Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Video: Fredric Aasbo drifts 2JZ-GTE Toyota GT86 through track day traffic]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/frederic-aasbo-drift-gatebil-2013-scion-frs-toyota-gt86x-tandem-hoon/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/frederic-aasbo-drift-gatebil-2013-scion-frs-toyota-gt86x-tandem-hoon/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/frederic-aasbo-drift-gatebil-2013-scion-frs-toyota-gt86x-tandem-hoon/#comments

Gatebil Festival in Norway is Scandinavia's largest car festival series and has quickly become a premiere event in the tuning car world. Amazing drift competitions, a road race series, live concerts, babes, extreme cars and auto related entertainment are the perfect ingredients for what we like to call a good time. At the recent season opener of Gatebil at Valer, Formula Drift star, Fredric Aasbo showed up to impress in his Speedhunters 2JZ-GTE powered Toyota GT86 (Scion FR-S).

As a pro drifter who competes in Formula Drift, Fredric is no stranger to door to door tandem drifting amongst his fellow competitors. In fact, it's expected and encouraged in competition. He can often be found running inches away from his fellow drivers while sliding sideways at 100+ km/h at wide open throttle; the closer the better.

Trackday traffic? Freddy ain't got time for that! Watch as he weaves in and out of the slower moving traffic with impunity and must have scared the bejeezus out of a few guys. At one point, he gets stuck behind a car and just mats the gas across a closed off section to get up ahead.

Check out this well put together multi-angle video clip of Freddy ripping up the track through the traffic at Valer amongst amateurs and lower level pro's. We won't spoil the video for you but there are definitely some sections where it looks like he's about to plow into the side of some of the other cars on track.

Gallery: 2013 Scion FRS Drift Car Pat Cyr - Montreal Auto Show

Continue reading Fredric Aasbo drifts 2JZ-GTE Toyota GT86 through track day traffic

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Fredric Aasbo drifts 2JZ-GTE Toyota GT86 through track day traffic originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20132jz-gteaasbocar festivaldriftdrift cardriftingformula driftfr-sfreddy aasbofrederic aasbogatebilgatebil 2013gatebil festivalgt86xnorwayTue, 18 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Carjacker gets run-over and punched in face by raging Mom in mini-van]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/carjacker-run-over-punched-face-mom-minivan-mother-fail-carjack/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/carjacker-run-over-punched-face-mom-minivan-mother-fail-carjack/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/carjacker-run-over-punched-face-mom-minivan-mother-fail-carjack/#comments

When Ismael Martinez, a foiled carjacker, was scoping out Dorothy Baker-Flugence's minivan, we're sure he didn't expect it to end with him getting punched in the face, then getting run over by said minivan.

Dorothy Baker-Flugence was getting into her minivan with her two and five year-old children when Martinez, brandishing a knife, popped out of the back seat. Dorothy, with a brave face, told the man that he should not have come after someone with kids. "You've messed with the wrong witch," Baker-Flugence said.

Wielding his knife and threatening her children, Martinez demanded that she drive to the nearest ATM to withdraw cash for him. Quick thinking Baker-Flugence began driving around in circles while trying to buy time so she could dial 911 on her cell phone. When Martinez tried to wrestle the phone from her, they quickly settled into a physical fight, leaving Baker-Flugence with slash marks on her chest and even a bite on her hand. Eventually, Baker-Flugence overpowered Martinez by punching him in the face. Martinez then fled the vehicle only to have Baker-Flugence steer her van into him. She claims that she just wanted to stop him from hurting anyone else.

Let this serve as a warning to all those would-be carjackers out there. Never get between a woman and the safety of her children, else, you may end up getting clocked in the face and getting run over.

Scroll down to watch Baker-Flugence's first hand account of what occurred that day in the video below.

Gallery: Top 10 most stolen vehicles

Continue reading Carjacker gets run-over and punched in face by raging Mom in mini-van

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Carjacker gets run-over and punched in face by raging Mom in mini-van originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car jackcar jackercar jackingminivanpunched car jackerrun over car jackersoccer momTue, 18 Jun 2013 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Motorbike chased by angry wolf on British Columbia highway]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/motorbike-chased-angry-wolf-british-columbia-highway-national-park-motorcycle-tim-bartlett/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/motorbike-chased-angry-wolf-british-columbia-highway-national-park-motorcycle-tim-bartlett/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/motorbike-chased-angry-wolf-british-columbia-highway-national-park-motorcycle-tim-bartlett/#comments

Motorcyclists often encounter wildlife whilst out enjoying the twisty mountain passes in Western Canada. On June 9th, Tim Bartlett was out christening his new to him motorcycle, riding east from Radium Hot Springs on Highway 93 through the Kootenay National Park in British Columbia when he encountered a seemingly-fearless wolf running parallel to the highway. The wolf chased him for roughly one kilometre. Luckily, Tim had the peace of mind to avoid any collisions with the wolf and captured some snapshots of this giant wolf chasing after him.

Normally, a wolf such as this would shy away from any sort of human contact but this is the second sighting of what seems to be the same wolf. Shawn Bond was with friends on May 15, driving east on the same highway, when they spotted the same canine. "We happened to notice a wolf, we originally thought it was a dog, running parallel to the highway," he said. "[He was] just kind of loping along, minding his own business."

Officials in the Park issued an alert when pictures of a wolf being fed rice cakes by tourists surfaced last year. Feeding local wildlife is never encouraged and this sort of behaviour could be a large contributing factor as to why this giant wolf shows no fear of human contact.

Check out some video of the wolf below that Shawn Bond captured last month and these photos that Tim Bartlett snapped while riding.

Continue reading Motorbike chased by angry wolf on British Columbia highway

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Motorbike chased by angry wolf on British Columbia highway originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bcchasemotorcyclenational park wolf chasetim bartlettwolfwolf chaseTue, 18 Jun 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Vaughn Gittin Jr. throws Monster Energy Mustang into drifting fire!]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/monster-energy-vaughn-gittin-jr-fire-drift-stunt-viideo-car-jumping-drifting-hooning-hoonigan/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/monster-energy-vaughn-gittin-jr-fire-drift-stunt-viideo-car-jumping-drifting-hooning-hoonigan/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/monster-energy-vaughn-gittin-jr-fire-drift-stunt-viideo-car-jumping-drifting-hooning-hoonigan/#comments

"Hey, Vaughn! Do you want to bring your Formula Drift 2013 Ford Mustang racecar out to play with some explosions, fire and ramps?" While we don't know the actual conversation that occurred to make this happen, we do know that we like drifting, V8's, Vaughn Gittin Jr., fire, explosions and ramps!

Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s name is up there amongst the greats in the motorsports community and has built a name for himself as an entertaining driver who specializes in hooniganism, drifting and all-out good times. He competes in Formula Drift primarily and in his spare time, keeps connected with the community and produces fun videos like this one where he drifts the entire Ford plant in Flat Rock. He even competes against a vastly more maneuverable R/C drift car here.

Click on down to check his latest video where there's even a part where he takes his car off a burning ramp while in mid drift. What?!

Gallery: Ken Block #AIN'TCARE Rally-X Fire

Continue reading Vaughn Gittin Jr. throws Monster Energy Mustang into drifting fire!

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Vaughn Gittin Jr. throws Monster Energy Mustang into drifting fire! originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20132013 ford mustang gtcar jumpingdriftdriftingfire driftfire driftingfordformula drifthooniganhooningmustang gtvaughnvaughn gittin jrMon, 17 Jun 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: BMW M3 drift video by VividRacing.com has us looking for dry lake beds]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/bmw-m3-drifting-video-vivid-racing-dry-lake-bed-drift-supercharged-hoon-hoonigan-vividracing/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/bmw-m3-drifting-video-vivid-racing-dry-lake-bed-drift-supercharged-hoon-hoonigan-vividracing/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/bmw-m3-drifting-video-vivid-racing-dry-lake-bed-drift-supercharged-hoon-hoonigan-vividracing/#comments

Since its inception, BMW's venerable M3 has proven itself as a multi-purpose platform for some of the coolest race cars and street machines around. From drifting, road race, endurance, rally, gymkhana to trailer queen show car, you only have to hear its simple moniker to get excited about what's to come.

So when our pals over at Vivid Racing decided to build up their daily driver with a supercharger and some other tasty go-fast bits, we were all for it and excited to see what was to be of this M3 four door hooning machine. "This M3 was something I always wanted to have as a daily driver. Previously having a 135i then a E60 M5, I need another family car for the kids. With the VF Engineering supercharger, Agency Power exhaust, Brembo Brakes, and Vorsteiner aero kit, it was perfect," says Vivid Racing.

Once this car was built to the level that they were happy to showcase with, they set out to capture it in action on video. Not happy with just rolling footage on public roads, they decided to go find this lake bed in the North West Arizona area to put on a massive show of dust, high-speed antics and all the opposite lock you could want from an M3.

Click on down past the jump to check out video and read more about this car. We're also pleased to announce that this car now resides in Canada (after full disclosure to seller), and we look forward to seeing much more from Vivid Racing and this mighty M3 on our side of the border!

Gallery: 2012 Targa Rally With Vivid Racing Wrap Up

Continue reading BMW M3 drift video by VividRacing.com has us looking for dry lake beds

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BMW M3 drift video by VividRacing.com has us looking for dry lake beds originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonabmwbmw m3 sedandriftdriftingdry lake badhoonhooniganhooninglake driftingm3m3 sedansupercharged m3vivid racingvividracingvividracing.comMon, 17 Jun 2013 14:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Is Petro-Canada's Ultra94 a good investment for your engine?]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/is-petro-canadas-ultra94-a-good-investment-for-any-engine-octane-myth-94-shell-sunoco/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/is-petro-canadas-ultra94-a-good-investment-for-any-engine-octane-myth-94-shell-sunoco/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/is-petro-canadas-ultra94-a-good-investment-for-any-engine-octane-myth-94-shell-sunoco/#comments

Ultra94 gasoline was first introduced into the market in the 1980's by Suncor and was available through Sunoco gas stations up until this decade. Petro-Canada is now the exclusive purveyor of Ultra94 and it is their premium brand of octane. Chances are that if you've been driving for any period of time, you've likely heard of it, run it in your car, avoided it, endorsed it or you've got into discussions with other gear heads on whether or not its worth the extra cost?

While enjoying some track time at the Bridgestone Racing Academy (their Formula 2000 cars run Ultra94 exclusively), we were given a highly informative session by Don Munroe, Manager of Suncor's Fuel Technical Support. Several issues were raised and addressed. Someone asked the difference between the RON/MON rating system of octane levels. The simplest way to put this is: In most countries, including Australia and all of those in Europe, the "headline" octane rating shown on the pump is the RON, but in Canada, the United States, Brazil, and some other countries, the headline number is the average of the RON and the MON, called the Anti-Knock Index (AKI, and often written on pumps as (R+M)/2). It may also sometimes be called the Pump Octane Number (PON). Technically speaking, this makes Ultra94 octane actually rated at 101.5 octane using the RON rating system.

Click the jump for more.

Gallery: Bridgestone Racing Academy

Continue reading Is Petro-Canada's Ultra94 a good investment for your engine?

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Is Petro-Canada's Ultra94 a good investment for your engine? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gas mileageoctanepetro canadapetro-canadasunocoultra94Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: McLaren MP4-12C Spider destroyed during Goldrush Rally race [w/video]]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/mclaren-mp4-12c-spider-crash-destroyed-goldrush-rally-race-totalled-ben-chen-rental/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/mclaren-mp4-12c-spider-crash-destroyed-goldrush-rally-race-totalled-ben-chen-rental/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/mclaren-mp4-12c-spider-crash-destroyed-goldrush-rally-race-totalled-ben-chen-rental/#comments

We've just received news that the same guy who called the Koenigsegg Agera R a "piece of *expletive*, " is none other than the same guy who just crashed a rental McLaren MP4-12C during the goldRush Rally yesterday afternoon.

For those of you who haven't heard of the goldRush Rally, think of it as a smaller scale Gumball 3000 (but don't mention "smaller" when describing it to its participants). It's basically an occasion where well-to-do people from across North America meet up to party like Rock Stars all night and drive high dollar supercars and tuner cars from Chicago to San Francisco over the course of a week.

Ben Chen, of Massachusetts, was ripping across Interstate 30 at a high rate of speed near Mt. Vernon, East Texas, when he suddenly lost control of his McLaren roadster rental. According to Chen, a large truck pulled in front of him in the left passing lane as he was blasting along, so he thought it would be a good idea to drive into the centre median. He was then spotted whipping from the left lane to the right lane and then into a ditch and under a fence! No, it doesn't end there. The speeding $250,000 MP4-12C then caught some serious air and plowed into Discount Storage, where it finally came to a stop and met its untimely death.

Both Chen and his passenger escaped uninjured (ego aside), and Chen was issued a ticket for Reckless Driving (our Ontario equivalent is a Dangerous Driving charge). Check out the news report video below and if that isn't sad enough to watch, check out some more untimely deaths of a few more expensive exotics in this super car BBQ from a highway in Thailand.

Gallery: Lamborghini Aventador Fire

Continue reading McLaren MP4-12C Spider destroyed during Goldrush Rally race [w/video]

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McLaren MP4-12C Spider destroyed during Goldrush Rally race [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben chencar crashcrashgoldrushgoldrush rallymclaren crashMcLaren MP4-12Cmclaren mp4-12c spiderspeedingstuntstunt drivingsupercar crashFri, 14 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Experience the Bridgestone Racing Academy at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park [w/video]]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/13/bridgestone-racing-academy-canadian-tire-motorsports-park-school-ontario-canada-formula-car-f2000-van-diemen-scca/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/13/bridgestone-racing-academy-canadian-tire-motorsports-park-school-ontario-canada-formula-car-f2000-van-diemen-scca/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/13/bridgestone-racing-academy-canadian-tire-motorsports-park-school-ontario-canada-formula-car-f2000-van-diemen-scca/#comments

The Bridgestone Racing Academy at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, offers an experience that will not be forgotten easily. Using current Van Diemen Formula SCCA cars for their courses, they are amongst the top of racing schools in North America. With past graduates including Danica Patrick, James Hinchcliffe, Ron Fellows just to name a few. If this is the calibre of racer this school churns out, sign us up! And that's exactly what Autoblog Canada did yesterday.

In what seems like the only warm and sunny day that we've had in Ontario this 'never-summer', we accepted an invitation from the Academy to participate in a one day course. As avid motorsports enthusiasts, we've spent many of our days at the track participating in track days, be it with a well prepped street car, a motorcycle or just out there capturing the excitement through a camera lens. So obviously, when we got the invite to go drive Formula cars all day long, we graciously immediately accepted.

Click on down to check out to check out what it's like to pilot an open wheeled car that weighs only 450 kilograms (1,000 lbs).

Continue reading Experience the Bridgestone Racing Academy at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park [w/video]

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Experience the Bridgestone Racing Academy at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowmanvillebridgestone racing academycanadian tire motorsports parkf2000f2000 schoolformula 2000formula carsformula cars canadamosportracing schoolracing school canadaThu, 13 Jun 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Drake drives his new Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir around Toronto streets]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/drake-drives-new-bugatti-veyron-sang-noir-toronto-mmva-ovo-fest-started-from-bottom/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/drake-drives-new-bugatti-veyron-sang-noir-toronto-mmva-ovo-fest-started-from-bottom/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/drake-drives-new-bugatti-veyron-sang-noir-toronto-mmva-ovo-fest-started-from-bottom/#comments

Drake was spotted back in his hometown of Toronto to take delivery of his Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir before he headed back to the US to finish off the Club Paradise Tour last week. We suspect Drake is in town as he is nominated for Best Music Video for this week's upcoming Much Music Video Awards (MMVA) and will also be back in August for OVO fest.

The striking Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir will be in good company with his Bentley Continental Supersports, Range Rover and a Maybach. The Sang Noir edition is listed as the most expensive new car to be advertised and sports a "black blood" exterior and a "creamsicle orange guts" interior. The aesthetic treatment is a departure from the more common (well, as common as a Bugatti gets) two-tone colour schemes that Bugatti tends to favour. Only 15 Sang Noirs were available in North America when released and they're now worth more than what they sold for from Bugatti direct.

So it's no surprise to see the Started from the Bottom rapper act fast to jump on his chance to purchase a Sang Noir and set himself apart from his fellow Bugatti-owning rappers Lil Wayne and Birdman (who also own Veyrons). We can't help but wonder if Drizzy realizes that a brand new record breaking Veyron is due to be released this year?!

Check out the gallery we've attached and just remember, if he "started from the bottom" working at Shoppers Drug Mart and now owns cars worth more than most of our houses, cars, possessions and life all put together, then so can you... right?

Gallery: Top 10 celebrity cars and rich stars who drive cheap and ugly cars

Continue reading Drake drives his new Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir around Toronto streets

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Drake drives his new Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir around Toronto streets originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bird manbugattibugatti veyronbugatti veyron sang noirdrakedrake bugattidrizzielil waynemmvaovoovo festivalrapper drakesang noirtorontoveyronMon, 10 Jun 2013 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Ostrich runs through rush hour traffic in China, gets hit by cars and keeps going]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/ostrich-runs-through-rush-hour-traffic-in-china-gets-hit-by-car/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/ostrich-runs-through-rush-hour-traffic-in-china-gets-hit-by-car/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/ostrich-runs-through-rush-hour-traffic-in-china-gets-hit-by-car/#comments

When we think about busy streets in China and the potential dangers abundant on such crowded roads; we don't tend to think of an escaped ostrich as one. As it so happens, this massive bird decided it wanted to be free and was spotted by traffic cameras weaving in out of lanes like a scene from The Fast and the Furious movies. If this had occurred in Russia, we're sure we would have had multiple dash cam clips for you to see, alas, click on down to see the short clip from the traffic cams.

According to the video report, this occurred during rush hour, snarling congested roads with even more mayhem then usual. We see this wayward bird get knocked over not once, but at least twice on camera and even have a close call with a motorbike. Luckily, no serious injuries occurred to the bird or anyone else.

Police say that the ostrich ran amok for around 4 hours, before being detained. You can only imagine the spectacle that this caused. Officials do not know where the big bird came from, but we hope for everyone's sake that this does not happen again.

As a side note, you might be thinking to yourself that this has to be the only time an ostrich has roamed free through heavy traffic, but there is a previous incident from Saudi Arabia... and you can click here to watch it for yourself. Beware of the ostrich, folks.

Click the jump to check out the video footage of the most recent ostrich on the loose in the streets of China.

Gallery: Strange Sights at Woodward

Continue reading Ostrich runs through rush hour traffic in China, gets hit by cars and keeps going

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Ostrich runs through rush hour traffic in China, gets hit by cars and keeps going originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaescaped animalsescaped ostrichostrichostrich through traffictraffic safetyvideosMon, 10 Jun 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Worst drifting crashes and dangerous close calls will leave you speechless]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/07/drifting-fails-wins-video-compilation-crash-car-drift-slide-hoonigan/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/07/drifting-fails-wins-video-compilation-crash-car-drift-slide-hoonigan/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/07/drifting-fails-wins-video-compilation-crash-car-drift-slide-hoonigan/#comments

As drifting gains increasing popularity with auto enthusiasts, the amount of video footage documenting monumental driving fails and wins also continues to grow with each passing year. With pro drifters in Formula Drift leading the way in North America, thousands of amateurs are flocking to their own RWD machines to show the world they're every bit just as good... with varying results.

If you think all you need is a copy of Tokyo Drift, a Nissan 240SX and a lead foot, you (and most of the people in this video) are in for a hard hitting reality check, because it's not that easy. Heck, even a few home-grown Canadian pro drifters make mistakes in this compilation, as Chris De La Cruz and Anthony Nuvisions are seen competing at CSCS around the 5 minute mark. So without further ado, we'd like to share with you a pretty extensive compilation of some of the best recorded crashes, close calls and recoveries we've seen online to date.

Click on down to watch the video and remember kids, don't try this at home or public roads... unless you're filming, that is.

Gallery: Top 25 Strangest Crashes

Continue reading Worst drifting crashes and dangerous close calls will leave you speechless

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Worst drifting crashes and dangerous close calls will leave you speechless originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cscsdriftdrift faildrift video compilationdrift windriftingdrifting faildrifting winfailFri, 07 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Chris Harris hot laps Nurburgring and public streets in a Formula Ford racer]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/07/chris-harris-hot-laps-nurburgring-and-public-streets-in-a-formul/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/07/chris-harris-hot-laps-nurburgring-and-public-streets-in-a-formul/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/07/chris-harris-hot-laps-nurburgring-and-public-streets-in-a-formul/#comments

With all the technology we have out there nowadays, the age-old formula of power-to-weight ratio still rings true. So what happens when you take a Formula Ford racer and add a tuned 1-litre, 3-cylinder Ford Ecoboost motor with over 200 hp and put in some hot laps around the Nurburgring? Or, perhaps go for a jaunt on some public roads with the only street legal Formula Ford out there. Chris Harris can't wait to show you what happens in this spectacular video.

The Ford 1.0 litre Ecoboost producing 170 hp or so found in the Ford Fiesta isn't exactly what we picture when think of the 'Ring and good times. But that's exactly what the little powerhouse that could, delivers once Ford added a larger turbo from the 1.6L Ecoboost and some ECU tuning.

We won't spoil the video for you, but get ready to watch Chris Harris having a blast behind the wheel of this 500 kilo tiny terror. Pro racer Nick Tandy lapped the Nurburgring in just 7 minutes and 22 seconds (with it tuned in 205 hp form), which earns this car a spot in super car territory with the likes of the mighty Nissan GTR, Porsche 911 GT2, Corvette Z06 and quicker than a Ferrari Enzo.

Grab a coffee, put your messenger apps to "do not disturb" and kick off your Friday afternoon with some 'Ring goodness. Check out our hi-res gallery when you're done that. It's well worth it too.

Gallery: Ariel Atom in Canada

Continue reading Chris Harris hot laps Nurburgring and public streets in a Formula Ford racer

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Chris Harris hot laps Nurburgring and public streets in a Formula Ford racer originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris harrischris harris nurburgringchris harris videosecoboostfordformula fordformula ford racerstreet drive formula fordstreet legal formula fordvideosFri, 07 Jun 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Watch a Dodge Ram's smokey 4x4 burnout while pulling a 6,800 kg dumpster]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/dodge-ram-smokey-4x4-burnout-dumpster-pull-smoke-show/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/dodge-ram-smokey-4x4-burnout-dumpster-pull-smoke-show/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/dodge-ram-smokey-4x4-burnout-dumpster-pull-smoke-show/#comments

Your average Dodge Ram buyer considers many factors when making a decision on whether or not a Ram is right for them. Some of the main ones are "Can it pull my trailer comfortably?" or "What kind of gas mileage can I expect?" Well chances are, they probably don't consider whether or not the 3,600 kilogram wonder truck can pull a 6,800 kilo dumpster while putting on a smoke show that's fit for the burnout gods themselves.

When we stumbled upon this little burner, we just had to share it with you good folks. We don't have much background where or why, but the title alone tells us all we really need to know. We know we're going to watch a Ram try to pull a dumpster that's almost twice its weight!

Keep in mind, judging by the sound of the truck and the amount of smoke that is generated by this, we're certain this is not a stock Dodge Ram. We don't know what mods it has, but we do find ourselves cheering this guy on as he attempts this epic dumpster pull.

Check out the video below (be warned, there is some foul language in the beginning of the clip) and then browse through the gallery. Watch for the burning pavement, post smoke show. For more truck pulling antics, check this Silverado vs. Touareg in a "truck-of-war" match and watch this classic Ford vs. Chevy battle. If that's still not enough for you, be sure to look at this one-sided Chevy vs Dodge parking lot battle.

Gallery: SEMA 2012 Truck & Offroad Hall & Outdoor Lot

Continue reading Watch a Dodge Ram's smokey 4x4 burnout while pulling a 6,800 kg dumpster

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Watch a Dodge Ram's smokey 4x4 burnout while pulling a 6,800 kg dumpster originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4x44x4 smoke showburnoutsdodge ramdodge ram 4x4 burnoutdodge ram burnoutsmoke showvideoThu, 06 Jun 2013 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocket Bunny Scion FR-S Forgestar SEMA car for sale on eBay Motors]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/rocket-bunny-scion-fr-s-forgestar-sema-on-ebay-stanced-vortech-supercharger-fitment-widebody-aero/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/rocket-bunny-scion-fr-s-forgestar-sema-on-ebay-stanced-vortech-supercharger-fitment-widebody-aero/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/rocket-bunny-scion-fr-s-forgestar-sema-on-ebay-stanced-vortech-supercharger-fitment-widebody-aero/#comments

The widebody Rocket Bunny Scion FR-S that Forgestar wheels prepped at SEMA made big waves across the tuner scene. Rocket Bunny aero is not your average fibreglass el cheapo knock-off that is commonly associated with 'stanced' and 'fitted' cars. Rather it's highly coveted and is some top shelf aerodynamic and very esthetically pleasing gear you can buy for tuner cars. We in Canada, saw the first Rocket Bunny prepped FR-S in Vancouver, built by SR Tuning.

The FR-S, since it's introduction last year, has already proven to be the next import tuner it-car. With a 50/50 weight distribution in a lightweight package, it's a near perfect platform and its go-kart like performance makes for a blast to drive straight from the factory. The dynamics can only get better once capable tuners get their hands on it. We've done several reviews on them and for our track test click here.

We spotted the Rocket Bunny Forgestar FR-S for sale on eBay and we thought we'd share this reasonably priced Vortech supercharged drift-machine with you. For all the top-notch 'baller' parts on this car, we're surprised that no one has snatched this up for the 'buy it now' price yet.

Click on down for the entire mod list and a video of its "Exotic Air Lifter" add-on for its coilovers. Afterwards, take a few minutes to check out the hi-res images in our gallery while you're all heated up.

Gallery: SR Tuning Rocket Bunny Scion FRS

Continue reading Rocket Bunny Scion FR-S Forgestar SEMA car for sale on eBay Motors

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Rocket Bunny Scion FR-S Forgestar SEMA car for sale on eBay Motors originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20132013 scion fr-sauctionsebayforgestarfr-srocket bunnyrocket bunny frsscionscion fr-sSEMAtuner carwidebody fr-sThu, 06 Jun 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Subaru Canada unveils Forester Family Rally injecting sport back into 2014 model]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/subaru-canada-unveils-forester-family-rally-inject-sport-competition-contest/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/subaru-canada-unveils-forester-family-rally-inject-sport-competition-contest/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/subaru-canada-unveils-forester-family-rally-inject-sport-competition-contest/#comments

Subaru has long since been synonymous with rally racing, rally cross and motorsport competition. As part of a new program that Subaru Canada has launched, Subaru Canada will fly five qualifying families to Mont-Tremblant, Québec to compete in family-friendly, action-packed competition. The winning family will be taking home a brand new 2014 Forester as their trophy. This is all part of a new campaign to give families a chance to experience the adventure and adrenaline of rally racing with the launch of its new 2014 Forester campaign, "Forester Family Rally" in a safe and fun-filled environment.

"The new 2014 Forester really puts the 'sport' back in SUV," says Geoff Craig, director of marketing, Subaru Canada. "The campaign cleverly proves how everyday drivers can tackle a variety of terrains with confidence, reinforcing how the Forester is different from other compact SUVs, with its All-Wheel Drive and superior road handling capabilities."

We applaud this new campaign that lets everyday drivers experience all of what a Forester is capable. It's a great opportunity to explore your own limits safely and have a fantastic time while doing it. We have no doubt that any family who gets to experience this, will walk away with large smiles on their faces and take away valuable real world skills. Not to mention that extra confidence in their driving skills and machine that may someday prove invaluable on the road.

You'd better hurry up if you want to enter this. The final day to enter is June 9, 2013. Click here to enter: Forester Family Rally. You can also head on over to watch the short video segment of what to expect on this adventure and we wish you good luck. If you haven't checked out our review of the new 2014 Subaru Forester XT, do so here.

Gallery: 2014 Subaru Forester XT: First Drive

Continue reading Subaru Canada unveils Forester Family Rally injecting sport back into 2014 model

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Subaru Canada unveils Forester Family Rally injecting sport back into 2014 model originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 subaru forester xtforester xtrally crossrally racingsubarusubaru family rallysubaru forestervideosThu, 06 Jun 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorsport: CSCS Round 1 highlights at Toronto Motorsports Park]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/03/cscs-round-1-at-toronto-motorsports-park-june-2nd-2013/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/03/cscs-round-1-at-toronto-motorsports-park-june-2nd-2013/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/03/cscs-round-1-at-toronto-motorsports-park-june-2nd-2013/#comments

The Canadian Sport Compact Series (CSCS) for 2013 kicked off this past Sunday at Toronto Motorsports Park (TMP) in Cayuga, ON and we were there to catch the action. All week, the weatherman had forecast doom and gloom for Sunday. So, with great pleasure, Sunday morning brought blue skies and enough sunshine to match the heat that the drivers were putting out on-track.

CSCS is Canada's largest sport compact series. All events feature Time Attack, Drifting, Drag Racing and a Show and Shine. It's not often that we get to attend events that feature all of that in one day and at once track. CSCS is well loved for its accessibility and you don't need to have a bottomless pit of money to compete, with categories for every type of vehicle. From factory stock street cars to all-out racecars, there is a spot for you if you want to compete.

This is always a recipe for an interesting day with cars ranging from Pontiac Sunfires, (the obvious) Honda Civics, Toyota Corollas, BMWs, Chevrolet Corvettes, Subarus, (the ever present) Nissan 240sx, Skyline and GTRs to even a purpose-built classic Volvo all competing in their respective classes.

Continue reading CSCS Round 1 highlights at Toronto Motorsports Park

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CSCS Round 1 highlights at Toronto Motorsports Park originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 03 Jun 2013 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian sport compact seriescayugacscscscs race reesultsdragdrag racingdriftdriftingpicturesracingresultsround oneround1show and shineson240sxtoronto motorsports parktrackdayMon, 03 Jun 2013 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Man rides hood of speeding truck after being hit, pleads drivers to "call the police, baby!"]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/man-goes-truck-surfing-and-asks-passenger-to-just-call-the-poli/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/man-goes-truck-surfing-and-asks-passenger-to-just-call-the-poli/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/man-goes-truck-surfing-and-asks-passenger-to-just-call-the-poli/#comments

It's not everyday that you're asked to call the police from a passing motorist. It's just not one of those things most of us really factor into our daily drives or commutes.

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a surprised passenger is shocked to look over and find a passing GMC extended cab pickup truck with a man lying on its hood. Yes, that's right a man just casually lounging across the hood of the moving pickup truck while traveling at what we estimate to be around 50 kilometres per hour or so. The hood surfing man seems oddly calm given the situation, but is seen imploring people filming him to call the police. Could these be a case of two pranksters at work?

We don't know whether or not the woman filming did indeed, "Call the police, baby!" The only explanation offered for the strange sight is when the man states "He ran me over... and I jumped on the hood!"

According to Baton Rouge Police "The officer said the man seen on the hood was selling shrimp when the driver of the pickup truck pulled over and picked up his sign. At this point, the shrimp seller jumped on top of the hood and the man drove off, taking him to the police station on Coursey Boulevard in the city. No one was charged over the incident." What we also know is that this video certainly offers up a great dose of Friday foolishness we just had to share.

Click on over and enjoy the short clip, as we hope these two men were able to work things out somewhat safely during this suspected case of dangerous road rage.

Gallery: Top 10 causes for Road Rage

Blocking merge lanesHaving a bad dayGetting cut offCity drivingTailgating

Continue reading Man rides hood of speeding truck after being hit, pleads drivers to "call the police, baby!"

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Man rides hood of speeding truck after being hit, pleads drivers to "call the police, baby!" originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 31 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call the policecar surfinggmgmclousianapickup trucktruckFri, 31 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Exotic car collection catches fire on trailer in shocking $3.4M supercar-beque]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/exotic-car-fleet-destroyed-by-flames-on-trailer-supercar-b-que/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/exotic-car-fleet-destroyed-by-flames-on-trailer-supercar-b-que/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/exotic-car-fleet-destroyed-by-flames-on-trailer-supercar-b-que/#comments

Here's something you don't see everyday: In Nakhon Ratchasima Province in Thailand, a trailer full of expensive supercars goes up in smoke after suddenly catching fire. It's quite a big deal when we see or hear of a single supercar totaled (like this wayward Lamborghini driving couple, or this C63 AMG driver), but a trailer full of six-figure exotics being caught on fire?!

We don't know much other than the video's description. It looks like the fire started with a BMW X6 on top before it spread to what looks like a Ferrari F430, a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 and a couple of Bentley Continental Flying Spurs.

The cause of what started the fire is still unknown (because supercar?), but what we do know is that the estimated damage is about 100 million baht (roughly CAD$3,426,300) so far.

Check out the gallery and video of this horrifying (to us car guys and girls) post death of these glorious machines (If you listen carefully, you can hear the metal pinging and screaming from the heat). And just in case that's not enough torture for you, check out this fiery Lambo Miura SV. And if you crave some more fiery deaths, here's an Aventador roadside BBQ.

Continue reading Exotic car collection catches fire on trailer in shocking $3.4M supercar-beque

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Exotic car collection catches fire on trailer in shocking $3.4M supercar-beque originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 30 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybmwcar fireexotic car fireexoticsferrarifireslamborghinisupercarsupercar firethailandvideosThu, 30 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kia Sedona damaged in Lowes parking lot accident goes viral after Kijiji.ca post]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/kia-sedona-damaged-in-lowes-parking-lot-accident-goes-viral-afte/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/kia-sedona-damaged-in-lowes-parking-lot-accident-goes-viral-afte/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/kia-sedona-damaged-in-lowes-parking-lot-accident-goes-viral-afte/#comments

If you've been driving for any period of time here in Canada, chances are that something similar has happened to you. You're out shopping, just doing your thing. You come out of the local hardware (or whatever your deal is) store and discover your vehicle has been damaged by another driver in a hit 'n' run accident. From door dings, to bumper cracks to even sometimes finding total destruction of a Home Depot parking lot - yes it happened.

This is exactly what happened with this owner of a 7-day-new Kia Sedona minivan

We feel for this author as he writes that he reluctantly purchased this vehicle in order to appease his wife. He sold his well-loved BMW 530, a sporty, well-built sedan that is infinitely more fun to drive than any van could hope to be. Already feeling "neutered" in his new family vehicle, he now feels even more wronged when an owner of a Ford Escape opens his door directly into his van, causing a large dent.

There is security video footage of this abhorrent driver scurrying away without leaving a note or even sticking around long enough to survey the damage. The result is one "fugly" minivan according to the victim in this insult-to-injury accident.

Check out the rant he posted on Kijiji and let's all keep our fingers crossed that the owner of the van gets the justice he deserves. After you've read that, check out some videos of some crazy things that have happened in parking lots around the world.

Continue reading Kia Sedona damaged in Lowes parking lot accident goes viral after Kijiji.ca post

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Kia Sedona damaged in Lowes parking lot accident goes viral after Kijiji.ca post originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 30 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>family vanhumourkiakijijikijiji rantkijiji.cakjiji minivanlowes accidentparking lotparking lot accidentsroad ragesedonaThu, 30 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Cat stuck inside BMW engine for two weeks is freed on video]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/29/cat-stuck-inside-bmw-engine-for-two-weeks-is-freed-on-video-up/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/29/cat-stuck-inside-bmw-engine-for-two-weeks-is-freed-on-video-up/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/29/cat-stuck-inside-bmw-engine-for-two-weeks-is-freed-on-video-up/#comments

When one hears about a missing household pet, we don't often tend to think to check under the hood of the family car. This is precisely where "Princess" the well-loved cat of Julie Tansley of Nottingham, England had been trapped since around May 7th. Princess was rescued from underneath the hood of a BMW to the delight and relief of the family.

According to the Express, Julie had driven hundreds of kilometres and even took her purring BMW convertible through a car wash with Princess trapped under the hood before being found. We'd like to think that Princess planned her escape by clawing through a coolant hose with the idea of tripping a check engine light so that someone would rescue her. The truth is probably more along the lines of Princess being driven to desperation and lashing out at anything that she could.

Thankfully, she really did pick the right place to attack and managed to claw through the coolant hose enough to trip the warning light on the dash. When Julie lifted the hood, she was shocked to find Princess staring at her, wide-eyed, covered in antifreeze and stunned beyond belief.

Click here to read some quotes from Julie and see the video of Princess being rescued. If you're an animal lover, chances are that this may make your day!

Continue reading Cat stuck inside BMW engine for two weeks is freed on video

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Cat stuck inside BMW engine for two weeks is freed on video originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 29 May 2013 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwcat videorescued catrescued catsrescued petsUKvideosWed, 29 May 2013 15:59:00 EST