DRK Mar-Apr 2018

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DRK Contents

18

Reviews & Previews

10 18 30 34

A Modest Canadian ieniPintI dw AYgzYiktv ifzwien fwierYktr The Full-Size Luxury Mountaineer ivSwl SwhI v`f AkwrI prbq-AwrohI Toyota Camry Hybrid toietw Camry Hybrid Honda Civic SI

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DRK News / Views / Stuff

07 22 24 26 27 35 38

Latest Buzz

DRK Classic Car Volkswagen Scirocco Refined 2018 Mazda6 Brings Turbo Power Audi, Subaru Get Top Honours by ALG

Dining with Pashion

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42 35

Flying Cars by 2022 It’s Possible

40

Why Buy From a Dealer

Technology & Innovations

44

38

MAR / APR 2018

Gadgets & Gears

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Be our DRK / DRQ of the Issue.

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DRK Editorial

Editor’s Note

Jag Dhatt Editor-in-Chief

March will see longer days, more sunshine, and of course, more motorcycles and cyclists on the road. If you are a rider, be vigilant and look after yourself and your passenger. And speaking of motorcycles, if you haven’t done so yet, it’s a good idea to change the engine oil before starting your riding season.

One of the best parts of any auto show is the display of some amazing cars, especially concept cars. Some of these are experimental while others may go into production. At the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, I had the opportunity to chat with Karim Habib, Infiniti’s new Executive Design Director.

Habib, a modest Canadian, shared his thoughts on design and development, and the interview is our feature story.

Also at the Toronto Auto Show, AJAC revealed its top winners.

The Honda Accord won the Canadian Car of the Year while the Chrysler Pacifica won the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year.

Congrats to the winners!

Speaking of auto shows, March is also the month for the Vancouver International Auto Show, where AJAC will reveal its Green Car and Green Utility of the Year. As in past years, the venue will be the Convention Centre in downtown Vancouver.

Come check out the newest and coolest vehicles and make sure you visit our booth in the main hall.

In this issue, you’ll find some fantastic reads on technology, gadgets and of course, great reviews and articles. Make sure you like our Facebook page and get the latest information at www. rackandopinion.ca.

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MARCH / APRIL 2018

Publisher // JGK Media Inc. Managing Director // Ron Dhaliwal Senior VP, Marketing // Jag Dhatt South Asian Marketing Director // Tony Arora Art Director // Avee Singh Waseer Cover Design // Ranj Bhamra Events Photography // Jag Dutt Swank Studios Legal Advisor // Keystone Law Group Accounting Advisor // Pacific Chartered Advisors LLP Translator // Tirath S. Khabra Contributing Writers // Aman Sundher Anthony Jarantilla Chris Chase Jag Dhatt Jasleen Dutt Mark Hacking Pash Brar Sandeep Gill Advertising Inquiries // Jag Dhatt 604.767.4433 jag@jgkmedia.ca

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Vancouver International Auto Show Overview

M

ark your calendars for March 28 through April 1 - in anticipation of the 98th Vancouver International Auto Show, the best attended consumer event in Western Canada.

The five-day premier showcase provides the best opportunity of the year for car enthusiasts to view firsthand the latest offerings from top manufacturers all in one venue.

You’ll save a huge amount of time by seeing the coolest vehicles from more than 40 brands all together in one place.

Last year, more than 115,000 attendees had a first-hand look at the amazing new vehicles on the market, and a number of oneof-a-kind, rare vehicles. 2018 will be the largest-ever Vancouver International Auto Show, with an unparalled number of luxury sports cars, electric vehicles and supercars alongside the latest makes and models.

MAR / APR 2018

Supercars are always a crowd pleaser and the 2018 Auto Show will display jaw-dropping models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Karma, and McLaren. In combination with unique, one-of-a-kind custom vehicles, auto enthusiasts will be in for the show of a lifetime.

For those who may be looking to learn more about the growing world of electric vehicles, there is no need to look further than the Vancouver Auto Show. Boasting two test drive locations (the Electric Vehicle Experience Test Drive, presented by CEVforBC™ and the Toyota Lexus Hybrid Ride and Drive), the Auto Show gives visitors the chance to experience new technology first-hand and get behind the wheel of over 20 of the latest EV models.

The 98th Vancouver International Auto Show will take place at the Vancouver Convention Center (West). To learn more about this year’s features, and purchase your tickets, visit: www.

VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com Follow the Vancouver International Auto Show on social media @Vanautoshow for important Show updates and exciting online contests!

This year’s event will include an exclusive sneak peek at the future of the Cadillac and it’s design direction, courtesy of the Escala Concept, as well as supercars, custom cars, the return of the Monster Energy DUB Show Tour and more.

You won’t want to miss being one of the first people in B.C. to check out the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV from Mitsubishi or the hyper luxury SUV from Lamborghini – the Urus. These vehicles are being shown for the first time in the province at the Vancouver Show and are a can’t-miss feature for car lovers of all kind.

MARCH / APRIL 2018

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DRK’s Latest Buzz

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MARCH / APRIL 2018

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SAVE UP TO

TOTAL IN THE WORLD

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5 RESEARCH CENTERS

27 REFINERIES

60 LUBRICANT BLENDING PLANTS

112 000 EMPLOYEES

TOTAL CANADA 95% OF LUBRICANTS MADE IN CANADA* 70,000 SQ. FT. CANADIAN PLANT

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MARCH / APRIL 2018

KARIM

HABIB

IT’S ALL ABOUT DESIGN

MARCH / APRIL 2018

11

A Modest Canadian

Infiniti’s Executive Design Director is a Modest Canadian

W

e Canadians have a lot to be proud of – our hockey, maple syrup, uncharted wilderness, and of course, our people. Names like Bryan Adams, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Reynolds, Donald Sutherland, Pamela Anderson, James Cameron, Wayne Gretzky, and Margaret Atwood resonate with people around the globe. And now, it’s time to add Karim Habib, Infiniti’s new head of design, to that list.

Habib was born in Lebanon, but after civil war broke out in the country, his family left for Iran. When turmoil began in that country, the family moved to a couple of different countries in Europe before finally calling Montreal, Quebec home. “It was not easy moving from place to place,” reminisces Habib. “Upon reaching Montreal, we knew this is where home would be.” Although Habib has moved to various cities around the world for work, his mother still resides in Montreal, where he visits her often and dines at his favourite coffee shops and diners. “I like going to the B&M for hamburgers and milkshakes,” laughs Habib. “It’s not high end, but it’s delicious.” I think it’s the Canadian in him that makes him modest.

What is high end is Habib’s rich history in the automotive industry. He obtained his Mechanical Engineering degree from McGill and after attending design school in Switzerland and California, the young designer had caught the eye of Chris Bangle, BMW’s Chief of Design. In 1998, Habib was hired by BMW and was responsible for designing the new 7-series. He then made the move to Mercedes-Benz, owned by Daimler AG. In 2011, Habib returned to BMW as Chief Designer.

In July 2017, Habib became Head of INIFINITI Design, Nissan’s luxury brand. This winter, while attending the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, I had the privilege to sit and talk with the soft12

MARCH / APRIL 2018

spoken Habib, who shared some personal insights on his move to Infiniti and what he envisions for the future.

After a successful venture with BMW and Daimler, what prompted you to make the move to Infiniti?

I came to Infiniti because it’s a brand that I feel has tremendous potential. In the past, the brand has made some real gems, like the FX45 and G35 Coupe. And now, Infiniti is now at the cusp of a new era, with the brand announcing that it will be building EV’s and it’s going to be mostly an electrified company. Thus, this is an opportunity for me, as a designer, to go beyond just the cars themselves and think of the brand as a whole and I find that inspiring as a day job.

Where did Infiniti’s Design Team get the inspiration for the Q Inspiration Concept?

Well, to be honest, the vehicle was started just a little before I joined Infiniti and the vision was to deal with new proportions. If the future is going to be EV motors, you don’t need the hood to be so long anymore. So, we had to create an elegant big sedan with a short hood, which is quite unusual. For Infiniti, there has to be a human character to the vehicle, with sensual, muscular forms, and this is what will inspire us for future Infiniti models.

What is your earliest memory of Infiniti with respect to this humanistic approach?

Actually, the first ad for Infiniti had no pictures of cars – it only had pictures of birds flying, with the narrator explaining how the engineers were inspired by nature to create a product for humans. It’s a beautiful idea that the humanistic approach is really a part of Infiniti and we want to make an important part for the future.

Why do some concept cars never see the light of day while others do?

Well, that’s a very essential question for car design.

I think there’s different types of concept cars. Some are really there as laboratories, as experiments to test

A Modest Canadian

Why don’t some car makers, including Infiniti, build Electric Vehicles that are large and attractive like a Tesla?

Haha. That’s a question that can be answered in two parts. When EV cars started to appear, it was difficult to know if customers wanted an EV to be recognizable as an EV or if they wanted an EV to be pretty. I think we’re coming to the point where we’re realizing that actually, people want pretty cars that are EV. Remember that about fifteen years ago, when Toyota first launched it’s Prius, it was a non-classical beauty car that broke away from the norm and it was a huge seller and still is today. And buyers of the Prius wanted to show they were different through that. I don’t know if that’s the case today. People now know that EV’s can be great cars, can be fun cars, can have great range and can be pretty. And for city dwellers, they can be practical.

something for the future. Then there are the concept cars that are there to introduce a future model that is coming, and that is intentional by the manufacturer.

With Infiniti being a part of the Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi alliance, we have the ability to invest in more experimental, more futuristic types of cars. And these are built to push the brand forward and maybe even push cars, in general forward. And some of these can only be hand made with no intention of going into production.

How will the design element for Infiniti effect future cars with respect to better fuel economy and a lower carbon footprint?

Basically, two things – weight and aerodynamics. Designing better aerodynamics to achieve a lower drag is a big part of what we do as designers, to create more efficient forms and shapes. And this is not a trend, but an evolution in car design. With respect to weight, that becomes a question of investment – investment in materials or the maturity of a material in massscale production. We would like to use carbon fibre, but it’s still very expensive. Now, aluminum, which wasn’t ready for mass production fifteen years ago, is becoming seen more and more in cars and trucks.

And this is just the beginning of finding lightweight materials.

Jag Dhatt Accredited AJAC Journalist

What do you envision for future Infiniti products?

Well, recently we announced that we will be an EV company, which means the majority of our vehicles will be EV or hybrid and that’s going to happen soon. I’m super happy MARCH / APRIL 2018

13

A Modest Canadian

about that because it gives us the ability to create products that are forward looking and future proof of vehicles. As a designer, it gives us the opportunity to create the concepts around new technology, which can be ground breaking.

What is your favourite Infiniti vehicle today?

My favourite Infiniti today – I would have to say the QX50.

It was all finished before I arrived and Alfonso [Albaisa] and the team did an amazing job on everything. Honestly, the interior quality is fantastic and for footprint, it has the best space in the category. And it has a very nicely balanced proportion and it’s an excellent, excellent package.

Although Habib and his family now live in Tokyo, he will be overseeing the studios in San Diego, Beijing, and London.

When asked about what really stuck out in moving to Tokyo, Habib replied, “It’s culture shock on so many levels, but the people and country are amazing. It’s a great place for Infiniti headquarters as the culture is rich, which is reflected in the brand’s vehicles.”

Habib easily fits into the list of amazing Canadians. “As an immigrant, Canada opened its door to my family and later, the doors to the world.” He speaks four languages and is now learning Japanese, but thankfully he says, “Everyone at Infiniti speaks English well.”

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A Modest Canadian

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A Modest Canadian

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hox krky ieh myry leI ie`k sunihrI mOkw hY[ mYN pUry ifzwienr vjoN ies ‘c kMm kr skdw hW[ ieniPntI dI ifzwien tIm nUM Q Inspiration Concept bxwaux dI h`lwSyrI ikQoN imlI? jy g`l iemwndwrI nwl kIqI jwvy qW ieh vhIkl myry kMm ‘qy l`gx qoN QoVHw pihlW mwrikt ‘c auqwrI geI sI[aus smyN inSwnw sI nvIN bxqr nwL nij`Tx dw[ jy Biv`K hY hI eI vI motrW dw quhwnUM AwLy duAwly Btkx dI loV nhIN[ ies leI swnUM iqAwr krnI peI sI ie`k v`fI Swndwr syfn ijs dw hu`f hovy Cotw Aqy ieh hovy vI v`KrI iksm dI[ jo ieniPntI ‘c pihlW sI auh swnUM AglIAW kwrW bxwaux ‘c auqSwihq krygw[ ij`QoN q`k ienswnI phuMc dI g`l hY quhwfI ieniPntI sbMDI pihlI Xwd ikhVI hY? Asl ‘c ieniPntI dI pihlI AYf ‘c kwrW dI qsvIr nhIN sI[ies ‘c qsvIr sI aufdy pMCIAW dI, ijs nwL iliKAw sI ik swfy ieMjnIAr mnu`K leI koeI kwr bxwaux leI kudrq qoN ikMny pRBwivq hoey hn[ ieh i^Awl vI bhuq vDIAw sI ikauN ik ienswnI phuMc hI ieniPntI dw mh`qvpUrn AMg hY ijs nUM AsIN Biv`K dw ih`sw bxwauxw cwhuMdy hW[

A Modest Canadian

ieh kI g`l hY ik bhuq swrIAW knsYpt kwrW idn dI rOSnI kdy nhIN vyKdIAW jdoN ik hor kwrW ies qrHW dIAW nhIN? ieh TIk hY ik kwr dI bxwvt leI ieh bhuq zrUrI svwl hY[ myry Anuswr keI qrHW dIAW knsYpt kwrW hn[ keI qW iblku`l hI lYbwrtrIAW vWg hn, ijvyN ik aunHW ‘qy Biv`K leI qzrby kIqy jwx[ ku`J ies qrHW dIAW hn ik auh ijhVIAW ik iksy Awaux vwLy mwfl dI jwx pCwx krw rhIAW hox[ ies qrHW bxwaux vwiLAW v`loN jwx bu`J ik kIqw jWdw hY[ ikauN ik ieniPntI Renault, Nissan Aqy Mitsubishi dy imSrx dw ih`sw hY, ies leI AsIN hor vDIAw kwrW bxw skx dy Xog hovWgy[ ienHW ‘coN ku`J dw inSwnw pRofkSn ‘c jwx qoN v`Krw hovygw[ ieh kI kwrn hY ieniPntI smyq bhuq swry kwrW bxwaux vwLy ies qrHW dIAW eI vI kwrW nhIN bxwauNdy ijhVIAW tYslw vrgIAW v`fIAW Aqy mnmohk hn? ieh ies qrHW dw svwl hY ijs dw jvwb do ih`isAW ‘c id`qw jw skdw hY[ jdoN eI vI kwrW Awaux l`gIAW ieh smJxw AOKw sI ik kI gwhk ies nUM ie`k pCwx vjoN hI lYxw cwhuMdy hn jW ies nUM vDIAw l`gx vwLI vjoN vI lYxw cwhuMdy hn[ pr AWKr ‘c hux pqw l`g igAw hY ik lok bhuq sohxIAw idsx vwLIAW eI vI kwrW lYxw cwhuMdy hn[quhwnUM Xwd hI hovygw ik 15 swl pihlW jdoN toietw vwiLAW ny pRIAs ilAWdI sI[ieh ie`k non-classical beauty car sI ijhVy pihly nwrmW nwloN v`KrI iksm dI sI[ ieh ies dI ivkrI vI bhuq hoeI Aqy Ajy q`k ho rhI hY[pRIAs dy KRId krn vwLy ieh ivKwauxw cwhuMdy sn ik auh horW nwLoN v`Kry hn[ mYnUM nhIN lgdw ik A`j ieh g`l TIk hovygI[ lok hux ieh smJx l`g pey hn ik eI vI kwrW vI vDIAw Aqy mzydwr ho skdIAW hn[ ienHW dw ryNj vI v`fw ho skdw hY Aqy suhxIAW vI ho skdIAW hn[ Sihr ‘c rihx

vwiLAW leI qW ieh lwBdwiek vI ho skdIAW hn[ jy qyl dI G`t ^pq dI g`l krIey jW G`t kwrbn C`fx dI g`l hovy qW ieniPntI dw ifzwien vwLw p`K ies ‘c ikvyN lwBdwiek hovygw? mu`K qOor ‘qy do g`lW hn- pihlI hY kwr dy vzn dI Aqy dUjI hY eyArfYnwimks Bwv clweI dI[ frYg nUM Gtwaux leI eyArofYnwimk dw ifzwien vDIAw hovygw Aqy vDIAw Skl Aqy bxwvt hovygI[ ieh irvwj nhIN sgoN kwr dI bxwvt ‘c ie`k ivkws hovygw[ij`QoN q`k kwr dy Bwr dI g`l hY ieh inrBr hY ik Krc ikMnw krnw hY[ jwxI ik bhuq v`fI imkdwr ‘c kwrW bxwaux leI Aqy vDIAw smwn lwaux leI Krcw[ AsIN cwhWgy ik kwrbn PweIbr dI vrqoN kIqI jwvy pr ieh vI bhuq mihMgw hY[ dUjy bMny AYlmInIAm ijhVw ik 15 swl pihlW v`fI imkdwr ‘c auqpwdn leI nhIN sI imldw, hux bhuq kwrW ‘c Aqy tr`kW ‘c vriqAw jw irhw hY[ies leI hux ieh G`t Bwr vwLIAW vhIklW dy auqpwdn dI Bwl dI SurUAwq hY[ Biv`K dy ieniPintI auqpwdW leI qusIN kI socdy ho?

TIk hY, hwl hI ivc AsIN AYlwn kIqw sI ik AsIN ie`k EV kµpnI hovWgy, ijsdw mqlb hY ik swfy bhuqy vhIkl eI vI jW hweIibRf hoxgy Aqy ieh CyqI hI hox jw irhw hY[ mYN ies sbMDI KuS hW ikauNik ieh swƒ aunHW auqpwdW ƒ iqAwr krn dI Xogqw pRdwn krdw hY jo A`gy Aw rhy hn Aqy vhIklW dy Biv`K dy sbUq hn[ ie`k ifzwienr vjoN mYN ieh kih skdw hW ik ieh swƒ nvIN qknwlojI dy sµklpW ƒ bxwaux dw mOkw pRdwn krdw hY, ijhVw ik ie`k SurUAwq hovygw[ A`j quhwfw psMdIdw ieniPintI vhIkl ikhVw hYY? A`j mYnUM kihxw pvygw ik myrw psMdIdw vhIkl hY QX50 [ myry Awaux qoN pihlW ieh swrw kµm pUrw ho igAw sI Aqy AlPYNso (AlbYsw) Aqy tIm ny rL ky ie`k Swndwr kµm kIqw sI[ jy shI ikhw jwvy qW ies dw AMdrlw Bwg bhuq hI kmwl dw hY[ ies SRyxI iv`c ies dw sB qoN vDIAw QW hY[ Aqy iesdw bhuq vDIAw smqol hY Aqy ieh bhuq Swndwr, bhuq hI Swndwr pYkyj hY[ BwvyN hbIb Aqy aus dw pirvwr hux tokIE ivc rihµdy hn, auh sYnfIeyygo, bIijµg Aqy lµfn ‘c vI stufIE dI ingrwnI krngy[ jdoN pu`iCAw igAw ik tokIE ikauN gey, qW hbIb dw jvwb sI, “ieh bhuq swry p`Dr ‘qy s`iBAwcwrk Jtkw hY, pr au`Qy dy lok Aqy dyS Swndwr hn[ ieh ieniPntI hY`fkuAwrtr leI ie`k vDIAw QW hY ikauNik ie`Qy dI sµsikRqI vDIAw hY, jo bRWf dy vwhnW iv`c drsweI jWdI hY[ “ hbIb bhuq vDIAw kYnyfIAnW dI sUcI ‘c sihjy hI Aw jWdw hY[ aunHW dw kihxw hY ik knyfw ny aunHW Aqy aunHW dy pirvwr leI prvwsI hox dy nwqy, Awpxy drvwzy KolHy Aqy bwAd iv`c, dunIAw dy drvwzy vI aunHW leI Ku`lH gey[ auh cwr BwSwvW boldw hY Aqy hux jpwnI is`K irhw hY, pr auh ies g`l nUM vDIAw smJdw hY ik ieniPintI ‘c hr koeI vDIAw AµgryzI boldw hY[

MARCH / APRIL 2018

17

Lincoln Navigator

THE FULL-SIZE

LUXURY

MOUNTAINEER

I

taly has the Stelvio Pass, California has Big Sur (Hwy 1) and Switzerland the Furka Pass, all of these pale in comparison to what Vancouver, British Columbia has to offer. Tucked into the picturesque Canadian Coast Mountains and along the Howe Sound is a strip of tarmac known as the Sea to Sky Highway. Carved through the side of mountains this roadway has the majesty of Alpine Mountains to one side and the jaw-dropping beauty of the Pacific Ocean to the West. It carves its way north with long sweeping curves, s-curves and switchbacks and long straights culminating in the world-renowned Alpine ski resort of Whistler. This route and destination presented the backdrop for the Canadian unveiling of the all-new Lincoln Navigator.

It may be hard to believe, but, the Lincoln Navigator created the Full-Size Uber SUV segment some 19 years ago. The new 2018 Lincoln Navigator presents an all new ground up design. Constructed on an aluminum intense, body on frame structure; the newly minted SUV is leaner, but, more muscular in appearance. At the heart of the machine, beats a revamped twin turbo V6 churning out no less than 450 ponies and 500 lb-ft. of torque. All of this translates into a highly spirited, yet, manageable and smooth driving dynamic. I have said in the past that Lincoln’s new lineup espouses “Quiet Luxury”. The Navigator extends this concept even further, managing its 3-ton mass with ease and composure. Weight transitions in curves were imperceptible and the vehicle remained incredibly flat in the curves, only feeling unsettled in extreme maneuvers at higher speeds.

The Navigators exterior elegance and presence flows through to the interior. In most full size luxury SUV’s there is a lot of interior real estate to deal with. The efforts in creating a functional and pleasing space often result in a very bulky truck like feel to the interior with a large expanse of plastic and leather with little aesthetic appeal or flow. This

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is not the case with the Navigator. The interior is very inviting and warm. You are greeted with the presence of textured woods, aluminum, chrome and Wolsdorf leather. Fine touches like the textured wood are from the same piece of wood to ensure grain patterns match throughout the vehicle. Rather than a solid armrest, the front and rear armrests are split in the centre. This breaks the visual lines to reduce the feeling of bulkiness. It also presents the interior as being tailored for the occupants. The center stack rather than being one solid connected piece, splits just below the center vents. This cue is both functional and artistic. Under the split you find a large storage bin for bags.

However, visually it again breaks dash lines, making the dash a distinct feature that occupies it’s own space rather than feeling overpowering. What is eye-catching is the 10inch touch screen for the Revel Ultima Infotainment system. The Revel Ultima system utilizes no less than 20 speakers, powered by individual amplifiers, to surround the occupants of the vehicle in a theatre like experience. For those who still remember the old school Navigators on 20inch rims rolling through the hood, the Revel system pounds hard with no distortion – no need to hit the local Visions or Audio Video Unlimited.

Lincoln Navigator

The pinnacle of the interior experience of the with the Lincoln Star Logo, the lights and then Navigator has to be the 30 way Perfect Position the doors, coined Lincoln Approach Detection. seats. Arguably, no one in the industry comes It is a truly inviting beginning to ones driving close to this level of adjustability and positioning experience. experience. Combined with this level of seat The departure from Whistler was met with a adaptability is the Active Motion massage, fresh powdering of British Columbia snow. It created with the help of physiotherapists, the was the perfect ending to the adventure and ideal system massages and rolls trigger points in conditions to showcase the Navigators prowess. the legs and back to reduce muscle and driver It confidently conquered the inclement weather Sandeep Gill fatigue. never feeling unsettled or lost for traction. The Trial Lawyer The rear occupants are met with equal new 2018 Lincoln Navigator is surely set to Keystone Law Group levels of refinement, with optional dual 10inch reclaim the thrown it created. The only question multimedia screens, captain seats, independent you will have to ask your self is, Do I get the audio controls and host of media connections like HDMI, normal or long wheelbase version (12 inches longer just in USB and SD cards. The third row occupants have easy access case you were wondering). thanks to a tilt and slide function that allows for a child car seat to remain secured. Take it from me, at 6’3” I could easily manoeuver in and out of the seats and remain seated very comfortably with ample leg and head room.

Lincoln Canada could not have picked a better setting to unveil the Navigator. The fulltime all-wheel-drive system surefootedly maneuvered through the undulating streets of Whistler Village. Over the two day excursion through Whistler, a chauffeured drive through the sunlit alpine mountains was made that much more magical by soaring through the peaks in an AStar 350 helicopter at a height of nearly 10,000 feet over the highest peak in the range, Mount Waddington. This was followed by a movie star landing in the parking lot of the Pemberton Golf Course greeted by a delectable afternoon buffet.

The final evening in the snowy paradise culminated in the Bearfoot Bistro for an exquisite four-course meal beginning with a one of a kind Champagne Sabering experience and ending with liquid nitrogen chilled icecream and a nightcap of Purity Vodka chilled to minus 32⁰C in the Ketle One Ice Room. At the culmination of the evening, the Lincoln Navigator awaited outside. As we approached the vehicle, it began to glow, anticipating our arrival. It started

MARCH / APRIL 2018

19

Lincoln Navigator

Pul swiez lgzrI prbq-AwrohI ietlI kol stYlivE pws hY, kYlIPornIAw dw ibg sur (hweIvy 1) Aqy sivtjrlYNf dw Purkw pws hY[ pr ieh swry vYnkUvr, ibRitS kolµbIAw dI pySkS dI qulnw ivc iP`ky hn[ ieh kYnyfIAn kost phwV ‘qy iK`icAw Aqy hvy ndI dy nwl-nwl bixAw iek rwsqw hY jo smuµdr qoN Asmwn dy hweIvy dy qOr qy jwixAw jWdw hY[ phwVW ivcoN inkldI ies sfæk au`qy iek pwsy AYlpweIn phwVW dI Swn hY Aqy p`Cm v`l pRSWq mhWswgr dI cOkw dyx vwlI suµdrqw hY[ ieh lµmy AµDwDuµd moVW ‘qy sivcbYk Aqy lµby isDy rwhW nwl au`qr v`l vDdI hY jo ivslr dy sµswr-pRis`D AYlpweIn skI irzort iv`c smwpq ho jWdw hY[ ieh mwrg Aqy mMizl ny kYnfw dy nvyN ilµkn nyvIgytr dy Kulwsy leI ipCokV pyS kIqw[ ieh ivSvws krnw AOKw ho skdw hY, pr ilµkn nyvIgytr ny kuJ 19 swl pihlW v`F-Awkwr aubyr AYs[ XU[ vI[ bxw syg@myt bxwieAw

20

MARCH / APRIL 2018

sI[ nvW 2018 ilµkn nyvIgytr jmIn dw ie`k nvW ifzwien pyS krdw hY[ ieh iek vDIAw AlmInIAm ‘qy bxwieAw Aqy srIr dw inrmwx FWcy au`qy hY; AYs.XU.vI. dI nvIN pySks kmjor hY pr ies dI idK qwkqvr lgdI hY[ mSIn dy idl ivc, dohrw -6 DVkdw hY, jo 450 GoiVAW Aqy 500 - dy GumwE qoN Gt nhIN[ ies sB qoN pqw lgdw hY k ieh bhuq qwkqvr pr pRbµDn Xog Aqy inrivGn fRweIivµg Xog hY[ mYN AqIq iv`c ikhw cu`kw hW ik ilµkn dy nvyN lweIn A`p iv`c “kuiet lYksI” Swml hY[ nyvIgytr ny ies sµklp ƒ hor vI vDw id`qw hY, iesdy 3-tn puµj ƒ sOKw Aqy inrµqrqw dy nwl kwbU krnw[ krv ivc Bwr sµcwr AsihxSIl sn Aqy vwhn krv ivc bhuq hI iekswr rihµdy sI, isrP au`c rPqwrW ‘qy AiqAµq cwlW ivc AsiQr mihsUs huµdw sI[ nyvIgytrz dI bwhrI SwhI idK Aqy mOjUdgI AµdrUnI suµdrqw

Lincoln Navigator

vWg hI hY[ sB qoN v`D Akwr vwlI SwhI AYsXUvI ivc bhuq swrIAW AµdrUnI rIAl Astyt hn ijs nwl nij`Txw pYNdw hY[ ie`k kwrjSIl Aqy mnmohxI QW bxwaux dy XqnW dy nqIjy vjoN ies dw AµdrUnI ih`sw tr`k vrgw lgdw hY dw nqIjw huµdw hY[ ijs iv`c bhuq G`t suhjwqmk ApIl jW vhwA nwl plwsitk Aqy cmVy dy v`fy ih`sy ivCy hn[ nYvIgytr AYsw nhI hY[ AµdrUnI ih`sw bhuq hI s`dw-p`qr Aqy in`Gw hY[ tYkstcrf vu`fz, AlmInIAm, krom Aqy volsoPorf lYdr nwl quhwfw svwgq kIqw jWdw hY[ ieh XkInI bxwaux leI ik swry vwhnW ivc Anwj dy pYtrn nwl myl KWdw hY[ ie`k mzbUq dI bjwey, mohrly Aqy ipCly ƒ kyNdr iv`c vµifAw jWdw hY[ ieh ivzUAl lweInW qoVdw hY qW kI ieh ijAwdw v`fw nw l`gy[ ivc bYTx vwilAW leI ieh Aµdrly ih`sy ƒ vI pyS krdw hY[ ie`k Tos kunYkSn hox dI bjwey sYNtr stYk, ivckwrly vYNt ƒ do ih`sy ivc vµfdw hY[ ieh isDWq PµkSnl Aqy klwqmk dovyN hY[ vµfy hoey ih`sy Q`ly quhwƒ bYgW leI v`fw storyj ibn imldw hY[ hwlWik, dyKx ƒ ieh fYS lweInW ƒ qoV idµdw hY, ijs nwl fYS ƒ ie`k Alg ivSySqw bx jWdI hY jo smr`Qw ƒ mihsUs krn dI bjwey ieh AwpxI QW qy ibrwjmwn hY[ 10 ieµc irvl AlImw ienPotyntynmYNt isstm dw tc skrIn iKc dw kyNdr hY[ rvIl AlImw pRxwlI dy Awpxy AYNplIPwier Aqy G`to G`t 20 spIkr joVn dI SkqI, bYTx vwilAW ƒ iksy vI QIeytr vrgw qjrb idµdI hY[ auhnW lokW leI jo Ajy vI purwxy skUl dy nyvIgytrW ƒ hu`f rwhIN Guµmdy hoey 20 ieµc irmz qy Xwd krdy hn, rIvl isstm dI koeI ivpqw nhIN huµdI hY - sQwnk drSn jW AwfIE vIfIE AsIimq krn dI koeI loV nhIN[ nyvIgytr dy AµdrUnI qjrby dI bYTx dI isKr 30 hoxI cwhIdI hY[ ieh jwiez hY ik audXog iv`c koeI vI ies p`Dr dI AnukUlqw Aqy siQqI dy AnuBv dy nyVy nhIN AwauNdw[ sIt pirvrqnSIlqw dy ies p`Dr dy nwl imldy hn, AYkitv moSn mYsj, iPzIEQYryips isstm mYsj dI shwieqw nwl bxwieAw igAw hY Aqy pYrW ivc l`qW ƒ tuµbx Aqy vwps krn leI mwspySI Aqy frweIvr Qkwvt ƒ GtwEx dI suivDw[ ip`Cy bYTy XwqrIAW ƒ ivklipk dohrw 10 ieµc mltImIfIAw skRInW, kpqwn sItW, Awpxw AwfIE kµtrol Aqy mIfIAw kunYkSnW ijvyN ik, Aqy kwrfW dy nwl, suDwr dy brwbr p`Dr imldy hn[ qIjI lweIn iv`c bYTx vwly lokW kol Awswn, tyFw krn Aqy Gumwaux vwly PµkSn hn[ ijs nwl b`cy dI kwr sIt sur`iKAq rihµdI hY[ myrI audwhrx lwE, 6’3” kd vwlw, “mYN AwswnI nwl, bYTx vwlIAW sItW qoN bwhr jw skdw hW Aqy kwPæI lyg Aqy hYf rUm dy nwl bVy Awrwm nwl bYTy hW[” ilµkn kYnyfw ny nYvIgytr dw Kulwsw krn leI ies qoN ibhqr sYitµg nhIN cuxI jw skdI sI[ Pu`l-tweIm Awl-vhIl-fRweIv isstm jo ik p`ky qOr qy dI Aµfwilµg sVkW rwhIN clwieAw jWdw

hY[ duAwrw do idnW dy dOry dOrwn, Du`p dy AlpweIn phwVW dy rwhI ie`k cwlk muihµm bxwieAw igAw sI jo phwV duAwrw 350 hYlIkwptr iv`c au`cy isKr qy, 10,000 mItr dI aucweI qy, jo phwV vifµgtn dy sB qoN aucy iSKr qy au`fdy hoey bhuq ijAwdw jwdUeI bxwieAw igAw sI[ ies qoN bwAd, Swndwr dupihr dy Kwxy duAwrw, ipmbrtn gOlP kors dy pwrikµg sQwn iv`c, ie`k iPlm stwr dI lYNifµg dw svwgq kIqw igAw[ brPIly svrg dI AwKærI Swm ƒ bIArPu`t ibstRo ivc iek vDIAw cwr-kors Bojn leI pirBwSq kIqw igAw ijs dI SurUAwq iek iksm dI SYNpyn sbirµg dw AnuBv nwl hoeI Aqy Aµq qrl nweItRojn TµFy AweIs-krIm dy nwl hoieAw Aqy Su`D vofkw dw rwq dw Kwxw 32 kytl iek AweIs kmry ivc[ rwq dy mukx qk ilµkn nyvIgytr bwhr Awaux dI aufIk kr irhw sI[ ijvyN hI AsIN kol Awey, iesny swfy Awaux dw Anumwn lwieAw Aqy cmkx ligAw[ pihlW ilµkn stwr logo cmikAw, Pyr lweItW Aqy iPr drvwjw KuilAw, jo ik ilµkn phuµc qwl-myl sI[ ieh iksy dy vI frwieivµg dy qjrby vwly lokW leI s`cmuc hI s`dw hY[ ivslr qoN inkl ky ibRitS kolµbIAw dy brP dI ie`k qwzw pwaUfirµg dy nwl mulwkwq hoeI[ ieh nyvIgytr dI qwkq idKwaux leI dlyrwnw Aqy AwdrS siQqIAW dw mukµml Aµq sI[ ies nYvIgytr dy Brosy nwl iBAwnk mOsm ‘qy ij`q pRwpq kIqI, kdy vI AxcwihAw mihsUs nhIN hoieAw ‘qy nw hI rsqw guµm hoieAw[ nvW 2018 ilµkn nyvIgytr inSicq qOr qy ies dI qwkq ƒ dubwrw swibq krn leI sQwipq kIqw igAw hY[ isrP iehI pRSn jo qusIN Awpxy Awp qoN pu`Cxw hovygw, kI mYN sDwrx jW iPr lµby phIey vwlw vrjn pRwpq kIqw hY (12 ieµc lµbw, jy qusIN soc rhy sI)[

MARCH / APRIL 2018

21

DRK Classic Car

I

ntroduced in 1974, the Scirocco was considered to be the replacement for the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. The two cars, though, were worlds apart. The Karmann Ghia was underpowered, with an uninspired, ancient air-cooled flat four slung behind the rear axle. It was based off the simple Beetle’s running gear, but at least had swoopy, Italian-bred styling by Ghia.

It sounded like the polar opposite of the Scirocco, which had taut, straight lines and a relatively lively, water-cooled power plant. How, then, was the Scirocco considered a relative, let alone the replacement, of the Karmann Ghia?

Volkswagen

Scirocco

Sure enough, the Scirocco followed right behind the Karmann Ghia‘s production, which ended in 1974. There is a much greater connection, though. To see it, we must consider Volkswagen’s bread-and-butter cars during both the Karmann Ghia and the Scirocco’s most prosperous years.

The Karmann Ghia, introduced in 1955, came about when the Beetle was still a remarkable car. The Bug was sturdy, reliable, and full of thoughtful design features absent in other cheap cars. By creating the Karmann Ghia, Volkswagen made a charming, if slow, sports car with reliability built in to a stylish package.

The Scirocco followed word for word the formula used by the Karmann Ghia.

When the Scirocco made its debut, though the undying Bug was still around, the Golf was Volkswagen’s real interest. That car 22

MARCH / APRIL 2018

was set up to phase out the old-fashioned Beetle with a modern, water-cooled machine that was just as sturdy and reliable as a Volkswagen should be. The Golf, though, was also as boring as a Volkswagen should be. So, Volkswagen contracted Giugiaro,

DRK Classic Car

like Ghia a famous Italian designer, to add some life to a rugged platform.

Thus, the Scirocco was born, a modern version of the Karmann Ghia featuring a sporty body resting over a dependable structure.

That body was a hit, too. A product of the 1970’s, it lacked the curvy charisma of the Karmann Ghia. Its wedge shape was fashionable for the time, though, and Giugiaro’s skilled touch was evident. The car’s creases had a modern Italian flair about them, and the racier lines were surprisingly practical.

The new VW featured a hatchback and back seat offering about the same amount of room as the space-effective Golf upon which it was based.

By December of 1981, a second generation Scirocco was available. Its face-lifted styling was carefully executed in-house by Volkswagen. This second-generation model featured water-cooled straight fours producing from 75-110hp out of the same 1.5 and 1.6 liter displacements of the first generation vehicles.

The desirability of a reliable German with sporty style was proved by the Scirocco’s long production run. It lasted all the way until 1992, completing an 18-year stint remarkably similar to the Karmann Ghia’s 19 years of production.

To some, the Scirocco and Karmann Ghia will always be wolves in sheep’s clothing, little more than dressed-up family cars. These Volkswagens,

though, deserve much more credit than that. The Scirocco buyer received not just a practical, modern hatchback with sturdy construction, but also a sleek and carefully-crafted design guaranteed to age with more grace than others in its price range.

That synergy of style and solidity was an impressive feat.

MARCH / APRIL 2018

23

DRK News / Views / Stuff

Refined 2018 Mazda6 Brings Turbo Power

F

ollowing the Canadian debut of the 2018 Mazda6 at the auto show in Toronto, Mazda Canada today announced starting pricing for the significantly updated sedan. The 2018 Mazda6 features new and updated engine options, along with a long list of new equipment and options. Pricing for the 2018 Mazda6 starts at $27,000, and standard equipment now includes the SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine with cylinder deactivation, the first of its kind on a four-cylinder in North America.

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MARCH / APRIL 2018

The SKYACTIV-G 2.5L with cylinder deactivation is paired exclusively with the SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission for a smooth and seamless driving experience. Along with the upgrades under the hood, the entry-level Mazda6 GS also includes new standard equipment such as LED headlights, automatic dual-zone climate controls, rear HVAC ventilation, and a larger Mazda Connect screen (8-inch vs 7-inch). Standard safety equipment includes Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (ABSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).

New for 2018, the Mazda6 now offers a choice of engines with the addition of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T with Dynamic Pressure Turbo, producing 227 hp on 87 octane gasoline (250 hp with 93 octane) and 310 lb-ft of torque from a low 2,000 RPM. This Ward’s 10 Best awardwinning engine, first seen in the Mazda CX-9 crossover, is optional in Mazda6 GS-L mid-trim models, and standard equipment starting with GT and the new Signature models.

Topping the 2018 Mazda6 range at $38,800 MSRP, the new Signature trim elevates the Mazda6 from its traditional competitive set into a higher class, with unparalleled craftsmanship and authentic materials. Brown Nappa leather upholstery is inspired by the aged wood in ancient Japanese temples; UltrasuedeÂŽ with a subtle gold tint adorns the lower dashboard and door panels, using a similar technique to that which is used to make ornate kimonos; and Sen wood accents, a type of wood often used in taiko drums and Japanese furniture, are also found on the dashboard and door panels. Technology is also a Signature highlight, with allnew features added to the Mazda6 such as a Top View Monitor, digital meter set with seven-inch TFT display, and front/ rear parking sensors.

The 2018 Mazda6 will arrive at dealerships nationwide beginning in April. More information including full pricing, specifications, and fuel economy will be released closer to the on-sale date.

DRK News / Views / Stuff

Global Autonomous Driving Engineers Join Efforts to Make Driverless Cars in Guiyang

A

bout 30 global autonomous driving engineers and 10 mentors from 12 countries gathered in southwest China’s Guiyang City to join an open collaboration camping program which kicked off on March 9. The “Move it Hackthon” program will see two autonomous vehicles made and tested on roads within five days, according to the Publicity Department of the CPC Guiyang Committee.

An open smart factory named Czone and one global collaboration platform were also launched by “Move it”. The first “Move it” global autonomous driving challenge was open for registration.

“Move it” is a global innovative open source community on autonomous driving dedicated to the development, manufacturing and promotion of latest automobile technologies. The “Move it Hackathon” is the community’s first offline activity, aiming to address common challenges facing autonomous driving by cooperation.

The solutions will be shared to reduce innovation and application thresholds of driverless cars and expand the technology’s use.

The engineers and mentors who participate in this collaborative camp all come from first-class self-driving enterprises and universities.

The activities covered wire control technology transformation, algorithm debugging, automatic driving sample car installation and commissioning, mentor sharing and so on. The engineers will implement the line-controlled vehicle technology on the spot and

create the basic chassis of the line-controlled vehicle. The automatic driving system will be installed and debugged on a full-size car to achieve tracking and obstacle avoidance based on differential GPS or laser radar as well as traffic control personnel gesture recognition and control. The last phase will be installing and debugging the selfdriving cars and then set for group competition.

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MARCH / APRIL 2018

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DRK News / Views / Stuff

Audi, Subaru Get Top Honours by ALG

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LG, the benchmark for forecasting future vehicle values, announced winners of its 10th annual Canadian Residual Value Awards, with Audi and Subaru taking top honours for Mainstream Brand and Premium Brand, respectively.

ALG’s Canadian Residual Value Awards (RVA) recognize vehicles in 26 segments, ranging from Alternative-Fuel to Fullsize Commercial Van, that are forecast to retain the highest percentage of their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) after a four-year period for Mainstream brands and three-year period for Premium brands.

This year’s recipients were chosen from 2018 model year vehicles that have shown strong value in their competitive segments.

“Depreciation is the single biggest cost of vehicle ownership, and informed consumers understand the importance of resale value when making their purchase decision,” said Eric Lyman, vice president of ALG. “The ALG Residual Value Award is a meaningful achievement in the hyper-competitive automotive landscape. Residual values are a key indicator for the market success of a vehicle, factoring in quality, product execution and brand desirability as primary drivers of ALG’s forecast.”

Subaru continues its winning streak as the top ranking among Mainstream brands, taking home a total of four segment awards including the Subaru Outback in the Midsize Utility (2 Row) segment,

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the Subaru WRX in the Sportscar segment, Subaru Impreza in the Compact segment and the popular Subcompact Utility segment, Subaru Crosstrek.

Audi has emerged in recent years as a contender in the luxury space against top European rivals, finding success with new product entries in the utility space and emphasizing innovative technologies that have resonated well with luxury consumers.

Dining with Pashion

Felicia’s Italian Cuisine Ristorante 2492 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z1

M

y friend was going to drop off some plumbing supplies to be plated near the Burnaby Vancouver border and asked if I wanted to hop in the truck and tag along[ He said we could grab some lunch after[ I knew there were a few good eateries in that area and said “Sure[ Come pick me up[” When we were done at the plating shop we discussed what to eat[ We went on Hastings and I was surprised my friend went West towards Vancouver instead of East for Burnaby[ I scanned for places to eat and saw a sign that said “home made pizza”[ I pointed it out and we parked[ Felicia’s is a small spot with only 40 seats[ It has been open since 1980[ The decor had white and blue checked tablecloths, photos of Elvis and local celebrities[ What caught my attention was the staff[ They were Italian and were speaking Italian! I whispered to my friend, “There is a real Italian nonna cooking the food!” I couldn’t wait to try!

We were offered coffee and my friend ordered cappuccino which he never orders and only ordered because he liked the Italian accent when it was offered[ It came with a cookie which I ate as we looked over the extensive menu[ I ordered homemade gnocchi with white sauce and my friend got the lasagna[ The kitchen area was tiny and only nonna is cooking while her daughter served us[ Several generations of this family are part of the restaurant[ You do have to wait a bit because it is homemade, but well worth it[

We were first brought homemade garlic bread fresh from the oven[ We pigged out[ It was very filling and cheese melted on top! When the lunch came the lasagna came with some soup and salad and was delicious[ My gnocchi was light and airy but the sauce lacked salt[ Apparently the chef does not cook with salt, so I salted it myself[ I was stuffed and begged my friend to help me finish my plate[ We were brought some melon and berries to finish off our meal, just like in Italy!

The meal was a bit expensive for lunch, but it was a treat and there were a few courses[ As we were leaving, we were walked to the door and thanked in Italian[ It was funny to watch my friend trying to thank them in Italian right back and we laughed as we walked to the car[ You really get caught up in the true Italian culture[ As we passed the kitchen on the way out we saw the fresh pizziaola come from the oven[ They smelled delicious and next time I come, I’m trying that for sure!

Parking is on the street so leave time to look for parking and be ready to be swept up in real Italian hospitality[ Also make sure you have time to wait for a meal prepared from scratch with Italian love[ “Grazie grazie !”

Column by- Pash Brar // Mobile Leasing Rep[ at Auto One Leasing LP MARCH / APRIL 2018

27

Quick Looks

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by - Jag Dhatt

Mercedes G-Class

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Ford Edge ST

E

t’s not an easy task to redo an iconic vehicle and make it that much better, but Mercedes did just that with the new 2019 G-Class. The G is still recognizable but the changes, which I think are long overdue, were necessary. Even though the new G-Class is now longer than its predecessor, it’s approach and departure angles are better, as is its ability to cross deeper water. Step inside this capable vehicle, and welcome to an interior that now suits the brand’s image. The dash and technology now match what you’ll find in other Benz models. The 12.3” display is now incorporated, something we’ve seen in the new E and S-classes. The turbineinspired HVAC vents are a real nice touch as well. In essence, everything about the interior has changed, let alone the passenger grab handle. Power for the G-Class comes from a 4.0-liter twinturbocharged V8 – although it’s the same motor, a new nine-speed replaces the 7-speed automatic. Couple that with a lower overall weight, the new G will feel quicker. And of course, expect an AMGtuned G63 soon, you know, for the lead-footers!

ven SUV drivers want performance and now, Ford has added the ST badge to the Edge, hoping that more will make the move from sedans into performance utility vehicles. Under the hood, the Edge ST will feature a specially-tuned 2.7-liter EcoBoost, generating 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.

This will get you from 0-60 in just 5.6 seconds – pretty quick I must say! Engineers decided to stick with a quick-shifting 8-speed transmission, ensuring the all-wheel drive powertrain is always ready for action. In order to earn the ST badge, the Edge has a sporttuned suspension, beefier dual exhausts and available performance brakes and unique 21” wheels. Although I haven’t driven the Edge ST, I’ve heard that it’s ability to perform rev-matched downshifts and hold gears at the redline is impressive. Inside, the ST badging continues on the seats, steering wheel, gauges and dash. The regular Edge is refreshed for the 2019 model year and it has always been a good seller. By adding the ST badge to an already popular SUV, Ford is optimistic that the sporty Edge ST will be a hot seller.

RAM 1500

New Nissan Leaf

I

t’s always been a battle for best full-size truck, and each year, manufacturers do what they can to win over buyers. This year, RAM delivered a product that turned all heads. Most noticeably is the styling, with the refreshed RAM getting top marks for aerodynamic styling. Depending on trim, the RAM can be seen as a brash and brute or tame and elegant machine. Either way, it’s a winner. And for Canadians, there’s the Sport variant, complete with 22” aluminum wheels, distinct monochromatic exterior with allblack badging and unique Sport nameplate. Eh! Inside the RAM, there’s a huge 12” vertical Uconnect touchscreen that looks like it was taken out of a Tesla. Speaking of real estate, there’s a lot of it in the cabin. The massive seats can accommodate any size person and the storage compartments can hold a full-size laptop, because you know, it is a work truck. But, when you need to relax, don’t worry as the rear-seats now feature class-exclusive reclining rear seats that can recline up to 8 degrees! And of course, with 6 air bags, it’s also the safest RAM ever.

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any will not know that the Leaf is the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, but it is. And for the current model year, it’s only gotten better. The most noticeable being the new 40 kWh battery that is now capable of a 242 kilometer range – that’s a 40% increase over last year’s model and puts it just behind the Tesla models and the Chevy Bolt. The new Leaf is also a lot more attractive – my biggest complaint with many electric vehicles is that they aren’t, or weren’t, pleasing to the eye. The Leaf now is. Another innovation by Nissan is its new e-Pedal. With e-Pedal, you only have to use one pedal – press down for instant acceleration and ease off to slow down – that’s it. It’s a new way to drive that can help add power back into the battery. Of course, you can always use two-pedal driving if you want. The cabin of the new Leaf is also very attractive, with great seats, and excellent materials, and craftsmanship. Finally, with the cabin being so quiet, you can enjoy the music from the Bose Energy Efficient Series audio system.

DRK News / Views / Stuff

AJAC Announces the 2018 Canadian Car of the Year and 2018 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year

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he Honda Accord was announced to be the 2018 Canadian Car of the Year.

The Chrysler Pacifica was announced today to be the 2018 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year.

The two vehicles received Canada’s highest automotive accolades at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto.

This followed a year of testing and two rounds of voting by nearly

100 voting members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, who assessed the vehicles throughout the year by driving them and testing them in a variety of conditions. They were scored anonymously on many different factors, including performance, features, technology, design, fuel consumption and value for money, and the highest scorers in each category were declared the category winners.

Those 14 winners were voted on again by AJAC’s journalist members to determine the very best car and utility vehicle. In the second round of voting, they were asked to consider more subjective qualities, such as the levels of comfort, convenience and practical performance.

“We’re thrilled to declare the Honda Accord to be the Canadian Car of the Year for 2018, and the Chrysler Pacifica to be the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year,” said AJAC President Mark Richardson.

“They’ve both been decided through the most vigorous system of testing possible by AJAC’s automotive professionals. They’re both deserving of being considered the very best vehicles you can buy in 2018.”

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29

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota

Camry Hybrid E

very time Toyota rolls out a new version of its well-known mid-size sedan, the Japanese manufacturer claims to have created the most entertaining Camry ever—as if in a bid to erase the model’s reputation as a bland-but-reliable family car.

And even if that claim has been accurate in every case, the changes have been so incremental as to be invisible, and we understand why: during the last four decades, the Camry has practically become a brand unto itself, and that’s something you don’t want to mess with.

But mid-size sedans are under attack by crossover utility vehicles, a segment quickly becoming the go-to for families who used to flock to cars like the Camry, and so it was time for Toyota to really inject its staid sedan with a bit of emotion, lest such a remarkable nameplate be forgotten.

Nowhere is that approach more obvious than in the 2018 Camry’s appearance. Our SE Hybrid test car came dressed up in assertive bodywork exclusive to the car’s SE and XSE trims that makes it appear lower and wider. But it isn’t all window dressing: this car actually is lower and wider than its predecessor, lending it a more road-hugging look.

This is also the first Camry to be built on a new platform Toyota says is designed to lend this car a more entertaining driving experience. “Entertaining” is a relative term when we’re talking about the Camry, but we will grant Toyota that the driver feels a more direct connection to the car’s mechanicals and, by extension, the road.

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Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota tells us the SE Hybrid we drove boasts a and traditional friction brakes. Slowing from speed is easy to do smoothly, but at parking-lot speeds, the sport-tuned suspension, but it remains heavily biased toward ride comfort over handling prowess, allowing friction brakes are very sensitive, resulting in some jerky motions. more body motion than we were comfortable with on our favourite section of twisty rural road.

Inside, the SE gets front seats with larger side We were more impressed by the gas-electric bolsters for better side-to-side support in quick corners. They’re good for that, but felt narrow even powertrain’s newfound enthusiasm, thanks to a bit more power and, more importantly, better to my slim build. responsiveness. Hit the gas hard and you’re rewarded Beyond the geometric shapes that make up with nearly instant power, a nice change from the lazy the dash, the most significant update to the Camry Chris Chase Hybrid’s interior is a new battery that lives under the acceleration tendencies of past Camry Hybrids; ease Accredited AJAC Journalist off the throttle at cruising speed and the car is smooth floor, allowing for both a full-size trunk and a proper and serene, just as we expect this car to behave. folding rear seat for the first time in a gas-electric Camry.

Toyota still hasn’t perfected the balance between a hybrid’s regenerative braking system (which helps recharge the battery) This is a comfortable and spacious car that would be brilliant for a relaxed road trip, but there are a few interior quirks. The heated seat controls are placed well back on the right side of the centre console, making them awkward to use, and while the front doors open wide for easy ingress and egress, it’s a long reach to pull the door closed once you’re in.

On the technology front, there’s just one USB port in the entire cabin, at the base of the centre stack. The SE does have wireless smartphone charging (also in the centre stack), but that still leaves those in the rear seat without a place to charge their devices. The SE Hybrid also comes with the latest version of Toyota’s Entune smartphone integration system, but it’s fussier than the well-designed Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems that many automakers have chosen to adopt, rather than develop their own platforms.

Toyota estimates the 2018 Camry SE Hybrid’s fuel consumption at 5.3 L/100 km in city driving and 5.0 on the highway (down from 5.8/6.3 for the 2017 model); our test vehicle averaged 6.4 L/100 km in the city, in temperatures that hovered around the freezing mark.

Pricing for the 2018 Camry starts at $26,390 with a gas engine and $31,290 with hybrid power; our SE Hybrid carried an MSRP of $33,990. That makes our test car $1,800 more expensive than the outgoing SE Hybrid, an increase that reflects the tangible improvements to this car’s driving experience. This is a better vehicle than the one it replaces, but despite Toyota’s claims to have created a better-driving family car, we’d argue they have simply made a better Camry, and if anything is going to give this well-known sedan a new lease on life, that’s it.

MARCH / APRIL 2018

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Toyota Camry Hybrid

2018

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Camry Hybrid

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MARCH / APRIL 2018

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DRK News / Views / Stuff

Harley-Davidson Invests in Electric Vehicle Company

H

arley-Davidson, Inc. announced today that it has made an equity investment in Alta Motors, a leader and innovator in lightweight electric vehicles, and that the two companies will collaborate on electric motorcycle technology and new product development.

“Earlier this year, as part of our 10-year strategy, we reiterated our commitment to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders, in part, by aggressively investing in electric vehicle (EV) technology,” said Harley-Davidson President and CEO Matt Levatich. “Alta has demonstrated innovation and expertise in EV and their objectives align closely with ours. We each have strengths and capabilities that will be mutually beneficial as we work together to develop cutting-edge electric motorcycles.”

Harley-Davidson has already announced the planned launch of its first electric motorcycle,

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informed by Project LiveWire™. That motorcycle is on track for release in 2019.

Since its inception, Alta Motors has designed and commercialized the world’s most advanced electric motorcycles, enabling everyone from pro riders to new riders to experience “the future of fast.”

“Riders are just beginning to understand the combined benefits of EV today, and our technology continues to progress,” said Alta Motors Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder, Marc Fenigstein. “We believe electric motorcycles are the future, and that American companies have an opportunity to lead that future. It’s incredibly exciting that Harley-Davidson, synonymous with motorcycle leadership, shares that vision and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them.”

As electric-drive innovation brings new levels of ease, accessibility and control, Harley-Davidson and Alta Motors aim to attract new audiences who are inspired by motorcycles and drawn to the “twist-and-go” ease and exhilaration of an electric motorcycle with no gears or clutch.

“We believe that EV is where global mobility is headed and holds great appeal for existing riders as well as opportunity to bring new riders into the sport,” said Levatich.

“We intend to be the world leader in the electrification of motorcycles and, at the same time, remain true to our gas and oil roots by continuing to produce a broad portfolio of motorcycles that appeal to all types of riders around the world.”

DRK News / Views / Stuff

Flying Cars by 2022 – It’s Possible

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ncreasing traffic congestion across mega cities and large urban centres, coupled with the resulting loss to the economy, is driving the need for more efficient modes of urban transportation. Flying cars are being explored as an alternative form of future mobility, making use of the underutilised domestic airspace.

Flying cars are set to disrupt the personal mobility space of the future with at least ten early entrants expected to launch various versions of flying cars by 2022. OEMs and other major industry players are expected to follow suit with the introduction of prototypes during the subsequent five years.

Joe Praveen Vijayakumar, Industry Analyst at Frost

B u i l t

F o r

& Sullivan, observed: “This space has been witnessing bustling activity, with new players from various industries entering the race to build flying cars. We have also seen a surge in funding as several companies have raised funds or been acquired by established players from the automotive industry.”

The United States and United Arab Emirates are key markets for flying cars, driven by factors such as high per capita income, purchasing power, regulatory quality and technology capabilities.

T h e

L o n g

R i d e

SERV ING T HE W E ST COA ST Pacif ic Chartered Advisors LLP PROV I D I NG TA X A DV I SO RY S E RV I C E S

w w w. p a c i f i c a cco u n t i n g. c a

# west co a st st r o n g

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Honda Civic SI

Honda

CIVIC SI I

- Sandeep Gill

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f you ever had the pleasure of driving an earlier model Honda Civic Si, any variant with the VTEC, you will remember how that engine screamed to an 8,000 rpm redline. It’s what defined the Civic Si. The Honda Civic Si represented freedom to a generation of Canadian youth. The British had the VW GTI, the French had the Citroen and we had the Honda Civic, it’s no surprise the Civic has been Canada’s number one selling car for 17 years running.

The latest iteration of the Civic Si carries on this torch, but, changes the recipe. The Si represents a stepping stone for the Civic lineup. It ups the ante from Civic Sport, providing more aggressive styling, wheels and tires and a bit more oomph, but, stops shy of the overly ostentatious Type R. Historically, the Honda Civic has always been the type of car that anyone could get behind the wheel of and feel comfortable.

Controls were always easy to find, the clutch feel was light and the shifts felt like the shift gate was lined with silk, clean, precise and rewarding. The Si was the bad boy of the line, bringing a fun factor to the game, largely achieved by an incredible screaming motor.

Enter the 2017 Si, on paper and from a physical standpoint the Si looks like it will fill its predecessor’s shoes nicely. It produces 205 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque.

That’s 25 more hp and 15 more lb-ft of torque over the Sport version. Si also trumps the Sport with features like a trick limited slip differential, adjustable dampers, sunroof, dual zone climate control, well bolstered and comfortable sport seats and comes in coupe and 4-door variations. In translation though, the new Si is different. It feels more refined, rewarding a driver with a beautiful chassis and precise

Honda Civic SI

aggressive handling. Honda technicians must have spent countless hours ensuring the driving manners of the Si were spot on. Unlike previous generations, the new Si is a fun driver’s car. It remains flat in corners with minimal body roll, this is only improved with the adjustable dampers. The limited slip differential ensures that hard exits during corners are met with ample traction assisted with Honda’s own torque vectoring system. However, some may find the Si’s more tuned driving manner slightly harsh and tightly sprung.

But, throughout this onrush of fun there’s something missing, oh yes, the screaming 4. What we have in replacement is a capable turbo, producing low end grunt and everyday usable power, unlike previous generations.

But, oh how we miss that screaming 8000 rpm redline; what drew previous Si owners to the model may be missed, but, can I say, be forgiven. The Si presents an allround package at an exceptional price point, an increase in sophistication, a young businessman’s option and less a boy racer choice. What it will require for those who know is a change in expectation, but, a welcome one.

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DRK News / Views / Stuff

Why Buy From a Dealer

B

uying a vehicle is the second largest purchase in most an issue with a vehicle we sell, we will stand behind it and make peoples’ lives, next to buying a house, so it’s important sure to sort out any problems.” With the VSA as a regulating body, that you get the car you want while at the same time, dealerships today must comply with industry sales regulation. protect yourself and your money. In local newspapers, automotive One of the biggest reasons people buy private is to save that magazines, and private postings, there are literally thousands of horrendous sales tax. But says Khan, “Most people forget that if you vehicles for sale. Are these cars a safe bet? Well, let’s find out. buy privately, you lose the 12% trade-in tax savings. If you have a I had the chance to speak with Moe Khan, General vehicle to trade in, the tax savings are really beneficial Manager at OpenRoad Infiniti in Langley, about the for the buyer.” It’s true – with a private sale, you cannot - Jasleen Dutt benefits of buying from a dealer. “When buying from trade in your older vehicle and you still have to pay a a private seller, there is no guarantee that the vehicle sales tax. will last,” says Khan. “Even though some private sellers are very Another reason most buyers forget about is financing. Based on transparent about the vehicle’s history and condition, most are not, sheer volume, most dealerships are able to give better financing rates and it’s these people you need to be aware of.” than a bank. “Our financing rates for new or used cars are generally Khan goes on to say that the ones you really need to be aware of less than what you can expect from your bank,” says Khan. “We can are curbers: “A curber is an individual who poses as a private vehicle offer very competitive rates for financing if you can’t pay off the seller, but he makes his money through dishonesty about himself vehicle in cash; for this reason, many buyers get financing from us.” and the vehicle being sold.” What’s more is that a curber looks just Finally, the reason we purchase our vehicles from a dealership like your neighbour, but will steal your money and leave you with a is overall piece of mind, which includes everything above. Dealers real sour lemon. don’t just want you as a customer, but want you as a customer for In the past couple of years, there has been a joint effort between life, and thus, are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty.

CarProof, ICBC, and the Vehicle Sales Authority of BC to increase In fact, if there are minor deficiencies that arise within a short time consumer knowledge, help buyers avoid curbers, and purchase a of your purchase, most dealerships will take care of them at no, or reliable vehicle from dealers. minimal, cost. That’s why dealerships today are not the same as they An important advantage of buying a pre-owned vehicle from a were 25 years ago. Also, with the VSA now able to assign some dealer is warranty. Most dealers will offer some sort of warranty, and hefty fines to dealerships that don’t comply regulations, you are even more will offer 3rd party extended warranties. With a private pretty safe. seller, the motor vehicle is sold “as-is” and there is no safety net.

In the end, it’s always caveat emptor (Let the buyer beware); From personal experience, my uncle had bought a car from a private however, after doing your due diligence, you’ll find that purchasing seller, and within about two weeks, the transmission was gone, a car from a reputable dealership is probably the best option for most leaving him stuck with a $2500 repair bill. Khan says, “If there is buyers.

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DRK News / Views / Stuff

The New Four-Door Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe MARCH 28 TO APRIL 1, 2018 VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE 1055 CANADA PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.

See the 2018 Lexus LC 500 at the 2018 Vancouver International Auto Show!

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MARCH / APRIL 2018

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M

ore space, more power, and even more goosebumps – the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe delivers unrivalled driving experiences, and adds to the growing AMG model family. As the first four-door sports car from Affalterbach, this Coupe directly continues the success story of the legendary SLS and AMG GT. An additional model independently developed by Mercedes-AMG, it combines unique design, high comfort and outstanding sports car technology with an athletic, four-door fastback layout. This expansion of the AMG GT family opens the sports car segment to those who are looking for a practical daily ride, but are unwilling to go without the unparalleled performance of Mercedes-AMG. Longitudinal and lateral dynamics at the highest level and a striking silhouette with classical proportions immediately mark the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe as the brother of the two-door models in the portfolio. An expressive design with a low hood, dominant front section and muscular body language clearly signal the Coupe’s sporty genes.

Setting new standards as the latest model in the AMG family, it is the first fourdoor AMG GT model to combine a high level of day-to-day comfort with multiple individualization options and the latest sports car technology.

“The new AMG GT 4-door Coupe combines the impressive racetrack dynamism of our two-door sports cars with a high level of day-to-day suitability.

It embodies our brand claim of ‘Driving Performance’ in a unique way, and will attract new customers to MercedesAMG,” says Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The new AMG GT 4-door Coupe delivers singular driving experiences in all areas and ensures superior performance in any situation. Powerful, up-to-date, 6-cylinder in-line and V8 engines with outputs ranging from 429 hp to 630 hp deliver a top speed of up to 315 km/h and allow completely new driving experiences by combining impressive performance with modern efficiency.

The interior of the first four-door AMG GT model is characterized by elegant coolness as well as ultra-modern features that include state-of-the-art intuitive controls which can be configured according to the driver’s wishes. The blending of exceptional customization with sports car technology – not to mention a wealth of equipment packages and individual options – allows the Coupe to suit the needs of even the most discerning customers. This latest addition to the family also lives up to the MercedesAMG brand commitment to dynamic performance, as it sets the benchmark in its segment on both the racetrack and the road.

The Coupe’s AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine is already used in numerous AMG models, however its output has increased even further for the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+, ensuring superior performance at sports-car level. It generates 630 hp and a maximum torque of 664 lb-ft, which on tap is over a broad rpm range from 2500 to 4500 rpm. This means that the top engine variant of the new AMG GT four-door Coupe is superior in any engine speed range. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds is proof positive of this, as is its maximum speed of 315 km/h.

In the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+, the V8 engine delivers 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of maximum torque. A sprint from zero to 100 km/h takes just 3.4 seconds, for a top speed of 310 km/h.

The AMG 4.0-litre V8 engine operates with well-proven twin turbocharging, which sees the two chargers arranged between the cylinder banks rather than around them. The advantages of this “hot inner-V” result in the compact engine construction and high responsiveness of the turbochargers.

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DRK News / Views / Stuff

Toyota Prius Prime’s Gas Injection Heat Pump System Wins AJAC Best Green Innovation Award

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Toyota-developed Gas Injection Heat Pump System that helps boost cold-weather driving range in plugin hybrids and other electrified vehicles is this year’s winner of the Automotive Innovation Award from the Automobile

Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), in the Best Green Innovation category. AJAC announced the award this morning at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

“Creating the world’s best-selling family of fuel-efficient, low-emissions hybrid vehicles means developing new, advanced technologies that ensure the ownership and driving experience is the same as that of a conventional automobile,” said Cyril Dimitris, Vice President, Toyota Canada Inc. “The Gas Injection Heat Pump System – a world-first, developed for the Prius Prime – helps this plug-in hybrid achieve remarkable range, year-round.

We’re honoured that the members of AJAC have recognized our commitment to cleaner motoring with this important award.”

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The Prius Prime’s Gas Injection Heat Pump System addresses one of the biggest challenges for plug-in hybrid vehicles and other electric vehicles when operating in cold weather: namely, the ability to produce heat. If batteries must work overtime to heat the cabin, it can drastically reduce the range a vehicle can operate in electric-only mode – as much as 60 percent in severe cold.

Heat pumps are one solution that does not stress the vehicle’s batteries nor require the vehicle’s gasoline engine to be running to act as a heat source. But a conventional heat pump does not operate below zero degree Celsius: Any colder, and there’s not enough ambient heat outside the vehicle to allow the heat pump to work.

Thanks to its specifically designed Cyclone S e p a r a t o r integrated valve, the Gas Injection Heat Pump System improves the performance of the conventional heat pump, enabling it to continue to supply cabin heat down to -10 degrees Celsius. This allows the Prius Prime to supply cabin heat with less reliance on its gasoline engine as a heat source.

But it does more than that, too: In the Toyota Prius Prime, this system uses 63 percent less energy than a traditional heating system, and helps extend the Prius Prime’s electric vehicle range by up to 21 percent in cold temperatures. It’s an important system that helped the Prius Prime earn its top rank as the most efficient plug-in hybrid vehicle sold in Canada, with a combined fuel economy of 1.8 Le/100 km.

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DRK Gadgets & Gears

High Road Car Seat Organizer

Samsung Family Hub Smart Fridge

The High Road Car Seat Organizer is a solid storage option for families and hoarders alike. The unit is made of durable mesh and polyester and comes with an array of compartments and flexible pockets. The adjustable headrest strap also easily fastens to virtually any seat back, allowing you to keep all of your belongings within arm’s reach.

Fobo Tire Plus

JAG D H AT T ’S

MAR / APR 2018

Properly inflated tires wear more evenly, thus increasing the lifespan of your rubber as well as fuel efficiency. Rather than using a handheld pressure gauge to ensure your tires are properly inflated, the Fobo Tire Plus system uses a series of Bluetooth gauges that relay this information directly to your smartphone. Fobo can monitor up to 19 cars, too, which should be adequate for most mortals — other than Birdman, that is.

Samsung’s newest smart refrigerator recommends recipes based on your family’s food preferences, allergies and, thanks to the integrated cameras, the ingredients you have on hand. And the new Deals app saves sale-priced groceries to your shopping list.

Away Smart Suitcase

PowerCup – Car DC to AC and USB Power Inverter

Basically, you place the PowerCup in your vehicle’s cup holder, you hook it up to your car’s power outlet (cigarette lighter plug) and you you start charging your gadgets. The PowerCup will charge laptops, tablets, smartphones, DVD players, portable game system, MP3 players and just about anything that requires electrical power to run.

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Get her a smart suitcase that will charge her phone for the next big trip you’re planning. The Away suitcase has a built-in battery to charge any phone and it will alert her to its location if it gets lost en route to your destination.

MARCH 28 TO APRIL 1, 2018 VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE 1055 CANADA PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.

See the Cadillac Escala at the 2018 Vancouver International Auto Show!

FACEBOOK.COM/VIAS

#VanAutoShow18

@VANAUTOSHOW

@VANAUTOSHOW

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