Michael Taylor is a freelance automotive and motorsports journalist and the co-founder and co-president of TrackWorthy.com

Lamborghini_s on Display (2)

<strong>The definition of the word concours is </strong><em><strong>an exhibition or contest</strong>, especially a parade of vintage or classic motor vehicles in which prizes are awarded for those in the best original condition</em>. So the 7<sup>th</sup> Annual 2019 edition of the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance translates into a competition of elegance, and it lived up to its name.

More than 100 exquisite examples of rolling automotive art lined the 18<sup>th</sup> fairway of the Cobble Beach Golf Resort which is perched on the shores of Georgian Bay, just north of Owen Sound, Ontario.

Having never attended an event of this nature, I really didn’t know what to expect. I had seen highlights from the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which is perhaps the most famous and prestigious concours on the planet. I had heard great things about Cobble Beach, and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Ford-Model-T-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-143449" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Ford-Model-T-2.jpg" alt="Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1931-Cadillac-4302-V-16-Roadster.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-143450" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1931-Cadillac-4302-V-16-Roadster.jpg" alt="Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1931-Alfa-Romeo-6C-1750-Gran-Sport-Zagato-1_1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-143444" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1931-Alfa-Romeo-6C-1750-Gran-Sport-Zagato-1_1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

To say there is something for every car nut is an understatement. If you love cars and the people who drive them, then there is something for everyone at Cobble Beach. The more than 100 cars on display ran the gamut from a bevy of beautiful pre-1912 Ford and Oldsmobile Model T’s, to a 16 cylinder 1931 Cadillac Roadster, and a 1931 Alfa Romeo Gran Sport Zagato, to name a few.

But there were three cars that caught our eye, partially because of the car, and partially because of its owner.

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>Astronaut Chris Hadfield and his 1955 Ford Thunderbird</strong></h3>
This white T Bird was Hadfield’s daily driver for more than a decade while he was at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. It was parked each day in the “astronaut parking” lot.

“This is a wonderful car show”, said Hadfield, brimming with pride as he stood next to his car. “If you look around at the variety and quality of the machines here, it would be pretty hard to find anything like this in the whole country. To be able to come here is a real privilege. My parents have a bunch of old cars. My father Roger and mom Elinor are here showing a 1948 Silver Wraith Rolls-Royce. And they have won various prizes in the past with their other cars. And I just had my ’55 Thunderbird rebuilt. When I retired from the astronaut core six years ago I had the car redone by one of the best body guys in the country, a guy named Dave Harrison down in Straffordville.”

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Chris-Hadfield-and-his-1955-Ford-Thunderbird-5.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-143421 size-full" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Chris-Hadfield-and-his-1955-Ford-Thunderbird-5.jpg" alt="Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Chris-Hadfield-and-his-1955-Ford-Thunderbird-6.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-143422" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Chris-Hadfield-and-his-1955-Ford-Thunderbird-6.jpg" alt="Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

“I’ve done lots of the mechanical work to the car with my dad,” Hadfield went on to say. “I thought it would be nice to spend some time with my parents but also to bring this car up with these three other beautiful Thunderbirds. I’ve never been to this Concour before but my parents have been to almost all of them, I think. They have about thirty cars including Rolls-Royce’s, Bentley’s, McLaughlin’s, Model T’s, a Jeep and a few cars from the late 1800’s. It has been a big part of their retirement. They’re in their mid-80’s and it’s nice to do stuff with them.”

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>Bardia Manafi and his 1961 Porsche 356B 1600 Super 90 Hardtop By Karmann</strong></h3>
Porsche produced about 4,000 356 Speedsters but only half of those were Karmann coupes. These coupes were derived from the cabriolets but had a hardtops welded onto them.

We asked Manafi how the judging went. “I forgot to tell the judges it’s an original car and has never had a frame-off restoration. But other than that, I think it went pretty well. I’ve owned the car for only three weeks.”

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1961-Porsche-356B-Hardtop-By-Karmann-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-143425" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1961-Porsche-356B-Hardtop-By-Karmann-1.jpg" alt="Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1961-Porsche-356B-Hardtop-By-Karmann-5.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-143426" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1961-Porsche-356B-Hardtop-By-Karmann-5.jpg" alt="Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

We assumed the entry deadline would have been long before three weeks prior to this event, but the Richmond Hill native said “I called them up and interestingly enough, they had a space for the Porsche. So they let me in. It’s an interesting car, it’s a Karmann, which is half as rare as the Speedster. It’s not as desirable as the Speedster, I don’t know why, I think it looks great, but it’s half the price of a regular coupe and that makes it a bargain I think. It came from Alberta but I picked it up in Montreal. It’s the first Porsche I ever drove, and it drove pretty nice. This car has 90 horsepower, it’s a Super 90. It didn’t come with the badges from the factory. In September 1961 they changed the badging on the car and my car is from 28 of August (1961) so they weren’t sure if they should put the badges on, or not put the badges on, so they didn’t.”

Manafi’s first three weeks of ownership of the car has been pretty unique for him. “Yes Indeed. I think I made a good choice. Lots of them got destroyed because it was much cheaper than the regular one, lots of people raced them, or chopped off the roof and made them into convertibles, because basically it was a convertible car and they welded a top to it. According to the Porsche registry, there are only about 200 or so known survivors, but it could be double or triple that, which is still extremely rare and makes it interesting. These car’s rust like crazy and I forgot to tell the judges that it doesn’t have a single spot of rust.”

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>Eric Cherneff and his 1967 Porsche 911 S Targa</strong></h3>
“This car is special for a number of reasons.” Said Cherneff. “This is the first year of the Targa. They still make Targa’s today so this is a very long running feature but this is the first year that you saw such a thing. The early ones had a plastic zip out window and you can take the Targa top off which folds up like an accordion, and you’re just left with that stainless steel roll bar. This is the first year for the Fuchs wheels which are synonymous with Porsche. These are extremely narrow, they’re only four and a half inches wide. The other thing that makes it special is it’s the first year of the S model. The S was an upgraded model with significantly more horsepower, from about 130 to 160 hp. It also had upgraded brakes and front and rear stabilizers. This was definitely designed to be a sporting version. Porsche discouraged people from buying this model unless they understood that it is a real sportscar, which takes more ability to drive it properly”.

“We did the restoration between 2018 and 2019.  This restoration was about 1,100 hours with a typical shop rate of about $130 or $140 per hour, which gives you an idea of the labour costs. Then there are parts, paint and body on top of that. Our collision centre did the paint and body on this and that was significant bill as well because of the amount of rust, and metal reconstruction that was required. If you saw the before pictures of this car, you wouldn’t recognize it. It was a significant transition to what it is today.”

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1967-Porsche-911-S-Targa-16.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-143430" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1967-Porsche-911-S-Targa-16.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1967-Porsche-911-S-Targa-7.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-143431" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1967-Porsche-911-S-Targa-7.jpg" alt="Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

1,100 hours of restoration at an average rate of $135 per hour totals $148,500, plus parts, paint, body, etc. The seats are original but were reupholstered. Every single nut and bolt was taken off the car. Recent auction results for cars like this have not been very strong. In better days, this car could sell for a quarter of a million US dollars. Their current plan is to hold on to the car and use it as an example of the level of quality restoration they are capable of. They are hoping that things will pick up.

“In an event like this, if you have a fully restored car, versus a perfectly preserved car, that perfectly preserved car is always going to get more attention. A 3,000 mile original car that’s fifty years old is really special, and deservedly so. What the judges are looking at is the attention to detail of the restoration, the quality of the gaps around the doors, hood and so on.”

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>Marc Ouayoun, President &amp; CEO Porsche Cars Canada</strong></h3>
Marc Ouayoun became the President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche Cars Canada on January 1, 2018. For the six years pro to that, he was the Managing Director of Porsche France.

“This is my second time at Cobble Beach,” said Ouayoun. “The first time I came here to look around a little bit, to see the event because I wanted to see if it fit with the Porsche brand. I think it does so we decided to go for a presenting sponsor for the event. For me it makes sense because Porsche has a great history and this is a place where the quality of the event is absolutely amazing. Honestly I’ve not seen that many times before. We have three brand new 992 911’s on display, we have a Porsche Coral, we have a few Panameras, a GT2 RS, so we brought a few cars with us. We will be presenting the 992 this afternoon. We use this event also to showcase our new models.”

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Marc-Ouayoun-President-_-CEO-Porsche-Cars-Canada-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-143440" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Marc-Ouayoun-President-_-CEO-Porsche-Cars-Canada-1.jpg" alt="Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Marc-Ouayoun-President-_-CEO-Porsche-Cars-Canada-6.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-143441" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Marc-Ouayoun-President-_-CEO-Porsche-Cars-Canada-6.jpg" alt="Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

When asked which of these old 911’s he would want to put in his garage at home, Ouayoun said “In terms of quality and restoration, and it’s interesting with a Targa with a soft window, I would take the metallic grey Targa, this car is really looking good. They did a fantastic job. This car is also part of the national restoration competition that we organize with our dealers. It’s a new initiative for us. Twelve of them presented a car, and this is one of them. We have the final awards ceremony in two weeks in Mont Tremblant. It’s a big initiative for us to promote classic cars.”

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>How Did These Cars Perform?</strong></h3>
Unfortunately Chris Hadfield did not walk away with a ribbon. The top three cars in each of the 17 classes get 1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup> or 3<sup>rd</sup> place ribbons to display on their beautiful cars. Chris was not the recipient of a ribbon but his parents won the Chairman's Award for their 1948 Rolls-Royce.

Eric Cherneff’s 1967 Porsche 911 S Targa won best in class. “That is a very happy result for us,” said Cherneff. “This is our first showing and we won. It makes us pretty happy.” Bardia Manafi did not take home a ribbon for his 1961 Porsche.

The big winner of the day was the 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet owned by Robert S. Jepson, Jr. which won the People's Choice award. It also won the most important and prestigious award handed out at the event, the Best of Show award.

If you love cars, and speaking to other people who love cars, you should put 8<sup>th</sup> Annual Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance on your bucket list. Next year it is taking place on a date that is easy to remember, September 20, 2020.

Full results from the 2019 and previous <a href="https://www.cobblebeachconcours.com/">Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance</a> can be found at their website.

Kicking A Few Tires At The 2019 Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Ben Young_#86

<strong>Ben Young won his first MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship</strong> in dramatic fashion at the final race weekend of the 2019 season at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The 26 year old from Collingwood, Ontario, got off to a perfect start putting his No. 86 BMW S1000RR in pole position for race one of the double header, and race six of the seven race season. But just two corners after setting the fastest lap of the session, he crashed causing extensive damage to his motorcycle, but thankfully not to himself.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ben-Young-86-BMW-S1000RR_NWM.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-141356" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ben-Young-86-BMW-S1000RR_NWM.jpg" alt="MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship" width="1280" height="853" /></a> ff<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ben-Young.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-141357" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ben-Young.jpg" alt="MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

With Young securing his fourth pole position of the season, he entered the penultimate race of the 2019 Championship with a 62 point lead over reigning champion, Jordan Szoke. Szoke, from Lynden, Ontario, is the winningest rider in Canadian Superbike history. He has thirteen National Pro Superbike Championships to his name, including each of the last four seasons.

The starting grid, for what could be the championship deciding race, had Young starting first, followed by <strong>Samuel Trepanier</strong> from Montreal, Quebec on his No. 14 BMW S1000RR, Kenny Riedmann from Ravenna, Ontario on his No. 42 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR and <strong>Jordan Szoke</strong> on this No. 1 Kawasaki ZX-10RR. The lead changed hands several time during the hard-fought race but ultimately Samuel Trepanier prevailed winning his first Pro Superbike race of his career. Szoke finished second just 0.163 of a second behind, followed by Young in third. All three riders crossed the finish line within half a second of each other.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Jordan-Szoke_1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-141358" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Jordan-Szoke_1.jpg" alt="MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship" width="1280" height="853" /></a> <a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Jordan-Szoke.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-141359" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Jordan-Szoke.jpg" alt="MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

“The feeling is just incredible, I can barely put it into words to be honest,” said Young. “We started on the harder tire, and it was tough at first and I thought maybe we’d have to wait until tomorrow, but the tire started to heat up towards the end and I was able to catch that group again. Once I saw Jordan’s number-one plate, I knew I wanted to take it away from him and get my own. I’m really blessed to have so much support, both from BMW and the team, but from all the fans as well. I owe this title to them.”

Trepanier has had several amateur superbike race wins but had only finished as high as second at the pro level. “It was here a couple years ago that I almost won my first race, so I knew I had to do everything I could to make up for it here today, and it just feels phenomenal,” said Trepanier. “Jordan actually made a push on me at the end, and I knew I had to get the drive to hold onto it, and I was just so happy to beat him to the line. My team works so hard, so I need to dedicate this first win – first of many I hope – to them.”

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Samuel-Trepanier_14.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-141360" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Samuel-Trepanier_14.jpg" alt="MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship" width="1280" height="853" /></a> <a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Samuel-Trepanier.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-141361" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Samuel-Trepanier.jpg" alt="MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

Szoke, who was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2016 and has racked up more than 70 Pro Superbike wins, switched from BMW to Kawasaki in 2019. His first year on the bike has been a challenge. “After switching back to Kawasaki this year, it’s been tough,” said Szoke. “Not because of the bike – it’s been great – but it’s been an adjustment, and I’ve made a few mistakes that I usually never make. Ben hasn’t placed a foot wrong all year, even after that crash this morning, so I knew the focus was going to be on next year. Obviously, hat’s off to him and Sam, and they’ve earned every bit of this.”

The seventh and final race of the season could not have had a closer finish. Officials had to go to a photo finish to determine the results because the top three riders crossed the finish line within 0.031 seconds of each other. Trepanier led entering the final lap and was trying to win his second consecutive race but came into contact with Riedmann and lost by just 0.027. Szoke was just 0.004 of a second behind Trepanier in third place followed by Young who was a third of a second behind Szoke.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Samuel-Tepanier-14-and-Beata-Marszalik-start-victory-lap.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-141362" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Samuel-Tepanier-14-and-Beata-Marszalik-start-victory-lap.jpg" alt="MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship" width="1280" height="1920" /></a>

“It feels good to be up here,” said Riedmann. “It’s always fun to come back and battle with these guys up front, and Kawasaki was a huge help in putting this together for us. That was definitely one of the more aggressive races I’ve been a part of, and it got a little sketchy at the end, but it’s always nice to put on a good show for all the fans that come out to support us.”

Riedman and Trepanier both filed protests following the race. The protests were rejected but are subject to appeal.

“It’s awesome to see a good race for all the fans,” said Trepanier. “ I actually had a really ugly start and thought I might have to settle for seventh or something, but I was able to work my way up and move to the front one by one. I just didn’t have the same pace as yesterday, and I ran a bit wide onto the front straight which really killed my drive, but the BMW was working amazing all weekend and I’m super happy with the results.”

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Szoke-1-leads-the-field.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-141363" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Szoke-1-leads-the-field.jpg" alt="MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship" width="1280" height="853" /></a>

The next generation 2020 BMW S1000RR was ridden by Alex Welsh who finished fifth. Young and Trepanier will be riding the 2020 BMW S1000RR next season.

Colin Fraser been with the CSBK since the beginning and is now its President and runs the series. “If this was NASCAR then our final Canadian Tire Motorsport Park races would be our Daytona,” said Fraser. “This is our signature even, our big crowd, our close racing, and the place where our superbikes can slipstream and use their 200 hp. This is the apex of the whole year for us.“

In 2020 the series will celebrate its 40<sup>th</sup> season. “We have all kinds of plans for the 40<sup>th</sup> anniversary. Right now the focus is on trying to go to British Columbia to Area 27. We are hoping to be able to make lots of interesting announcements and do special things with the 40<sup>th</sup> anniversary. The first ever superbike race for the championship took place in Edmonton in June 1980 and I was there. The next race, there were only two races in the national championship that year, was at Shannonville that fall and I was actually responsible for running that race. So for better or worse I’ve been there the whole time.”

TSN will air two half-hour highlight specials of the 2019 MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship season in September. Check local listings for the time and dates of airing.

Full race results from the race weekend can be found at the <a href="https://csbk.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MOPAR CSBK</a> website.

All Images Credit to Gary Maavara

Young Wins First Canadian Superbike Championship, Trepanier Wins First Pro Superbike Race

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT in Palm Beach, Florida (4)

<strong>We embarked on what we hoped would be an enjoyable and relatively uneventful road trip</strong> from Toronto to Palm Beach, Florida, and back, in a 2018 Rally Red Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT. The trip started off well but ended up with me in the hospital having surgery. Let’s start at the beginning.

The Eclipse Cross is an all-new compact SUV launched by Mitsubishi for the 2018 model year. It is the perfect size vehicle for two passengers with lots of luggage who are embarking on a ten day road trip. It is also a nicely sized SUV for a growing family (with young kids) or shrinking family (of empty nesters). Equipped with S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) it handles like it’s the right size too. Not too big to be cumbersome to maneuver in congested cities, but big enough to instill lots of confidence when eating up mile after mile (after mile) of open highways.

&nbsp;
<table width="344">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="261"><strong>2019 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS</strong></td>
<td width="83"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="261"><strong>MODEL</strong></td>
<td width="83"><strong>MSRP</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="261">Eclipse Cross ES S-AWC</td>
<td width="83">$27,998</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="261">Eclipse Cross SE S-AWC</td>
<td width="83">$29,998</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="261">Eclipse Cross SE BLACK EDITION S-AWC</td>
<td width="83">$30,998</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="261">Eclipse Cross SE S-AWC TECH</td>
<td width="83">$31,998</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="261">Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC</td>
<td width="83">$35,998</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

We were driving the top of the line GT model which comes with numerous safety features and equipment not on the base model. Our GT was equipped with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with pedestrian warning, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Heads-Up Display (HUD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Our GT was also equipped with paddle shifters, heated and power-folding side-view mirrors, front and rear passenger sunroofs with power sunshades, leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate Punch audio system with 9 speakers including a 10" subwoofer and power door locks with FAST-Key keyless entry, push button start, and panic alarm.

As you can see, our SUV was well equipped, had a really nice interior and was ready for a 5,000 kilometre journey. The question was, were we?

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NDUwjpZYZG4" width="900" height="481" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span></iframe>

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>Nashville, Tennessee</strong></h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-133426" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2018-Mitsubishi-Eclipse-Cross-GT-at-JW-Marriott-Nashville-3.jpg" alt="Eclipse Cross GT" width="3232" height="4853" />

We set out from Toronto with our first major stop in Nashville, Tennessee at the new JW Marriott Nashville. This impressive 33-story glass and steel structure in the heart of Nashville opened in 2018. It is just a few blocks from the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Bridgestone Arena which is home to the Nashville Predators NHL hockey team, and across the river from the Nissan Stadium, home to the NFL’s Tennessee Titans.  But perhaps the main attraction is its proximity to the few blocks on lower Broadway which is home to more country music bars and clubs than you can imagine.

We encountered a solid day of rain on our drive from Detroit, Michigan to Nashville. The Eclipse Cross is extremely surefooted with its S-AWC all-wheel drive, which is seamlessly hooked up to the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). It is interesting to note that Mitsubishi has created a simulated series of gearshifts in the CVT, which can be accessed via the steering column mounted paddle shifters, or the gear shifter. A CVT is driven by a belt that is connected to two continuously variable gears, hence the name. But Mitsubishi have added shift points to allow drivers to operate the CVT as though it was a conventional transmission, thereby creating the best of both worlds.

After a couple of nights in the busy Music City honkytonks, listening to country music and sampling Nashville cuisine, we set out on the road again.

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>Orlando, Florida</strong></h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-133424" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2018-Mitsubishi-Eclipse-Cross-GT-at-JW-Marriott-Orlando-Grande-Lakes-1.jpg" alt="Eclipse Cross GT" width="3232" height="2153" />

Our last major stop before Palm Beach was the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes hotel and yes, it is grand. Set on 500 lush acres it is also home to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grand Lakes. Both big hotel complexes are connected to each other and available for use by all hotel guests. Swimming, lunches and dinners can be split between the two resorts so that guests can take in the truly impressive facilities. A par-72 Greg Norman designed golf course is also at the guest’s disposal. Just a shuttle ride away are Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando and SeaWorld.

Both my wife and I commented on just how comfortable our leather Eclipse Cross GT seats were. It is not uncommon for me to get a sore back after a few hours of driving. From our long-term Golf GTI (with leather seats) to our long-term Alfa Romeo Giulia (with leather seats), getting out and stretching after a few hours behind the wheel is not uncommon. We did not experience that with the Eclipse Cross’s seats. This is more than likely a personal experience, but we are happy to say that we enjoyed our leather seats mile after mile after mile.

We also enjoyed and made great use of the heads-up display (HUD).  When Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is engaged, the speed at which the cruise control is set is displayed in the HUD, as is the vehicle’s current speed. Lane departure warning is also displayed there. This is all very useful information available at a glance, without having to look down at the main instrument cluster.

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>Florida Interstates – Driver Beware </strong></h3>
From Orlando we were on our final leg of the drive, down the state of Florida to Palm Beach on the state’s east coast. Florida state highways have a reputation for being home to some of the most aggressive drivers in North America. I75 and I95 run from the top to the bottom of the state, I95 to the East and I75 to the West. And yes, the drivers are extremely aggressive. It seems that slower drivers like to make their way over to the left lane, and camp out there for hours on end, oblivious to the faster traffic that inevitably backs up behind them. Therefore, in order to get past the slower left lane dawdlers, passing is done anywhere at any time in one or more of the three lanes. It becomes a free-for-all with an endless supply of frustrated drivers climbing up each other’s tailpipes.

Just 48 hours after our drive on I75, a fiery multicar accident near Gainesville resulted in seven deaths and eight injuries. Five of those killed were children between the ages of 9 and 14 in a church van heading home from Disney World. Two truck drivers also died in the crash. We have driven up and down the state of Florida on both interstates. We have witnessed high speed aggressive driving and disrespect for fellow motorists that more than lives up to the state’s reputation. We stayed in the right lane, watched most of the craziness take place around us and bided our time until we made it safely to our final destination.

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>Palm Beach, Florida</strong></h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-133425" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2018-Mitsubishi-Eclipse-Cross-GT-in-Palm-Beach-Florida-7.jpg" alt="Eclipse Cross GT" width="3232" height="4853" />

What’s better than having a sunroof in the Sunshine State? Having two sunroofs, and that’s just what our Eclipse Cross was equipped with. The moment we got off the highway we opened the front sunroof and let the welcomed rays of vitamin D flood into our vehicle.

Mitsubishi has chosen to no longer offer navigation on their vehicles. Instead, Apple Car Play and Android Auto are offered to allow owners to connect their smartphones and utilize the navigation system of their preference. We used Waze as our guidance app of choice. It seamlessly integrated into the centre display screen and provided us with visual and audio prompts for our 5,000 kilometre journey.

We were very appreciative of the fact that our Mitsubishi used regular unleaded gasoline. The lowest price we encountered on our journey was just USD $1.81 per gallon for regular gas. When converted to Canadian dollars, that is the equivalent of just CAD $0.65 per litre. The Eclipse Cross is rated at 8.9 litres per 100 kms highway and we averaged about 8.8 litres combined, albeit most of our driving was on 70 mph highways (112 km/h). Cruising at slower speeds would likely result in better fuel economy. Premium gas costs on average about fifty-percent more than regular. Our Eclipse Cross proved to be very cost-effective because it didn’t require premium fuel.

On our drive down to Palm Beach we made a list of what we liked and didn’t like about our Eclipse Cross GT. Our list of likes was very long; our list of dislikes included just three items.

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>What we liked the most about the Eclipse Cross GT included (in alphabetical order):</strong></h3>
<strong>∙</strong> 10-year/160,000 km Powertrain Limited Warranty
<strong>∙</strong> 5-year/100,000 km New Vehicle Limited Warranty
<strong>∙</strong> 5-year/Unlimited km Roadside Assistance
<strong>∙</strong> Active Stability Control
<strong>∙</strong> Adaptive Cruise Control
<strong>∙</strong> Apple Car Play and Android Auto
<strong>∙</strong> Back up camera
<strong>∙</strong> Blind Spot Warning
<strong>∙</strong> Brake Assist System
<strong>∙</strong> CVT with Paddle Shifters. It doesn’t make sense because a CVT is a continuously variable transmission but we loved to be able to paddle shift our way up and down the 8 shifts that have been programmed into the system.
<strong>∙</strong> Dual Climate Control
<strong>∙</strong> Dual Sunroofs
<strong>∙</strong> Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian warning
<strong>∙</strong> Good cargo capacity
<strong>∙</strong> Heads-up Display
<strong>∙</strong> Heated Seats and Steering Wheel
<strong>∙</strong> Hill Start Assist
<strong>∙</strong> Lane Departure Warning
<strong>∙</strong> Leather Seats were some of the most comfortable we’ve had. We never once complained of a sore back after logging 5,000 kms and two weeks in the car.
<strong>∙</strong> Rear Cross Traffic Alert
<strong>∙</strong> Regular unleaded gasoline as low as $1.81 USD per gallon, or $2.40 CAD, or the equivalent of just $0.63 per litre.
<strong>∙</strong> Sirius XM radio
<strong>∙</strong> Tire Pressure Monitoring System
<strong>∙</strong> Winter floor mats that are some of the best we’ve seen.

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>What We Aren’t So Crazy About:</strong></h3>
<strong>∙</strong> Bluetooth phone audio only comes out of the front right speaker.
<strong>∙</strong> No stop/start, which we assume will be added on future models.
<strong>∙</strong> Manual rear lift gate. Many of its competitors in this class have power lift gates, which was noticeably absent on our vehicle.

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>Return Drive to Toronto - First Stop, Jekyll Island</strong></h3>
The first destination on our drive back to Toronto, was the Westin Jekyll Island hotel, a resort perched off of Georgia’s mainland across several bridges and a causeway out in the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel is set on a unique and impressive stretch of beach and sand dunes. We had a nice walk on the beach, a delicious dinner at the hotel, and then (Dr.) Jekyll Island turned into Mr. Hyde. At midnight, I experienced the most excruciating abdominal pain that I had ever experienced in my life.

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>First Trip to The Hospital</strong></h3>
I told my wife that I really needed to get to a hospital. We were going to have to make our way back to the mainland and find a hospital emergency room, which was about thirty minutes away. My wife had not driven the Eclipse Cross but thankfully, it is a very easy car to become familiar with. My wife immediately felt at home behind the wheel and navigated us across the foggy causeway and bridges to the closest ER, with me moaning and groaning in the passenger seat. A night in the hospital, a CT scan and several x-rays later, the medical team felt that I had the beginnings of a possible intestinal blockage. Not something you want to hear when you have an 1,800 kilometre drive ahead of you. So the next day we packed up and continued our drive up to the great white north.

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania </strong></h3>
We spent our last night on our road trip home at one of the city’s most historic hotels, the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel. With its riverfront location in the heart of the downtown’s cultural district, it is a great place to stay to explore the city, except for me who couldn’t be more than a few steps away from our hotel room facilities, if you know what I mean. Not to go into too much detail, but I spent most of that night in our bathroom, praying to the porcelain altar. Thankfully our bathroom had a beautiful view of the PNC Park, home to the National League Pittsburgh Pirates and Heinz Field and the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers booth directly across the river from our hotel.

&nbsp;

<strong>Homeward and Hospital Bound</strong>

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-133427" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/TORONTO-Sign-1.jpg" alt="Eclipse Cross GT" width="3232" height="2153" />

From Pittsburgh we embarked on the final leg of our journey. The five-hundred kilometre drive was scheduled to take about six hours. Thankfully, it was sunny, above freezing and the Pennsylvania Interstates were relatively quiet on this particular Saturday morning. I was in no condition to drive, so my wife got behind the wheel and off we went. As I sat slumped over in the passenger seat, I suggested to my wife that she could try the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). I explained how it worked and told her that it is a very useful long-distance driving tool. Interestingly, her 2018 British SUV, which cost about $15,000 more than this Eclipse Cross GT, does not have ACC (or Apple Car Play and Android Auto for that matter). A testament to how well-equipped this Mitsubishi is. My wife set the ACC and in no time at all was singing its praises.

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>Final Destination - Humber River Hospital </strong></h3>
We ended our journey in the ER at the Humber River Hospital, which is conveniently located at Highway 401 and Keele Street. They hooked me up to two IVs (I hadn’t eaten or had much to drink in five days and was very dehydrated) and ran a tube down my nose and into my stomach to start pumping out everything that had been sitting in there for the past five days. I was in pretty bad shape. The following day I had laparoscopic surgery to unblock my lower intestine. It turned out that my appendix had developed a thin fibre strand that was cutting off the circulation in my intestine. Once Dr. Whiteacre and her team removed my appendix, my intestine opened up again and started doing what it was supposed to do. The doctors, nurses and staff at the Humber River Hospital are the best! Every single one of them, without exception. And the hospital facility is truly state-of-the-art. It is North America’s first fully digital hospital, took fifteen years of planning, and the result is exceptional patient care.

&nbsp;
<h3><strong>Our Take</strong></h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-133428" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2018-Mitsubishi-Eclipse-Cross-GT-in-Palm-Beach-Florida-6.jpg" alt="Eclipse Cross GT" width="3232" height="2153" />

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross was a perfect driving companion for our 5,000 kilometre road trip. My wife and I both enjoyed driving it and utilizing all of its driving assists and technology. If you are looking for a seven passenger SUV, you should look at the Mitsubishi Outlander, which is much bigger at 184.8 inches (4,695 mm) in length. If a smaller SUV might fit your needs, than the Mitsubishi RVR, at 171.8 inches (4,365 mm) in length, is worth checking out. But for us, the Eclipse Cross, at 173.4 inches (4,405 mm) in length, would be our SUV of choice.

And it seems more and more Canadians are making Mitsubishi their choice too. Mitsubishi had their best year ever in Canada in 2018 with 25,237 vehicles sold. That was up eleven percent over their record sales in 2017. The <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/review-2018-mitsubishi-outlander-phev/"><strong>Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV</strong></a> was Canada’s best-selling plug-in hybrid SUV with 5,270 units sold. For its first year in production, Mitsubishi sold 3,596 Eclipse Crosses.

We will always have a soft spot in our heart for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. It got my wife and I from Toronto, to Florida and back to the hospital, safe and sound and in comfort and style.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross - From Toronto to Florida to the Hospital, Safe and Sound

TrackWorthy-DSC_1774-wide-1500x5001

Porsche Centre North Toronto: An Exemplary Dealership Experience

TrackWorthy-3M-Pain-Protection-Hero2

Protecting Your Car’s Paint with Paint Protection Film

Audi RS3 (1) copy

<strong>There are TrackWorthy cars everywhere</strong> you look at this year’s 2017 Canadian International AutoShow at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre which runs from February 17–26. There are stratospherically high-priced ultra-exotic rare hypercars as well as a huge range and selection of much more attainable and aspirational sports cars and performance machines.

Almost every manufacturer at the show is displaying something that will get your heart racing, so make sure you check out the offerings from BMW, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Fiat, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda, McLaren, Nissan, Pagani, Porsche and Volkswagen. But what caught our eye this year were the TrackWorthy cars being unveiled for their Canadian premieres.
<h3><strong>Aston Martin AM-RB 001</strong></h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-102677" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMGP7220-copy1.jpg" alt="AM-RB 001" width="1616" height="910" />

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-102678" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Aston-Martin-AM-RB-001-RYAN-DUPONT-copy.jpg" alt="Aston martin toronto" width="1616" height="910" />

The ultra-exotic Aston Martin AM-RB 001 hypercar is making its North American car show debut. Aston Martin chose Toronto for its North American car show premiere because it felt the car might get lost at one of the big U.S. car shows. Aston Martin hoped it would garner lots of attention if launched in Toronto. According to Dr. Andy Palmer, the President and CEO of Aston Martin, all 150 of these cars are already spoken for. When asked about the AM-RB 001's price point, Dr. Palmer stated in a very proper British way, “Talking about money and this car really isn’t something we should do.” But when pushed, Dr. Palmer admitted that they cost in the 2 to 3 million pound range. So the MSRP is somewhere between 3 and 5 million Canadian dollars. I complained to Dr. Palmer that it is a shame we will likely never see one of these on the road but he shared that 10% of them have been sold to buyers in North America, so there is hope (albeit very slim). The car is made from a lightweight carbon fibre frame and components, much of which is supplied by <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/multimatic-powers-ford-le-mans-win/">Toronto-based Multimatic</a>, the company also building the new Ford GT. The car features a mid-mounted naturally aspirated V12 engine and Aston Martin are aiming for a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio (1 horsepower per kilogram of weight).
<h3><strong>Audi TT RS, R8 Spyder and RS3</strong></h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-102679" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Audi-R8-Spyder-copy.jpg" alt="audi r8 spyder" width="1616" height="910" /> <img class="alignnone wp-image-102680 size-full" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Audi-TT-RS-Coupe-2-copy.jpg" alt="2017 canadian international auto show audi tt rs" width="1616" height="910" />

Audi unveiled three TrackWorthy cars, including the TT RS Coupe, R8 Spyder and RS3 four-door sedan. The new TT RS is powered by a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo engine generating 400 hp, driving all four wheels through a 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and achieving 0-100 km/h times of 3.7 seconds. The new R8 Spyder has a 5.2 litre V10 FSI engine pumping out 540 hp. With Quattro all-wheel drive it will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 318 km/h.<span class="s1">With an MSRP of just over $60,000, the new RS3 makes a great entry level car into the RS performance brand</span>. Like the TT RS, it too is driven by a 2.5-litre turbocharged 5-cylinder engine which generates 400 hp. With its 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive the RS3 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds.
<h3><strong>Jaguar F-TYPE 400 Sport</strong></h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-102681" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Jaguar-F-TYPE-400-Sport-9-copy.jpg" alt="Jaguar F-TYPE 400 Sport" width="1616" height="910" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-102682" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Jaguar-F-TYPE-400-Sport-14-copy.jpg" alt="Jaguar F-TYPE 400 Sport" width="1616" height="910" />

Jaguar has created the F-TYPE 400 SPORT, which is available worldwide, but only for one model year. The 400 SPORT has a model-specific front bumper and a 400 hp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine. It also features Dark Satin Grey finish 20-inch rims, Configurable Dynamics and Super Performance braking system. The 400 SPORT has lightweight slimline seats which offer improved ergonomics and a weight savings of more than 8kg. All F-TYPEs now have the Touch Pro infotainment system with fast, tablet-like operation.
<h3><strong>Mercedes-AMG GT R Coupe and GT C Roadster</strong></h3>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-102683 size-full" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC_2941-copy.jpg" alt="2017 canadian international auto show Mercedes AMG GT R" width="1616" height="910" />

The most TrackWorthy of all the Mercedes-AMG GTs is the R version, which features a hand-built AMG 4.0 litre V8 Biturbo engine that pounds out 577 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The all-new AMG traction control features a dizzying 9 input levels. It also has active rear-axle steering, which can change the toe-angel of the rear wheels by up to 1.5 degrees to increase cornering response and provide greater high-speed stability. According to Mercedes, the GT R has the most motorsport technology of any Mercedes-AMG production road going vehicle. The GT R has lapped the<a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/nurburgring-fails/"> Nürburgring Nordschleife</a>, aka the Green Hell, in a record-breaking 7:10.9 minutes. The GT R on display is in, appropriately, Green Hell Magno and looks very menacing. The titanium and thin-walled stainless steel exhaust on the GT R delivers race car sounds and saves 6 kilograms compared to the exhaust on the GT S. The GT C Roadster provides open air driving and has a 4.0 litre V8 Biturbo generating 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. Drivers can open or close the GT C’s soft-top in just 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

<strong>Notable mentions</strong>
<h3><strong>Ford Mustang</strong></h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-102684" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/shelby-gt350-copy.jpg" alt="shelby gt350" width="1170" height="500" />

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-102686" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2018-Ford-Mustang-5-copy.jpg" alt="2018 ford mustang" width="1616" height="910" />

The 2018 Mustang has received a mid-cycle refresh. On display is the convertible as well as the current 2017 Mustang model lineup, including the coupe, convertible and the extremely TrackWorthy <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/2016-ford-mustang-shelby-gt350-review-impressing-the-in-laws-since-65/">Shelby GT350</a>. The 2017 models are available in dealerships now, and the new 2018 version will be available this summer. There have been numerous changes to the Mustang for 2018, including an updated front end, taillights and upgraded interior materials. For 2018, Ford is dropping the 3.7-litre V6 engine, and the Mustang will be available with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder turbo with increased horsepower as a result of Ford’s transient overboost technology. Additionally, Ford has thoroughly reworked the 5.0 litre V8, which now revs higher and generates increased horsepower and torque. The 2018 Mustang also has Ford’s MagneRide suspension technology.
<h3><strong>Honda Civic Type R (Prototype?)</strong></h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-102687" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Honda-Civic-Type-R-3-copy.jpg" alt="honda civic type r" width="1616" height="910" />

On display at this year’s car show is the version of the new Honda Civic Type R that, hopefully, will make its way into Canadian dealerships this year. It is based on the current generation Civic hatchback and, as has been typical of Honda “Prototypes” in the past, this version will likely end up on the road without many changes. Honda representatives at the show could not confirm the pricing, performance, horsepower or delivery dates, but, suffice it to say, the Type R will likely be the best performing Civic ever to grace our shores. The exterior of the Civic Type R on display is wrapped in a finely-grained brushed aluminum-effect finish.
<blockquote><a href="http://www.wheels.ca/top-ten/the-most-trackworthy-cars-at-the-2017-detroit-auto-show/">The Most TrackWorthy Cars at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show</a></blockquote>
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TrackWorthy cars premiering at the 2017 Canadian International AutoShow

header california

<strong>During these cold winter days</strong> what could be nicer than escaping on a road trip to southern California in a California Special Edition <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/top-ten/ten-awesome-features-on-the-2016-mustang-shelby-gt350/">Mustang GT</a> convertible. And that’s exactly what we did, landing at the Los Angeles International airport, picking up our 5-litre V8 American muscle car and hitting the road. We dropped the top and headed straight to the ocean and up the coast to our two destinations—Santa Barbara and Westlake Village.
<h4>The Car</h4>
Our 2016 Oxford White <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/top-ten/ten-awesome-features-on-the-2016-mustang-shelby-gt350/">Mustang GT</a> convertible was equipped with the optional California Special package which included 19" Ebony Black-painted machined aluminum rims; black painted mirror caps and hood vents; Ebony leather/Miko suede seat inserts with red stitching and embossed logo; hood and side stripes; performance front splitter; raised black decklid spoiler; California Special strut tower brace badge under the hood; a faux GT California Special gas cap; and unique black upper and lower grilles with Tri-bar pony logo on the upper grille.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2016-Mustang-GT-Convertible-Michael-Taylor-5-copy.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-101553 size-full" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2016-Mustang-GT-Convertible-Michael-Taylor-5-copy.jpg" alt="Mustang GT CS" width="1616" height="910" /></a>

The base price of our car (in US dollars) was $41,800. It had $5,780 in options and $900 in destination charges bringing the total to $48,480 plus taxes.

Mustangs are big cars, relatively speaking, and they really feel it when you’re driving through narrow winding mountain and Oceanside roads. At 188.3 inches long, 81.9 inches wide and a curb weight of more than 3,900 lbs the car feels bigger and heavier than you might want, but once out on to the wide-open freeways (as they say down here) the car shines. This is a great road trip car because unlike some of its smaller more petite competition there’s plenty of room for passengers, bags and equipment. And with the top up, the AC on, the radio cranking out cruisin’ tunes at highway speed, the car is roomy and extremely civilized.

But with the top down, the torquey five-point-oh V8 does a great job of motivating all of the size and weight through the hills, valleys and highways, with an addictive muscle car soundtrack. The optional 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission is great for life in a GT car and the paddle shifters do a respectable job of coaxing the transmission into providing you with the gear you want almost always when you want it. The standard transmission is the 6-speed manual, which I would have preferred. The independent rear suspension is so much better than the previous generation’s solid rear axle, and you really notice the improved handling in this driving environment.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/mustang-engine.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-101555 size-full" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/mustang-engine.jpg" alt="Mustang GT 5.0" width="1616" height="910" /></a>

Mustangs are available with 4, 6 and 8 cylinder engines; the EcoBoost 2.3 litre inline 4 cylinder generates 310 hp/320 lb-ft of torque, the 3.7 litre V6 has 300 hp/280 lb-ft of torque, and the 5.0 litre generates 435 hp @ 6500 rpm/400 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm, which was in our car.
<h4>Santa Barbara</h4>
From LAX we took the famed Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/State Route 1) from Maria Del Rey all the way up the ocean to Oxnard. With the top down our sights were filled with the Pacific Ocean to the left, the Santa Monica Mountains to the right and nothing but blue skies above. From Oxnard we headed inland and got on the US 101 freeway, put the well-insulated top up and AC on and had a very civilized run up to Santa Barbara.

Once in Santa Barbara we dropped the top again and headed to the ocean to our first destination, the relaxed atmosphere of the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Built in 1927 this sprawling resort is set on 22 rustic yet manicured acres and offers 207 guest rooms and 22 charming bungalows. It is the definition of California casual relaxed luxury nestled between the Pacific Ocean on Butterfly Beach and the Santa Ynez Mountains. The Resort recently underwent a $305 million renovation that took a decade to complete. The resort is owned by billionaire Ty Warner, who made his fortune from Beanie Babies, and is managed by Four Seasons Hotels &amp; Resorts.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/mustang-vert-beach.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-101558 size-full" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/mustang-vert-beach.jpg" alt="mustang gt california special" width="1616" height="910" /></a>

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Photo-courtesy-of-Four-Seasons-Resort-The-Biltmore-Santa-Barbara-1-copy.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-101557 size-full" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Photo-courtesy-of-Four-Seasons-Resort-The-Biltmore-Santa-Barbara-1-copy.jpg" alt="four season santa barbara" width="1616" height="910" /></a>

While in Santa Barbara it is worth taking the time for a drive out onto Stearns Wharf—Santa Barbara’s number 1 tourist attraction. It was first completed in 1872 and was built out of wood by local lumberman John Stearns, hence the name. There’s nothing like driving a 2 ton vehicle with the top down 2,000 feet out into the Ocean on a wooden wharf. You could see the water below between the cracks in the beams that we were driving over. I felt like we should have been wearing lifejackets!
<blockquote><a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/road-trip-to-the-worlds-largest-log-cabin-in-the-new-2017-porsche-718-boxster/"><strong>Trip to the world’s largest log cabin in the 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster</strong></a></blockquote>
<h4>Westlake Village</h4>
From Santa Barba we headed south to Westlake Village which is about 55 miles south-east and 10 miles inland from the Ocean. We took a bit of a detour and approached Westlake Village from Malibu and it was one of the most spectacular drives we’ve ever had. The hills and valleys and switchbacks seem to be endless with more breathtaking views around each blind corner.

The Mustang handled it all effortlessly although it is a full-time job making sure that large front end stays on your side of the narrow lanes and keeps pointed in the right direction. The soundtrack from the rumbling V8 reverberated through the hills and valleys. There’s no replacement for displacement, especially when it’s naturally aspirated with no turbochargers to muffle the enthusiasm emitted from the rear tailpipes.

Our final stop was the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. It is situated on 11 acres and is just 10 years old. A much more modern hotel compared to the 90 year old Biltmore. It has 269 rooms, indoor and outdoor pools and, at 40,000 square feet, one of the largest Four Seasons spas in North America. This Five Diamond Award winning hotel is in the foothills of the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and was built by the Dole Food Company when they built their headquarters which are across the street. This was a much busier hotel than in Santa Barbara with lots of events taking place and plenty of exotic California cars to ogle in the valet parking area.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Photos-courtesy-of-Four-Seasons-Hotel-Westlake-Village-3.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-101559 size-full" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Photos-courtesy-of-Four-Seasons-Hotel-Westlake-Village-3.jpg" alt="four season westlake" width="1616" height="910" /></a>

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tZn5SLsPfNg" width="900" height="481" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h4>Conclusion</h4>
We couldn’t have asked for better weather or hotels on our trip and we really couldn’t have asked for a better car either. The 5-litre Mustang GT convertible was a great driving companion for our 500 km/310 mile journey. It was extremely well equipped, had plenty of room and storage, seamless technology, and lots of power from a very willing engine. Yet it was as civilized as we needed it to be when we wanted a break from the sun and sound, which wasn’t very often. We will remember the amazing sunny Oceanside, mountain and valley views and the great driving experience in the Mustang on these rather cold and dark winter days.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2016-Mustang-GT-Convertible-Michael-Taylor-2-copy.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-101560 size-full" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2016-Mustang-GT-Convertible-Michael-Taylor-2-copy.jpg" alt="Mustang GT California" width="1616" height="910" /></a>

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California Cruisin’ in a Convertible Mustang GT California Special

ford-gt-24-hours-of-le-mans-winner-1

<strong>There was a lot of talk about mobility and autonomous automobiles</strong> at this year’s 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) held in Detroit, Michigan. But thankfully for automotive enthusiasts there were TrackWorthy worthy cars at almost every one of the manufacturer’s displays. Here are some of the highlights:
<h3>2017 Acura NSX</h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-101208" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Acura-NSX-1.jpg" alt="Acura NSX Detroit" width="1170" height="500" />

The all-new <strong><a href="http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/preview-acura-nsx-a-calm-performance-filled-machine/">second generation NSX</a></strong> has three electric motors, two of which power the front wheels. The 3.5 litre twin-turbo V6 engine is hand assembled and mated to a 9-speed dual clutch transmission and rear direct drive electric motor. The Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive power unit electrifies all phases of driving including acceleration, braking and cornering. The NSX is being built exclusively at the new Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. Rick Hendrick (of NASCAR Hendrick Motorsports fame) bought the rights to the first car off the line (VIN 001) with a winning bid of $1.2 million USD at the Barrett-Jackson auction (all proceeds went to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground). The base price is $156,000 USD. An NSX GT3 will be competing later this month in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
<h3>2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio</h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-101209" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Alfa-Romeo-Giulia-Quadrifoglio-2.jpg" alt="Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio " width="3232" height="1820" />

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio features a best-in-class 505 horsepower 2.9-liter bi-turbo V-6 engine, 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and a record-setting 7:32 lap time around the Nürburgring—the fastest lap by a four-door production sedan. The entry-level Giulia and Giulia Ti models are available with Alfa’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system, the Giulia Quadrifoglio is only available in rear wheel drive. The Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover) is hand panted on each car and is symbolic of legendary Alfa Romeo race cars. MSRP for the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio model is $72,000 USD.
<h3>2017 Audi R8 Spyder V10 and 2018 Audi S4 and S5</h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-101210" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Audi-R8-Spyder-V10-1.jpg" alt="audi r8 detroit" width="3232" height="1820" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-101211" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Audi-S4.jpg" alt="audi-s4" width="3232" height="1820" />

<a href="http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/audi-r8-true-modern-supercar/"><strong>The Audi R8</strong></a> Spyder has the same naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter 540 hp V10 engine as its coupe sibling and a lightweight cloth soft-top which opens or closes in 20 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.1 mph). It had its global debut at the New York International Auto Show and a base MSRP of $162,900 USD. The all-new 2018 Audi S4 and S5 switch from superchargers to turbochargers with 3.0 litre V6 engines generating 354 hp, up from 333 hp. The S4 and S5 sprint from 0-100 km/h in less than 5 seconds
<h3>2017 Ford GT</h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-101212" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Ford-GT-2.jpg" alt="ford gt detroit 2017" width="3232" height="1820" />

The all-new <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/markham-built-ford-gt-production-begins/"><strong>Ford GT is built by Multimatic Inc. in Markham Ontario</strong></a>. It features the most powerful Ford EcoBoost production engine ever, a new twin-turbocharged V6 producing more than 600 horsepower. Ford’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 had three wins in its first season of the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in 2014 including a win in the 12 Hours of Sebring, and won the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona in 2015. The first batch of cars rolled off the production line last month. 250 cars will be built each year and the first 750 cars are already sold out, at a price of more the $400,000 USD.
<h3>2017 Mazda MX-5 RF</h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-101214" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Mazda-MX-5-RF-2.jpg" alt="mazda mx-5 rf detroit 2017" width="1616" height="910" />

The fourth generation <strong><a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/mazda-mx-5-rf-production-begins/">Mazda MX-5 RF</a></strong> (retractable fastback) is the latest addition to the MX-5 family which spans 27 years. A power retractable hardtop was available in the third generation MX-5 but only detachable hardtops were available in the first and second generation. Mazda celebrated the building of the one-millionth MX-5 on April 22, 2016 with mass-production of the MX-5 starting at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima in April 1989.<strong> </strong>
<h3>2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Edition 50</h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-101215" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Mercedes-AMG-GT-C-Edition-50-and-GT-S-1-copy.jpg" alt="AMG GT-C Detroit auto show" width="1616" height="910" />

Mercedes-AMG celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017. “We are kicking off our anniversary year with the exclusive Edition 50 model of the new AMG GT C Coupé. We are also taking this opportunity to refine the AMG GT and AMG GT S both visually and technically," said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH. The new models are identifiable by the distinctive AMG Panamericana grille and all AMG GT models now have the AIRPANEL active air management system which opens and closes vertical louvres in the front apron to achieve the right amount of cooling to the heat exchangers. The base GT generates 476 hp from the 4.0 litre twin turbocharged V8, a 14 hp increase. The GT S increases by 12 hp to 522 hp; GT C has 557 hp; and the top of the line GT R has 585 hp
<h3>2017 Nissan GT-R</h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-101216" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Nissan-GT-R-2.jpg" alt="Nissan GT-R NAIAS 2017" width="1616" height="910" />

The new <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/nissan-gt-r-is-very-inch-a-supercar/"><strong>2017 Nissan GT-R</strong></a> made its global debut at the 2016 New York International Auto Show and has been refreshed and updated inside and out with major driving performance enhancements including a reinforced chassis and increased power. The twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter 24-valve V-6 engine now develops 565 hp (a 20 hp increase) and 467 lb-ft of torque (up 4 lb-ft). It has a redesigned hood and front bumper, daytime running lights and a new enlarged matte chrome finish "V-motion" grill to increase airflow to cool the engine. The changes to the exterior were intended to improve aerodynamic performance and efficiency. Inside, the center stack layout has been simplified and the number of navigation and audio controls has been reduced from 27 switches to just 11 in the 2017 GT-R.
<h3>2018 Subaru WRX and WRX STI</h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-101217" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Subaru-WRX-STI-1.jpg" alt="Subaru WRX STi North American International Auto Show" width="1616" height="910" />

Subaru introduced the 2018 WRX and WRX STI which have performance, safety and comfort upgrades including; revised front styling for a more aggressive look; optimized suspension for better handling and ride comfort; new 19-inch alloy wheels featuring a Y-shaped spoke design and 245/35R19 tires; upgraded Brembo brakes with yellow-painted calipers and stronger monoblock 6-piston calipers upfront; revised DCCD all-wheel drive; available Recaro power seats; a performance package option for WRX; new EyeSight Driver Assist Technology; upgraded interior materials and a quieter cabin; a restyled front fascia and redesigned LED Steering Responsive Headlights.

They will be available in the spring of 2017.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uifx0laPMfQ" width="900" height="481" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

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The most TrackWorthy cars at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show

fiat-124-spider-33

<strong>When choosing my very first car</strong>, I narrowed my selection down to four 2-door convertibles—a Triumph TR6 or Spitfire, an MGB Mark IV and a Fiat 124 Spider. I ended up buying a used MGB but it was a tossup between that and the 124 Spider.

Fast forward three decades and current car buyers can decide if the new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider will make it onto their shortlists.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-100026" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Fiat-124-Spider-37.jpg" alt="124 Spider" width="4496" height="3000" />

Back then the 124 Spider was made in Italy by Fiat, now it’s made by Mazda at their <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/mazda-mx-5-rf-production-begins/">Hiroshima Plant</a> in Japan and assembled alongside the MX-5. One of the major differences between the two cars lies beneath the hood. The 124 Spider has a 1.4 litre in-line 4 cylinder turbocharged engine supplied by Fiat and the MX-5 has a Mazda built 2.0 litre naturally aspirated inline 4 cylinder engine. The 124 Spider turbo generates 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque vs 155 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque for the MX-5. Our 124 Spider was equipped with a 6 speed manual transmission which is one generation old, the MX-5 has the next generation manual. Ours worked very well with short throws and a real throwback sports car feel.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-100024" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Fiat-124-Spider-31.jpg" alt="124 Spider" width="4496" height="3000" />

At only 2,436 lbs—with the 6-speed manual—the 124 Spider is very small and light on its feet. In the city at low RPM’s there is a sufficient supply of power—most of the time. Once you get moving and can get the revs above 3,000, the turbo kicks in and off you go. And off we went, a couple of hours north of Toronto to JW Marriott The Rosseau Resort and Spa on Lake Rosseau in the picturesque Muskoka region of Ontario.

https://youtu.be/ZBeyFzRtQDM

https://youtu.be/3Iy1JKXQmvU

We were driving a Lusso model in Rosso Passione red with black leather-faced bucket seats. The base Classica model starts at $33,495 and the sportiest Abarth starts at $37,995. The Lusso, which sits in the middle of the range, starts at $36,495 and comes well equipped with a backup camera, keyless entry, push button start/stop, and heated seats.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-100023" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Fiat-124-Spider-18.jpg" alt="124 Spider" width="4496" height="3000" />

Our car was fitted with the $4,200 Premium Collection package which includes GPS, satellite radio, headlamp washers, LED headlamps with daytime running lights, alarm, 9 Bose speakers, park assist and blind-spot assist. Our as-tested price was $42,590 including the $1,795 destination charge plus tax.

With the convertible top up, lane change assist is welcomed in a car like this as there are fairly significant blind spots on both sides of the car. Hopefully owners of this car get to drive it with the top down most of the time where the blind spots are a non-issue.

Because this was a cool autumn drive, we had to keep the top closed on the highway and there was plenty of wind noise emanating from the rear part of the soft-top. The 124 Spider is more than one hundred pounds heavier than the MX-5 and some of that extra weight goes towards sound deadening materials. The 124 Spider remains a few decibels quieter than the MX-5 but it is still quite loud. Once off the highway and onto the winding roads with the top down, the 124 Spider delivers a classic small nimble roadster driving experience.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-100021" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/124-Spider-Soft-Top.jpg" alt="124 Spider" width="1616" height="539" />

The soft-top operation is a manual affair and very easy to use; one twist of the centre mounted lock/unlock handle and with one motion you push the top down into its storage compartment. It can be accomplished in just a few seconds. No waiting for electric motors to raise and lower the top. Classic old-school convertible style.

One of the great things about driving such a small light car is you really feel like you are driving it, and not just along for the ride. You sit very low and close to the road and you know where all four corners of the car are at all times. Add in the manual transmission and you become very focused on the driving experience. There’s not a lot of opportunity to do or think about other things, which is a very good thing.

The only distracted driving you get with a car like this is taking in how much fun you are having with the top down in this throwback “European” sports car.  I know, it’s built in Japan, but it does have an Italian heart. And it has European-tuned handling as well. The 124 Spider is fitted with similar MX-5 suspension components but Fiat has tuned the suspension to dial out some of the body roll, providing the driver with a greater sense of confidence in the corners.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-100027" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Fiat-124-Spider-22.jpg" alt="124 Spider" width="4496" height="3000" />

One of the unique features of this car is the incorporation of the speakers for the hands-free phone into the driver’s headrest. The speakers are right behind the driver’s ears and therefore much easier to hear when driving with the top up or down. The rest of the speakers in the car are used for listening to the entertainment system, which includes satellite radio and iPod connectivity.

Once at <a href="http://www.therosseau.com/"><strong>The Rosseau</strong></a> we were able to take in the spectacular lake views which were enhanced by the impressive fall colours. The resort—celebrating its 9<sup>th</sup> anniversary in December, has 221 rooms and is situated on 22 acres with a 100-foot granite bluff. One of its many unique features is a year-round indoor/outdoor pool. It has earned a spot on the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice List of Top Resorts in Canada for three years in a row. Two of its many restaurants have just received Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence for 2016 and it was named one of the ten best resort views by National Geographic. It is a beautiful all-season destination resort.
<blockquote><strong>You may also like: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/top-ten/8-cross-canada-winter-chalets-and-cottages-for-an-overnight-road-trip/">8 Cross-Canada Winter Chalets And Cottages For An Overnight Road Trip</a></strong></blockquote>
As we were leaving the resort to head back to Toronto we got caught in an early dose of winter. Several centimeters of snow fell and it took about 20 minutes to creep up a snow covered hill with the traction control working overtime, but doing a great job of keeping us pointed in the right direction, moving at only a couple of kilometers per hour.

Once successfully up the hill we stopped to refuel at a local Muskoka gas station and there in the parking lot was an original Fiat Spider, badged a 2000. They looked great together and it would have been so nice to have been able to drive both back to back. We headed south to Toronto in our new Fiat Spider and had no issues with the slush covered roads along the way.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-100020" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Old-Spider-.jpg" alt="124 Spider" width="1616" height="455" />

The 124 Spider is a pleasure to live with, and a pleasant sight for onlookers as well, judging by their positive responses. They wanted to know all about this car and they liked what they saw and heard. With an engine that has more torque than the MX-5’s—flatter handling suspension tuning, more sound insulation and likely fewer of them on the road—the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is a good option for those looking for something a little bit different.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-100022" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Fiat-124-Spider-42.jpg" alt="124 Spider" width="4496" height="3000" />

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Road to Lake Rosseau in the Fiat 124 Spider

2017-bmw-i8-protonic-red-edition-at-aga-khan-museum-3b

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLPYSD-4It4[/embed]

<strong>I can remember exactly where I was</strong> when I first saw a BMW i8 on the road. It was Silver Metallic with Frozen Blue accents and was silently gliding along Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. I followed it for several blocks and really felt like I was staring at the future. That unique looking car fit in so well in the City of Dreams. Fast-forward two years and our 2017 Protonic Red Edition BMW i8 isn’t any less futuristic looking, judging by the responses we received from everyone who came in contact with it. And the response from onlookers was very positive and surprisingly knowledgeable. Most knew that it was a hybrid and seemed to like everything that they saw and heard about it as we filled them in on some of the unique features of this car.

<strong>Base price and options</strong>

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-98912" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wheelsca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2017-BMW-i8-Protonic-Red-Edition-at-Aga-Khan-Museum-31.jpg" alt="bmw i8 protonic red" width="4496" height="3000" />

The colour of our tester is very unique, so much so that there will only be 15 Protonic Red Edition i8’s in Canada, with a correspondingly limited number in the US and worldwide. It is after all a $13,700 option which includes a leather engine cover, display key, anthracite roofliner, LED headlights and Proton Red Edition content. Our car was also fitted with the optional $8,500 LaserLight headlights. When you add those two options to the $149,800 base price plus a $2,095 delivery charge and HST, and hand over $200,000 to your local BMW dealer, you will get $3,272.65 in change. One more reason this will remain a very rare car.

Yes, that’s a lot of money, but a mid-engine Ferrari or Lamborghini will set you back one-third of a million dollars, plus options and taxes. And if you want an exotic hybrid car, the Porsche 918 Spyder costs about $1.1 million, and a hybrid Ferrari LaFerrari costs about $1.8 million. There is no question the Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches are much more aggressive, extreme, ultra-high performance cars, but for the select few people who can afford them, the BMW i8 represents a lot of style, performance, and technology with a starting price just under $150,000.

Would I rather have a <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/2016-bmw-m2-review-channeling-m/"><strong>BMW M2 Coupé</strong></a> (which starts at $61,000) <em>or</em> a BMW M4 Coupé (which starts at $76,000) and more than $12,000 in my checking account for track days and new tires? Yes! But the BMW i8 is intended for a much different buyer, quite possibly someone who is moving up from an M car as they climb the corporate ladder and their kids move out so they can focus more on themselves.
<blockquote><strong>You may also like</strong>: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/bmw-i8-presented-world-green-car-award/">BMW i8 Presented with the World Green Car Award</a></blockquote>
<strong>Technology and Plug-In-Hybrid Drivetrain</strong>

The BMW i8 has two motors powering the 4 wheels; a 131-hp electric motor which drives the front axle and a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline 3 cylinder gasoline powered 231-hp engine which drives the rear axle. When the batteries are fully charged, the i8 is a front-wheel-drive all electric car. When you push the gear shifter to the left (once in Drive) you engage Sport mode, the rear engine fires up and you have a 362 hp 4-wheel drive electric and gasoline powered car which can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. In full electric mode the i8 will accelerate to 60km/h in 4.5 seconds

The car can be charged using the BMW i charging station which takes about 2 hours (these can be installed in your garage); or if you just have access to a standard wall plug, you can use the portable charger which takes about 8 hours, useful if you are not at home and you want to charge your car overnight.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-98913" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wheelsca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2017-BMW-i8-Protonic-Red-Edition-at-BMW-charging-station-5.jpg" alt="bmw i8 charging" width="4496" height="3000" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-98914" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wheelsca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2017-BMW-i8-Protonic-Red-Edition-at-BMW-charging-station-13.jpg" alt="2017-bmw-i8-protonic-red-edition-at-bmw-charging-station-13" width="4496" height="3000" />

With a full charge you have a range of 24 kilometers and can drive up to 120 km/h. But there is no need for range anxiety with the i8. As long as you have gas in your tank, the 3 cylinder engine, with 236 lb-ft of torque, is always there to seamlessly transition from electric only, to gas and electric, or gas only, and has a range of more than 400 km.

<strong>Design and Style</strong>

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-98915" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wheelsca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2017-BMW-i8-Protonic-Red-Edition-at-Aga-Khan-Museum-9.jpg" alt="bmw i8" width="4496" height="3000" /><a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wheelsca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2017-BMW-i8-Protonic-Red-Edition-at-Aga-Khan-Museum-30.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-98916 size-full" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wheelsca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2017-BMW-i8-Protonic-Red-Edition-at-Aga-Khan-Museum-30.jpg" alt="i8 interior" width="4496" height="3000" /></a>One of the show stoppers of this car, which is an integral design component of its overall futuristic look, are the scissor doors. Easy to open and close, it’s the steps in-between that require practice and fine-tuning. You need to look good doing this because you are always being watched by onlookers as this car attracts attention wherever it goes. To get in, you slide your rear end in first, then bring both feet across at the same time and put them in the foot well. To get out, it’s left leg first, lean on your left arm on the exceptionally wide door sill, then right leg and roll out, kind of. Once you get the hang of it, you can try to look as cool as the car. And should you ever need it, this is a 2+2, which has room for two small passengers in the rear seats. I drove with three occupants including my two nieces who had (almost) no problem climbing in and out of the front and rear seats. Lots of snapchatting emanated from the rear seats during our drive.

Conceptually the car is divided in two, with the upper part being what BMW refers to as the Life Module, or passenger compartment which is made of high strength Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). The lower portion of the car is referred to as the Drive Module, which contains all of the running gear and is made of aluminum. The i8 weighs 3,455 lbs and is built using sustainable materials and green building techniques.

<strong>Fuel Economy </strong>

With a fuel economy rating of 8.4 l/100km city, 8.1 l/100km highway and 8.3 l/100km combined, this is quite a fuel-efficient exotic car. By comparison, the <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/preview-lamborghini-huracan-spyder-built-to-be-seen-and-heard/"><strong>Lamborghini Huracán</strong></a> rating is 16.4 l/100km city, 11.4 l/100km highway and 14.2 l/100km combined. Yes, the Lamborghini is a much more extreme, higher performance supercar, but the BMW’s exotic looks and performance are not reflected in exotic fuel economy - quite the contrary.
<blockquote><strong>You may also like</strong>: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/97467/">Driving the magnificent Pagani Huayra</a></blockquote>
<strong>Nitpicks</strong>

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-98917" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wheelsca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2017-BMW-i8-Protonic-Red-Edition-at-Aga-Khan-Museum-19.jpg" alt="bmw i8" width="4496" height="3000" /> <a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wheelsca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2017-BMW-i8-Protonic-Red-Edition-at-Aga-Khan-Museum-35.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-98918" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wheelsca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2017-BMW-i8-Protonic-Red-Edition-at-Aga-Khan-Museum-35.jpg" alt="2017-bmw-i8-protonic-red-edition-at-aga-khan-museum-35" width="4223" height="2819" /></a>

My two nitpicks; the driver and passenger windows do not go all the way down. In the fully opened position there is more than an inch of window sticking up. Driving with the windows opened and your elbow out isn’t really an option because your elbow rests on top of the glass, which is not very comfortable. The car door isn’t large enough to conceal the entire window. Possible solution, make a slightly smaller window with a correspondingly slightly larger door?

Other nitpick, no AM radio. FM and satellite radio are available, as is the ability to connect an iPod and other MP3 players but AM is not available. Living in a large urban area with the desire to tune in to news and traffic reports is pretty common. Some AM stations are now available on HD radios, for example 680 News is available on KiSS 92.5 when you switch to HD channel 2. I missed not being able to tune in to the sports and news stations which are typically only available on AM.

<strong>Overall Driving Impressions</strong>

The BMW i8 is a surprisingly normal car to drive. You know you are getting into an exotic car as you walk towards it but once successfully inside, everything about this car is relatively simple, easy and quite intuitive to use. With a little bit of agility, this could easily be used as a daily driver, especially because of its all-wheel-drive capability. If you don’t want to fuss with the car at all, just put it in drive and off you go. The car takes care of determining if you are in electric, gas plus electric, or gas only mode if you have run out of battery charge. If you feel like participating in the driving experience, you can move the shifter to the left, engage sport mode and start paddling your way up and down through the 6-speed transmission. And with this car’s surprisingly boisterous sounding gasoline engine, the exhaust note is very rewarding as you generate very sporty sounding upshifts and downshifts.

A 24 km battery range does not sound like a lot. If you have a short commute to work and back and or access to a charging station at work, then you could achieve an electric-only commute. But it seems like there is a lot of technology involved in this car for a relatively limited amount of return on that tech investment. But one thing is for sure, you can feel less guilty about driving an exotic car knowing that in hybrid mode you aren’t burning fossil fuels or emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

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Michael Taylor

Articles by Michael Taylor