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CONTENTS
A Relative Bargain The 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec delivers a near perfect mix of luxury and performance ..pg 12
ALSO INSIDE: Performance
What side effects do bigger wheels have on your car? ...pg 46
Mercedes-Benz C350 Coupe The C350 Coupe combines performance with strong design and technolgoy ...pg 16
ONE-ON-ONE
Custom Car Builder Troy Ladd ...pg 60
JDM ENVY
Original chopped mini The Mini Cooper S Coupe’s predecessor...pg 54
Acura TSX transformed into a true JDM ...pg 36
Porsche camp4
Porsche’s Camp4 winter driving experience...pg 20 Starting Lines--------------------------------------------------------------- 4 First Drive: Mazda CX-5 -------------------------------------------------- 18 Car Care Feature----------------------------------------------------------- 22 2012 Performance Tire Guide ------------------------------------------- 26 RPM Test Fleet ------------------------------------------------------------ 32 Road Test: Mini Cooper S Coupe---------------------------------------- 34 The Truck Guy-------------------------------------------------------------- 35 Megaspeed Coverage----------------------------------------------------- 41 Plugged In: Bluetooth ---------------------------------------------------- 43 Classic Corner------------------------------------------------------------- 56 New Product Showcase-------------------------------------------------- 58 Parting Shots-------------------------------------------------------------- 62
‘62 Corvette Bob Elsdon’s 1962 Fuelinjected Corvette ...pg 48
RPM Apr / May 2012
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Aston Zagato Going Into Production? Volume 14, Issue No. 2 April/May 2012 Publisher / Editor: Dean Washington dean@rpmcanada.ca Associate Publisher: David Symons david@rpmcanada.ca Advertising Inquiries: sales@rpmcanada.ca Circulation: Brenda Washington brenda@rpmcanada.ca New Car Editor Gerry Frechette gerryf@rpmcanada.ca Editorial Coordinator / Graphic Designer Jordan Allan jordan@rpmcanada.ca Sales & Marketing Elaine Fontaine elaine@rpmcanada.ca Controller: B.M. Walker Contributing Writers/Photographers: Jordan Allan Gerry Frechette Dave MacKinnon Nigel Matthews Russell Purcell Budd Stanley David Symons
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ston Martin’s V12 Zagato was the star of many auto shows and even the Nurburgring 24-hour race last year. Thankfully, the feedback that Aston has been receiving has meant that it has just released the first production reveal at the Kuwait Concours d’ Elegance. Only 150 of the super-exclusive Astons will be made for worldwide consumption, and you can bet that with its release being held in Kuwait that the Middle East will be the primary region the car will be sold. The sexy new Aston will feature a 510-horsepower V12 and an aluminumand-carbon body structure, and is said to be priced around $550,000. If the model on display at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show is an indicator, though, future owners have much to look forward to. Hybrid Legal Dramas While hybrid vehicles may give their owners warm and fuzzy feelings of responsibility, there have been some not-so-public dramas going on behind the scenes of hybrid producers. It wasn’t so long ago that hybrid giant Toyota was in an eight-year legal battle with a company called Paice over patent infringements dealing with its Hybrid Synergy Drive that has several parts that are patented with Paice. That legal battle was put to bed in 2010 with Toyota agreeing to pay royalties to Paice for the Prius, Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h models it sold. However, with the Koreans coming out with a fresh set of vehicles with hybrid technology suspiciously similar to Toyota’s, Paice has found itself back in court, this time with Hyundai and Kia, disputing the same allegations as with Toyota. Paice claims that Hyundai and Kia should have known that Toyota was dealing with legal issues, especially since Paice has been contacting Hyundai about the issue, and says that the Korean automakers are infringing upon three patents that Paice owns.
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RPM Apr / May 2012
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Porsche Sweeps Competitive Podium At Daytona 24-hour The name Porsche and racing have been going hand-in-hand for more than 60 years now, building highly competitive and reliable race machinery that can be bought directly from the factory. For a privateer, buying a 911 GT3 competition car is the simplest way to become competitive in a racing series. Porsche proved this fact once again at the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona by sweeping the GT podium in what has been called “the most competitive field of all time,” with the likes of Mazda RX8s, Chevy Camaros, BMW M3s, Audi R8s and a flock of Ferrari 458s. In the end, the victory went to Porsche works driver Richard Lietz (Austria) in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup fielded by Magnus Racing with teammates René Rast (Germany) as well as Americans Andy Lally and John Potter. After a thrilling finale in front of record crowds on the Daytona International Speedway, Lietz saw the flag 9.412 seconds ahead of his factory pilot colleague Wolf Henzler. The previous year’s winner from Germany shared the cockpit of TRG Racing’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup with Jeroen Bleekemolen (Netherlands), Marc Goossens (Belgium), Spencer Pumpelly (USA) and Steven Bertheau (USA). Scoring third place was Porsche works driver Marc Lieb (Germany) with Americans Hurley Haywood, Leh Keen and Andrew Davis in the legendary number 59 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup run by the Daytona-winning squad Brumos Racing. Chrysler Earns $183-Million In 2011 Late in 2010, Chrysler made a huge push to create exciting new products with help from Fiat, and vastly improved its current products with efficient new engines, better interior and exterior designs and competitive prices to make themselves players once again. Well, it seems all the long nights have paid off as Chrysler Group’s full-year 2011 net income has improved to $183 million from a net loss of $652 million in 2010, despite a $551million loss on extinguishment of debt in Q2 2011. Fourth quarter net income was $225 million, the highest quarterly net income since the new Company began operations in 2009. Worldwide vehicle sales for full year 2011 totaled 1,855,000, up 22 percent from 2010; fourth quarter worldwide vehicle sales were 479,000, up 28 percent compared with a year ago. The future is looking brighter for the Pentastar, and it is not finished yet, with several new vehicles making their debut later this year.
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Acura Shows NSX Concept The Acura NSX has been a bit of a mystery. A brilliant supercar, the original NSX was a performance titan, designed by Honda’s top engineering squad, and tweaked to perfection by Formula One ace Ayrton Senna. However, as the ‘90s came and went, Honda did little to keep the NSX competitive, as only a minor headlight redesign was given to the car, signaling its death soon after. Since then, Honda has been taunting us with a successor, bringing out concept cars, and even putting one into the famous Japanese Super GT racing series, yet no production car has been seen. Well, Acura is taunting us once again, and this time it says the NSX will live once again, with the release of this concept. Acura says that the new car will make use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V6 engine including a new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Super Handling All-Wheel Drive hybrid system. Utilizing a unique Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque-adjustable control system, the all-new hybrid all-wheel drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Acura anticipates the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. The new supercar is expected to debut in the next three years, will be developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., and manufactured in Ohio. Will the new car live up to expectation? While we loved the pure Japanese flavour of the old NSX, we’ll reserve judgment on the North American-inspired car, as we feel AWD-equipped supercars lack the driving excitement of a true RWD sports car. Huet Brothers At It Again Cars today are technological marvels, and have the chassis hardware to match. And while the designs are truly impressive, you just
RPM Apr / May 2012
can’t beat the character of an old GT, built in the ‘50s and ‘60s, free of the rules and regulations stipulated to manufacturers to make a design safe and street legal. The Huet Brothers however are doing something many of us gearheads dream of, building a modern car, with a classic sexy old body design long since lost to bureaucracy. Several years ago, the brothers released a retro roadster based on a Triumph TR6, designed for use in classic rallies organized by the Huets but also available for sale in limited quantities. Now Tino and Paul are back with a fixed-roof coupe design they’ve been working on. The new coupe is said to weigh a mere 1,088 kg and will be powered by an unspecified 3.0L inline-6 mated to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Sounds very BMW to us, a good drivetrain pick that will see the 306-horsepower car reach 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. HB is also planning a more performance-oriented version as well as a racing model in the future, but the brothers are taking things one step at a time. In a novel approach to raising capital, HB is selling wristwatches and other gear to help get the project off the ground Toyota And Lotus Head Back To Le Mans, Peugeot Out A few months ago, Porsche shocked the racing world by announcing a full cease of its endurance racing activities. The announcement came as a shock to racing fans as the Audi-Peugeot rivalry has created epic
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STARTING LINES racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While its days of Formula One failure are well behind Toyota, and it is looking to up its motorsport image once again, the Japanese manufacturer is stepping up in an attempt to fill the top spot on the grid. During the ‘90s, the Toyota GT1 was the class of the Le Mans 24-hour race, and now Toyota will make its return as a full manufacturer entry, entering a hybrid-based LMP1 car in the entire FIA World Endurance Championship schedule. If that wasn’t good enough, another team is also making a return to La Sarthe, as Lotus will back an independent team to run an LMP2 car on its behalf. Kodewa Racing, headed up by former HRT F1 team principal Colin Kolles and his father Romulus, will be running a chassis built by Lola powered by a BMW V8. Nothing Lotus-related, but the car will run with the familiar black-and-gold livery. Volvo V40 Making Its Return? Volvo’s compact vehicles have been in a state of flux lately in Canada. At first there was the S40 and V40, then Volvo wanted to separate the models on the redesign, and renamed the V40 the V50. Then Volvo introduced the unique C30 hatch but then turned around and killed off the V50 last year, claiming Canadians don’t like wagons. However, they do like hatches, and so far we’ve seen a lot of (unauthorized) photos of a new hatch coming out of Goteborg, and the V40 badge has returned to its tailgate. This, however, is our best look yet at the new Swedish hatch, and beyond being one of the most stylish bricks released yet, it also looks like it may pack a punch as well, looking ready to do battle with the likes of the 1-series and A3. While Canadians don’t like wagons, they most certainly love their hatches, and this looks as though it would work its way into the Canadian lineup quite nicely. However, Volvo Canada has sent us the usual return to our questions, commenting that there are no current plans to bring the upcoming V40 to the great white north.
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Airbag Issues We depend a great deal on the reliability of the airbag systems in our vehicles to keep us safe in the event of a collision. However, it looks as though there could be a large issue on the horizon as The Detroit News is reporting that The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating a number of vehicles for potentially faulty side airbags. The issue stems from airbags produced by Swedish supplier, Autoliv, may have been manufactured with an ineffective mix of inflation gasses, which could leave the bags flat in the event of a collision. The defective hardware has been built into models from Toyota, Honda, Subaru and Nissan, and has resulted in the recall of around 2,700 units so far. If NHTSA finds the defective airbags in other vehicles, that number could swell substantially. According to the report, Autoliv shipped a total of 10,500 faulty inflators to manufacturers, as well as two other airbag makers. Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Kia and Suzuki all purchased the defective parts, though it’s unclear exactly which models were equipped with the Autoliv pieces. Autoliv, meanwhile, said that the company saw the problem occur once in tests at -30-degree temperatures. Ford Moving Full Steam Ahead With EcoBoost To say that the EcoBoost line of engines has been successful for Ford in the first year of their production would be an enormous understatement. As such, Ford will offer fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines in 11 vehicles in 2012, up from seven in 2011, tripling the production capacity of EcoBoost-equipped Ford vehicles with the introduction of the new 1.6L EcoBoost engine in the Escape compact utility vehicle and Fusion. This expanded availability in high-volume nameplates is said to help make fuel economy more affordable for future EcoBoost owners. The EcoBoost line is capable of delivering up to 20 percent better fuel economy than conventional engines, by turbocharging smaller overall size engines (2.0L 4-cylinder, 3.5L 6-cylinder and now 1.6L 4-cylinder) with gasoline direct injection improving both power and fuel economy. With ST versions of the Focus and possibly the Fiesta, as well, expected to come online in the near future, the EcoBoost line is quickly becoming Ford’s bread and butter for success.
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Elantra and Touareg Win AJAC Awards At the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the Hyundai Elantra was declared the 2012 Canadian Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).
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“The all-new Elantra was simply the single most important new vehicle that Hyundai has ever launched,” said Steve Kelleher, President and CEO, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. “The Elantra competes in Canada’s critical compact segment, so for it to win Canadian Car of the Year is vindication for all the effort Hyundai designers and engineers invested into the project. We wanted to bring Canadians a new take on the compact sedan; one with great style, quality, safety and incredible fuel efficiency. So, we couldn’t be more proud that AJAC agreed it should win Canada’s highest automotive award.” Also at the Toronto Show, the Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel was declared the 2012 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. “Winning this award is a tremendous honour,” said John White, President of Volkswagen Canada. “The Volkswagen Touareg is extremely capable both on and off road, and surrounds its passengers in comfort and luxury. We are very pleased to be recognized for all of the hard work our engineers and designers have put in.” Hyundai had a great day, as it was also announced that the Veloster had won the AJAC “Best New Design” award for 2012. “The intent of the AJAC Best New Design award is to identify and reward the vehicle that exhibits the best balance of form and function,” said Richard Russell, chair of AJAC’s 2012 Canadian Car of the Year awards.
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Big bang for the buck
Story and photos by Russell Purcell
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arge luxury sedans have always been regarded as a status symbol, but unfortunately, many of these premium automobiles deliver a very unsatisfying driving experience. When Hyundai introduced the Genesis sedan for the 2009 model year, it represented the Korean company’s first product aimed directly at the luxury car segment of the North American automotive market. While the well-equipped Genesis proved to be a pleasant car to drive, its overall handling prowess and lack of visceral grunt left many enthusiast drivers feeling cold, even when fitted with the company’s award-winning 4.6-litre Tau V8 engine. Luckily, the product planners at the Korean auto giant recognized the need to spice up the big sedan and a plan was quickly put into place. The Genesis R-Spec was born as a new offering for 2012, and as the most potent Genesis model, it should appeal to those consumers looking for a luxurious sedan that is also fun to drive. Under the hood you will find a very smooth, 32-valve, double-overhead-cam, 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces a healthy 429 horsepower and 376 pound feet of torque. This is more than enough power to hustle this relatively large car from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 5 seconds (5.3s). The Tau engine features Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT). This engineering marvel is both powerful and fuel-efficient, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This ultra-smooth transmission has been 12 At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012
Once alone and out on the open road, I got the chance to test the handling dynamics of the R-Spec on some of my favourite back roads. I was impressed with how easy it was to execute smooth, crisp turns without unsettling the car’s balance. The level of agility engineered into such a large car is surprising, but the sport-tuned suspension and precise steering allowed me to execute flawless cornering manoeuvres over and over again. Thicker front and rear stabilizer bars and specially calibrated shocks and springs make body roll virtually nonexistent, and the car followed the line I selected with a level of precision usually reserved for sports cars. The car has a very elegant shape carefully crafted to help cheat the wind, but its styling fails to set itself apart from that of its competitors. In fact, the car looks more like a hybrid mix of styling elements garnered from BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz designs than something original. The look is pleasing, but not distinctive. The car’s wide stance is enhanced by the sculpted nose and tail, both highlighted by long, slender lighting units and chrome trim. Big, 19-inch machined alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile rubber and twin exhaust outlets hint at the Genesis R-Spec’s performance designed to make the most efficient use of the car’s power whether potential. the driver is seeking to maximize fuel efficiency or induce a surge of adrenaline through his or her system. For those drivers who The car has a very spacious cabin that at first seems to equal that appreciate the ability to make their own gear selections, manual of its closest rivals when it comes to overall quality and fit-and-finoperation is possible using the console shifter, but surprisingly, no ish, but I did have one of the interior vents unexpectedly pop out steering wheel paddles are on the menu. at one point when I opened the driver’s door. It simply snapped back in place, but it did leave me suspect about the car’s overall Acceleration is strong and linear, but some buyers might find the build quality and long term durability. The various panels, trim muted engine and exhaust note less aggressive than they desire. pieces, woods and plastics, however, seemed of high quality and Under hard acceleration you notice a slight rise in the hood as the were very well executed. car settles back on its haunches, but the car feels very stable and planted to the road surface. The leather seating is taut, but comfy, and the seats proved supportive in all positions. The overall design and layout of the I found the car’s ride to be very smooth and composed, even when passenger space is pleasing to the eye and touch and I found all travelling over rough road surfaces. The suspension was stiff enough switchgear, gauges, and controls to be easy to find and intuitive to transmit subtle nuances to the driver through the seat and steer- to use. ing-wheel, and the well-insulated cabin managed to keep external noises to a minimum. I had the opportunity to transport a wide Outward visibility is exceptional, as the car’s greenhouse features array of esteemed passengers during my test period with the car, extra large windows and narrow roof pillars. The hood falls quickly and all seemed to relish the tranquil environment as they enjoyed out of the driver’s view and both the side and rear-view mirrors the leather-clad opulence that is the R-Spec’s cabin. effectively abolish blind spots.
14 At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012
SPECIFICATIONS Base price (MSRP): .................................................................................$53,499 Price as tested:........................ $55,359 (Includes: $100 A/C tax; $1,760 freight) Type: .......................................................... 5-passenger, 4-door, full-size sedan Layout: . .................................................................front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Engine: . ..................................................................5.0-litre V8, DOHC, 32 valves Horsepower:..............................................................................429 @ 6,400 rpm Torque (lb-ft): ..........................................................................376 @ 5,000 rpm Transmission:..................... 8-speed automatic with manual shifting capabilities Brakes (Front/rear): . ............................................................................Disc / Disc Curb weight:................................................................................... 1,884kg ( lbs) Passenger Volume:................................................................................... 3,098 L Cargo Volume:............................................................................................. 450 L Fuel consumption (L/100km):............... City- 13.1 (22 mpg) / Hwy- 8.1 (35 mpg)
The standard Genesis sedan comes equipped with an extensive array of comfort, convenience and safety features, but the upgrade for the R-Spec package will set you back a further $13,500. Apart from the potent V8 engine and silky transmission, the R-Spec package adds adaptive HID headlights, the aforementioned 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents, adaptive cruise control, Hyundai’s Lane Departure Warning System, and front and rear parking sensors. An eight-inch, touch-screen Driver Information System supports navigation, a back-up camera, and a multimedia controller. Audiophiles will appreciate the 528-watt, 17-speaker Lexicon sound system which supports AM/FM and XM broadcast signals as well as DVDs, CDs and MP3s. A power-operated rear sunshade, heated steering wheel and cooled driver seat complete the comfort entries. The Genesis R-Spec represents a great first effort for Hyundai in the luxury performance category, but I must admit that there is still lots of room for improvement if the car is to earn its place among the top contenders in this category. While competitively equipped and loaded with a full complement of safety features, there still needs to be further refinement across the board for this car to leap past its long list of German and Japanese rivals. One shortcoming of note is the transmission. While it delivers crisp and smooth gear changes, I would expect it to react a little more quickly in this application, as the R-Spec is being marketed as a sport minded automobile. This criticism aside, the Hyundai Genesis R-Spec is a very capable automobile that delivers the near perfect mix of luxury and performance demanded by picky executive types. When cross-shopped against its many rivals, it becomes immediately evident that the car is a relative bargain as well. At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012 15
ROAD TEST - MERCEDES-BENZ C350 COUPE
Subtle and Refined Performance
Story and photos by Gerry Frechette
experience. We drove the C250 so equipped briefly at the AJAC Car of the Year testing, and our local tester was the C350 V6, he sport coupe has been a mainstay of the Mercedes-Benz so we can report on the two mainstream variants of the stylish lineup for many years, and most recently, the CLK occupied coupe. the mid-range territory, but in a re-arranging of the model mix, there is now both an E-Class and C-Class coupe, and the CLK A quick look at the four first. It is a 1.8-litre unit, with 201 horseis gone. With the C-Class, Mercedes is targeting a younger en- power and a flat torque curve that sees 229 lb-ft as low as 2,200 thusiast driver than it has before, but with a subtle and refined rpm, more than the V6 at that engine speed. So in the lower rev ranges that are conducive to lower fuel consumption, the four type of performance. has plenty of pull, and is refined enough to make you not regret The big news in the revised C-Class line, including the Coupe, foregoing the V6, should that be your choice. In addition, the car is that it is now available with a turbocharged and direct-injected is lighter with the smaller engine, and feels it in terms of nimble four-cylinder engine, along with the expected V6 and AMG V8 handling. powerplants. The four really adds a new dimension to the driving Having said that, the V6, also now direct-injected, is still the enthusiast’s engine of choice in this car, as our week with the C350 showed. It is wonderfully flexible, and gives the car a sporting character that will satisfy most drivers, short of those to whom nothing less than a V8 will do. Of course, the 7-speed automatic with sport mode and paddle shifters keeps the engine in its most-torquey rev range if the enthusiastic mood strikes, and the run to 100 km/h takes but six seconds, quick enough for a V6 in a car this size. There is no manual transmission available, unlike some competitors, but I suppose that is the unfortunate trend these days.
T
The fortunate trend is that Mercedes is a leader in electronic suspension technology, like the Dynamic Handling Package and Agility Control suspension on the C350. The latter is a selective damping system that constantly adjusts between harder and softer absorption depending on the road conditions. It is combined with the DHP, which, with the push of a button, will switch between sport and comfort styles, adjusting the damping system response, speed-sensitive power steering (which still feels a little 16 At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012
ROAD TEST - MERCEDES-BENZ C350 COUPE every infotainment and connectivity feature imaginable is optional in the Premium Package and obviously a must-have these days, as is the harman/kardon LOGIC7 audio. One option is leather seats, as, carrying on a long Mercedes tradition, the standard seat covering is Artico, formerly known as MB Tex, and more commonly called vinyl. It is very high-quality vinyl, indeed, that can be visually mistaken easily for leather by those whose olfactory senses aren’t finely tuned, and it is much more easily cleaned and maintained in the long term than leather is. Still, as always, my first choice would be high-quality cloth, which is not available, but I wouldn’t turn down the Artico over real leather. No matter the upholstery, the C350 Coupe is a very worthy new entrant in a market segment populated by some of the most desirable sports coupes in the world. Mercedes-Benz has come up with its own unique take on the genre, one that combines subtly-expressed light), ESP®/ASR traction control, accelerator response and the performance capabilities with strong design and technology, to apspeed of the automatic gear changes. peal to the young urban professional. Such technology yields a car whose driving character can be customized based on the mood of the driver at a particular moment, something that could only be dreamed of but a few short years ago. And, it really works as described, too. The “sport” setting is more crisp and sharp than brutish or abrupt, as befits the C-Coupe’s role. The “normal” setting is much more biased towards comfort and quiet than sportiness, so the choice is a clear one for the driver. Inside, under a roof that is some 40 mm lower than that of the CSedan, is an ambiance that Mercedes aptly describes as “lounge.” The revised dashboard from the sedan is shared with the coupe, and it is especially evident in the area of the centre stack, with the pop-up navigation screen and the vast expanses of black plastic replaced by a more integrated and upscale look. There aren’t many luxury options on a C350, as such niceties as panoramic sunroof and power-everything are included. The COMAND interface with
SPECIFICATIONS Base price (MSRP):.............................................................................. $49,200 Type:....................................................................... 2-door, 4-passenger coupe Layout:................................................................ Front engine/rear-wheel drive Engine:.................................................................................................. 3.5L V6 Transmission:................................................................................ 7-speed auto Power:.................................................................................................... 302 hp Torque:........................................................................... 273 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm Curb weight:........................................................................................ 1,540 kg 0-100 km/h:........................................................................................... 6.0 sec. Brakes:........................................................... Vented discs, front and rear, ABS Fuel Economy (L/100km, city/hwy):.................................................... 10.9 / 7.0
At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012 17
FIRST DRIVE - 2013 MAZDA CX-5
Mazda CX-5 Not Your Average Grocery Getter Story and photos by David Symons Additional photos by David Dewhurst
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clean, so that we could design everything such that it can all work together, as opposed to compromising by fitting new parts onto older pieces …as has been done in the past”. A philosophy in design that we would later learn…clearly has paid dividends.
hen first approached about attending the test event for Mazda’s new CX-5 (featuring Skyactiv technology), I must confess to not understanding their reasoning for the choice of venue. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (the tracks namesake notwithstanding) seemed an odd choice for showcasing Mazda’s latest entry into the mid-size crossover market. Wouldn’t taking it someplace up country with a little bit of light off-roading be more appropriate to this particular offering. Skyactiv technology Well two flights, a lost bag and a day of testing later – that question in a nutshell: is focused on squeezing would be answered. the maximum effiAt mornings light we were off to the famed track. Mazda Raceway ciency from existing Director of Technobabble: Dave Coleman Laguna Seca, used for both car and motorcycle racing, was originally technologies…withconstructed in 1957 near Monterey, California. The current racetrack out compromise. Something they take very seriously. The goal was to is 3.602 km (2.238 miles) in length with a 91 m (300 foot) elevation create the highest compression ‘production’ gasoline engines (13:1) change, and boy does that ever come into play when driving this in the world that would operate at peak efficiency with increased historic circuit. It has eleven turns, including the famous “Corkscrew” power…while sipping at 87 proof octane. Creating compact and lightweight transmissions that would actually match automatic downshift at Turns 8 and 8A (more on that later). rev’s (something usually afforded only premium sport cars) was the Before getting near any of the gaggle of both front wheel and all-wheel goal. Better steering and handling were also high on the must do list, drive configured CX- as was gleaning off 100kgs (220lbs). ‘Obsessive attention to detail’ 5’s assembled there would prove the prevailing theme throughout Dave’s delivery. At one for our testing, we point Dave passed around re-designed bolts with trimmed heads that were treated to a afforded exactly the same standards in quality. A savings of 8 grams per briefing. I say treat- bolt was the net result, which on its ed, because this own doesn’t seem that big of a deal, truly was an informa- but when multiplied by the number tive session. While of these bolts used throughout the there were several entire vehicle, it adds up to.. well… presenters, I think an obsessive attention to detail. But Obsessive attention to detail it would be fair to it is exactly this type of detail that say that none were Mazda wants consumers to understand that goes into separating it more entertaining in from others competing in the segment. explanation of Mazda’s newest technology coined Skyactiv, than the self titled, Director of Technobabble, North American Operations: Dave Body design and styling of the CX-5 was taken equally seriously by the Coleman. As Dave put it; “Skyactiv is really about clearing the slate design team. The designs theme is called “Kodo” or soul of motion as 18 At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012
FIRST DRIVE - 2013 MAZDA CX-5 the Japanese have coined it. What they’ve done with the CX-5 is push the A-pillar back somewhat, the byproduct of which gives it an elongated sweep to the hood with a tightening of the roof line that concludes into a rear spoiler. Creased metal harmoniously melds into softer edges, which manages to capture this sense of motion, while doors panels integrating slimmer B and C Pillars result in producing good site lines. A more aggressive rear stance, coupled with a new 5 point grille up front, results in an overall and welcomed edgier look. Inside, the attention to detail continues with a cockpit that is as welcoming for piloting around the track (you know for all those times CX-5 owners will be track testing their new vehicles) as it is driving to the soccer pitch with the kids. Well appointed interior highlights include: soft touch material used on the top side of the dash, accented with piano black panels and bars finished in satin chrome. The electric powered steering is made all the more enjoyable by the inclusion of a good sized sport steering wheel. Well placed gage clusters offer good readability. Having driven the CX-5 now in several situations, I can tell you that the cockpit maintains its comfort level throughout each. Driving situation number one: Our group was first to the autocross area where we were given instruction from the very capable Skip Barber driving instructors. For those unfamiliar, autocross is simply attempting to pilot a vehicle as quickly and smoothly as possible through a course set up with pylons on a large asphalt surface. Think Walmart minus a whole mess of buggies and badly parked cars. This was my first clue that these were not your average grocery getters! Three wheeling when carving some corners a tad too tightly, drifting around others - the handling feeling silky smooth when nailing it…
mered it through this most famous of track corners, but…let’s just say I made it through with reasonable speed while staying on the track each time I came around…..which for me spelt victory. My steed never complained, nor for that matter seemed to be out of place. That said, the CX-5 in more capable hands made its way through and around the famed track in times that a sports car would be proud of. Driving situation number three proved interestingly enough – the most challenging and perhaps most fun. This was the road test portion. It was decided that I would follow Mazda PR Team (and obvious driving enthusiast) Chuck Reimer on a 75km run through the countryside of the Monterey/Carmel Valley area. The first portion of the drive was fairly pedestrian. Then things got interesting. I probably should have suspected what was in store when with a glint in his eye and a roguish grin, Chuck asked if I wanted to take the route back ‘at speed’? My response: “I’ll be right behind you.” Well a better twisty road I have not driven…and at ‘speed’ it became rally circuit like! Undulating roads with narrow passages, blind corners with hedge cropped walls on either side, cattle grates, bridges, hills…yes this was driving fun at its best. Only once was I forced to stop and that was at the behest of a farm dog that wanted to prove who was boss. Clearly he was.
proved much fun! Suffice to say it got a tad competitive among some of the scribes. One certainly didn’t want be known as a cone masher! All in all, the autocross course proved a great warm-up for the track. Driving situation number two: Now for those unfamiliar with Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, there is a six story drop in elevation from the high point of the track to the straightaway. The descent starting at a little area they’ve fittingly named: the “Corkscrew”. Well isn’t it aptly named indeed! My first clue that it would provide a challenge to navigate was when my driving instructor said to look for the most famous tree in motorsport racing when I was about to crest this hill - and never mind what the road was doing! Just point the car directly at it, and trust that everything will be fine…. Un huh. Well what happens is that there is an immediate jog to the left that then as the name implies, corks very sharply to the right… before compelling you to take another left. You have to point the car in a straight line at the tree, thus cutting through the turns (much like mogul skiing when not looking for air) … so you don’t go flailI remember at one point thinking what a blast it was to be driving these ing off the track! Well, I’d “performance cars” on such ideal roads…..then I remembered what it love to say that your scribe was I was driving, and all at once I understood their reasoning. This was fearless and hamkind of attention to detail has certainly paid dividends for Mazda. At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012 19
FEATURE - PORSCHE CAMP4 CANADA The fleet assembled for this year’s Camp4 included the Porsche 997 Carrera4 GTS Cabriolet, the Cayman S, and the star of the show, the all new 2012 Porsche 991 Carrera S. All cars were fitted with Porsche’s lightningquick PDK automatic transmission so that the drivers are free to focus on mastering their steering and pedal inputs rather than worrying about manual gear selection and clutch operation.
Innovative Driving School Embraces Winter Chill Story and photos by Russell Purcell
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inter is usually the season when automotive enthusiasts work on their cars to prepare them for spring and summer motoring, but Porsche wants to change that, and convince the owners of its venerable sports cars that they are as much fun to play with in the snow as they are on the pavement. The concept of Porsche’s Camp4 can trace its roots back 16 years to the chilly nation of Finland, where a group of curious Porsche owners assembled to test the cold weather capabilities of their precious machines. The event proved a resounding success, and Camp4 was born. The name Camp4 is derived from Carrera4, the all-wheel drive variant of the 911 which was first introduced to the public in the winter school setting. Porsche continues to operate Camp4 Finland and it now hosts as many as 1,500 students each year. Last year, a second Camp4 took shape at a little known motor sport facility (Mecaglisse) in Notre-Dame de la Merci. Tucked into the wilderness just north of Montreal, Mecaglisse is comprised of two purpose-built tracks and a large pair of icy skid pads. Loosely modelled after the Finland effort, Camp4 Canada will help 180 lucky customers discover how much fun you can have while exploring the inherent instability of winter driving in a highperformance automobile. Upon arrival at Mecaglisse, your eyes are not drawn to the Porsche flags rippling in the air, or the sinuous ice-capped track slinking through the trees. Instead, your gaze is captured by the three rows of Porsche automobiles lined up in echelon formation in the chilly paddock. Porsche Camp4 Canada maintains a fleet of 30 student cars that have been equipped with high-performance Nokian winter tires festooned with 1.5mm studs. These special shoes help the cars find the elusive traction needed to put power to the ground, which just so happens to be capped with a slippery mix of ice and snow. 20 At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012
The day begins with a brief classroom lecture where students are introduced to the Camp4 curriculum. The students are reminded of the basic elements of vehicle dynamics, including the principles of oversteer and understeer, and how the physics change when travelling over snow and ice. The basic elements of proper car control are also examined including the importance of driver vision as well as when to apply driver inputs such as braking, steering, and acceleration. A quick overview of the facility, track configurations and schedule of events is followed by a tutorial regarding the operation of the car’s traction and stability control systems. The goal is to equip the guests with the necessary knowledge and skill set to better handle a car on icy roads, a process that can only be honed through hands-on training behind the wheel in the relative safety of a controlled environment. The 30 students are then divided into three teams, and each group is assigned an instructor and a spotter. Once paired up with a driving partner, you are escorted to the paddock and assigned a car. The schedule divides the day into three activities, each designed to introduce students to the outer limits of traction and control in an effort to help them recognize the moment when traction is lost. Through instruction and behind-the-wheel practice, the students are taught what steps to take to regain control, and what inputs they can make to keep the car progressing safely forward rather than off the road. These skills should help drivers become more confident in their winter driving skills. More experienced drivers can sign-up to attend Camp4S, a more advanced course which is also offered at the Mecaglisse facility, where speed and technical difficulty are increased accordingly. Activity One - Porsche 991 Carrera S My first activity found me behind the wheel of the all-new 991 doing my best to learn how to drift the slinky, white beast through the technical corners of a high-speed, snow-covered track. The new car has a longer wheelbase, a significantly lower suspension, and a wider track. These technical changes have given the new car an enhanced level of stability which helps inspire confidence in the car’s lucky driver. The Camp4 cars all come fitted with high-performance, studded, winter
FEATURE - PORSCHE CAMP4 CANADA
tires to prevent slippage, but it is nice to know that should you get too far over your head, the fluffy snow banks will cushion the impact and save the car’s precious bodywork from any major damage. This allowed me to push myself a little outside my comfort zone so that I could experience the exact point where traction is lost and then employ my newfound skills to regain control of the car.
would make me nervous enough to lift off the throttle or overcorrect my steering, and I would end up looping the car. Again, a second day of instruction and practice would probably help me overcome this hurdle.
While dancing on the pedals and working hard to master the art of the controlled drift, it became evident that finding the correct line around this technical track was the real challenge. Having a second day to practise at each station would definitely shorten the learning curve.
If winter driving makes you nervous, consider attending Camp4 next season as you will emerge with a better understanding of what it takes to maintain control of your vehicle when the going gets slippery, and the skills you learn will go a long way in helping you stay safe on the road. It’s also a heck of a lot of fun!
My Camp4 experience was a condensed one, as the media event I attended provided a sampling of the course curriculum over a single day. The standard Camp4 experience is comprised of two days of I never found the perfect balance required to maintain my speed over a com- training and classes are limited to 30 participants. I should also point plete lap, but with a little more practice I am sure it would come. Participants out that there is a minimum age requirement of 21 years. receive constant instruction from the instructors via radio, but I also benefited from coaching from my more experienced driving partner. Unfortunately, Camp4 Canada is closed for the 2012 season, but this just means that you have time to put some money aside to attend The wider torque curve of the 991 made it easy to plow through deeper snow during the 2013 edition next February. This year’s two-day Camp4 when my lines became a little wide and the much improved braking system experience cost $4,995 plus applicable taxes, which seems reasonensured I was able to draw in the reins when my enthusiasm outmatched able when you realize that it includes three nights accommodation my driving abilities. (and meals) at the Esterel Suites Spa & Lake Resort, transfers to and from the track, the use of the school cars, and instruction and The all-new electric power steering provided just enough assistance to refreshments at the Mecaglisse facility. reduce the amount of effort required by the driver, but at no time did I feel any substantial loss of feel. In fact, it seems to enhance the level of steer- The people who tend to purchase Porsche automobiles are those ing precision. individuals who like to drive. The truth is that few cars even come close to the handling and performance offered by the German company’s The new car’s sport bucket seats seemed infinitely adjustable, and did an iconic machines. excellent job of holding me in place. Camp4 was created to teach Porsche owners how to safely handle Activity Two - Porsche Cayman S their precious automobiles in inclement winter weather conditions. The second event of the day found me behind the wheel of Porsche’s han- The last place most people would expect to see a high-performance dling dynamo, the Cayman S. The goal was to tackle an oval-shaped track sports car is on a snow and ice-covered roadway in the middle of which featured several elevation changes, blind corners, and a tight slalom. winter, but after spending the day at camp, it became immediately The mid-engine design of the Cayman gives it a balance that translates into apparent that Porsches are so well balanced and engineered that predictable handling on a dry stretch of asphalt, but on an undulating surface with a proper winter tire, these sporting machines make excellent of ice and snow it took several laps to reacquire this natural balance. four-season chariots.
Activity Three- Porsche Carrera4 GTS Cabriolet The final event of the day took place at the skid pad. While drifting looks like a breeze when you see it on television, it proves a challenging task when faced with the irregular surface of a snow-covered skid pad, especially while being pursued by a second car! The 997 Carrera4 GTS Cabriolet is the weapon of choice for this session, as it features an all-new all-wheel drive system that is capable of sending up to 100-percent of the car’s power to the front wheels. This allows the students to learn the intricacies of Porsche’s torque vectoring-plus system which allows the transfer of power side-to-side depending on where the system’s sensors detect the most grip, which helps push the car through the corners. I found this exercise the hardest to master, as maintaining a controlled drift around the full circle proved difficult due to my inability to hold a line tight enough to avoid getting too close to the perimeter wall. This
At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012 21
CAR CARE FEATURE
Let the Sun Shine
Story by Jordan Allan
City Garage. Uses the best beeswax on the planet combined with oil-replenishing lanolin. Voodoo Blend even smells like real ith Spring sprung and Summer just around the corner, leather and also works great on vinyl and plastic. all car enthusiasts are anxious to shake off the dust and cobwebs (or sleet, snow and grime for whom those enthusiasts Dash Away® Interior Detailer who drive their rides year round) and show off their particular (24oz spray bottle) sources of automotive pride. That said, we felt that the time Dash Away® Interior Detailer from Surf City Gawas right for providing a look at some of the countless number rage is the enthusiasts’ secret to making your inteand variety of car care products available on the market today. rior look like new and keeping it that way. Cleans We’ve chosen a variety here to give you a head start on nar- and protects all your interior surfaces – carpet, rowing down the field somewhat as we take a look at what’s vinyl, fabric, leather, cloth and plastic, while eliminating odors. Never, ever leaves a greasy current in car care products available today. film, unlike other brands’ petroleum formulas that Barrier Reef® Spray Wax (20oz spray bottle) leave a greasy, slippery surface. Get a show car shine in seconds with Surf City Garage’s Enthusiast Grade® Barrier Reef® Spray Ducan Black Tornado Wax, the easiest, fastest way to get the ultimate pro- The Black Tornado interior cleaning tool from Ducan is a pneutection with a #1 Brazilian Carnauba shine. Spray matically operated on and wipe off without the wax haze that many suction spray gun that very finely atcompetitors’ products leave behind. omises soap, water Advanced technology lifts dirt and dust and air and then so your paint can’t get scratched. can dispense it under high pressure. It V o o d o o B l e n d ™ L e a t h easily removes dirt er Rejuvenator (16oz bottle) and grime while beExtend the life of your new leather or vinyl interior ing quieter yet more – or bring your old, dry, cracked leather back from powerful than the the dead – with Voodoo Blend™ Leather RejuvenaTornado Classic. tor, another Enthusiast Grade® product from Surf
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22 At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012
CAR CARE FEATURE Autoglym Perfect Palm Applicator The Perfect Palm Applicator from Autoglym is a unique way to enhance the ease of use of a wide range of Autoglym products. The ‘self grip’ characteristics will improve efficiency and comfort while the lightweight design will ensure rapid and even coverage of product to further improve performance. Autoglym Super Resin Polish Autoglyms Super Resin Polish will provide an exceptionally high gloss shine to all types and colours of auto paint. The polish contains specialized emulsifiers and conditioners to gently clean and condition paintwork. Low molecular weight resins harden and bond to provide protection as well as cosmetic effect.
and also protecting it against harmful elements. A precision applicator will be able to reduce any messy overspray. Tu r t l e Wa x P re m i u m G r a d e Scratch Repair Kit Removing scratches and paint chips from vehicles is now a breeze with Turtle Wax’s Premium Grade Scratch Repair Kit. The kit features a precision clear coat pen that will make scratch repair fool-proof. For deep scratches the kit can be used in conjunction with touch up paints, and provides step-by-step instructions for at home repair. Permatex Introduces Rain-X® Rain-X® improves driving visibility by sealing microscopic pores in the glass with a non-stick invisible barrier. Applying Rain-X® Original Glass Treatment to your windshield and water beads up and slides off as if by magic.
Shining Monkey Seal & Protect Treatment Shining Monkey’s Seal & Protect Treatment is a 1-step application that does not require you to wait for the product to dry or haze before removing it. Instead, it bonds immediately to the paint surface and disappears as you are applying it. The treatment will condition your paint by sealing in a deep glass like finish and will also protect it from harmful UV rays Eagle One Enviroshine Eagle One’s new EnviroShine will produce the same results of and harsh elements. regular Eagle One but has an exclusive formula that’s safe for D o m i n i o n S u re S e a l M i c ro F i b e r the environment. EnviroShine products are able to perform to the highest standards without the harmful phosphates, acids or Towel petroleum solvents that are found in other Car Care products. The Micro Fiber Towel from Dominion Sure Seal is a soft cleaning or polishing cloth that is made from the highest quality materials. It is 16” x 24” in size and can be used to clean or dry almost anything. Plus, it is completely machine washable so it can be used hundreds of times. Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit is an easy solution to repair severely weathered headlights to keep them looking like new for longer. The kit is a safe and effective hand sanding and machine polishing system that will restore optical clarity to heavily oxidized, yellow, 3M Lens Renewal Kit and scratched headlights. 3M’s Lens Renwal Kit restores the clarity of yellowed, hazed, or dull headlight Armor All Fierce Shine Tire lenses. The kit contains masking tape, Foam sanding discs, a polishing pad with comWith Armor All’s new Fierce Shine Tire Foam, users pound, and is made for use with a drill. are able to simply spray on and walk away. Once The kit can also be used on other plastic sprayed on the tires, intense foaming action powers lens surfaces on your vehicle. right through the dirt to give a brilliant high gloss shine, 24 At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012
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2012 PERFORMANCE TIRE GUIDE swaying too far away from those design specifications can lead to your vehicle not handling or performing the way it was designed to. Although, some small variations in sizing are justifiable in order to help increase performance by increasing traction (i.e. - wider tires will give you a bigger footprint which will help with traction), but just like with shoes, you don’t want to stray too far from your actual shoe size as it will eventually hit the threshold where it starts to negatively affect the way your shoes, or tires, will perform. What I’m really trying to say is that if you want your vehicle to feel right, it needs the right sized “shoes.”
Tires. Just like shoes, but for cars By Arch Linsao
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nyone who knows me, knows that i’ve got a deep and profound love for... shoes. Seriously, I love shoes. Some people say I have a problem. As much as I try to disagree, I can’t. They’re right. And even I can admit that I’ve got a bit of an issue when it comes to shoes, and in particular, collecting them. It was this obsession that gave me the inspiration to write what you’re about to read.
Looks is a tough one, both for shoes and tires. I mean, of course you want your tires to look good. And looks are really objective, because everyone has preferences for what they want their tires to look like. But you can’t really go choosing your tire by looks alone. Just because a certain tire looks good or has a good looking tread pattern doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to perform the way YOU want it to perform, or the way YOUR vehicle needs it to perform. Put it this way; I’d love it if my cool-looking casual sneakers performed the way my high-tech running/training shoes did. But the reality of it is that they don’t. So if I’m going to go running, I know what shoes I’m going to pick. So really, just because a tire looks really good in your eyes, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to do what you want it to when you’re in the driver seat and you put your right foot to the floor. So try not to rely on the looks too much. Not to bring up the old cliche, but looks can be deceiving. Ok, so now to the last and most important piece of the puzzle: Performance. Really though, the one most important thing we want from our tires is that they perform. And as I’ve been talking about, there are a lot of factors that go into the tire’s ability to do just that. But the biggest factor that affects a tire’s ability to perform is whether or not we chose the right tire for the performance that we require. Different tires perform differently, some better than others, some more suited to specific conditions than others. It’s just like shoes. You’re not going to run a marathon in stiletto heels, so why would you race your performance vehicle on all-season tires. Or conversely, why would you put race tires on your street vehicle that you never race? What I’m trying to say is that you’ve got to choose a performance tire that suits the level of performance you and your vehicle require. Just because a certain tire is the “best” rated performance tire on the market doesn’t mean it’s going to be the best tire for you. Because you may need a different level of performance than that particular tire will offer. The same way you’d choose a pair of shoes based on what you need from that particular shoe. The best way to do this is to talk to your tire expert. And more importantly, be very open and honest with your tire expert. Tell them exactly what you expect to do with your tires and your vehicle. The same way you would tell a shoe salesman what you want out of a shoe in order to have them recommend the best shoe for you, let the tire expert recommend the best tire to suit your needs.
It was Saturday morning. Just a regular Saturday morning. Nothing special going on that day. And as I stood in front of my closet, staring at the shoe-box filled abyss, I was faced with my usual dilemma: “What shoes do I wear today?” In order to answer this question, I go through a specific thought process. And it was during that thought process where it hit me. I realized that some of the questions I ask myself when I decide what shoes to wear, or buy for that matter, are the same questions I ask myself when I decide what tires to buy. Now stay with me, I know it sounds far fetched, but there is a connection. Now I may sound like a bit of a broken record when I talk about performance tires, and more specifically when I talk about buying the right Just think about it. When you pick a pair of shoes, you want certain performance tire to suit your needs and your vehicle requirements. Basithings from them. You want them to feel good, look good, be the right cally, since I’ve said it in every single Performance Tire Guide I’ve ever size and right fit. And most of all, you want them to perform. Now, the written. But there’s a big reason for this. And that reason is because I still level of “performance” you need from those shoes depends on what type get calls just about every day from a customer who wasn’t happy with of shoes you’re buying and what you’re using them for. But no matter their previous tires. And nine times out of ten, the reason that customer what situation or specific purpose, those shoes have to perform the way isn’t happy with their tires is because they’ve purchased the wrong you need them to in order for you to be happy and satisfied with your tires for what their driving style and vehicle require. They basically just choice. Aren’t these the exact same things we ask for of our tires? Do bought that particular tire because they were told it was a good tire. The you see the connection yet? Do you see what I did there? one thing thing they didn’t do is tell their previous tire expert what kind of driver they were and what they wanted out of their tire. The fact that If not, I’ll break it down a bit further for you. Let’s start with the easy ones: they didn’t supply their tire expert with enough information didn’t allow size, fit and feel. The reason why I refer to them as “the easy ones” is this: for their tire expert to make an appropriate recommendation. So until Shoe size and fitment are both dictated by the size of your feet. Similarly, the day comes that I no longer hear from customers who got recomtire size and fitment will be dictated by your vehicle and its requirements. mended the wrong tire, I’ll continually preach the same sermon. Talk to Size and fit are also directly related to how your shoes and your tires will your tire expert!!! feel. It’s simple really. If your shoes don’t fit right, they won’t feel right. Same goes for your tires. If you sway too far from the sizing your vehicle It all comes down to this parting thought: If you want to optimize your was designed for, your incorrectly sized tires will negatively affect your vehicle’s ability to perform, you’ve got to buy it the right “shoes.” And vehicle’s “feel.” Your vehicle was designed with certain tires in mind, and trust me, because I know shoes. 26 At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012
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2012 PERFORMANCE TIRE GUIDE Race: g-Force R1, g-Force Drag Radial Summer: g-Force T/A KDW, g-Force Sport All-season: g-Force Super Sport A/S BFG has some great options to fit everyone’s needs, from the track to the street. And in the past few years they’ve become quite affordable as well. Using the same technology as Michelin, its higher-end premium parent company, you can be sure to get a great quality tire at a great price. There are two summer options in this lineup, starting at the g-Force Sport which is a good option for a spirited driver looking for something that performs well but still gets decent tread life. The g-Force T/A KDW is a more extreme tire offering exceptional performance in both dry and wet conditions. Its stiffer casing and sidewall design give you great lateral stability and turn-in response. BFG also offers an all-season high performance tire called the g-Force SuperSport A/S. This is a great wet weather tire offering much longer wear than the g-Force Sport but still providing excellent performance and handling. And for the weekend racers, the g-Force R1 provides predictable grip character that’s easy to drive at the limit, and confidence-inspiring for the quickest lap times in amateur road race competition. Pictured: g-force T/A KDW Summer: Potenza RE050A Pole Position, Potenza S001, Potenza S-04 Pole Position, Potenza RE-11 All-season: Potenza RE970 A/S Pole Position, Potenza G019 GRID Bridgestone freshens its performance lineup by building on an already packed line of high-performance summer and all-season tires. They truly feature something for every type of driver. From the extreme RE-11 which combines a unique new sidewall shape and radical new “stealth” block derived from Formula One race tires to provide significant grip and handling for both street and track, to the new S-04 Pole Position which draws on Bridgestone’s vast experience in premier motorsports and partnerships with some of the world’s finest automakers to help unleash your high-performance vehicle’s full potential. It features a silica-rich performance compound molded into an advanced asymmetric tread pattern that delivers confident wet and dry performance, while its continuous interlocking centre rib and large stiff outer shoulder blocks contribute to enhanced responsiveness and cornering. Throw the new all-season Potenza RE790 into the mix with its blend of ultra-high performance handling and the added benefits of enhanced wear and all-season traction, and you’ve got a lineup of tires that has an offering for everyone. Pictured: Potenza S-04 Pole Position Summer: ExtremeContact DW, ContiSportContact 5P All-season: ExtremeContact DWS Continental’s latest innovation, the ContiSportContact 5P is a high-performance tire that offers maximum safety and driving pleasure for highly-tuned cars. The ContiSportContact 5P is individually adjusted to meet the specific requirements of the front and rear axle positions. With precise steering and maximum grip under all conditions, the vehicle’s perform to their full potential on the road. The ContiSportContact 5P doesn’t only go fast – it stops fast too. It is therefore recommended by leading experts. The ExtremeContact DWS features improved grip and braking in both dry and wet conditions with a unique asymmetrical tread design. This tire includes an advanced tread compound for improved traction in all-weather conditions including snow, significantly improved mileage, and an industry-leading level of rolling resistance for better fuel economy. The ExtremeContact DW has pushed the envelope in performance with completely new technology exclusive to Continental Tire. The ExtremeContact DW delivers excellent traction and responsive handling in both wet and dry conditions, improved ride comfort, all while delivering better mileage at industry leading rolling resistance levels. Pictured: ExtremeContact DWS Summer: Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec, Sport Maxx TT, Direzza DZ101 All-season: SP Sport Signature Dunlop offers performance tires ranging from a moderate performing summer tire to a track-capable street tire, with options in between as well. Using enhanced tread designs, Jointless Band Technologies and enhanced tread compounds, Dunlop is able to provide tires with exceptional handling and traction for any level of vehicle/driver. The Direzza DZ101 is an excellent tire for moderately aggressive driving whereas the Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec is able to be competitive on the track as well as more than capable on the street. The Sport Maxx TT features DuPont Kevlar in the tire construction to enhance road feedback and driving precision, thus providing the driver with more confidence in precise handling situations. Pictured: Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec Summer: FK452, Azenis RT615K All-season: Ziex ZE502, Ziex ZE912, Azenis PT722 A/S Falken has been able to provide a line of competitive products that are also well-priced and available to a large market of consumers. Their tires are also highly rated and compared to premium brands as well. The lineup begins with a very affordable all-season high performance tire in the Ziex ZE-912. The Consumer Reports top-rated tire offers excellent wet weather performance while also being comfortable and able to hold up to a bit of spirited driving as well. For the even more value-minded consumer, the Ziex ZE502 offers muti-purpose, year-round dependability at an affordable price. Falken adds the Azenis PT722 to its all-season performance line, offering a deep tread depth and long lateral grooves for antihydroplaning and stability in the wet. The asymmetric tread provides comfort, and tread wear indicators regularly inform drivers of proper rotation timing, thus maximizing wear. For the more enthusiastic, there is the FK452 which features five linear ribs and three-dimensional rounded tread blocks that offer increased lateral stability and turn-in response. Its new silica compound and multi-angled grooves significantly improve wet weather traction while minimizing wear. And for even more abuse, Falken offers its Azenis RT-615K, a street-legal motorsports and DOT approved track competition tire. It’s a tough, durable, street-sensible tire that’s a great match for the autocross, time attack or drift competition. This is a result of its solid centre rib, new proprietary casing design, bead apex and turn-up technology. And the new 8/32nd tread depth and optimized aqua tusk allow for better tread adhesion at it delivers ample wet grip performance. Pictured: FK452 28 At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012
2012 PERFORMANCE TIRE GUIDE All-season: G-MAX AS-03, Altimax HP General Tire has a very well-rounded entry in the performance tire market. The G-MAX AS-03 is a dominant all-season ultra-high performance tire that delivers precise response in dry and wet conditions. Featuring interocking treadblocks which work together to improve handling and reduce heat for increased tread life, Replacement Tire Monitors and Visual Alignment Indicators aid in detecting tire wear and visually alert the driver of any misalignment. The Altimax HP offers high performance without sacrificing tread life, road noise and ride comfort, using Acoustic Modulation Sound Technology to reduce tire noise and a twin cushion silica tread compound in order to deliver extraordinary ride comfort. Pictured: G-MAX AS-03 Summer: Eagle F1 Supercar G:2, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 All-season: Eagle F1 All-Season Goodyear has been able to offer outstanding and well-rounded tires through the use of new technologies. The Eagle F1 all-season features carbon fibre reinforced sidewalls, multi-zone tread compounds and Tredlock technologies in order to provide a superior handling tire with crisp responsiveness and manoeuvrability while offering excellent dry and wet traction. This equates to an excellent-handling all-season tire with exceptional treadwear. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric offers Active CornerGrip Technology and an asymmetrical tread design for commanding dry grip and a Water-Shedding Inner Tread Zone to aid in wet traction. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 features Goodyear ActiveBraking Technology to enhance stopping performance in both the wet and dry. Combining Goodyear race traction resins for dry grip, high surface silica for wet traction and high molecular weight polymers to optimize read stiffness makes this tire the ideal choice for any high-performance car. To take it a step further, the Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 offers legendary supercar performance in a race-inspired tire featuring an asymmetrical and directional tread design with massive outboard tread blocks to help enhance dry cornering grip. Sweeping Aquachannel Grooves on the inboard side help enhance wet cornering grip. And the innovative multi-radius mold shape helps offer precise handling and smooth, even wear. Pictured: Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 Summer: Ventus V12 Evo, Ventus R-S3 All-season: Ventus V2 Concept, Ventus V4es H105 Hankook is another tire company that is able to offer an outstanding and competitive range of products at an affordable price. Designed for those with a passion for performance, Ventus V2 Concept’s directional tread pattern and compound provide excellent handling, all-season traction and extended tread life. The innovative “Twister System” 3D Wave Pattern Channel forcibly removes water from the tread contact patch for improved driving in wet conditions and greater control. The Ventus V4es combines technologies in profile design, construction, tread pattern and compound that provide excellent handling in all weather conditions and exceptional tread wear. The Ventus V12 Evo takes these characteristics to another level by also featuring increased control and braking to provide a summer tire fully capable of handling anything that its user can throw at it. For those wanting to take their cars to the track, Hankook has taken the successful Ventus R-S2 and redesigned it, creating the Ventus R-S3. Hankook’s Racing Carbonblack Silica Compound has been incorporated to offer a tire that can meet the demands of autocross, drifting and track competitors. Pictured: Ventus V2 Concept Summer: Ecsta XS, Ecsta LE Sport, Ecsta SPT, Ecsta V710 All-season: Ecsta ASX, Ecsta AST, Ecsta 4X Kumho also offers tires ranging from an all-season performance option to a street-legal race tire and everything in between, all at competitive prices. Kumho has always pushed the envelope of design and technology, offering coloured smoke tires and scented tires, just to give a couple of examples. They’ve used this technology to develop a widespread line of tires to try to appeal to all consumers. The Ecsta ASX is an excellent high-performance all-season with excellent wear and exceptional wet weather traction. The Ecsta AST is a more affordable all-season tire designed for smaller sport compacts and imports. The Ecsta SPT is a very capable high-performance summer tire with exceptional handling and dry traction while also offering longer wear than some other tires in its class. And the new Ecsta XS is its extreme performance tire designed for drivers who want more from their tire both on the street and on the track. And you can’t mention track without mentioning the Ecsta V710. This DT-approved Competition Racing tire provides extreme traction and unequaled handling characteristics, while also outlasting other brands, which makes it a great value. Pictured: Ecsta XS Summer: Pilot Sport PS2, Pilot Sport Cup, Pilot Sport 3, Pilot Super Sport All-season: Pilot Sport A/S Plus, Pilot Exalto A/S Michelin is a world -lass tire manufacturer. And its offerings in the high-performance category are part of the reason why. It offers both a high performance all-season tire and a high performance summer tire, both under the Pilot family of tires designed for highend sports cars, coupes and sedans. The Pilot Sport All-Season Plus combines class-leading all-weather performance, wet grip, and treadlife without any compromise to its dry performance and handling capabilities. All of this is achieved using Michelin’s TriFusion Compound that combines different compounds over the treadface of the tire in an effort to optimize the full tread surface of the tire. And for those who aren’t concerned with wear but want unrivaled dry and wet traction and best-in-class cornering, the Pilot Sport PS2 definitely does not disappoint. Designed as original equipment on premium ultra-high performance sports cars, the Pilot® Sport 3 provides a balance of tread life, fuel efficiency and road-gripping performance.The Pilot Sport Cup, for those who want a street legal, competition ready tire, offers extreme cornering grip and consistent lap times, yet is DOT-approved. Its newest offering, the Pilot Super Sport, boasts better handling and better braking than any of its competitors, and is also offering the longest treadwear warranty on a summer ultra-high performance tire, rated at 55,000km. Pictured: Pilot Super Sport At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012 29
2012 PERFORMANCE TIRE GUIDE Summer: NT555, Invo, NT05, All-season: NeoGen, Motivo Nitto definitely has a tire to fit just about each and every performance enthusiast’s needs. Ranging from the NeoGen, designed for sport compacts and imports, which also features an inner shoulder that is a continuous block, reducing tread flex and allowing even tire wear on lowered vehicles with increased amounts of negative camber, to the Invo with its unique, state-of-the-art, computer-designed and digital audio-tested tread pattern designed to reduce noise without compromising performance and handling. Its newest offering in the all-season ultra-high performance market is the Motivo, engineered to perform in all weather conditions while providing ride comfort, minimal road noise and increased mileage. Nitto also offers tires for the extreme drivers. The NT01 and the NT05 are both high performance summer street tires designed with the weekend racer in mind. Both are fully capable on the track and can be driven everyday during the week. The NT05 also comes in a version called the NT05R, specifically designed for drag racing. Pictured: Motivo Summer: Cinturato P7, PZero, PZero System All-season: Cinturato P7 All-Season, P-Zero Nero All Season Pirelli’s P-Zero summer tire is sought after by high-end car manufacturers such as Ferrari, Maserati, Audi and Mercedes to be original equipment on their vehicles. And it’s with good reason. This premium line of tires provides unrivaled dry traction, cornering and braking performance and wet weather characteristics through the use of a silica and carbon black tread compound, Pirelli’s S-treme asymmetrical tread design, and nano-composite technology. Pirelli also offers the P-Zero Nero All-Season which uses the same technologies to provide a tire with exceptional wet and dry traction and outstanding treadwear. Its asymmetrical tread design for precision handling and the solid centre rib give a constant and consistent contact patch with the road, providing shorter braking distances and quicker acceleration in both wet and dry conditions. Providing the perfect balance between performance, safety and environmental awareness, Pirelli’s Green Performance philosophy has resulted in the Cinturato P7 and P7 All-season tires. Offering energy efficiency, clean air technology, noise reduction and increased mileage combined with Pirelli’s proven performance, the Cinturato P7 is perfect synergy. The right choice for drivers looking for a high-performance and eco-compatible tire. Pictured: Cinturato P7
Summer: HTRZ III All-season: HTR A/S P01 Sumitomo has been able to offer an outstanding product line that is competitive with any of the premium lines, but at a competitive price. Its high-performance line consists of two tires. The first is the Consumer Reports highly-rated HTR A/S P01, an all-season high-performance tire with excellent wet and dry traction and handling in heat or cold, and excellent treadwear. It does this with its directional, multi-grooved tread pattern and zigzag groove wall. The five-rib asymmetrical design of the HTR ZIII summer performance tire gives 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. Pictured: HTRZ III
Summer: Proxes T1 Sport, Proxes R1R, R888 All-season: Proxes 4 The goal of Toyo Tires is to ensure that your Toyo replacement tires not only maintain the performance qualities built into your original equipment tire designed for your vehicle, but exceeds them. The 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. Toyo has looked to its years of on-track experience to engineer the R1R. This replacement to the successful T1-R features an aggressive tread design with an extra-wide footprint, high-grip silica compound, and an advanced autocross-inspired casing to provide outstanding cornering capabilities and traction for aggressive street driving. The Proxes 4 is an all-season, M&S rated, ultra-high performance tire designed primarily for plus-fitment applications on sport compact cars, sports sedans, and coupes. Its unique W-shaped tread pattern and high-angle tread grooves provide a good balance between wet traction and dry performance, while the curving centre rib provides enhanced directional stability. And for those wanting to be more competitive on the track, Toyo offers the R888 for extreme track and autocross. Pictured: Proxes T1 Sport Summer: Advan Neova AD08, Advan Sport, S.Drive All-season: Avid ENVigor, Advan S.4. Yokohama offers its newest addition to the all-season performance lineup: The Avid ENVigor. The Yokohama AVID ENVigor tire line includes H- and V-speed rated High-Performance All-Season radials developed to meet the yearround driving needs of sports car, coupe, sedan and crossover drivers. AVID ENVigor tires are designed to combine performance, comfort and tread life along with year-round traction. The summer high-performance offerings include the tire made for the fastest production cars, the Advan Sport. The Sport is original equipment on cars such as the Bentley Continental GT and the Porsche 911 Carrera 4. Also in its lineup is the S.Drive, with its micro-flexible compound developed using nanotechnology to provide exceptional traction. For those wanting to drive every day during the week and take it to the autocross or track on the weekend, the Advan Neova is a great choice. The ADVAN Neova AD08 is Yokohama’s Extreme Performance Summer tire developed for the drivers of sports cars, sports coupes and performance sedans who have a passion for sport driving. The ADVAN Neova AD08 is designed to provide high levels of traction, responsive handling and driving control on dry and wet roads. Pictured: Advan Neova AD08 30 At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012
TIRE CZAR
Getting the Most From Your Tires Using TPMS By Morton LJ Koch If you drive a vehicle that is 2007 model year or newer, chances are you have noticed the light on your instrument cluster shaped like a “U” with an “!” inside of it. Usually everything is okay and this symbol blinks several times and disappears whenever you start the engine. The system is designed to ensure that you are driving with the proper amount of air in the tires to carry the weight of your vehicle. If your air pressure is below or above the recommended levels, then this light will flash and then go solid until corrected. This can be something as simple as putting some air in your tire to bring it back up to the proper pressure, or, if the pressure is too high, releasing some air. If you have added air to your tire and it disappears for a time, but reappears this could mean that you have a puncture and the tire needs to be repaired. If this is the case, you will need to visit your local tire retailer.
you would have to check your air pressure by sticking a pressure gauge on each of your tire’s valve stems. Not anymore! Maintaining proper air pressure makes a dramatic difference in how long your tires last, and improves your fuel economy. Longer-lasting tires and less fuel means a reduced carbon foot print. According to Be Tire Smart (www.betiresmart.ca), every litre of fuel consumed by a vehicle results in 2.4 kg of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, being released into the environment. Every year in Canada, 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide are unnecessarily released into the environment because of poor tire maintenance. If tire pressure is properly maintained, the average Canadian could save the equivalent of two weeks of fuel. Saving two weeks of fuel every year adds up to a significant amount of money when factored over the life of your tires. Just because your TPMS light isn’t on doesn’t mean your tires are set at the proper pressure. Be sure to check your tire pressures before every trip, when your tires are cold. You can find the correct air pressure listed in your owner’s manual or on the placard in the driver’s door jam. Not very exciting, but using this technology to make sure your tires are always at the proper air pressure is very good on your wallet and the environment. It is simple to begin saving. Just use the tools in your vehicle and maintain your air pressure.
Morton “Tire Czar” Koch is president of a major Canadian tire wholesale operation. Morton has worked in the tire industry for the past 20 years. He can be reached at tireczar@rpmcanada.ca
If the symbol continues to flash and does not disappear, this indicates that you have a fault. Usually it is a problem with one of the tire sensors, which are part of the tireand-wheel assembly. You can’t see the sensors by looking at the wheel and tire. The sensors are located inside the tire at the base of the valve stem or on a steel band wrapped around the wheel. If your light is flashing then you need to visit your local tire expert to have it diagnosed as soon as possible. These systems have now been around for quite a few years and have evolved to become more sophisticated. In many newer vehicles, you are able to view accurate pressure readings in each of your tires through the instruments. In the old days, At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012 31
RPM TEST FLEET Kia Sorento
Price Range: . .......................................................................$26,595-$40,995 Engine: ..................................................................... 3.5L V6 DOHC 24-valve Trans: .......................................................................................... 6 speed auto Power: ................................................................................................... 276 hp Torque: ................................................................................................ 248 lb-ft Curb Weight: . ....................................................................... 1,837kg/4,401 lb Fuel Economy: (L/100km – City/Highway) ........................................ 10.1/7.1 New for 2012: There is a new gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine as well
as a hands-free infotainment and communications system that is powered by Microsoft. More new options include; power-folding mirrors, memory/power passenger seat, ventilated driver’s seat, heated steering wheel and wood trim steering wheel. Segment Competitors: Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Equinox, Subaru Forester, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Nitro, Hyundai Tucson. The Skinny: The Sorento now has an optional third-row seat that can sit up to seven…but not really suited for adults. The ride is stiff, particularly in the EX V6 model, but handling is responsive and secure. The optional 3.5-liter V6 delivers good power and acceptable fuel economy. The seats are comfortable and the high seating position is great for the vertically challenged. Pros: Stylish exterior, backup camera, quality interior with straight-forward layout, responsive V6. Cons: Tight 3rd-row seating, stiff over the bumps, average at best fuel economy. The Verdict: There a few things we would change, but overall we send the Sorento to near the top of its class.
Fiat 500
Price Range:................................................................ $18,500-23,500 Engine: ............................................................ 1.4L L4 DOHC 16-valve Trans:............................................................................... 6-speed auto Power: ....................................................................................... 101 hp Torque: ...................................................................................... 98 lb-ft Curb Weight: ............................................................. 1,074 kg/2,362 lb Fuel Economy: (L/100km – City/Highway) ................................. 7.4/5.7 New for 2012: The FIAT 500 is all new to North America this model
year.
Segment Competitors: Kia Rio, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa, Volkswagen
Beetle, Hyundai Accent, Scion iQ The Skinny: The 500 comes in the Pop, Sport and Lounge trim levels and is powered by a 101-horsepower 1.4-liter FIAT MultiAir engine combined with with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift and sport. Standard equipment includes seven airbags, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, power window, power door locks, power heated mirrors and an Electronic Vehicle Information Center. The Sport adds sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, distinctive fascias, larger honeycomb grilles and aerodynamic updates. The Lounge gives you a 6-speed automatic transmission, chrome accents, 15-inch alloy wheels, premium cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, BOSE audio system and Blue & Me Handsfree Communication technology. Pros: Fun to drive, retro interior, ample front head and leg room, price point. Cons: Back seat room. The Verdict: Great in-town car and a blast to drive. We see why it is J-Lo’s choice!
BMW 528i XDrive Sedan
Price Range: ............................................................ $56,900–$70,250 Engine: .................................................. 2.0 L4 turbo DOHC 16-valves Trans: ..............................................................................8-speed auto Power: . .....................................................................................241 hp Torque: .................................................................................. 258 lb-ft Curb Weight: .......................................................... 1,815 kg/3,993 lbs Fuel Economy: (L/100km – City/Highway)................................ 8.8/5.9 New for 2012: The 5-Series receives a new direct-injection, turbo-
charged TwinPower inline 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine which produces 240 horsepower and 260 foot pounds of torque. The all-wheel drive xDrive is available for the 528i Sedan. Auto Start/Stop is standard on the 528i (our tester) and 535i. Segment Competitors: Lexus GS 450h, Cadillac CTS, Jaguar XF Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Hyundai Genesis, Lexus GS, Lincoln MKZ The Skinny: The 5 series sports a powerful and relatively fuel-efficient turbocharged engine coupled with capable handling, sports a clean interior made of top-notch materials and has loads of high-tech features. Pros: Sleek design, excellent fit and finish, excellent handling, spacious trunk. Cons: Clumsy transition from hybrid to gas mode. The Verdict: Overall car maintains BMW high standards but we are not sold on the Start/Stop.
32 At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012
Dayco Canada Corp 7810 Keele Street, Unit C, Concord, ON L4K 0B7 4EL s 4OLL &REE &AX s WWW DAYCO CA
ROAD TEST - MINI COOPER S COUPE
MINImal
MINIs, there are some rattles that come with this setup, not something I like on a brand new car.
However, this car is a driver, and taking bends is its specialty. With tight, nimble handling and a firm ride, the Coupe S is nearly as fun to plod along as it is to push to its limits, and its limits are up there. At its happiest, on A fun little performer with a a tight winding road in the hills, the MINI darts from corner to corner with absolute confidence, giving the driver excellent feedback through both flatulence issue the seat and steering wheel. One thing I like most about the hatch is the balance of the car, and the Coupe feels just as agile, reacting confidently and predictably to weight transfers and race driving techniques. This Story by Budd Stanley, car is a driver’s dream; handling more like a rear-wheel drive than its photos courtesy of MINI Canada front-engine configuration would have you think, it’s quite happy to swing he MINI Cooper S Coupe is a car that can laugh at its own flatulence. the back end out and leave it there for the duration of the hard-charged Happily cruising through the Massey Tunnel, I let off the throttle corner. It’s no wonder MINI sent several of the Coupes to the Nurburgring producing a series of glorious backfires that echoed through the tunnel. 24-hour race last year - this is a car that likes to be pushed. This is a seriously fun car, I’ve always rated the Cooper S hatch one of my all-time favourites in terms of fun factor, but the little coupe goes one However, herein lies another downfall in the MINI, that of fuel efficiency. The little 1.6L might be a marvel, but you don’t get 181 horsepower better, by lifting the spirits of all who drive her. for free, do you? In daily driving routine, the Coupe will bring back It is the fourth different version MINI has released based on the hatch. 7.0L/100km in the city, but if it’s fun time, the turbo becomes a black While other versions have been stretched, plumped up or had the roof hole of doom, sucking in all the fuel it can manage, even more when chopped clear off, this MINI is something special. More sports car than the throttle lets off, as great gobs of petrol are bypassed through the hot hatch, it really has very little changed other than a chopped roof, with combustion chamber, barking in quick repeated pops of flatulence out a design based off the look of a baseball cap turned backwards. And the rear. It may sound gross, but it’s music to my ears. It lets me know the Coupe lives up to its immature design theory, being one of the most that engine is doing everything it can to make my driving experience playful cars I’ve ever had the pleasure of tearing up the tarmac with. the best it can be. So, a little good and bad, but the Coupe also costs Of course, with any sports car comes sacrifices in everyday versatility, $2,200 more than the hatch, which essentially is giving you less car and the Coupe is exactly that to its bigger brothers, with the rear seats for a bigger dollar. Yeah, you’re buying the new unique look, but I find taken out due to the impossible head room left by the new roof and a the old hatch to be a better bang for your buck, the Clubman S even decrease in interior space. If you want a fun car that can still haul some more so. groceries and get the kids to school, then the hatch is still your car. If you’re a bachelor all about having fun, and want a unique car that gives While I’m not the biggest fan of the MINI Coupe’s design, there is just no doubting the performance and fun factor that this car possesses. It you those pleasures, the Coupe S is your car. gives you the joy of a MINI, with that extra little bit of fury to up the driving Based off the Cooper S platform, the Coupe still features that incredible experience. And I don’t care what anyone says, a car that has a bit of 1.6L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that provides 181 horsepower- flatulence is a car that loves to live life, a car that loves to run. worth of motivations into a vehicle that is actually 5 kg heavier than its older brother. Likewise, stopping power is provided by powerful perfor- Specifications mance disc brakes and the suspension tuning is spot-on, making this SPECIFICATIONS: car a tarmac terrorist. MSRP: . ................................................................................................... $31,950
T
Inside, from the front seats looking forward, there is no change from the hatch other than a lower windshield. However, it’s behind that is all change. Behind the seats sits a cargo wall with ski pass-through, linking to a parcel shelf on top reaching back to the base of the rear window. It’s a stylish separator from the seats and the cargo area, but much like most 34 At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012
Engine: ..........................................................1.6L turbocharged DOHC 4-cylinder Power: . ..................................................................................................... 181 hp Torque: . ..................................................................................................174 lb-ft Layout: .................................................................................... Front-engine, FWD Curb Weight: .......................................................................... 1,215 kg (2,673 lb) Fuel Efficiency (city, hwy): .............................................7.6L/100km, 5.6L/100km
THE TRUCK GUY
Toyota Tacoma By Ian Harwood
he 2012 Toyota Tacoma has received some minor updates. With the T cult like following around here for this truck, that might be as drastic as shaving your head. Looks: Not to worry, the changes made to this Tacoma are not dramatic and bring the front end more in line with the 4runner. The rest of the truck stays the same. There are four models to choose from, 4x2 Access cab, 4x4 Access cab, 4x4 Access cab V6, and 4x4 Double cab V6. My tester for the week was the 4x4 Double cab V6. In The Cab: The interior is roomy considering this is a midsize truck. The front bucket seats offer some adjustability with a well-positioned center console with arm rest. The rear seat is a fold down bench with under seat storage container. The stereo is a 6 speaker AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA capability and audio auxiliary jack. Steering wheel controls let you navigate through the various settings without distracting you from the road.
2,721 kg for the 4x4’s, access cabs, and double cab models. All models feature a limited slip differential and the 4x4 Access cab with TRD off-road package has an optional rear differential lock controlled by a switch on the dash. The TRD off-road package includes an upgraded alternator, front skid plate, 400 watt power inverter, and Bilstein shock absorbers, and I almost forgot, TRD off-road stickers! Pump frequency: 13.7 /10.5 L/100 km (city/highway) Warranty support: Basic coverage 36 month/ 60,000 km Powertrain 60 month/ 100,000 km Corrosion perforation 60 month/ unlimited km
Roadworthy: Toyota trucks have been very popular here in Canada and have improved over the years. There is a very strong connection with these trucks and Safety first: The Tacoma offers complete protection with dual stage driver and front their owners and driving one you could understand why. I drove it for a passenger, front seat mounted side airbags, and roll sensing side airbags. week during the little amounts of snow and ice we had and it is amazing. Advanced anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control and traction control are No weight in the box and it still gripped the road without even a slip of the tire. some of the safety features of this vehicle. Power: There are two engines available, a 2.7 L 16 valve DOHC 4 cylinder that generates 159 horsepower and a 4.0 L DOHC V6 that puts out 236 horsepower. The V6 comes with a 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic with overdrive, while the 4 cylinder model is equipped with a 5 speed manual, or 4 speed automatic with overdrive. Towing capacity is 1587 kg and
Verdict: The popularity of these trucks is still growing and in this segment I think it would be hard for the competition to compete. Sticker price: $22,100 - $29,900
At The Wheel RPM Apr / May 2012 35
JDM Envy: Acura TSX (J’s Racing)
Story and photos by Giancarlo Pawelec
J
DM envy – you got, I got, we all got it. It is those one-off type vehicles that everyone dreams of owning, let alone building, and here’s one for your appreciation. For many enthusiasts, the dream of building a purist project car like this Acura TSX is too far from reality. Dave Tsai of Toronto, Ontario, Canada is one enthusiast who has made the unimaginable possible with help from friends and industry leaders. Having owned several tuned machines in his past – ranging from a JUN Racing Subaru STi to a Mazdaspeed RX-8 and even a Euro-tuned E46 M3 – Tsai felt the need to go back to his JDM roots and true love of all things Honda. The project began after Tsai realized that he needed a daily driver that was comfortable, yet sporty. Little did anyone in the local scene suspect that his once factory-stock TSX would get a true JDM massage resulting in being one of the rarest Honda vehicles in the country, let alone continent. 36 Speed & Sound RPM Apr / May 2012
Starting from the outside in, this Acura TSX was transformed into a true JDM machine consisting of the very-best and uber-rare parts available. Up front, a J’s Racing Type-S front bumper replaces the factory bland unit while sides and rear lip are JDM Euro-R pieces. Further conversions include JDM Euro-R headlights, badges, window visors, and black window moldings. A set of J’s Racing Type-S canards finish off the aggressive front-end and provide some additional downforce during weekend track adventures. The K24A2 engine under the bonnet was tuned by the veteran Honda pros at Kensai Racing and looks gorgeous with the yellow SPOON Sports valve cover. The K-series engine build consists of SKUNK2 Pro-Series Valves, Valve Springs and Retainers. Further internal upgrades include a set of SKUNK2 Pro-Series stage II camshafts giving this once mild-mannered Honda engine a more aggressive performance edge. Sucking air into the K24 engine is a J’s Racing carbon intake box that feeds into an RBC Intake Manifold that has been ported & polished by Turtle. Hot gasses pass through a MUGEN exhaust header, travel through a J’s Racing cat-killer and out through their 60RS single exhaust system. With all the engine work done, Tsai had a HONDATA K-Pro ECU tuned by Turtle Tuning. The new K24 setup put down an impressive 248whp @ 8,160rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800rpm. As a demo car for J’s Racing in North America, the fit and finish of every piece is simply perfect. There is true admiration for the TSX’s looks with sleek lines, and utilizing J’s Racing aero goods with the striking contrast of the green wheels. For those who know Tsai in the industry, wheels to him are like jewelry to a woman – you can never have enough. For 38 Speed & Sound RPM Apr / May 2012
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the street, Tsai uses a set of 18-inch Volk Racing CE28 wheels sprayed in Takata green that make a statement. A second set of wheels is swapped for track sprints, which are 17-inch ADVAN Racing RS. Both sets of wheels are wrapped in BFGoodrich rubber with KDWs for daily driving and R1s for racing. Tucked just behind the wheels is a set of SPOON Sports brake calipers mated to Racing Brake two-piece rotors up front and MUGEN rotors at the rear. The perfect stance of this TSX is made possible with the use of ZEAL Function Xs coilovers. Other suspension enhancements, be they for street or track use, include SPOON Sports upper control arms (front and rear) as well as a set of rear toe control arms. Further chassis strengthening comes in the way of a CARBING underbody floor support bar, rear trunk brace and rear bumper bar. A set of Swift Springs Euro-R front and rear sway bars tightens up the TSX during hard cornering, alongside J’s Racing strut bars. At the back, Tsai installed a J’s Racing carbon fibre rear diffuser for track attacks and the must-have racing hooks. Final tweaks include a J’s Racing 4.77 final-drive gear set, 1.5-way LSD and JDM Euro-R taillight assembly. With more JDM goods than a Honda-purists’ wet dream and true dual-functionality (street / track), Dave Tsai’s Acura TSX is one mean machine. Careful attention to detail makes this ride not only unique, but also the perfect showcase for J’s Racing. Be sure to check out this awesome Honda at the SEMA Show as it is slated to be in the J’s Racing booth – is it any wonder? The only question left is, “with this project complete, what’s next for Dave?” That remains to be seen, but it will surely blow the doors off any competition yet again.
40 Speed & Sound RPM Apr / May 2012
MEGASPEED COVERAGE
Megaspeed Custom Car & Truck Show
Story by Mark Harris, photos by Mark Harris and Giancarlo Pawelec
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he Megaspeed Custom Car & Truck show was held at the International Centre in Mississauga recently. Formerly known as Performance World, the show’s main focus was the classics, with a section reserved for the modern tuner cars. This year’s show was very well attended, but saw a decline in the number of vehicles entered in the show. To say the show was anything but epic would be doing a great injustice to the many, many hours of hard work and dedication that everyone involved put into this event. The new owners have done a very good job and it is certain that next year’s show will be even bigger and better. But let’s not forget where the new school came from. That’s right, it came from the old school. It came in part from the hot rods and rat rods of the ‘40s and ‘50s. The outrageous cherry red paint with flames down the side, and the rough-around-the-edges, rusty sleepers that could outrun any cop car. And let’s hope the old school doesn’t forget that they helped to inspire the tuner scene that some scoff at today. The once-rebellious are all grown up. Some have kids, others have grandkids. We all share the same passion, however, and that creates an unspoken bond between the venerable and the fledgling, whether we like it or not.
The hall housing the tuner vehicles seemed particularly sparse this year, however. The reasons for this are many. Some of the vehicles that were slated to take part may have not been finished on time. Some of last year’s entrants may have felt they’d “been there, done that.” Some may blame the still-unsteady economy, and while that may be a part of the cause for the drop in entrants, there is a deeper issue at work here. While many consider this the beginning of the show season in Canada, when it comes right down to it, this is not a ‘tuner’ show. Not in the same way that shows like Importfest or Import Expo are, at least. The tuner section of Megaspeed reminds one of the divide that still seems to exist between the old-school greasers and the new-school gearheads. The tuners end up stuck in the corner, like a naughty school kid with a dunce cap on. Speed & Sound RPM Apr / May 2012
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MEGASPEED COVERAGE It is completely understandable how some of the more established find the upstarts mildly offensive. The music is deafening and they can’t understand the words, there are many good looking girls which may get the guys in trouble with the missus, there are cars on display that don’t use carburetors or small-block V8s, and most of the tuners are driven, daily. Unlike some of the classics, one probably wouldn’t want to eat off the underneath of most of the tuner cars. In fact, eating off of the underneath of one of the show cars in the main hall would make them dirty! Despite all this, the tuners put on a great show this year. There was never a dull moment. Between the fashion shows, the bikini contests, the hip-hop shows and dancers, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Oh yeah, and there were some seriously awesome vehicles on display. Each one unique. Each one gleaming. Years from now, when we’re sitting with our immaculate Japanese and European vehicles, complaining about the noise coming from the back corner of a massive convention centre, let’s remember that we were once the rowdy ones, and we all have a common bond, a common love. And that makes us all the same in the end.
42 Speed & Sound RPM Apr / May 2012
PLUGGED IN
Talking Safe Story by Dave MacKinnon, photos by Manufacturers A couple of years ago, we looked at some of the different Bluetooth hands-free solutions available on the market. Given that almost every Province in Canada has a hands-free or distracted-driving law in effect, it seems only fitting to see if anything new or cool has surfaced in the industry. There are essentially four options available when it comes to using a cellular phone while operating your vehicle – an in-ear device, a visor-mount portable device, a system that is installed in your vehicle and works with your factory audio system, or an aftermarket radio that includes Bluetooth. We are going to talk about options 2 and 3 in this issue of Plugged In. Why not look at head units? Well, we are going to cover off all sorts of cool head units in an upcoming issue, and for sure, all of them will have Bluetooth capabilities.
The most important feature of a Bluetooth device is its sound quality. If the person you are calling can’t hear you, then the device is not helping you communicate safely. Look for devices with multiple microphones and that feature some type of DSP noise cancellation. The use of dual microphones, when installed properly, allows the unit to discern what noise in your vehicle is your voice and what is background noise from the wind, your exhaust or your tires. Similar to how noise cancelling Law or not, I don’t think it’s wise to have anything in your ears while you headphones work to eliminate background noise when on an airplane, are driving, be it a Bluetooth headset, or worse, headphones connected these systems do the same thing, letting your voice come through loud to your iPod. Anything that reduces the chance of you being able to and clear. hear what is going on around you while you are driving is extremely dangerous. You may also want to look for a device that has voice recognition of some sort, be it internal processing to let you ‘Call Home’ or ‘Call Work’, If you don’t recall from the original story a few years back, or haven’t been or the ability to activate the voice recognition system on your Blackberry an RPM reader for that long, let’s talk about Bluetooth itself. Bluetooth is or iPhone, for example. Fewer hand gestures to initiate a call is always the name of a radio communication protocol. Just like Wi-Fi or CB or FRS. safer. Bluetooth, on its own, has nothing to do with cellular phones in particular. In fact, most video game systems and many computer keyboards and Whatever device you choose, be sure and try it out before you buy it. mice use Bluetooth radio communications to transmit data back and forth. Pair your phone, shut it off and turn it back on to ensure it reconnects. Bluetooth works over roughly 10 metres in most applications and it has Try making a call and receiving a call, and if you are so inclined, play the benefit of being quite efficient in terms of battery usage. some music over A2DP to see what control it has. When looking for a Bluetooth solution, you need to decide between a portable device and one that is installed. The benefit of portable is that you can take it from vehicle to vehicle. But all use an internal battery that will need to be recharged. Installed-type systems are much less visible in your car, perhaps the biggest feature in my opinion. They also often offer better sound quality as they use the large speakers already in your car, rather than a 1- or 2-inch speaker that has to fit on your sun visor.
Sorry, A2DP? Yes, this is the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, and if you have an iPhone or similar, you can send music from your phone to a hands-free device equipped with this functionality. An advance subset of A2DP is AVRCP – Audio Video Remote Control Profile – and when you have this as well, you can change tracks on your phone from your mobile device. Anyways, be sure and try it before you buy to make sure it all works the way you want.
mObridge M1000-M-BT Built in Australia, the mObridge M1000-M-BT lets you add high-quality Bluetooth to older Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Land Rover and Mini vehicles that had Bluetooth as an option. This device connects to the MOST fibre optic bus and fully integrates with the factory radio and controls.
DriveNTalk KlaT7 The DriveNTalk KlaT7 is a premium install-type hands-free Bluetooth kit. It features a wireless remote control, dual-element microphone with noise and echo cancellation, and a built-in amplifier to drive up to four channels of audio, and includes hands-free communication and audio streaming capabilities. Speed & Sound RPM Apr / May 2012
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PLUGGED IN
BlueAnt S4 The S4 from BlueAnt is a visor-mount Bluetooth Speakerphone that has voice recognition and audio streaming support. When used in conjunction with a third-party application called SafeReader, it will read out incoming text messages.
Jabra Freeway The Freeway from Jabra employs three speakers and claims impressive ‘surround sound-like’ sound quality. It has voice recognition, supports audio streaming and can be used with two phones simultaneously.
DriveNTalk BHF2000 The dual-mic BHF2000 from DriveNTalk has a solar panel, so it’s always ready to go. Gesture control lets you turn the volume up and down with a wave of your hand, and a built-in FM Stereo transmitter lets you re-transmit A2DP audio into your factory audio system. It speaks out incoming phone numbers as well.
iConnects MicroVisor The iConnects MicroVisor features dual mics for great sound quality. The system comes with a hard-wiring kit to eliminate the need to recharge the battery.
Novero TheTrustyOne From Novero comes TheTrustyOne – it announces incoming calls by name or number and uses a discrete microphone in conjunction with noise and echo cancellation for clear sound quality. The control unit is illuminated to make it easy to use in the dark and it supports music playback.
Parrot MKi9200 As a leader in Bluetooth technology, the MKi9200 from Parrot has all the bells and whistles, including a colour LCD display to show you who is calling, or even the album art from your iPod. Control is provided by a wireless remote but can also be integrated into factory hands-free controls. It features a dualelement mic and even has a USB port from which you can play music.
Parrot MINIKIT Smart Designed to be used as a cradle for your cellular device, the MINIKIT Smart not only takes care of your hands-free needs, but also lets you safely use your phone in a convenient and safe location when you are using a Navigation application. It supports voice recognition, and will accept phones up to 7cm wide.
Ultimate UBTFM41 The UBTFM41 from Ultimate plugs into your cigarette lighter socket and features an LCD display to let you see who is calling or what is playing. It has an FM Radio transmitter, support for an SD card, and a USB slot for MP3 and WMA file playback.
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PERFORMANCE
Big Wheels Keep On Turnin’
What performance side effects do bigger wheels have on your car? Story by Budd Stanley
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drive system, the gearbox and differential. Your final drive ratio is the amount of rotations your engine makes in relation to your axles, after going through the gearbox and differential. However, the final drive gear on every vehicle is set up in direct relation to the overall diameter of the tires doing the work. Usually when people up-size their wheels, they follow up with lower profile tires to equalize to the original tire rotational size, not increasing the final drive ratio of the car.
he swapping of small wheels for larger, better-looking aluminum mags is usually the first thing we do when we purchase ourselves a new project car. However, other than the vastly improved looks, what are the benefits of larger wheels on your car? The answer may surprise you, as there is very little larger wheels can do to increase performance, depending on what your final objectives are for the car. If you’ve slapped a huge set of chromed out 20s on your BMW, you can pretty However, some people don’t take this into account and put a much stop reading now, as we dive in to see how wheel size larger overall setup on their vehicles. This affects the final drive can make your car faster. If you look at modern race and rally cars, there is one apparent trait that goes along with those cool-looking racing wheels - the wheel is only as big as it needs to be to clear the brakes. A very common trait found on the street is a large 18-inch wheel plastered onto a ‘90s Civic, and those stock brake discs that are now clearly seen behind look puny and insignificant. With no large gaps on race cars, why is it they try to keep their wheels as small as possible? The first downfall is the increase in unsprung mass. It’s pretty simple; more metal, more weight, more work your engine needs to do to get those heavier wheels turning. As an added side effect, you will also see your car’s fuel efficiency falter as well. While bigger tires with larger contact surfaces tend to increase cornering grip, going too big can also overwhelm the car’s sway bars and suspension, actually reducing lateral traction. Second is final drive ratio. Now, many people only think of the final drive ratio being related to the car’s 46 Speed & Sound RPM Apr / May 2012
PERFORMANCE of the car with two consequences. Acceleration will slow, but top speed will increase. Likewise, a smaller wheel-and-tire package, often found on autocross and older racing cars, effectively lowers the final drive ratio, increasing acceleration, but lowering top speed. In autocrossing and on certain race tracks, this offers a distinct advantage. When keeping the final drive ratio the same, another issue arises with low-profile tires. Today, manufacturers use low-pro tires on just about every performance car sold, but they are much wider than they were only a short decade ago, as contact patch has been increased to replace the tire’s sidewall flex. If you look at drag racing and Formula One cars, they have very small wheels with extremely large tires. This increase of sidewall allows these cars to direct traction to the ground much easier when dealing with such massive power numbers. Smaller sidewalls mean less accelerating traction, unless the width is increased to make up for the shortfall. All too often, I see people who did not take this The true benefits of larger wheels come when you are either into account, and while the tires may be wide, they are not 500 allowed by racing regulations or by personal finances to max or 600 horsepower-wide, and traction suffers as a result. the performance of both brakes and power. The braking force of a 15-inch diameter rotor being squeezed by a 6-piston caliper, Fitment is your final concern when up-sizing wheels. Cars backed up by 300 or 500 horsepower, makes upgrading to a built in the ‘70s and ‘80s came equipped with 13- and 14-inch 19- or 20-inch wheel a little more realistic. Thus you have the wheels, cars from the ‘90s had 15- and 16-inch wheels, while manic-looking Japanese Super GT and German DTM cars whose cars built today often have 17- and 18-inch wheels. As such, wheels bulge high over the hood. This is also why Porsche 911s, bodywork was designed to encapsulate those diameter wheels. BMW M3s and Subaru STi’s can get away with running 18-inch Changing the size of your wheels can upset the ride height and higher wheels. So, when you think of upsizing the wheels and therefore handling of your car. Clearances may also not on your car, make sure you think to yourself, “am I doing this be generous enough to fit the wheels you just bought online, for strictly looks, or am I trying to get the most out of the car requiring bodywork to stop tire rubbing before you can actually I have?” If it’s the latter, sit down and do some homework to mount them. ensure that hard-earned money isn’t being thrown away.
Speed & Sound RPM Apr / May 2012
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Keeping a Promise Looking back at Turbine-powered concepts
By Cam Hutchins
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his 1962 Corvette with a 360-horsepower fuel-injected 327 was purchased in 1999 from the original owner in Sidney B.C. with 42,000 original miles. Gordon Russell bought the car new from Carter Motors in Winnipeg on February 12, 1962 for $5,775.00. Russell’s two brothers, Don and Ray, had bought 1961 Fuel Injected Corvettes previously, and the day that Russell picked up his 1962 model, he had a photo taken of himself with his new silver car and his brothers in their two black cars. Russell had factory ordered the car and it had Sateen Silver paint, four-speed transmission, 4.11 rearend and an extremely rare option, sintered brakes, which were even rarer than the big brakes ordered for racing. The sintered brakes are metallic brakes placed on the shoes in pucks to help dissipate heat and dust, and are not as prone to glazing. Somewhere along the way, Russell moved to Sidney B.C., and the car was first seen by the current owner, Bob Elsdon, sitting in Russell’s garage. Russell was ill and was wanting assurance from Elsdon that he would restore the car and not hotrod it. Elsdon shook hands on the deal and paid the high end of the appraisal. The car had never been in an accident and except for the engine, it was a great car. 48 Speed & Sound RPM Apr / May 2012
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It had spun a lower-end bearing in 1967 and Russell had removed the engine, and as a mechanical engineer, thought he would do the rebuild himself. The crank was removed and a special oneinch plywood box with supports for each bearing was built to protect the crank from bending. Unfortunately, a divorce put the restoration on hold and the car’s condition deteriorated dramatically. The tires, interior and paint could have been salvaged, but the top was too far gone and the tires would have been untrustworthy. The decision was made to dismantle the car for a complete restoration. The body was totally stripped of paint to the gel coat and was painted with Sateen Silver lacquer sourced from a friend from the States, and was wet-sanded and polished. The frame was also stripped and repainted, using N.O.S. suspension pieces with new reproduction bias-ply tires on the original wheels. The transmission and differential were inspected and serviced, but the gears were in perfect shape so it was more a matter of replacing seals and cosmetic improvements. The engine was rebuilt to original specs and the fuel injection system was sent to Oregon for restoration by one of the few remaining Corvette Fuel Injection specialists.
great shape but was removed and replaced by an “Al Knock” interior, and the roof was also replaced.
The car has been driven to B.C. AirCare emissions testing and one car show. Elsdon wanted the car because of its great condition and its rarity. Having owned a few Corvettes and other Chevrolets and All original brightwork was polished and re-installed except for N.O.S. hot rods, Elsdon always wanted a C-1 and this is the last year of the sill plates, and all chrome pieces were re-plated. The interior was in solid rear axle for Corvettes.
50 Rods & Classics RPM Apr / May 2012
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1962 CORVETTE HISTORY It is interesting to note that the only available engine for 1962 was a 327, three versions with a four-barrel carb and one with fuel injection. The two lower-powered versions had 250 and 300 horsepower, and the Powerglide automatic was only available with them. Both of the higher-powered versions had the high-lift camshaft with the carbureted version putting out 340 hp and 344 lb-ft of torque, slightly less than the 360 hp and 352 lb-ft of torque for the fuel-injected mill. A manual transmission was available with either three or four speeds, and rear-end ratios were available in a large array with 3.36, 3.55, 3.70, 4.11 and finally a very low 4.56 ratio.
The restoration was performed by Classic and Performance Cars Ltd. in Delta, B.C. and with every nut and bolt redone to perfection, this car stands as a testament to what a restoration should be. After being judged at a local NCRS meet in 2011 shortly after restoration was complete, it received the Top Flight Honours.
The fuel injection was a $484.20 option and was more than ten percent of the base price of $4,038, and the 4-speed transmission added $188.30, slightly less than the two-speed Powerglide unit at $199.10. Other available options included Signal Seeking AM Radio at $137.75; Power Windows, $59.20; Power Operated Folding Top, $161.40; Metallic Brakes $37.70; Heavy-Duty Brakes & Suspension $333.60; 6.70x15 White Sidewall Tires, $31.55 There were seven available colours for 1962, including Tuxedo Black, Ermine White, Roman Red and Honduras Maroon, and the other three colours were Sateen Silver Metallic, Almond Beige, and Fawn Beige Metallic. No blues or greens or two-tone paint for 1962. Just under 15,000 Corvettes were produced in 1962, up from 10,000 in 1961, and they rode on a 102-inch wheelbase and weighed around 3,000 pounds, depending on options. These cars were still King of the Road, and Chevrolet sold more 1962 Corvettes than all of the Jaguar E-Types sold in North America between 1961 and 1964 put together.
This particular car, having a soft top only, was one of only a handful of cars with the fuel injection and sintered brakes sold in Canada. Other options include the AM/FM “Wonderbar” radio and “spinner” wheel covers. Bob Elsdon plans on sharing his pride and joy with others, and will be showing the car extensively, and absolutely living up to his promise of restoring the car back to stock...and then some!
52 Rods & Classics RPM Apr / May 2012
HISTORY ORIGINAL CHOPPED MINI PLUGGED- IN for the Mini, Dizzy decided to develop his idea into a racing/sports car project. Dizzy applied Kamm’s theory that a truncated teardrop shape was more efficient than a tapered point. He started with a Mini van with a damaged roof, feeling that the floor plan would lend itself better to his vision and longer wheelbase would handle the higher speeds. The roof was chopped and a rear section taken out to be replaced with custom sloping sheet metal. Up front, the tall A-series engine proved a problem for the new sloped nose design. Dizzy subsequently designed an angular rocker cover to allow a lower hoodline in front of the engine. A Mini Cooper 1071S engine was fitted, and to finish it off, magnesium Minilite wheels filled the fenders. The project was named the DART, standing for Dizzy Addicott Racing Team.
The Original Chopped Mini
Mini’s Cooper S Coupe was preceded by the DART and Mini Marcos Story by Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of Mini, Marcos
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This first prototype would be the only metal DART made as Dizzy planned to make use of fibreglass in the production shells. He was validated at the wind tunnel at Weybridge when the theoretical maximum stable speed was listed at an impressive 170 mph; however, the car was only mechanically capable of 148 mph. After the prototype was shown at the Racing Car Show at Earl’s Court, London, plans were made to produce the DART in fibreglass monocoque form. Production was contracted out to Walton on Thames. Approximately eight fibreglass shells were produced. Dizzy had lined up a friend who was ready to market the car, but there was some disagreement between Dizzy and the manufacturer concerning the quality of the shells and at that point he separated himself from the project. Dizzy was aware that his racing car project was interfering with his aeronautical career and he stepped away from his creation to return to the test pilot scene. Dizzy finally sold the whole project to Jeremy Delmar-Morgan for 750 pounds, who would market the Mini DART as the Mini JEM. The initial production run was 40 shells.
he latest addition to the Mini family, the Coupe, has been fairly successful in its opening months on the market. Despite the absence of rear seats, a lower roofline and decreased exterior visibility, there are a flock of the sporty little coupes running around urban centres in Canada. However, the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is not the first Mini to undergo radical roof altering surgery, as there were several very interesting versions of the classic original Mini designed back in the ‘60s to make the most of aerodynamic forces. The DART The first to look at the original Mini in a sleek new way was Desmond Addicott, known as “Dizzy” to his friends. Joining the RAF during the war, Dizzy came to appreciate the benefits of aerodynamics, working as a test pilot as his day job after the war. With his knowledge of aerodynamics and a fond passion 54 Rods & Classics RPM Apr / May 2012
The Original DART was built on the platform of a damaged Mini Van, used for the extra wheelbase.
HISTORY ORIGINAL CHOPPED MINI PLUGGED- IN The 1071 A-Series was the engine of choice for Dizzy.
regularly campaigned in historic sports car races, sprints and hill climbs around the world. In 1967, the body shape was revised, with a larger front number plate panel, recessed fuel filler, and simpler, semi-circular wheel arches instead of the distinctive notched design. This was known as the Mk.II and was the prototype for the famous Corgi Mini Marcos GT models. The original cars became known as Mk I. The Mk. III was the most popular version and the only Mini Marcos to be homologated, with a batch of 50 cars being built between February 1967 and January 1968. As a road car, it had the disadvantage of a fixed rear window which made access to the luggage space difficult. This was overcome when an opening rear hatch was introduced as a factory option.
By 1970, Marcos stopped production of the Mini coupe, but like the DART, the car would live on. D & H Fibreglass Techniques would offer the kit from 1974 to 1981, then Marcos would come back to offer the car Marcos Mini once again in 1991 to 1996, with other versions being built by several As the DART project came to an end, Jem Marsh (not to be mistaken for other companies. The car is even available today; following the closure the Mini JEM) set about making another teardrop-shaped Mini. The car of the Marcos company, the Mini Marcos molds were acquired by Rory was designed by Brian Moulton with Malcolm Newell as pattern maker, McMath of Marcos Heritage Spares who has re-launched the car as the along the same lines as the Mini Jem, but it was not a direct copy. Heritage Mk. VI with a competition version, the GT. The new coupe made a spectacular debut at Castle Combe circuit in September 1965. The track was wet, suiting the front-wheel drive Mini, and in the hands of local Mini racer, Geoff Mabbs, the Marcos would go on to an incredible victory, lapping all but one Ginetta, to win by over a minute. The car was officially launched the next year at the Racing Car Show, in January 1966, a full year ahead of the Mini Jem.
Much like the old Marcos Coupe, today’s Mini Coupe also saw its debut come on a race track, the Nurburgring during the 24-hour race. However, if the modern incarnation’s currently popularity continues, the new Coupe will follow in the lines of several great coupes based on the basic Mini platform.
However, the Marcos would continue to post impressive race results, with Marsh running the cars in several racing series and even at the Le Mans 24-Hour. In 1966, a spunky little “Marcos BMC” driven by Claude Ballot-Lena and Jean-Louis Marnat, competing against the might of Porsche, Ford and Ferrari, finished in 15th place and was the only British car to qualify as a finisher. In fact, it only just made the qualifying distance despite Jem Marsh’s orders to the team to go slower! The car was subsequently stolen after the race and has not been heard of since, though rumours of its whereabouts surface from time to time. Jem Marsh returned to Le Mans the following year with a more streamlined car and was clocked at 146 mph on the Mulsanne straight, confirming Dizzie’s theory that the car would be only good for 148 mph. Unfortunately, an oil pump failure forced the car to retire early in the race. Track racing would not be the only place Marcos would hope to prove the worth of the little chopped Mini. Steve Roberts would set four British land speed class records, (flying mile, half mile, kilometre and 500m) for cars up to 1,600 cc, which remain to this day, at the wheel of a Marcos Mini. And the Marcos isn’t done yet, as many of these cars are still The Marcos, while having the same dimensions, was not a complete copy of the DART.
Midas was one of several companies that built copies of the DART, even gathering the backing of a young Gordon Murray. Rods & Classics RPM Apr / May 2012 55
CLASSIC CORNER
Custom classic caught my eye Deluxe sedan sets heart racing By Nigel Matthews uring the summer of 2011, during a judging assignment at the Glenmoor Gathering in Canton, Ohio, I came across a classic car auction with affordable entry-level cars for those of us with shorter In the late-’80s, it was donated to the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum in Cleveland. A local collector recently purchased it during a large sell-off pockets compared to the deep-pocketed purchasers in Scottsdale. of the museum’s inventory. One vehicle that caught my eye was the pictured 1955 Willys Custom Deluxe Sedan (the correct pronunciation of Willys is “Will-is;” unfortunately, it is I would have purchased this vehicle in a heartbeat - so that I could show up at a car show with the only one in B.C. - if only the auction was taking universally incorrectly pronounced “Will-eez”). place in Seattle and not Ohio. I watched eagerly as the bidding reached The brand name dates back to Willys-Overland Motors, an American automo- $9,100. I thought to myself someone had just made a very good buy, bile company. Most of us immediately associate the name to its well known until the auctioneer announced that it had not reached its reserve and military MB Jeeps and the CJ civilian versions built during the 20th century. was a no-sale.
D
The year 1955 was the final year of production for the Willys Aero cars. Upon further investigation I found the very same car for sale in HemThis four-door sedan was a spinoff of the two-door sports Bermuda hardtop mings magazine for $16,995. Perhaps it was a little optimistic of me to think that one could purchase one of the 2,165 Willys Custom Sedans model range. ever built for less than $10,000. Stranger things have happened, though, This particular Custom Sedan has a mere 25,085 original miles and is in at auctions! exceedingly good original condition; it still has the optional seat covers protecting the original fabric beneath. It spent a number of years in Florida, as Check out www.classicmotorcaructions.com for more on the Glenmoor Gathering. noted by the 1987 windshield safety sticker.
Steve McQueen’s ‘little Ferrari’ a Siata in disguise By Nigel Matthews he company name SocIata Auto Transformazioni Accessori transT lated into English means Italian Car Transformation Accessories Company.
coupe fitted with a 22-horsepower 500cc Fiat engine, or if you wanted an additional three horsepower you could order a 750cc model.
Amica production ceased in 1952 when Siata introduced the 300BC Barchetta Sport Spider designed by Mario Revelli de Beaumont and built by Nuccio Bertone and Rocco Motto. Approximately 40 were built, It all began when Italian amateur race car driver Giorgio Ambrosini fitted with either a 750cc Fiat or 1,100cc Crosley engine. started to manufacture engine tuning parts and accessories for Fiat In 1953, Siata took quite a radical step and went from using small enmotor cars. gines to using Fiat’s magnificent 2.0-litre V8 engine, building a total of After the Second World War, he branched out and began building his 35 coupes and convertibles up until 1955. These cars were certainly own sports cars, which also used the Siata brand name. The first model not cheap, retailing in the States for $5,300. was the 1948 Siata Amica, available as a two-seater convertible or A greater interest in the Siata brand occurred when actor and up-andcoming race car driver Steve McQueen ordered one from the Los Angeles dealer. The story goes that McQueen replaced the Siata emblems with those from a Ferrari and called it his “Little Ferrari.” The example pictured here is one of only 11 coupes built by the coachbuilder Balbo. It was imported to New York in 1954 and raced by its three previous owners in Sports Car Club of America events until 1959. A newly formed company called ORSA (Officina Realizzazioni Sarde Automobili) tried to revive Siata, building an 850cc special, but sales of sport cars in Italy suffered as a result of the 1973 oil crisis, causing ORSA to close in 1975.
Nigel Matthews is the sales and marketing executive for Hagerty Canada. He can be contacted via email at nmatthews@hagerty.com 56 Rods & Classics RPM Apr / May 2012
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner from Red Line The new SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner from Red Line contains the most powerful high temperature detergent available to clean fuel injectors, carburetors, and intake valves to like-new efficiency. Fouled injector tips can result in poor fuel spray patterns which cause incomplete combustion which results in poorer performance and fuel economy. Use of the SI-1 cleaner can restore both engine performance and fuel economy by effectively cleaning up deposits that form on the fuel injectors. Also, it cleans intake valves, emission controls, intake systems and prevents rust.
and has a thicker casting with a wider friction surface area that will allow for a higher heat capacity as well as prolonging the life of the clutch. The disc included in the kit features organic friction materials able to withstand increased heat and abuse. For more information please go to www.advancedclutch.com
New TD Series amplifiers from MTX Audio
For more information please go to www.redlineoil.com
Clutch Kits for 1999-2001 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 from ACT Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has just released performance clutch kits for 1999-2001 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera 4. The kits include a heavy-duty pressure plate, a choice of disc, release bearing, pilot bearing and an alignment tool. The pressure plate has a precision-stamped cover for maximum consistency and rigidity,
MTX Audio is now shipping its new TD Series of small chassis amplifiers that originally debuted at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show. The super small, yet high-powered, amps are perfect for people who own smaller vehicles and don’t want to use up their already limited space. The amplifiers are available in two-size mono blocks and a single four-channel. They feature surface mount design that resists vibration and an extruded aluminum heat sink that dissipates heat effectively. For more information please go to www.mtx.com
Vortech Supercharger System for 2010-2011 Camaro SS
Vortech has released supercharger systems for the 2010-2011 Chevy Camaro SS that come available as either a complete, fully calibrated bolt-on, or as a tuner kit for custom installations. The system, which is a V-3 SI-Trim self-lubricating supercharger, can add 47 percent more horsepower than stock, which brings it up to 625 hp with 6.5-7.5 PSI at the stock redline. It features a billet aluminum twin-plate supercharger mounting bracket, a ten-rib supercharger drive with automatic belt tensioner, and high-flow replacement fuel injectors. For more information please go to www.vortechsuperchargers.com
58 RPM Apr / May 2012
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE Auto AirTamer Air Purifier
achieve the ultimate tailored appearance, and come in vehicle-specific kits to ensure the best possible fit. The skins come available in a variety of different colours, as well as different materials such as Diamond Back Black, Cobra Black Heavy Duty, Dragon Skin, Kevlar, Nomex, Carbon Fibre, and 665 Hose Skin.
With the Auto AirTamer air purifier, drivers will be able to breathe cleaner, healthier air while driving. When plugged into any 12volt power socket in your vehicle, the Air- For more information please go to Tamer uses advanced www.hosecandy.com electrostatic purification technology to create cleaner air by producing healthy negative ions that will force airborne pollutants away from your breathing space. It works in total silence, and doesn’t use filters. The AirTamer comes with an attachment for MBRP is pleased to announce the release of its Long Tube Headers a vehicle’s air vent to utilize the fan’s power, increasing the cleaning for 2011-and-up Ford Mustang 5.0L. Once installed, the headers will give the vehicle rich exhaust tones as well as big power gains performance. as compared to stock. The headers are also a good idea to support additional add-ons such as nitrous, For more information please go to www.airtamer.com superchargers, or aftermarket camshafts. They feature 1.875-inch primary tubing, 3-inch merge-style spike collectors, 3/8-inch laser-cut head flanges, and include all of the necessary mounting hardware. New from Hose Candy by Oomph! Labs are a new line of Hose Skins that can provide custom styling and enhanced performance. The For more information please go to Hose Skins are designed to slide easily over stock or custom hoses to www.mbrpautomotive.com
MBRP Long Tube Headers for 2011-12 Mustang GT 5.0L
Hose Candy Introduces Hose Skins
RPM Apr / May 2012 59
with Custom Car Builder Troy Ladd Presented by your local GRiP Tire Store Visit them on the web at : www.griptire.ca
Story and photos by Jordan Allan ne day, Troy Ladd decided he wasn’t made out to be a corporate O suit-and-tie guy, so he quit his job and used his life savings to open a custom car shop named Hollywood Hot Rods, and seven years later he was named “Builder of the Year” at the 2010 Grand National Roadster Show. But before that, Troy had to sleep on his shop floor at night and live on just one McDonald’s meal a day, just to survive. To go from that to win such a prestigious award, with a Goodguys ‘Trendsetter of the Year’ at the 2007 SEMA Show and two ‘America’s Most Beautiful Roadster’ runner-up cars in between, is an incredible feat. We had a chance to sit and chat with Troy recently at the World of Wheels show in Abbotsford, B.C. RPM: So, how and when did you get started with Hollywood Hot Rods? Troy Ladd: Hollywood Hot Rods was created in 2002. I thought of it, created it, developed the marketing, and developed the business so I could start as a legitimate business with branding, marketing and a name. That allowed us to open on a larger image scale as opposed to doing it the way most do. building cars in their garages 60 RPM Apr / May 2012
and building up from there. We did it backwards by starting with the business before actually building cars. RPM: What made you want to build cars for a living? TL: It’s a sickness, an obsession you can’t shake if you’ve got it. I was given a 1966 Mustang and didn’t have any money to fix it up. So if you don’t have any money and it breaks down, what are you going to do? You’ve got to learn. So once I learned how to work on cars, I got into racing and became obsessed with saving every penny to work on the car on the weekends. I would then go race or cruise when I could, which developed into a sickness. RPM: There are a ton of shops out there. What separates what you do from everybody else? TL: Any shop can bolt together or paint a shiny car, but very few have developed an artistic style that is specific to that shop. We have been able to develop that. We have a traditional style with modern functions. ‘Vintage form with modern function’ is one of our mottos. I’ve been able to develop the artistic end of it to the point where we’re more known for our art rather than putting shiny parts together.
Mustang Fastback. Another that my fiancé and I had always wanted to do and finally got the chance was her 1963 Comet Convertible. It’s a rare but unusual car and she always wanted to do something extravagant and really build a show stopper. So getting to do that and having it on display at last year’s SEMA show was a pretty big accomplishment. RPM: Any big, upcoming projects that you are, or will be, working on? TL: We have about a dozen projects in the works right now. A couple of neat ones we will be working on is a 1935 Packard concept vehicle, which is a ‘40s era elegant car that is going to be still kind of a hot rod. It’s a complete design out of our own heads that we have been working on for years. Also, we’re doing this really cool ’40 Ford that the owner plans to show for a year and then road race it. He also plans to take it on an autocross which is different for a 1940 because it’s a big, round car. RPM: For cars that require audio, do you try and keep it stock or use the latest and greatest technologies? TL: Our upholsterer that we use exclusively works with a stereo shop. They work together on the stereo and upholstery and can do some pretty cool things. They can hide amps, sub–woofer boxes, speakers and ports which I like better than when those things are too RPM: We had heard that you like to use some European overwhelming. Those guys find ways to keep it classy. parts on some of your builds. RPM: To finish up a little off-topic, if we turned on your TL: Yes and no. Probably more of a European style. Lately, with our car, what music would be playing? traditional hot rods, there are a lot of European-influenced pieces that we can use, from board-track cars to early sports cars, there is some TL: I would have the Circle Jerks, Sex Pistols, Dead Kennedys, The really cool stuff we use in some of our hot rods to mix European and Cramps, Stevie Ray Vaughn. Also a lot of early jump blues and some American styling. For example, we just did a roadster that had a lot outlaw country. So a mix of rock, country, and early jump blues. of European influence, such as a wooden deck which is rare in North America, but common in Europe. RPM: What are some of the things that make one project more difficult than another? TL: It depends on what we’re allowed to do. We’re only allowed to do as much as a customer is willing to pay. I have all of these extravagant ideas in my head that I would love to do, but I need to work with somebody in order to bring it to fruition. So finding customers that share a like-minded direction with us makes a job easier, but in saying that, every car has its unique challenges. RPM: Is there a car that you have yet to build that you would like to, on a personal level? TL: I think I would like to do a Mustang for myself because that was my first car and I’ve always wanted to design a wild 1965 or 66
WE`VE GOT TRACTION
griptire.ca RPM Apr / May 2012 61
Presented by:
Parting Shots is where we share those photos that defy classification. If you’ve seen something fourwheeled (or otherwise) that you would like to share, please send it to partingshots@rpmcanada.ca
She warned him to slow down going over that speed bump!
Wonder if the alarm still works. R. Brosseau
Who needs a tow truck when you can do this?
62 RPM Apr / May 2012
Real gold at the end of a rainbow.
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