Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png 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/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Yes, we have just driven a Jeep on an F1 track. It wasn't so long ago a sentence like that would have made zero sense. And even if it did happen, we can't imagine it being much fun, or safe for that matter. However, Jeep recently booked the Circuit of the Americas, the stunning new Formula One track in Austin, TX to test their wares, namely the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.

Notice we said "SRT" and not SRT8 because as SRT boss Ralph Gilles so prominently pointed out "there are no guarantees there will always be a V8 in there." (Well played Ralph) Gilles also went on to boast that the tweaks made to the new Grand Cherokee SRT are much more than sheet metal and distinctive design cues. Upon first glance, one might think that the 2014 Grand Cherokees aren't much different than the outgoing models, but this is a very much improved effort. Each trim receives distinctive headlights, different front fascia and rear bumper treatment. For the 2014 SRT, we find slightly scaled down blackened headlights, revised tails along with subtle tweaks to the design. There is also a new slab-style polished 5-spoke wheel to choose from if the "spider monkey" style wheels aren't your thing, although they work for us.

Underneath the skin, the new SRT gets serious. We find an upgraded LSD, new launch control with much better performance numbers across the board. If the outgoing model was an improvement over the original, this 2014 caught us completely off guard. Performance aside, the interior also sends messages to your brain that you are not in a Chrysler product of yesteryear complete with gobs of carbon fibre and an impressive steering wheel that is as Gilles states, "one of the best wheels you will find today."

Marketing speak aside, we wanted to dive into the SRT and click off some hot laps on this outstanding track. After a short jaunt on Texas roads, we did just that for several glorious hours.

Hit the jump to read our full driving notes.

Continue reading 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 grand cherokee srt2014 jeep grand cherokee2014 jeep grand cherokee srt2014 srtaustinaustin texasaustin texas formula 1Circuit of the AmericasF150fordformula 1 hybridgrand cherokeeGrand Cherokee SRT8jeepjeep grand cherokeejeep grand cherokee srtJeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8jeep grand cherokee srt8jeep srtJeepGrandCherokeesrt Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20499627/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/13/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt/20499627/article-detail.xml 20499627 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt-11_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt-11.jpg <![CDATA[Tanner Foust and Ford SVT Raptor team up to murder the Nürburgring]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/tanner-foust-and-ford-svt-raptor-murder-the-nurburgring/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/tanner-foust-and-ford-svt-raptor-murder-the-nurburgring/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/tanner-foust-and-ford-svt-raptor-murder-the-nurburgring/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



The legendary Nürburgring in Germany is often said to be the performance benchmark to beat among many of the world's fastest cars and auto manufacturers. On any given day, this track will see high speed action from anything with wheels, including production prototypes, professional racecars and countless exotic supercars... but a Ford F-150 pick-up truck?! Really?

Well, I guess there's a first time for everything and professional wheel man Tanner Foust is just the guy crazy enough to do it. According to the video intro, Foust recently found himself behind the wheel of a 411 horsepower Ford F-150 SVT Raptor truck in Germany and decided it was time to turn some heads on the infamous Nürburgring.

The strange sight ended up drawing a ton of attention from the crowd (and other drivers), as the fast high-flying antics of this powerful truck proved to be popular around the track.

Click here to watch how Tanner and his truck take down the Nürburgring.


Gallery: 2013 Ford Raptor SVT

Continue reading Tanner Foust and Ford SVT Raptor team up to murder the Nürburgring

Tanner Foust and Ford SVT Raptor team up to murder the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> F-150 SVT Raptorfordford f-150 svt raptorNurburgringNurburgring videoracingsvtsvt raptortanner foustvideo Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20493842/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/07/tanner-foust-and-ford-svt-raptor-murder-the-nurburgring/20493842/article-detail.xml 20493842 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ford-raptor-nurburgring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ford-raptor-nurburgring.jpg <![CDATA[SRT Viper GTS vs. Chevy Corvette ZR1 shootout]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/motor-trend-pits-srt-viper-against-chevy-corvette-zr1/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/motor-trend-pits-srt-viper-against-chevy-corvette-zr1/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/motor-trend-pits-srt-viper-against-chevy-corvette-zr1/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Last month, Motor Trend took over Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to perform one of the first head-to-head comparisons between the current Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and its newly redesigned nemesis, the SRT Viper. We've already gone over the article and amazing photographs of this epic all-American battle, and now, MT has provided a video of the deed in its latest "Head 2 Head" installment.

As we've already reported, not only did the 'Vette come out victorious when it came to lapping Laguna Seca, but it also set a new track record for a production car with a time of 1:33.70 beating the previous time by 0.2 seconds and beating the Viper by more than two seconds. In straight-line performance, both cars ran an identical 11.4 seconds in a quarter mile sprint.

In the video, MT's drivers point out that the ZR1 has better braking and cornering on the track while the Viper's raw power and rough ride were mentioned on multiple occasions. One of the interesting notes is that the video points out the "deafening" cabin noise and "rock-hard" seats in the Viper, but SRT responded by saying both issues will be fixed by the time the car goes on sale.

Scroll down to watch the whole video showing both the Viper and the 'Vette tackle one of the toughest tracks.

Continue reading SRT Viper GTS vs. Chevy Corvette ZR1 shootout

SRT Viper GTS vs. Chevy Corvette ZR1 shootout originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 chevrolet corvette zr12013 srt viperchevroletcorvettemazda raceway laguna secamotor trendsrtvideovideosviperviper vs vette Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20432369/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/motor-trend-pits-srt-viper-against-chevy-corvette-zr1/20432369/article-detail.xml 20432369 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/capture_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/capture.jpg <![CDATA[2013 MINI John Cooper Works Roadster]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-roadster/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-roadster/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-roadster/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



It looks like 2012 was certainly the year of the MINI for Autoblog Canada. After a trio of press events and more than few press loaners, we were behind the wheel of nearly every conceivable body style and trim offered. Earlier this year we had a chance to flog the Cooper S Coupe, then Cooper S Roadster and later on JCW versions of both two-seaters. While we enjoyed our flat-out drive of the Cooper S, the test for the JCW was more appropriately conducted on the track, Mosport DDT to be more specific.

We mentioned in our full review of the Cooper S Roadster that we didn't understand why the Coupe and Roadster were two separate cars. While we aren't engineers, perhaps a lot of resources could have been saved to design a retractable hardtop system? Either way, having all of the JCW product together made it clear that the Coupe is fastest around the track and the roadster is close behind. The JCW Roaster is a capable, compact track car, right out of the box on the tires that the manufacturer sold it with.

The JCW gets a bump in power to 208 hp with 184 lb-ft of torque that comes on at an early 1,850rpm and remains flat. While this 1.6-litre is well-suited for this vehicle, it does run out of thrust in the upper rpm range but such is the curse of small frame turbo cars. Make no mistake, if you keep it in the band, this MINI will offer all kinds of thrills but at the expense of practicality. The JCW Roadster was quick but the JCW Coupe was the only vehicle driven that we could put pressure on the lead car piloted by a pro driver.

Driving Notes:
  • The 1.6-litre twin-scroll mill found in everything MINI, is amped up in the JCW and propels the roadster from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 6.6-seconds with a 237 km/h top speed. The crisp sound and backfires afforded by the 'Sport' button gets top marks in our opinion.
  • The JCW suspension is well tuned for the track. With minimal understeer, we actually flicked the wheel occasionally to get the rear end to join the party. We pounded the apexes hard and the suspension soaks right it up and the light-by-modern-standards 1270 kg (2772-pound) MINI corners flat.
  • Brakes in the JCW are very effective for extended laps with barely noticeable fade. Hit with blazing red paint, these calipers clamp down on 316 mm rotors up front with 280 mm rotors in the rear.
  • The attractive 17x7-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in a 205/45R17 Dunlop SP Sport run flats. Tires have some decent grip for at least five laps but naturally we'd prefer lighter non-runflats on a 208 hp car.
  • The electronic power steering is well-weighted and provides some decent feedback. We weren't affected by torque-steer and there are many electronic aids at work on the JCW roadster. Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Brake Assist, Hill Start Assistant, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC).
  • Super easy to raise and lower the convertible top. And when up, the wind noise isn't distracting, plus both heat and audio stay within the cabin.
  • Although our time on track with the JCW Roadster was a blast, we would make some bold changes. We'd definitely choose this open-top over the claustrophobic Coupe, but they really should be the one-in-the-same, a retractable hardtop model. Not sure this is a bargain at $39,900 and there are many cars that will outrun it in this territory.
  • Excellent fuel economy when not boosting every where with 7.8 L/100km City and an impressive 5.6 L/100km Highway. On the track, it sipped back quite a bit of premium fuel needed by the 10:1 compression turbo mill.

Continue reading 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Roadster

2013 MINI John Cooper Works Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20122013JCWJohn Cooper WorksMiniMINI John Cooper WorksMINI John Cooper Works RadsterMini RoadsterRoadster Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:58:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20405087/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/21/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-roadster/20405087/article-detail.xml 20405087 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2012-mini-mosport-jcw-1-1355856670_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2012-mini-mosport-jcw-1-1355856670.jpg <![CDATA[Lincoln and MKZ propose brand reinvention]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/lincoln-and-mkz-propose-brand-reinvention/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/lincoln-and-mkz-propose-brand-reinvention/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/lincoln-and-mkz-propose-brand-reinvention/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Lincoln made a rather assertive statement about the future of its products at the 2012 LA Auto Show. Rather than put any new vehicle on display for the first press day, the American premium brand placed a collection of classic cars from its past on the show floor. For the second day, that assortment was replaced with more than a half-dozen examples of the all-new 2013 MKZ. Following that, Lincoln teased a new ad campaign that was in the works, and it appears we now have the first extended promotional video.

Entitled "The Lincoln Motor Company," the spot acts as more of a mission statement, rather than an ad, featuring (once again) cars from Lincoln's past, as well as certain bits of Americana usually reserved for a Levi's ad. The video concluded with Lincoln reintroducing itself to the world, accompanied by a new name: The Lincoln Motor Company.

The video is likely to be the first of many in a large advertising blitz by the automaker, in concert with the rolling-out of the new MKZ. The sedan was the only new vehicle featured in the video, and Lincoln is betting heavily on this "reinvention" to bring customers in to see its new sedan. We want to know what's next. Scroll down to watch the video.

Continue reading Lincoln and MKZ propose brand reinvention

Lincoln and MKZ propose brand reinvention originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 lincoln mkzadlincolnlincoln motor companymkz Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:29:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20393033/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/lincoln-and-mkz-propose-brand-reinvention/20393033/article-detail.xml 20393033 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/lincoln-motor-company-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/lincoln-motor-company-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan planning another Nürburgring record run with 2013 GT-R]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/nissan-planning-another-nurburgring-record-run-with-2013-gt-r/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/nissan-planning-another-nurburgring-record-run-with-2013-gt-r/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/nissan-planning-another-nurburgring-record-run-with-2013-gt-r/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Nissan GT-R prototype testing at the Nurburgring

Nissan is reportedly gearing up for another assault on the Nürburgring. According to The Truth About Cars, the company believes the refinements it made to the 2013 GT-R will be enough to skip the supercar around the track in record time. Chief Engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno says there's "quite a bit of margin" in the car's current 7-minute, 18-second time for the course. That's just over five seconds slower than the unofficial time by the Dodge Viper ACR. But Nissan has something special up its sleeves.

The company has whipped up a new Track Edition that Mizuno says is good for under seven minutes. That machine makes use of the same engine as the production car, but lacks a full interior in the name of weight savings. Likewise, there's a set of super-sticky Dunlop race rubber on all four corners. The car isn't legal in Japan because it does not come equipped with the required 180 km/h (112 mph speed) limiter. Even so, we can't wait to see what it does around the Green Hell.

News Source: The Truth About Cars

Continue reading Nissan planning another Nürburgring record run with 2013 GT-R

Nissan planning another Nürburgring record run with 2013 GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 nissan gt-rgt-rgtrkazutoshi mizunonissannissan gt-rnurburgringnurburgring record Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:01:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20377788/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/12/nissan-planning-another-nurburgring-record-run-with-2013-gt-r/20377788/article-detail.xml 20377788 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nissan-gt-r-at-the-nurburgring-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nissan-gt-r-at-the-nurburgring-628.jpg <![CDATA[Vaughn Gittin Jr. drifts his Mustang RTR around legendary Ford plant]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/vaughn-gittin-jr-drifts-his-mustang-gt-around-the-ford-plant-ho/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/vaughn-gittin-jr-drifts-his-mustang-gt-around-the-ford-plant-ho/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/vaughn-gittin-jr-drifts-his-mustang-gt-around-the-ford-plant-ho/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,




Ford gave the green light to Formula Drift stat Vaughn Gittin Jr. to do what every red-blooded race car driver would want to do with acres of wide open asphalt, car obstacles and a banked high speed half oval - shred it.

Since 2004, every single Ford Mustang has been built in this Flat Rock, Michigan plant including Gittin Jr's competition car. The plant and grounds provide a fantastic canvas to design a playground for this Formula D champion and his trusty steed.

This plant pumps out a hefty 500 Mustangs per shift. As part of their stringent quality control, Ford selects a random 5 per cent of the built cars for a full test-track evaluation. (Hope the one one of my family members has on order isn't one of them!)

Check out the video as Vaughn delightfully hoons his Monster Energy Falken Tire Ford Mustang RTR around the plant. It's pretty entertaining as they get pretty creative while filming these good times (note: the red Mustang being 'rubbed' was already slated for the scrap yard for reasons unspecified.)

Continue reading Vaughn Gittin Jr. drifts his Mustang RTR around legendary Ford plant

Vaughn Gittin Jr. drifts his Mustang RTR around legendary Ford plant originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20132013 ford mustang rtrfordformula driftmustangperformancertrvaughn gittin jrvideo Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20349755/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/15/vaughn-gittin-jr-drifts-his-mustang-gt-around-the-ford-plant-ho/20349755/article-detail.xml 20349755 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/screen-shot-2012-10-15-at-6.41.06-pm_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/screen-shot-2012-10-15-at-6.41.06-pm.png <![CDATA[Shootout: Tesla Model S beats BMW M5 in a drag race?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/sport-sedan-shootout-tesla-model-s-beats-bmw-m5-in-a-drag-race/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/sport-sedan-shootout-tesla-model-s-beats-bmw-m5-in-a-drag-race/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/sport-sedan-shootout-tesla-model-s-beats-bmw-m5-in-a-drag-race/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,



Okay, we'll admit speed isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you pull up next to an electric vehicle. Most of us still picture EV owners slowly surging from 0-100 km/h at a leisurely pace and sacrificing high performance in favour of zero emissions.

Well think again my friends, as times are certainly changing fast and the Tesla Model S is leading the charge for EV performance cars everywhere. The petrol heads at Automobile Magazine decided it was time to put their Tesla Model S Performance sedan up against a fuel-thirsty thoroughbred in a classic drag racing shootout video.

With 560 horsepower on tap, the mighty 2013 BMW M5 has enough power to make most of its occupants cry for mommy while blasting its way down the drag strip at wide open throttle. However, it's worth noting the 416 horsepower and more specifically 443 pound-feet of torque should ensure Tesla's sleeper sedan is no slouch either.

As a little background info, the 2013 BMW M5 banks a brisk 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of just 3.7 seconds, while the 2013 Model S Performance is said to accelerate from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in a silent but deadly 4.4 seconds.

While we won't ruin the results, we will say it's surprisingly close! Click here to watch the video.

Gallery: 2012 Tesla Model S - First Drive


Gallery: 2013 BMW M5

Continue reading Shootout: Tesla Model S beats BMW M5 in a drag race?

Shootout: Tesla Model S beats BMW M5 in a drag race? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BMWdrag raceM5Model SPerformanceshootoutTesla Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20345677/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/09/sport-sedan-shootout-tesla-model-s-beats-bmw-m5-in-a-drag-race/20345677/article-detail.xml 20345677 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/capture1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/capture1.jpg <![CDATA[Heffner Twin Turbo Lamborghini Gallardo breaks into 8's]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/heffner-twin-turbo-lamborghini-gallardo-breaks-into-8s/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/heffner-twin-turbo-lamborghini-gallardo-breaks-into-8s/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/heffner-twin-turbo-lamborghini-gallardo-breaks-into-8s/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


The Lamborghini Gallardo is certainly no slouch, but it simply wasn't crazy enough for the horsepower hungry maniacs at Heffner Performance. The twin turbo supercar was built by the team ay Heffner Performance and this video is from the first outing for this car... which went very well.

This one is for all of you speed addicts out there, as this insane video captures the world's first Lamborghini Gallardo breaking into the eight second barrier in the 1/4 mile. According to Heffner, the car was driven to and from the track and was run in street trim which leaves us wondering how much faster will it get?

Buckle up and hold onto your seat... Click here to watch this twin turbo Lamborghini in action.

Continue reading Heffner Twin Turbo Lamborghini Gallardo breaks into 8's

Heffner Twin Turbo Lamborghini Gallardo breaks into 8's originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Gallardoheffner lamborghiniHeffner PerformanceLamborghiniracetwin-turbovideo Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20334532/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/27/heffner-twin-turbo-lamborghini-gallardo-breaks-into-8s/20334532/article-detail.xml 20334532 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/lambo4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/lambo4.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Motor Trend</i> addresses reader feedback from Best Driver's Car roundup]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/motor-trend-addresses-reader-feedback-from-best-drivers/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/motor-trend-addresses-reader-feedback-from-best-drivers/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/motor-trend-addresses-reader-feedback-from-best-drivers/#comments Filed under: , ,




We've already watched Motor Trend's 2012 Best Driver's Car competition numerous times, and like us, apparently many M/T viewers had questions about the week-long, nine-car comparison. Not wanting to disappoint its audience, the crew got together to enjoy a few pints while reflecting on the experience and respond to viewer questions during an episode of The Downshift.

It sounds like one of the most frequent questions asked was why some cars made the list and others were left out in the cold. First and foremost, the editors wanted to assemble a group of the newest (or significantly updated) most fun-to-drive cars available, but had to do so within the constraints of the automakers' vehicle fleets. This explains why, for instance, the Subaru BRZ made it in to the final group of nine, while no Ferrari did.

M/T also addressed the age-old question of how and why a non-manual transmission car could be considered a top driver's car. Editors were quick to point out that, with the great automated manual gearboxes used on the Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe, all that the cars were really missing was a clutch pedal.

Some of the more interesting bits of the conversation included a breakdown of tire and brake replacements required during this massive comparison. We were amazed to find out that only four sets of tires were shredded, but the "surprising amount of brakes" that required replacement definitely made sense for a competition like this at a track like Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Another thing that caught our attention was the amount of negative feedback in regards to the Lamborghini Aventador (which finished dead last) - from the failed brakes to Autoblog-alumnus Jonny Lieberman stating that "it had no business on a racetrack."

From Jonny's praise of the PDK transmission to Angus Mackenzie's vibrant description of the 911's handling, it's easy to see why the Porsche was named M/T's Best Driver's Car for 2012.

As for the list of cars being considered for the 2013 Best Driver's Car, check out the 13-minute video below to see some of the predictions for next year's lineup.

Continue reading Motor Trend addresses reader feedback from Best Driver's Car roundup

Motor Trend addresses reader feedback from Best Driver's Car roundup originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 911911 carrera saventadorbest drivers carbest drivers car 2012brzc63c63 amgc63 amg black seriesc63 amg coupecamarocamaro zl1chevroletchevydrivers cardriving enthusiastsgt-rgtrjaguarlamborghinimclarenmercedes-benzmotor trendmp4-12cmustangnissanporscheshelby gt500subaruvideo Wed, 12 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20321216/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/12/motor-trend-addresses-reader-feedback-from-best-drivers/20321216/article-detail.xml 20321216 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mt-best-drivers-car-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mt-best-drivers-car-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the World's Greatest Drag Race 2 with just engine sounds]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/watch-the-worlds-greatest-drag-race-2-with-just-engine-sounds/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/watch-the-worlds-greatest-drag-race-2-with-just-engine-sounds/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/watch-the-worlds-greatest-drag-race-2-with-just-engine-sounds/#comments Filed under: , ,

Motor Trend Wide Open Throttle

The good people at Motor Trend were kind enough to whip up a behind-the-scenes video of the publication's recent epic drag race for our viewing enjoyment. As it turns out, there's more to pitting the world's quickest production cars against one another than finding an empty air strip and going to town. Last year, the magazine broke a total of 11 windshields thanks to a surprising number of stones on the course. To keep that from happening again, crews applied a thin sheet of vinyl to each windscreen to protect the glass from vicious chips.

But that's not what makes the clip below the jump so incredibly interesting. As you may recall, the first video featured plenty of dramatic music and only a few faint whispers of engine noise. Now MT has fixed that issue by serving up the full race with nothing but the raucous bark of exhaust notes to usher the cars toward the finish. Hit the jump to check it out for yourself.

Continue reading Watch the World's Greatest Drag Race 2 with just engine sounds

Watch the World's Greatest Drag Race 2 with just engine sounds originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> drag racedrag race videomotor trendmotor trend drag race videomotor trend worlds greatest drag raceworlds greatest drag race Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20313323/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/30/watch-the-worlds-greatest-drag-race-2-with-just-engine-sounds/20313323/article-detail.xml 20313323 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mt-wot-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mt-wot-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mazda CX-5]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/25/2013-mazda-cx-5/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/25/2013-mazda-cx-5/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/25/2013-mazda-cx-5/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

The Technology Behind the Efficiency



Ever wonder how decades of racing heritage and some of the most exciting legacy models ever produced translates into a street car today? What about a compact SUV? In short, a lot of excitement can be engineered into said compact SUV, and an affordable one at that. To demonstrate this, Mazda Canada invited us to their home track Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca outside Monterey, California where all the hype stopped. We have to admit, we didn't understand the selection for the backdrop of the CX-5 program but as day unfolded, it made all kinds of sense.

The CX-5 at first glance, is squarely targeted at vehicles like the $25,990 Honda CR-V or $23,778 Nissan Rogue considering it's aggressive pricepoint. But when you factor in it's driving dynamics, it can square off with a more upscale crowd of the BMW X1, Audi Q5 or a VW Tiguan. The 'family face' is decidedly part of the Mazda Minagi design language with it's trademark grille dip and swept headlights but there is a lot more lurking under the sheetmetal that not many people know about. Suffice to say, this isn't your average compact SUV and the modest MSRP isn't indicative of all of the technology packed into the three trims of CX-5: GX, GS and GT.

Continue reading 2013 Mazda CX-5

2013 Mazda CX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20132013 mazda cx-5CX-5CX-5 reviewlaguna secamazdaMazda CX-5 reviewMazda Raceway Laguna Seca Sat, 25 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20308113/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/25/2013-mazda-cx-5/20308113/article-detail.xml 20308113 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2013-mazda-cx-52196-1345772765_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2013-mazda-cx-52196-1345772765.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Motor Trend</i> returns with The World's Greatest Drag Race]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/motor-trend-worlds-greatest-drag-race-2012/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/motor-trend-worlds-greatest-drag-race-2012/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/motor-trend-worlds-greatest-drag-race-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,



Our old pal Jonny Lieberman gets to have all the fun. The former Autoblog editor now gets to play with multiple supercars at a time for his post at Motor Trend. As part of MT's Best Driver's Car award process, Lieberman and the rest of the magazine's team quarter-mile all of the year's contenders in what they call "The World's Greatest Drag Race." Based on the contenders, we're inclined to agree with their bluster.

While last year's race saw the Nissan GT-R edge out the Ferrari 458 Italia, this year features a few new contenders, including the Lamborghini Aventador and McLaren MP4-12C. Other contestants include the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series, Chevy Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Subaru BRZ, Jaguar XKR-S and Porsche 911 Carrera S, which - spoiler alert - actually won the Best Driver's Car award this year. Oh, and the updated version of Nissan's GT-R makes a repeat appearance, but no Ferraris are in the field this year.

A special thanks should go out to the Subaru BRZ. It was so far behind the competition that it provided many of the wide-angle shots that captured the whole rest of the field. The straight line is not the forte of a 200-horsepower drift-o-matic, but a fourth place finish in this year's Best Driver's Car competition is a mighty feat for this seemingly outmatched sports car.

The biggest competition in this drag race will be from the new Aventador and the MP4-12C. Do they have enough to take on a new Godzilla?

You're just going to have to click here to find out. And make sure to stick around for the closing credits to hear each one of these contenders rev their engine in a sweet mechanical symphony.

Continue reading Motor Trend returns with The World's Greatest Drag Race

Motor Trend returns with The World's Greatest Drag Race originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 911aventadorbest drivers carbrzc63 amgc63 amg black seriescamarocamaro zl1chevroletdrag racefordgt-rgtrjaguarlamborghinimclarenmercedes-benzmotor trendmp4-12cnissanporscheshelby gt500subaruvideoworlds greatest drag racexkr-s Fri, 24 Aug 2012 12:44:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20308607/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/motor-trend-worlds-greatest-drag-race-2012/20308607/article-detail.xml 20308607 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mt-drag-race-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mt-drag-race-628.jpg <![CDATA[Legendary AE86 Takes on Toyota's modern GT 86]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/legendary-ae86-takes-on-toyotas-modern-gt-86/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/legendary-ae86-takes-on-toyotas-modern-gt-86/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/legendary-ae86-takes-on-toyotas-modern-gt-86/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



We all knew this head to head comparison video was coming, as the new GT 86 was apparently built from the same DNA as its legendary Toyota ancestors. It's easy for Toyota to claim the GT 86 was inspired by the classic AE86, but they share much more than just a number.

Although there is a quarter-century gap between both cars, underneath it all they offer the same strong similarities including undeniable value, balanced handling and RWD performance in a practical-yet-sporty package.

While the AE86 is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and the newer GT 86 by a 2.0-litre boxer, their 0-100 km/h times come in competitively close. It takes just 7.6 seconds for the GT 86 to hit 100 km/h, while the legendary AE86 can do it in a respectable 8.3 seconds. Not bad for a 25-year-old car!

The sports car heritage shared between them perfectly set the stage for this epic battle, as the cult classic AE86 never turns down a challenge and the young GT 86 still has plenty to prove and some very big shoes to fill.

Click here to find out if the modern GT 86 can measure up to its Toyota elders.


Gallery: 2012 Toyota GT 86: Tokyo 2011

Continue reading Legendary AE86 Takes on Toyota's modern GT 86

Legendary AE86 Takes on Toyota's modern GT 86 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AE86AE86 vs. GT 86comparisoncomparoGT 86RacingTestToyotaTrackTrack Testversus Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20307951/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/23/legendary-ae86-takes-on-toyotas-modern-gt-86/20307951/article-detail.xml 20307951 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ae86-vs-gt86_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ae86-vs-gt86.jpg <![CDATA[GT-R-powered Nissan Juke-R lines up against Porsche 911 GT2 RS]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/gt-r-powered-nissan-juke-r-lines-up-against-porsche-911-gt2-rs/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/gt-r-powered-nissan-juke-r-lines-up-against-porsche-911-gt2-rs/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/gt-r-powered-nissan-juke-r-lines-up-against-porsche-911-gt2-rs/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



The insane automotive concoction that is the Nissan Juke R has been doing its thing, beating the doors off supercars, or at the very least giving them a run for their collective money.

If you recall, this wild Nissan creation may have the body of a nimble runabout crossover, but it rides on a hacked-up GT-R chassis. With its fire-breathing 485-horsepower twin-turbo V6 and stupendously advanced all-wheel-drive system, the Juke R is Godzilla in black sheep's clothing.

To see where this high-powered grocery-getter really stacks up in the supercar world, Car and Driver matched the Juke-R head-to-head with one of the best in the game; the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Car and Driver European correspondent Jethro Bovingdon hopped behind the wheel of the mad crossover first. In Bovingdon's words "everywhere you look, and everything you touch is GT-R, but you are in a Juke and about two feet higher." He is delightfully pleased with the ride, and says its even more aggressive than the Juke-R, due to the short wheelbase.

Bovingdon point to the extra weight as a potential issue in high-speed runs, but concedes that the Juke-R is "a massive amount of fun."

By comparison, the 911 GT2 RS is a stripped-down, rear-wheel-drive, 611-horsepower monster, operated via a traditional six-speed manual. Its a purist's car, stacked up against a high-tech, all-wheel-drive Frankenstein.

The GT2 RS, in comparison to the Juke R, can be unruly in wet conditions. With traction control off, effort was made to warm up the tires. Did it pay off?

You're just going to have to click here and watch the video to find out which car is faster in the C/D test.


Gallery: Nissan Juke-R Concept

Continue reading GT-R-powered Nissan Juke-R lines up against Porsche 911 GT2 RS

GT-R-powered Nissan Juke-R lines up against Porsche 911 GT2 RS originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 nissan juke r911911 gt2 rscar and driverjuke rjuke-rnissanporscheporsche 911 gt2 rs Wed, 22 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20307119/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/22/gt-r-powered-nissan-juke-r-lines-up-against-porsche-911-gt2-rs/20307119/article-detail.xml 20307119 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/juke-911-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/juke-911-628.jpg <![CDATA[<em>R&T</em> improves Scion FR-S performance with a tire swap]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/randt-improves-scion-fr-s-performance-with-a-tire-swap/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/randt-improves-scion-fr-s-performance-with-a-tire-swap/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/randt-improves-scion-fr-s-performance-with-a-tire-swap/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Scion FR-S

On paper, the Scion FR-S is a great little performance car with its light curb weight, peppy engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, but as Road & Track recently found out about the car, none of that matters on the track if you have the wrong tires. The magazine's staffers found the Scion and Subaru cars were out-handled by competitors like the Mazda Miata and Hyundai Genesis Coupe, so they tried a simple tire swap on the FR-S to see if replacing the stock rubber with something with a bit more grip could help the matter.

In stock form, both the BRZ and FR-S come with Michelin Primacy summer touring tires, which are apparently tuned more for low rolling resistance than grip. Now, we're sure there will be plenty of FR-S and BRZ owners who will never take their cars to a track, so these stock tires help to optimize fuel economy and longevity, but for those who do want to have some autocross fun with their new Toyobaru coupe, then what?

R&T took an FR-S to Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch with three wheel and tire combinations, and put the car up against a MazdaSpeed3 and a Subaru WRX. First up were the stock tires, which put it almost two seconds behind the Mazda and a second behind the Subaru with a lap time of 1:29.3. Next, the car's 17-inch wheels were wrapped in Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Specs extreme performance summer tires, shaving a full two seconds off the FR-S' track time and making it the fastest of the bunch with a time of 1:27.0. Finally, they tested the FR-S with the same type of tires on lightweight 18-inch wheels, but while the time around the track dipped a little (1:27.6), this wheel and tire combination was the best on the skidpad with a 0.96g.

An interesting note, the Dunlops are obviously much stickier and they cost less than the Michelins, but since they are built for performance, there is no treadlife warranty (according to Tire Rack, where R&T got their tires and prices). Meanwhile, the stock Michelin tires aren't as capable at the track, but they come with a treadlife warranty of up to six years or 45,000 miles.

Check out how the different tires affect the FR-S in the video below.

Continue reading R&T improves Scion FR-S performance with a tire swap

R&T improves Scion FR-S performance with a tire swap originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzroad and trackscionsubarutires Thu, 16 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20302959/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/16/randt-improves-scion-fr-s-performance-with-a-tire-swap/20302959/article-detail.xml 20302959 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/scion-frs-tires-roatandtrack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/scion-frs-tires-roatandtrack.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Audi's R8 E-Tron quickly and quietly round the 'Ring in 8:09]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/watch-audis-r8-e-tron-quickly-and-quietly-round-the-ring-in-8/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/watch-audis-r8-e-tron-quickly-and-quietly-round-the-ring-in-8/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/watch-audis-r8-e-tron-quickly-and-quietly-round-the-ring-in-8/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Silent but deadly fast. The Audi R8 E-Tron may set the record for a production EV on the Nurburgring in June, but the video of the driver Marcus Winkelhock won't win any awards for its sound track. During the eight minutes, nine seconds of driving, the car offers hardly any sound.

Gone is the thunder of Audi's V8 or V10 revving through every corner. Instead, it's tire squeals and wind noise. The 375 horsepower electric engines hardly make a sound. But that time is certainly not slow, falling five seconds short of the R8 with a V8.

Audi promises that this car, which arrives later this year, will be identical to the one that raced on the famed German course. Though, as we pointed out before, it will have its speed limited to 200 km/h (125 mph). It should also have a range of over 215 kilometres.

Hit the jump to watch the entire lap video.


Gallery: 2014 Audi e-tron Spyder: Quick Spin


Gallery: Audi R8 e-Tron

Continue reading Watch Audi's R8 E-Tron quickly and quietly round the 'Ring in 8:09

Watch Audi's R8 E-Tron quickly and quietly round the 'Ring in 8:09 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Audie-tronevgermanygreengreen carnurburgringr8r8 e-tron Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:56:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20296814/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/08/watch-audis-r8-e-tron-quickly-and-quietly-round-the-ring-in-8/20296814/article-detail.xml 20296814 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-r8-e-tron-nurburgring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-r8-e-tron-nurburgring.jpg <![CDATA[How does Ferrari's new F12 Berlinetta stack up against the 599 GTO?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/05/how-does-ferraris-new-f12-berlinetta-stack-up-against-the-599-g/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/05/how-does-ferraris-new-f12-berlinetta-stack-up-against-the-599-g/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/05/how-does-ferraris-new-f12-berlinetta-stack-up-against-the-599-g/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is the 740-horsepower replacement for the 620-hp 599 GTB. However, when EVO wanted to put the F12 in context for its review, the magazine didn't use the 599 GTB, it used the 661-hp 599 GTO as the comparator. The point was to see how well the newest in the line of Ferrari's front-engined V12s stood up against the highest and hardest-edged iteration of the last.

We've read about the quickness of the F12's steering rack and its devotion to tail-happy action, and none of that has interrupted the hosannas for the overall package. The 599 GTO was quite a different car than its donor GT in temperament and performance, but how the F12 and 599 GTO compare, exactly where each might have it over the other, provides for a result in EVO's opinion that might surprise. There's seven minutes of cornering, drifting and analysis in the video past the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Continue reading How does Ferrari's new F12 Berlinetta stack up against the 599 GTO?

How does Ferrari's new F12 Berlinetta stack up against the 599 GTO? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 599 GTB Fiorano599 gtoevof12 berlinettaferrariferrari 599 gtb fioranoferrari 599 gtoferrari f12 berlinettavideovideosyoutube Sun, 05 Aug 2012 19:50:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20293671/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/05/how-does-ferraris-new-f12-berlinetta-stack-up-against-the-599-g/20293671/article-detail.xml 20293671 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/evof12test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/evof12test.jpg <![CDATA[Scion FR-S battles Subaru BRZ in Shannonville shootout]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/scion-fr-s-battles-subaru-brz-at-shannonville-shootout/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/scion-fr-s-battles-subaru-brz-at-shannonville-shootout/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/scion-fr-s-battles-subaru-brz-at-shannonville-shootout/#comments Filed under: , , ,



While platform sharing and rebadging is nothing new, the marriage of Toyota and Subaru is certainly one that is centre stage these days. The two Japanese powerhouses joined forces to produce the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ respectively, a car that promises to put the "sports" back into the sports car. With excellent balance, a light curbweight and a tuned chassis, the car is certainly a blast to wheel around and we know first hand since we've tracked them both! But unfortunately, we never had a chance to stack them up head-to-head.

Logic would say that the cars should be basically equal. Afterall, they are identical aside from aesthetics and interior but then again, the BRZ appears to have a bit more aero considerations. However, it also is more luxurious which could make it weigh a tad more. What we found here is a shoot-out between the two sub-$28K machines, albeit a fairly unscientific one.

The cars play a bit of lead-follow with the FR-S tailing the BRZ through the twisties at Shannonville Motorsports Park. At the 6:11 mark, they swap and the Subaru chases down the Scion as the 205mm tires on both cars sound like they are getting very unhappy after so many laps. We hear from trackday organizers Touge.ca that the drivers are fairly evenly matched as well. In a more comprehensive test, drivers would have swapped places, cars would be identical in every aspect (ie, fuel level) but we think that one might be a hair quicker as it reels the other one in on the video.

So which one has the edge? Which would you choose? Leave your comments on the video after the jump.

Continue reading Scion FR-S battles Subaru BRZ in Shannonville shootout

Scion FR-S battles Subaru BRZ in Shannonville shootout originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20132013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzfrs versus brzscionShoot-Outsubarutrack test Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20293000/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/03/scion-fr-s-battles-subaru-brz-at-shannonville-shootout/20293000/article-detail.xml 20293000 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/-scion-frs-versus-subaru-brz_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/-scion-frs-versus-subaru-brz.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Chevy's Camaro 1LE lap VIR in 2:58:34]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/watch-chevys-camaro-1le-lap-vir-in-2-58-34/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/watch-chevys-camaro-1le-lap-vir-in-2-58-34/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/watch-chevys-camaro-1le-lap-vir-in-2-58-34/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



There are two draws in the pony-car competition bracket: brawn-über-alles pits the 580-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 against the 650-hp Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, while the track-day killers set the 426-hp Camaro 1LE against the 444-hp Mustang Boss 302. And all of them are eventually tested in anger at Virginia International Raceway, which could one day become North America's own Nürburgring based on the cars that have set times there.

Answering that challenge, the Camaro 1LE has just come from posting a 2:58.34 around VIR. According to the list at FastestLaps.com, that puts the Camaro 1LE exactly midway between the 2005 lap time of a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 at 2:58.20 and the 550-horsepower 2011 GT500 which did 2:58.48. For better comparison, the 1LE is 6.1 seconds behind the Camaro ZL1, 4.46 seconds ahead of the Boss 302 Laguna Seca, and within two seconds of serious handlers like the Porsche 911 Turbo S, Ariel Atom 3 and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, all run in the last two years (although we don't know who the Porsche and Mercedes drivers were). FastestLaps lists a time of 2:58.00 for a "659-hp" GT500, but the year tested is "0" and we aren't sure what the story is there.

Click here to check out the whole lap on video.

Continue reading Watch Chevy's Camaro 1LE lap VIR in 2:58:34

Watch Chevy's Camaro 1LE lap VIR in 2:58:34 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1leboss 302boss 302 laguna secacamarocamaro 1lechevroletmustang boss 302Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Secavideovirvirginia international raceway Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:58:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20289249/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/30/watch-chevys-camaro-1le-lap-vir-in-2-58-34/20289249/article-detail.xml 20289249 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/camaro1levir_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/camaro1levir.jpg -1 2