individuals who really like to drive. In response to rivals like BMW and MercedesBenz, who created their M and AMG divisions, respectively, to help create
automobiles with enhancements to styling, performance and handling,
Lexus developed the F line of high-performance automobiles.
However, for many customers, the F models proved to be far too potent
in the performance department to be comfortable enough to use as daily
transport. The RC 350 solves this dilemma, as the car represents the
near perfect mix of style, luxury and performance in a sleek package
that is easy to live with, and not too bad on the budget.
Lexus has been criticized in the past for lacking in the styling department,
but judging from the dramatic exterior styling of the RC350, things are
looking up. The car has a very aggressive front fascia, low stance, and
bold aerodynamic bodywork enhancements. Carefully sculpted lines
give it the sporty flair that has been missing from the Lexus line, and
hints of legendary cars like the Toyota Supra and Lexus LFA can be
seen in the design.
while those consumers splurging for the all-wheel drive will have to,
unfortunately, make do with a six-speed transmission.
The engine comes into its own at the higher limits of the tachometer, and
the exhaust system comes to life to sonically tickle your ears when you
press heavily on the throttle. The RC350 will accelerate from a standstill
to 100 kilometres-per-hour in just over six seconds.
The cockpit of the RC350 is comfortable and uncluttered, and all of the
There are two variants of the RC350 available. The first is a traditional controls and instrumentation have been placed in the optimal position
enthusiast-friendly rear-wheel drive model, but I suspect many Cana- for most drivers. The well bolstered driver’s seat sits low on its rails and
SPECIFICATIONS
Base price (MSRP): .............................................................................. $54,000
Price as tested: . .............................................................................. $63,323.35
Type of vehicle: ........ RWD or AWD, front-engine, mid-size, luxury sport coupe
Engine: ....................................................................... 3.5L, DOHC, 24-valve V6
Power: . .............................................................................307 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: ........................................................................... 276 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: . ........................................... 8-speed auto / 6-speed auto (AWD)
Brakes: ........................................................... 4-wheel ventilated disc with ABS
Fuel consumption: (L/100km, city/hwy): . ...........................................12.3 / 8.5
As a premium product, it should come as no surprise that the RC350
comes loaded with a full complement of safety technologies, electronic
accessories and luxurious appointments. One highlight is the innovative
Remote Touch Interface controller which directly connects the driver to
the audio and navigation systems. The console-mounted touchpad allows you to manipulate menus on the in-dash screen with both speed
and precision and provides tactile feedback for a smooth and responsive
experience.
seems infinitely adjustable, as does the steering column. Outward vis- The RC350 should establish a solid fan base, as it represents the perfect
blend of luxury and sport, and features the latest in safety technologies
ibility is excellent for a coupe design.
and electronic accessories. Add to this an exhilarating driving experiWhile rear seating is best reserved for smaller individuals, the design ence and the confidence that comes with owning a Lexus product, and
team at Lexus have made gaining access to the rear compartment I suspect that Lexus has a winner on its hands.
relatively easy due to the presence of power controls mounted to the
outboard shoulder position on each of the two front seats that allow the
operator to quickly and efficiently move the seats fore and aft.
The three-spoke steering wheel feels well balanced in your hands and
provides enough feedback to satisfy the enthusiast driver. Handling is
predictable, as the suspension does an excellent job of communicating
what the wheels are doing at any given time, and body roll is virtually
non-existent. This is especially true when using the Drive Mode Select
system to set the car in Sport mode. The proven all-wheel drive system
fitted to our test unit helped keep the car on its designated path, tracking
straight and true.
I found the ride to be quite firm but it didn’t beat you up. This is due to
the fact that it has been fitted with stiffer shocks and springs. The steering is communicative, lightly assisted and speed-dependent. Oversized
brakes with ventilated discs proved predictable and fade-free during my
week-long test period.
Inside:
As you open the door to climb in the cabin, you are greeted with power deployable running boards to help you get in. Don’t stand too close though, because
they come out right at ankle height. Inside you have the optional Trevino leather
seats, leather door trim and console accented by Ziricote wood inlays. The
dash is hand-wrapped and stitched giving this cabin a very upscale look. The
front bucket seats are heated and cooled, while the second row can be folded
flat along with the third row that folds at a tough of a button. Both models carry
eight passengers. SYNC with My Lincoln Touch is a command centre that
controls everything from entertainment to climate. Speaking of entertainment,
the sound system is a THX 11 certified 5.1 surround system that features 14
speakers and 600 watts of power. Just remember to program the My Ford
key before you let your teenagers drive it.
Lincoln
Navigator
Safety first:
Front seat mounted side airbags, safety canopy system with three-row side
curtain airbags and rollover sensor. Advance-Trac with roll stability, tire pressure monitoring system, and trailer sway control are just some of the standard
features on the Navigator.
Roadworthy:
This large SUV is perfect for the whole family. It delivers on space, comfort
he 2015 Lincoln Navigator is a sophisticated people-moving machine. Not and functionality while driving like a smaller SUV. Very little, if any, body roll.
only does it get you to where you need to be, you can show up in style. Steering is magnificent and easy while responsive to changing lanes and
Although not a dramatic change from last year, this Lincoln has all the modern finding a tight parking space.
safety devices to make you feel comfortable on the road. It is available in two
Power:
models and four equipment groups.
This vehicle comes standard with a twin-turbo 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine
that puts out 380 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a
Looks:
The Lincoln Navigator makes a statement wherever you take it. The bold six-speed select shift. 4.10 gear ratio. Towing is made easy with the transmissplit grille with the integrated front bumper and blended-in driving lights brings sion tow/haul mode which helps keep you from gaining too much speed when
style to the front of this truck. The body lines help split up the large side body towing downhill. The engine maintains its power band while towing up a hill,
panels. Large LED brake lights that stretch across the power liftgate and wrap keeping the speed and momentum constant.
around each corner give it an interesting look and makes this vehicle very
visible when applying the brakes. Another feature I found very cool was the Verdict:
welcome mat. When you press the unlock button on the remote, the Lincoln You may not drive it to be cool, but you can’t help looking cool driving down
the road.
logo illuminates the ground.
Story by Ian Harwood, photos courtesy of Lincoln
T
everything from the seats to the paddle shifters
that look and feel handcrafted. This is especially
true when compared to the similar rubbery and/
or garish offerings from any number of competing manufacturers.
The otherwise brilliant interior continues to be
a little dulled by the optional Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system, updated
for 2015. A text message alert feature and Siri
Eyes Free iOS compatibility have been added,
and OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot now
enhance connectivity.
The myriad of CUE functions isn’t the problem, in
my opinion. It’s the interface. Revolving around
an eight-inch touchscreen, CUE utilizes haptic
feedback input, meaning when the computer
registers a finger press for, say, a climate setting,
it sends a little vibration to let you know you’ve
initiated a command.
Drop-Dead
Gorgeous
The challenge is successfully and consistently
initiating the right command. My biggest annoyance remains trying to
quickly raise or lower the volume via the screen — I find I often get
overzealous and tap too many times when I’m trying to get it to work,
2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe Story and phots by Benjamin Yong
T
he car: the new 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe. The initial reaction: oh
my.
For this model year, Caddy added a sportier two-door, four-seater variant of the ATS, and it’s drop-dead gorgeous. Although possessing the
same 2,775-millimetre wheelbase as the sedan, the longer doors and
wider track give the coupe a more brutish appearance. It shares a lot
resulting in a lagged response and the volume overshooting in either
direction.
But I love the car, not because of the infotainment, but all the other stuff.
The performance plays a big part: rear- or all-wheel drive setup; standard
front Brembo brakes bulging out from beneath 18-inch wheels fitted with
wide rubber; sport suspension; choice of three engines topping out with
a 3.6-litre V6 with 321 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.
The ATS I drove for the week had the most powerful motor of the bunch,
paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Being the ever-enthusiast, I would have preferred self-shifting with the available six-speed
manual. But truth be told, I was having just as much fun keeping my
hands permanently attached to the 9 and 3 o’clock positions of the thick,
race-inspired leather steering wheel. The exhaust also lets out a marvellous noise when you make the rpms dance, but remains civilized during
of components with its name twin like the front fascia, but there’s a lot normal driving, whatever that means.
of unique bodywork, too, including a new roof, doors, rear fenders and
trunk lid.
The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe with the V6 and AWD starts at $52,795
MSRP.
My press car came sprayed in Opulent Blue Metallic, a mesmerizing deep
SPECIFICATIONS
navy colour that sparkles in the sunlight and blends in with the darkness
of nightfall. The ATS has some of the craziest lighting I have ever seen:
Base price (MSRP): .............................................................................. $52,975
Price as tested: . ................................................................................... $55,395
the intensely bright HID head and fog lamps are accented by signature
Type: ............................................................... two-door, four-passenger coupe
vertical LED “bars” capable of illuminating an entire neighbourhood block.
The taillights, rear brake light and even the exterior door handles all use
Engine: ....................................................................................... 3.6L DOHC V6
LED technology, the latter part of the Performance Package.
The inside of the coupe is fairly standard Cadillac fare. Plenty of attention
to detail is expected, and included, such as polished metal accents on
Power: . .............................................................................321 hp @ 6,800 rpm
Torque: ........................................................................... 275 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Curb weight: . ...................................................................................... 1,646 kg
Fuel Consumption (L/100km, city/hwy): ...............................................12.8/8.4
Testing the
New BFG
Comp2 A/S
I began my day of testing on the wet
track in a new 2015 3.7-litre V6 Mustang with Paul Gerrard as my guide
through the slalom course. If the setting wasn’t cool enough, my copilot
made sure it was. We alternated
back and forth between the BFG
Comp2 A/S and the competition, so
that we could get a true feel for the
difference in wet performance. The
competitors were the Yokohama
Avid ENVigor and General G-Max
AS-03. Paul instructed me to drive
the test course at the same speed
for all of the tires. This was easier
said than done as the Comp2 A/S
was noticeably better in wet cornering and braking. This difference was
most noticeable over the G-Max
AS-03. Of course, the suspension
was the exact same in all three
Mustangs, but let me tell you they
felt completely different. It is always
amazing what an important role the
tire plays in a vehicle’s suspension.
This was the wet course, so the true
test of handling would be on the dry track, but the BFG clearly won in the
wet. Whatever is mixed up in the special silica recipe called UltraGrip
Technology, it definitely worked.
Next test was the dry track in the Scion FR-S equipped with the same
rubber as the wet. This gave a consistent head-to-head-to-head comparison, and an awesome follow up to the wet track. The only gripe was,
wow, what a horsepower difference from the 2015 Mustang to the FR-S.
Again, we cycled through, alternating from Comp2 A/S to the competitor and back. Trying to do the test at the same speed for all the slalom
course runs really put the differences in handling on display. Dramatically
Story by Morten Koch, photos courtesy of BFG
better handling, but not riding like a rock, makes this a great all-round
ost of Canada is thawing from a winter of record snow fall and look- tire. BFG has passed on the Sport Comp2 DNA with the ETEC System
ing forward to getting rid of our winter rubber. Forgetting the long
winter days and changing over to tires that enjoy the warm pavement
of spring and hot of summer. For those who drive vehicles with a little
more horsepower; you cant wait to install the performance tires that allow you to enjoy your ride. For some, those tires might need replacing.
To get the most out of those dry roads, you would typically choose an
ultra-high-performance summer tire.
M
What about those inevitable rain storms? Getting the best dry traction
means sacrificing the wet. Would you ever even consider running an
all-season...no way! To challenge that old logic, BFGoodrich has just
launched the Comp2 A/S, a tire that begs you to reconsider. Starting
with its top-rated Sport Comp2, BFG claims to have designed a tire that
retains the UltraGripTM and Performance Racing Core that makes that
tire excel. Add to that, killer wet ability, and they say they have a tire that
doesn’t sacrifice the dry performance for wet ability. To prove it, BFG
launched its new contender in Arizona, land of heat and flash floods.
En route to Phoenix to attend the launch of the Comp2 A/S; my flight
carried me over the snow-covered Grand Canyon. Snow in the Arizona
high desert is a rare occurrence, and perhaps it foreshadowed something special. BFG chose Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, formerly
known as Firebird International Raceway, to host its launch. The tire
testing day began with a thick fog hanging over the test course like a
curtain at an unveiling.
BFGoodrich has a long history in building tires. This history includes the
first radial tires built in North America, the world’s first 50 series and 24inch tires, and the tires that touched-down each time the space shuttle
returned from a mission. Along with these significant milestones, BFG
has a heritage of more than four decades of performance street tires.
All very interesting, but what is really important is how well this new tire
performs, no matter what the conditions are.
between a wonderful home-cooked meal and some horrible hospital food
or worse. Although our test wasn’t a strictly-controlled scientific experiment, the BFG clearly showed significantly shorter stopping distances
in the wet and dry. When the scientists did the testing, the Comp2 A/S
stopped 4.5 metres shorter in the wet and 1.5 metres in the dry.
After a few hours of track testing, it was clear that BFG has designed
something very special in the Comp2 A/S. Would there be consequences
for the choice of a directional tread pattern and great handling? The tread
looks very sexy and to me that is definitely important. However, along
with the looks and handling often come some sacrifices, which typically
include road noise and a harsh ride. Who cares about road noise when
you are screaming around a track or taking a piece out of a corner! That’s
fun and road noise is a whatever. When you’re driving long distances
at high speed on the freeway, it is totally different. To see how the BFG
(Equal TEnsion Containment System), DSS (Dynamic Suspension System) and g-Control Sidewall inserts. This keeps all of the handling and
cornering capability of the pure summer UHP tire and adds the all-season
performance. The BFG was the clear winner in the dry and the G-Max
the outright loser. It was very apparent... the technology works!
The next test, and the one that really matters, was hard braking in both
wet and dry conditions. The test vehicle was an Audi A5 Sportline, and the
competitor here was the Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2. This involved the
simple task of accelerating to 80 km/h and then standing on the brakes
compared to the competitors, we took the test cars from the track out
onto the Interstate. After a 50-kilometre drive on the I-10, all I can say
is that it wasn’t quieter and it wasn’t louder than any of the competitors.
The Arizona highway wasn’t smooth and the ride wasn’t harsh. For me
that is a win. The tires have gone directional where most haven’t, and it
hasn’t hurt them in the noise level or ride comfort.
Along with a new tire comes the people who put their hearts and minds
behind the product. It is always interesting to speak with the engineers
about their tire. The amount of thought and passion that goes into each
design can’t often be questioned. They are always trying to find balance
until the car came to a complete stop. This matters because? It’s great if
a tire can handle the hell out of anything; however, there are some things
you just can’t avoid. These unavoidable things tend to happen during
our day-to-day drudgery drive called the commute. The real life of this
tire will mostly be the daily drive and not a professionally set-up slalom
course. Avoiding means nowhere to turn, hard braking and hoping we
don’t hit that car or child in our path. A few feet can mean the difference
between sacrifices to create the best tires they have ever built. Better
handling, better braking in both wet and dry, better looking and not
obnoxiously loud. BFG definitely has a hot product with the Comp2 A/S
and if you are needing to replace your worn-out set, this tire should be
on your list of contenders.
29th Annual
Spring Break
Nationals
New to the Spring Break Nationals, and of critical importance to the
mobile electronics industry, was the creation of the In.Car.EXPO. This
was an industry-only day (Sunday) where dealers and manufacturers
could talk to exhibiting manufacturers, as well as attending training
sessions put on by companies like Arc Audio, Mobile Solutions,
Story by David MacKinnon,
photos by Shazad Rahaman
‘
Twas a grey and foggy weekend in Daytona Beach, FL, but that didn’t
put a damper on the 29th Annual Spring Break Nationals sponsored
by Soundcrafters. Attendance at the show was amazing – there were
thousands of people walking the floor of the Expo and SPL room all
day Saturday. Lining the North and South walls of the Expo room
were more than 30 of the finest Sound Quality competition vehicles
in the country. These vehicles competed in both IASCA and MECA
sound quality competition. On the West side of the building was the
SPL room. IASCA IDBL, dB Drag Racing and ISPLL competition saw
some of the loudest vehicles in the world vie for trophies and recognition. IASCA hosted the inaugural Installer 5K Challenge. Competitors
were invited to compete using IASCA IQC Rules for a chance to win a
cheque for $5,000. This year’s winner was Brian Mitchell from Liquid
Trends in Modesto, CA with his Chevy Cruze. The runner up was Chris
Ott from Soundwaves of Tampa, FL with a Honda Civic he built for
Lauren Hansell and Eric Bungo. Both builds are truly amazing, while
being quite different in design and approach.
Kenwood, Metra and many more. Having a venue like this to kick
off the season with formal training and hands-on experience makes
those of us who service the public that much more knowledgeable,
thereby increasing our ability to offer value.
Enough rambling, enjoy some of the pictures from the event, and
make sure you put the Thirtieth Annual Spring Break Nationals on
your calendar for next year! It’s absolutely worth it!
Rare 1965 Lamborghini one of
two made, could be only survivor
Unveiled at 1965 London Motor Show, it’s now in the
U.S.; the second car may have been destroyed
Story by Nigel Matthews
The GTZ lines and design shape were later used on the Alfa Romeo
TZ2 and could also be considered rather similar in shape to the
he front-engine, V12 Ferrari 250 California GTs from the late 1950s Bizzarrini.
and early 1960s are financially way out of the reach of most collectors. The most recent examples that have come to market sell for Having been sold to Lamborghini’s official agent in Milan, this particular car found its way to Australia where it was converted to rightbetween $10-million and $15-million.
hand-drive and used for many years.
Recently at an auction in Paris, a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California
Spider sold for a world record price of $18.5-million. And it wasn’t
even restored and had issues.
T
Because of this increased value of the now unobtainable Ferraris,
selected Lamborghini and Maserati sports cars are experiencing a
huge spike in values.
I have always had a passion for the early V12-engined Lamborghinis,
particularly the 225 examples built in 1968 and 1969 called the Islero.
It was Ferruccio Lamborghini’s favourite model and his daily driver.
A good example of this trend is the Maserati 3500 GT, which 10
years ago sold for $50,000. Today, pristine examples are approach- A European collector purchased it in 2006 and returned it to its original
left-hand-drive configuration. It is now in the ownership of its current
ing $400,000 in value.
American collector.
And the Lamborghini 350 GT is now approaching at least $1-million
The second example, built on chassis number 0320, found its way to
and the Islero is well on the way to $500,000.
the States where it was said to be destroyed in a serious accident,
During my yearly pilgrimage to Scottsdale for the classic car auc- although this has never been officially confirmed.
tions, I was fortunate to be invited to a private viewing of a stunning
collection, and during the visit I had my first encounter with the 1965 Perhaps it will appear someday as another incredible barn find!
Lamborghini 3500 GTZ pictured here, one of just two built.
Nigel Matthews is the director of sales and marketing for Hagerty
The Ercole Spada-designed body was built by Zagato on a shortened Canada, LLC — Hagerty is the world’s largest specialist provider of
Lamborghini 350 GT chassis, chassis number 0310, and debuted at collector car insurance and provides many resources that support
the classic car lifestyle. Contact him at [email protected] or
the 1965 London Motor Show.
visit hagerty.ca
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
ADVAN Sport A/S High-Performance Eibach Pro-Street-S Coilover
System for BMW M3
Tire from Yokohama
The ADVAN Sport A/S ultra-highperformance tire from Yokohama
features an asymmetric tread
pattern that is ideal for all-season
performance as well as to produce a smoother, more enjoyable
drive. The straight and Z grooves
enhance wet grip and increased
winter traction, while the 2-in-1
large blocks increase lateral stability, which results in improved dry
handling. The enhanced comfort
is achieved by four-pitch tread
variation which reduces pattern
noise, and the optimized sidewall
construction delivers the perfect
blend of responsive handling and ride comfort. Featuring a long tread
life, the tire is available in a wide range of sizes.
The height-adjustable Pro-StreetS coilovers from Eibach are now
available for the BMW M3, allowing
users to lower the vehicle beyond
the height the Pro-kit springs can
produce, while still maintaining the
vehicle’s weight distribution by way of
corner weighting. This optimizes the
weight of the vehicle at each wheel
to maximize transitional response. In
addition to simply lowering the ride
height, the centre of gravity is also
lowered, which positively affects the
handling characteristics of the vehicle. The system uses heavy-duty
anodized aluminum hardware and
stainless steel technology on the front struts and is sure to improve the
car’s overall performance.
For more information please go to www.yokohama.ca
For more information please go to www.eibach.com
MSD Performance Now Offering a
New Blaster Coil for LS Engines
MSD Performance has recently expanded its line of Blaster Coil offerings to include a new coil for the popular GM LS engine platform. These
coils are based on the OEM form and fit but have been engineered
with higher-quality materials to improve the efficiency and to promote
durability and endurance. The coils simply bolt on to the factory coil
brackets as well as most aftermarket brackets, and are able to accept the
factory sealed and locking connector. They are available for a number
of LS-based engine platforms from the LS1 to the high powered LS9,
plus several truck-specific applications.
For more information please go to www.msdperformance.com
Parts
For
Any
Mopar
Everything you need...
Anywhere you need it!
VarsityChrysler.com
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Airaid Offering Cold Air Intake
for 2015 Ford Mustang V6
Airaid is already offering a cold air intake system for the 2015 Ford
Mustang with the 3.7L V6 engine which is based on the systems for
the 2.3L EcoBoost and
5.0L V8 engine options.
The MXP-Series intake delivers optimal
bolt-on performance
and even provides
improved looks under
your vehicle’s hood.
The new intake features a one-piece rotomolded intake box that
draws outside air from
the factory cold air duct
location, while providing a unique shape that
promotes airflow all the
way around the filter. Small power gains can be found and all Airaid filters
are washable and reusable, eliminating the need for replacing.
For more information please go to www.airaid.com
DiabloSport Performance
Tuners Now Available for
2012-15 Cadillac CTS 3.6L V6
DiabloSport is now able to optimize the performance of the 2012-2015
Cadillac CTS V6 with a DiabloSport Power Programmer. These tuners
are able to add horsepower and torque to your vehicle using either the
inTune or Trinity performance programmers which overhaul the car’s
drivability in minutes. Simply plug the tuner into the OBD-II port and
the tuner easily takes you through the installation process. In addition
to boosting your 3.6L V6 engine’s throttle response, the tuners come
pre-loaded with performance tunes for you to choose from that are
able to add power and improve transmission shifting, as well as overall
performance.
For more information please go to www.diablosport.com
EXCEEDS
FACTORY
SPECS
• ESTER-BASED FULL SYNTHETIC
• 1200 PPM OF ZINC
• LONGER DRAIN INTERVALS
• LOWER OIL TEMPS
800.624.7958 | REDLINEOIL.COM
Corsa 3-Inch
Cat-Back Exhaust
System for 2015
Subaru WRX & STI
New from Corsa Performance is a 3-inch CatBack exhaust system for the 2015 Subaru WRX
and STI with the 2.0L turbocharged engine. The
system features a dual rear exit design and
twin 3.5-inch polished tips. It features Corsa’s
patented RSC (Reflective Sound Cancellation)
technology that provides the unique ability to
target and eliminate resonant frequencies that
cause drone by reflecting sound waves out of
phase, all while custom tuning the exhaust note.
The system not only provides a deep, throaty
growl from the exhaust, but horsepower and
torque gains will be found as well. It comes available with either polished tips or black tips.
For more information please go to
www.corsaperformance.com
Kooks Stainless Steel
Long Tube Headers for
2015 Ford Mustang
HOOD PROTECTORS & SIDEWIND DEFLECTORS
Easy Installation / Maximum Protection / Available in Smoke or Chrome
DESIGNED / ENGINEERED
2FIT
At Stampede, form meets function. We create
products that are not only more aerodynamic,
but provide an integrated style that compliments
your vehicle. And keep in mind, our products
FIT LIKE A GLOVE.
Kooks Custom Headers have recently announced its ¾” x 3” Stainless Steel Long Tube
Headers with Green Catted Connection Pipe
for the 2015 Ford Mustang with the 5.0L V8
engine. The Headers are made from 304 stainless steel tubing with O2 bungs and emissions
components installed. The kit includes Kooks
Green Catted connection pipes which allow
you to connect your new headers to your factory exhaust if you choose. The system will add
horsepower and improve your exhaust note to
an aggressive, throaty growl.
800.858.5634
StampedeAutomotiveAccessories.com
For more information please go to
www.kooksheaders.com
Perhaps they should’ve taken the time to
clear the windshield just a little bit more.
Why? Just... why?
Interesting choice of car for an engine like that.
The ultimate redneck vehicle.
Safe to say this vehicle
runs like crap?
If the person on the back doesn’t fall
off it will be a miracle.
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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OE
6000K
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MATCH YOUR XENON HIDS WITH OUR
LED PRODUCTS FOR A COMPLETE LOOK!
[email protected]
1�888�822�6120 / DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME

all looks. - RPM Canada

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