CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR AUTOMOBILE ENTHUSIASTS SPECIAL INSIDE
Road Escapes SCENIC DRIVES IN EVERY PROVINCE
RACE SEASON LOOK LIKE? WINTER VEHICLE PREP TIPS ILP2020_Fall_Cover.indd 1
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PROLOGUE
GROUP PUBLISHER & CEO: Tim Rutledge PUBLISHERS EMERITI: Perry & Blake Breslin
EDITORIAL EDITOR-AT-LARGE: Lee Bailie MOTORSPORTS EDITOR: George Webster MANAGING EDITOR: Anna Rutledge COPY EDITOR: Adam Gordon
ART & PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Queue Gonzalez PRODUCTION / SENIOR ART DIRECTOR:
Patrick Dinglasan
T
y d a Re Roll to all o t n i F
he leaves are changing, the wind has a crisp edge, and sweaters are coming back to the front of our closets. As fall arrives across the country, it’s clear that this will be a fall and winter unlike any other. With the lingering pandemic, many Canadians are having to reimagine their travel and family gatherings. To help with your planning, we have suggestions for outdoor activities across the country, an article on how to choose winter tires, and advice on how best to prepare your vehicle for the long winter ahead. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, there is a lot to be excited about. As you’ll read in AutoNews, many manufacturers are releasing new models and seeing continued growth. We have reviews of fan favourites like the Corvette and Mustang and there’s also a comprehensive look at the Dodge Challenger, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. If you’re already looking forward to the next racing season, our Motorsports Editor George Webster has a look at what post-pandemic racing might look like. Finally, if what you’re after is some fun distraction, enjoy the challenge of our Spot Ten puzzles!
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INDYCAR Media, NASCAR Media, IMSA Media, Lee Bailie, Patrick Beltijar CONTRIBUTORS: George Webster, Lee Bailie, Anna Rutledge, Ignition Staff
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SPECIAL INSIDE
Road Escapes Embracing the
FOCAL POINTS
FANS RETURN TO IMS ......................................................... 6 2021 RETURN TO CTMP ....................................................... 8 FIRST GEAR
AUTOMOTIVE NEWS ..........................................................10 QUICKDRIVES
• • • •
2020 Hyundai Veloster N ......................................... 14 2020 Mercedes AMG GLC 43 SUV .............................. 15 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo ..........................................16 2020 Chevrolet Corvette ........................................... 17
2020 FEATURES
2020 DODGE CHALLENGER SCAT PACK 392 WIDEBODY ...............18 2020 FORD MUSTANG ECOBOOST ........................................ 26 THE FUTURE OF RACING IN THE POST-PANDEMIC AGE? .............30 EXTRAS
SPOT 10 ....................................................................... 62 BACK-UP ......................................................................66
OUTDOOR EXCURSIONS ACROSS CANADA
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WINTER TOYS - GEAR GUIDE
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PRE-DRIVE CHECKS FOR WINTER
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN WINTER TIRES
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TIPS FOR SAFE WINTER TRAVELS
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GETTING A SUMMER CAR READY FOR WINTER
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F O C A L P O I N T
Photograph by
IndyCar Media
FANS RETURN Fans were welcomed back to the renovated Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time in 2020 at the Harvest Grand Prix.
Camera Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Aperture F3.2
Shutter Speed 1/400
Focal Length 200.0 mm
ISO 160
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F O C A L P O I N T
Photograph by
NASCAR Media
2021 SCHEDULE RELEASED We're looking forward to the 2021 season, when the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series is scheduled to return to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
Camera Canon EOS-1D X
Aperture F2.8
Shutter Speed 1/1000
Focal Length 165 mm
ISO 5000
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1ST GEAR A AUTOMOTIVE NEWS
ve tomotni d plant u A n i a er y sumhmicle launchesat what’s s u b a k n It’s beewith many veet’s take a loory. t , L s s . new ncements in the indu annoug headlines m a ki n
OAKVILLE TO BE CENTRE OF NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE PROGRAM
Unifor, the leading automotive union in Canada, negotiated a new master contract with Ford Inc. early this fall. While talks with other manufacturers, including FCA and GM, aren’t completed yet, it is expected that the proposed contracts will follow the Ford agreement. One of the highlights of the initial Ford negotiation, was the new investment in a battery power vehicle production line at the Oakville plant. The $1.48 billion dollar investment will make Oakville a leading centre of electric vehicle production and the plan includes the production of a new CUV.
MASERATI
ANNOUNCES DETAILS ON THE MC20
CONTINUED STRONG AUTOMOTIVE SALES 10
Maserati has announced the launch of their new super sports car, the MC20. The new car, which features the iconic butterfly doors and aerodynamic stylings of Maserati, will be available in six colours. The interior features amenities drivers have come to expect, like wireless phone charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, as well as a carbon fibre console. The MC20 is designed to allow for coupe and convertible versions, as well as for full electric power.
Despite what some might consider logic, the automotive industry has continued to see quarter over quarter gains with Hyundai and Subaru recording records for September. For Hyundai, the Kona and the Sonata helped push sales up almost 6% from September 2019, with the Kona EV seeing especially big gains. Subaru saw an even bigger jump, with a 39% increase compared to last September. The Crosstrek led the charge with a jump of almost 60% year over year.
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4TH GENERATION HYUNDAI TUSCON RELEASE DATE SET Hyundai has launched the fourth generation Tuscon, which will be on sale in in Canada in the first part of 2021 as a 2022 model. Available in a conventional and P/ HEV variant, Hyundai is planning to offer seven exterior colours for the Canadian market. The new model is projected to have 1,096 L of cargo space and will feature a touchscreen centre console and all the tech CUV drivers have come to expect, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Of note, Hyundai is also including a realtime air pollution monitoring system, and an air purification system designed to adjust to fine dust.
VOLVO TAKES AIR PURIFICATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL Volvo is also launching a new air purification system in their fleet of vehicles. Unlike the Hyundai which filters the air as it comes into the vehicle, the Volvo system also allows drivers to clean the car’s air before getting in, ensuring that the air quality is optimal. The new system will be available in Canada on 2021 model year Volvos based on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) including the XC90 and all 60 series models. Thanks to a synthetic fibre-based filter and ionisation, up to 95 per cent of all PM2.5 particles are kept out of the cabin.
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1ST GEAR A AUTOMOTIVE NEWS
ROLLS ROYCE RELEASES DETAILS ON THE NEW GHOST Rolls Royce new Ghost is being promoted as the most technologically advanced to date, with a “post opulence” asthetic. This “post opulence” does not, of course, mean the Ghost is any less luxurious. It still comes with a wine fridge, champagne flutes, and a back seat that has inches of sound-deadening carpet and electronically opening and closing doors.
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CANADIANS CONTINUE TO ADJUST THEIR INSURANCE
HONDA REACHES SETTLEMENT ON TAKATA AIRBAGS
With the ongoing pandemic, many Canadians are continuing to adjust their insurance coverage. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, private insurers have returned an average of $280 per driver. The reduction largely comes as Canadians are driving less thanks to adjusted commutes. There’s also been a drop in claims and a reduction in collisions. Canadians who are experiencing changes to their driving patterns are encouraged to contact their insurance agents to see if they may qualify for a reduction in their rates.
Honda Canada reached a settlement on the class action lawsuit related to the faulty Takata airbag inflators. As part of the settlement, Honda will continue to actively reach out to affected owners who have not yet replaced the unit, and will cover some reasonable costs for repairs by those who incurred them. The settlement covers both Hondas and Acuras, and owners are assured that there are many replacement parts available at dealers if they still require one.
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HONDA REVEALS DETAILS FOR THE NEW 2021 ODYSSEY
Perhaps the biggest change for the refreshed 2021 Odyssey are the “near flat” second row seats. As any current Odyssey owner can attest, taking the seats in and out is an ordeal that limits the vehicles cargo capabilities. Unchanged are the Idle Stop and the CabinWatch feature which allows front row passengers to view rear seat passengers (and zoom in, even when car seats are rear facing). In new safety features, Honda has introduced a rear-seat reminder system, which chimes when the car turns off to remind the driver to check the back.
ACURA TEASES NEW MDX INTERIOR Acura’s fourth generation MDX is set to launch
in the new year, and their PR team has started sharing what the changes for the new model are. Among the interior changes for the sevenpassenger MDX are a lower profile centre console, integrated LED ambient lighting, wider seats, and even a front seat massage function. More details on the redesign will be available in mid-October, along with updated pricing.
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1ST GEAR AQUICK DRIVES
$35,199 AS TESTED
2020 HYUNDAI
VELOSTER N STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEE BAILIE
PERHAPS THE BEST WAY TO THINK OF THE VELOSTER N, HYUNDAI’S FIRST LEGITIMATE ENTRY IN THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE HOT HATCH MARKET, IS AS THE POCKET ROCKET YOU CAN AFFORD.
Preferences can be stored and recalled at the push of a button. Or, as I did, you can just push the blue checkered flag button on the steering wheel to crank performance to 11. In the looks department, the Veloster N receives a lot of the usual performance car stuff, such as special badging, unique wheels (19-inchers) and lots of blacked-out trim with red accents. Same goes for the interior, which has unique N seats and
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he Hyundai Veloster N was officially introduced in 2018 and went on sale that year as an all-new top-line offering for the company’s second gen compact three-door hatchback. It also has the distinction of being the first N car, Hyundai’s answer to BMW M and Mercedes-AMG. Powering the Veloster N is a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed manual that drives the front wheels. Output is rated at 275 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft. of torque at 1,450 – 4,700 rpm. Fine, but what about its other performance credentials? So glad you asked. Everything I’m about to mention comes standard. The Veloster N has a rev-matching 6-speed, e-LSD with torque vectoring, electronically controlled suspension, high-performance brakes, and a drive mode selector with N custom mode. The latter allows the driver to tailor the car’s driving dynamics to their preferences regarding steering effort, engine mapping, suspension damping, exhaust sound and stability control.
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instrument cluster, along with other amenities such as heated seats and steering wheel. If one were to ask where Hyundai saves money, I’d say it’s in the cabin. While the Veloster N’s seats are comfortable, they don’t feel as rich as those in the Honda Civic Type R, nor does the steering wheel feel exceptionally sporty or unique. A small nitpick, but details matter with these cars.
Additionally, the door panels, centre console and dashboard contain a lot of hard plastic that doesn’t look or feel good to the touch. And from a content perspective, the relatively small 8-inch touchscreen with no embedded navigation feels like a bit of a miss, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. So, yeah, there are some tradeoffs. It’s $35,000, not $45,000+ like the Civic Type R. But once you fire this thing up, toggle the drive mode selector to sport, flick the blue checkered flag button and put it in first gear, you likely won’t care. In this mode, the Veloster N rockets off the line, the steering offers sharp turn-in with minimal understeer and the exhaust sounds just this side of obnoxious. A warning, however, about suspension damping in sport+: it is incredibly stiff, so unless you live in a place (not Canada) where there’s no broken and frost-heaved pavement, this setting is best left for the track. The good news, however, is the Veloster N gives you a perfectly good reason to visit one.
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1ST GEAR AQUICK DRIVES
2020 MERCEDES
AMG GLC 43 SUV
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEE BAILIE
THE BESTSELLING MERCEDES-BENZ IN CANADA RECEIVES SOME MID-CYCLE UPDATING FOR 2020 WHICH SHOULD ENSURE THE COMPACT UTILITY CONTINUES TO FLY OFF DEALER LOTS.
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mong the changes are new LED headlights, unique AMG styling cues, Mercedes’ MBUX (MercedesBenz User Experience) infotainment system with available 12.3-inch instrument cluster display and a more powerful V6 engine. The focus here is the AMG GLC 43 SUV model, aimed at those wanting some extra sport to go along with utility. Powering the GLC 43 is a 3.0-litre biturbo V6 that produces 385 horsepower at 5,500 – 6,000 rpm and 384 lb-ft. of torque at 2,500 – 4,500 rpm. Noteworthy is the significant horsepower bump the engine receives for 2020, from 362 to 385. The gains owe to software tweaks and its two turbochargers being located close to the engine for better response. On that front, the GLC 43 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, quite quick for an SUV. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, the GLC 43 launches off the line and has loads of power in reserve for passing and merging. Console buttons for adjusting suspension damping, drive mode settings (slippery, comfort, sport, sport+, individual) and exhaust note can dial the car’s sportiness up even further. The GLC 43’s reflexes are at their most responsive in sport+. Steering is tight with good
$82,890 AS TESTED
feedback, acceleration is much sharper, handling feels nimble for an SUV, and the exhaust note is loud but not deafening. Suspension damping is quite stiff in sport and sport+, especially with 21-inch wheels shod in summer tires, but much more liveable in comfort.
On the inside, the GLC 43 offers a refined and sophisticated take on premium luxury. While the new AMG steering wheel, MBUX infotainment system and twin digital display screens (12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch multimedia) stand out, other aspects of the GLC 43’s interior have a familiar Mercedes-AMG look and feel. The well-bolstered black Artico seats, leather trim inserts in the dash and on the centre console, along with the red stitching accents on many of those same touch points exude a strong performance feel. Other cabin touches, such as aluminum speaker grilles and carbon fibre trim inserts also enhance the GLC 43’s AMG character. As for MBUX, there is a learning curve, but it becomes more user friendly over time. Apart from pin-sharp HD graphics, quick response time and customizability, the system also offers steering wheel and console track pad inputs. I can also confirm the voice prompt ‘Hey Mercedes’ works quite well, but it’s quite sensitive. The mention of the word Mercedes, even at a near whisper, will spring the system to life. Despite its performance pedigree, the GLC 43’s utility factor is high. Front and rear seating areas offer a good deal of space, the cargo area has up to 1,600 litres of storage and maximum towing is rated at 1,588 kg (3,500 lb) when properly equipped. Ultimately, the GLC 43 SUV delivers a lot of performance for money and a good value proposition. The GLC 43 is the ideal size for most North American consumers, plus it delivers dazzling technology, and a high degree of AMG performance and sophistication with plenty of utility. A winning formula.
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1ST GEAR AQUICK DRIVES
2021 KIA
SELTOS SX TURBO STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEE BAILIE
IN CASE YOU HADN’T NOTICED, KIA IS ROLLING OUT A SLEW OF NEW PRODUCTS AND, BECAUSE IT’S 2020, MANY ARE NEW AND REFRESHED SUVS.
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mong them is the Seltos, which was revealed at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show and is based on a platform shared with the Hyundai Kona, with which it also shares engines and one of its two transmission offerings. The difference concerning gearboxes is the Kona is available with a 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the Seltos swaps the 6-speed out in favour of a CVT Kia calls an intelligent variable transmission. At any rate, the press unit I drove is the range-topping SX Turbo model which is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder (175 hp / 195 lb-ft.) paired with a 7-speed DCT and standard all-wheel drive. The SX Turbo is the only trim available with with this powertrain, while other models receive a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder (146 hp / 132 lb-ft.) paired with the IVT. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims above the base LX FWD. From a design perspective, the Seltos offers a rugged, off-road aesthetic aimed at outdoorsy buyers with stuff to lug around. To that end, North American units differ from their global counterparts with a distinct front bumper and fascia treatment that has a higher approach angle for improved off-road capability. All
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$32,845 AS TESTED
Seltos trims offer at least 180 mm (7 inches) of ground clearance, which improves to 185 mm (7.3 inches) on all models beyond the LX FWD. LED headlights are offered on the EX Premium and SX Turbo, but all trims get LED daytime running lights, power heated
side mirrors, roof rails, front and rear skid plate bumper accents and rear spoiler. Inside, the Seltos SX Turbo comes fully loaded, with a long list of equipment including heated front seats (standard on all models), heated steering wheel, cooled front seats, cellphone charge pad, 10.25-inch multimedia display with navigation, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (standard on all models), head-up display and loads of safety kit. As for utility, the Seltos offers room for five, with up to 1,778 litres of cargo space with the rear seatbacks folded down and 752 litres when they’re up. All of this makes for an impressive package for just under $33K. Kia continues to nail its interiors with no-nonsense layouts, physical buttons that help cut down on driver distraction and gorgeous multimedia displays that are both intuitive and quick-responding. Seating is comfortable, visibility is good and getting in and out won’t hurt your back. Well done. On the road, the Seltos SX Turbo is enjoyable to drive. The 1.6 turbo offers zippy acceleration, particularly in sport, where its reflexes are at their sharpest. While turn-in and general driving dynamics aren’t Porsche-like, the Seltos feels light and responsive for an SUV. Cabin noise is wellinsulated, and the ride is pleasant over all but the roughest roads. Bottom line, you might be looking at Kia’s eventual bestseller in North America. Long way to go yet, but the Seltos appears poised to shoot up the sales charts in short order.
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1ST GEAR AQUICK DRIVES
2020 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEE BAILIE
IT TOOK 67 YEARS, BUT AS ITS EIGHTH-GENERATION DAWNS, THE CHEVROLET CORVETTE IS NOW A MIDENGINED SPORTS CAR. GIVEN THE CORVETTE’S HISTORY AS THE AMERICAN BULWARK AGAINST EUROPEAN SPORTS CARS, THE CHANGE IS NOTHING SHORT OF MONUMENTAL.
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owering the eighth gen (C8) ‘Vette is the LT2, GM’s new 6.2-litre V8, which produces 495 horsepower at 6,450 rpm and 470 lb-ft. of torque at 5,150 rpm. It attains these figures with the performance exhaust, and they drop slightly to 490 / 465 without it. Paired with the LT2 is a paddle-shift 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, the only transmission available. Structurally, the C8 consists of six high-pressure die-cast aluminum pieces for a stiffer structure and improved handling on track. The rear bumper beam is carbon fibre for reduced weight while the front and rear trunk tubs and dashboard are made from a combination of fibreglass and proprietary resin.
$89,298 AS TESTED
Regarding chassis, the C8 uses a coil-over damper layout and an updated electronic steering system with an improved ratio (15.7:1 versus 16.25:1). It also
gets a front suspension lift designed to save bodywork from damage by potholes, speed humps, and other road obstacles. It increases the ground clearance by 40 mm in 2.8 seconds at speeds up to 39 km/h (24 mph). In terms of design, the C8’s short hood, aggressive fenders, large side air intakes and notch headlights emphasize speed and power. The cabin has two large digital screens, a 12inch configurable instrument cluster unit and an 8-inch infotainment display. The latter is angled sharply towards the driver. The centre console houses the push-button gear selector, drive mode selector, two cup holders, and a small storage bin. On the road, the C8 is loud under acceleration, but it isn’t neck-snapping. It’s fast, but power delivery is smooth and progressive. Wind and road noise are generally well insulated, and the cabin is conducive to conversation. Forward visibility is much improved, and the C8’s handling feels responsive and wellbalanced. The ride is stiff, but four drive modes (weather, tour, sport, and track) enable the driver to adjust the car’s character as desired. Bear in mind, these observations are drawn from a C8 equipped with the optional Z51 performance package ($5,900) which includes, among other items, Z51 performance Brembo brakes and suspension, performance exhaust and electronic limited slip differential. The C8 impresses on track, too. In track mode, the car’s reflexes are at their sharpest which make for some very enjoyable laps on the 2.2mile road course at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Nevada. Throttle response is hair-trigger, and the car zips past 161 km/h (100 mph) in short order. The rear end still moves around if you come into a corner hot, as I did a few times, but the C8 generally rotates well through corners, particularly in the tight stuff, with a minimal amount of understeer. The C8 is not the Corvette you remember. It looks, feels and drives like nothing that came before. GM’s reluctance to move on from front-engine may have made sense a decade or two ago, but no longer. If the Corvette is going to survive it must evolve. And evolution is good.
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DRIVEN:
2020 DODGE CHALLENGER SCAT PACK 392 WIDEBODY Time Machine STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEE BAILIE
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DID YOU KNOW THE DODGE CHALLENGER TURNED 50 THIS YEAR? I’LL BE HONEST, I DIDN’T THINK IT HAD BEEN AROUND FOR THAT LONG EITHER, BUT IT HAS INDEED HIT THE HALF-CENTURY MARK. I THINK ONE OF THE REASONS WE DON’T THINK ABOUT THE CHALLENGER’S AGE THAT MUCH IS BECAUSE IT HAS A MUCH DIFFERENT HISTORY FROM THAT OF ITS MUSCLE CAR RIVALS.
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nlike its competitors, the Challenger was out of production for decades. The nameplate resurfaced in the late 1970s and was sold in North America for a few years, but that Challenger was not like its predecessor, or the current car, in any way apart from the name. And a rebadged Mitsubishi, isn’t a real Challenger in the minds of most brand enthusiasts. For most observers, the Challenger ceased to exist in 1974 when the first-generation car went out of production and wouldn’t be revived until 2008 when the third gen car debuted. No matter how you slice it, 34 years is a long time to be out of the public consciousness. GM retired the Camaro in 2002, but it returned less than a decade later in 2010. And the Mustang has been in continuous production since 1964. If you’ve read any coverage of the current Challenger, you’re aware of its perception. Heck, if you’ve seen one, you know. It’s big and long and wide with a V8 engine and a loud exhaust and it's really fast when you step on the gas. And it has that intimidating look, with a long hood and wide-set circular headlights that carry a hint of menace. And it’s all intentional because it further separates the Challenger aesthetically from its rivals. While the Camaro and Mustang (which I also drove recently, review begins on page 26) also acknowledge their 1960s ancestors, the Challenger does so in much more
2020 DODGE CHALLENGER SCAT PACK 392 WIDEBODY PRICE: $52,995 (BASE), $69,385 (AS TESTED) FINAL ASSEMBLY.................................................. ENGINE........................................................... HORSEPOWER .................................................... TORQUE .......................................................... CURB WEIGHT .................................................... CONFIGURATION................................................... TRANSMISSION................................................... FUEL CONSUMPTION RATINGS (L/100 KM CITY / HIGHWAY / COMBINED).... WARRANTY (MOS. / KM)........................................... ALTERNATIVES....................................................
BRAMPTON, ONTARIO 6.4L HEMI V8 485 HP @6,100 RPM 475 LB-FT. @4,100 RPM 1,954 KG FRONT-ENGINE, REAR-WHEEL DRIVE 6-SPEED MANUAL 16.7 / 10.4 / 13.9 36 / 60,000 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS, FORD MUSTANG GT, NISSAN 370Z NISMO
BY THE NUMBERS
$109.27 /HP Base MSRP
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225.6 HP/TON Horsepower to Weight
75.8 HP/L
Engine Displacement
13.9 L/100 KM DCT – Observed
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DRIVEN:
2020 DODGE CHALLENGER SCAT PACK 392 WIDEBODY overt ways. It is the most muscled of muscle cars and its nostalgic appeal is a primary selling point. It seeks not to distance itself from its past, but to revel in it. This point was really driven home when I drove a Challenger recently, but before diving into my Challenger experience, a look back at the car’s history is appropriate given its golden anniversary status.
IN THE BEGINNING
The original Dodge Challenger went on sale in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model and was built on Chrysler’s E-body platform shared with the Plymouth Barracuda. Despite being a rather late entrant in the muscle car wars with Ford and GM, the Challenger was designed to make waves with big power offerings. And Chrysler backed it with considerable resources, offering it in three body styles (two-door coupe, two-door hardtop and convertible), with a long list of trim and engine options. During its five-year run, the Challenger had eight engines and three transmissions. The straight-six, or slant-six, served as the base engine as both a 3.2-litre and 3.7-litre between 1970 and 1972, before being dropped for the final two years of production. In terms of V8s, the Challenger made use of six during its initial run, including a 5.2-litre
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"THIS LIVE SESSION GAVE ME A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE XT4, AND A NEW APPRECIATION FOR HOW THE BRAND IS PUSHING ITSELF AGGRESSIVELY FORWARD IN A MARKETING SENSE."
"RETRO DESIGN IS HARD TO PULL OFF IN A MODERN CONTEXT, BUT I THINK THE CHALLENGER DESIGN TEAM HAS REALLY NAILED IT HERE. "
(318-cubic inch), 5.6-litre (340), 5.9-litre (360), 6.3-litre (383), 7.0-litre (426) and 7.2-litre (440). And some of these engines had monstrous output. The 440 Six Pack, named for its use of three two-barrel carburetors, was rated at 390 horsepower in 1970 Challengers and 385 for 1971 models. The 426 HEMI, meanwhile, had two four-barrel carburetors which produced a whopping 425 horsepower in 1970 and 1971 models. All engines were paired with a 3-speed manual standard, except the 383 which was available only with a 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic. A third gearbox, a 4-speed manual, was available
for all engines except the slant-six and the 383. As muscle car demand began to drop in the early 1970s, Chrysler responded by cutting back significantly on Challenger trim and engine offerings, beginning in 1972. The convertible was discontinued, as were many interior options, including items such as leather seats, power windows and power seats. On the engine front, all big-block V8s were dropped, leaving just the slantsix, 318 and 340. The handwriting, as the saying goes, was on the wall for the Challenger, and by 1973 only the two carryover V8s were offered.
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807-HORSEPOWER CHALLENGER SRT SUPER STOCK
COMING IN 2021
In July, Dodge announced several changes coming to the Challenger for 2021, including a new limitedproduction SRT Super Stock model, which is powered by the same 6.2-litre supercharged V8 found in the SRT Hellcat Redeye. The main difference is the 6.2 puts out 10 more horsepower in the Super Stock: 807 hp versus 797 in the Redeye. Other Super Stock features include a unique Bilstein high-performance adaptive suspension, Brembo four-piston brakes and 18x11-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 315/40R18 Nitto NT05R drag radials, which were used on the 2018 SRT Demon. The 340 was replaced with a 360 (5.9-litre) for the following year, but by then the muscle car market had dried up, leading Chrysler to cease Challenger production in April 1974.
THE MITSUBISHI INTERLUDE
While first gen Challenger production ceased in the spring of 1974, the name resurfaced a few years later, but on a much different car. Chrysler marketed a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda beginning in 1977 (for the 1978 model year) as a Challenger (and Dodge Colt Challenger)
through the 1983 model year. Two four-cylinder engines were offered, a 1.6-litre and a 2.6-litre, that were paired with a 5-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic. Apart from its front-engine, rearwheel drive layout, this second gen Challenger had nothing in common with its predecessor. It was replaced in 1984 by another Mitsubishi rebadge, the Conquest, which was sold in North America as a Dodge and Plymouth.
THE REBOOT
By the fall of 2005, the Challenger had been out of the muscle car market for more than 30 years and as a nameplate for more than
Like the Demon, the Super Stock is aimed at the dragstrip and it can go from a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.25 seconds with a quarter-mile time of 10.5, making it the quickest and most powerful muscle car, according to Dodge. As of this writing, FCA had not announced pricing or unit allocations for the Super Stock in Canada Other 2021 changes for the Challenger lineup are mostly cosmetic. Among these are available 20-inch aluminum wheels on GT AWD (standard) and SXT AWD (optional), a new instrument panel badge on SRT Hellcat models, and SRT branding on highperformance Brembo brakes (standard on Hellcat and Redeye, optional on Scat Pack 392). Redeye and Super Stock models receive a new black chrome grille, spoiler and fender badge finish, and all models will be available with a memory feature for driver seat, steering column, side mirrors and radio presets.
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DRIVEN:
2020 DODGE CHALLENGER SCAT PACK 392 WIDEBODY 20. Speculation, however, was heating up online about a return and, on November 21, Chrysler confirmed the existence of a concept by releasing a short press release along with a sketch of the 2006 Challenger Concept. On January 8, 2006, the concept was officially revealed at the North American International
Auto Show in Detroit and it was confirmed for production in July. Orders opened in late 2007 and the third generation 2008 Challenger went on sale the following spring, beating the new Camaro to market by more than a year. Heavily influenced by the 1970 Challenger’s design, the 2008 Challenger was built on a
modified (LC) version of the LX platform that underpinned the Dodge Charger sedan, Dodge Magnum wagon and Chrysler 300 sedan. All were being built at Chrysler’s Brampton Assembly plant prior to the Challenger’s arrival, which likely helped production ramp-up. Many parts where shared between all four cars, despite the Challenger riding on a shorter wheelbase than the others. All 2008 Challengers were SRT8 models equipped with a 6.1-litre HEMI V8 engine (425 hp / 420 lb-ft.) paired with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler
limited production to just over 7,000 units, each with a numbered dash plaque and all were pre-sold. Only three colours were available: HEMI Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. The model lineup began expanding in 2009 – V6, second HEMI V8 (5.7-litre), 4-speed automatic and more trims – and hasn’t stopped in the 11 years since. New trims, models, powertrains, special editions and a slew of cosmetic changes and add-ons have been thrown at the third gen Challenger, especially since its 2015 model year facelift, which ushered in the 707-horse-
Dodge Challenger Timeline
1969
1974
2006
First gen Challenger production ends
Challenger Concept revealed
1978 1983 – Rebadged Mitsubishi Galant Lambda sold as Challenger in North America
Original Challenger goes on sale 22
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Third generation Challenger SRT8 hits the market
2008 2020-10-23 3:22 PM
MY TESTER
power SRT Hellcat and a move to the current LA platform. Since then, AWD models have been introduced, along with a limited edition 808-horsepower SRT Demon in 2018 that could run on 100 octane gas and included a ‘Demon Crate’ full of tools, such as a lightweight hydraulic floor jack. Really. The special models and trims continue right into 2020 with the availability of a 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition, a package that includes several colour options and cosmetic details and is available on R/T, Scat Pack 392 and Scat Pack 392 Widebody models.
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THE CHALLENGER IN 2020
I’ll say this for the remaining muscle cars being sold by FCA, Ford and GM, potential buyers don’t lack for options. Few nameplates offer as many trims and build options as the Camaro, Challenger and Mustang, which is a bit eyebrow-raising considering the niche markets they occupy. Yet, in Canada, there are eight Camaro trims, nine for the Challenger and 11 (!) for the Mustang. The Canadian muscle car buyer has never been so well served. FCA Canada’s Challenger offerings can be summarized mostly by their standard engines. The
SXT and GT receive a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 (305 hp / 268 lb-ft.), the R/T has a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 (372 hp / 400 lb-ft.), the Scat Pack 392 and its Widebody variant have a 6.4-litre SRT HEMI V8 (485 hp / 475 lb-ft.), and the SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye, including their Widebody variants, are fitted with a 6.2-litre supercharged SRT HEMI V8. Power differences separate the Hellcat and the Redeye, although the latter also has 25 component upgrades over the former, according to FCA. Regarding power, the Hellcat is rated at 717 hp / 656 lb-ft. and the Redeye checks in at 797 hp / 707 lb-ft.
2018 Limited Edition 808-horsepower SRT Demon rolled out
For this story, FCA Canada loaned me a Scat Pack 392 Widebody finished in F8 green metallic with a black interior. As is the case with most press cars I drive, this one comes packed with a long list of options, including Customer Preferred Package 23N ($8,000) which has Brembo sixpiston front brakes, performance shift indicator, widebody fender flares, leather flat-bottom steering wheel, widebody competition suspension, adaptive damping suspension, and 20-inch Devil’s Rim forged aluminum wheels wrapped in 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P Zero rubber. Other options include the Plus Group ($1,595) which includes Nappa leather / Alcantaratrimmed seating, front ventilated seats and a power tilt / telescoping steering column, harman / karman Sound Group ($1,495) with 18 speakers, amp and trunk-mounted subwoofer, and perhaps, most notably, a 6-speed Tremec manual transmission ($1,000). With most cars that offer both transmissions, it’s usually the opposite: the manual is standard, and the automatic is optional. With the Challenger, however, the standard transmission across the lineup is a ZF-sourced 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic.
2020 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Challenger offered on R/T, Scat Pack 392 / Scat Pack 392 Widebody
6.4-litre (392 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 arrives
2014 2015 SRT Hellcat with 707 horsepower introduced
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2021 Limited Edition Super Stock with 807-horsepower and drag radials arrives
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2020 DODGE CHALLENGER SCAT PACK 392 WIDEBODY CONVERSATION PIECE
At the risk of understatement, the Challenger’s retro styling really stands out in 2020. From its long, air extractor hood, to its round headlights, small windows and massive wheels and tires, this car is not made for fitting in. And because it’s soaked in so much 1971 nostalgia, people of a certain age often can’t resist the urge to comment. I’ll recount a few of those moments here. I was sitting in the car one day near Lake Ontario trying to escape the summer heat when I heard an elderly couple chat about it as they walked past. Neither was certain if this 2020 press vehicle was a new car or not, and since they didn’t see me, I chose not to say a word. Another unscripted moment occurred while I was parking the Challenger one afternoon and my older upstairs neighbour felt compelled to lean out his living room window and tell me that he not only approved of the car but didn’t mind being woken up by its loud exhaust the night before. I apologized, but he said it was fine because he loves the car. Go figure. Finally, I drove it to a family gathering and my Dad couldn’t resist remarking on every Super
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Bee and Scat Pack 392 Easter egg, not to mention the Scat Pack stripe ($600) that he recalled was a design signature on Challengers of old. Watching him pore over the car was like witnessing someone travel back in time. Maybe they should have called it the Dodge Time Machine. Personally, I like the Challenger’s aesthetic. This is a big horsepower car, and it should look like it and it does.
THE SCAT PACK 392 WIDEBODY
I’ve been fortunate to drive several Challengers in recent years, including the R/T, Scat Pack 392 and SRT Hellcat, and as one would imagine, they are all a lot of fun. I’ve driven the Scat Pack 392 the most, however, and I think it’s safe to say it’s my favourite as it strikes an ideal balance between power, everyday driveability and the all-important Challenger aesthetic. The 392 HEMI engine harkens back to Challenger’s early 1970s roots in that it's just a big motor that makes a lot of power. No supercharging or turbocharging. Just a big engine that’s really powerful and emits a pleasing baritone rumble from start up through the entire rev range. And when you stand on it, it really
goes. To me, this is the essence of what the Challenger is. A big engine connected to a beefy real axle that can light up the rear tires at a moment’s notice. And Dodge engineers know this, which is why the Challenger is loaded with nav screen Performance Pages, launch control settings and a track mode. They know you want to go for a rip and are happy to oblige. Is the handling great? Not particularly. I feel the Challenger’s length and weight in cornering, and the steering is a bit ponderous and doesn’t provide great feedback, but I doubt most owners care much. It wouldn’t bother me much because I know what this car is for, and it’s not a tight and twisty road circuit. But a drag strip? Now you’re talking. In terms of its looks, the F8 green metallic with black wheels and trim details, once again taps into its heritage when early 1970s Challengers were sold in a variety of interesting colours. The interior is a little too black for me, but I can see past it because the details, such as the Super Bee logos on the seats and quarter panels, are so charming. Retro design is hard to pull off in a modern context, but I think the Challenger design team has really nailed it here.
CONCLUSION
Ironically, despite its nostalgic looks and big horsepower, the Challenger Scat Pack 392 is quite happy to trundle along as a daily driver. It offers decent comfort and interior space, has the features consumers want and it runs on regular gas. Yes, the 392 HEMI is thirsty, but more fuel-efficient powertrains are available. So, yes, it is very much a modern car, with electronics and digital display screens, and a host of other modern conveniences, but those aren’t on my mind when I’m cruising along. I look out over a long air extractor hood with the sound of a 485-horsepower V8 exhaust filling my ears and I’m just enjoying the ride. I imagine this is how people of my Dad’s generation felt back in 1971 when they drove their Challengers to the drag strip or the movies, or just anywhere. I’m sure it was a great feeling to be behind the wheel. I can report that it still is.
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The Nitto SN3 winter tire is designed for premium performance in all winter conditions, so the crazy fun starts after the drive. Visit nittotires.ca for details.
Nitto_Winter_2020_PAS-Ign-Fun.indd 1 NittoCAN_162_ad.indd 1
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2020
FORD MUSTANG ECOBOOST PREMIUM FASTBACK Performance (Eco)boost STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEE BAILIE
ack in 2015 when the sixth generation of the Ford Mustang was new, I reviewed a well-stocked convertible model powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine, which was being offered for the first time in the iconic pony car. While I came away impressed with the car overall, I couldn’t shake the feeling that for all of the EcoBoost’s (Ford-speak for turbocharged) power (310 hp / 320 lb-ft.) and efficiency gains, it just didn’t enhance the Mustang’s appeal. Something was missing. For me, it was sound, which I summed up thusly: “The (5.0-litre) V8 sounds like a Mustang, while the EcoBoost sounds like a Fusion trapped in a Mustang body.” Ouch. And yes, I know Ford’s departing mid-size sedan wasn’t available with the 2.3, and it had other 4-cylinder options, but that’s not the point. Expectations are. When you lay eyes on a loaded-out Mustang that looks like a guttural monster but sounds like a family sedan when you push the start button, it can’t help but feel a bit strange.
B
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BY THE NUMBERS
$159 /HP
And expectations can be hard to shake even when you know there’s a 4-cylinder engine under the hood. Five and a half decades of V8-powered tradition cut sharply against change, and Mustang perceptions hardened long ago. So, while the EcoBoost engine makes sense as a fleetwide fuel-efficiency measure, it does nothing for the car’s soul. This, I thought, is not how a Mustang should sound. This car is meant to appeal to our emotions, to stir our souls, and this 4-cylinder just doesn’t do it.
I relate this story because I recently drove another EcoBoostpowered Mustang, this time a fastback model that, like its 2015 forebear, is festooned with all sorts of optional kit. But I’ll get to that. First, a refresher on Ford’s sixth gen muscle car.
MUSTANG IN 2020 As mentioned, the Mustang was all-new in 2015 and Ford rolled out a facelifted version for the 2018 model year, which introduced a revised front end
with new LED headlights, hood and grille, along with new wheel options and an available digital instrument cluster. The V6 engine was dropped and a 10-speed automatic was introduced as an option. The car hasn’t changed much since, apart from cosmetics (colours, wheels, etc.) and the proliferation of models. Ford of Canada’s website currently lists 11 Mustangs, four of which are EcoBoost models. Two are fastback coupes and two are convertibles. Standard content separates them,
As tested, w/ perf. pkg
143.4 HP/L
Engine Displacement
179.3 HP/TON Horsepower to weight
10.3 L/100 KM Combined
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DRIVEN:
2020 FORD MUSTANG ECOBOOST PREMIUM FASTBACK
and they range in price from just under $29,000 for the base fastback to just over $37,000 for the premium convertible. If you’re interested in the 460-horsepower V8-powered GT, there are three models (two fastbacks, one convertible) to choose from, with the base GT checking in at just over $33,400. And of course, more horsepower is available with the Bullitt (due to be replaced by the return of the Mach 1 for 2021), Shelby GT350 and GT350R and the 760-horsepower GT500, which lists for a cool $94,675.
2.3L HIGH PERFORMANCE PACKAGE The primary reason I wanted to drive the EcoBoost-powered Mustang again is because of the availability of the 2.3L High Performance Package, which is new for four-cylinder models in 2020. After watching a colleague’s YouTube review, in which he praised the package (but not its price tag), I became even more intrigued. For an extra $6,500, the 2.3L High Performance Package delivers a slew of performance goodies, including a 3.55 limited-slip rear axle, 19-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels, 255/40R19
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PEAK HORSEPOWER GETS A BUMP UP FROM 310 TO 330, WHILE TORQUE REMAINS THE SAME AT 350 LB-FT.
summer tires, active valve performance exhaust, black painted strut-tower brace, heavy duty springs, larger brake rotors with four-piston fixed calipers, larger radiator and more. Most significantly, the peak horsepower gets a bump up from 310 to 330, while torque remains the same at 350 lb-ft.
LOADS OF OPTIONAL KIT Suffice it to say when the Ford press fleet manager sent an email notifying me the Mustang
EcoBoost Premium Fastback with high performance package was available for the week leading into Labour Day weekend, I quickly said yes. What I failed to realize at the time, because I didn’t ask, is that the EcoBoost press unit is equipped with the optional 10-speed automatic transmission ($1,750), rather than the standard 6-speed manual. While I was a bit disappointed to discover the slushbox when I picked it up, I got over it quickly because it’s still a 330-horsepower Mustang. And it has paddle shifters, which I used frequently during my test. In addition to the 2.3L High Performance Package, Ford loaded my rapid red tester with a pile of other options, including the 201A Equipment Group ($2,100). This package includes a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, heated steering wheel, embedded navigation, blind spot information system with cross traffic alert, memory driver’s seat, leather-trimmed seats and more. The Handling Package ($2,600) box was also ticked and it delivers unique 19-inch aluminum wheels and bigger Pirelli summer tires (265/40R19), along with premium brakes, 3.55 TORSEN limited-slip rear-axle and Ford’s MagneRide adjustable damping system. Rounding out the option list is a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system ($1,000), enhanced security package with active antitheft system ($700), and rapid red paint ($500). While all this stuff enhances the Mustang’s appeal, it should be noted that it also pushes the price tag north of $50,000, and close to the base price of the 480-horsepower Bullitt. Something to bear in mind if one were to settle on the EcoBoost Premium Fastback and wanted to load up on bells and whistles.
LOOKS THE PART One of the many benefits of any car, especially a Mustang,
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2020 FORD MUSTANG ECOBOOST PREMIUM FASTBACK BASE PRICE / AS TESTED:
$37,365 / $52,615
being festooned with a lot of options is it generally winds up looking better than it would otherwise, and that’s definitely the case here. This press unit looks great. From its deep red paint to its big dark wheels, black hood stripes, rocker panels and front splitter, my tester is a real looker. Same goes for the cabin, where the 12-inch configurable digital instrument cluster, customizable ambient lighting and soft touch materials make for a welcoming environment. The details, like high-contrast stitching in the seats and centre console, along with a unique chassis badge plate on the dash, are also nice touches. Bottom line, layering these extras onto the bones of the Mustang, which is aging quite gracefully to these eyes, just makes an appealing car that much more so.
FUN, BUT STILL BEST WITH A MANUAL As far as the drive is concerned, I think a disclaimer needs to be made before going any further. The absence of a three-pedal setup in a Mustang dampens the fun considerably, because for all of its various driving modes and rocker switches that govern exhaust sound and steering effort, one really needs a manual transmission to wring the most enjoyment out of this package. The 10-speed is a fine automatic, and when the drive mode selector
FINAL ASSEMBLY.................................................... FLAT ROCK, MICHIGAN ENGINE................................................................... 2.3L TURBOCHARGED 4-CYLINDER HORSEPOWER........................................................ 330 HP @6,000 RPM TORQUE.................................................................. 350 LB-FT. @3,000 RPM CURB WEIGHT......................................................... 1,665 KG CONFIGURATION..................................................... FRONT-ENGINE, REAR-WHEEL DRIVE TRANSMISSION....................................................... 10-SPEED AUTOMATIC FUEL CONSUMPTION RATINGS (L/100 KM CITY / HIGHWAY / COMBINED).............. 11.8 / 8.4 / 10.3 WARRANTY (MOS. / KM)........................................ 36 / 60,000 ALTERNATIVES........................................................ CHEVROLET CAMARO 1LS, DODGE ............................................................... CHALLENGER SXT, NISSAN 370Z
is dialed to sport or sport+, and the other switches are toggled accordingly, and the paddle shifters are used, yes, some fun can be had. But the first thing I’d do if I was building this car for myself, is I’d save myself $1,750 and keep the 6-speed manual. With that said, this car is still a lot of fun to drive. During my week of driving, I realized that I feel essentially the same way about the 2.3 engine as I did in 2015. It’s quick and quite responsive, with smooth power delivery that makes the car feel faster than I was expecting. Handling feels snappy and light and its reflexes are quite sharp. Turn in, cornering, the whole deal. Turning the proceedings up to 11 in sport+ stiffens the chassis considerably and weights up the steering to the point that I wish I’d
had some track time booked. As I always do, especially on public roads, I left all of my tester’s electronic nannies on, but with a 3.55 TORSEN rear axle, I can confirm that the 350 lb-ft. of torque flowing through it doesn’t need much provocation in order to step out. I’ll admit it put a bit of a smile on my face when it happened a couple of times during my test. It’s still a Mustang, after all.
CONCLUSION Despite the EcoBoost Premium’s many charms, I still prefer the GT. Given its low-$30K starting price and the fact that it offers 130 more horsepower plus the V8’s iconic baritone rumble, it’s exceedingly difficult for the EcoBoost offerings to compete with the GT, even with the performance add-ons.
Even if one were to opt for the more content-rich and more expensive Premium GT, it’s still cheaper than my tester but has the same performance gains as the base GT. Oh, and the GT has two Performance Packages to choose from that contain much of the same kit as the EcoBoost offering, and some extra stuff not available with the four-banger. Sure, one could choose an EcoBoost Premium with less stuff and forego many of the $15,000 worth of options on my tester, but if a de-contented Mustang to keep the cost down is the preferred route, why not just pick the base GT and be done with it? Exactly. I’ll put it this way: the 2.3-litre EcoBoost was balls of fun in the last gen Focus RS, but in a Mustang it’s still a consolation prize, albeit a very good one.
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THE FUTURE OF CAR RACING IN THE POST-PANDEMIC AGE?
BY GEORGE WEBSTER // PHOTOGRAPHY BY NASCAR MEDIA, IMSA MEDIA, INDYCAR MEDIA, F1 MEDIA, NASCAR PINTY'S, CTMP
PINTY'S
Canada’s NASCAR Pinty’s Series went ahead this year with a substantially shortened season, consisting of three double header weekends, all at Ontario tracks. Of the six races, Jason Hathaway took the title at three, allowing him to emerge as the points leader (although technically not the champion, as one wasn’t crowned this shortened season.) New for 2020 was a visit to Flamboro Speedway in Millgrove as well as a return to Sunset Speedway in Innisfil, which the series hadn’t visited since 2016. The series also looked different in that there were no fans at events. No plans for the 2021 season have been released as of press time.
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AS I WRITE THIS IN MID-SEPTEMBER, CAR RACING HAS ALREADY HAD A SIGNIFICANT REVIVAL SINCE THE ONSET OF THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IN M A R C H – B U T I T I S S T I L L N O T Y E T F U L LY U P T O S P E E D . L O O K I N G A H E A D T O T H E F U T U R E , W H AT CAN WE EXPECT AS THIS VIRUS RUNS ITS COURSE A N D L I F E G E T S B A C K T O N O R M A L E V E N T U A L LY ?
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n March, it seemed like there was a common feeling that the pandemic and its resultant restrictions on normal life would be over by now, but that has yet to happen. Indeed, there are signs that the often-predicted ‘second wave’ of the spread of the virus may be coming and optimistic plans about ‘opening up’ may have to be shelved for a while yet. Hopefully, by the start of the 2021 racing season, the COVID-19 related protocols and restrictions will be over.
INDYCAR
In what was supposed to be a breakout year for INDYCAR, with Roger Penske’s new ownerships of IMS and the series, 2020 turned out to be full of adaptations. The season got off to a rough start, with the series opener The Firestone Grand Prix canceled as practices were slated to begin. Since then the schedule has been revised at least three times, including once a week ahead of the (second) Mid Ohio race date, which was shifted only a week out when the state refused to allow fans. Still INDYCAR fans ended up enjoying a relatively complete season with fourteen races (including five double header weekends). While many events, including the Indianapolis 500, ran without fans, some tracks were able to allow for small numbers. And in a fun shift, the St. Petersburg event was rescheduled from season opener to season finale. The 2021 schedule includes a return to some much loved tracks, like Circuit of the Americas and Laguna Seca, as well as a new race in Nashville.
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THE FUTURE OF CAR RACING IN THE POST-PANDEMIC AGE?
WHAT WILL AUTO RACING LOOK LIKE IN THIS POSTPANDEMIC FUTURE?
Even though many of us think of auto racing like a mere diversion in the same dismissive way we might look at the ‘professional sports’ industry or the movie industry, auto racing is now, at its base, an important industry like those other industries, not merely a pastime. Think of the massive crowds at the Indy 500 or the annual Performance Racing Industry or the SEMA shows as proof of the significance of auto racing as an industry. And, as an industry, its future is important to the economy – more than merely an entertaining distraction. The auto racing industry has a broad scope including the mass-market spectator sport of the major race series, but it is much more, including non-spectator amateur racing, track days, hobbyists, and car enthusiasts. There is the involvement of the race promoters (race series and individual events), track owners, the race teams, the race car and component parts manufacturers and distributors, the caterers, the PR companies, the media including television, and so on – an industry of significant size and, hence, importance. My focus here is on the audience-driven spectator sport component of the auto racing world. Can this industry survive financially? Given its size and the money it represents, perhaps we can say it is too big to be allowed to fail. For sure, all the various components of the auto racing industry have a major interest in making sure it does not collapse. Without question, this 2020 season has hit auto racing hard – this is an expensive business and it relies on a constant input of money to keep going. This year that funding has become problematic.
NASCAR WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO FIND A WAY OUT OF THIS FUNDING DILEMMA. THEY CREATED A NEW SET OF RULES OF OPERATION UNDER THE PANDEMIC – ONE-DAY EVENTS, MINIMAL NUMBERS OF PEOPLE ON SITE AT THE TRACK, STRICT ADHERENCE TO THE HEALTH RULES.
In professional racing there are four major sources of funding: $ Ticket sales $ Sponsorship of race series, events, teams and drivers $ Television rights $ Government sponsorship (based on the prospect of tourism income) Once everything went into lockup in mid-March, these sources of income became irrelevant. The whole industry had to hunker down to survive this drought of funding. This could not last long before many of the components of the industry started to fail financially. NASCAR was one of the first to find a way out of this funding dilemma. They created a new set of rules of operation under the pandemic – one-day events, minimal numbers of people on site at the track, strict adherence to the health rules. Venues were local conditions prevented them from running (e.g. Watkins Glen, CTMP) were avoided and other tracks substituted in their place. The first race after the lockdown began was on May 17. By the end of the summer, some events were allowing a limited number of spectators attend. In all there will have been 41 NASCAR Cup races run – the same number as had been planned.
IMSA
After getting the season started in January, the series took a hiatus by pausing events until July. They returned with the Cadillac Grand Prix of Sebring, and have been busy ever since. While travel restrictions have made it difficult for Canadian favourite Pfaff Motorsports to compete, they are scheduled to make a return later this fall. While some IMSA events have included fans, restrictions have varied at tracks. IMSA recently released next year’s schedule, which looked much like the original 2020 schedule. Of note, the series is scheduled to return to CTMP next July.
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NASCAR CUP SERIES
For NASCAR fans, the return to racing came mercifully quickly. The league hastened to adjust to 2020, with strict rules around social distancing and masks. Their early adoption of safety measures meant that NASCAR teams were able to get back on the track sooner then some others. One big change was the condensed race format - qualifying and practise sessions were (mostly) eliminated and team’s were only allowed a limited number of members at events. The playoff system remains unchanged, and unlike in Pinty’s, the NASCAR Cup Series will crown a 2020 Champion.
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Given that many of these races will have been run with no spectator ticket sales and the rest with limited numbers of tickets sold, the ticket revenue has to have been minimal at best. However, all of these races have been televised as normal television audiences were more-or-less the same as in previous years. This means that the television funding would have remained essentially unaffected. In NASCAR, government subsidies have not been a big factor in the funding equation. Given that the races were held (albeit, in some cases, on different dates and in different places) the sponsorship funding should have continued to flow. Some observers make the case that the sale of two NASCAR charters – by the Leavine family (No. 95) and the Germain family (No. 13) – is a sign of financial problems within the NASCAR teams but both of these charters have been bought by other interests and there is no sign yet that any of the charters will be abandoned for next year. Look for one of the Dover races to be moved to the Nashville Speedway next year. Going forward, NASCAR is planning an increased emphasis on using road courses – the Busch Clash will be on the Daytona road course and one of the Texas Motor Speedway dates will be moved to the COTA road course near Austin. F1 and Indy cars may be engineered in such a way that they can be set up back in the shop; NASCAR cars need to be set up on the track based on the practice runs. I hope that NASCAR soon moves to reinstate practice and qualifying sessions at all their races.
THE FUTURE OF CAR RACING IN THE POST-PANDEMIC AGE?
IndyCar also reshuffled its 2020 schedule. The original 17race schedule has been reduced to 15 races with five of those races at Indianapolis, either on the oval or the road course. The Indy 500, rescheduled to August, ran without spectators. By September, beginning with the Mid-Ohio double-header event, a limited number of fans were allowed to attend the races. Again, the ticket sales revenue was minimal but the television right funding must have continued to flow in keeping the operation alive. The idea that the promoters of the Mid-Ohio race were holding out for permission to sell tickets, was sign that the loss of the ticket sales had to be a big factor. IndyCar is also trending
towards more road course events; they have added a street race in Nashville for next year. As for IMSA’s sports car racing series, the financial basis of this series has not been so obvious. Their TV ratings are modest and so must be the TV rights funding. Presumably the ticket sales and manufacturer support are the major sources of income here. If so, the loss of ticket sales must have been problematic. However, given that IMSA is part of the France family holdings, it is conceivable that some of the NASCAR-sourced finding may have helped keep this series afloat through this difficult year. As for Formula One, it was a similar picture. The first race of the season – Australia – was cancelled at the last moment. Racing
finally got underway in Austria early in July. A revised 2020 calendar was created without any races in Asia or the Americas. In all 17 Grands Prix will be run, down from the original 22-race schedule. Much of the funding of F1 comes from event payments from the various race promoters – funds which come from ticket sales and government subsidies. This year with fewer events and most with no spectators or few spectators, the ticket revenue would be meager. The teams rely on a distribution of the Commercials Rights Holder’s (Liberty Media) income. Liberty gets its money from payments from the race promoters, and television rights. With many of the Grand Prix venues losing their races and Liberty going begging to get other venues to host
NHRA
The NHRA is among the unlucky series that are still experiencing cancellations and having to adjust. While some events were postponed due to local restrictions (including the Menards Heartland Nationals), others were cancelled entirely including three in late August and early September. Some of the events that did proceed included fans, however, the 16 cancellations cast a shadow over the season. The 2021 race schedule had yet to be announced at print time.
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replacement races this year, their revenue from the promoters must have been severely curtailed. Despite that, Liberty came up with some extra money to help keep the teams afloat. The decision of the Williams family to leave F1 was answered by the sale of their team to Dorilton Capital. All the other teams are apparently committed to carrying on, having recently signed onto the Concord Agreement for another five years. But the funding formula in F1 might be unsustainable unless they can get back to a full calendar of spectator events.
SO, WHAT ARE THE PROSPECTS FOR 2021?
In the broader world we are
hearing reports of closures in the retail sales and the hospitality business, stores, restaurants and bars closing for good. The travel industry has been hard hit. Does this same dismal future face auto racing? On the face of it, going into next year we have not yet seen many signs of the collapse of the industry. Indeed, given the expectation that the COVID pandemic crisis is on the wane, 2021 could be pretty much a return to normal. On the other hand, if the oftenpredicted ‘second wave’ comes and this new phase of the pandemic is as bad as or worse that it has been so far, then all bets are off. Could the industry keep treading water for another year? Let’s hope for better days in 2021!
FORMULA 1
When F1 put their season on hold in March, it was unclear what the season might hold. Initially the series hoped to hold between 12 and 15 races, some with fans and many without. As of now, there will be 17 rounds, ending in Abu Dhabi in December. While the Chinese Grand Prix won’t be contested this year, the schedule did see the addition of the Turkish Grand Prix, marking the first time a Grand Prix has been held at the track since 2011. The 2021 race schedule is expected to be released late in October.
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Embracing the
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ith ever-changing restrictions and parts of the country facing a new surge of COVID-19, there has never been a better to time to get in your car and explore. Road trips allow for a change of scenery - something beyond the walls of our toofamiliar homes - without necessarily adding contact points or risk. So stock up your vehicle, plan your route, and experience something new in your province.
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Outdoor Excursions Across Canada T
he travel industry has been one of the worst hit by the pandemic - many outstanding restaurants and hotels are hanging on by a thread and as the winter months approach, it is hard to imagine how they will survive the winter. As passionate travellers, the change has been hard to watch. Like many travellers, we had long-planned trips cancelled and postponed, and Google Photo seems to endlessly taunt us with happy photos from past adventures.
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With more than a touch of cabin fever, we spent much of the summer exploring local destinations, trying to support small operators and introducing our children to parts of the province we previously hadn’t explored. One of the best parts of the summer adventures was being able to easily explore the outdoors - we kayaked, paddle boarded, tubed, sailed, and canoed across beautiful lakes and rivers in the warm sun. As summer turns to fall, it becomes harder to comfortably explore the outdoors. But as a former prime minister apparently said “there’s no such thing as bad weather, there’s just bad clothes.” With that in mind, we bought a wide range of rain and snow gear, with the goal of being comfortable outside regardless of the weather. What our esteemed past PM did not mention is the challenge of dragging a teenager outside when it’s less than sunny. Despite many an eye roll we have managed to get outside with plenty of layers, carefully packed coolers, and a strong desire to continue to take advantage of the beautiful outdoors at our doorstep. In the following pages, we’ll look at some exceptional hikes that will bring you to picturesque vistas and lookouts and consider some outstanding drives that will showcase the fall colours in every province.
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Outdoor Excursions Across Canada
Hikes
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If someone had suggested that 2020 would be the year I suddenly fell in love with hiking, I would have laughed. I’ve always loved getting outside and exploring new terrain, but I never expected to spend as much time as I have researching, planning, and executing hikes. My biggest take away has been that it’s not always the most reviewed or accessible hikes that standout. Rather than focusing on provincial parks, which this year have been busy with limited amenities relative to fees, I have begun to
look at local conservation areas. One advantage of looking at local conservation areas is also that you get a better sense of how the community is feeling about visitors - in more than one case a provincial park was open and the adjacent regional conservation area was closed to all visitors, with a request from local politicians to avoid travel to the area. Personally, I would hate to visit an area where my trip would be adding worry to the lives of locals and therefore try to check municipal websites before
planning a visit. Another benefit of checking municipal websites is that you can be sure you’re up to date on which park amenities remain open. When deciding on your next hike, start by considering who you’ll be exploring with. Will you be dragging a toddler along? Do you have an extremely active eight-year old who loves to go off the path? Do you have an older party member who might need more even terrain? Consider also the level of fitness and fun you are looking for. For some groups,
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HIKINRGAILS T ONTARIO
Nashville Conservation Reserve Trca.ca
Luck Property Lsrca.ca
Lake of Bays
lakeofbays.on.ca/en/explore-andplay/resources/Documents/ALOB2019Map-Digital.pdf
Kawarthas Northumberland
trip.kawarthasnorthumberland.ca/ map/#&tour&85&location&360
NORTHERN ONTARIO
The Eau Claire Gorge At a the Niblet with view of Mount Assiniboine, AB
northernontario.travel/ northeastern-ontario/ hiking-eau-claire-gorge-mattawa
Picnic Point Trail
superiornorth.com/TrailsMap.htm
treating the excursion as a workout suits their needs, while for others the goal is more to enjoy a leisurely wander in some clean air. Knowing your group’s limitations and goals will help you plan something that excites your team. The next thing to consider is the distance from your home to the trailhead. While every group’s comfort level will be different, keep in mind that if you’re day tripping you’ll need to make the drive back (potentially through traffic) on your way home post hike. Distance is also a challenge
QUEBEC
Vallée Bras-du-Nord A network of trails with waterfalls and great fall colours.
quebec-cite.com/en/businesses/ vallee-bras-du-nord#hiking
MANITOBA
Wild Grape and Elm trail
alltrails.com/trail/canada/ manitoba/beaudry-park?u=i
Senkiw Bridge Loop
trailsmanitoba.ca/crow-wing-trail/ senkiw-bridge-loop/
when rest stops are unusually in demand - if you’re trying to limit your points of contact or time indoors, you might want to keep yourself to one restroom break which will limit how far you can journey. Once you’ve got your distance circle and type of terrain it’s time to start searching for options. A good starting point is google maps, with search terms like “conservation” “ public access” and “trail.” When going through your choices, look at things like elevation and access points. Something that looks close to a town may in fact require you to drive all the way around a lake before you reach the access point - remember, you can’t travel as the crow flies. Consider also whether the site you’re looking at has washroom facilities, maps on site, or picnic areas. Knowing as much as possible before you arrive will allow you to enjoy the outing, rather than spending your time wishing you had remembered to bring the camp chairs. For suggestions of what to bring, along with some location ideas to get you started, check out the suggestions in yellow. With some creativity and planning, you can enjoy at least a couple more months of outdoor exploration, with the bonus of fall colours to add enchantment.
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Road Trips
Much as hiking can be an exciting adventure (waterfalls! scrambles! wildlife!) there’s something to be said for experiencing nature from the safe confines of your vehicle. This is particularly true as some regions of Canada start to experience the second wave of the pandemic, making travel more restricted and complicated. Road trips can be a great way to gain a change of pace, without endangering yourself or others. Excursions can come in many shapes and sizes - from drives down historic main streets, to windy roads along lakes, to mountain passes, Canada has almost endless roads to explore. Before buckling in, take the time to consider what you are hoping to gain in your journey and plan accordingly. The first thing you’ll want to consider is whether your vehicle is road-trip ready. Have you had it serviced recently? Are your tires properly inflated? Is your emergency kit up to date? By going through a simple checklist you can avoid finding
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yourself on a road with a single gas station (closed of course) and no water for complaining back seat passengers. Next, take a minute to look at some traffic data for the region you’re hoping to visit. While driving up Yonge Street from it’s foot might sound like a fun idea, looking at traffic patterns might make you reconsider whether you want to spend hours in downtown traffic. Google maps will allow you to adjust your “leave” options that show you historic traffic information for the type of day and time you are planning to embark at. Consider also what it will take for buy in from your group. Will you be enjoying a leisurely drive with your partner, with no time pressure and a picnic? Or will you be trying to shuttle along a preschooler who might need to stop for a potty break every twenty minutes? Knowing your group will allow you to pack tools that will make the trip enjoyable. Think of snacks that are treats and car friendly (i.e. crumb free) and be sure you’ve got enough water or juice to keep everyone hydrated. Will a printed out car bingo game help the younger party members engage? Will using an “old school” paper map make the trip seem more exciting or romantic? As with most things, knowing your group and planning ahead will make the trip much more enjoyable. Finally, make sure you research at least a couple safe places to stop if you have a washroom or food emergency. Trying to find a rest stop on
a secondary highway with limited cell coverage can be extremely frustrating. Don’t forget to back your phone charging cords and try to give yourself a cushion of time for your return trip, so you don’t spend the drive back stewing on how late dinner is going to be. Most of all, take the opportunity to step
out of your daily routine and enjoy the wider world at your doorstep. While simply driving through a quaint town might not have been a highlight in 2019, in 2020 any time you can experience something beyond your own home it’s an adventure to be savoured.
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Emerald Lake at Yoho National Park, BC
Sea to Sky Hwy, BC
BRITISH COLUMBIA HelloBC offers road trip itineraries for just about any taste, making it a great resource for planning your adventure. Some of our favourites include the Sea to Sky highway and the Okanagan Valley. One of the less explored routes is along Route 16, which grants access to the Northern Mountain region. The drive includes vast vistas, plenty of wilderness, and proximity to the over 300 lakes in the region.
route16.ca
Trans-Canada highway No.16, BC
Icefields Parkway, AB
Sunwapta Falls at Jasper National Park, AB
ALBERTA
Alberta boasts plenty of wide open spaces and many types of terrain, making it easy to pile into the car and experience something new. In addition to having the highest paved road in Canada (Highwood Pass), Alberta is also home to the unforgettable Hoodoo trail, with a landscape you’ll swear is from another planet. Among the many choices, the Icefield Parkway is something of a classic. Connecting Banff to Jasper, the route has seemingly endless scenic vistas to enjoy. Be aware though that although the route is only about 288 km, there is often a great deal of traffic and it can be very slow. This is especially true once the snow starts, as the route can be treacherous and people tend to drive very cautiously.
roadtripalberta.com/banff-to-jasper
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Outdoor Excursions Across Canada SASKATCHEWAN Many Canadians might be surprised to learn that Saskatchewan has more to see then a vast prairie flat. In fact, the province has rolling hills, badlands, and lakes. One of the best bets for a road trip is the scenic Qu’Apelle Valley, which largely runs parallel to the TransCan highway. Although the roads themselves are a bit of a mixed bag, and you’ll need to spend some time looking at maps to be sure your route is doable, the valley has plenty of picturesque small towns and nature reserves.
Prince Albert National Park, SK
producer.com/2019/04/sask-s-quappellevalley-makes-for-the-ultimate-road-trip
Qu’Appelle Valley, SK
Lake Winnipeg, MB
MANITOBA
Far more than a province to quickly drive through on your way back from the Rockies, Manitoba has plenty of scenic routes to explore. One standout is Highway 6, which goes around the top of Lake Winnipeg. The route has plenty of scenic vistas, but what makes it popular with families are the many roadside attractions. With everything from a repurposed VW Beetle (now a ladybug) to a giant golfball, there’s plenty of silliness to engage your younger travelling companions.
travelmanitoba.com/blog/post/through-the-narrows-manitoba-roadside-attractions
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Caledon hills at Cheltenham Badlands, ON
ONTARIO
Road in Algonquin, ON
It goes without saying that there are innumerable scenic drives in Ontario - from the Caledon hills, to the Niagara wine region, to the waterfalls near Dundas, to the Hunstville and Lake of Bays area, there is no shortage of roads with bountiful fall colours and twists and turns. One of our favourites is the Loyalist Parkway, which runs beside Lake Ontario and commemorates the Loyalists who fled during the American War of Independence. In addition to shimmering waters, and picturesque country landscapes, the route also has ferries and plenty of historical markers to add some interest to your route.
loyalistparkway.org
QUEBEC
Much like Ontario, Quebec has almost limitless roads to explore. In the fall, this seems doubly true, with fall colours in abundant display. The fall colours are such a draw that there is even a continually updated map to help visitors make the most of their time and ensure they are seeing the colours at their peak (www.bonjourquebec.com/en-ca/discover/seasons-in-quebec/fall) While there are many options, one favourite is the Chemin de Terroir, which gives drivers the opportunity to explore local food providers and artisanal producers.
laurentides.com/en/chemin-du-terroir-0
Lac Dufresne, QC
Lake Tremblant, QC
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Outdoor Excursions Across Canada
NEW BRUNSWICK
Like many of the Atlantic provinces, New Brunswick organizes their scenic routes in groupings around the province to highlight different natural features. Each grouping has a different symbol, which you’ll see as you explore the province. One area that stands out is the Bay of Fundy, where you’ll find 50 working lighthouses and the most accessible lighthouses in Canada. As part of the drive you may even see whales off the coast!
tourismnewbrunswick.ca/roadtrip
Hopewell Rocks, Bay of Fundy, NB
NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotia has a surprising variety of scenery, with rolling valleys, picturesque harbours, and crashing coastal waves. Out of the many choices, The Cabot Trail stands out. The area is culturally significant and absolutely gorgeous! Better yet, the drive forms a loop, so with planning you can avoid backtracking (Nova Scotia tourism recommends going counter-clockwise around).
novascotia.com/trip-ideas/stories/what-best-way-travel-aroundcabot-trail-clockwise-or-counter-clockwise
Mary Ann Falls in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, NS
Cabot Trail, Cape Breton, NS
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THE SILVER BULLET IN BRAKING
EBC Brakes Racing’s new track day and race pad material, RP-1™, offers extreme braking performance at a lower cost compared to other race pads on the market. KEY FEATURES:
■ Superb modulation gives unprecedented control and feel throughout each braking event ■ Extremely low wear rate with stable friction coefficient, even under the harshest on-track driving conditions ■ Pads come thermally bedded, eliminating ‘early-life’ fade and minimising bed-in time ■ Stainless-steel backing plates reduce heat conduction, lowering caliper operating temperatures
LOVE IT OR RETURN IT
For a limited time only, every set of RP-1™ pads is sold with a ‘Love it or Return it’ warranty. Tried these pads but don’t like them? Return them to EBC for a full refund (T&Cs online).
EBC Brakes Racing @ebcbrakesracing UNPARALLELED BRAKING PERFORMANCE
@ebcbrakesuk EBC Brakes
For full product listings, visit our website:
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PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Green Gables Shore, PEI
Prince Edward Island is possibly the most beautiful province in Canada. The red sand, sweeping dunes, and rolling hills make every vista seem postcard worthy. Like New Brunswick, PEI divides their routes into groupings to allow visitors to experience a range of terrain. The Central Costal drive includes the iconic Anne of Green Gables coast, where every turn feels like another road to Avonlea. Be aware though that there are some segments where the roads are not well maintained and you’ll need to watch carefully for potholes.
tourismpei.com/central-coastal-drive
Outdoor Excursions Across Canada
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Many Canadians visualise Newfoundland as a small island, similar to PEI off the East Coast. However, there’s nothing small about it, either in terms of geographical mass or scenic variety. Newfoundland offers wild vistas and crashing waves, fall colours in abundance, and a road trip to suit any taste. For many car enthusiasts, Targa is an obvious choice. While most visitors may not be willing or able to participate in the famous road rally race, Canadian automotive enthusiasts will enjoy tracing the “footprint” of the race on their own, while imagining the challenges of the race stages. Who knows, maybe it will inspire a return visit to compete in the event!
targanfld.com
Western Brook Pond, Gros Morne National Park, NL
Corner Brook, NL
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s y o T r e t n Wi G
iven the year we’ve all been having, many Canadians are looking for ways to embrace the long winter months in new ways. With many normal options for sunny escapes off the table, Canadians are looking to their own backyards for some adventure. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of gear to get you rolling in style this winter, whether you’re looking to finally buy your own snowmobile, for ways to winter-proof your family vehicle, or for accessories to get your gear to the hill.
CAR CARE The winter months are brutal for vehicles, between the salt on the outside and boot-tracked slush on the inside. Take a minute before the flakes fly to get your daily driver ready for winter’s punishments.
CAR CARE
WEATHERTECH ALL-WEATHER MATS
CAR CARE
CIL EMERGENCY FLARE ROAD KIT
This flare kit is available at Canadian Tire and is easy to store and use. Each kit comes with three flares that last for fifteen minutes each. This is an especially good idea if you know you’ll be travelling on narrow cottage roads, where the additional warning could save lives.
Customized to almost every vehicle on the Canadian market, Weathertech mats provide the ultimate in salt and slush protection. Their thick grooves trap melting snow and their excellent fit mean that you can save wear and tear on your vehicle’s mats. Easy to remove and clean, they are well worth the investment.
CAR CARE
NOCO BOOST PLUS GB40
This portable booster is compact and carries twenty boosts in a single charge. In addition, it is water resistant and can double as an LED flashlight or a phone charger, making it a great addition to your glovebox. It’s available at retailers across Canada, including Walmart and Amazon.
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CAR CARE
DASH CAM
Having a record of an accident can make insurance claims many times easier. Look for a model that is easy to mount and that has a memory card you are comfortable working with.
CAR CARE
SNOW BRUSH AND COMPACT SHOVEL
It goes without saying that every Canadian driver knows the importance of a snow brush. We’ve all had the awful experience of realising our brush is in the trunk of another car or hearing the snap of plastic as the telescoping handle breaks mid cleaning. Investing in a good brush can make it easier to manage the cold task of clearing your vehicle and will ensure you are safely able to get on the road (don’t forget to clear your roof!)
CAR CARE
FIRST AID KIT
Predictably, first aid kits come in many configurations, ranging from basic ones with some bandages and gauze, to large sets with road warning signs, flares, and booster cables. Take stock of what you already have in your vehicle and select a kit that will supplement your needs. Look for items like a thermal blanket, safety vests or lights, and basic medical supplies. You can also add your own emergency food items and water, which should be replaced regularly to ensure they are safe to eat, should you ever need them.
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s y o T r e t n i W WINTER TRAVEL ACCESSORIES Between the bulky coats and snowpants, and the seemingly endless mittens and touques, you may find you are out of cargo space. There are many great gear hauling options, depending on what type of vehicle you have and the gear you’re looking to carry. Here are some options to get you going.
WINTER TRAVEL ACCESSORIES
CARGO ORGANIZER
WINTER TRAVEL ACCESSORIES
Before resorting to a roof top cargo box or bag, see if an organizer might help create enough space inside your vehicle. Keeping the items in the trunk will save on fuel and prevent potential wind noise on your drives. The Picnic at the Ascot trunk organizer is well-made and includes a cooler, which can be helpful on a weekly basis when you’re grabbing your groceries. On a trek to the cottage, the cooler can be doubly handy.
THULE ROOF RACKS
Thule car accessories have been in short supply since the start of the pandemic, with many consumers unable to find much-desired bike racks and cargo boxes. If you’re looking for ski or snowboard racks this winter, start shopping now and don’t be afraid to shop outside your geographical area to find the pieces you need. Thule racks have long lives and excellent durability, so they are worth the trouble of finding.
WINTER TRAVEL ACCESSORIES WINTER TRAVEL ACCESSORIES
THULE CARGO BOX
Thule Cargo boxes are slowly coming back in stock across Canada, and now’s as good a time as any to grab one. In winter, they can provide the extra storage space needed for snowshoes, poles, and helmets, and in summer they can carry tents and camp chairs. Better yet, they integrate with the Thule cargo system, so if you also need a bike carrier or ski rack, you can alternate which rooftop carrier you have depending on need.
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HITCH-BASED SKI RACK
If you really need to maximize your cargo capacity and already have a hitch, one option is to carry your skis or snowboards on a hitch mounted carrier. While there are some obvious disadvantages, including more road dirt and visibility, using a hitch carrier can allow you to also use a rooftop cargo box. Choose your hitch rack to integrate with any carriers you may already have.
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s y o T r e t n i W OUTDOOR MOTORIZED FUN
Maybe skiing or snowboarding isn’t your cup of tea. Maybe snowshoe trekking sounds more like a punishment then a way to connect with nature. Or maybe you already do both, and still want to find other ways to make the most of the winter season this year. Lucky for you, there are thousands of snowmobile trails across Canada and plenty of resources to get you safely onto them. Before heading into a dealership, take some time to consider how you will be using the snowmobile. For most novices, all snowmobiles look alike, but really there are several types of models that cater to different needs. Some are best for touring, others racing, and others still for utility. You should also consider what types of trails you are most likely to ride, how often you intend to use the snowmobile, and whether you will have any passengers with you, since this will impact the type of sled that will give you the best value. Another thing to consider if you’re new to the sport, is whether a used machine might meet your needs. Many dealerships will sell used machines and buying used can make trying snowmobiling a much less intimidating experience. If you do decide to buy a used machine, be sure to purchase it through a reputable dealer, so you can be sure its history is accurate and it’s not stolen property. You can also try to take advantage of test days, where dealerships allow you to try before you buy, although the pandemic might make that impractical this year. Set a budget for your new toy - be sure to include costs of licensing and insurance in your calculations. Some insurance companies will allow you to add in a snowmobile to your current insurance coverage, which may allow for a “bundle” discount. In Ontario, licensing costs between $150 and $190 plus processing fees. The yearly permit is required for all OFSC trails, as are a valid driver’s license and a certified helmet. You’ll also need to complete an online driver training course before purchasing a permit for the first time. Most of all, take the time to research your route before you head out on your first ride. Provincial associations have websites with route planners, and you’ll want to be sure you know where you’re going and what to expect before you set out. No matter where your trails take you, we wish you a fun-filled sledding experience!
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2020-09-15 10:34 AM
r e t n i W
Pre-Drive Checks TOP
for
10
D O N ’ T F O R G E T T H E S E 1 0 I M P O R TA N T CHECKS OF YOUR RIDE BEFORE YOU HIT THE ROAD THIS WINTER
I
t’s a fact: cold weather and harsh driving conditions put you, your vehicle, and your vehicle’s various systems and components to the test. Since winter driving has a way of revealing poorly-maintained parts and components, be sure to consider our 10 Pre-Drive checks before hitting the road this cold-weather travel season.
1
Fuel Level:
Travelling with a tank that’s more full than empty is a great idea for a multitude of reasons, including a reduced likelihood of frozen gas lines, and having extra fuel in case you get stranded or stopped. When the temperature drops, take extra care to keep the tank full.
2
Cabin Air Filter:
A clogged cabin air filter can wreak havoc with the performance of your ride’s heater and air conditioner, both of which are kicked into high-gear in winter, when you need to defrost your windows fast. Replace that dirty and clogged cabin air filter for better heater and defrosting performance.
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3
Battery and Charging System:
Is your battery, alternator and charging system healthy? Have a mechanic investigate before the mercury drops. A weak battery can leave you stranded, cause stalling, non-starting, and creates a multitude of frustrating problems with modern vehicle electronics. Thankfully, a charging system check is cheap and fast.
4
Cooling System:
Your cooling system, and the fluid within, serve numerous important functions in cold weather, including transferring heat to the vehicle cabin, and preventing your engine block from splitting in half in extreme cold. Confirm proper fluid condition and levels, and check all hoses, connectors, the radiator, and the water pump, for signs of trouble.
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If your ride is coming up due for ignition system maintenance, don’t put it off until spring. Fresh plugs and wires help your ride start more easily in the cold, increase overall reliability, and fend off the negative effects of cold weather on fuel mileage.
Block Heater Cable:
Check your block heater plug regularly once winter arrives. The metal blades may be exposed to salt, wear and corrosion, which can cause shorts, non-functionality, melted wiring, and even a fire. Keep your block heater cord clean, protected and in good shape for maximum safety.
6
9
De-Icer:
With winter in the air, remember to use a de-icer treatment on your external door locks, including the trunk or tailgate release. Lubricating the latch mechanisms themselves is a good idea, too.
ECU Scan:
An electronic scan of your ride’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) is fast, easy, and cheap and, sometimes, even free. Whether or not you’ve got a check-engine light illuminated, an ECU scan can reveal a potential issue with one or more of your ride’s various systems, which should be addressed before the cold weather aggravates it.
7
Ignition System:
Winter Tires:
When switching back to winter tires, be sure to inspect the tires themselves for signs of cracking, wear or other damage, and be sure to inflate them to proper levels. Also, don’t forget to re-torque your wheel-nuts after 100 kilometers or so, for maximum safety.
10
Lighting:
Lighting and visibility is absolutely key to safe winter travels—so now’s the time to check all of your ride’s bulbs for proper operation, and its headlights for proper aim. Confirm that signal lights, hazard lights, and brakelights, work as expected, too.
3
Easy Steps
TO REMEMBER AFTER AN EMERGENCY
1
GET VISIBLE
In the seconds and minutes after a crash, your ride is a hazard to every other motorist on the road, especially if it can’t be moved from the roadway. Before exiting your ride, turn on your lights and hazard signals to give other drivers advanced warning. Once safely out of your ride, road flares and reflective safety triangles can be placed up the road for additional warning.
2
LEAVE THE CAR AND STAY WHERE YOU ARE
3
CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP, NO MATTER WHAT
After an impact, leave your car where it is, and get yourself, and all of your passengers, to safety. Don’t attempt to push a damaged vehicle from the roadway, as this is a common cause of serious injuries. If the impact has left you unable to see (perhaps due to a destroyed windshield), forget pulling the car off of the road blindly. Activate your hazards, park the car where it is, and leave for safety. Never return to the car to fetch belongings, until first responders arrive and handle the traffic situation.
Even if you figure the impact was minor, and that you’re feeling fine, call for medical help. According to numerous personal injury lawyers, injuries, including those related to the head and spinal-cord, may not present themselves until hours after a collision. Even if you feel fine, be sure to get checked out by a medical professional or paramedic, ASAP. FALL 2020 : IGNITIONMAG.CA
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN WINTER TIRES
W
inter tires are something Ignition editorial staff has recommended for years. There is no doubt that winter tires offer an additional level of safety that all seasons simply cannot, and in addition to increased safety, drivers also benefit from insurance rate reductions and less wear on their summer tires. As more consumers look to get outside this winter, having a tire that can handle the icy back highways is even more important. But how do you know which tires to choose? Are all winter tires equal? Are some better suited to certain climates? Is there a best practise for shopping or sales? As with most things in the car industry, it depends who you ask.
FIRST, take a look at your all
season tires, to check what size you’ll need. The tire size is printed on the outside of your tires (often as a series of numbers and letters). Take a minute to check that information against your owner’s manual to be sure you’ve got the whole story on the tire size your vehicle requires.
SPEND SOME TIME in online vehicle forums to get an idea of what has worked well for other owners. Hearing from drivers with the same car who have recently gone through the winter tire shopping process can give you a head start in terms of how to narrow your search parameters.
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COMPARISON SHOP online
before you visit a tire centre. As with many items (like mattresses!) there are seemingly millions of almost identical tires and the naming practises can make it difficult to be sure you’re comparing identical tires. Be careful to compare full names and specs when looking at listing at different retailers, so you can be sure it’s apples to apples.
CONSIDER whether you are shopping for just tires, or whether a “wheel and tire” package would work best for you. Adding in wheels can be costly, especially if you choose OEM wheels. However, you will recoup some of the cost with lower yearly installation costs. You’ll also save on wear and tear on your summer tires, since they won’t have to be taken off the wheels each year.
LOOK AT THE TREAD PATTERN
of the tires. Winter tires generally have narrower channels to try and divert water and slush, and some also have extra segments on the side to try and maintain better grip in snowy conditions. These narrower channels are called sipes and their goal is to achieve the best possible contact between the tires and the road, avoiding dangerous things like hydroplaning.
BE SURE TO CONFIRM
what you’re looking at indeed qualifies as a winter tire. True winter tires have the outline of a mountain on their sides, which means they meet mandated standards for rubber compounds in winter tires. Double-checking is especially important, since to most consumers the rubber composition specifics are well outside our areas of expertise.
BE WARY OF EXTREME DISCOUNTS - tempting though
they are! Often tires that are offered at extreme discounts have been sitting for quite some time, and may have degraded in the interim.
Once you’ve selected your tires, visit a reputable local tire dealer to place your order and schedule an installation time. As with everything this year, the sooner you are able to book, the better. The continued uncertainty of retail openings means getting ahead of the game can only be a good call. We wish you safe adventures this winter!
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e f a S iT ps for
s l e v a r T r e t n i W
Remember these 5 tips for maximum safety and peace of mind on the road this winter Emergency Kit: In addition to a bag of traction-boosting sand or cat litter, consider packing an emergency kit to store in your trunk. Blankets, candles, snacks, a booster-pack or recharger (like the Noco Genius Boost or Cyntur Jumper Pack), and emergency road flares should all be included. Ditto a flashlight, and a tow-strap. Use a pre-prepared emergency kit, or make your own by filling a plastic tote with the items mentioned above.
2
Visibility is Key: Start with seeing and being seen, ensuring all lights are functional, and that headlights are properly aimed. If you can’t see properly out of your car, you’re asking for trouble. Use a quality winter wiper blade and washer fluid to help cut through the snow and ice, too. A clean cabin air filter can dramatically improve windshield defroster performance, helping clear the windscreen in quick order. See trouble up the road? Light up your brake lights, even if you’re not stopping yet. They’re a great way to communicate with motorists behind you.
1
Remember how to Skid: Steer into the skid? Out of the skid? Hit the brakes? There’s precious little time to make a decision when your vehicle is losing control, so remember the easy version of winter skid control: keep the steering wheel, and your eyes, pointed where you want the car to go. Don’t stare at the tree or rock that you don’t want to hit, but rather, look towards the open road where you’re hoping to wind up. Steadily, gently keep the wheel pointed in your intended direction of travel and lightly, progressively squeeze the brakes as needed. Do NOT go Hollywood-style, thrashing on the controls, as doing so typically makes a skid worse.
4
Keeping Alert on Long Drives: Avoid heavy meals, which cause drowsiness, before or during longer trips. Healthy snack-foods consumable by the handful work wonders for energy and alertness levels. Snacks with protein and complex carbs take longer to digest, which help steady blood sugar levels and alertness, and don’t result in a sugar crash. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding excess coffee on the move are great ideas too. Finally, remember that protecting your eyes with a quality set of driving glasses during the day will keep them fresh and alert hours later, once the sun has gone down.
3
Maintenance and Confidence go Hand in Hand: Running a properly-maintained vehicle can work wonders for confidence, and confidence can work wonders for winter driving safety. Noting that harsh winter driving conditions tend to aggravate poorly maintained vehicle components, have your favourite mechanic quickly perform an inspection and tune-up next time your ride is in for an oil-change. With all vehicle systems running optimally, you’ve got a better chance of successfully tackling winter drives with little issue.
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2020-10-23 3:20 PM
Ge
r e m m u S GETTING A
HOW TO BEST PREPARE YOUR “FUN” CAR FOR THE LONG WINTER MONTHS
I
t’s that time of year again - leaves are turning, cool breezes are blowing, and suddenly we need to think about what we are going to do with our “fun” summer vehicles. Whether you have a collector car or just some fun little convertible not suited to the salt, here are some steps to take before the snow flies.
r a C
Ready for Winter
2 1
Consider your storage options
While some of us are lucky enough to have four car garages and plenty of room to safely store a car for the winter, many city dwellers will need to consider other options. If you’re going to have to look outside your own garage you will need to look for a sealed (preferably mildly heated) environment. Storing a car on grass or in an old shed with gaps in the walls is inviting all manner of rodents to take up residence.
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Check if you can reduce your insurance for the winter
There’s something to be said for “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Take the time to talk to your insurance agent to see if you may be able to reduce your coverage while the car is sitting under its cover this winter. You may be able to remove the collision insurance, which can be a nice bonus. However, be sure you still have coverage for things like theft and floods just because a vehicle is sitting in storage doesn’t mean it won’t suffer damage.
3
Thoroughly clean your car’s exterior
Before settling it into storage, take the time to carefully clean the exterior, keeping careful watch for debris like sap or insects on the paint. Be sure to properly dry and wax the paint to get the best protection possible.
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Thre 5
Check your tire pressure
Before putting your car in storage, check your tire pressure and add air to the maximum allowable pressure. This will help avoid flat spots as the air inevitably leaks over the long winter months. You may also want to consider placing blocks around the wheels to limit movement, since you should not leave your parking brake on while the car is in storage.
6
Think like a mouse
Many small rodents spend their winters looking for warm, snug places to build nests. You should do your best to ensure that your car doesn’t become a prime location. Check for access points like a tail pipe or intake valve and consider stuffing them with steel wool or something similar. You may also want to place some repellent in the vehicle itself. Just be sure that you carefully remove it in the spring, to avoid poisoning any pets or small children who may be passengers.
7
Inject a fuel stabilizer
Gas can cause damage when it is left sitting in a vehicle over a long period. Adding a stabilizer will prevent the damage and make getting going in the spring all the easier.
4
Carefully clean the interior
It goes without saying that all food wrappers and garbage should be removed before storing the vehicle. There’s nothing fun about finding a pop cup that has been frozen and then leaked all over a cup holder.
8
Plug it into a block heater or a trickle charger
If your car is going to be wintering in an unheated garage, it’s a good idea to keep it plugged into a block heater to avoid damaging the battery. While some owners prefer to remove the battery and store it inside for the winter, another option is to buy a trickle charger that can maintain the battery over the period of stasis.
9
Choose the right cover
Choosing the best cover can save all manner of heartache. Covers that are too loose can chafe and damage the paint, basic tarps can trap moisture causing mold, and having no cover can allow a buildup of dust or debris on the vehicle, causing damage. Try to find a cover that is designed for your model of vehicle and try to leave it in place once you’ve completed all your preparation.
While there are certainly a number of steps required to get your summer vehicle ready for storage, taking the time to carefully prepare will allow you to start the spring in good form. For every hour of time spent in preparation, you could be saving yourself hours of time trying to repair damage come spring.
FALL 2020 : IGNITIONMAG.CA
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SPOTTHETEN DIFFERENCES
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ORIGINAL
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ALTERED
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SPOTTHETEN DIFFERENCES
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ORIGINAL
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2020
NISSAN 370Z
Versus
2022
NISSAN Z
A NEW Z CAR IS ON THE WAY! FINALLY! BY LEE BAILIE // PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NISSAN CANADA
I
t’s official. After nearly 12 years, the aged Nissan 370Z will be replaced by an all-new seventh-gen model. The Nissan Z Proto confirming next-gen production intent was revealed in mid-September, and despite being light on specifics, some basic info was released, including news that the new car will be powered by a twin-turbo V6 (size and output TBA), not the naturally aspirated 3.7L V6 used in the outgoing model. A 6-speed manual will serve as the standard
gearbox, but an automatic will be available. Along with new styling that draws inspiration from the original 240Z and 1990s-era 300ZX, the new Z will receive a thoroughly modern interior, that will include a 12.3-inch digital meter instrument cluster display. Of note, the current 370Z produces 332 hp / 270 lb-ft. in base form. Nissan has a 400-hp twin-turbo V6 in the family (Infiniti Q50 / Q60), which could find its way into the next Z. Full production details are expected next year.
2020 NISSAN 370Z
VEHICLE:
2022 NISSAN Z
FRONT ENGINE / REAR-WHEEL DRIVE
LAYOUT:
FRONT ENGINE / REAR-WHEEL DRIVE
3.7L V6
ENGINE:
TWIN-TURBO V6
6-SPEED MANUAL / 7-SPEED AUTOMATIC
4,255 MM
LENGTH:
4,381 MM
1,845 MM
WIDTH:
1,849 MM
1,315 MM
HEIGHT:
1,310 MM
245/40R19 (FRONT), 275/35R19 (REAR)**
TRANSMISSION:
WHEEL / TIRE SIZE:
6-SPEED MANUAL*
255/40R19 (FRONT), 285/35R19 (REAR)
*automatic transmission in development **standard on 2020 Nissan 370Z Sport / Sport Touring models
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