Some things are better dusty.
Your brakes are not one of them. As OEM equipment on a wide range of models, Akebono ultra premium brake products are specifically engineered for superior performance. With their low dust, reduced brake fade and ultra quiet formulations, these true* ceramic pads give you ultra premium brake product backed by the industry’s most comprehensive research and development. The result is higher margins, fewer comebacks, and the perfect OEM fit every time. Ask your NGK distributor for Akebono ultra premium brake parts today!
Premium Brake Products
Now available from NGK Spark Plugs Canada Limited Contact us at: 1-877-277-2759
www.ngksparkplugs.ca
ÂŽ
*Akebono is the originator of true ceramic brake pads.
CONTENTS
More than an average cruiser The third generation SLK shares the same basic specs as its predecessors, but is new and improved in every way. ...pg 12
IN THIS ISSUE
Dodge Charger
The 2nd modern generation Charger increases horsepower and revises styling ...pg 17 Road Test: Infiniti G37 IPL Coupe......... 20 Road Test: Porsche GTS + Cayman R... 22 Feature: Mazda SkyActiv....................... 24 Feature: Sport Coupe Shootout............. 26 Winter Tire Feature . ............................. 28
ADDITIONAL FEATURES Classic Corner: . ....................................... 56 New Products: ......................................... 58 One-on-One: ............................................ 60 Parting Shots: .......................................... 60
Hardcore evo
Gary B had one goal in mind when he bought his Evo 9 - A 500-horsepower street legal machine...pg 36 Plugged In: Wiring................................ 42 Performance: Ford Fiesta Rally ............ 46
360 Chevelle
The team at 360 Fabrications were able to fit a 572 Crate engine into this 1970 Chevelle ...pg 48 Feature: Toyota 2000GT........................ 54
THE FRONT SEAT
A Thrill a Minute ost kids dread the thought of the M summer coming to an end. As the days grow shorter it is a clear sign that
Volume 13, Issue No. 5 Septermber/October 2011
back-to-school is right around the corner. For me, I always used to look forward to
Dean Washington summer’s end, as it meant the opening of Publisher the Pacific National Exhibition (or PNE for
Publisher / Editor: Dean Washington dean@rpmcanada.ca
short) and more importantly, the rides! The Rollercoaster and Bumper Cars were by far my favourites, as I loved the speed of the old wooden coaster and the thrill of being behind the wheel of a car! Well, it wasn’t technically a car, but it had a gas pedal and a steering wheel so it felt like one to me. They were also super expensive to go on as it was long before the days of All-Day Passes. Years later, I would still go on the rides with my kids and although it was fun, it was not quite the same thrill as when I was young.
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
Recently I had an opportunity to spend a day out a local track courtesy of Porsche Canada to whip around in three new models of theirs (Cayman R, Carrera GTS Cabriolet and a brand spanking new Carrera S). The event is designed for companies and individuals who want to put their vehicles through their paces in a controlled track setting. The cost for the day is $250 which includes guidance from the six certified instructors on hand, at least four sessions on the track and a tasty lunch. Morrisport Advanced Driving, who coordinated the day, are the same folks who put on the event Budd Stanley reported on in the Speed & Sound section a few issues ago. Like Budd, I went through an extremely informative hour-long classroom session and then spent several laps in the passenger seat going around the half-mile track with my excellent instructor and legendary race car driver, Tony Morris Sr. He showed me where and when to brake, where I should be looking and when to pin the accelerator to the mat. By my sixth or seventh lap, he told me I was a natural...but I think he just wanted me to write something nice about him...mission accomplished Tony! Not only do you learn a heck of a lot about handling a car and get a great workout, it is a rush like no other. Climbing to speeds of 200 km/h down the straightaway and then hammering on the brakes before stuffing it into the corner sends a rush through your whole body. It is a day any enthusiast with a sports car should consider trying at least once. It’s a bit more than that all-day pass at the fair, but a thousand times the thrill! Until next issue...Keep it Rollin’
Go Ahead...Get Dirty.
+DYH IXQ JHW D OLWWOH GLUW\ ,W¡V RND\ 7KDQNV WR +XVN\ /LQHUVŠ FXVWRP ÀW à RRU DQG FDUJR OLQHUV \RX ZRQ¡W KDYH WR ZRUU\ DERXW WKH LQWHULRU RI \RXU YHKLFOH VXFFXPELQJ WR WKH PHVV WKDW FRPHV ZLWK HYHU\GD\ OLIH :HDWKHU%HDWHU 689 &DUJR /LQHU
:HDWKHU%HDWHU %DFN )ORRU /LQHU
1HZ :HDWKHU%HDWHU )URQW )ORRU /LQHU
9HKLFOH SURWHFWLRQ WKDW ODVWV D OLIHWLPH 7KRXVDQGV RI SURGXFWV DYDLODEOH RQOLQH DW
+XVN\ 6KLHOGŠ +HDGOLWH *XDUG
RPM Sept / Oct 2011
8QGHU 6HDW 6WRUDJH *HDU%R[Š
&XVWRP 0ROGHG 0XG *XDUGV
ZZZ KXVN\OLQHUV FRP &DOO
RPM IS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING:
VALUE-ADDED & FORWARDING PARTNERS
STARTING LINES
Porsche and Jaguar Trying To Relive Le Mans Glory in 2014
T
Publishing Schedule: RPM is published 6 times per year by RPM Media Inc. Every second month. Subscription Info: 1 year: (6 issues) $9.95 + hst, 2 years: (12 issues) $17.95 + hst. Second class mailing #40050183. General Policies: The views expressed by the writers are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. Reprints with permission only. Advertisements are accepted in good faith, but we suggest that it is in your best interest to check offers personally. Publication by rpm motoring monthly should not be taken as an endorsement of the product or services offered. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any materials sent to our offices by individuals or organizations.
MAILING ADDRESS: 1921 Broadway Street, Unit 1, Port Coquitlam, B.C. Canada V3C 2N2
Tel: 604.629.9669 Fax: 778.285.2449 Toll free: 1.888.500.4591 Website: www.rpmcanada.ca
RPM Sept / Oct 2011
he 24h of Le Mans just really hasn’t been the same since the glory of the GT1 days in the mid ‘90s. Back then, no fewer than seven manufacturer-backed teams were vying for the top spot on the podium. Since that time, it’s been an Audi walkover, with only Bentley and Peugeot upsetting nearly a decade-anda-half of predictable dominance. However, things are looking up for the coming years as the FIA and the ACO are starting to get along once again with a new World Endurance Championship coming to fruition, with more cost-effective regulations in place and an unsurpassed spectacle designed to let manufacturers showcase their goods. As such, more and more manufacturers are flocking to Le Mans. And not just for the GT classes, either. With Audi and Peugeot still dedicated to the sport and Aston Martin graduating from its dominance of the GT classes to the top-tier LMP1 category, two more names from the past have declared their intentions to relive the glory days of international endurance racing. Porsche has announced its impending return for 2014, Toyota is reportedly preparing an assault of its own, and now word on the street circuit has it that Jaguar is gearing up to take on the LMP1 class as well. The program reportedly has the enthusiastic blessing of parent company Tata Motors, and if it comes to fruition, would mark the first time the marque has competed at Le Mans since 1991, the year after it won its seventh 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Silk Cut XJR-12.
STARTING LINES
BMW To Expand i-Series? Reports out of BMW are currently suggesting that its two futuristic and eco-conscious i-series vehicles, the i3 and i8 shown here, may soon be joined by two additional models said to be the i4 and i5, a smaller coupe and a family-focused four-door. Both models will employ the i-series design language and will be based around the carbon fibre-reinforced plastic “Life” structure to efficiently control weight, using variations of the drivetrains fitted to the i3 and i8. The i4 will supposedly be based on the i3’s architecture, but will become a two-seater with a sloping coupe-style roof, wider track and a more aggressive stance. Power will likely come from a variant of the i3’s electric motor, with the same optional range-extending engine mounted out back. BMW wants to have at least one affordable ibranded two-door within the next five to six years, and considering the i8 will likely crest $100,000, the i4 will be a more attainable entry point for the marque. Less is known about the i5 aside from the fact that it will be a more traditional four-door sedan with a sleek profile and power provided by the same plug-in hybrid drivetrain as the i8. That could mean up to 400 lb-ft of torque when the turbo 1.5-litre and electric motor work in unison. Sounds to us like the i5 could be a Fisker Karma/Tesla Model S fighter. Is Audi Jumping into the Urban Micro-car Game?
As Audi has been tempting us North Americans with the A1, it has gone and thrown us another tease with a new micro-car concept. The Audi urban concept is a 1+1-seat, ultra-light car that Audi says is for congested urban spaces and combines elements of a racing car, a fun car and an urban car into one radical new concept. Audi
RPM Sept / Oct 2011
goes on to comment that there is onboard room for two people, their position slightly staggered and at a sporty, low level. All controls and materials are subject to the dictates of ultra-lightweight construction in order to ensure they convey a completely unique, sensory allure. The driver can adjust the steering wheel and pedals to his own body measurements. Entry to the car is via the tailgate. The roof is designed to be manoeuvrable and slides to the rear to open. Two e-tron electric motors provide the propulsion, with the aid of lithium-ion battery cells making for impressive accelerating power. It all sounds like quite an interesting package, but we’ll have to wait and see if Audi first of all builds it, and second, lets us have a taste. The World Has Lost Another McLaren F1 Now, we usually don’t report on the ongoing musings of wealthy bad drivers destroying their high-priced modern supercars in a fit of “look at me” glory. However, we have lost one of a very few true classics left in the world, the McLaren F1 supercar, and the driver wasn’t the son of an oil tycoon trying to impress his fellow twit friends. No, the driver was none other than Mr. Bean himself, Rowan Atkinson, a well-respected racer of priceless vintage race cars and himself a car collector. According to reports, the 56-year-old Atkinson lost control of his McLaren and hit a tree, ripping the car in half, which then caught fire. Miraculously, Atkinson was not trapped in the vehicle and walked away from the crash. This is not the first time Atkinson has crashed his McLaren, previously ripping the front wheel off in an accident with an Austin Metro. In total, 106 McLaren F1s were built, starting in 1992, but that number is quickly falling with a number of recent accidents and fires.
STARTING LINES David Higgins Shoots Down Pastrana’s Record Run Up Mt. Washington While the Pikes Peak Hillclimb is easily the most famed hillclimb race in the world, the Mt. Washington Climb to the Clouds hillclimb is the oldest, and some would say more prestigious. Run since 1904, the 12.2 km, tree-lined road leading to the 1,916-metre summit of eastern America’s tallest peak has seen its fair share of record-breaking performances. On June 26, 2011, Subaru Rally Team USA driver David Higgins drove the road faster than anyone else in history, needing only six minutes and 11.54 seconds to finish the famed Mt. Washington
KTM Concepts Electric Three-Wheeler KTM, the Austrian motorcycle maker well known for building high-quality enduro off-roaders that have dominated the Dakar Rally for the last decade, has added a second vehicle to its car lineup. Joining the track day sensation, the X-Bow, KTM is currently working on an electricpowered threewheeler dubbed the KTM E3W electric vehicle concept. As part of a collaboration between KTM and the Austrian Institute of Technology, the podshaped threewheeler is fully electric and its main construction is made entirely of plastic. KTM says that the plastic construction helps keep the vehicle’s overall weight down to a mere 500 kg, making the 15 kW electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack much more efficient, giving the E3W a range of 100 km. KTM is looking to build 50,000 E3Ws per year at an estimated price of $7,000 to $11,000 apiece, and plans to begin production sometime in 2013. An enticing bit of kit indeed; however, by the looks of the concept vehicle, Canadian safety regulations mean this thing won’t get anywhere close to a Canadian showroom without major redesign and a price hike.
Hillclimb. The record run was nearly 30 seconds faster than Canadian Frank Sprongl’s previous record from 1998 posted in a Group B-spec Audi Quattro. Higgins also beat the unofficial record of 6:20.47 set by Travis Pastrana last year. Higgins, who made similar headlines only a few short months ago when he cracked the lap record for a four-wheeled automobile around the Isle of Man TT circuit, broke Mitsubishi Opens Solar Charging Station For iMiEV the Mt. Washington record behind the wheel of his factory-prepared Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Motors North America have debuted Subaru WRX STi rally car. a solar-powered charging station for electric vehicles at the Mitsubishi NA headquarters in Cypress, California. Mitsubishi comments that NHTSA Tells Pagani, “No Airbags, No Importation!” the charging facility symbolizes MMNA’s commitment to electric Those pesky safety rules have seen the demise and the turning away vehicle readiness, and will help kick off the preparations as certified of several very cool vehicles. We lost the Land Rover Defender, and Mitsubishi dealers become EV-ready in anticipation of the scheduled saw many a supercar, like the McLaren F1, have to undergo mas- launch date of Mitsubishi i. The charging station is powered by 96 sive restyling in order to meet North America’s high levels of safety 175W photovoltaic modules from Mitsubishi Electric. This charging legislation. The latest car to fall victim to the bureaucrats is the new Pagani Huayra. If you are one of 15 lucky North Americans who have their deposit accepted by the Italian supercar builder, you may want to ask for a refund. As the Huayra is not produced with airbags, the boffins over at the NHTSA are none too pleased. In the past, a few low-volume manufacturers like Tesla and Lamborghini were given exemptions. Pagani applied for a similar pass on the grounds that it didn’t have the financial resources to develop such a system, but the administration has denied its request. So until a system is built for the car, which Pagani estimates to be a $5.7 million investment, or someone offers an aftermarket re-engineering package like the McLaren had to go through, the Huayra is forbidden from North American consumption.
station will help support CHAdeMO-compatible electric vehicles such as the Mitsubishi i, which will arrive in showrooms in November of this year. Able to charge up to four vehicles at once, the station features three types of chargers with different voltages: standard level 1 voltage (110v) will deliver a 100 percent charge in 22 hours on the new Mitsubishi i; level 2 (220v) which can charge the vehicle in six hours; and level 3 CHAdeMO Quick Charger, which can charge to 80 percent battery capacity in 25 minutes. GM Signs $7.5 Million Deal with Sunlogics PLC In an effort to cut its greenhouse gas emissions, GM has announced an equity investment of $7.5 million in Sunlogics PLC, a verticallyintegrated global solar energy systems provider specializing in solar project development and installation. GM also signed commercial agreements with Sunlogics for the installation of solar charging cano10 RPM Sept / Oct 2011
STARTING LINES
STRONGER. TOUGHER. MORE DURABLE. 6 flARE STylES in matte EODFN ¿QLVK RU HDVLO\ SDLQWHG
pies at Chevrolet dealerships and GM facilities, as well as an agreement to install large-scale solar arrays at GM facilities and to purchase the energy produced by these arrays. Sunlogics will use some of the funding to establish its corporate headquarters and open a manufacturing facility in suburban Detroit, and to set up a manufacturing facility in Ontario. The facility in Southeast Michigan will create 200 jobs and the Canadian facility will support 110 jobs. Hagerty Announces Classic Vehicle Valuation Tool Ahead of $230 Million Auction Week Hagerty has announced a complimentary new web service developed to help collectors better understand the classic car marketplace. “Collector Car Portfolio” joins two other Hagerty web tools – “Value Your Car” and “Market Trends” - which can be accessed at www.hagerty. com/valuationtools. The announcement came before five major collector car auction houses begin business in Monterey, Calif. the week of August 15. Hagerty expects the auctions to have grossed $230 million in sales from August 18th to August 21. The project involved more than five years of research by Hagerty’s team of valuation experts, and combines the following tools. Collector Car Portfolio: A collector can create a portfolio containing their cars – or their dream garage - and the tool creates a chart showing how the group and the individual vehicles have performed during the past. The tool also enables one to track their portfolio against the value performance of the Dow Jones industrial average, S&P 500, Gold and NASDAQ markets. Value Your Car: Simply input the year, make and model of a classic vehicle, and the site outputs a chart showing its current value and five year trend. Market Trends: This tool displays the value of several Hagerty-created classic car indexes and can assist collectors in deciding when to buy, sell or hold from different genres of classics.
ADDING STYLE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER
OUR STRONGEST THICKEST CAP Easy Installation No Drill Screw-Clip Mounting System Adds Protection Covers Nicks and Scratches
800-338-3800
www.bushwacker.com
RPM Sept / Oct 2011 11
Mercedes-Benz SLK350
More is Better Review and photos by Gerry Frechette
T
he two-seat sports roadster is a vehicle with which Mercedes-Benz is intimately familiar. Indeed, the company was building such cars at least as far back as 1934, as documented in the last issue of RPM. Of course, the SL has been the iconic model for several decades, but it has gradually moved way up into the prestige segment. Mercedes introduced the SLK in the late 1990s to fill a more “popular” price and size range, and the third generation of the car has just been launched. The basic specs are the same as with the first two versions – front-mounted V6, rear-wheel drive, and folding metal hardtop – but of course, the new SLK350 is new and improved in every objective measurement. We had the chance to find out on a long two days of driving, doing the iconic “Alberta grand tour” from Calgary through Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, ending in Edmonton. At first glance, the new SLK appears much more muscular and aggressive than before, and that is no illusion, as Mercedes wants to broaden its appeal to sell more of them to men. The front end is quite reminiscent of the SLS supercar, which is to say it has a large, assertive grille of a design that is obviously becoming a styling signature for the brand. The side air vents are said to pay homage to the 300SL of yore, while the curvaceous rear flanks give a muscular look and allow a wider rear track. The AMG Styling package, standard in Canada unlike other markets, adds even more masculinity. 12 At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011
For a limited time, when you buy select sets of 4 TOYO Tires receive a rebate of up to $80. Experience great TOYO handling wherever you drive. And with the money you save, you could treat yourself to a day of doing something you really enjoy! Ask your dealer for full details. TOYO TIRES‌ engineered for the real world.
R E B AT E O F F E R e n d s D E C E M B E R 1 7 T H , 2 0 11
Ask for details!
The interior, too, is thoroughly revised to be more luxurious and refined, with sporty touches like red ambient lighting and a new steering wheel and instrument cluster design. The dashboard is a very “no-nonsense,” almost retro design, especially the four large round air vents. A multitude of buttons are located on the centre stack in a potentially confusing fashion, with the COMAND controller knob on the console giving easy access to the new telematics including navigation. The SLK has no shortage of room in any direction, even for 6-foot-plus tall people, and not just with the top down. The seat can be moved back far enough, and tilted up under-thigh thanks to its multi-adjustability, to give those longer of leg a large degree of comfort on extended drives. The trunk in a retractable hardtop like this one can be the biggest compromise in the vehicle, given that the folded top takes much of the available luggage space. And while that has to be said for the SLK, one is left with enough room for a couple of medium-size soft-sided bags and various smaller odds and ends, enough to at least be able to both bring some stuff and enjoy top-down motoring. In short, for a compact sports roadster, the SLK offers an unexpected level of overall space compared to similar cars with retractable hardtops. Under the aluminum hood is an engine that sounds familiar – a 3.5L V6 – but which is all-new, the SLK being the first of what we can expect to be many Mercedes models to have this engine. With third-generation direct injection, piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition the main improvements, the new engine pumps out 302 horsepower, only a couple more than the previous version in the SLK, but torque goes from 265 to 273 lb-ft, at a much lower rpm level, resulting in improved mid-range response. It’s all enough to power the 1,540-kg car to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, which is quick for any non-AMG Mercedes, with lower fuel consumption, too. There will be an SLK55 AMG V8 in a few months, as well as an SLK250 with 1.8-litre turbo four and, we are told, a manual transmission, which is not available with the V6. The automatic box is the excellent 7G-Tronic 7-speed unit, which is a torque converter design, not a twinclutch manumatic. Having said that, it shifts “right now” 14 At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011
up or down, especially in Sport mode, and the paddle shifters can be used to impose your own ideas of engine revs on it in Manual mode. We shouldn’t admit it, but we let the transmission do its own thing quite often, and saved the self-shifting for those twisty roads we encountered. On said roads, we came to appreciate the firm but compliant ride and handling characteristics of the SLK, no doubt enhanced by the Dynamic Handling Package, also standard in Canada unlike other markets. It is an electronically-controlled fully automatic damping system, which reacts to all road surfaces and minimizes body roll in corners. It really works well. Also included with this technology is Direct-Steer and Torque Vectoring Brakes. The Direct-Steer system offers more handling and agility than the standard steering, while also reducing the amount of physical effort required when parking. In critical conditions, the Torque Vectoring Brakes produce a defined rotational movement of the vehicle about the vertical axis through selective brake actuation at the rear wheel on the inside of the bend. This adds to the stability and feel of precision in aggressive cornering
Introducing Baja STZ The Ultimate Tire For Your Daily Drive Popular LT and SUV Sizes Wider Prof i le Serrated Tread Elements Compounded for Long Life Perfect for Original Equipment Replacement
For Maximum Traction and Braking
For Improved Tread Stability and Grip
Official Tire of
Special Compounds Provide Traction & Durability
Strategic Siping Multi Draft Lug Angles Quiet Tread Design Higher Load Capacities
For Better Traction and Braking on Slick Surfaces and Ice
Keeps the Tread Clear of Mud, Rocks, and Stones
Computer Tuned Tread Elements for a Smooth, Quiet Ride
LT Metric Sizes in Load Range E for Better Towing Capability
Shop, Compare, Save Try BuyNow Today At: mickeythompsontires.com Baja ATZ Plus
Baja ATZ
Baja MTZ
Baja Claw TTC For a Dealer Near You Call 877-680-0883 or visit www.mickeythompsontires.com
manoeuvres. We can confirm that the SLK turns in crisply and has a nice feel of balance. Beyond these major systems, there is almost no end to the safety and comfort technology built-in to the SLK. The Airscarf system introduced on the last version is an air vent in the top of each seat, for those cool top-down days. Airguide is a wind deflector system, made of acrylic glass and mounted to the back of the two head restraints, that directs turbulent air flow around the occupants. Attention Assist will let you know if it thinks you are not paying attention due to drowsiness. The Media Interface gives complete connection for electronic devices. There are many more, but the new feature we like the most, which ironically we couldn’t experience because the pre-production cars we drove didn’t have it, is one that is an industry first. It is called Magic Sky Control, and once you get past the “far out, man” name, what it does is switch the panoramic glass roof of the hardtop from transparent in the “Light” setting to opaque in the “Shaded” setting, so you can control just how much light and heat reaches the cabin. All this is done with new glass technology, and one hopes that it can be applied to the upper portion of the windshield of cars, too, so we can finally do away with the most archaic part of any car – the sunvisors. But we digress. The SLK is available in several combinations of interior trim, including two-tone leather, two types of genuine wood including on the steering wheel, aluminum, and carbon fibre. The Mercedes designo program offers further customization. The special Edition 1 version, of which there were only 15 built for Canada, even came in Glacier Grey paint, which is a flat grey with no gloss at all. We’ll withhold comment on that look....
SPECIFICATIONS Base price (MSRP): .................................................................................$66,500 Type: ......................................................... 2-door, 2-passenger hardtop roadster Layout: . ..................................................................Front engine/rear-wheel drive Engine: . ................................................................................................... 3.5L V6 Transmission: .................................................................................. 7-speed auto Power: .......................................................................................................302 hp Torque: . ............................................................................ 273 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm Curb weight: ...........................................................................................1,540 kg 0-100 km/h: ............................................................................................. 5.6 sec. Brakes: . ............................................................Vented discs, front and rear, ABS Fuel Economy (L/100km, city/hwy): . .................................................... 10.6 / 6.9
16 At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011
The new SLK is, as one would expect in this age of auto technology, better in every way than its predecessor, especially if you relate to its newly masculine image. The new V6 is a strong performer, the transmission and suspension are programable for luxury cruising or sporty performance, the built-in safety technology sets the standard in this class, there is more space for two adults and their stuff than one might expect, and there is a wide range of options to tailor an SLK to individual taste. Subjectively, it just seems more mature and substantial than the other cars in this class. Given it is a Mercedes, that should not be surprising.
ROAD TEST - DODGE CHARGER R/T
Affordable Attitude
Story and photos by Gerry Frechette
I
t is commonplace these days for manufacturers to produce models that make drivers think back to a particular point in time when a certain car was the one to have. It is no great surprise that most such models bring to mind the muscle car era from around 1963-1973, even if one wasn’t old enough to know what was happening then. Dodge was certainly in the thick of the muscle car wars, and the Charger was its light-heavyweight contender. Well, 40-plus years later, the latest Charger sedan joins the Challenger as Dodge’s tributes to that amazing era in American cars. Of course, there was never a four-door Charger back then, but there are enough styling cues on the new one to just about cover any enthusiast’s favourite version. Of course, you can even get a Hemi V8 now that probably has more actual power than the original would if it was rated by cur-
rent standards, and that makes the Charger the performance leader in the field of big American sedans. The Charger was first reincarnated several years ago, and this second modern generation is still very similar to it in general proportions and, especially, visual attitude. But of course, just about everything is new or upgraded, except perhaps the Hemi V8 which dishes out 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, and shuts down four cylinders under light loads with its MDS FuelSaver feature. Zero-to-100 km/h is accomplished in the six-second range, and that is hauling pretty well for such a big car. On the other hand, indicated fuel consumption in our time with the car was 13.2L/100 km in 50/50 city-highway driving that was seldom with a heavy right foot. That is almost exactly the NRC rating for city consumption alone, so you know if you are going to boot a Hemi Charger around the city, you are going to pay the piper. At least the Hemi runs on regular gas. Also available on lesser models is the new 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 292 hp, which should be plenty in a Charger used primarily as a family sedan. Both engines are backed up by a five-speed automatic, but soon you’ll be able to get an eight-speed, which should do good things for both acceleration and fuel consumption. You can manually shift the tranny via the gear lever (no paddles), and it is still that strangely unique side-to-side design, to either side of “D.” Our tester was equipped with all-wheel drive, which, as usual, leads to some trade-offs associated with added weight (90 kg) and the like. It is a rear-wheel-biased system, and the Charger so equipped has Chrysler’s new on-demand transfer case and automatic front axle disconnect system, so that the drivetrain operates in rear-drive until the front wheels are needed for more traction. All of this mechanical activity is performed without driver involvement, and silently. On-demand AWD is not uncommon, but it is unusual on a RWD-based car. At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011 17
ROAD TEST - DODGE CHARGER R/T Changes to the Charger’s all-independent suspension are many, with new springs, shocks, control arms and bushings leading the way. Handling is very composed and sure-footed, leading one to figure the RWD car with aggressive tires would be really entertaining. The AWD has a light and balanced feeling to it in everyday driving, like it is a smaller car than the big brute it is. That comes from Dodge spending time on chassis engineering. The changes for the better continue inside the Charger, as the previous stark hard-plastic look has been upgraded to a more refined, upscale design. The monochromatic theme of before has been replaced by large swaths of aluminum-look panelling that complements the black door panels and main dashboard, if not the nice tan leather on our tester. The seats are big, firm and supportive, Dodge no doubt being aware of the likelihood of bigger guys buying this car. In that vein, there is plenty of room inside the Charger, as before, both front and rear, which is certainly the main benefit of a big sedan like this. The trunk, too, is capacious, but you’ll just about need two hands, attached to long arms, to reach simple manual control for, such as the seat heaters. Nevertheless, way up and close the very stiff trunk lid. And if you do have those this voice-command system is the last word, for today at least, in long arms and need to drive with the seat far back, you’ll like the infotainment technology. adjustable pedals, a feature not seen on many cars. The Charger R/T AWD’s base price is $39,995, but the many opAmong the many, many safety and convenience options our tions including U-Connect are very reasonably priced, and for under tester had was the new U-Connect Touch system with Garmin $44,000, you get a big, fast, comfortable, and capable all-weather navigation. The touch screen has major icons for seven different sedan that you can easily fit five adults into. Oh, and it has that major functions – Radio, Player (for media devices), Controls, Dodge attitude, too. Just like it did 40 years ago. Climate, Navigation, Phone and Settings. From there, you can touch your way to controlling just about everything you’d want to control – and at least one thing you would rather just have a
SPECIFICATIONS Base MSRP: ...........................................................................................$39,995 Price as tested:....................................................................................... $43,370 Vehicle Layout: .................................Front-engine, all-wheel drive, 4-door sedan Engine: ............................................................................................5.7L OHV V8 Transmission: . .......................................................................... 5-spd automatic Power: . ............................................................................. 370 hp @ 5,250 RPM Torque: . ..........................................................................395 lb-ft @ 4,200 RPM Brakes: ........................................................................... 4-wheel disc, ABS, EBD Curb Weight: .........................................................................1,828 kg (4,034 lb) Fuel Economy: (L/100 km, city/hwy) ......................................................14.4/8.5
18 At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011
ROAD TEST - INFINITI G37 IPL COUPE
Infiniti’s Performance Line The G37 IPL Coupe
Review and photos by Russell Purcell
car befitting the upwardly mobile executive, but as the performance offering for the model, it is nice to see that the car has been fitted hen Nissan launched its Infiniti brand to market luxury auto- with a true dual exhaust system. This free-flowing set-up managed mobiles, SUVs and CUVs, it had its sights set on competing to sonically tickle my ears enough that I found myself having to with the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Jaguar and Lexus for resist driving with the windows down. affluent buyers in North America. The Infiniti brand quickly garnered a solid client base as the cars were stylish, well-equipped, reliable, The G37 IPL Coupe gets a host of aggressive modifications to the and for the most part, fun to drive. But some buyers really like to bodywork including a new front fascia, subtle skirting, and a trunkdrive. BMW created its M Division and Mercedes-Benz spawned mounted spoiler. Big, 19-inch sport alloys painted in a hue similar AMG to help create automobiles with enhancements to styling, performance and handling. In a similar vein, Jaguar offers its R models and Audi has its S cars. Even Lexus had joined the party with its stunning IS-F. Enthusiast drivers knew that it was only a matter of time before the product planners at Infiniti would develop a performance division similar to that of its competitors, that being the Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL.
W
I recently had the chance to spend a week behind the wheel of the first IPL offering, that being the 2011 G37 IPL Coupe. I have always been a fan of the G Coupe as it offered buyers stylish, sweeping body lines, a luxurious and comfortable interior, and of course, a sport-minded driving experience. The IPL takes the G Coupe’s performance up a notch by modifying the 3.7-litre V6 to produce 348-hp, which is a healthy bump of 18 extra ponies over the standard G37 Coupe. This potent powerplant likes you to explore the higher limits of the tachometer, but with 276 lb-ft of torque on tap, it also likes to put the power down. The IPL may still be a luxurious 20 At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011
ROAD TEST - INFINITI G37 IPL COUPE to that of the car add to the tuner look, and it is all capped off by a simple IPL badge on the trunk. My test unit looked very expensive, cloaked in its high-lustre Graphic Shadow paint, one of only two colours available for the IPL, the other being Malbec Black. The interior was an all-leather affair with the sport seats tightly wrapped in deep grey hides dressed up with bold red stitching. Brushed aluminum trim is in abundance throughout the tidy cabin, and was cool looking enough that I was tweeting a photo of it before I even started the car. The three-spoke steering wheel, aluminum-capped pedals and compact gauge cluster all add to the sporty look carried through the car. The car accelerates with just a hint of aggression, and the six-speed manual transmission featured nice, short throws. A seven-speed automatic with shift paddles mounted on the steering column is available as an option. My preference would be the manual gearbox, but I don’t have a bumper-to-bumper commute to contend with on a daily basis. Handling is crisp and precise, and enthusiast types will appreciate the stiffer springs, sport shocks, and communicative steering. A mechanical-type limited-slip differential and heavy-duty sport brakes make this car a nice tool for lapping duty at the local track. The ride feels firm, but not enough to beat you up if this is your daily driver. As the high trim offering of the G37 Coupe line-up, this car is loaded with standard features including a premium Bose stereo, navigation, rear-view camera, and a sunroof. The car also benefits from the more powerful engine, and the fact that it will be quite exclusive, as only a limited number will be produced each year.
SPECIFICATIONS Base price (MSRP): ................................................................................$57,200 Price as tested: . .............................. $59,120 (Includes: $1,920 freight and PDE) Type: ..................................................................................... 4-passenger coupe Layout: ................................................................. Front engine, rear-wheel drive Engine: ....................................................................3.7-litre, 24-valve, DOHC V6 Power: . ...............................................................................348 hp @ 7,400 rpm Torque: . ........................................................................... 276 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm Transmission: . ........................... 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed automatic Fuel Consumption (L/100km): ...........City 12.3 (23 mpg), Highway 7.9 (36 mpg)
At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011 21
ROAD TEST - PORSCHE GTS + CAYMAN R
Porsche creates two new special editions geared for the enthusiast buyer Review and photos by Russell Purcell
F
ans of the Porsche brand have had lots of reasons to celebrate as of late, as the German car maker is capitalizing on its current financial strength and corporate stability to broaden the number of offerings on its menu and even cook up some really tantalizing “special” dishes to satisfy the tastes of its loyal clientele. Last year, Porschephiles relished the sporty flavour of the retro-inspired Boxster Spyder. This rag-topped vixen left many smitten with desire, and showed automobile fanatics that the designers at Porsche were an adventurous crew open to exploring some new avenues.
has established a very large fan base, and Porsche likes to seed their dreams with special variants on a regular basis.
As much as I would love to put a GT3 in my garage, it would be a little too hard-edged for everyday use. However, a car like the 911 GTS would be the perfect choice for the enthusiast buyer that demands prodigious performance but requires the car to be comfortable enough to handle his or her daily transportation duties. The 3.8-litre horizontally-opposed flat six is only marginally less powerful than the aforementioned GT3, and with 408 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, this car’s acceleration is spontaneous. The car breathes through a special sport exhaust system that emits a gloriously raspy rumble that This year, I have had the chance to sample two more special cars that I could not escape. Driving this car with the top down is an incredible have been packaged and engineered to optimize the performance experience, but it is the sound of this automobile that will make every potential of the cars upon which they are based. The 911 Carrera GTS drive a memorable one. and the Cayman R are truly special automobiles. After spending a week with each of these cars - as well as a day at the track - it became im- The GTS is available as a coupe or convertible, and with either a mediately apparent that the chefs in the Porsche kitchen have found traditional rear-wheel drive layout or all-wheel drive. My test unit was a rear-wheel drive cabriolet painted a beautiful Carrera White, which the recipe for success - more power and less weight. proved the perfect colour to highlight this car’s curvaceous wide-body design. Bold, 19-inch, RS Spyder wheels are painted gloss black, and Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet The Porsche 911 is one of the true icons in the automotive world. The feature a centre lock design Porsche reserves for its most potent offermodel was born out of the successful 356 program in 1963 and is ings. Big red brake calipers peek out from behind the wheel spokes and quickly approaching its 50th year of production. With a run that long it help give the car a visually aggressive appeal. The swollen body work
22 At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011
ROAD TEST - PORSCHE GTS + CAYMAN R and subtle aero tweaks have been borrowed from the GT2. The cabin is relatively Spartan, but like all 911s, is designed to place the driver in the optimal setting to become one with the road. The GTS features electrically-adjustable sport seats that proved firm and well-bolstered, and what I would consider one of the nicest-feeling steering wheels in the industry. This wide-rimmed, three-spoke unit is wrapped in the same Alcantara that is used throughout the interior and looked like it belonged in a full-blown race car. Other standard equipment includes automatic climate control, power windows, mirrors and door locks, bi-xenon headlights and a premium audio system that I refused to turn on due to my lust for the mechanical music that embraces this automobile. Of course, a speed activated rear spoiler is onboard to deliver downforce when travelling at higher speeds. On the road, this car proved to offer the perfect mix of comfort and zing, but it wasn’t until I experienced the GTS on the track that I was awakened to its true potential. The “Launch Control” feature that is part of the Sport Chrono Package Plus ($1,690) made me look like a star as I exited the pit lane. The car hammered down Mission Raceway Park’s long straight, and then made short work of the track’s many twists and bends. Steering was precise and the car’s wide track and sticky tires seemed to deliver unmatched levels of grip. My car came equipped with optional PDK 7-speed automatic transmission complete with paddle shifters which allowed me to execute lightning-quick gear changes, as well as Porsche’s optional suspension management system (PASM) to keep my track acrobatics in check. This is a car that allows you to execute the perfect line and embrace the act of driving.
test unit). My PDK-equipped Cayman R proved to be very quick (0-100 km/h runs are executed in well under 5 seconds), agile, and prepared to dance through corners like a true race-bred automobile. A further 10-kilogram weight loss can be had if you order the car with the optional lithium-ion battery, but at $1,940, it may be cheaper for you to lose some weight. After spending the better part of a day lapping at Mission with this car, I noticed that I could carry more speed through the corners and when the track became twisty, the Cayman R felt like it was on rails. Every Cayman R is fitted with a limited-slip rear differential, uprated springs and shocks, and beefy anti-roll bars. The car also rides 20 millimetres lower than a Cayman S. This truly is a precision instrument. One look at the car tells you that it is something special. My car was cloaked in the retinal-searing Peridot Metallic green colour and features Alcantara-lined carbon race buckets and bright red seatbelts. A quick look at my photos will reveal that the Cayman R sports unique black headlight surrounds and matching mirror caps, and very menacing-looking twin black tail pipes. The car is also fitted with a more aggressive aero package that includes a new front fascia, rear diffuser, fixed rear spoiler, and retro-inspired door stripes. The car’s interior is all business, as much of the traditional luxury equipment like the air-conditioning and stereo are missing from the basic build sheet, including the door pockets and interior handles. The exposed gauge cluster is a retro cue shared with the Spyder, as are the bright red nylon pull loops employed to open the doors.
With an extra dose of power, impressive handling, and a hint of exclu- As a big guy I found this car a tight fit as the seat is fixed on its rails sivity, the Porsche 911 GTS deserves a spot on my always expanding and has limited adjustability due to its competition design. But once list of dream cars. shoe-horned inside I didn’t want to get out. Ever! That’s how addictive this car is when you want to explore its performance potential and your Base price (MSRP): ...................................$117,600-125,700 Coupe (6-speed); driving skills. For this reason, I think the Cayman R is best reserved for $128,800-137,000 Cabriolet use as a track day weapon. I would also avoid this colour, as I found Top Speed (km/h): . ............................................................................. 306; 304 Acceleration (0-100 km/h): . ...................................... 4.6 s; 4.4 s (4.2 s Sport+) myself becoming increasingly paranoid that it made the car stick out like a beacon, and as such I would end up as the trophy ticket for a Porsche Cayman R bored police officer looking to check out the car. When the Cayman first arrived in 2006, it caused quite a stir. While Base price (MSRP): .................................... $75,600 (6-speed); $79,510 (PDK) many see it as merely a fixed-roof variant of the Boxster roadster, Top Speed (km/h): . ............................................................................ 282; 280 in reality it is much more than that. The Cayman offers the driver a Acceleration (0-100km/h): . ...................................... 5.0 s; 4.9 s (4.7 s Sport+) lightweight GT that delivers world-class handling due to its mid-engine layout. In fact, the Cayman S has proven quicker around many a track than its iconic big brother the venerable 911. For this reason, many believe that the company’s product planners have resisted upping the car’s performance potential for fear of robbing sales from the pricier 911 line. In steps the 2012 Cayman R. A revised version of the proven 3.4-litre flat-six engine now generates 330 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. While this is just a minor power boost over a standard Cayman S, it feels like more due to the fact that the Cayman R has been reared on a strict diet. Aluminum door skins, carbon-fibre seats, and ultra-lightweight alloy wheels were employed to shed an impressive 55 kilograms from the car when fitted with the six-speed manual transmission, or 30 kilograms in cars ordered with the innovative PDK automatic (like my At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011 23
FEATURE - MAZDA SkyActiv increase compression and decrease friction. More or less, this is the basis behind the SkyActiv-G, or gasoline engine. The compression ratio has been increased to racing levels, an amazing 14:1. To give this perspective, a Ferrari 458 has a 12.5:1 compression ratio. In conjunction, pistons, connecting rods and the crankshaft have all been lightened 10 percent, while engine friction has been reduced by 30 percent. To make it all work in the real world, a massive amount of redesign of the valvetrain, exhaust system and crankshaft has been required to optimize efficiency and make it all run smoothly. The result is 15 percent better emissions, fuel consumption and torque while running on 87-octane.
Ethical Zoom Zoom Testing Mazda’s latest line of highly efficient engines Story by Budd Stanley, Photos courtesy of Mazda Canada
W
For the diesel, the SkyActiv-D has a very similar engineering process as the SkyActiv-G, but with the D, compression is actually lowered. At an unheard of 14:1, the SkyActiv-D is the world’s lowest-pressure diesel, which enables ideal combustion timing to record a 20-percent improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions, while obtaining Tier2 Bin5 diesel emissions compliance without the use of exhaust treatments like urea. However, SkyActiv is not just about making the engine a more efficient machine. No, Mazda has taken the project’s philosophy and applied it to the cars’ transmission, chassis and body as well. The transmissions have received a good deal of attention, making for faster more direct shifts and optimal ratios, while the body and chassis receive new metal forming techniques which firm up high-stressed structure areas, improving stiffness, while knocking off nearly 100 kg in weight.
hen it comes to manufacturers gloating about how environmentally conscious they are with highly efficient diesels, hybrid drivetrains and even new electric vehicle offerings, it has been suspiciously quiet on the Mazda front. Yes, we’ve heard about them testing hydrogen powered rotarys and dabbling with electrics, but we’ve had no real solid answer about what Mazda plans to do in the next few years to make up ground in the environmentally conscious popularity contest. Well, last month, we got to see just that, as Mazda put on a full-court press to get their plans out in the open. Essentially, SkyActiv has nothing to do with hybrid or EV technology, but is a philosophy that encompasses engine, gearboxes, chassis and body structure designs aimed to increase fuel efficiency by 30 percent and driver interaction with its cars by 2015, leading up to an EV launch soon after. So how is Mazda going about doing this? Well, to explain all the technical details would take hours, so I’ll try explaining the important parts the best I can. Let’s start with the engines. SkyActiv will involve both gasoline and diesel engines, and will use familiar motorsport-based engineering to provide optimal efficiency. Any engine builder will tell you that the key to producing a more powerful engine is to 24 At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011
The SkyActiv-G, for gasoline, gets 15 percent better emissions, fuel consumption and torque while running on 87-octane.
FEATURE - MAZDA SkyActiv The SkyActiv-D will get a 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions, without the use of exhaust treatments like urea.
The gearbox has been engineered to give better and more direct shifts and feel while increasing efficiency through ideal ratios. I got the chance to try out each different powertrain option in a fleet of test mules. The gas engine cars provided increased pull and a very linear power band, while the diesels had me completely won over with massive torque, smooth acceleration and maximized gearing. The technology really has stepped up the performance side of Mazda’s game while true efficiency and emissions numbers will have to wait for production.
SkyActiv technology will be making its Canadian debut in the all new CX-5, due out early next year, and yes, the diesels are coming to Canada. However, SkyActiv is only the base mechanical architecture, and will receive a stop/start function and regenerative braking before moving to a full EV drivetrain. From the feedback I was getting from these test mules, Mazda is on the right track. Getting the Zoom Zoom feeling with an EV.... well, that might be another story.
The body receives new metal forming techniques which firm up high stressed areas, improving flex, while knocking off nearly 100 kg in weight. At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011 25
REVIEW - SPORT COUPE SHOOTOUT
Sports Coupe Shootout We pit four top-level performance cars against each other to find the best driver Story and photos by Budd Stanley
W
e may be coming to the end of summer, but before we start the deep plunge into winter, we take a look at a group of high-performance sports coupes that can make the final Sunday drives of the year a little more pleasurable. In terms of true driving pleasure, there isn’t much that can touch a good sports coupe, combining the fun of a roadster with performance and aerodynamics of a hardtop. It’s a competitive class of vehicle, and all four vehicles tested are extremely closely matched in terms of outright performance. So we took our four favourites out for a rip to see which was the best driver’s car.
super wide and sticky tires that pull the car all over the road when driving in grooves. However, where this car exceeds is when you start to give it some willy. The Nismo is a car that just isn’t happy unless you are kicking the living hell out of it. As a result it can be hugely rewarding to drive when pushed to its limits. It is a car that just wants to run. While the Nissan has the heaviest feet in the bunch, it does boast an extremely low centre of balance and well planted feel to the ground. It also has a great sensation of speed, meaning slow Sunday jaunts are nearly as exciting as high-speed rips through the mountains, a trait sadly lacking from the other high-tech, high-quality riding competition. As a result of that weight, the Z can really suck up the fuel when pushed, while the seats are a bit uncomfortable and the already ridiculously bad rear vision is made even worse with the additional wing. The Safety Officer The Audi TTS has one of the most iconic, yet unique, looks in the business. The scratch-your-head styling continues on in the interior, and while it’s not loved by all, I think it’s the looker of the The TTS has everything going its way, however sometimes less... is more.
The Cheap Thrill Let’s start with the most affordable coupe in our comparison, the slightly easier to digest, $47,000 Nissan 370Z Nismo special edition. It’s an odd looking body that sits over those aggressive wheels, but once you start to take in the little details, you can see that there is an exotic deep down trying to get out. Much like an exotic, the Nismo can be a bit of a brute when driving around town with a clutch that works more like a light switch and bunch. The dash is the most usable and the seating is also classleading with an aggressive low and adjustable positioning. Powering the TTS is the magically competent 2.0L turbo fourcylinder nestled well ahead of the front wheels under the hood, which does wonders to what should be the most sluggish car in the quartet. Giving up a massive 1.7L to the 370’s 3.7L mill, this car is still as quick as any of our testers.
The 370Z Nismo is fantastically brutal, swinging a big hammer, and is very rewarding to drive at its limits. 26 At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011
The safeness of the AWD system, while making the car the finest all-weather, all-season car of the group, unfortunately mutes the tossability and feel of the car. It’s not boring, but it’s just not as reactive or communicative as I would have liked in a high-performance sports coupe. This is also coupled by a stability control system that just won’t completely cut out, steeling-edge-of-yourseat controlability from the driver.
REVIEW - SPORT COUPE SHOOTOUT The Fun Killer BMW calls its cars “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” and granted, BMWs are among the finest cars I’ve ever driven, matching front engine-rear wheel drive performance to 50/50 weight distribution. The Z4 is an extremely capable car, and great when not pushing limits. However, when trying to have fun, I spent more time fighting the car.
fuel efficiency and mid-engine layout. In a perfect world, this is what I would drive; however, it’s not. $70,000 is a massive price over the other three. So, in the real world, the Nismo makes more sense and its back-to-basics engineering means it’s the one of the bunch I’d most likely be driving home if the lottery doesn’t turn out.
Specifications: Nissan 370Z Nismo
MSRP: . ................................................................................................. $46,898 Engine: ...................................................................................................3.7L V6 Power: . ....................................................................................332 hp, 270 lb-ft 0-100 km/h: ....................................................................................4.6 seconds Gearbox: . ................................................ 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic Layout: ................................................................................. Front Engine, RWD Differential: . ................................................................................... Viscous LSD Curb Weight (distribution F/R): . ................................................... 1,498 (54/46) Fuel Efficiency: ............................................11.6L/100km city, 7.7L/100km hwy
Audi TTS
Their capabilities are immense, with electronic do-dads to match. However, somewhere along the way, BMW seemed to forget that the joy of driving comes with the marriage between man and machine, not man and computer. With Dual Clutch automatic transmissions, electric emergency brakes, i-Drive computers and stability control that won’t turn off completely, the Z4 is a car that is constantly being the mother hen, questioning every risk. But what’s worse is that BMW has done away with the mechanical limited-slip diff, and replaced it with software working the brakes. I spent many days in this car on some of the greatest roads in the world, and it performed beautifully and like the Audi, had a fantastic interior. However, as soon as I wanted to explore limits and have some fun, it vetoed every decision I made, making it more frustrating than fun.
MSRP: . ................................................................................................. $57,900 Engine: ....................................................................................................2.0L I4 Power: . ....................................................................................265 hp, 258 lb-ft 0-100 km/h: ....................................................................................5.2 seconds Drivetrain: ............................................... 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic Layout: ................................................................................. Front Engine, AWD Differential: . ................................................................................... Viscous LSD Curb Weight (distribution F/R):..................................................... 1,315 (58/42) Fuel Efficiency: ............................................10.7L/100km city, 7.4L/100km hwy
BMW Z4 sDrive35i
MSRP: . ................................................................................................. $63,900 Engine: ....................................................................................................3.0L I6 Power: . ....................................................................................300 hp, 300 lb-ft 0-100 km/h: ....................................................................................5.2 seconds Drivetrain: .......................... 6-speed manual – 7-speed automatic double clutch Layout: ................................................................................. Front Engine, RWD Differential: . ............................................................. Electronic brake-controlled Curb Weight (distribution F/R): . ................................................... 1,590 (50/50) Fuel Efficiency: ............................................11.2L/100km city, 7.6L/100km hwy
Porsche Cayman S
MSRP: . ................................................................................................. $70,900 Engine: .............................................................................................. 3.4L Flat-6 Power: . ....................................................................................320 hp, 272 lb-ft 0-100 km/h: ....................................................................................4.9 seconds Drivetrain: ......................... 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic double clutch Layout: ................................................................................... Mid Engine, RWD Differential: . ..............................................................................Mechanical LSD Curb Weight (distribution F/R): . ................................................... 1,350 (47/53) Fuel Efficiency: ............................................11.1L/100km city, 7.5L/100km hwy
The Surgeon And so we finish up with Porsche’s Cayman S. It may not be the prettiest of the bunch, but it is the most responsive. The mid-engine layout means that is difficult to drive, but once you figure it out and grab it by the scruff of the neck, it is by far the most rewarding. When it comes to handling and steering, this car really is like a neural surgeon on the tight and twisties. Since Porsche finally put an LSD in the Cayman, this car has really come alive and now drives to its full potential. And let’s The Cayman offers the most joy of the bunch, but you gotta pay not forget about that fantastic sound that comes to play. out the back when the loud foot gets heavy. The driving positioning is ideal, the steering and pedals are fantastically direct. Then there is the Porsche feeling you get when sitting in anything with the Stuttgart horse on the hood. It’s just a warm and fuzzy feeling that you know you’re sitting in something special. However, the most fun-to-drive car of the bunch also comes with some serious drawbacks as well. Number one is the price, and Porsche’s notorious options costs, the interior and dash are not as nice as the others and you are instantly a target in the eyes of the law. Conclusion Obviously, results may vary for those with different priorities, but mine come down to what car I’m going to have the most fun in while driving. And that is the Cayman, with its telepathic steering,
At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011 27
Winter Tire Myths... By Arch Linsao
that resist cold temperatures and stay flexible and maintain their ability o here we find ourselves at that time of year, yet again. It’s the time of to grip. year that I get the opportunity to pursue a lengthy, caffeine-induced rant about the ins and outs of everything you need to know about buying I’ll make it easy. Here’s how you can bust this one yourself. Walk into your local tire shop, and ask them what their busiest season is, by far. And winter tires. you know what they’ll say? After they’ve stopped laughing to themselves I’m going to start things off a bit differently this year though. Instead of about the fact that someone actually asked them this question? Yes, that’s focusing on what you “should” do, I think it’s time for me to rant about what right. They’ll laugh. And then they’ll say the obvious... WINTER! And if you you “shouldn’t” do. I’m going to take on some of the most common winter still don’t believe it, get on the phone and call up any tire manufacturer. tire myths out there... and I’m going to attempt to bust each one. From the And ask them the same question. They’ll laugh. Then give you the same ever-so-popular, “Oh, I know someone who read online somewhere that answer. Now if you didn’t need winter tires, winter wouldn’t be the busiest someone they chatted with but never met tried this once and it worked season of the year for the tire industry here in Canada. It makes sense great.” To the, “Oh listen here, I’ve been driving since cars were invented when you think of it that way, right? and I’ve always done this and it’s fine.” And even some of the ones in And if you still have your doubts, wait until the first snow day of the seabetween. So let’s begin, shall we? son. Get bundled up and go for a walk outside. Then take note of all the vehicles that are either stuck or sliding around in the snow and either Myth #1 - You don’t need winter tires. Your all seasons are just fine. not able to go anywhere or not able to turn or stop. Walk up to each Seriously? I can’t believe there are still people out there who think one (once they’ve stopped moving, of course) and look at their tires. I this. Let’s put this one to rest. Realistically, all-season tires should be guarantee they’re running all-seasons. And if you’re still in doubt of what called three-season tires. The compounds that make up all-season I’m telling you, get in your own car (with your all-seasons on) and go for tires aren’t designed to handle cold temperatures. When they get a drive. Drive in a straight line down a small hill, and then hit your brakes cold, they get hard. When they get hard, they don’t stick. When they while trying to turn onto a cross street. Once your car stops spinning, don’t stick, they don’t work. Winter tires are made with compounds you’ll stop doubting.
S
BFGoodrich
Continental
Features & Benefits: Continental’s wide variety of tires covers just about every vehicle and driver out there, from standard passenger vehicles, to crossovers and SUV’s, and to high-end, high-performance cars and SUV’s. 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, both for cars, crossovers, SUVs and light trucks. The CrossContactWinter and 4x4WinterContact are specifically designed to get your SUV or Light Bridgestone Truck through all the winter conditions you may encounter. Continental Tire(s): Blizzak WS-70, Blizzak DM- also offers fitments for your high-end performance vehicle. The TS810 V1, Blizzak LM-60, LM-25 and TS830 both cater to the needs of the performance market, offering Features & Benefits: Bridgestone both standard and runflat options in many OE fitments for manufacturers continues to offer a full range of win- like Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Mini, and Porsche. ter tires to suit every driver’s needs, no matter how specific. All their tires Dunlop feature advanced technologies to Tire(s): Graspic DS-3, enhance overall performance in winter Winter Sport 3D conditions. Both Zigzag and 3-D sipes improve snow and ice traction, Features & Benefits: Dunlop as well as dry performance by increasing the number of biting edges. knows that winter conditions are often Nan-Pro-Tech rubber compounds and Multicell compounds improve an inconvenience to drivers. Their ice grip by using millions of microscopic pores in the compound to tires deliver traction in lower temperaremove the thin layer of surface water on the tread face. Bridgestone’s tures for enhanced control, without lineup includes tires for all vehicles, ranging from the DM-V1 with Uni-T the need for studs. The Graspic DS-3 designed for SUVs and trucks, to the LM-60 and WS-70 which provide builds on the technology of its predecessor with its silica-based glass excellent traction in all winter conditions and come in a huge range of fibre tread which helps remain soft and flexible at lower temperatures fitments from compact to full size cars and minivans, crossovers and for enhanced ice traction and control, while its miura-shaped siping small SUVs. They also still offer a good range of standard and runflat enhances tread block stiffness and promotes steering feel and even performance winter tires in the LM-25 and LM-25 4x4 designed for wear. The Winter Sport 3D offers its Active Traction Sipe System to high-performance and high-end cars and SUVs. maintain optimum performance as driving conditions change, featuring three types of sipes that actively change based on the forces they Continental endure. This technology provides enhanced stability and maximum Tire(s): ExtremeWinterContact, WinterContact TS810 / TS830, grip, perfect for high-performance vehicles with precise handling. 4x4WinterContact, CrossContactWinter 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.
28 At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011
WINTER CAN BE BEAUTIFUL.
But not as seductive as this.
30-100
$
$
Buy a set of four Yokohama winter tires between September 15th and December 1st, 2011, and we’ll write you a cheque for between $30 and $100, depending on the tires you want. It’s a beautiful thing. Ask us for details. Rim Size
13"
14"
15"
16"
17"
18"
19"+
$30
$40
$50
$60
$70
$80
$100
GEOLANDAR I/T G072
–
–
$40
$40
$40
$40
$40
W.drive
–
–
–
$40
$40
$40
$40
iceGUARD iG20
Download your Claim Form and learn more about our winter tires at www.yokohama.ca. Claim Forms must be received by December 15, 2011.
WINTER TIRE FEATURE Running winter tires is becoming a law in more and more Canadian cities. There’s a reason why. And it’s not because they just felt like making it a law. Think about it. BUSTED Myth #2 - You don’t need winter tires if you drive an All-Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive vehicle. This one will be easy. Four tires spinning = Four tires slipping. BUSTED Myth #3 - You only need two winter tires, not four. There’s a couple of variations on this one. I’ve heard it from both a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicle perspective, and a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicle perspective. So let’s break it down for each one: RWD: Some RWD vehicle drivers out there think that all they need is two winter tires on the rear of the vehicle. Okay, so great, you can get going, but can’t stop or turn. Awesome. And for those who contest that and say, “Okay then put them on the front.” Great, you can stop and turn, but you’d never go anywhere and would end up making some really nice donuts in the snow. AWESOME!
Falken
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 is Falken’s latest addition to the winter tire lineup. It 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 nonstudded alternative to the traditional winter tire. The new ESPIA EPZ is the perfect choice, capable of conquering mother nature at her worst.
Firestone
So what conclusion have we come to? Running only two winter tires as opposed to four will more than likely end up with you making donuts in the snow.
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.
Did I mention it’s becoming law in many Canadian cities? Yes, I did.
General
FWD: More commonly, FWD vehicle drivers will think all they need is two winter tires up front. So this way, then can stop, turn and get going. At first it makes sense right? Now go back a few paragraphs to how I told you how you can bust Myth #1 yourself. Get in your own FWD car (with your winters up front and all-seasons out back) and go for a drive. Drive in a straight line down a small hill, and then hit your brakes while trying to turn onto a cross street. As the front tires grip and the back tires slip, guess what you get. Yes that’s right, donuts in the snow. AWESOME!
BUSTED Myth #4 - It’s not snowing yet. You don’t need to put your winter tires on until it snows. Okay, I can see how some might take this as being true. But the reality is (and forgive me for getting technical), the ability of your all-season tires to grip as the temperature drops decreases exponentially. As it gets colder, the compounds in your tires get harder. And as they get harder, they lose the ability to grip and get traction. In order for it to snow, temperatures are going to be hovering around or even below 0 degrees. Well, the threshold for the compounds in most all-season tires is 7 degrees. So do the math, and get your winter tires on once the temperatures start to hover around 7 degrees. That way, you’re set by the time it gets cold enough to snow. If you don’t, you’ll be riding on hockey pucks. Have you ever seen what a hockey puck does on ice? Of course you have! Also, have you ever tried to get an appointment to get tires put on when there’s already snow falling? It’s next to impossible! And you’re lucky if anyone has any tires left at that point. Save yourself the trouble... put them on early. BUSTED Myth #5 - Studded winter tires are better than non-studded winter tires. This one may have a bit of truth to it, but it really is case specific. And when people think about studding their tires, they tend to forget that it really is case specific, and not all winter conditions call for studs. 30 At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011
Tire(s): Altimax Arctic Features & Benefits: General is definitely a force to be reckoned with, especially in the winter catagory. 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.
Gislaved
Tire(s): Nord*Frost 5 Features & Benefits: Gislaved offers the Nord*Frost 5 to compete in the current winter lineup. This studable 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.
TracTion?
You beT.
From October 1 to November 30, 2011
GeT a MaiL-in rebaTe oF
$50
*
with the purchase OF 4 BFGOOdrich® passeNGer Or liGht truck tires *see details on claim form.
facebook.com/BFGoodrichCanada
AdvantageTM T/A®
g-Force® Super Sport A/S®
All-TerrainTM T/A® KO
Winter Slalom® KSI
Without traction, there’s no control. BFGoodrich® Winter Slalom® KSI tires provide the traction you need for real top-line winter performance. Take control and get all the quality and attitude of BFGoodrich® today. While all-season tires are designed to provide reliable performance in moderate winter conditions, the use of four winter tires is recommended for optimal performance and may be mandatory in certain jurisdictions.
WINTER TIRE FEATURE Basically, if you and your vehicle live and drive in conditions that are set. Plus, each set is designed to properly perform in the seasons in majority snow/ice and will barely see pavement, then yes, studded which they are used. Your vehicle just got safer. winters are fantastic and probably the most recommended configuration for you. And handling is very dependent on what type of winter tire you are running, the size, and of course the vehicle they are on. The If, however, you are going to be driving on pavement more than myth of the compromise in handling when running a winter tire anything, you probably want to reconsider. Especially if you live in is usually from the mouth of a driver who owns a performance a wet climate like we do here on the west coast. If any one of you or sport-oriented vehicle. Well, funny thing is that a majority of has ever driven in a car with studded winters on a rainy Vancouver the manufacturers offer a performance winter tire. These usually day, you’ll know exactly what I’m getting at. Not only are they loud feature a stiffer construction and reinforced sidewalls, as well as and annoying as heck, but metal contacting a wet, paved surface a slightly less-aggressive tread in order to increase stability in doesn’t scream “traction.” the tread blocks to aid in improving handling on vehicles that are designed to handle well. And again, they’re safer than any allSo there you have it. Studded tires: let’s call them good for some season or summer high-performance tire when it comes to winter but not for all. Fair? driving. You get the best of both worlds. Partially BUSTED
And to put it simply, I’d much rather deal with tire noise, tire wear or a softer tire than deal with a damaged car, or worse.
Myth #6 – Winter tires are noisy, wear out fast, and don’t handle as well as my all-seasons. Not BUSTED, But JUSTIFIED
Okay, so we’ve got another myth that actually has some truth to it. These are just a few of the winter tire myths out there, based on But there are exceptions, so let me explain. the most common ones that I’ve had come across my desk. If I were to tackle them all, this would be a book, not an article in a Let’s tackle the noise myth. With winter tires having softer compound- magazine. If you’ve got any more out there that you’re wondering ing and construction, they are known to resonate more noise than about, go talk to your tire expert. I’m sure they’d be happy to bust many all-seasons out there. But this isn’t true for all winter tires. As those too (or at least offer an expert explanation). technology advances, tires, both winter and non, are becoming more and more quiet. In fact, all tires are designed to be quiet, just some If you decided to skim over the whole article and go straight naturally resonate more noise than others. Also, different vehicles to the end, here’s what you need to know: either insulate or amplify this noise. And also keep in mind, tire noise is very subjective. Some people are just more sensitive to hearing •Buy four winter tires, no matter what you drive certain frequencies than others. And honestly, would anyone sacrifice •Buy your winter tires early; don’t wait until the last minute or safety due to a bit of tire noise? I’d hope not. you may not get any •Have your winter tires installed early; don’t wait until the snow As for wear, it is true that as the temperatures get warmer, winter tires is here and you’re stuck in a ditch tend to wear quicker. But keep in mind, you’re ideally not running •Talk to your tire expert, and they’ll recommend the best winter these tires all year long. You’re interchanging them in the spring for tires for you, your vehicle and your driving conditions your all-seasons or summer tires, thus extending the wear of both your all-seasons/summers, but your winters as well. Factor in regular Now let’s check out some of the current winter tire offerings we rotations and monitoring of tire pressure, and you’ve got two sets of have to choose from. Again, if you need help narrowing down the tires that should last you longer than if you were only running one choices, talk to your tire expert and let them help you decide.
Goodyear
Tire(s): Ultra Grip GW2, GW3, Ultra Grip Ice WRT/WRT LT/WRT SUV, Ultra Grip SUV 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.
Hankook
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.
Kumho
Tire(s): I*Zen KW22/KW23/KW27, I*Zen Wis KW19, Ice Power KW21 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 assymetrical 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 zigzag channels and optimized lateral groove design for self-cleaning and increased wet weather traction. Their high density lateral sipes improve snow and ice traction.
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 Michelin i*cept evo, which follows in the footsteps of the incredibly success- Tire(s): X-ice Xi2, Latitude X-ice Xi2, Primacy/Pilot Alpin PA3, ful W300 Ice Bear, is a winter tire with a sporty look developed for LTX Winter high-performance and sports cars. This dynamic-looking tire provides Features & Benefits: Michelin continues to flood the market 32 At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011
Be one with your tires, and the road will be one with you.
The ideal and safer solution for winter roads Hankook Tire Canada Corp. 30 Resolution Drive, Brampton, Ontario, L6W 0A3 CANADA Tel : 1-905-463-9802, Toll Free in Canada : 1-800-843-7709 Fax : 1-905-463-9792 * Studs not included
Michelin
FIND MORE OF WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR, FASTER & EASIER
CUSTOMTRUCKPARTSINC.COM
2 4 H OU
RS / 7 DAYS
• CANOPIES & TONNEAUS • EXTERIOR ACCESSORIES • INTERIOR ACCESSORIES • JEEP ACCESSORIES • POWER & PERFORMANCE • RECREATIONAL ACCESSORIES • LIGHTING • SUSPENSION • TOWING PRODUCTS • WHEELS & TIRES • WORK TRUCK EQUIPMENT • COMMERCIAL VAN UPFITTING
e-com@customtruckpartsinc.com
CUSTOMTRUCKPARTSINC.COM 34 At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011
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. For example, the X-ice Xi2, the second version of this tire, and the Latitude X-ice Xi2, the light truck and SUV version of the tire, both offer unsurpassed braking on ice, outstanding traction and longer tread life. This is accomplished through the use of a state-of-the-art silica-based compound called Flex-Ice, which is a combination of multiple sipes and micro-pumps engineered to deliver optimized tractive grip and exceptional braking. The Cross Z Sipes and Step Grooves provide enhanced mobility in deep snow, winter after winter. For your high-performance vehicle, the Primacy Alpin PA3 and Pilot Alpin PA3 both offer exceptional control using 3-D Variable Thickness Sipes Technology, which features wider sipes on the inside for better snow traction, and narrower sipes on the outside to improve handling in dry conditions. And its newest addition, the LTX Winter for pickups, SUVs and vans, offers outstanding snow traction and ice traction to safeguard drivers, passengers and cargo, using 3-D Active Sipes including over 1,000 biting edges, optimized contact patch and Maxtouch Construction to deliver long lasting reliable snow mobility.
Nitto
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 computer-designed tread and special compound allow the tire to effectively bite into ice and snow for increased driving confidence.
Pirelli
Tire(s): Winter 210/240/270 Sottozero Serie II, Scorpion Ice & Snow, Winter Carving Edge, Winter Ice Control, Snow Control 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
WINTER TIRE FEATURE designed blocks, to 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 offer 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, with 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.
Toyo
Tire(s): 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, while maintaining 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 WaveStyle 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. All of this technology equates to a lineup of tires to suit all winter conditions and vehicles.
Uniroyal
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 translates 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.
Yokohama
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 highspeed 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.
At The Wheel RPM Sept / Oct 2011 35
Hardcore Evo Redux
Story and photos by Jeremy Allan Glover
T
he Mitsubishi Evolution cars have always been known as hard core …and pretty much street rally cars. Since the Evo 1, they have been much sought-after impressive cars that give a crazy bang for your buck. They have been in dog fights with the Subaru STi since they were first launched, but sadly the Evo was not available in Canada up until a few years ago. When Gary B found out that the Evo 9s were now legal to bring here, he started his search to find one. He got his silver Evo 9 from California (a long way from his home in Quebec), and that’s when the fun began. From the moment he got his car, Gary had a goal - to have a 500-horsepower street-legal car that he could drive everyday to work and also be able to take to the track, beat on it and then drive it back home without having the worry of something letting go. Gary wasn’t about to start ordering parts off eBay to jerry-rig on to it to obtain what he wanted. No, instead, he brought his car to Boivier Mitsubishi to have the engine built up by Max and Simon Losier, two guys that are used to building rally cars. The engine started out as the stock 2.2 and then had most of the best upgrade parts thrown at it, such as a Forced Performance RED Turbocharger that’s been ported and coated, along with a ported and coated exhaust manifold. ARC, Brian Crower and ARP are but a few of the parts manufacturers participating on what is a fairly long list of engine mods done to this car. The whole set 36 Speed & Sound RPM Sept / Oct 2011
up is controlled by a Vi-Pec standalone ECU system that was precision-tuned by Sebastien Guay from Precision EFI to put down an impressive 498 wheel hp….maybe not 500 but close enough!! Since Gary wanted his car to be street legal, the stock exhaust was kept on the car to keep the noise down. The only problem is a 500-whp engine does not like pushing its 28 pounds of boost through a stock exhaust. The solution was to have a dumb pipe or, as I call it, a loud pipe. Using a QTP Exhaust Cut Out and remote switch meant that as soon as it’s pressed, the car gets loud. Violently loud, thanks to directing all of that rumble straight out of the Bushur Racing 3 inch Downpipe. It’s great having that much power but if you can’t put it to the ground reliably, then it’s not worth anything. Gary knew that and didn’t want to risk having his drivetrain blowing up on him under all that power. So he sent it out to John Sheperd for a full drivetrain overhaul. A Sheptrans Stage 2 transmission was installed, one that is fully customized using parts from a few different generations of Evos in order to make the ultimate Evo transmission. Along with the tranny, a Sheptrans transfer case and upgraded rear diff were installed to make sure it would be bulletproof, with an Exedy twin-disc clutch mated to the assembly. The car is lowered on a set of D2 Coilovers sitting on some Volk/Rays TE37 SL 18x9.5 +22 wheels wrapped in Nitto Invo tires. Behind the wheels you can see the Brembo brakes with DBA rotors that ably bring them 500 horses to a stop. Both exterior and interior of the car are also far from stock, but in a more subtle way. A handful of carbon fibre parts from RexSpeed and Silent Edition Customs can be spotted if 38 Speed & Sound RPM Sept / Oct 2011
you look in the right places. A Seibon carbon hood and an OEM JDM rear bumper were added to complete the look. The Evo’s rally heritage ensures impressive performance, but when you factor in being AWD with four doors and a decent trunk, they also figure as being quite practical. This one pushes the practical factor to the limits by having as much power as it does while still being able to be driven on the street as if it was stock (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Gary had a plan in mind and stuck to it and as a result, he’s built one of the nicest and fastest Evos in Canada.
RPM 7.5x4.75_Edelbrock 6-11 TP.pdf 1 8/19/2011 8:02:53 AM
40 Speed & Sound RPM Sept / Oct 2011
A world of ideas and innovation. 1,500 new product introductions. Hundreds of new manufacturers. The latest technology on display. It’s “new” on full throttle everywhere you look—and it’s only at the SEMA Show. Wrap your head around that.
Register today at SEMAshow.com/RPM
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada Exhibit Days: Tuesday, Nov. 1 - Friday, Nov. 4, 2011 Education Days: Monday, Oct. 31 - Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011
PLUGGED IN
Making the Connection Text and Photos by Dave MacKinnon
W
e recently talked about wiring and the different size and types available. I am sure all of you, being the automotive enthusiasts that you are, have sworn to only use full-size copper cabling in your vehicles. We are going to look at some of the common connection methods for different size and types of wires, and how to do them right. Making solid and reliable connections is the key to ensuring prolonged reliability from whatever you are installing – be it a stereo system, CB radio, auxiliary lights and so on. Let’s start small and talk about low-current wiring – the stuff you use for switches, interior lights and accessories. Usually, this is going to be below one amp of current and we are going to use 18AWG wire. There are two common connections – a butt splice and a tap joint. In a butt splice, we are attaching the ends of two wires together. Many people use crimp-style connectors, and those are fine, so long as you buy good-quality connectors. I did a project last year, and someone went cheap and bought the least-expensive connectors they could find. Even when crimped with good quality Klein crimpers, the metal in the connector was so thin I could pull the wires apart with very little physical effort. For a supremely reliable connection, I suggest twisting the wires together in what is called a Western Union Splice. This not only provides a large contact area for the electrical connection, but also provides a solid mechanical connection. I suggest soldering this connection for the utmost of reliability and resilience to corrosion and degradation. Finally, depending on your personal obsessive compulsive level (mine is pretty high), you can either wrap the connection in good quality vinyl electrical tape, or protect it with heat-shrink tubing.
1. Strip the ends of the two wires you want to splice together; about 1 inch will do.
2. Twist the wires together twice.
4. Solder the connection using good quality solder and a quality soldering iron.
Another common connection is the tap joint, where you want to connect a wire to the middle of another. There are two ways to do this. My tap method requires that you split apart the wire you are tapping, and then you run the branch wire through it, and wrap it tight around. While fact-checking for this article, I came across what is known as a knotted tap joint. I have now modified my tap connection to include this technique and that is what I have demonstrated. Soldering will seal the deal forever!
42 Speed & Sound RPM Sept / Oct 2011
3. Wrap the wire ends around the opposite wire tightly.
5. Protect with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.
1. Strip back 1 inch of wire from the branch wire and 5/8 of an inch from the main wire.
2. Using a small screwdriver or pick tool, split the strands of the main wire in half.
PLUGGED IN
3. Put the branch wire through the split in the main wire and wrap around once on the right.
4. Adding the Knotted Tap technique, run the wire back over itself and wrap around the left side.
Before we get to larger gauge wire, let’s talk about connections I prefer to avoid in the car. Scotchlok connectors, which are included with many electronic items, and even though they are sold by one of my favourite companies, 3M, are not my idea of making a reliable connection. They put pressure points on the wire and could lead to failure – especially if the connector used is not the right size. Wire nuts or Marrettes are also not recommended. Neither of these connections protects the wire from moisture, which seems to happen everywhere in the car. They are also large and bulky.
5. Solder the connection, and don’t forget to wrap in tape or heat shrink.
installing or to the chassis of the car. The best way to attach ring terminals is to use a Hammer Crimper. You can see how a Hammer Crimper works in the attached images (Shown on pg.44). If you have a large enough soldering iron, you can, and should, solder the connections. Again, we are looking for a mechanically and electrically solid connection, and one that will resist corrosion. You then have the option of using the included rubber boot to complete the connection, or use heat shrink tubing.
There is no real way to butt splice large-gauge wires together, and I recommend that if you need to do this, you are better off Making connections for power wire requires some additional to simply run a new wire. attention. These connections are going to be passing a lot of current, so even the smallest amount of resistance is going to There are many other electrical connections you may need to have dramatic effects on the performance of whatever you are make when working on a car or a mobile entertainment system. trying to operate – an amplifier, a high-power ignition system, a The connections I have demonstrated here will provide you with a concept of how all should be made both mechanically and winch or huge off-road lights. electrically solid, then properly protected from potential short In most cases, you are going to be using ring terminals to com- circuits and the effects of water intrusion. Until next time, wire plete these connections - to a battery, to the device you are proudly, my friends.
Speed & Sound RPM Sept / Oct 2011
43
PLUGGED IN
1. Strip off enough jack such that the wire will be flush with inside of the terminal
2. Load the terminal into the Hammer Crimper with the joint facing away from the sliding anvil
3. Insert the stripped wire into the terminal
4. Hold everything still and hit it with a big hammer!
5. Depending on the crimper you are using, you may want to relocate the terminal and strike again to crimp more area.
6. Solder the connection if you have the means and don’t forget to protect with a boot, tape or heat shrink tubing.
CTEK BATTERY CHARGERS
UNIQUE QUALITY
COMFORT CONNECT – eyelet
CHARGE NOW! CHARGE! OK!
BATTERY CARE
FOR MORE DETAILS: Email: usinfo@ctek.com Phone: (330) 963-0981 www.ctek.com
Available at:
44 Speed & Sound RPM Sept / Oct 2011
00 (12V LTI US 33
SMALL, pOwERFUL AND RObUST ChARgERS, DESIgNED FOR SAFETy AND COMFORTAbLE ChARgINg.
CTEK MU
TO MANy OF ThE wORLD’S LEADINg bRANDS, DISTRIbUTORS AND RETAIL ChAINS.
)
CTEK POWER LTD, SUppLIER
COMFORT INDICATOR – pigtail
COMFORT CONNECT – clamp
USE YOUR MOTORHEAD
SCIENCE VS HYPE. Without Gumout速 gunky buildup collects in fuel passages and injectors, which can causes poor combustion.
Gumout Regane速 helps get rid of gunky buildup, restoring lost fuel economy and engine performance.
GUMOUT REGANE 速 COMPLETE FUEL SYSTEM CLEANER CUTS FUEL ECONOMY-ROBBING DEPOSITS BETTER THAN THE LEADING BRAND.
10X the detergent Cleans 6 of 6 fuel system parts Remains effective for 10 fill-ups
Available at:
USE YOUR MOTORHEAD. DRIVE SMARTER.
PERFORMANCE
For The Love Of The Sport Ringing out a rally-prepared Fiesta exhausting enough, but then the real fight begins. Ironically, in the pampered life of an automotive journalist, full of first-class flights, t is one of the most exciting and exhilarating forms of sport on the five-star hotels and gourmet dining, Ford’s Fiesta Rally Experience planet that sees everyday commuter cars become airborne rockets would give us the full experience of being true rally drivers. dancing between immovable trees and horrifying cliffs at break-neck speeds. Rallying combines motorsport with adventure tourism and Our passion for the sport would be tested by dim-witted travel agents, extreme sports in a clash of vehicle meets scenery. Not only is incompetent airlines, two tornadoes, loss of communications, a flight the sport an incredible test of man and machine, but it also tests to the wrong airport, failure to collect a rental car, a 420-km taxi ride endurance, character and will. So when Ford offered journalists the to the right airport, more waiting around for a late ride and finally 41 chance to rip a rally-prepared Fiesta through the forest-lined stages hours of no sleep. Thanks to three separate decisions to press on, of the Dalton, New Hampshire based Team O’Neil Rally School, I rather than give up and head home, we finally made it to the Team O’Neil grounds, a mere hour-and-a-half late. We were dirty, smelly, and many other journalists jumped at the opportunity. sweaty, hungry and sleepy, but the scream of 1.6L naturally-aspiHowever, as a long time rally driver myself, I know that the battle rated engines echoing through the forest instantly extinguished any is not just confined to the stages, but usually engulfs the entrants thought other than to get down to work with the job at hand. well before and after the race takes place. Hours spent prepping a battle-scarred car for yet another test of durability, coupled with the Ford is rather proud of its little Fiesta, and for good reason. It’s been several sleepless days required just to travel to the starting line, is dominating the markets over in Europe and is now taking North America by storm, as well. While it may look like just a little econobox, the Fiesta is really Clark Kent, a little rally pit bull without the decals, fog lights and number plates, itching to get out into the forest and tear up some gravel. In Europe, the car is the class of the international Super 2000 field and competes for the world title in the WRC class. Even in the States, ridiculously powerful AWD versions of the Fiesta fight for national titles and X-Games gold, most notably popularized by Ken Block’s series of Gymkhana videos. Story by Budd Stanley, photos by Jordan Allan
I
Throughout the day, we slowly fine-tuned our skills and raised our speeds, and dare I say, I fell in love with the Fiesta’s loose surface prowess. As students, we were taught the finer points of left-foot-braking, and how to properly set up and negotiate 46 Speed & Sound RPM Sept / Oct 2011
PERFORMANCE
a gravel corner at speed in the school’s fleet of Fiestas. I’ve had my way with a great many rally cars in my day, and in terms of fun front-wheel drive rally cars, the Fiesta has proved itself a masterfully competent base for the beginner looking to get into the sport. As with any form of motorsport, it’s best to start at the bottom and work your way up, which means running in a production class to start. Then, when you want to step up and play with the big boys, Ford has a kit, the R2, which turns a standard showroom Fiesta into a national title-contending Group 2 car, complete with seats, harnesses, roll cage, top-level suspension, brakes, a race-tuned engine and even a proper racing sequential gearbox. It’s a package that will likely see the entire class slowly become a one-make series due to its competitive price and huge performance numbers. Despite the lack of sleep and the road trip from hell, playing in the dirt with the Fiesta turned out to be a great experience, one that has me second-thinking my choice of car for the upcoming season. The quality seat time under the tuition of the school’s instructors proved to me that a FWD car can be just as fun and fast as the RWD cars I’m used to.
Speed & Sound RPM Sept / Oct 2011
47
Ground Pounding Chevelle Looking back at Turbine-powered concepts
Modern new life given to an old classic Story by Budd Stanley, Photos by Grant McAvoy
T
he muscle car culture curiously mimics nature, if you stand back and take a look at it closely. It is a culture in constant evolution, not so much in making cars more efficient or in technological advances, but to make them bigger, more powerful and faster. Like nature, the muscle car must deal with periods of depression and periods of prosperity. Big cars with big engines flourish, then thin out when food becomes scarce. Then, when fuel is more plentiful, they start to come back, this time with even more ridiculous amounts of power, only to lose ground as the costs of fuel and living start to rise once again, and again. However, each time the breed comes back, it comes back stronger and more resilient than before. Ironically, the Chevelle was born in the era of GTOs carrying big-block 400s that struck the fear of god into just about anyone who came anywhere close. The Chevelle, on the other hand, was to stay loyal to the small block 327, and with good reason, as the 350 hp got the mid-sized Chevelle down the road just fine. However, in the world of muscle, “just fine,” just won’t do. So in one short year, the boys with the bowties, shoved a 375-hp 396 under the hood. 48 Speed & Sound RPM Sept / Oct 2011
#9N=FoL 2= #9< 9 "GG< /AE= A Big THANK-YOU to all of you who came out to enjoy Cruisinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Dub events this summer.
ÂŽ
Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all had a lot of fun together! Here are some highlights.
BC Custom and Classic Car Show, Abbotsford, BC
Cruisinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for a Cause Day
Big Nickel Tour, Whitby to Sudbury, ON
Thank YOU for your support of our Third Annual Cruisinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for a Cause Day. Most of us know someone with multiple sclerosis, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made their cause our cause. Thanks to the thousands of cruisers who came out on August 25 to support the MS Society of Canada. We had a goal of $1,000,000 and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put us over the top!
A&W 300 NASCAR race, Vernon, BC
Proud partners of
Cruise for Charity, Dartmouth, NS
Moparfest, New Hamburg, ON
ÂŽ
ÂŽ
The Cruisinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; season isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t over yet. Go to aw.ca for the event schedule. ÂŽ/TM Trade-mark of A&W Trade Marks Limited Partnership, used under licence.
inch big-block crate engine. This engine has become a bit of an icon in the last few years, as 360 Fabrication co-founder Daryl Francoeur comments that as soon as anyone sees one of these laying around the shop, all of a sudden everyone has to have one in their car. What these beasts can do for a mid-sized body is absolutely amazing and the unique sound it makes is like nothing you’ll ever hear; however, getting them in is another story. Keeping the big 572 fed and running is a Demon four-barrel carb, Be Cool radiator rated at 1,000 hp, and a great looking March pulley setup that keeps all the fluids and electricity flowing. The current owner of this Chevelle owns an Aston Martin with paddle shift transmission, so he wanted all the best of modern luxuries in a classic old body. As such, 360 sorted him out with a very unique TCI 6-speed automatic gearbox with sequential-shift capabilities in the shifter. The entire package is completely computer programmable allowing the driver to time shifts to the ideal By the time the fourth generation came along in 1970, Chevelle shift points and speed. When matched with the 572, the perowners could opt for the ridiculously powerful LS6 454 which formance and acceleration of the car is absolutely phenomenal gave the new sleeker Chevelle 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. with instantaneous shifts. However, we all know how that ended - the oil crisis hit, and everyone went from Chevelle drivers to Chevette owners. When To put all that power to the ground, they have gone with the triedthe ‘90s came around, gas was cheap and wages were good, and-true Ford 9-inch rear-end from Chassisworks, complete with but while the manufacturers had taken up the horsepower wars 4.11 gearing and completely reinforced with full positraction of old, muscle car lovers were returning to their roots, picking lockup. Chassisworks is also responsible for the front sub-frame up where the ‘70s left off, building them bigger and bigger. with completely adjustable coil-over suspension all around. However, it was only a few short years ago that the economy Of course, with all that power and speed, things need to be tanked once again and the price of fuel skyrocketed. So, time reined in when the lights up the road go red. So, the entire car to pack away the big blocks once again, right? Wrong! is set up with Wilwood braking, something 360 has come to trust as they have been the most durable and potent system This particular example is fresh from the 360 Fabrications shop they come across. This means a Wilwood master cylinder, sixfloor, taking the muscle car philosophy to the max, molesting piston aluminum monoblock calipers up front and four-piston the engine bay of this 1970 Chevelle to fit a 620-hp 572-cubic units in the back. Hiding those lovely slotted and cross-drilled
50 Rods & Classics RPM Sept / Oct 2011
Automotive Paint & Body Hi Performance Industrial Tools Equipment Marine
R.V. Supplies ALL PARTS FOR Chemicals STREET RODS, LIGHT TRUCKS, Machine Shop Services IMPORT CARS Paint & Body Shop Equipment Repair Welding and much more
Rods & Classics RPM Sept / Oct 2011 51
discs are a set of Asanti 20-inch wheels wearing 255/30 rubber up front and 345/25 out rear. Needless to say, this beast will paint the street black with absolute ease. The 360 team has continued the modern treatment into the body work as well, as the Chevelle features no drip rails on the roof while filling in a large portion of the rear quarter windows to create a custom one-of-a-kind look. Flush-mount windshield and rear window do a masterful job of making the car look like a modern retro interpretation of a classic muscle car, while actually being a 40year old car. The front grille features HID headlights providing optimal lighting. The bumpers have all been tucked to mount flush with the bodywork with parking sensor and rearview camera completing the modern amenities. Inside, passengers are greeted with a one-off custom interior with a very modern design. Seats are pulled out of an ‘05 Pontiac GTO, rewrapped with leather and featuring power adjustments. All the interior body panels are hand-formed in fibreglass, and the owner gave full design creativity to 360’s upholstery specialist. Dash curvatures are carried on into the door panels, really finishing off the design nicely. To keep the dash clean, all vehicle and media operations have been moved to the centre console between the seats, with controls for the rear diff, transmission and all the on-board media. As a result, the dash is one of the big stand-out features of the car, with only the brushed aluminum gauge cluster breaking up the smooth leather surface. Mounted to the gauge cluster are several Nexus computer-controlled gauges providing the vital details. To keep everything nice and comfy, wool carpeting is custom-fitted to the car’s floor. To finish the car off, the media centre is a top-of-the-line Audison Thesis that is a completely programmable, standalone system with JVC head unit. Three amps sit in the trunk joined with two 12-inch subs. Two six-inchers sit in the doors with two 6x9s on the parcel tray. So if the sound of the engine ever gets monotonous, then the stereo system is more than capable of drowning out the 572. All that work comes together to create a special looking vehicle that really does upset the balance of old vs. new. While both Ford and Dodge have created modern retro versions of famous cars like the GT40 and Challenger, so realistic to the original designs, that they can often be mistaken at a distance, 360 have done something similar, turning a tired old ’70 Chevelle into something that could easily be mistaken for a modern GM retro concept. 52 Rods & Classics RPM Sept / Oct 2011
HISTORY TOYOTA 2000GT PLUGGED- IN
A Rare Breed Canada’s only Toyota Supercar Story and photos by Budd Stanley
T
he Lexus LF-A is a masterfully exquisite combination of space age high tech and finely-tuned brute force, producing a vehicle that is much more than just a car. No, it is a vehicle that shouts to the Germans, Italians, British, Americans and even the Swedes, saying, “Watch out, we Japanese can build an exotic supercar too!” However, all those other countries, other than Sweden, have been pumping out equally impressive forms of supercardom since the end of the second world war. So why has it taken Toyota this long to step up to the plate? Well, the answer is, they already have, and they did it during the late ‘60s, during the birth of the modern supercar. At this time, Lamborghini Miuras, Ferrari 275 GTBs, Aston Martin DB6s, Jaguar E-Types and Ford GT40s were still being offered new in showrooms. Japan’s answer to these iconic cars was the Toyota 2000GT. The story of the 2000GT is quite an interesting one, and one whose roots began for the same reason that brought us the LF-A 43 years later.
as Plexiglas-covered driving lamps flushed into the grille. Inside, the interior was up to the standard of most luxury GTs of the day, featuring a rosewood-veneer dash, radio and sport bucket seats. Road & Track called it one of the most impressive cars they had ever driven, and likened it to the Porsche 911.
In the four years the 2000GT was built, 1967 to 1970, Toyota only produced 337 examples of the car. It may have not been the fastest Ironically, the 2000GT owes its creation to another famous Japa- car on the road, but it was one of the most rare to come across. nese sports car, the Nissan 240Z. In the early ‘60s, Nissan and All the more exciting when I found what is likely the only living Yamaha banded together to build a halo sports car for the Nissan example in Canada. brand that would make use of a 2.0L DOHC Yamaha straight six. With much of the design work and engineering finished, Nissan Christian Chia has done well in his business career since I last lined pulled out of the project, citing that the Yamaha wasn’t producing up with him in dueling Toyota rally cars in the Western Canadian the power that they wanted. So, Nissan went it alone, and five Championship. Since that time in 2000, Chia has created the auto years later, basing its design on Yamaha’s prototype, the Z car dealership empire that is OpenRoad, with no fewer than eight dealerships representing nine different manufacturers. However, was born. in talking with him, you can tell that he has a special place in his However, Yamaha knew it had something special, and pitched the heart for Toyotas. idea to Toyota, which ironically at the time, was considered the most conservative of the Japanese makes. Wanting to improve The son of an automotive entrepreneur, who started the Toyota its image, Toyota jumped on board, creating a long and fruitful factory in Indonesia, Chia, as well as his brother, have had a longrelationship between the two brands that lasts to this day. Along lasting passion for not only the automobile, but more precisely, with Yamaha’s prized 150 hp 2.0L straight-six, the 2000GT was Toyota vehicles. His father was always an admirer of rare Toyotas modeled after several front-engine rear-drive sports coupes of the such as the Crown Royal Saloon, President and Century, even day, with obvious 250 GTO cues. The body is completely hand- owning a Crown and Century himself. Chia went to work for Toyota fabricated out of aluminum and featured pop-up headlights, as well in Japan back in 1991, and it was then that he laid eyes on his first 2000GT at the Toyota Museum. He absolutely fell in love with the rare beast, but the car also reminded him of his father who had died when the brothers were quite young. Chia finally acquired his dream car, this example from a prolific 2000GT collector out of Boston who has owned about 20 of the 337 ever built. As he brings in cars and restores them and moves them around, he will let one go every now and then to help finance the next project, so an opportunity presented itself to Chia back in 2000. He jumped on it, bringing the car into the country in 2001. Having it trailered to Seattle, he wanted to drive the car personally across the border, so he went down to pick it up. Well, the old Toyota was riding on mechanical brakes, which are bad enough as it is, however, they were also worn out, meaning every time traffic came to a stop, he would have to divert the car to the shoulder or on the grass in order not to wreck his dream car. 54 Rods & Classics RPM Sept / Oct 2011
HISTORY TOYOTA 2000GT PLUGGED- IN What’s even worse was the car’s handling issues. It would roll and fishtail around at speeds of 60 to 80 km/h, quite violently at 90 to 100. They thought the tires were shot, but once they put the car up onto a hoist, it turned out that there were no bushings left in the suspension, as they had rotted completely away. So the first few months of ownership were stressful, to say the least. With some mechanical issues sorted, Chia put the car on display at two of his Toyota dealerships to gain intrigue for the brand, and would take it out for a short rip every now and then to enjoy his investment. However, the car was so unknown, that about once a month, customers would pop into his office and ask why he had a Ferrari in a Toyota showroom.
The only thing Chia wanted to change about the car was to replace the vinyl seats with leather. However, he liked the dimple effect that was in the material. So, 360 created a mold with the dimple effect in it and applied it to a high-end leather, keeping the original look of the seats, but using a nicer material. Likewise, the rosewood dash was painstakingly dismantled and restored to bring the car back to its original brilliance.
After nine years of being gawked at, and molested by children crawling all over it at the dealerships when their parents weren’t looking, the car was starting to get a little rough around the edges. In 2009, Chia had commissioned 360 Fabrication to construct a Scion project vehicle, the same vehicle featured in RPM’s Speed and Sound section last year. Being quite happy with the work done to the Scion, Chia made the decision that the 2000GT was in need of restoration. The plan was only to do a quick cosmetic refresh to the body, but both parties saw the opportunity to do something special. With the 2000GT looking like the day Soon, the quick cosmetic refresh had turned into a full frame-off it came off the facrestoration; bringing new life to every facet of the car. One of tory floor nearly a the most difficult parts of the build came in the stripping phase half century ago, of it, as they found that one of the previous owners felt the Chia now drives it at least once every two months. He comments need to completely douse the entire bottom of the car with tar that the car has lots of power, and is quite easy to drive, but he still undercoating. The job to remove the black goo from the price- needs to be wary of the mechanical brakes which can still cause less classic was an ordeal, to say the least, and proved to be concern when driving over bridges or built-up areas. When not on the most time-consuming part of the restoration. Once they had his favourite route around the UBC campus, Chia keeps the car at the car all pulled apart and down to the bare metal, they found the Open Road Lexus dealership for all to enjoy, and maybe pull the A-pillar had been previously repaired, likely damaged from in a prospective customer or two. having been driven into a ditch, so both the body and frame were fully straightened out and given new life. The engine got some With the 2000GT in the condition that he is happy with, Chia is fabrication work done to the carburetors, but Chia really wanted now looking at the possibility of purchasing and restoring a ‘70sthe car to be left in original condition, so other than a refresh, no era Celica hatchback or notchback, staying with the unknown additional modifications have been made to upset the original classics that Toyota once produced. A Toyota purist, right down character of the car. to the heart.
Rods & Classics RPM Sept / Oct 2011 55
CLASSIC CORNER
Loewy Jaguar By Nigel Matthews
a sweeping upwards shape and a glass roof spoiler. If you think about a roof spoiler, bearing in mind this is 1966, this was way ahead of its time. Loewy must have owned a crystal ball because he seemed to have anticipated today’s high-mounted third brake light. He placed a large, red taillight in the aft cabin, visible through the 25 percent-largerthan-stock rear hatch lid window.
R
I had some time recently to study the car very closely and looking at the side profile and following the line of the quarter glass, it dawned on me that Loewy was letting his pencil flow and the roof spoiler was a continuation of the swept-up quarter glass. Another change was the relocation of the filler cap, a pop-up racing-style He was born in France in 1893. Having served in WWI and looking gas cap fitted to the left quarter sail panel instead of on top of the for work, he boarded a ship to the USA with $40 to his name. He right side quarter panel. found employment in New York, dressing shop windows for Macy’s and moonlighting as an illustrator at Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar The modifications were performed by the coachbuilding firm of Pinchon-Parat, located in Sens, France. magazines. aymond Loewy is not exactly a household name, but the products that he has designed are. Loewy was considered the father of industrial design and one of the most influential Americans of the 20th Century.
The car was consigned for sale during the August classic car week festivities on the Monterey Peninsula by the family of the third owner, the late architect and automotive designer James Hart, who studied under Loewy early in his career. In 1969, Loewy sold the car to another individual in France, who owned it for a very short time, before advertising it in The New York Times and The Wall Street In 1955 he re-designed the Coke bottle, adding the white lettering. Journal. Hunt spotted the advertisement in 1970 and purchased the Five years later he designed the Coke can. He managed to pick up some design work at Westinghouse, The Hupp Motor Company and for Sears-Roebuck where he designed a refrigerator. His career in automotive design began in 1939 at Studebaker. During his time at Studebaker, he designed the Champion, Commander and Avanti, which became an instant classic.
Additional Loewy creations include the Hoover vacuum cleaner logo, BP, Shell and Exxon logos, Lucky Strike cigarette logo, International Harvester “IH” logo and a few concept cars including a BMW, Jaguar and Lancia. How could such a talented man ruin the look of the greatest sports car built in the 20th century? A car that Enzo Ferrari was quoted as saying “is the most beautiful car ever built.” In 1966, Loewy took an E-Type Jaguar and created his own rendition. He shortened the front end by 25 cm, claiming that the reduced overhang would make the car handle better. He added a grille five times larger that the original opening for better engine cooling. The rear end was shortened 12 cm, the hatch glass enlarged by 10 cm, round tail lights (I believe from a Corvair) were recessed into the quarter panels, the rear side windows were changed with 56 Rods & Classics RPM Sept / Oct 2011
CLASSIC CORNER car sight unseen, and imported it to San Diego, California, where he owned it for the rest of his life. The Jaguar has spent the last 40 years hidden away in Hart’s garage, considered lost to much of the motoring community until his daughter Pamela contacted me, having read an article I had written about the car in 2008, and asked for help in marketing the vehicle for sale. Should they take it to Barrett-Jackson and perhaps get the mechanic from the Jiffy Lube to try and start it? “NO, NO” was my immediate reply. I contacted RM Auctions in Blenheim, Ontario, having known them for a number of years, but the response of offering the vehicle for sale was not favourable, as they seemed more interested in putting it through their restoration facility. My next choice was Gooding & Co, and having had a discussion about the car with David Gooding at Amelia Island this year, he seemed to be interested. When the details were sent through to be reviewed, they also declined. I find this strange as they had an opportunity to capitalize on this situation in more ways than one. One of Gooding & Co’s major sponsors is Chubb Insurance. Well guess who designed the Chubb logo during the ‘60s? You got it! Raymond Loewy! I should have thought of Bonham’s first, as they specialize in barn finds and I know Malcolm Barber the CEO, because he was my younger brother’s boss at Sotheby’s during the mid ‘80s. He did not have to think about it and jumped at the opportunity. He told me last week, when the car was being placed for display, he asked a very well known collector Evert Louwman if they should perhaps wash the car, and he replied with a resounding “NO,” leave it alone, as it was representative of what it is and how it has lived for the I am appreciative that I have been fortunate to have been a part of its continued life and pleased to have helped the family make sure past decade. that the car ended up in the hands of its next caretaker, because At the time of writing this, I am not sure if “the Jag” as it was known that is what we are, caretakers or custodians of these vehicles for in the Hart family, will remain in the USA or head for a new home future generations to enjoy. in Europe. There are two options for the new owner - leave it as is, or restore it to its former glory and more than likely better than new My 2008 prediction of the Jaguar selling for a considerable sum of condition. Either way, I am sure it will receive numerous invitations to money due to its provenance rang true when the auctioneer’s gavel fell at $128,000, which included the buyer’s premium. some of the greatest Concours events in the world in the future.
Rods & Classics RPM Sept / Oct 2011 57
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE Black Max Vinyl, Rubber & Trim Dressing from Surf City Garage With Black Max, Surf City Garage brings their Enthusiast Grade™ performance to the VRT category. Black Max has several key advantages over competitive products. It delivers maximum performance with a factory-new look that can be seen immediately. It is also an easy-to-apply cream engineered for maximum penetration; and unlike most other VRTs… it will not run. This offering from Surf City Garage also actually prevents cracking and fading by providing maximum UV protection. Works on trim of any colour, while lasting through dozens of rains and washes.
Improve performance and blade life with Permatex Wiper Restore Permatex is introducing its new Wiper Restore which is an effective treatment to revitalize wiper blade rubber, to extend the blade’s life and improve its overall performance. The Wiper Restore is a waterbased, silicone emulsion formula that aids in cleaning, softening and conditioning the wiper blade to minimize chatter, streaking and skipping. The Permatex product comes in individually-packaged treated towelettes to be applied to the blade rubber, then wiped dry. Each towelette provides enough conditioner for treating up to three blades.
For more information please go to www.surfcitygarage.com
For more information please go to www.permatex.com
58 Rods & Classics RPM Sept / Oct 2011
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE 2011 Mustang GT Cherry Bomb Axle-Back Exhaust Kit
Cherry Bomb has developed a brand new PRO muffler axle-back exhaust kit for the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0L. The Cherry Bomb exhaust kit has two PRO series mufflers with 3-inch mandrel bent tubing and 4-inch-diameter embossed stainless steel tips. The kit is powder coated semi-gloss black over aluminized, to provide a long lasting, stealthy look. The system will bolt right up to the stock over-the-axle pipes and will fit in place of the factory mufflers. For more information please go to www.cherrybomb. com
Kumho’s new KW22 I’Zen Studded Tire Kumho Tires is proud to introduce its new KW22 I’Zen Stud passenger car tire. The tire features a brand new innovative compound which makes it ideal for even the most snowy or icy roads. The new tires excellent grip provides sufficient stability for cornering on icy roads and has optimized the stud positioning to allow maximum braking and ice traction. The KW22 I’Zen Stud, which also features a direction tread, comes available in a variety of different sizes. For more information please go to www.kumhotire.ca
RPM Sept / Oct 2011 59
with Tyler Dueck Presented by your local OK Tire Dealer Visit them on the web at : www.oktire.com
Story and photos by Russell Purcell yler Dueck is a man on a mission. The 24 year old racing driver T from Abbotsford, B.C. is setting his sights on climbing to the top of the motorsports ladder. After honing his skills in the competitive world of karting, Tyler made the step up to cars and has been gaining experience on the tracks of Europe.
I recently had the chance to catch up with this rising Canadian hotshoe during the Edmonton Indy weekend where Tyler was competing for the first time in an Indy Lights machine.
TD: Greg Moore was also a huge influence for me. Both of us started our careers in karts with Westwood, and I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but cheer for a local that was so successful. RPM: Drivers all have a unique style. Are you smooth like Alain Prost, or blindingly fast and accurate like Ayrton Senna? TD: I think my approach to the line is more like Prost. However, I try to attack other drivers like Senna would.
RPM: How did you get your start in motorsport?
RPM: When did you realize that you had what it takes to make racing a career, rather than just a hobby?
TD: I started racing karts with the Westwood Karting Association in B.C. I was immediately hooked.
TD: From the moment I started karting I had dreams of being a race car driver. I think I got serious about a career in racing at the age of 16. That was when I started racing karts at the national level.
RPM: Do you have a motorsports hero? TD: The obvious one is of course, Ayrton Senna. He was so devoted to his art. Ayrton put everything he had into being the best. That work ethic is an inspiration. RPM: Good choice. Ayrton was also the hero for another B.C. driver, that being the late Greg Moore. 60 RPM Sept / Oct 2011
RPM: Are there any championships on the resume? TD: I am a Canadian National Champion in ICA karts. RPM: You have had the chance to try a wide variety of cars recently, ranging from formula cars to sports cars. What have you driven?
TD: I have raced a Formula 3 car in the Italian championship, TD: I had met with sevFormula Renault, and most recently, an Indy Lights Dallara. I have eral teams over the last also tested a Le Mans LMP2 car. few years whenever I had a break over in Europe. RPM: What took you to Europe looking to make a name We just didn’t see anyfor yourself rather than focusing on opportunities here thing fitting until Edmonton in North America? came up this year. I was asked to test in Putnam TD: My first race in Europe was a karting event in Angerville, France. Park, Indiana, with Sam I was there competing in the 2006 CIK FIA World Championship. Schmidt and Dave Goree I learned so many little things about driving while competing there. and I performed above I won a scholarship from Mazda and had an opportunity to take a their expectations. I ended career step towards NASCAR, but then I was offered a position to up being fielded by Dave race in Italy for a long time sponsor. I have to admit that the decision for Edmonton. The lack of wasn’t an easy one to make, but I wanted to understand all the nu- practice due to the rain on ances that made F1 drivers great. I saw the challenge of racing in Friday didn’t help anything Europe as a good opportunity to give myself a unique perspective and we lacked tires and behind the wheel. resources. I crashed in the first race and that put me RPM: As a Canadian driver, have you found it difficult in the back of the pack for to gain acceptance in the well-established European the second race. However, motorsports community? I ended up making my way up to 10th place at the flag, TD: I think the negative view on North American drivers has disap- all with the wrong gearing. I peared. Drivers have come over and proved themselves by climbing learned a lot about the way the European ladder time and time again over the last decade. They you have to drive an Indy want to see something new and watching a Canadian or American Lights car during the Sunday race, adjusting my style and being win is something different. Europeans don’t stereotype people the a bit more patient with the car. I also learned how the torsion bars way that we think they do. In fact, if you are fast and have a good effected the car over a race distance. This was a new experience personality they love to see you succeed. as they don’t use them in Europe. RPM: In a turbulent economy, it must be incredibly RPM: Will you be back in an Indy Lights car this seadifficult to secure sponsorship for a racing effort. Do son? you have a stable group of companies backing you at the moment? TD: I am working hard to secure funding for the Las Vegas round, and hopefully a few more races before the season is through. TD: I have several core supporters that have been with me for years, but it has been extremely difficult in this economy. This is RPM: What else is on your schedule for the remainder part of the reason I came back to North America. I think there is a of the 2011 season? higher marketing value for my partners here. I have had to change my perspective and look for new industries to partner with in order TD: I am still in talks to compete in the final rounds of the European to continue with my racing efforts. Securing finances has been the Le Mans Series. most difficult part of the last two years. I am lucky to have people that support me in any way they can, which has kept me in the RPM: What is your ultimate goal? In other words, where driver’s seat. does Tyler Dueck want to see himself at the apex of his career? RPM: Your recent foray into the Indy Lights series during the Edmonton Indy proved to be a tough weekend TD: Right now I think Indy Car is the final goal for me. I have seen a for you and the team. Can you tell us how that deal resurgence in the series over the last couple of years. New teams are came together and what you learned about the car coming in and with the arrival of the new car next season I think Indy and the series by campaigning the two races in such Car is going to have a bright future and I want to be a part of it. a short time frame?
THE OBSESSION NEVER ENDS. We know that modifying your vehicle is more than just a hobby. At OK Tire, you can start from the road up by getting the newest and hottest wheels – without the wait. For the location nearest you and to play to win a trip to the Grand Prix, visit oktire.com
AT PARTICIPATING STORES.
™ The OK Tire mark is a trademark of O.K. Tire Stores Inc. ® Aeroplan is a registered trademark of Aeroplan Canada Inc. Full game details and rules at f1.oktire.com
RPM Sept / Oct 2011 61
Presented by:
Parting Shots is where we share those photos that defy classification. If you’ve seen something fourwheeled (or otherwise) that you would like to share, please send it to partingshots@rpmcanada.ca
The fact they made a sign probably says enough about this parkade.
Someone took the term “carpooling” too literally.
With so much power the extra downforce is definitely necessary. You’d think with a car like that, they’d make sure it fits in the garage.
62 RPM Sept / Oct 2011
Make your engine an athlete of the road.
TOTAL QUARTZ lubricants More protection and more kilometers. With TOTAL QUARTZ and its friction reduction technology, protect your engine and go further.
www.total-lub.ca
You know where to turn