CONTENTS
60th Anniversary
The Corvette celebrates its 60th Anniversary...pg 12
ALSO INSIDE:
Golf R
Performance
Rhys Millen Motorsports creates an all-new class for Rallycross...pg 43
VW’s AWD Warrior...pg 18
Tire Guide
2012 RPM Winter Tire Guide ...pg 30
Import Fest 2012
Plugged in
.We take a look at some of your options for remote starters...pg 41
Our coverage of the 2012 Import Fest Show ...pg 36
Pininfarina
We look back at the life of Sergio Pininfarina...pg 49 Starting Lines--------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Road Test: Jaguar XF-R -------------------------------------------------- 20 Michelin Xi3 Tire Launch------------------------------------------------- 22 Road Test: Honda Civic Coupe Si -------------------------------------- 25 Road Test: Kia Soul ------------------------------------------------------- 26 RPM Test Fleet------------------------------------------------------------- 28 The Truck Guy ------------------------------------------------------------- 35 Classic Corner------------------------------------------------------------- 51 New Product Showcase-------------------------------------------------- 52 Parting Shots -------------------------------------------------------------- 54
1940 Ford Convertible Jim Lyons’ 1940 Ford Convertible Wescott..pg 46
RPM Oct / Nov 2012
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Toyota Builds 200-Millionth Vehicle Volume 14, Issue No. 5 October/November 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 Arch Linsao Dave MacKinnon Nigel Matthews Russell Purcell Budd Stanley
In its 77-year history, Toyota has been a force when it comes to building mass-market automobiles. The pumping out of massive numbers of affordable cars has seen the Japanese juggernaut produce its 200-millionth vehicle since production began way back in 1937. The first official Toyota was a Model G1 truck produced in August 1935 by Toyota Automatic Loom Works Ltd.’s automotive department, which was spun off and later became TMC. Developed by company founder, Kiichiro Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corp. would start building cars full time in 1937. Since that time, cumulative production in Japan totals 145.21 million vehicles and overseas production totals 55.12 million vehicles and growing rapidly. Congratulations Toyota; we’re certain there will be many large milestones to come. Jaguar to Offer AWD Jaguar has announced that it is introducing All-Wheel Drive to the 2013 Model Year XF and XJ ranges. The AWD models will be powered exclusively by Jaguar’s new 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged engine in 335-horsepower form, driving through an eight-speed automatic transmission and featuring Stop/Start technology. The system operates ‘intelligently,’ continuously monitoring grip levels and driver inputs to both pre-empt and react to wheel-slip, enabling maximum traction in all conditions. Feed-forward torque distribution allows the system to actively anticipate wheel slippage and prevent it occurring, therefore providing greater driver confidence and vehicle stability in low-grip scenarios. Torque split can be up to 50:50, but is initially directed to the rear, keeping true to Jaguar’s RWD driving dynamics. The AWD models will be available in selected markets including North America.
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RPM Oct / Nov 2012
STARTING LINES Middle East Building Its Own Supercar In the world of supercars, there is no other place on Earth that purchases more of these fabled machines than the Middle East. Masses of Koenigseggs, Paganis, Ferraris and Lamborghinis make their
way to deserts of the U.A.E, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Well, the Middle Easterners are getting tired of importing all their valuables and have taken to building their own. W Motors, a Lebanon-based upstart, is set to produce its own line of supercars. The brainchild of Ralph R Debbas, W Motors was unveiled back in July along with a concept design in Beirut, and has allied itself to major partners Magna Steyr Torino and RUF Automobile Germany. The first model, the Hyper-sport, will be limited to five cars worldwide and is labeled as the most exclusive high-performance car ever made. With signature diamond-encrusted LED lights, it is also the most luxurious sports car in the world. In addition, the W Hyper-sport will be the first and only car to ever integrate a fully functional holographic display with interactive motion. It sure looks cool, but diamondencrusted LEDs…really? Saab Reincarnated Oh, the Saab story continues. The buyer of bankrupt Saab, National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB (NEVS) owned by a Chinese Holdings firm, completed the deal to acquire most of Saab’s assets, except the company’s distinctive Griffon logo. The whole affair is complex, to say the least, with Scania Trucks and Saab Aerospace and Defense giving rights to the name but not the logo, while GM was blocking all potential Chinese buyers as it tries to salvage current technology and prevent competition for its Chinese partners SAIC. Meanwhile, Spyker, which bought Saab from GM, is suing the General for $3million citing the company intended to kill off Saab and sold them nothing more than a corpse. NEVS
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plans to utilize the 9-3 platform to build Electric Vehicles for the Chinese market with ever-increasing State incentives. It’s a sad and unfortunate ending to the drama that will likely leave the funky little Swedish car builder totally unrecognizable, and void of Canadian showrooms. I recommend finding a good example of a 99 or 900 Turbo and restoring what is left of a once great brand. Is Lotus Going to Build Infiniti and Renault Halo Cars? If you read the last issue of RPM Magazine, you’d have seen an introduction to Infiniti’s and Renault’s new mid-engine exotic concepts. Well, now reports are starting to surface that not only may these two halo cars get built for the general public, but Lotus may have a hand in bringing these two stunners to reality. As Lotus is no stranger to building iconic mid-engine exotics and already had
a hand in producing the Emerg-E Concept with Evora componentry, it only makes sense that it continues to be sourced to produce production versions. As Renault is in the same corporate group as Infiniti, it also makes good business sense to base both vehicles off the same platform. With Lotus working hard to produce its rangeextended 414E Evora platform, this news could definitely help all three cars become a reality in a world full of halo vehicles. Special Rolls Phantom Takes Flight Inspired by Charles Stewart Rolls and the legend of the Schneider Trophy-winning Supermarine S6B (powered by a Rolls-Royce R Type engine), Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is rolling out a limited-edition Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection. Rolls-Royce says that the collection celebrates the spirit of human endeavour that drove a British hero and subsequently led Rolls-Royce to simultaneous world speed records on land, air and in the water. This run of 35 cars celebrates the victorious S6B aircraft with a transmission tunnel in anodized aluminum with exposed torx fixings and swage lines that echo the oil cooling veins on the S6B fuselage side, while the rest of the interior interplays with wood and metal to hint strongly at a cockpit theme. The exterior continues the aviation play finished in Aviator Grey, with contrasting matte bonnet, window and grille surround. Of course, the car has many more fine details than we can describe here, and is best seen at a concours if possible. Fiat 500 Gets New Flavour Fiat introduced the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo, touting a 135-horsepower 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, trackproven brakes, dynamic exterior design and sport-styled interior. The new Fiat 500 Turbo answers the call for enthusiasts who are drawn to the Italian style of the Fiat 500 but want more power and performance for their daily drive. To back up performance claims, drifter Samuel Hubinette and Jen Horsey finished the Targa Newfoundland in second position in the competitive Open class, picking up two
RPM Oct / Nov 2012
STARTING LINES BMW Supplies London Olympics with 200, or 201, EVs If you didn’t notice, BMW was the Official Automotive Partner to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, keeping everything moving with a range of fully electric vehicles as part of the fleet. The 160 BMW ActiveE models and 40 MINI E’s were used for many duties including shuttling athletes and officials within the Olympic Park and surrounding Games sites. They also helped support elements of the Olympic Torch Relay convoy on its journey around the UK and did so similarly for the Paralympic Torch Relay. But the star of the show was the Mini MINI, a specially developed and designed radio controlled electric car used on the field of play in the Olympic Stadium to ferry javelins, discuses, hammers and shots back from the field to the throwing area, saving valuable time during competition. Three Mini MINIs were deployed, roughly a quarter scale of
additional awards in the effort. The 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo arrives to Fiat Studios this fall with an MSRP of $19,500. SRT Unveils Viper GTS at Concours The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was the place to be as Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand marked its first official appearance at the renowned automotive event with the unveiling of the new, limited-edition 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition model. The GTS Launch Edition evokes memories of past Viper Coupes with symbolic GTS Blue paint and dual Bright White stripes – exclusive to Launch Edition models. Along with the paint scheme, the Launch Edition will feature a serialized dash plaque, and black Laguna leather with contrast stitching throughout, covering the seats, door trim, instrument panel, steering wheel, grab handle, shift knob and centre console. Alcantara covers the headliner and white bezels are finished in Satin Silver. Of course, it will have the standard the full-sized car and carrying athletic equipment situated inside, all-aluminum, mid front-mounted, 8.4-litre V10 powerplant delivering accessible through the adapted sunroof. A great little PR stunt that 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. made officials’ lives a little easier.
10 RPM Oct / Nov 2012
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THE ORIGINAL stRoNgeR > tougheR > moRe DuRAble
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Still sexy at 60
Story and images by Russell Purcell
S
ixty years is quite the milestone for any product, let alone an automobile, but the Chevrolet Corvette still soldiers on as America’s favourite sports car. To mark the occasion, the product planners at General Motors have once again decided to offer an anniversary edition of the venerable Corvette. Why the name? Under the car’s carbon-fibre hood resides a truly awe-inspiring powerplant - the Chevrolet LS7 V8. This imposing engine is 7.0-litres (427 cu.in.) in displacement and represents the most powerful small-block ever built by Chevrolet. It features large-displacement cylinders and a host of lightweight components to help it achieve optimal horsepower and torque in a compact package. It is not, however, unique to this car. Under the bright red engine covers, you will find that this is the same hand-built engine used in the Corvette Z06, and it produces 505 hp and 470 pound feet of torque, if not more. The Corvette 427 also gets its six-speed manual gearbox from the Z06 parts bin, but this is a good thing, as it is a durable and very well-sorted design. Other shared equipment includes the beefy rear axle, some of the carbon fibre body panels (includes the hood, fenders, and floor panels), and of course, the seemingly magical Magnetic Ride Control Suspension. 12 At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012
It would be a slight to the nostalgic Corvette 427 nameplate should you surmise that it is just a Z06 with the roof lopped off. The 427 will remain distinct from its stable mates, as Chevrolet has never offered a Z06 in convertible form, and as this car represents the final variant of the sixth generation (C6) of the Corvette, it is destined to remain a special car that will be produced in very limited numbers. The Corvette 427 60th Anniversary car is only available in Arctic white, but it also features twin silver tape stripes that run the length of the vehicle. In fact, the stripe effect even carries through the blue canvas used to create the car’s tidy convertible top. The car will feature a full complement of 60th anniversary badges including one centrally located between the taillights, on the front fenders, and of course, on the hood . The majority of the car’s styling elements are also derived from the Corvette Z06 coupe, including the air intakes for brake cooling and the more aggressive bodywork. Lifting the forward swinging hood
14 At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012
reveals its underside which features unpainted carbon fibre. Use of the space-age material reminds us of the special care taken to reduce this car’s weight, increase the overall strength of its body, and help deliver a high-performance driving experience. I have to admit that I finally succumbed to the visual appeal and impressive performance of the Corvette with the arrival of the C6 in 2005. The car was lean, mean and very modern looking, at least on the outside. Whenever the cars were compared to rival offerings, the Corvette models seemed to fall short when discussion turned to the design of the car’s interior. Constant refinement has led to improvements in fit-and-finish and the use of higher quality materials, but I still find the switchgear to be rather chunky and the overall effect is a disjointed hodgepodge of shapes and textures. The twin bucket seats in my test vehicle were swathed in tight-fitting leather hides dyed a subtle bluish gray. They were very firm and supportive and proved comfortable enough for long-range touring. The top of the dashboard, the centre and outboard arm-
rests, and some of the door panels also featured this attractive cockpit space. Visibility is also an issue for taller folk when the leather treatment. roof is in place, as I found myself having to lean forward to duck down so that I could see traffic lights and signage at intersections. The three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara suede Visibility with the top up is also hindered by wide rear pillars, but which made it easy to grip when I got down to business on the this just gives you a valid excuse to drop the top and take the long twisty bits of road that populated my test route during my journey. route to wherever you are going. Suede boot covers were fitted to the short-throw shift lever and the emergency brake handle, which added a touch of class to the The 427 features a soft canvas top that is affixed to the top of environment. the windshield frame via a simple, manually-operated twist lever. Once the locking device is free of the windshield, the top is able An abundance of logos can be found in the passenger cabin. to quickly, and relatively quietly, retract at the touch of a button. The bodywork that flows between the two seats features the 60th When stowed away, the top is safely tucked beneath an integrated hard tonneau cover which gives the car a very clean and uncluttered look. It also helps protect the canvas material from damage caused by wind turbulence, intense exposure to the sun, dirt and unnecessary wear-and-tear. With the top in place, the passenger compartment proved exceptionally well-protected from wind and road noise, as well as from the elements. However, there is no way this simple canvas structure would be able to isolate the driver and passenger from the tremendous noise generated by the car’s enormous engine and raucous exhaust. And this is a good thing. The rumble associated with the operation of this car reminded me of the times I have been lucky enough to stand trackside as a racing photographer at American Le Mans series events, separated from the factory Pratt & Miller Corvette race machines by a narrow crash barrier. The rumble of these V8-powered monsters would give me goose anniversary badge, as does the steering wheel and both head re- bumps and made the hair on my arms and neck stand at attention. straints. Not to be forgotten, the 427 logo is displayed just forward The thunderous roar of the 427 Corvette had a similar effect on my of the windshield, mounted along both sides of the hood’s central follicles as its mechanical melody bounced off the rock walls and plateau, as well as embroidered on the black floor mats. My car also featured a Bose-engineered sound system which I am sure sounded fabulous, but there is no way it was going to compete for my attention with the playlist created by the LS7 and a high-performance exhaust system. Navigation and the latest generation of Chevrolet’s heads-up display topped the car’s list of electronic goodies. I stand 6’2” tall and am a large-framed individual, so it would be safe to say that I am at the outer limits with regards to finding a comfortable driving position in this car. The truth of the matter is that due to its two-passenger layout, there is very little rearward travel for the seats, so individuals with longer legs may have to adapt their seating position to accommodate the car’s limited At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012 15
of 300 kilometres per hour. The car is only available fitted with a sixspeed manual transmission, but oh what a transmission it is! It features short throws and with each selection, the driver is rewarded with the positive feedback of a metallic “clink” as the lever strikes each stop in the gate. I knew going into my test of this car that it would deliver an incredibly visceral driving experience as the potent Z06 provides the mechanical foundation for this car, but I didn’t expect the 427 to be so stable and rattle-free. Remember, this is a convertible, so a little chassis flex or body wobble is expected, especially in a mega-motored car wrapped in lightweight bodywork. It is obvious that the engineering and design teams did their homework long tunnels of the Fraser Canyon while I explored the exhilarat- when it came time to beef up the frame for this application, ing performance potential of this stunning car during a 1,200-km and the steering is as precise and razor-sharp as that of any late-summer road adventure. car I have ever tested. In fact, I so thoroughly enjoyed my time behind the wheel of this car that it proved to be the highlight I must admit that I spent the majority of my time with the car operat- of my motoring year. ing with the top down, as my brief fling with it coincided with a period of glorious weather here in British Columbia. In fact, it was so warm The enormous Michelin tires do an excellent job of gripping the that I was able to drive late into the night and even at relatively high tarmac, but I would suggest you select to travel in the passing elevations due to the near-perfect climatic conditions, and the fact lane rather than the travel lane due to the fact that the combinathat the car’s heating and ventilation system, seat warmers, and tion of the car’s wide track and extra-wide tires seem to lead the cockpit design provide occupants with a very comfortable space car to get trapped in the deep grooves left behind in the road within which they are free to enjoy the many sights and sounds surface by years of heavy truck traffic. that come with riding in an open top automobile. Corvette fanatics will be pleased by the arrival of the 427 as they The 427 has been engineered to increase the level of excitement (the will now have the opportunity to purchase what is basically the fun factor) experienced by the driver by immersing him or her in an Z06 in convertible form. However, those looking to put one in environment that has been designed to bombard the senses with an their garage will have to act quickly as this car is going to be a onslaught of sights, sounds, and gravitational forces. The final prod- limited-production vehicle due to the fact that it is an anniversary uct represents one of the most capable sports machines on the road special and that the C7 is set to arrive for model year 2014. today. As a result, it is important that the driver give the car all of his or her attention.
SPECIFICATIONS
The prodigious power and brutal acceleration of the 427 could put inexperienced drivers in highly dangerous or uncomfortable situations in short order. Overaggressive launches may cause the rear tires to break free and produce a contrail of expensive rubber smoke that would be the envy of many NHRA racers. This car also gathers speed so quickly that before you know it you are exceeding the posted limit and need to rein in the ponies before you either run out of road, or lose your license. The 427 comes equipped with Chevrolet’s innovative Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension which allows the driver to adjust the suspension dampening with the simple twist of a console-mounted dial. The MRC system is able to change the viscosity of the damping fluid to best suit the driver’s needs whether the plan is to cruise in comfort or carve perfect apexes on a secluded mountain road. The transition is immediate and apparent, unlike the traditional systems used by other makers. The car also features one of the most advanced traction control systems to ever be offered on a consumer-based, road going vehicle. This system will do its best to help the driver keep the car planted to the road. It even features a track-ready competition mode that will allow you to better hone your driving skills should you wish to enroll in a performance driving school or attend a lapping day at your local track. The Corvette 427 has the legs to sprint from 0-to-100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds and is said to have a terminal speed just north 16 At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012
Base price (MSRP):............................................................................ $114,190 Type: ........................................................................... 2-passenger convertible Layout: ..................................................................................front engine/RWD Engine:.................................................................................................. 7.0L V8 Power: . .............................................................................505 hp @ 6,300 rpm Torque (lb-ft): . .......................................................................470 @ 4,800 rpm Transmission: . ......................................................................... 6-speed manual Brakes (Front/rear): ............................................................................. disc/disc Weight: . ..............................................................................1,522 kg (3,355 lb) Fuel economy (L/100km): . ................City - 14.3 (20 mpg); Hwy - 8.3 (34 mpg)
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ROAD TEST - VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R
VW’s AWD Warrior
It’s fast, but does the R stand for “Racing” or “Refinement”? Review by Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of VW Canada
very refined and offers excellent grip. With the aid of the AWD system, the car is better balanced and carves through corners more confidently than the GTI, but the tires lost feel when they got hot and the car itself just didn’t communicate well with the driver. This leads to my first real issue with the car and that is that it just isn’t as engaging as I wanted; it’s too business-like and not enough fun, much like a BMW M3. Blindingly fast, but just not as fun as I’d like.
Racing and refinement are at two very opposite sides of the scale when it comes to automotive appointments. Race-inspired cars are usually sparse of features, use lightweight materials and have uncomfortable rides in the name of better performance. Refined cars tend to be softer and treat the occupants to the latest in techno wizardry, while bathing them with high-quality materials. And so we come to the Volkswagen Golf R, a GTI that sports AWD and Ergonomics also seemed to suffer, as I could not find a seating 56 extra ponies galloping away under the hood, not to mention a position I liked, rare for a VW, although the seats hold you beautifully. The pedal travel is far too long and gives no feel of actuation; menacing new look. likewise with the steering, the car just doesn’t communicate as The 2.0-litre turbo four found in the GTI and GLI gets a jump in well with the driver as I had hoped. However, the Golf has good horsepower from 200 to 256, which equates to great acceleration, initial build quality as usual, as all the buttons and controls and the but the torquey low-end nature of the engine still doesn’t feel as interior materials are solid and have a good touch and feel. alive as I would have liked. Also like the GTI, the ride quality is The Golf R’s infotainment connectivity system is the very best I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with. The system is uncomplicated and simple to use with steering wheel controls, but the voice control is frustrating and only works minimal controls. Consumption of 10.1L/100km combined, while having a lot of fun with this car, is pretty good for this big-time performer, but the Golf’s drivetrain and weight diminishes what could have been better numbers. $39K for a stunning-looking Golf with massive brakes, all the major features of a luxury car and a 250-hp AWD drivetrain is a pretty good deal, sitting nicely between Subaru’s WRX and STi with suitable performance. It’s a fantastic car; VW has added more refinement with the AWD system, which does make it the best daily driver in the class, but 18 At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012
ROAD TEST - VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R has nowhere near the nimbleness of the Mini JCW, or the power of the Mazdaspeed3, both of which are nearly $10,000 cheaper. If “R” stands for “Racing,” I expected something more raw, louder, more obnoxious, something designed with top levels of performance taking precedence over all else. However, the R is really a GTI that has been improved in every way, not just performance-wise, and should really be called the GTI S, leaving the R for something that is a little more extreme. So, in my opinion, the R stands for “Refinement,” as this is one magnificently well-equipped performer.
SPECIFICATIONS MSRP:.................................................................................................. $39,675 Layout:................................................................................ Front Engine, AWD Engine:......................................................................... 2.0L turbo four-cylinder Power:..................................................................................... 256 hp, 243 lb-ft Transmission:........................................................................... 6-Speed Manual Curb weight: . ...................................................................................... 1,508 kg Fuel Efficiency (city, hwy, com.): ............................. 10.9L/100km, 7.5L/100km
At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012 19
ROAD TEST - JAGUAR XFR apportions the power supplied to each wheel to optimize traction. And the electronic suspension system dubbed Active Dynamics by Jaguar will keep things in line when safety takes precedence over all else, and yields full composure in aggressive driving. The driver-selectable Sport Mode ups the dynamism quotient. The major mechanical systems are, as expected, tuned and upgraded. The steering ratio is quicker and the turn-in instant. The suspension is firmer, to the point where “quiet ride” is a secondary consideration. The brakes include large cross-drilled rotors. And the wheels (perhaps the best-looking in the class) are enlarged to 20 inches with suitable performance tires.
The British Approach Story and photos by Gerry Frechette
W
ith all the attention given to the performance versions of the luxury sedans from the “big three” German manufacturers, it is easy to forget that there are other such cars with similar capabilities and pedigree that shouldn’t be overlooked. At the top of that list is the Jaguar XFR.
So, the XFR has the performance, but what about the kind of looks that will turn heads? To the already good-looking XF is added the kind of bodywork that not only does that, but contributes to its performance capabilities. Most evident are the flared side sills, functional hood vents, aggressively-styled front fascia with large air intakes and a wire mesh grille, quad exhaust pipes, and a small rear spoiler, no doubt only just big enough for the downforce needed. Inside, in the British tradition of understatement, the XFR does not overwhelm with additional trimwork. The exclusive sport seats are upholstered in soft-grain leather, heated and cooled, and adjustable in 18 different ways (14 for the passenger) including side bolsters. The soft leather and slightly-contrasting stitching is continued on the top of the instrument panel and door trim.
There are a few different trim combinations available, and our tester had the dark mesh-aluminum “technical” look on the dashboard. It was all a bit monochromatic, quite a bit like its Teutonic rivals. But the details, like the rotary shift dial, and the touch screen functions, are unique and take some getting used to. There are a few options Like those other manufacturers, Jaguar has taken its otherwise virtu- “packages” available, including the Black Pack which includes black ous XF luxury sedan and added to it a full measure of performance wheels for the growing number who just must have them, but beware and exclusivity enhancements, making it an executive roadburner the Rubber Floor Mats, which will run you an outrageous $455.00! of the first order. Also unique to the XF-R is a Bowers and Wilkins surround sound Of course, the first bit of business was upping the power available, audio system with a mere 1,200 watts of power. We must say that and the relatively simple approach was taken – force feeding the XF’s this set-up is quite incredible, and we wouldn’t expect to see too many 5.0-litre DOHC V8 with a supercharger. As expected, this has the XFRs down at the local car audio shop for an upgrade! desired effect of increasing horsepower (from 385 to 510) but also, more importantly, torque, as the mid-range acceleration, anywhere from, say, 2,500 to 5,500 rpm where maximum torque of 461 lb-ft is but a twitchy right foot away, is quite staggering for a large sedan. Jaguar claims 0-to-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and we believe it. It’s all very understated, though - the velvet hammer approach, if you will. This power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission that can be manually controlled via paddle shifters. Like the base XF, there is no gear lever, but a rotary knob that rises out of the console. It’s something different that Jaguar does, and we don’t have much of an opinion of it, for or against. It works fine and differentiates the car a bit from all its rivals. The power continues rearward (and not to the front wheels) through an Active Differential system that detects any wheel slippage and 20 At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012
ROAD TEST - JAGUAR XFR quite enough performance with more quiet luxury, and they should think about that before opting for the XFR. But for those who appreciate the British approach to luxury with performance, and the tradition and racing heritage of Jaguar, the XFR is really the only choice in the segment, especially when you compare prices.
Technology items include a touchscreen navigation system with 30 GB of music storage space, a blind-spot monitoring system, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity with wireless audio streaming, front and rear parking aid systems, and adaptive headlights with an intelligent high-beam system. Interior room in the XFR is quite adequate up front, and with the front seat nearly all the way back, it is still possible to “sit behind oneself,” although headroom is tight with both the sloped roofline and moonroof. Smaller people will have no problem back there. Driving the XFR, from city to highway to country road, is an experience somewhat different from the others in the class. It is immensely capable, of course, but in a more subtle way than the German tuner specials. It is more quiet and comfortable than a couple of them, and more of an everyday car that can be driven easily, without always saying to its driver, “floor it, let’s go.” For many, the basic XF will be
SPECIFICATIONS Vehicle type: . ........................................... Front-engine, RWD, four-door sedan MSRP: . ................................................................................................ $86,900 Engine: .................................................................5.0L DOHC Supercharged V8 Transmission: . .............................................................................6-speed auto Power: . .............................................................................510 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque: . ............................................................... 461 lb-ft @ 2,500-5,500 rpm Brakes: .......................................................................... 4 ventilated discs, ABS Weight: . .............................................................................................. 1,891 kg Fuel Consumption:............................. 14.1 L/100km city, 9.3 L/100km highway Warranty: ..................................................................... 48 months / 80,000 km
At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012 21
THE TIRE CZAR
Xi3 Raises The Bar Again Story by Morten LJ Koch
A
ll-weather tires seem to be all the rage right now. Although they meet the Rubber Association of Canada’s severe winter conditions rating signified by the snowflake inside of a mountain on the tire’s sidewall, this is only the minimum requirement to be considered a snow tire. I still believe that a true dedicated winter tire is required. Why, you ask, should I have two sets of tires when I can have one that does everything? If you are talking about a comparison between an inexpensive entry-level winter tire, then I would say yes to the all-weather as they perform on a similar level. However, if you are looking for a tire that performs the best in extreme winter conditions, then you want a true winter tire. What do I mean by ‘performs the best’? I mean, when you are in a vehicle loaded with family or travelling an icy highway late at night, you want to be able to stop as quickly as possible or swerve to avoid a person driving a vehicle without winter tires. Having the best means having a better chance at avoiding the very thing we wanted to avoid when we considered buying winter tires. The difference between horrified and relieved can be just a few metres and a true winter tire offers that over an all-weather tire. We all would like to buy something that does everything, but we know when we do so that it does everything well, but not the best. With the best winter tires in mind, I am on my way to the Laurentians in Quebec to test Michelin’s latest winter tire technology. Driving the 100 kilometres from Montreal to the Esterel Resort, you can quickly understand why Michelin chose this for their Xi3 launch. As darkness falls, the already icy roads turn to frozen rivers that only winter tire-equipped vehicles attempt. With winter tire legislation in the province of Quebec from December 15 to March 15, every vehicle is required to be equipped with tires that exhibit the severe winter designation. This means that I am in winter tire country. Perfect for demonstrating Michelin’s latest tire technology. 22 At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012
With the skies overcast and temperatures well below -10C, we arrive at the Mecaglisse complex to test Michelin’s new winter tires. What seems like an imperfect day is ideal for testing the capabilities of tires that were designed with just these winter extremes in mind. Clearly, I don’t belong here with my North Face Parka, snow pants and gloves on. However, this is where the Michelin winter tires demonstrate that this is what they live for. They are truly global tires that have been developed in the Michelin Winter R&D facilities of Russia, Japan, Scandinavia and Canada. These tires were built for days like today. Michelin continues to invest in R&D and strives to produce tires with the best longevity, fuel efficiency and safety. Even though the Xi2 is relatively new to the market, Michelin is introducing improved winters for the 2012/13 winter season. With the competitors continuing to develop improved winter product, Michelin introduces the Xi3, Pilot Alpin PA4 and Primacy Alpin PA4 to again take winter tire capability to a new level of performance and durability. It is amazing how the performance of winter
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THE TIRE CZAR tires has improved since Bridgestone launched the Blizzak ice tire in the early ‘90s. The Xi3 raises the level again. One of the biggest factors when considering a tire is how long it will last. Winter tires have used softer compounds that traditionally sacrifice treadwear, but offer improved traction in colder temperatures, ice and snow. With this softer compound, winter tires typically wear more quickly and lose traction as they get worn down. This is a big reason why people have started to consider all-weather tires. No changeover and longer lasting. With this in mind, Michelin has designed a tire that offers a 60,000-km treadwear warranty and improved ice and snow braking over its predecessor the Xi2. To achieve this, Michelin introduced several new technologies in the new Xi3. It has been designed with MaxTouch ConstructionTM featuring a unique contact patch that evenly distributes the forces of acceleration, braking and cornering, improved polymers that offer increased cold weather performance but also mileage, improved siping offering better stopping and cornering grip, and a teardrop and zigzag design increasing tread surface when the tire is distorted in cornering and braking. Michelin claims that the new Xi3 offers twice the mileage over the next leading competitor, in ice conditions 7-percent shorter stopping and 17-percent improvement in acceleration, and in snow 3-percent shorter stopping and 6-percent gain in acceleration. Basically, a tire that works better and lasts longer. With many parts of the country experiencing warmer than normal temperatures, it is difficult to imagine that winter is even coming. Believe it or not, before too long, the cold nights will be upon us and with that, the colder temperatures and slick conditions. If you are looking to outfit your vehicle for whatever winter brings to our Canadian roads, then add the new Michelin Xi3 to your list of candidates. Improved winter capability and the longest lasting winter tire available make it a leader among some great winter tire options. Whatever you choose, be sure to keep you vehicle safely on the road by investing in a good set of tires.
24 At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012
ROAD TEST - HONDA CIVIC COUPE SI torque that is important in an engine today, not high-end horsepower. The latest Si proves that, as it is equipped with Honda’s silky-smooth 2.4-litre four, which is a different animal. Horsepower is up a little, by four ponies to 201 – it had to be with 400 cc more displacement – but the torque is up some 22 percent to a more purposeful 170 lb-ft, and just as importantly, it peaks at 4,400 rpm, much lower than the previous 6,100. The difference in everyday driving is very noticeable. You still get decent revs – the redline is 7,000 rpm and the VTEC kicks in at 5,000 now – but there is way more power available in the mid-range, where city driving and highway passing is done. A big improvement. But the Si is way more than just an engine, as Honda has a performance heritage to live up to. The only transmission offered is a six-speed manual that has the sweetest snick-snick shift feel in the industry. You won’t need to shift nearly as much with the new engine, but you will anyway just to enjoy the shift linkage.
Setting The Standard
The power is directed to the front wheels via a helical limited-slip differential that keeps understeer to a minimum and traction to the max. Helping out as well are multi-link double-wishbone rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, four-wheel discs and 17inch alloy wheels with P215/45 all-season (unfortunately) tires. Indeed, this may be the best-handling front-wheel drive car you can buy, with next-to-no understeer. Turn the steering wheel, and the Si just plain heads in that direction, even on a test track at high speeds. A most impressive chassis.
Story by Gerry Frechette
Just one quibble. The Motion-Adaptive Electric Power-Assisted Rackand-Pinion Steering (yes, Honda calls it that; we’ll call it non-hydraulic) n the world of compact sport coupes, there has been one that has feels better at those higher speeds than it does in normal freeway driving. been around for a few decades, setting the standard for the genre, A bit disconnected on-centre for our liking. and giving many thousands of budget-conscious young enthusiasts a lot of practical fun. Inside, the performance continues with exemplary ergonomics and controls for the enthusiast, with smooth clutch take-up, throttle and brake That car is the Honda Civic Coupe Si, now in its ninth generation and still pedals well-located for heel-and-toeing, and well-bolstered seats. It’s a the one that all the other manufacturers shoot for, should they choose to small car, so you won’t want to be much over six-feet tall, and the splithave an entry in this class. Not all do, as the sports coupe segment has level instrument panel is, well, different. One might also quibble with the its ups and downs, but Honda has stayed the course with the Civic. quality and application of the plastics in the interior, as some of the trim is a bit....oh, okay, this is a $25,990 car, not a $50,000 one. But still.... The Si, of course, is the sportiest version, and has always been the beneficiary of the latest VTEC engine, most recently in twin-cam guise, So, how does the new Civic Si compare to its last generation? It all comes and you know what that means - lots of rpms. Trouble is, in real-world down to torque and everyday drivability, making the new model a big driving, to say nothing of fuel consumption and emissions and long-term improvement unless you are one of the rabid fans of near-infinite rpms reliability, high revs on a regular basis are probably not the best thing. in hyper sport compacts. It’ll still rev, and look and sound great doing it, but its sporty nature has not been diminished one bit with its new-found The last generation of the Si had a 2.0-litre engine with 197 horsepower maturity. It says here that the Si is much improved, all because of Honda’s – very nice – but only 139 pound-feet of torque. The VTEC kicked in at new approach to engine performance. 6,000 rpm, and the redline was 8,000, so to keep up with the torquier engines in similar cars, this one had to be revved, a lot.
I
After many years and what must have been many comments from owners and journalists, Honda seems to have finally got the point, that it is
SPECIFICATIONS Base Price: ........................................................................................... $25,990 Vehicle Layout: ..............................................Front-engine, FWD, 2-door coupe Engine: ........................................................................................ 2.4L DOHC I4 Transmission: . ............................................................................ 6-spd manual Horsepower: . .........................................................................201 @ 7,000 rpm Torque: . ......................................................................... 170 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm Brakes: ......................................................................... 4-wheel disc, ABS, EBD Curb Weight: .......................................................................1,317 kg (2,906 lb) Fuel Economy: (L/100 km, city/hwy) ....................................................10.0/6.4
At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012 25
ROAD TEST - KIA SOUL
2013 Kia Soul
Story by Jordan Allan, photos courtesy of Kia Canada
the addition of direct injection. The higher end 2.0L now makes 164hp instead of 142hp. Both the automatic and manual transmissions were bumped up to a 6 speed design, raising the fuel economy numbers to ia Canada enjoyed their strongest year ever in 2011 selling over 7.4/5.6 (L/100km, city/highway) for the 1.6L, and 7.9/5.9 for the 2.0L. 65,000 units and continued their success into 2012 with a record first half of the year, selling over 39,000 units. This, in large part, is due to the The Soul is available in three different trim levels: base, +, and !. The standard features that are included in the base model are 15-inch steel popularity of their box like, compact hatchback , the Soul. wheels, power locks and mirrors, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, tilt and The Soul received a fairly thorough makeover for 2012, and it carried telescopic steering, sound system with CD, auxiliary jack, ipod/usb jack, over into 2013. The front grille is now surrounded in dark chrome, higher and satellite radio. Just by adding the optional automatic transmission gets quality leather is used on leather-wrapped steering wheels, a Bluetooth you keyless entry, cruise control, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat just cell phone link is now standard, as are steering wheel mounted radio to name a few. The Soul + takes all of the features of the base model and controls. Also the Eco package, which features an idle stop/start func- adds heated mirrors, a center console storage bin, and some metal look tion and low resistance tires, is now available on Soul+ models with the interior. The Soul ! adds 18-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights, fog lights, LED daytime running lights, a sunroof, and much more. automatic transmission.
K
Overall I was impressed with the Soul. Our test model was equipped with the 2.0L engine, which felt quick and agile, and definitely has that extra passing power for the highway. The inside is spacious and luxurious, while the outside is quirky yet functional. Kia has succeeded in selling the vehicle to its target market, of younger, hipper people and for a base price Once inside the Soul, you get the impression you’re in a car with a much of $16,795, you can’t go wrong. higher price tag than it actually has. It has a very modern look and features a nice balance between form and function. Materials such as the leather for the steering wheel have been upgraded, giving it that higher-quality feel. Gauges are easy to read, and controls are simple, well placed and easy to use. The seats are comfortable and due to its “boxy” design, there is a great amount of head and legroom, even in the back seat. Behind the rear seats is a cargo space with about 6 cubic meters of space, a number that grows to 16 cubic meters when the seats are folded down. For the 2012 upgrade, the Soul’s exterior features remained basically the same as the original with a few minor upgrades. The headlights, grilles, and fog lights were all made bigger. The rear of the car features a new bumper and taillights.
The refresh for 2012 mainly focused on improving two things; engines and transmissions. The base 1.6L saw a bump from 122hp to 138hp thanks to 26 At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012
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RPM TEST FLEET Mercedes-Benz E300
Price: ..............................................................................................$58,300 Engine:................................................................. 3.5L V6 DOHC 24-valve Trans: ..................................................... 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed auto Power: ............................................................................... 248 hp @ 6,500 Torque: . .....................................................................251 @ 3,400 - 4,500 Curb Weight: ................................................................ 1815 kg/ 3995 lbs Fuel Economy: (L/100km – City/Hwy) ........................................11.1/ 7.0 New for 2012: New engines add spark to brand staple. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will gain a new variant -- the E400 Hybrid. Segment Competitors: Volvo S80, Audi S4, Cadillac CTS RWD, BMW 528i xDrive, Lexus GS 350 AWD The Skinny: The E-Class comes as a sedan, wagon, coupe and cabriolet with a choice of four engines, all with a seven-speed automatic transmissions. No other Mercedes is positioned closer to the core of the brand than the E-Class. An extensive re-skin is slated for the 2013 model year and it eliminates some of the existing styling cues while taking on numerous new technologies. Pros: Excellent balance of ride and handling, soundly constructed; extensive safety features, roomy interior. Cons: Somewhat sluggish on matting, making it less sporty than some competitors. The Verdict: This is a solid vehicle that delivers a safe comfortable ride in a good sized sedan. It isn’t an exhilarating car to drive, but if exhilaration was the goal – you’d probably choose another of the brands offerings.
Lexus GS 350 AWD
Price: . ........................................................................................... $54,900 Engine: . ..................3.5 L V6 DOHC 24-Valve Dual Variable Valve Timing Trans: ................................................................................... 6-Speed Auto Power: . .............................................................................306 hp @ 6,400 Torque: . .................................................................................277 @ 4,800 Curb Weight: ................................................................ 1765 kg /3970 lbs Fuel Economy: (L/100km – City/Hwy) .......................................11.1 / 7.6 New for 2013: This edition marks a new direction in style and performance, borrowing some design and performance cues from the LFA supercar. A new “spindle grill” is a big element of the front end face lift. Total refresh of the interior a welcome development. V8’s have been dropped from the model. Segment Competitors: BMW 528i, Mercedes E300 (E350), Cadillac XTS LC AWD, Hyundai Genesis Sedan, Audi A6 The Skinny: The GS 350 is powered by a 306-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine mated with a 6-speed sequential shift automatic with paddle shifters. Also available in both RWD and AWD versions. The GS debuts the nextgeneration version of Lexus Enform with Safety Connect, a multimedia system that connects to music, information and entertainment services through a smart phone. Premium, Luxury and F SPORT packages are available. Pros: Impressive looking body styling cues that made people take a lot of second looks. Sporty, yet family-friendly with lots of room inside. Cons: Didn’t care for the usually reliable navigation system & found it hard to pair a phone…actually it never did get hooked up. The Verdict: Really quite good looking new exterior complements an improved ride and handling. This is definitely a step in the right direction but as Lexus insiders have said, it is but a step in its evolution. It will be interesting to see where it leads to.
Jaguar XF- R
Price: ........................................................................................ $86,900 Engine: . ............................................................ 5.0 L V8 supercharged Trans: ................................. 6 Speed Auto w Jaguar Sequential Shift™ and Jaguar Drive Selector™ Power: . ............................................................. 510 hp @ 6000 - 6500 Torque: . ................................................................. 461 @ 2500 - 5500 Curb Weight: ............................................................. 1958/kg 4306lbs Fuel Economy: (L/100km – City/Hwy) .................................. 14.1/ 9.3 New for 2012: The most obvious exterior design changes were made to the front of the car, where a more streamlined design of the headlights was done – losing the bulge of the prior design. Segment Competitors: Porsche Panamera, Lexus LS, Mercedes CLSClass, The Skinny: You don’t have to look too far back to see exactly how far Jaguar has come with the XF-R from its predecessor the S-type R. Jaguar has managed to build a world-class sport sedan while remaining an otherwise ‘luxury car’. Pros: We loved the classic exterior looks and lines, performance and response, the interior finish and spaciousness as well as some fine wheels. We also didn’t object to the price. Cons: Not the greatest handling machine out there. And the shifter knob got mixed reviews. Then there’s the fuel economy but… not why one buys one of these. The Verdict: Jaguar has indeed come up with a winning combination of price point meeting desirability ….we like!! 28 At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012
WINTER TIRE FEATURE Well my answer is simple: Why not? Seriously though, why would you not run winter tires during the winter? It just doesn’t make any sense to me why anyone wouldn’t, nor can I come up with any reason not to. But for argument’s sake, how about we humour the doubters (while also taking the wind out of their sails) and discuss the two more “popular” reasons I’ve heard that people don’t run winter tires. First: All-seasons are good enough. No they’re not. I could go on and on and on about the reasons why, but I’ll keep it VERY simple. If all-seasons were good enough for winter, winter tires simply wouldn’t exist as there would be no need for them. Now, moving right along.
The Final Question By Arch Linsao
F
Second: Winter tires are too expensive. Yes, okay, there are costs incurred by purchasing winter tires. That’s pretty obvious though, right? It’s another set of tires to purchase. But you’ve got to look at it from a different angle. Would you think they’re too expensive when you’re stuck in a ditch after spinning out on a snow-covered road trying to stop or trying to manoeuvre your vehicle to avoid hitting a pedestrian? Would they still be too expensive if you were unable to avoid that pedestrian due to the lack of traction of your all-season tires? How expensive is that person’s life? How expensive is your life? Or your family’s life, for that matter? When you look at it that way, the cost doesn’t seem to be as much of an issue, does it? If cost is still an issue (enter the sales guy inside of me), there are so many options now that are very inexpensive but far more effective than your all-season tires. To put it simply, the cheapest winter tire will still be better than the most expensive all-season tire when it comes to driving in winter conditions.
or the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of gracing these pages with my long-winded opinions and answers to all of the issues surrounding the daunting task of choosing the right winter tires. I’ve given advice on how to choose them, explained the differences between them, told you who to ask about them, and even told you when to put them on. And heck I’ve even busted many of the myths surrounding them. I’ve answered the Now, if you think you can still come up with a valid reason to not run Who, What, Where, When and even the How. That leaves us with only winter tires, there’s a good chance that I’ve already taken any validity in one question to answer: WHY? your reasoning and run it over with each one of the four winter tires on my all-wheel drive SUV. (If you didn’t get the joke in that comment, dig up I know that I’ve answered that question in a roundabout way over my your old copies of RPM and Trucks Plus Magazine and read last year’s previous articles. But I haven’t really answered the question directly, Winter Tire Buyer’s Guide entitled “Winter Tire Myths... BUSTED”) have I? This may be because I’ve never actually been asked it directly. No one has ever turned to me and said, “Arch, why should I buy winter Finally, now that all of the questions have been answered and the myths tires?” I’ve been asked just about every other tire question imaginable, have long been busted, I offer you my final piece of advice: Go buy winter but never that one. tires. Why, you ask? Why not? Tire(s): Winter Slalom KSI
Features & Benefits: BFGoodrich has updated its Winter Slalom to offer the Winter Slalom KSI (Key Snow & Ice). The newly redesigned tire combines state-of-the-art looks and loads of technology to make it the right tire for all types of weather adventures. Micro-pores provide grip mechanism for continued traction on ice and snow and better block stability offers improved handling, wear, cornering and braking on snow, ice, slush, wet and dry roads. Deeper tread voids also resist hydroplaning and allow for better deep snow traction and the increased voids also allow for better evacuation of water.
Tire(s): Blizzak WS-70, Blizzak DM-V1, Blizzak LM60, LM-25, W965 Features & Benefits: Bridgestone continues to offer a full range of winter tires to suit every driver’s needs, no matter how specific. All its tires feature advanced technologies to enhance overall performance in winter conditions. Both Zigzag and 3-D sipes improve snow and ice traction, as well as dry performance, by increasing the number of biting edges. Nan-Pro-Tech rubber compounds and Multicell compounds improve ice grip by using millions of microscopic pores in the compound to remove the thin layer of surface water on the tread face. Bridgestone’s lineup includes tires for all vehicles, ranging from the DM-V1 with Uni-T designed for SUVs and trucks, to the LM-60 and WS-70 which provide excellent traction in all winter conditions and come in a huge range of fitments from compact to full size cars and minivans, crossovers and small SUVs. They also still offer a good range of standard and runflat performance winter tires in the LM-25 and LM-25 4x4 designed for high-performance and high-end cars and SUVs. 30 At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012
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WINTER TIRE FEATURE Tire(s): ExtremeWinterContact, WinterContact TS810 / TS830, 4x4WinterContact, CrossContactWinter Features & Benefits: Continental’s wide variety of tires covers just about every vehicle and driver out there, from standard passenger vehicles, to crossovers and SUVs, and to high-end, high-performance cars and SUVs. A great example of its lineup is the ExtremeWinterContact, which features compact outside tread with elevated lateral grooves, inclined longitudinal grooves, high sipe density, highly flexible compound, and maximum void and grip edges with traction ridges in grooves. All this equates to excellent traction, reduced braking distances in snow and ice, improved dry handling and swift evacuation of water. The ExtremeWinterContact comes in a wide variety of fitments, for cars, crossovers, SUVs and light trucks. The CrossContactWinter and 4x4WinterContact are specifically designed to get your SUV or Light Truck through all the winter conditions you may encounter. Continental also offers fitments for your high-end performance vehicle. The TS810 and TS830 both cater to the needs of the performance market, offering both standard and runflat options in many OE fitments for manufacturers the likes of Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Mini, and Porsche.
Tire(s): Graspic DS-3, Winter Sport 3D, Grandtrek WT M2/M3, Grandtrek SJ6 Features & Benefits: Dunlop knows that winter conditions are often an inconvenience to drivers. Its tires deliver traction in lower temperatures for enhanced control, without the need for studs. The Graspic DS-3 builds on the technology of its predecessor with its silica-based glass fibre tread which helps remain soft and flexible at lower temperatures for enhanced ice traction and control, while its miura-shaped siping enhances tread block stiffness and promotes steering feel and even wear. The Winter Sport 3D offers its Active Traction Sipe System to maintain optimum performance as driving conditions change, featuring three types of sipes that actively change based on the forces they endure. This technology provides enhanced stability and maximum grip, perfect for high-performance vehicles with precise handling. Tire(s): Eurowinter HS439, Espia EPZ
Features & Benefits: The Falken Eurowinter HS439 presents improved winter driving predictability and traction consistency. A new silica compound ensures tread flexibility, maximizing tread life, and multi-angled sipes allow for better control in ice and snow. The HS439 is extremely versatile as its unique UHP-inspired asymmetric tread pattern maintains high-speed stability in dry conditions, while four high-volume circumferential grooves expel water, slush and packed snow when driving in adverse conditions. For owners of performance coupes, sedans, and wagons, the Eurowinter HS439 is perfect for winter and demanding wet or dry weather conditions. The ESPIA EPZ, Falken’s latest addition to the winter tire line up, provides superb traction even in the harshest weather conditions. Specially-designed canyon sipes and a fibreglass-reinforced rubber compound allow the EPZ to “claw” the roughness of ice and stubbornness of snow in a non-studded alternative to the traditional winter tire. The new ESPIA EPZ is the perfect choice capable of conquering mother nature at her worst. Tire(s): Winterforce, Winterforce UV, Winterforce LT
Features & Benefits: Firestone continues to offer a premium-designed winter tire at a not-so-premium price point. Benefiting from Bridgestone’s engineering, the Firestone Winterforce features a directional, computer-modelled tread design which delivers confident snow, wet and ice traction. Also aiding in traction is the high-sipe density, three-dimensional tread pattern. For heavier conditions, this tire is also pinned for studs, but in most conditions they are not necessary as the sipes and high void-to-tread ratio take care of water and snow evacuation. The newly-designed Winterforce LT and the Winterforce UV are designed to get you to your destination-regardless of the weather conditions. With its inventive directional tread design, this standout tire in the Firestone line provides great traction on snow, ice and in wet conditions, delivering performance you can count on for your light truck or SUV.
Tire(s): Altimax Arctic Features & Benefits: General is definitely a force to be reckoned with, especially in the winter category. It has recently expanded its available fitments in the Altimax Arctic to reach even a wider range of vehicles. It features a Multi-angle Sipe System which offers 270 degrees of sipes with biting edges to enhance traction in any direction of travel and a directional tread pattern with a centre stability rib which aids in water evacuation and improves straight-line stability. Overall handling, stability and traction are improved with Reactive Contour Technology which reacts to different road conditions to maintain the optimum contact patch with the road surface throughout the life of the tire. All of these features squeezed into an incredibly affordable tire make the General Altimax Arctic an excellent choice for any vehicle.
32 At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012
WINTER TIRE FEATURE Tire(s): Nord*Frost 5
Features & Benefits: Gislaved offers the Nord*Frost 5 to compete in the current winter lineup. This studdable tire features exceptional winter traction in snow, ice and wet conditions thanks to its Nordic Silica tread compound containing an innovative winter grip polymer. The directional tread pattern and wide shoulder grooves aid in water and slush/snow evacuation and variable sipe depths in the shoulder and 3-D tread block design offer exceptional snow traction and ice braking. Its optimized tread pattern also lengthens wear and provides lateral stability and steering response. All of this in an affordable tire make it a great choice. Tire(s): Ultra Grip GW2, GW3, Ultra Grip Ice WRT/WRT LT/WRT SUV, Ultra Grip SUV, Ultra Grip Performance, Ultra Grip Winter Features & Benefits: Goodyear improves on its already impressive winter lineup of the Ultra Grip GW2 and GW3 with the Ultra Grip Ice WRT (Winter Reactive Technology). The WRT Series is available from commuter cars to light trucks and SUVs and crossovers, featuring two-dimensional blades in the centre zone which offer enhanced stopping and starting power on snow and ice, and three-dimensional tread lock technology blades in the shoulder zone which offer enhanced wet and winter traction as they lock together for confident grip in turns. The directional tread pattern helps channel water and slush away from the tire for enhanced winter traction and handling.
Tire(s): W310 I*cept Evo, W409 I*Pike, RW11 I*Pike Features & Benefits: Hankook continues to be a strong force in the winter tire market, offering a great lineup of tires that are comparable with many premium manufacturers but at a fraction of the cost. The W310 i*cept Evo, which follows in the footsteps of the incredibly successful W300 Ice Bear, is a winter tire with a sporty look developed for high performance and sports cars. This dynamic-looking tire provides excellent performance under winter weather conditions. The Winter i*cept Evo relies on the asymmetrical pattern to respond to slippery winter weather conditions, including wet and frigid road surfaces and snow and ice. A High-Technology Tread compound enhances winter weather performance while the outer longitudinal rib block provides exceptional braking and cornering. The same technology is applied to the W409 and RW11 i*Pike tires, all of which offer enhanced traction in deep snow and compact ice with their square profiles and increased total kerf length. Tire(s): Vier KH21, I*Zen KW22/KW23/KW27, I*Zen RV KC15 Features & Benefits: Kumho continues to provide consumers with a variety of choices of competitive winter tires at competitive prices, ranging from a performance winter tire in the I*Zen KW27 and I*Zen KW23 equipped with polyhedral 3-D sipes and asymmetrical design to provide enhanced balance between traction and handling, to the more aggressive and softer compounded I*Zen Wis KW19 and I*Zen KW22 featuring zig-zag channels and optimized lateral groove design for self-cleaning and increased wet weather traction. Their high density lateral sipes improve snow and ice traction. The KH21 features a directional pattern for outstanding wet performance, and optimal performance in all weather conditions. Multi sipes ensure snow performance, and wide lateral grooves offer enhanced hydroplaning resistance.
Tire(s): X-ice Xi3, Pilot Alpin PA4, Latitude X-ice Xi2, Primacy/Pilot Alpin PA3, LTX Winter, Latitude Alpin HP Features & Benefits: Michelin continues to flood the market with its high-end winter offerings in a full range of styles and sizes to fit everyone’s diverse needs. And every tire is packed with technology to offer better traction, better braking, better wear, and better handling. The new Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 tires provide safe winter driving year after year, with controlled power. It offers exceptional control in snow and ice and improves braking distance from its exclusive tread design, StabiliGrip, and 3-D sipe technology. And the newly designed X-Ice Xi3 tire stops up to 10 percent shorter on ice and lasts up to two times longer than leading competitors. And the LTX Winter for pickups, SUVs and vans, offers outstanding snow traction and ice traction to safeguard drivers, passengers and cargo. It uses 3-D Active Sipes including over 1,000 biting edges, optimized contact patch and Maxtouch Construction to deliver long-lasting reliable snow mobility. At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012 33
WINTER TIRE FEATURE Tire(s): NT-SN2 Features & Benefits: Nitto’s latest winter tire, the NT-SN2, uses an advanced silica compound that evacuates water and resists hardening at lower temperatures which helps to maintain excellent traction in wet, ice, and slush situations. The tread design provides better handling on dry and wet roads as well as more grip on ice and snow-covered roads. The continuous centre rib and 3D multiwave sipes provide added stability and traction under braking and acceleration. The computerdesigned tread and special compound allow the tire to effectively bite into ice and snow for increased driving confidence. Tire(s): Winter 210/240/270 Sottozero Serie II, Scorpion Ice & Snow, Winter Carving Edge, Winter Ice Control, Snow Control, Scorpion Winter Features & Benefits: Pirelli continues to offer premium winter tires that are chosen by high-end manufacturers as original equipment fitments on their vehicles, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Bentley, and Aston Martin. The Winter Sottozero features deep diagonal grooves which are a distinguishing feature along with specially-designed blocks, that reduce road noise and enhance the acoustic comfort and rolling resistance qualities. Broad, deep longitudinal grooves with differentiated profiles allow water to be expelled, even at high speed, thus raising the aquaplaning threshold. Substantial shoulder blocks offer exceptional lateral rigidity, raising the limits of grip and ensuring precise handling through sudden changes in direction. The Scorpion Ice & Snow was created to better respond to the necessities of the SUV in winter conditions, and the Winter Carving Edge and Snow Control with their directional tread patterns and advanced sipe technology offers maximized traction and braking on ice. The SnowControl is a particularly versatile tire, the product of Pirelli know-how in the winter segment. Designed to be fitted on a range from city cars to medium-class vehicles, it is appreciated for excellent performance, great handling and driving comfort also in the dry. It stands out for excellent traction and safety on snow and ice. The high silica-content tread compound ensures performance even at the lowest temperatures. The optimal distance between the blocks of the tread reduces noise while driving.
Tire(s): Observe Gsi-5, Observe/Open Country G-02 Plus, Garit KX, Snowprox S952 Features & Benefits: Toyo winter passenger tires are designed to handle the toughest of winter conditions, yet designed to maintain ride comfort and performance. The more aggressive Observe G-02 Plus and the Open Country G-02 Plus both feature Microbit Technology using crushed walnut shells in the compound to dig and bite into icy surfaces, and Lamella Crystal Water-Absorbing Tread Compounding to increase friction by removing water on ice surfaces, both contributing to better ice traction. Saw-toothed blocks and Wave-Style siping both contribute to increased snow traction. These tires along with the Garit KX and Snowprox S952 feature squared and round twin-shoulder design to increase traction without compromising handling and steering response. The Toyo Observe GSi5 winter tire is available in a complete size range that covers a variety of vehicles and applications. For passenger tire sizes it is designed for a secure ride while for light truck or van applications it is designed to handle the load characteristics of that type of vehicle. Whether it’s snow, slush, ice or just simply slippery roads, the Observe GSi5 has the technology to handle all our winter conditions.
Tire(s): Tiger Paw Ice & Snow II
Features & Benefits: The recently redesigned Uniroyal Tiger Paw Ice & Snow II features a highly-siped tread surface, deep tread grooves and a winter adapted tread compound which translate to dependable traction on ice, snow, slush and wet road conditions. Increased cold weather grip is a result of a winter polymer compound that maintains molecular adhesion and tread flexibility at low temperatures. Durashield Construction and a computer-optimized variable pitch tread aid in durability and reduced road noise. For enhanced ice traction, the tire is pinned for studs.
Tire(s): W.Drive, Ice Guard IG20, Geolandar I/T G072 Features & Benefits: Yokohama keeps its winter offerings simple in its three tire choices. A performance winter tire, the W.Drive, provides a combination of reliable driving stability and high-speed capability in dry conditions with better grip and control in wet, cold and snow situations. Polyhedral 3-D sipes lock together under pressure which maintains stiffer tread blocks, allowing increased handling and performance while still allowing for a softer compound and multiple biting edges for increased traction. The Ice Guard IG20 offers a more aggressive winter option, with its advanced silica compound with Zeruma agent that enhances tread flexibility at lower temperatures, while absorptive carbon flakes and shelled microbubbles draw water away from the surface of the tread and absorb water to improve contact with the ice and snow surface. The same technology is used in the Geolandar I/T G072, offering the same winter performance for trucks and SUVs. 34 At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012
THE TRUCK GUY
HID Headlights By Ian Harwood HID Headlights are the best lighting option that you can possibly find. HID Bulbs produce a more focused light that enables drivers to see more than regular headlights. HID stands for high intensity discharge, which refers to a technology that relies on an electrical charge to light the xenon gas contained in a sealed bulb. Some new vehicles offer these lights as the standard lighting. The HID bulb creates light by bridging an arc between two electrodes, instead of heating a filament. The arc stimulates the xenon gases producing an intense bright white beam of light. Because of the advantages of these bulbs, there are several lights that you can install to your vehicle. The Motor Vehicle Act, at least in B.C., stipulates you must have lamps equivalent to those provided by the original manufacturer. Changing your headlight bulbs to something much brighter or having them out of position is definitely going to bring attention, not to mention be a danger to oncoming drivers. Be sure to check out all the regulations before making this purchase. Make sure that you get HID Headlights that are between 6000k and 8000k and are adjusted correctly. To begin, be sure to remove the battery cover and disconnect the battery. Some vehicles have a rubber boot that’s behind the headlight; you will need to remove it. You will find a ring that holds the light bulb into place. Remove the ring by turning it clockwise. Now it’s time to put your rubber gloves on. After you have them on your hands, remove the bulb by pulling it back. Cut four wires at about two feet each. Carefully cut the wire and crimp the flat pin connector at one end of the 16-gauge wire. You will do this for all four wires. Insert the wires into each of the light sockets. Make sure that the negative wire is added into
the middle slot. The outer slots are used for high and low beams. Now use some electrical tape in order to place the wires into place. Then slide the plastic ring through the new bulb. Slide the bulb into the headlight and turn the ring clockwise in order to place the bulb into position. Get the double sided tape that should have come with the kit and attach the mounting bracket to the ballast. Use a 1/8-inch drill bit and drill a hole into the fender wall. Use a Phillips Screwdriver and ¾-inch screw to mount the ballast into position. Now that you have one finished, it’s time to do the other one. Be sure to connect the wire harness to the 16-gauge wires that come from the headlight sockets. Plug in the wire harness to the ballast. Tape up any exposed wiring that may be showing. Now it’s time to plug the wires in that lead from the HID Bulbs to the ballast. Tuck away any extra wire and use wire ties to secure them into place. Reconnect the battery, and test them out. I would suggest that you park your vehicle in front of a wall and check the lights to see if they are aimed in the right direction. Use an Allen wrench to adjust the vertical adjusters.
At The Wheel RPM Oct / Nov 2012 35
Import Fest 2012 Ten Years of Canada’s Biggest and Baddest Tuner Show
Story and photos by Giancarlo Pawelec (AutoMotoFoto.net) Each year in Toronto around the closing weeks of the tuner show season, there is one show which only the Biggest and Baddest come out to support, and that show is none other than Import Fest. Once again held in the heart of downtown Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the event opened its doors at noon to thousands who had come from across Canada and the United States. Car teams, builders, and vendors were all on hand for what was to be an exceptional event bringing the biggest like-minded tuners together for an entire action-packed day of finely-tuned machines‌.and, of course, glamorous models! One of the most notable booth displays included the crew at Restyle It who had an assortment of cars all vinyl-wrapped including a late-generation VW Passat, Mazda3, Pontiac Solstice, the notable Scion iQ (built in part by MT Motorsport), BMW M3 E92, Nissan GT-R (R35), and a Mercedes-Benz CLS. Another notable booth was that of AutoMotoFoto.net which debuted a 36 Speed & Sound RPM Oct / Nov 2012
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slammed and tweaked Scion FR-S (#ProjectFRST) for Brimell Scion. There were also plenty of other incredible FR-S machines built - especially with the Scion Canada Tuner Challenge well under way. The three competing groups included a matte red / carbon fibre entry from Top Tuner, and two other more trackspec versions from Swag Racing and VCMC. Once again, the largest gathering of cars came from the NextMod crew with roughly 50 cars ranging from R35 GT-Rs to various track-spec machines like a Mitsubishi Evolution 9 and Honda S2000. This year, Hyundai Canada presented ImportFest and without the support of such a major player both in front and behind the scenes, our passion’s growth would fizzle and be much harder to sustain. Their booth had an incredible line up of tuner enthusiast Genesis Coupes and the Veloster Turbo on full display.
38 Speed & Sound RPM Oct / Nov 2012
As always, the models round out the show – no pun intended. This year’s lingerie contest was off the hook with crowds going wild every time a new beauty went on stage. There were also plenty of on-stage shows ranging from live hip-hop acts to having a deejay battle which was presented by local radio station Z103.5 FM. For the tenth year running, ImportFest has proven that the scene is more alive than ever… albeit that the trends continue to change. Hundreds of cars, thousands of spectators, and an assortment of vendors make legendary events like this possible. A big congratulations to all the participants and trophy winners including Paul Tolson of Team EST for winning the Baddest Tuner Championship belt for 2012 and taking 1st in the Elite Class! His metallic green twin-turbo Lexus GS400 is by far one of the best builds in the industry, and cleaned up at the show taking every major prize. It’s also worth mentioning that Tolson and his crew are based in
the Midwest of the U.S. The group made the trek all the way to Toronto from the windy city of Chicago to show their support of the Canadian tuner scene. From mild to wild, ImportFest had it all and nothing marks an anniversary better than a successful show such as this…until next year that is! 40 Speed & Sound RPM Oct / Nov 2012
PLUGGED IN programs a computer-flashable module for your make, model and year of vehicle, and in most cases, the module can lock and unlock the doors, arm and disarm the factory alarm, pop the trunk and of course, in more and more cases, start the car. That’s right, you can now remote start a car, without a remote starter and all its complicated high-current wiring. Products like this are available from Fortin, Xpresskit and iDataLink.
Beating Mr. Freeze Story by Dave MacKinnon, photos by the manufacturers
I
t hasn’t been that long since we talked about remote start systems, but as the season is upon us once again, it seems fitting that we take a look at some of the evolutions that have taken place over the last year. Be forewarned, this segment of Plugged In is going to be geared a bit more towards people in the industry, but will certainly provide consumers with some insight as to what is going on.
Don’t get the idea that things are now plug-and-play, because there is still work to be done to make your installation safe. Hood pins are mandatory; the last thing you want is your mechanic to be injured when he’s changing your oil and you accidentally sit on your key fob. There should also be an override switch so you can disable the remote start. There is also the matter of accessories. Oh, how I love accessories. Many companies have cellular interfaces that can allow you to use your Smartphone to control and even find your vehicle. These products include the Directed SmartStart, Compustar Drone and Titan TitanTracker. All of these systems require a small monthly service plan payment to cover the cost of the cellular communication. Directed Electronics has introduced a new system called SmartStart Bluetooth. This uses Bluetooth communication between your Android-based or iPhone smartphone and your car. Now, within 200 feet of your car, you can simply use the same SmartStart application to lock, unlock, start or pop the trunk. Very slick. Innovations like these are making it easier for us to monitor our cars, and harder for thieves to steal them. By the time you read this, it will be snowing somewhere in this great land of ours. Get to your local car audio specialist and talk about some options to upgrade the convenience and comfort of your car.
A great deal of progress has been made over the last year in terms of computer integration with our vehicles. We have talked about iPod and Bluetooth interfaces in the past, but the evolutionary steps that remote-start systems have taken is quite amazing. It used to be that a remote starter had to replicate the operation of the electrical contacts in your key cylinder to start the car, and do it in the proper order – Off – Acc – On then Run then back to On. Then we had factory security systems to deal with. Sometimes it was as simple as providing a pulse on a wire at the correct time to disarm the factory alarm. Things have evolved a great deal, and now we have advanced encryption algorithms with up to 80bits of protection. We also have more and more vehicles every day that have pushbutton start. This was once a cool aftermarket ‘show car’ feature – now your Hyundai and Ford come from the factory this way. So how does your installer talk to all these newfangled electronics? No more tapping wires, no more soldering under the dash; for more and more installations, the communication is done digitally through the vehicle data network. Your installer
The 4296mLCD is a 2-Way remote start system that includes a monochrome LCD remote. It features up to one mile of communication range Speed & Sound RPM Oct / Nov 2012
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PLUGGED IN
The Solace S3 features an ergonomically-designed LCD remote with up to 4,000 feet of range. It can be easily combined with text message and vehicle tracking systems like those from Titan.
Compustar systems are easily configurable and upgradeable by your dealer. You choose the remotes and features you need – they take care of the rest. With one mile of range on the top-of-the-line two-way system and an easy-to-understand LCD remote, it’s easy to stay in touch and in control.
Your installer can now communicate with the new 80-bit encryption found on new Ford and Lincoln vehicles with the Fortin EVI-RIDE interface module.
The flagship Viper 5904 features a full-colour OLED remote control with SST technology for one mile of range. The remote features very intuitive commands, so customer training is almost non-existent.
State-of-the-art functionality and simplicity make the Clifford 590.4X easy to use. Remote start, security and reliable performance make this a great choice for automatic or manual transmission vehicles.
Compatible with Viper and Clifford Remote Start and Security Systems, SmartStart includes Cellular control, GPS tracking and now Bluetooth communication options to make using your remote start and security system easier than ever.
42 Speed & Sound RPM Oct / Nov 2012
PERFORMANCE
A New Formula For Motorsport Disease
Rhys Millen Motorsports creates an all-new class for Rallycross Story by Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of RMR
father Steve. As a result, Rhys is a bit of a jack of all trades, spending time as a factory rally driver for Mitsubishi in the American Pro Rally series, and winning a drifting championship for GM. Since then, Rhys has built up a fruitful relationship with Hyundai as he campaigns in Formula Drift, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, which he won this year with a world record time, as well as the Global Rallycross championship at the wheel of a fire-breathing AWD Hyundai Veloster.
They say that racing is a disease, and I tend to agree. Since dipping my toes into the warm and inviting motorsport waters some twelve years ago, I, like many, have been swept away in the whirlpool that is competitive racing. The only issue is that motorsport is not cheap, and blowing large sums of money on keeping a race car alive is a fact of life. This is why I’ve been bringing you many features describing low-budget forms of motorsport to get involved in; incubating and The sport of rallycross is one that is relatively new to North America, transmitting my disease to others, and now there is another outlet and like drifting before it, racing door-to-door on both gravel and tarmac at the same time is taking off. Millen, being one of the pioneers that has just jumped onto the scene. of the drifting scene on this side of the pond, could see the potential Rhys Millen knows a thing or two about motorsport. It’s a bit of a family of the sport, as the only cars that currently compete are half-milliondynasty, really, as the likeable Kiwi was brought up surrounded by dollar creations put forth by top professional factories. So he decided race, rally and hillclimb icons such as his uncle Rod Millen and his to provide the up-and-comer on a budget with a step in the ladder to building a career in rallycross. His own factory, RMR, set about building a formula of car that would give drivers all the thrills of top rallycross competition for a fraction of what the top class drivers need to compete. The result – Formula Cross. Now, you may be looking at these pictures thinking that this funny looking machine looks merely like a pint-sized cartoon version of a WRC Focus. Well, it may mimic the look, but under the fibreglass skin sits an ingenious way to get a large number of people started on the road to rallycross glory. In essence, the Formula Cross is a kit that you buy from RMR, where the customer provides the vehicle, and RMR provides the means to turn that vehicle into a rally machine. Outside-of-the-box thinking meant RMR didn’t start with a standardbodied car as most would think in this form of motorsport, but began with something that is smaller with a fantastic power-to-weight-to-cost Speed & Sound RPM Oct / Nov 2012
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PERFORMANCE
coefficient. Yes, what you see here is actually a Yamaha YZF 450 Raptor ATV with RMR’s YFC 450 Formula Cross kit built around it. The kit comes complete with everything you need to turn a YZF 450 into a little RWD rally demon. Equipment like a tubular chassis and roll cage, racing steering wheel and seat, an adjustable sway bar and 12 inches of wheel travel with a wider track come with the kit, not to mention the very cool WRC-like skin. All told, RMR says the whole thing will weigh 495 pounds wet, and there are even plans for a 700cc version in the near future. Every part of the Formula Cross can be customized, from seats, steering wheel, harnesses, wheels to tires. The BIY (Build-It-Yourself) kit comes with a price tag of $7,500USD and RMR will do the work for you for an additional $1,350USD. Detailed manual for easy step-by-step installation is included and no welding is required, so you don’t need a fully-equipped shop to put your racing project together. Of course, you must provide the YZF450 donor. It all sounds well and good, except that the Formula Cross formula doesn’t work with any current sanctioning bodies in any kind of motorsport. At the time of writing, RMR was busy putting the final touches
44 Speed & Sound RPM Oct / Nov 2012
on a full series of Formula Cross events that will be a fully-fledged championship likely running as a support series to the Global Rallycross series. Sounds to us like RMR is on to a winning combination and we can’t wait to see a horde of angry YFC 450s fly into the first corner ever. We’re thinking a fibreglass shell is a good idea.
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Looking back at Turbine-powered concepts
A Street Rod Named “Merlot” Story and photos by Cam Hutchins
A
The price was too high, so Lyons went home without the car, but after thinking it over for a couple of days and deciding to sell the ‘33 roadster, he called up the owner and offered just enough extra to buy the car. The car was complete with all the parts required to finish the car and the seller had been into street rods for years, but had just finished restoring a Mustang and wanted to get out of street rods, so many parts not even for the ‘40 Ford were given to Lyons.
fter building a very cool 1928 Model A two-door sedan with a CocaCola cooler years back and driving it 30,000 miles over nine years, Jim Lyons of Abbotsford wanted a roadster. Dennis Kasper had a ‘33 Roadster that Lyons wanted to buy and finish, but he could not convince Kasper to part with it. After waiting him out a year, Kasper’s attention fell on an Oldsmobile, so a deal was struck. After driving the ‘33 extensively, including a road trip incorporating Puyallup, Spokane and Pleasanton, It had a partially-boxed Ford frame which had been tubbed and had a Ford nine-inch rearend with coilover shocks, a 351 Windsor with C6 the building bug hit again. tranny and Mustang II front end with small disc brakes. Wiring harness, Deciding he wanted a 1951 Mercury convertible, he went searching for gauges, a new Wise Guy Seat and three grilles were provided - an Aluthe right car. The prices seemed too high, and with the lack of aftermarket micraft custom grille was installed, also a ‘39 grille from Bob Drake, and parts, his search was widened to other convertibles. At a swap meet in a ‘39-’40 three-piece grille cast in pewter that needed to be chromed. 2004, Lyons saw an unfinished 1940 Ford Convertible Wescott body in the parking area. The owner’s stall number was wrong so it took some Lyons looked at the assembly of pieces and the primered body and major detective work to find the owner, and he was told it was totally basically sold everything except the frame, rearend, front suspension, Wiseguy seat and the body. Starting with a relatively clean slate, or at complete and just needed final assembly and paint. least a primered slate, he started to look for the correct pieces. Flush with cash from the sale of the parts and the ‘33, Lyons went looking for the correct parts to build a very cool ride. He was lucky to find a race-prepared 302 mill with fuel injection and a blower and an AOD transmission for a great price. The block was about the only Ford part and all the rest of the engine was the best performance/race parts available. The blower was removed due to space restrictions and the new mill was installed. The coilovers were gone, replaced with Shockwave by Airride Technologies. Twelve-inch four-piston drilled-and-slotted Wilwood brakes provided the stopping, and the original ‘40 Ford frame was now complete. The body was getting its share of work, and this particular Wescott body had been originally purchased by an enthusiast who bought all the first pressings of the Wescott factory. It was a custom body, having been 46 Rods & Classics RPM Oct / Nov 2012
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hours pouring over websites full of street rods assured Jim his choice was solid and the car would look stunning with the black base. The interior was left to the capable hands of Ron Fast, but not before more meddling from the “Gang.” Lyons wanted a burgundy interior and the naysayers cried foul and suggested every colour under the sun before a brown shade was chosen, but Lyons’ wife Elinore held her ground and the burgundy vinyl seems to please everyone now and even fools many into thinking it is leather. The back seat was completely fabricated by Ron Fast and folds flat so a 2x4 can be carried if necessary...probably not a bad idea if there is another uprising from the friends.
channelled three inches and the hood sectioned 2.5 inches to give it a better look. The fenders were shortened (bobbed) and the running boards removed from the design. The original owner was getting on in years so sold it to the next owner who went to town buying parts, but the project stalled somewhere along the way.
The supplied Wiseguy seat was almost comical when first put in, as it sat way too high. Luckily, this was done before upholstery, so it was a fairly straightforward job to cut the mounting brackets and seatbacks. A fine Dark German Weave carpet accents the black Hartz cloth roof....another choice hard fought for, but finalized after seeing a Willys online that was a similar colour with a black roof. The roof latches are available from Wescott, but Lyons’ brother-inlaw Doug Esau machined a perfect set of latches out of billet aluminum. Finishing off the interior is a sound system out of a 2006 Impala mounted on a pullout tray beneath the front seat with four small speakers placed under the front seat and in the back mounted in the seat risers. An MP3 port allows Lyons to enjoy any tunes he feels like, but the convertible top and wicked engine noise makes a stereo redundant.
Lyons liked the look of the car, but liked running boards better, so he bought some steel ones from the Old Car Centre. Of course, the running boards did not fit, as the body was lowered over the frame during the channelling process and the length was wrong due to the bobbing of the fenders. Lyons fabricated special brackets to attach the running boards to the frame and Ron Latham, with his fibreglass skills learned The car was finished in 2009, and has been driven to the L.A. Roadster building boats, took the fenders and fixed the fibreglass to fit the run- show and the Interior of B.C. many times and has won many awards, ning boards. but Lyons pondered the drivability of the high-performance 302. After driving many of his customers’ cars after wiring them, he decided to go Being a local dealer for American Autowire, he used a Highway 22 kit with a late-model 5.3 Litre LS engine. He sourced one out of Spokane with keyless entry, shaved handles, power windows and power-actuated from Spalding Wreckers with the all-important computer and transmistrunk, and he customized the dash with TPI-Tech Instruments Gauges. sion for around $2,000. Once the motor is finally installed, Ron Latham Previously, he had won prizes at a couple of Goodguys events, during will be up to his fibreglass tricks again and making mock big block valve his road trip with the ‘33, where he won a coupon for partial payment of covers and manifold cover that will have a hydro graphics “Mirage Hydro the “Airride” kit and also a “Budnik Wheels” coupon. He chose a Budnik Graphics” carbon fibre pattern by Rocket Cermacoat. Banjo Billet steering wheel that was wrapped in the same material as the seats. The car will continue to be shown and driven around B.C. and the Pacific Northwest with a planned trip to the Pleasanton Goodguys Show. So, if At almost every show, wheels and colours were scrutinized for the right you see a stunning Candy Brandy Wine ‘40 Ford with a black top, go up choice for Lyons’ ‘40 Ford. Spotting a set of Intro Wheels “Matrix” on to the owner and suggest it should have a brown interior...I dare you! a beautiful burgundy ‘37 Ford Roadster, Lyons ordered 17-inchers for the front and 18s for the rear, and uses Toyo Proxes tires. The tires are larger yet and Lyons took a fair amount of guff from his friends and advisers after seeing them sitting in his garage. They told him he was crazy, since they look like tractor tires on SUV wheels. The friends were proved wrong after seeing them on the finished car...but Lyons still had to completely deflate them to fit them onto the car. The many months agonizing over the correct paint choice were ended one evening when Lyons and his wife were having a glass of Merlot wine on the back deck, and when lifting the glasses to toast, the sun shone through the glass and they both were hooked. Previously, they had explored two-tone and three-tone paints, and tans with a dark roof, but after conferring with their painter Johnny Guenther, he assured them the colour they wanted was Candy Brandy Wine. Hence the car came to be called “Merlot.” Guenther had recently painted a car this colour and it was available from House of Kolor over either a black, gold, silver or white base. Again, the peanut gallery piped up with warnings that dark burgundies had been done to death. Many 48 Rods & Classics RPM Oct / Nov 2012
HISTORY PLUGGED IN Like many of his era, Pininfarina was a man of great character and charisma, seeking out success and driven to lead. He finished middle school in seven rather than the normal eight years and would go on to graduate from Turin Polytechnic in 1950 with a degree in mechanical engineering, going to work for his father. He was present when his father Battista and Enzo Ferrari shook hands on a deal that would change both companies’ fortunes, and was even more surprised on the drive home when Battista handed the Ferrari account over to Sergio, a tall task for a 25-year old. It should have been the dream job, penning exotic bodies which held the duties of cocooning some of the world’s most exquisite drivetrains. However, Enzo signed the agreement thinking that he would be dealing with Battista and was not happy settling with the boss’s son. The first years of the relationship were terrible, as Pininfarina was still green and unsure of himself. Ferrari would often complain of bodies being too heavy or too expensive. He would comment that the first five years were hell.
Italia’s Great Metal Designer The world loses Sergio Pininfarina
Story by Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of Ferrari, Pininfarina
Often, he would approach his father looking for advice, but the wise older Pininfarina only rebuked him with a stern enforcement that Sergio must work through his own issues without help. This would inure Sergio’s confidence and along with it, Enzo’s confidence in his abilities, which over time grew into a flourishing working relationship. Beautiful works of art were soon put into production, starting with the iconic Ferrari 250. However, Pininfarina was not a Ferrari subsidiary and designed coachwork for many other brands looking for a special touch including many Nashes, Peugeots, Lancias and the magnificent Maserati A6GCS/53. Sergio would move the company to the Turin suburb of Grugliasco in 1958 as part of a massive company expansion. The relationship with Ferrari was growing, proving fruitful with classics like the 410 Superamerica. However, Pininfarina wasn’t only designing bodywork for the Ferrari, but designing and in some cases building factory race cars such as the 250GT Competizione, 330LMBs and the 250LMs. With the expansion also came new customers with Austin and Cadillac contracting Pininfarina’s special treatment.
By 1961, he became CEO of the company and its chairman only five years later after his father Battista passed away. It was at this A young Sergio Pininfarina sits at the family table with his father who time that Sergio was pitching something big to Enzo, the production pulls a match box out and places it in front of him. His father instructs him to place his finger on the box and feel its robustness. His father takes away the centre section and tells Sergio to feel the box once again. It wobbles and bends under his finger. His father replaces the centre, commenting on its strengths, “We want the same when we construct car bodies.” The passion to build some of the most beautiful, iconic and tantalizing vehicles the world will ever see have been seeded in the young Pininfarina. Rods & Classics RPM Oct / Nov 2012 49
HISTORY PLUGGED IN With the loss of one of the world’s great designers of automotive steel, we have put together a small example of the mark Sergio Pininfarina left on the automotive world. Here are a few beautiful examples of the man’s work:
1954 Maserati A6GCS/53
1963 Ferrari 330 LMB
of a road going mid-engine car following the lead of Ferrari’s track stars. The result would become the Dino. While everything had been looking up for quite some time, Sergio settling down with a wife and producing three children, the industry was about to tear itself apart with labour unrest. As a member of the European Parliament, Italy’s global goodwill ambassador and a prominent head of business, he led a charge to extinguish workers’ demands. The result would see an attempted assassination as he drove to work in the late ‘70s. 1969 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Speciale
By 1980, the labour unions were broken and Pininfarina got back to doing what it did best, designing iconic cars. Legends such as the Jaguar XJ6, Ferrari 288 GTO, F40 and 550 Maranello, and Alfa Romeo GTV leapt from sketchings on paper to honest-to-goodness production supercars. By the early 2000s, Pininfarina had retired as the head of the company, relinquishing command to his son Andrea. He was also inducted into the European Automotive Hall of Fame, but the decade would be unkind to him. First he would lose his son, as Andrea was killed riding his motorcycle to work in 2008, then mounting debt required the company to be bailed out by the banks shortly thereafter.
1969 Dino 206
On July 3, 2012, the world lost the great designer of exotic automobiles. The man himself may be gone, but his name will live forever as it is adorned on many of the most unique and special pieces of machinery to have ever graced a road or race track surface. Automobiles will never again emit the character and soul of hand-penned designs like those from the ‘60s and ‘70s, and this is why his designs will be cared for and protected as long as is humanly possible. 1973 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB
1975 Lancia Montecarlo
50 Rods & Classics RPM Oct / Nov 2012
CLASSIC CORNER
Hard times sank the Marquette
Only 76 cars are left of model GM unfortunately brought out in 1929 By Nigel Matthews
T
he first automobile to bear the Marquette brand name was an electric car built by the Berwick Auto Car Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1904. The next time the name surfaced, it was attached to a car built by General Motors, but it was very short-lived, and the name was dropped in 1912. General Motors revived the Marquette name in 1929, offering a new model to be sold through the Oldsmobile dealer network with the first examples arriving in the showrooms during June of 1929, offered for sale at a price of $900.
Some 4,000 signs were dispatched to dealers across the country just weeks before they canceled the model name, once and for all. There were two reasons for this, mainly the Great Depression and also, GM executives felt that the Marquette model was a threat to the future sales of Oldsmobiles.
Nicknamed the “Baby Buick,” its launch could not have come at a worse I spotted the pictured 1930 Marquette, model 36S “Sports Coupe,” last time. No one had seen the sudden economic disaster coming, and despite month in Fairport, N.Y., and I was pleased to have the opportunity to take it being offered for sale at $200 less than that of a Buick, the public was a close look at what is now a very rare automobile. simply not in the mood, or financial position, to purchase new cars. The Marquette owner club records indicate that a mere 76 cars are still Despite the desperate times, 35,007 examples were built in the U.S. and an on the roads in working order, their owners living in Australia, Canada, additional 3,418 cars were produced in plants in Oshawa, Ont., and Regina. Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, Sweden, the U.S. and the United Building almost 40,000 cars during such trying times was quite a feat. Kingdom. General Motors did not give their dealers any advance warning that the The last record of a Marquette selling at an auction was in March 2012, Marquette name was going to be dropped. and it went for $38,500.
A Porsche that just couldn’t sell Only 71 examples were built
By Nigel Matthews hen you hear the name Porsche, you immediately think of the timeless, almost half-century-old 911 sports car, or the luxury SUV Cayenne.
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It’s not that surprising to have never seen one before, considering they were only built from 1955 until 1958, with a total production of just 71 examples. The official year and model designation of this one is a 1956 Porsche 597 (Porsche likes to attach numbers to everything). When the German army was allowed to be re-established, ten years after the Second World War, manufacturers were solicited to present their offerings of a light utility military vehicle for consideration of a large order. The Porsche submission was very innovative and included a number of engineering firsts, such as shift on-the-fly four-wheel drive, and a five-speed transmission (driven by a four-cylinder, air-cooled engine that was in the back where you would expect to find it).And it was amphibious. Unfortunately, the Porsche fitted with all of these wonderful features came at a cost, resulting in the German army order being awarded to the cheaper and rather basic alternative, the DKW Munga. Trying to recover from the loss of what would have been a substantial order, Porsche tried to market the vehicle calling it the Jagdwagen (roughly translated ‘hunting car’) to farmers and outdoor sportsmen, who were purchasing Land Rovers and Jeeps. Having produced 49 civilian examples, the 597 Jagdwagen’s days came to an end and went down in the history books.
Nigel Matthews is the director of sales and marketing for Hagerty One does not think of a Jeep-like military vehicle like the one shown Canada. Hagerty is the world’s leading provider of Collector Car here. Having never seen one before, this example at the Goodwood and Boat Insurance. Contact him at nmatthews@hagerty.com or Festival of Speed in 2008 immediately caught my attention. visit www.hagerty.ca Rods & Classics RPM Oct / Nov 2012 51
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE New Red Line 0W20 Motor Oil
stainless steel DynoMax VT Muffler, features 2.75-inch, single-wall, buffed and polished SS slant-cut tips, as well as three-inch SS mandrel pipes. The system will give the car gains of Red Line Oil have released its lightest up to 23 horsepower and 23 lb-ft of passenger car motor oil that is specifically torque and comes with all necessary designed for small cars and hybrids such hardware for installation. as the Honda Insight, Civic Hybrids, Camry, Rav 4, and the all new Scion FR-S just to For more information please go to www.dynomax.com name a few. The oil, which is designed to exceed OE specifications, will improve fuel economy as well as improve wear at a cold start. Other benefits of this new oil are wear protection and friction reduction, a high detergency which allows extended drain intervals which provides increased cleanliness, and a high natural viscosity The all-new Flex-a-lite radiator and electric fan combination for the index that will provide thicker oil film in 2010-2011 V8 Camaros bearings and cams. offers three times more cooling surface and two For more information please go to times the core thickness www.redlineoil.com compared to the stock radiator for better cooling. The two-row, one-inch radiator is made of aluminum and is hand-welded for better construction than the OE radiator. The dual Flex-a-lite fans come pre-mounted in Dynomax is now offering a complete Cat-Back Stainless Steel the radiator and use the Exhaust kit for the 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with either the 6.1-litre or 6.4-litre Hemi V8. The kit, which also includes a original fan connections to make for an easier installation.
Flex-a-lite Radiator and Fan Combo for 2010-2011 Camaro
Dynomax Cat-Back Exhaust for 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger
For more information please go to www.flex-a-lite.com
Hands-Free StrapCaddy for iPhone 4 / 4S The people at StrapCaddy now have a device available for Apple iPhone users who are looking for an alternative to dashboard mounts, with the StrapCaddy iPhone holder. The hands-free device will secure to any vehicle’s seatbelt and allows you to use your iPhone’s speakerphone function or Siri to make or receive calls while remaining hands-free. The device is easily portable, and not only holds your phone, but charges it as well. For more information please go to www.strapcaddy.com
52 Rods & Classics RPM Oct / Nov 2012
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE Surf City Garage Ultra-Clear Headlight Restoration Kit
tions. The bars are manufactured from cold-formed, tubular highstrength aircraft-grade steel and are finished with a long-lasting red powder coat finish. The bars require no welding for installation and come with all necessary The Ultra-Clear Headlight Restoration Kit parts and hardware. from Surf City Garage is a complete fivepiece kit that doesn’t require any sanding For more information please go to www.eibach.com as most headlight kits do. The kit uses advanced Micron Polishing Technology which eliminates the need for sanding, but will still give you that factory-new look without the extra effort. The kit includes four ounces of the Ultra-Clear lens polish, eight ounces of the Ultra-Clear Lens PIAA’s new line of NightProtectant, a polishing ball, microfibre Tech halogen bulbs has towel and one roll of painter’s tape to put to use innovations in chemistry and materials to safely cover edges and gaps. reach new levels of halogen lighting. These bulbs For more information please go to offer up to 90 percent more www.surfcitygarage.com light than conventional halogen bulbs, and produce a whiter and brighter illumination and up to 100 feet more range, all while offering longer life. The Night-Tech bulbs use an innovative new blend of gases with a higher proportion of inert gases, and a new exclusive filament material. Also, the illumination is enhanced through the use of unique dualEibach Springs is releasing its new Anti-Roll Kit for 2012 Honda Civ- band coatings that are engineered to optimize the output created ics. The Anti-Roll kits are performance sway bars that are designed by the new materials. to reduce body roll through increased stiffness over the stock bars, resulting in increased handling and grip in performance driving situa- For more information please go to www.piaa.com
PIAA Night-Tech Halogen Bulbs
2012 Honda Civic Anti-Roll Kit from Eibach Springs
Rods & Classics RPM Oct / Nov 2012 53
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
Stopping on the tracks is never a good idea.
Couldn’t handle the power?
54 Rods & Classics RPM Oct / Nov 2012
They obviously misunderstood what Drive-Thru means.
How are they going to explain this one to the insurance company?