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Archives for December 2011

James Hunt and “The Punch” at Mosport

December 16, 2011 by Gary Grant 4 Comments

This is a guest post from friend of The Garage, Jeremy Sale. It was originally published in this month’s edition of the VARAC newsletter.

I came across a report of the Canadian GP in 1977 the other day. It reminded me of a story I wrote which included a report of the infamous incident when James Hunt punched out a marshal. Here’s the context of the episode:

“By lap 60 Andretti was still leading with Hunt in hot pursuit. In fact, so quick was their pace that they had lapped everyone except Hunt’s team mate, Jochen Mass. As the two leaders came up behind him Mass managed to impede Andretti at Moss Turn and Hunt quickly took advantage, getting by Andretti and into the lead. But Hunt was still behind his about to be lapped team mate Mass and somehow at turn three the two came together and Hunt was put out of the race. Hunt, after standing trackside, angrily shaking his fist at “Herman the German” as he called his team mate, tried to cross the track and was restrained by a marshal. Still furious, Hunt punched the marshal, who went down for the count. Hunt was fined $2,750. Mass went on to finish third.”
[Read more…]

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Review: 2012 Chevy Camaro SS

December 14, 2011 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

While the ‘newness’ of the new Camaro may have worn off some, the passion and reaction to this car certainly has not. As East Coast Editor for The Garage, I was able to spend a week with a 2010 Camaro RS, and I genuinely came away impressed with Chevy’s re-entry into muscle car territory. Yet for all the attention the car received wherever I went, when people asked me what was under the hood, and I replied “A V-6″ you could just see their disappointment. I pleaded with them, telling it IS quick, has over 300hp yet can get nearly 30 MPG on the highway. But they weren’t hearing any of that. They would smile, tell me the car looked cool anyway, and went on their way.

That was when the Camaro was brand-new. A couple years in, the appeal has not faded. While the Camaro is the best selling two door muscle car in the US by quite a margin (beating the updated Mustang by 20,000 cars as of the end of November), this is still not a car you see on a daily basis. And with no change in appearance for 2012 (ok, Camaro fanatics, all Camaros now get the smoked RS taillamps), the presence of the Camaro is still something to behold. Our test car, finished in Carbon Flash Metallic, and equipped with the 45th Anniversary Package with the requisite stripes and 20” wheels, the Camaro was absolutely menacing. On seeing it, my five year old sons’s jaw dropped. My wife, a fan of the TV show “Hawaii 5-0” which features a Camaro, loved it. When you pull up at stoplights, the guy in the minivan in the next lane hates you. Really hates you. But the hate doesn’t linger, because you’ve soon completely disappeared from view.

While I was generally pleased with the 2010 Camaro’s interior there’s always room for improvement. The most dramatic step forward is the new steering wheel. While the old tiller was retro in appearance, it just felt too large and awkward. Chevy has completely addressed that for 2010 with a wheel that looks and feels just right. Soft-touch materials on the dash add an air of quality to the Camaro cabin. While the Camaro is not the easiest car to see out of, the addition of a rearview camera, built in the the rearview mirror, is of enormous help in backing up the car. While the Boston Acoustics audio provided decent sound, the Camaro is a couple generations behind in terms of infotainment. Don’t get me wrong, the Camaro has Bluetooth and XM Satellite Radio, but built in GPS Navigation is not even an option. Yes, there is OnStar which will download turn by turn directions to your car, and the staff can offer restaurant advice and other services, but still. The reality is, the buyers do not care, the Camaro is sales king in 2011.

The real story, of course, is what lies in the engine bay: a glorious 6.2L V-8 knocking out a healthy 426hp. On start up, the SS likes to clear its throat a bit, just to let anyone within ear shot that you are not to be messed with. Despite the amount of power being put through the rear tires, the Camaro SS is a very easy car to putter around downtown in. The driver is the ultimate decision maker in the character of the car. You can idle stoplight to stoplight, and the car is composed, even quiet, for what it is. But where’s the fun in that? Stomp on it and the Camaro responds immediately. Power delivery is strong, but never overwhelming. You’d have to be really brave or really stupid to scare yourself in this car, as long as the roads are dry. Our test car was equipped with a six-speed manual (a six-speed automatic is available, but power drops to 400hp). The clutch was a cinch to modulate, and I enjoyed rowing the gears, although the big V-8 is so tractable you don’t need to. But the audible burbles and crackles spitting out the exhaust on downshifting were addictive.

For a car that has 426hp on tap, sales and racing legacy dating back 45 years, head-turning good looks and a comfortable interior and ride, I consider the Camaro a more than decent performance car bargain. Our 2SS Coupe is the top-spec Camaro (until the ZL1), and with a generous list of standard equipment, you start with a base price of $35,450USD. Our test car had the optional 45th Anniversary Package, which adds special striping, HID headlamps with LED halo rings, 20″ silver painted wheels, and special stitching on the leather seats, logos, and kick plates. Including delivery, our Camaro rang in at $37,725.

In autumn of 2009 when I had reviewed the Camaro RS, with its V-6, I argued that it is a perfectly acceptable and quick Camaro that would more than satisfy its owner. That was stepping out of a top of the line V-6 RS with all the goodies. I want to alter that statement. For around $700 more, give me a stripped 6.2L V-8 SS over a topped out V-6 RS any day. I now understand why people reacted when I said the Camaro had a V-6. And by the end of the week, I was tired of defending it. North America wants its Camaro with a fire breathing V-8, a no excuses car, and the 2012 Camaro, while not perfect, is a performance icon, and for 2012, a further refined one. Take my advice friends, because I don’t want to hear that old advertising line “I should’ve had a V-8”.

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Review: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn

December 11, 2011 by Tom Williams 2 Comments

When Volkswagen redesigned the 2011 Jetta, I was actually angry at them, and glad to see the car leave. As a long-time VW fan, and two time (and current) Jetta owner, I felt the brand had abandoned me with this cheap imitation of what was once a quality, fun to drive car.  When news came that VW would be offering a new GLI, I was skeptical. I am pleased to report that the new GLI makes up for a lot-but not all of what infuriates me about the current base Jetta.

While the drab Jetta SEL nearly put me to sleep just by looking at it, our Tornado Red GLI is remarkably sportier looking in comparison. The changes VW made from the standard Jetta are few, but extremely effective. The GLI’s ride height has been dropped half an inch, the front grille and fascia replaced for a far more aggressive look. Our Autobahn model sported upgraded 18″ wheels and painted brake rotors. Minor changes, but collectively they all come together to provide a Jetta GLI that make the car faithful to GLI’s of the past.

My biggest gripe with the new Jetta was it’s cut-rate interior, and with the GLI, VW has addressed some of those issues. The seats, for one, felt more like what one should expect in a VW. The red stitching on the leatherette seats, shift boot, emergency brake and steering wheel added a sporty flair. And oh, what a steering wheel-a definite pleasure to hold. While I found myself cursing out the standard Jetta’s interior, I actually didn’t mind spending time in the GLI. Although an improvement over regular Jetta’s, the cost cutting measures on the current generation are apparent, but just not to such an extreme extent. Rock-hard plastics are still there, but the major driver interaction points-seats, steering wheel-are much better here.

The Jetta GLI is powered by the tried and true 2.0L turbo four cylinder that does duty in several VW and Audi cars. I’m pleased to say the engine matches, and does justice to the spirit of the GLI. The GLI has a nice bark to it, and despite its 200hp, the car feels genuinely quick and sporty. Buyers can opt for a six-speed manual or six-speed twin-clutch DSG. Our test car had the DSG, which tended to lurch a bit around town, but otherwise was a willing partner when you wanted to push the car. Thankfully, VW swapped out the rear suspension of the standard Jetta for a multi-link rear suspension,. This, and the lower ride height, completely transforms how the car feels. In other words, I felt like I was actually driving a Volkswagen. I’m pleased to say the Jetta GLI is a fun, engaging car to drive, with handling that is as competent as one would expect a GLI to be.

The Jetta GLI is offered in three flavors-base, Autobahn, and Autobahn with Navigation. Our test car was the Autobahn, which adds a leatherette interior, power moonroof, 18″ wheels and a Fender premium audio system. Equipped with the DSG transmission, our test car rings in at $27,415USD, including destination. That’s quite a premium over the 2012 Honda Civic Si sedan, but I would concede the VW has the superior drivetrain.

With the new Jetta GLI, I do feel somewhat better about what VW is doing. I am disappointed the driving fun that was a hallmark of all Jetta’s has gone away, but with the GLI, VW engineers have provided a car that remains true to its roots. A definite must see for the buyer seeking a sub-$30,000 sport sedan.

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A season of firsts for Jason White

December 8, 2011 by Todd Lewis Leave a Comment

October 20, 2011. Sun Peaks, British Columbia racer Jason White and the #21 A & W Dodge team had a season to remember in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. This year White forged a bold new partnership with Derek Lynch and the Kawartha Speedway Group and obtained powerful Dodge horsepower from DJK Racing and the results were all positive.

White made the changes to focus on his on track performance while allowing Lynch to lead the team as Crew Chief. And with the addition of more powerful motors White felt they would be a stronger team in 2011. “By defining roles and allowing me to concentrate on the driving I knew we’d be better and the results were there right away” said White.
[Read more…]

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Tim Hortons renews Lapcevich marketing partnership for 2012

December 8, 2011 by Media press release Leave a Comment

Team press release

December 7, 2011, GRIMSBY, ON – Jeff Lapcevich will compete in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series again in 2012 with Tim Hortons branding on his familiar family-owned #23 Dodge.

The Grimsby veteran recently renewed one of Canada’s longest-running motorsports marketing partnerships, and his team is optimistic looking forward.

“Signing our deal with Tim Hortons this early in the off-season gives us great optimism,” said Lapcevich. “We have one of the best partners in all of racing, but until an agreement is in place you don’t want to get too excited.”

Lapcevich has raced his Fastline Motorsports entry in most of the NASCAR Canada’s races since the series began in 2007, and his children compete year-round in quarter midget sprint cars.

“We had a good season this year,” said Lapcevich. “The cars are competitive, and we made some great strides in 2011.”

In recent years Lapcevich has kept his NASCAR schedule relatively close to home choosing to not make the western swing. While the series visited British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatoon, Lapcevich was focused on his children competing in the quarter midgets.

Cayden and Treyten Lapcevich have won numerous quarter midget titles across North America, and their schedules never end.

“We’re going to do a lot of racing next year,” said Lapcevich. “The boys started their indoor season recently in Ohio, and they’re off to a great start.”
[Read more…]

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Review: 2011 Infiniti FX50

December 7, 2011 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

In the world of luxury/performance crossovers, the Infiniti FX-series has stood apart from the crowd. It’s controversial styling definitely separates it from the herd. The first generation FX debuted as a 2003 model, while the second generation was introduced in 2009. The FX is getting a mild refresh for 2012 but is essentially the same as the 2011 model seen above. So while the FX has been around for awhile, this is The Garage’s first crack at living with one for a week, and to see how it stacks up against the competition.

To say the FX stands out from the crowd is an understatement. This is not a crossover for the timid. The FX is all about style and assertion. While in general Infiniti uses restraint in its use of chrome, I could not help but wonder if the side gills were really adding to the design. I liken the FX’s styling to that of a fit NFL player dressed in a Savile Row suit. Elegant, fit, yet aggressive. Charging down the highway with our FX filling the mirrors of slower cars, the FX’s aggressive face and stance was akin to parting the Red Sea. Our test car, finished in a tasteful Blue Slate oozed class, while the 21″ wheels definitely added to the serious sport factor intoned with the FX.

Inside, the FX continues the fine-tailored theme. Fit and finish cannot be faulted, and the quality of materials were exceptional. Swathed in wood, leather, and aluminum, the cabin ranks as one of my personal favorites for the year. The quilted leather front seats looked terrific, and were quite comfortable. As tech-laden the FX is, the controls are fairly intuitive, and should not take long for the average person to mind their way around the FX’s features. Our test car ‘s interior was finished in what Infiniti calls ‘Wheat’, but what I consider a cash cow for auto detailers. The hue is simply too light to be practical. Less than a year old and under 10k miles on the clock, our test car’s floor mats were in dire need of a shampoo job, and every little mark or scratch shows everywhere. This is an interior color that will age and soil very, very quickly.

The FX is available with two engines-an FX35 V-6 or FX50 V-8. While the FX35 is available in rear or all-wheel drive, the FX50 is only offered with all-wheel drive. Our test car was the FX50, featuring a 5.0L V-8, good for 390hp, paired with a seven-speed automatic. Around town, the FX50 is easy to live with, but to experience the FX50 is to unleash it on the highway. Acceleration is explosive once on an on-ramp, and passing power is well, done before you even think about it. The soundtrack coming from the V-8 only adds to the intense character the FX takes on when pushed. However, you pay a price at the gas pump for all this, with 14/20 MPG city/highway. The FX35, which has a still reasonable 303hp, is better at the pump, but the buyer of the FX50 wants that V-8 audacity, and is willing to pay for it.

The FX50 has a base price of $56,400USD, and is very well equipped. Our test car added the Deluxe Touring Package (maple interior accents, aluminum pedals, 21″ wheels), Sport Package (Continuous Damping Control, rear active steer, sport seats, magnesium paddle shifters) and R-Spec high friction brake pads for a total of $62,295, including delivery. Inexpensive? Hardly, But our FX50 has nearly every creature comfort known to man with performance that can keep up with modern muscle cars. The Porsche Cayenne S has similar power, but if optioned like our Infiniti, it would run you $10-15,000 more.

Yet for as much as I’ve sung the FX50’s praises, in closing, I just don’t understand it. It’s seriously fast and luxurious, but at the end of the day, it is a crossover. A crossover is a car/suv mix, and by that definition, the FX isn’t so great. I don’t think I could fit three adults in decent comfort in the back seat. As for cargo space, the FX is pathetic, and its high lift over doesn’t help matters at all. With the FX, Infiniti has chosen style and performance over practicality. While that may be fine with some people, I walked away from the FX50 confused. While I admired the performance and comfort, why would I buy a crossover that offered so little in the way of utility?

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On board with Martin & Johnson at Tall Pines

December 3, 2011 by Gary Grant Leave a Comment

It has been a week since the 2011 edition of the Rally of the Tall Pines in Bancroft, Ontario and the onboard videos are beginning to pop up. The warm weather brought unusually high speeds, which led to a high attrition rate. Pines is usually known for having lots of “offs” due to snowy roads, but this year there was just one roll. Even still, just 25 of 60 teams finished the rally!

Our first video comes from Chris Martin and Brian Johnson, who put on a great show before becoming one of the casualties of Tall Pines.

On board video after the break.
[Read more…]

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