To show my support for the Ohio-based team, I’ll be giving away these [...]]]>

Hey Forza fans! Following Insight Racing’s solid start to the CTSCC season in Daytona last week, I’ve made virtual replicas of both BMW race cars for road racing and Forza fans alike to drive and enjoy in Forza Motorsport 4.

To show my support for the Ohio-based team, I’ll be giving away these designs for free for the duration of the 2012 Continental Tires Sports Car Challenge season. That’s right, free!

Driven by 2011 CTSCC rookie of the year Ryan Ellis and Tyler McQuarrie, the real #18 car scored its first top 10 of the season in round one of the 2012 CTSCC. The faster #19 car, driven by Jeff Westphal and Martin Jensen, finished the BMW Performance 200 at Daytona in 15th position.

To download the liveries, load up your copy of Forza and search the ‘STOREFRONT’ for the designs to download yourself. You can find my storefront by searching gamertags for “journauto”.

For the #18 car, search for “BMW 135i” designs with any of these keywords: #18 INSIGHT RACING BMW 128i COUPE ST CLASS REPLICA 2012 CONTI TIRES CHALLENGE

For the #19 car, search for “BMW E92 M3″ designs with any of these keywords: #19 INSIGHT RACING BMW E92 M3 COUPE GS CLASS REPLICA 2012 CONTI TIRES CHALLENGE

There is no 128i model in the game, so the #18 car uses a 2009 BMW 135i Coupe, which you can get in the game or online auction house, with HRE 445R wheels* painted black to match. The #19 GS racecar requires you to have the 2008 BMW M3 Coupe E92 with black HRE 546R wheels*.

Insight Racing will also compete in the 2012 Blancpain Endurance Series in Europe this year with a new Ferrari Italia 458 GT3. It doesn’t yet have a livery…

*Purchase in wheels section of Forza Motorsport 4 “Upgrade Shop”.

Xbox Live Gold subscription, video game and internet connection required.

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Look what I just found in the Forza Autovista garage! Don’t know when or how it got there, but it has me wondering what auto reviews might be like in 500+ years. Maybe something like this:

The 2554 AMG Transport Dynamics M12 Wathog FAV is powered by a 12-litre [...]]]>

2554 AMG M12 Warthog FAV

Look what I just found in the Forza Autovista garage! Don’t know when or how it got there, but it has me wondering what auto reviews might be like in 500+ years. Maybe something like this:

The 2554 AMG Transport Dynamics M12 Wathog FAV is powered by a 12-litre hydrogen-injected ICE powerplant. In a standard 1G environment, the Warthog has a 490 mile range and 78 mph top speed, no matter the terrain!

The four wheel drive, four wheel steering M12 FAV features a manual shifted transmission and a steering-wheel linked emergency brake that can turn the Hog on a dime.

It comes with 420/60 20-inch nanotube tires that are practically indestructible with reactive tread compounds that provide unearthly traction. Naturally, its 14-inch disc brakes are made from exotic carbon ceramics found only on the planet Sanghelios.

It’s equipped with a Graf/Hauptman solar/Saline actuator that allows the driver to create hydrogen fuel from any fresh, brackish or salt water source, thus reducing the need to transport bulky and dangerous fuel supplies.

Depending on its use, multi-function displays, vehicle status computers and G-rated impact seats are among the many customizable interior features AMG can install at the factory.

All Warthogs are coated with a programmable nano-prismatic paint to refract colour at any chromacity depending on the vehicle’s destination. A security bit was designed to prevent people from tinkering with the finish.

Pre-order yours today.

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) today announced the top three finalists in its 2012 Canadian Car of the Year competition at the Montreal International Auto Show.

The finalists in the three categories are [drum roll]: [...]]]>

Canada’s next car of the year will be Korean! And, my money is on this Kia.

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) today announced the top three finalists in its 2012 Canadian Car of the Year competition at the Montreal International Auto Show.

The finalists in the three categories are [drum roll]: for, 2012 Canadian Car of the Year, the Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Elantra and Kia Optima. For 2012 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, the BMW X3, Dodge Journey and Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel. And, for 2012′s Best New Design, we have the Hyundai Veloster, Jaguar XKR-S and Range Rover Evoque.

The winner in each category will be announced at an early morning press conference at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto on Thursday, February 16th.

Eleven category winners were eligible for the top honours after being announced last October during the association’s annual “TestFest.” Hyundai Auto Canada won three of the 11 categories while BMW Group Canada, Kia Canada and Mercedes-Benz Canada each garnered double wins. Other category winners were Chrysler Canada and Volkswagen Canada.

Back in October, 70 of Canada’s top automotive journalists spent four days in Niagara-on-the-Lake conducting intensive back-to-back comparative testing of 170 “all new” or “significantly new” 2012 vehicles. This is no easy task!

Vote results were determined from more than 40,000 individual data points established during TestFest. That information includes not just specifications and features, but actual performance data and subjective ratings on up to 23 different vehicle characteristics – from interior roominess and comfort to ride quality and handling ability. The vote results were compiled on-site by the international accounting firm KPMG and kept confidential even from AJAC until the winners’ press conference.

KPMG will hand over four envelopes with names of the winners of this year’s competition at the CIAS in Toronto. The 2012 Canadian Car of the Year, Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year and Best New Design will be announced along with the winner of this year’s Best New Technology award, presented by Shell Canada, the official fuel supplier of the event.

The 70 journalists are all members of AJAC, whose purpose is to provide consumers with sound, objective, comparative data for use as a resource buying guide when considering the purchase of a new car, truck of SUV/CUV.

Consumers wanting to compare a Fiat 500 to Honda Civic Sedan or a Hyundai Accent; or, an Acura TL to a Mercedes-Benz C 350 need look no further than the AJAC web site: www.ajac.ca > Canadian Car of the Year Awards > Results. Looking to buy a 2011, 2010, or even an older vehicle? AJAC archives the comparative test data and vote results from previous years on its website. Visit www.ajac.ca > Vehicle Comparisons for more info.

Didn’t think I’d ever get to drive a “new” NSX but my odds of doing so just got a whole lot better…

Acura today unveiled the NSX Concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. Showcasing a mid-mounted V6 engine mated to Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) [...]]]>

Didn’t think I’d ever get to drive a “new” NSX but my odds of doing so just got a whole lot better…

Acura today unveiled the NSX Concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. Showcasing a mid-mounted V6 engine mated to Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) hybrid system, the dynamically-styled NSX Concept is expected to debut in the next three years.

The new Acura supercar will be developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., and manufactured in Ohio, at a yet to be named facility.

Utilizing a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a Bilateral Torque Adjustable Control System, the all-new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Acura anticipates the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, a powerful next-generation VTEC® V6 engine with direct-injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

“This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make NSX the ultimate expression of Acura’s idea to create synergy between man and machine,” said Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio.

“Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency,” added Ito, who led the development of Acura’s first NSX supercar. “In this new era, even as we focus on the fun-to-drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities.”

Acura NSX Concept Dimensions
Length: 4,330 mm
Width: 1,895 mm
Height: 1,160 mm
Wheelbase: 2,575 mm
Wheel size, in: 19×9 (front), 20×10 (rear)
Tire size: 255/35R19 (front), 275/30R20 (rear)

Toyota has sold more than 5.5-million Yaris subcompacts worldwide since the first generation model launched in 1999. It was called the Echo when it arrived in Canada in 2003, however, it changed to Yaris when the second gen launched in 2005. More than 84,000 units have been sold here since, with more than 53% [...]]]>

Toyota has sold more than 5.5-million Yaris subcompacts worldwide since the first generation model launched in 1999. It was called the Echo when it arrived in Canada in 2003, however, it changed to Yaris when the second gen launched in 2005. More than 84,000 units have been sold here since, with more than 53% of those in Quebec.

Though it’s been stretched by 75 mm (to 3,900 mm) and given a more dynamic exterior, vis-à-vis a new face and sleeker profile, Yaris is still the shortest vehicle in its class. The front pillar is farther forward for better visibility and the body structure is stiffer and more responsive for better handling. Continue reading my review of the 2012 Toyota Yaris on Autonet.ca.

Or, go straight to the photos.

Outlander sits between the RVR compact crossover and Mitsubishi’s Endeavor full-size SUV. With a choice of four- or six-cylinder power, it’s suitable for just about anyone’s daily needs whether it’s in the city or out in the Styx.

A 168-hp 2.4-litre inline-four and front-wheel drive come on the $25,498 base ES model. All-wheel drive [...]]]>

Outlander sits between the RVR compact crossover and Mitsubishi’s Endeavor full-size SUV. With a choice of four- or six-cylinder power, it’s suitable for just about anyone’s daily needs whether it’s in the city or out in the Styx.

A 168-hp 2.4-litre inline-four and front-wheel drive come on the $25,498 base ES model. All-wheel drive adds roughly $2,500 to the sticker. A 230-hp 3.0-litre V6 AWD is standard on the LS and XLS trims, but if you want the closest thing you can get to the rally-bred Lancer Evolution in a SUV, the latter is your ticket. Continue reading my review of the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander V6 S-AWC on Autonet.ca.

Or, go straight to the photos.

It’s not that the Hyundai isn’t a good choice. It has a fuel efficient engine and six-speed [...]]]>

Russ Bond’s calling and he wants me to explain how the Veloster won best new sports performance car under $50,000 in AJAC’s 2012 Car of the Year competition. As if I had something to do with it.

It’s not that the Hyundai isn’t a good choice. It has a fuel efficient engine and six-speed manual transmission. For $22,499, it looks great, has a nice, functional interior and sports plenty of value. All nice qualities, none of which make it a sports car.

Following a particularly enthusiastic lapping session driving the fast and agile BMW 1M coupe on our airport runway test track during TestFest, it feels barely faster than a Prius out here on the autocross-style cone course.

Sure, it’s nicely balanced and turns well (slowly, of course) but, after a single lap, the 280 mm (11 in.) front brakes prove just how inferior they are compared to those on a real performance car such as the 1M. The Veloster can’t match the stopping power of the 360 mm (14.2 in.) front discs and four-piston calipers, and plows wide through the last turn, taking out a family of cones. One is so badly wedged into the undercarriage I’m forced to pull over so the PR rep sitting in the passenger seat can get out and extricate it for me.

The $54,000 BMW handily won the sports performance over 50 class and rightly so. It might even be the best car at TestFest. However, almost all 200 allotted for Canada are already spoken for, so buying one might be next to impossible since it’s only available in a single model year. It’s still in the running, though unlikely to be named car of the year.

Comparing the 138-hp Hyundai to a 335-hp 1M is like comparing a small handgun to an assault rifle, but you don’t need a PR rep to tell you the ECU is calibrated for fuel economy and not performance. It’s obvious.

It’s performance hasn’t been lost in translation, it was never there to begin with. Dynamic testing by AJAC reveals the Veloster is by far the slowest of the six cars it beat out in its car of the year category, sports performance under 50 grand. Zero-to-100 km/h takes 9.7 seconds (Prius V is 11.6) and seven seconds for 80-to-120.

Braking scores put it mid-pack – stopping just two metres shorter than more powerful and faster VW Jetta GLI and Kia Optima SX entries, which place second and third in this category, respectively – thanks to simple physics (slow-moving objects take less time and space to stop).

Fuel economy is the only objective score from TestFest the other contenders can’t match. Interestingly, the scores given for emissions are sevens across the board (Buick Regal GS being the black sheep with 7.5) despite the range of powerplants – from Hyundai’s puny four-cylinder to the hulking 6.4L Hemi V8 with 470 hp and torque in the Charger SRT8 – under review.

Also of interest, four of the five other entries in this category are turbocharged (the Si isn’t); and, looking at the overall interior scores, Veloster is a solid fifth.

First runner-up is the Jetta GLI. Sporting the same two-litre turbo engine as the GTI hot hatch, it makes 200 hp and 207 lb-ft and does zero-100 in 7.6 secs, and 80 to 120 in 5.1. The cockpit is superior and space for people and things more than adequate, though the aft cabin isn’t finished as nicely as the front. It has electronic limited slip technology but no way to turn off the traction control to really enjoy the superb chassis and suspension tuning. Left-foot braking helps, but the seats are slippery so it’s hard to pull off.

Kia Optima SX takes second runner-up. Its interior is even nicer than the VW’s. Its two-litre turbo four makes 274 hp and 269 torques and still gets decent mileage. It can hit 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, makes the pass in 4.2 seconds and, on the test track, handles even better than expected with exceptional steering, stable chassis and defeatable traction controls. Despite having the second longest wheelbase, overall length and the second-heaviest curb weight (behind only the SRT8 in all three) it responds well to driver inputs and can be tossed into corners for more enjoyment.

By my tally, the RWD four-cylinder turbo-powered Mercedes-Benz C250 coupe blew away the category in every aspect with the optional $1,900 sport package. But there’s no AMG badge and no stick shift. The expensive premium options, metallic paint and media interface upgrades don’t really add anything (except for $4,275 to the as tested price). It’s relegated to fourth place.

Next, the Honda Civic Si is a performance bargain for $25,990 with its 201 hp/170 torque 2.4L four-cylinder engine with iVtec offering a near-perfect blend of performance, economy and reliability. A mechanical limited slip differential, superb steering, well-tuned suspension and on/off traction controls make this chassis the most responsive and fun to drive. The six-speed manual is crisp and the Si powerband robust enough to enjoy this car to its fullest on lapping days, and yet not too aggressive for the daily grind. Had Honda done more to improve the interior quality and materials (instead of just technology and ergonomics) on the ninth-gen Civic, it would’ve finished higher than fifth.

The Buick Regal GS is one point behind the Veloster (fourth and fifth respectively) by my scorecard, yet claims sixth place. Its got some balls, is surprisingly smooth on the track and is sporty enough for consideration. It just doesn’t look very sporty.

The SRT8 is a great car with tons of performance and character straight from the showroom. It even has updated SRT performance pages (accessible via the huge touchscreen monitor) to keep track of various acceleration and braking timers, as well as g-forces and steering angle. It reaches 100 in 5.3 seconds and the Hemi has a sport mode as well as cylinder deactivation, so it does the Jekyll and Hyde thing well. Despite placing last, the SRT8 has more performance mojo in its tiny computer brain than the Veloster has total.

The real kicker here is that it might very well be the next Canadian car of the year. Of the eight remaining finalists, three wear the Hyundai badge – other two are the $16,599 Accent and $22,699 Elantra – and I have no doubt one of them will win it all. If fuel economy really is the new performance, the Veloster is a shoe-in.

Hey Russ, can you hold the line? Hyundai’s calling – they’ve just announced a 204-hp 1.6L four-cylinder turbo will be available on the 2013 Veloster. Doh!

What should have won this category? If not the Mercedes, then the Honda Civic Si hands down.

2012 Hyundai Veloster

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Visit the gallery here to check out the other cars in the “Sports/Performance (under $50,000)” category and leave your comments at the bottom of this post.

The 2012 Prius V is the latest version of Toyota’s mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle. It utilizes the latest Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which pairs a 1.8-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 60 kW electric motor and 27 kW battery to send 134 hp through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Toyota engineers have reduced smog-forming [...]]]>

The 2012 Prius V is the latest version of Toyota’s mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle. It utilizes the latest Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which pairs a 1.8-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 60 kW electric motor and 27 kW battery to send 134 hp through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Toyota engineers have reduced smog-forming emissions by 66% when compared to the average new vehicle.

Under optimal conditions, Toyota claims the Prius V attains a combined fuel economy of 4.6 L/100 km. Over 165 km of real world driving in urban and rural Quebec, I manage 5.95 L/100km. Continue reading my review of the 2012 Toyota Prius V on Autonet.ca.

Or, go straight to the photos.

The 2012 CCOTY field gets whittled down from 57 vehicles across 11 categories. There are too many to drive them [...]]]>

As an eight-year voting member of the Automobile Journalist’s Association of Canada, I get to participate in the annual TestFest event, which helps decide the Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year.

The 2012 CCOTY field gets whittled down from 57 vehicles across 11 categories. There are too many to drive them all and I’m only interested in a fraction of them for my readers anyhow. As has been the case for the past several years now, my assignments included road and track testing the Sports Performance Car (under 50K) as well as the Luxury Car categories.

It’s also a very busy week as more than 70 journalists compete for keys to this automotive buffet that contains everything from the $17,000 Hyundai Accent to the $142,000 Jaguar XKR-S and lots in between, so time for photos is scarce. That said, of the 80 or so shots I did take, I’ve posted a small gallery of sorts for your viewing pleasure.

Visit the gallery here and leave your comments at the bottom of this post.

Subaru will unveil this RWD performance concept at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) today announced the world premiere of the “Subaru BRZ Concept – STI” will happen at the L.A. Auto Show in mid November, [...]]]> Subaru’s worst kept secret over the past couple of years has finally been confirmed.

Subaru will unveil this RWD performance concept at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) today announced the world premiere of the “Subaru BRZ Concept – STI” will happen at the L.A. Auto Show in mid November, ending years of speculation that Subaru would build a rear-wheel drive performance car.

The Subaru BRZ Concept STI is a concept car based on the Subaru BRZ, an all-new RWD compact sports car developed from an ongoing joint project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation. Built with Subaru’s core technology of the horizontally-opposed boxer engine, this model has a low centre of gravity that realizes a “Pure Handling Delight” driving experience. Combined with motifs of Subaru’s iconic performance brand “STI,” the concept car embodies ultimate performance.

Subaru will unveil this RWD performance concept at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show

Subaru will unveil this RWD performance concept at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON – More than 70 of Canada’s top automotive journalists spent last week in the Niagara-on-the-Lake to determine the “Best New” cars and SUV/CUVs in 11 different vehicle categories, as part of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s (AJAC) annual Canadian [...]]]>

Journauto recording his scores for the 2012 Kia Optima SX at TestFest.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON – More than 70 of Canada’s top automotive journalists spent last week in the Niagara-on-the-Lake to determine the “Best New” cars and SUV/CUVs in 11 different vehicle categories, as part of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s (AJAC) annual Canadian Car of the Year Awards program.

Journalist members spent four days intensively road and track testing the field of nearly 60 entries at “TestFest,” which has been held at the Niagara Drive Centre, located at the Niagara District Airport, for the past six years.

The results of the AJAC journalists’ rigorous test driving and evaluations throughout TestFest were revealed during a press conference wherein the category winners were announced.

Here is the list of Canada’s “Best New” cars and utility vehicles:
Small Car (under $21k) Hyundai Accent
Small Car (over $21k) Hyundai Elantra
Family Car (under $30k) Kia Optima
Family Car(over $30k) Kia Optima Hybrid
Luxury Car Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 4MATIC Sedan
Prestige Car (over $75k) Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
Sports/Performance Car (under $50k) Hyundai Veloster
Sports/Performance Car (over $50k) BMW 1 Series M Coupé
SUV/CUV (under $35k) Dodge Journey
SUV/CUV ($35k-$60k) Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel
SUV/CUV (over $60k) BMW X3

The results were compiled by the international accounting firm KPMG and kept confidential even from AJAC until the press conference on Friday, October 29, 2011. They were determined from more than 40,000 individual data points established in the testing of 170 different vehicles.

The purpose of the AJAC Car of the Year awards is to provide consumers with a valuable resource they can use when researching the purchase of a new vehicle – one that includes a broad range of comparative information on vehicles that are new to the market. That information includes not just specifications and features but actual performance data and subjective ratings on up to 23 different characteristics – from interior roominess and comfort to ride quality and handling ability.

Our journalists’ vote results – including all of the comparative test data amassed throughout the week – is posted on the AJAC website for use as a consumer resource buying guide. Consumers that want to compare a Fiat 500 to Honda Civic Sedan or a Hyundai Accent, or an Acura TL to a Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350, need look no further than the AJAC website at www.ajac.ca > Canadian Car of the Year Awards > Results.

The 11 category winners listed above now go on to compete for the honour of becoming the 2012 Canadian Car of the Year or the 2012 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. These overall winners will be announced February 16th, 2011, at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, ON. Award winners for Best New Design and Best New Technology, presented by Shell Canada, will also be announced.

Looking to buy a 2011, 2010, 2009, or even an older vehicle? AJAC archives the comparative test data and vote results from previous years here.

This year, I entered six photos into the 2011 Pirelli Photography contest and skipped the other award categories altogether. I didn’t win anything [...]]]>

Each year alongside the Automobile Journalist’s Association of Canada’s annual TestFest, AJAC hosts an awards banquet to reward its members in a host of different writing, photography and layout categories.

This year, I entered six photos into the 2011 Pirelli Photography contest and skipped the other award categories altogether. I didn’t win anything with these shots but I sure enjoyed taking them.

As one of the losers, my photos aren’t seen by those in attendance at the event in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, so I’ve once again decided to post them here for your enjoyment and viewing pleasure. Without further a do, here are my submissions in both published and unpublished categories for this year’s competition.

Please enjoy and your constructive comments are welcome.

2011 Pirelli Photo Contest

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Congrats to all of the winners (and the losers)!

Volkswagen is in the midst of revamping its entire line-up, with none of today’s models older than two years. This year sees four significant launches, including the Beetle, Passat, Tiguan and the 2012 Jetta GLI.

The GLI is the exclamation point on the Jetta range, the sporty version of an otherwise average sedan. With [...]]]>

Volkswagen is in the midst of revamping its entire line-up, with none of today’s models older than two years. This year sees four significant launches, including the Beetle, Passat, Tiguan and the 2012 Jetta GLI.

The GLI is the exclamation point on the Jetta range, the sporty version of an otherwise average sedan. With its 200-hp two-litre turbo mill taken directly from the Golf GTI parts bin, the new compact sedan gets a big boost in performance as well as improvements to the interior. Continue reading my review of the 2012 VW Jetta GLI on Autonet.ca.

Or, go straight to the photos.

Well, AJAC’s annual TestFest event is underway in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario and I’m here once again to put a number of Modern Sports Cars through their paces on the airport runway test track.

My assignments today included test [...]]]> It has been a while since my last post so I wanted to make this one extra special.

Well, AJAC’s annual TestFest event is underway in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario and I’m here once again to put a number of Modern Sports Cars through their paces on the airport runway test track.

My assignments today included test driving the Buick Regal GS, Dodge Charger SRT8, Kia Optima SX, VW Jetta GLI, Mercedes-Benz -Class coupe, Honda Civic Si coupe and Hyundai Veloster.

The 2012 Porsche Cayman R was purely for me.

Could this be Canada’s 2012 car of the year?

I dunno, but I shot this photo at about 4:30 on Tuesday, October 25th in Canada. And, despite the rain (perhaps because of it) I got to experience the raw, visceral power of this stunning specimen for a half-dozen end-of-day, wet laps.

T’was a first drive for me actually.  Better when wet? Not likely, but capable nonetheless. Three thumbs up!

Please enjoy the high-resolution version of this photo for your personal desktop. Get it here. (Tip: Right-click this link for more options.)

If you would like a different size or alternate version, please message me with your request and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

For the past week-and-a-half I have been in Newfoundland, Canada competing in the 2011 Targa Newfoundland. This is a week-long 2,200-kilometre tarmac rally held annually throughout eastern and central portions of the province of Newfoundland.

The route is made up of approximately 40 competitive Targa stages where the road is closed to public traffic. [...]]]>

For the past week-and-a-half I have been in Newfoundland, Canada competing in the 2011 Targa Newfoundland. This is a week-long 2,200-kilometre tarmac rally held annually throughout eastern and central portions of the province of Newfoundland.

The route is made up of approximately 40 competitive Targa stages where the road is closed to public traffic. The stages are linked by non-competitive Transit sections where provincial vehicle traffic laws apply. It is one of three internationally recognized Targa events and quite possibly Canada’s most-grueling motorsports event.

The car, owned by Kia Canada, features a 2.4-litre four-cylinder 16V DOHC engine, six-speed manual transmission, high performance exhaust, cross drilled and vented brakes, Toyo R1R tires and an interior roll cage that puts us in the Targa Modern division.

I have assembled a section here based on my original day-by-day articles on Autonet.ca. I have also uploaded every photo that I personally shot while in Newfoundland on this great adventure. I just wish there were more.

After the provisional results for Targa Modern were made official (after Brian O’Kane/Andrew Comrie Picard’s car disqualification was overturned) on September 26th, we placed 11th overall in the division. And, sixth in our division. Not bad for a $21,000 Kia. For more results, visit the Targa Newfoundland website.

Packing a vehicle tightly with gear and suitcases, filling it with people, pets and sustenance, and heading out onto the open road for hours at a time is as Canadian as the Loonie or the CN Tower.

Upon picking a 2011 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI, my wife and I jump on the 401 East [...]]]>

Packing a vehicle tightly with gear and suitcases, filling it with people, pets and sustenance, and heading out onto the open road for hours at a time is as Canadian as the Loonie or the CN Tower.

Upon picking a 2011 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI, my wife and I jump on the 401 East and head straight for Montreal for four nights before heading on Quebec City to visit my sister. The suspension is tuned well for this kind of travel and soaks up the road well enough. Continue reading my review of the 2011 VW Golf Wagon TDI on Autonet.ca.

Or, go straight to the photos.

This Keenan and that Kia are headed to the Rock along with my fellow Autonet.ca journalist and CTCC driver Jacques Deshaies. And, beginning next week, you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and, of course, Autonet.ca.

I’ll post again when I have some links for you to follow our progress [...]]]> It is finally official!

This Keenan and that Kia are headed to the Rock along with my fellow Autonet.ca journalist and CTCC driver Jacques Deshaies. And, beginning next week, you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and, of course, Autonet.ca.

I’ll post again when I have some links for you to follow our progress day by day. I’ve even signed up for a Twitter account that I hope to send updates from from right inside the action!

This is one event worth staying tuned in for. Check out the full press release after the jump…

PRESS RELEASE

Kia Canada participating in 2011 Targa Newfoundland Rally, unveils new national partnership with MADD Canada

Mississauga, ON, September 2, 2011 – Kia Canada is participating, for the second year in a row, in the Targa Newfoundland rally and putting MADD Canada in the driver’s seat by sponsoring their school assembly program implemented to reduce impaired driving among youth.

For the occasion, a race-prepped Kia Forte Koup donated by Kia Canada will be driven by a team of two members from Autonet.ca: pro-driver Jacques Deshaies will be at the wheel and Shaun Keenan as co-pilot. Both will represent team “Designated Drivers,” racing under number “99″ which references the year in which Kia Canada was established.

For the 2011 edition, the team is racing with the goal of promoting their partner, MADD Canada, thus raising awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and reinforcing the need to always drive responsibly.

To reinforce this message the Kia Koup has been specially wrapped to debut its “I Pledge to drive safe and sober” campaign. With every stop during the rally, spawning across wide sections of Newfoundland, local youths will be exposed to the cars and drivers and will be encouraged to pledge to this important cause by signing the Koup race car.

Teens and young adults are at particularly high risk for impaired driving. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 25-year-olds and alcohol is a factor in 45% of those crashes. The combination of drugs and driving is also a major concern; Canadian youth between the ages of 14 and 25 have one of the highest rates of cannabis use in the world.

“Kia Canada is excited to renew its participation with Targa Newfoundland and to have pro driver Jacques Deshaies and Shaun Keenan represent as team ‘Designated Drivers” said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. “As an automotive company, Kia is proud to support MADD Canada in their quest to educate Canadians on the importance of driving responsibly.”

As the new Presenting Sponsor of the 2011-2012 School Assembly Program, Kia Canada Inc. is also donating the use of eight vehicles to MADD Canada: four vehicles will be dedicated for use by field representatives who travel from school to school to deliver the program. The remaining four vehicles will be used by Chapters across the country to promote local activities and events. All vehicles will be adorned with MADD Canada’s logo and messaging for maximum visibility and awareness.

In addition, each vehicle will be wrapped in the “I Pledge” special finish similar to the Kia Koup race car which will allow students to sign the vehicle as a way of showing their commitment to never driving under the influence.

“Kia Canada Inc. is making an impact,” said MADD Canada National President Denise Dubyk. “With Kia’s assistance, we will deliver our important message to more than one million students across this country, helping them to understand the dangers of impaired driving and reinforcing the need to always drive responsibly. It’s a message that will save lives.”

After competing in the Targa rally, the vehicle will tour the vast majority of auto shows in Canada and will be seen at the Kia Canada display for the 2012 auto show circuit.

Kia was among the earliest corporate supporters of Targa, fielding a then-new Kia Rio for the media team of auto writer Bob English and local radio personality Ken Ash in the inaugural Targa Newfoundland in 2002. Over the next three years, Kia cars won class honours for the company several times.

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Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca – www.facebook.com/kiacanada), a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart and a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea, was founded in 1999. It sells and services high-quality class-leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through its network of 172 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 141 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation continues to showcase the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.

The second generation Impreza is still popular amongst enthusiasts – who laud the robust Subaru boxer engine, full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive and excellent year-round performance.

In 2008, the third generation Impreza launched with an emphasis on pleasing the North American mass market, watered down with a smaller engine and CVT. Were it not for [...]]]>

The second generation Impreza is still popular amongst enthusiasts – who laud the robust Subaru boxer engine, full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive and excellent year-round performance.

In 2008, the third generation Impreza launched with an emphasis on pleasing the North American mass market, watered down with a smaller engine and CVT. Were it not for the great-looking five-door model and the WRX and STI models, many Sube loyalists would’ve been lost on the regular Impreza’s vanilla-ized exterior and decreased performance. Continue reading my review of the still-to-come fourth-gen 2012 Subaru Impreza on Autonet.ca.

Or, go straight to the photos.

The fifth annual Vagkraft show, Canada’s premiere VW and Audi enthusiast event, was recently held at the Brampton Powerade Centre, drawing more than three hundred vehicles from Southern Ontario, the Northeast U.S. and even from as far away as Florida to the home of the OHL’s Brampton Battalion.

The parking lot is dominated by [...]]]>

The fifth annual Vagkraft show, Canada’s premiere VW and Audi enthusiast event, was recently held at the Brampton Powerade Centre, drawing more than three hundred vehicles from Southern Ontario, the Northeast U.S. and even from as far away as Florida to the home of the OHL’s Brampton Battalion.

The parking lot is dominated by Mk5/6 Golfs, VR6 Jettas, ‘90s Corrados and Sciroccos, with smaller numbers of Audis and older VW models like the original Beetle, Hippie Bus and Karmann Ghia. One of the coolest vehicles on display has to be Paul Donaghy’s ‘69 Beetle-based rat rod. It’s like American Chopper, Desert Car Kings and American Restoration all rolled into one crazy-looking ride. Check it out on Autonet.ca.

Or, go straight to the photos.

“Whereas most ordinary vehicles would be able to reach the trail head only to have to turn back, with a few button presses the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is ready to boldly go wherever it’s pointed.”

Today, that’s climbing a very steep loose dirt trail 1.3 klicks long and strewn with massive North Oregon [...]]]>

“Whereas most ordinary vehicles would be able to reach the trail head only to have to turn back, with a few button presses the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is ready to boldly go wherever it’s pointed.”

Today, that’s climbing a very steep loose dirt trail 1.3 klicks long and strewn with massive North Oregon Coast Range boulders, cavernous ruts and decaying Douglas Fir stumps along with some man-made obstacles such as staggered holes, rock gardens, log bridges and, my favourite, the dirt hot tub (pictured). Continue reading my review of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler on Autonet.ca.

Or, go straight to the photos.