2019 Raptor Rock Crawl

The upgraded 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor has added a new feature – Trail Control.

It’s like cruise control for off-road driving.

This new innovation manages throttle and braking, allowing drivers to focus on steering through challenging off-road conditions.

It makes taking Raptor through the rough stuff more fun than ever.

Trail Control can be activated at speeds from 1 mph up to 20 mph, and Raptor is the only pickup that allows the driver to operate Trail Control in all 4x4 modes.

The new feature can help overcome steep obstacles by automatically directing torque to each wheel then braking to smoothly bring the truck down on the other side.

[caption id="attachment_124956" align="alignnone" width="2362"]<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2019-FordF-150-Raptor.jpg?w=745&h=430"><img class="size-full wp-image-124956" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2019-FordF-150-Raptor.jpg?w=745&h=430" alt="Off-road Cruise Control" width="2362" height="1575" /></a> Trail Control can be activated at speeds from 1 mph up to 20 mph, and Raptor is the only pickup that allows the driver to operate Trail Control in all 4x4 modes. The new feature can help overcome steep obstacles by automatically directing torque to each wheel then braking to smoothly bring the truck down on the other side. It also can help in digging the truck out if it happens to get stuck in extreme sand.[/caption]

It also can help in digging the truck out if it happens to get stuck in extreme sand.

The upgraded <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/f-150-raptor-ups-its-game-for-2019/">2019 Ford F-150 Raptor</a> will be available in late 2018.

Trail Control also will be available on the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger, arriving in dealer showrooms early next year.

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Ford introduces Off-road Cruise Control

news 2-6 (2)

Evan is an East Coast based automotive journalist and a Certified Engineering Technologist. He is an avid autocrosser, hack mechanic, and a member of AJAC. If you don't find him driving or writing about cars, you'll probably find him in the garage breaking one.

Toyota remains on top

Toyota, despite the production challenges faced by the industry last year, remained the biggest automaker in the world. The company, including its subsidiaries like Daihatsu and Hino managed 10.5 million sales in 2022. Second place Volkswagen, including Audi, Skoda, and the rest, sold 8.3 million, down seven percent. Toyota hopes to build even more units this year but warns that there could still be shortages of crucial parts.

Mach-E production increases

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174515" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-2-6-3.jpg" alt="Mustang mach-e" width="2500" height="1667" />

Ford is building more copies of the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/review-2021-ford-mustang-mach-e-gt">Mustang Mach-E</a> EV and has slashed prices up to $8,500. Ford says it is because of a new and more efficient supply chain for EVs. More parts for less money leads to more cars for a lower price. The basic Mach-E's price stays flat at $56,995, but a Premium Standard Range is down $7,000 to $64,995. At the top end, a GT Performance Extended range is down $4,750 to $92,745. Ford will reach out to buyers who took delivery since Jan 1 to help out with the price cut.

Colorado and Canyon pricing

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174516" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-2-6-4.jpg" alt="chevrolet colorado" width="2500" height="1668" />

Chevrolet and GMC have added the new <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/first-look-2023-chevrolet-colorado">2023 Colorado and Canyon</a> midsize pickups to their sites so we can get an idea of pricing for the latest pickup entrants. Prices are up, due to much more content, new powertrains, and, well, the price of everything being up. Colorado climbs $5,000 to $37,197 for a basic WT. GMC doesn't offer that trim anymore, so now starts at $48,487 for an Elevation model. All get a 2.7L turbo-four with three different power levels. Chevy Colorado tops out at just under $60,000, with the GMC getting close to $70k.

Velar updates

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174517" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-2-6-5.jpg" alt="range rover velar" width="2500" height="1291" />

Range Rover is giving the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/vehicle-reviews/first-drive-2020-land-rover-range-rover-velar-svautobiography-dynamic-edition">Velar</a> a tiny facelift for 2024 but a big tech update. The headlights and taillights are the most noticeable part of the facelift, though the rear bumper is also tweaked. Inside, there is a new floating screen with curved glass that looks extra special. It operates using a new infotainment system that brings 80 percent of functions to within two button presses. There is also a new noise cancellation system and a new wool interior option.

GLE updates

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174518" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-2-6-1.jpg" alt="mercedes benz gle" width="2500" height="1875" />

Mercedes-Benz has given the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/vehicle-reviews/review-2020-mercedes-benz-gle-450">GLE-class</a> an update for 2024 as well. This one is more thorough but does include new headlights and a new grille. Inside, it has a new wheel with touch controls and it also gets the second-generation MBUX interface. This has more voice controls and better natural speech recognition, and it should be quicker too. Suspension system software tweaks should improve both ride and handling. Two standard versions will be offered, the 255 hp four-cylinder GLE 350 and the 375 hp six-cylinder GLE 450. Mercedes-AMG will offer the 429 hp GLE 53 and the 603 hp V8 GLE 63 S. Every version will have mild hybrid electrification.

AJAC announces 2023 finalists

AJAC has announced the finalists for <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/features/ajac-announces-2023-canadian-car-and-utility-vehicle-of-the-year-category-winners">Canadian Car of the Year and Canadian Utility</a> Vehicle of the year. After more than 1,700 votes from some of Canada's top auto journalists and 250 or so eligible vehicles, it comes down to this. The three finalists for the 2023 Canadian Car of the Year are BMW i4 (Best Premium EV in Canada for 2023), Hyundai Elantra N (Best Sports Performance Car in Canada for 2023), and Mazda3 (Best Small Car in Canada for 2023). The three finalists for the 2023 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year are Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Best EV in Canada for 2023), Kia Telluride (Best Large Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023), and the Mitsubishi Outlander (Best Mid-Size Utility Vehicle in Canadaï for 2023). The two overall winners will be announced on February 16th at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto and streamed on REV TV.

News Roundup: GM's New Pickups Priced, Ford Mach-E Gets Cheaper, Toyota Sells Most Vehicles in the World

the next generation fuel cell mock-up2

Honda is the latest automaker to reaffirm its commitment to hydrogen as an alternative to both gasoline and electric power. The company gave a briefing this morning in Tokyo to talk about its progress and its plans.

The part that has us the most interested is Honda's announcement that it will be launching a fuel-cell model in both North America and Japan in 2024. This isn't Honda's first <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/fuel-cell-powered-honda-cr-v-to-be-produced-in-u-s">FCEV car</a>, there have been multiple generations of <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/honda-clarity-fuel-cell-goes-366-miles">fuel cell Clarity</a> models, but it might be the biggest deal.

Honda says the cars will use a next-generation fuel cell that is the result of a joint venture with GM on fuel cell development. The company said that the fuel cell system will cost just one-third the amount of the system used in the 2019 Honda Clarity FCEV. They achieved this by using new materials for the cell's electrodes, a new cell sealing structure, and simplifying the entire system. The durability of the fuel cell has doubled, Honda says.

Despite that new vehicle, Honda still thinks fuel cell use will take until 2030 to "advance toward full-fledged popularization." The company wants to be ahead of the curve this time and is currently working to bring its cell cost down to that of a conventional diesel engine.

The problem with hydrogen as a fuel is and continues to be availability. Honda said it knows the importance of developing green hydrogen (hydrogen made through renewable power and water electrolysis instead of natural gas or dirty power) and making it available in more places.

On top of cars, Honda is looking at other areas where hydrogen could be preferable to pure electric power. Hydrogen can be more easily transported off-grid as well as more easily stored than electricity. This makes it ideal for commercial vehicles, stationary power, and construction equipment.

Honda plans to test fuel cell-powered heavy-duty trucks in Japan this year and is already testing vehicles in China. The company has already installed a 500kW fuel cell power station at its corporate office in California, used as a backup power source for its data centre, and will work to apply this technology to other factories and data centres.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174454" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/the-use-of-hydrogen-toward-a-carbon-neutral-society-scaled.jpg" alt="honda hydrogen cycle" width="2560" height="1440" />

Lastly, Honda will work to apply its fuel cell system to excavators and wheel loaders for the first time. These vehicles are currently big polluters, but their large size and weight (as well as the nature of their intended workplaces) make battery electric power prohibitive. No timeline was provided for this one.

To help accomplish it all, Honda says it will "take an active role in establishing hydrogen ecosystems." The automaker says it will start with stationary power stations and places where demand for hydrogen already exists. Plans are underway to test a hydrogen ecosystem in Japan as well as a renewable energy hydrogen ecosystem in Europe.

Honda Announces Plans for New Fuel Cell Car Next Year

Audi activesphere concept

Whether it’s a first-drive feature from the sun-soaked California coast, a quick news story about an off-road pickup that may (or may not) be coming to your local dealership or a review of a hot new sports sedan, somewhere Lee Bailie is writing about cars and car culture, something he’s been doing for almost a decade. A car guy to the core, he went on his first automotive plant tour at age seven.

I’ll say this for Audi concept vehicles, the German luxury marque isn’t afraid to take big swings.

Automotive concepts are inherently provocative but the last few from Audi have really pushed the limits of what these vehicles can be and what they could mean for future production vehicles.

The Audi activesphere concept, is the last of four EV “sphere” concept reveals that began with the skysphere roadster in August 2021. The grandsphere sedan followed in September 2021, and the urbansphere space concept was unveiled last April.

The Audi activesphere is, arguably, the most striking of them all. A four-door crossover coupé with a rugged, high-riding off-road stance, this is a concept built around versatility that leans heavily on digitalization and autonomous driving.

Dimensionally, the activesphere has a commanding presence. The vehicle rides on 22-inch wheels wrapped in 285/55 all-terrain tires. The wheels feature moveable segments that open for ventilation during off-roading and close on tarmac for improved aerodynamics.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174414" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A230559_large-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi Activesphere" width="2560" height="1640" />

The Audi activesphere is built on the new PPE (premium platform electric) EV architecture Audi is developing with Porsche, which includes 800-volt fast charging technology that has already been deployed in the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/audi-winter-driving-experience-gasoline-or-electric-whats-better-in-the-snow">Audi e-tron GT</a> and <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/2023-porsche-taycan-first-drive">Porsche Taycan</a> sedans.

This system will allow for charging speeds of up to 270 kW, which means roughly 300 km of range can be achieved with about 10 minutes of fast charging, and a five to 80 percent charge takes about 25 minutes. Total range is pegged at north of 600 km. The activesphere’s propulsion comes from front and rear axle-mounted electric motors that deliver 436 hp (325 kW) and 531 lb-ft. (720 Nm) of torque.

Despite having an off-road stance, the activesphere’s body is rakishly smooth, with curved lines and a sloping rear roofline that appears drawn from a GT or sports coupe, not a crossover. In profile, the activesport appears to be two designs that have been fused into one – bottom half off-roader, top half luxury coupe.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174416" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A230501_large-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi Activesphere" width="2560" height="1174" />

Audi has also given the activesphere a large greenhouse which extends beyond the upper windows and windscreens into the front grille area, the Singleframe, which gives passengers a transparent view of the road ahead through the frunk. Glass is also used on the lower sides of the activesphere’s doors, as is the roof to allow for natural light.

Given its intended use as an on-and off-road vehicle, the activesphere has an air suspension that can increase ground clearance from its base 208 mm (8.2 inches) ride height up to 248 mm (9.8 inches), with an approach angle of 18.9 degrees and a departure angle of 28.1 degrees. The activesphere is also fitted with electronically controlled quattro all-wheel drive and active dampers.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174417" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A230563_large-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi Activesphere" width="2560" height="1663" />

Because the Audi activesphere is designed to accommodate various sports activities, it has an “active Sportback” hatch area designed to carry equipment such as e-bikes. This cargo area, known as the “active back” allows bikes to be carried upright with their front ends secured by brackets in the cargo floor. After the cargo area is secure a motorized bulkhead deploys to seal off the cabin from the elements. The activesphere also has a ski rack integrated into the roof’s centre structure, which extends outward when needed and folds neatly away when not in use.

Like other sphere concepts, the activesphere’s cabin is a luxury lounge focused on the needs and comforts of its occupants. The absence of a b-pillar means the doors open and close “suicide” style, allowing occupants to access the car’s four seats with ease.

The cabin itself has a minimalist design with lots of right angles and sharp lines that exude a strong futuristic feel. The seating area is bisected by a centre console that runs the length of the cabin front to back with interior trim panels that are a mix of black and red. The seats have a form-fitting sporty design and look as if they are extensions of the console.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174411" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A230546_large-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi Activesphere" width="2560" height="1920" />

As for cockpit controls, there are none in autonomous mode, but a square-shaped steering wheel, pedals and dashboard fold out when the driver takes control. Because it’s an EV, the activesphere has extra space that can be devoted to storage and an on-board bar, which can be either cooled or heated.

In terms of digitalization, the activesphere uses mixed reality (MR) headsets, that look like designer sunglasses, that are available for each of the car’s occupants. These glasses offer a wide array of digital content and functions, including gesture control to adjust climate and stereo functions, and augmented reality (AR) technology which can superimpose virtual content into the real world.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174412" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A230547_large-scaled.jpg" alt="Audi Activesphere" width="2560" height="1920" />

Occupants need only to look at the control they wish to interact with and adjust it with their hand virtually which then inputs the change as if it was being made with a conventional knob.

The activesphere is the first Audi concept to utilize this technology, which can also be used in off-road settings to display 3D topography, along with navigation directions onto the car’s windshield and cockpit area, or traffic and road conditions when driving on road.

Audi Activesphere is a luxury off-roader that doubles as a pickup

cx-90 (16 of 36)

Mazda is finally entering the era of electrification. The Mazda CX-90 will be the first PHEV model from the company to go on sale in Canada when it arrives later this year, and it is a big deal for the company. Not just big in importance, but in size since it's also going to be Mazda's largest vehicle sold here. New engines and a new chassis with the next advance in the brand's design language, we're in Malibu to get up close and personal.

New from the ground up, the Mazda CX-90 doesn't use the Skyactive architecture that's under everything the company sells now from the CX-3 to the CX-9. Instead of making a next generation of that chassis for the -90, Mazda has created <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/mazda-goes-long-with-new-large-vehicle-platform">a brand new one</a> that does something none of its competitors have done in decades: It has a longitudinally-mounted engine that gives the CX-90 a rear-drive bias, excellent weight distribution, and has the potential to give it a level of ride quality, quick responses, and sharp handling unheard of in its class.

While we didn't get to drive the CX-90 at this reveal event, we do have some experience with these bones. We took a deep dive into the brand new platform last year - including Mazda's fitting of the Kinematic Posture System from the MX-5 - and <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/2023-mazda-cx-60-first-drive">drove the two-row European version</a> that's called the CX-60. Mazda's slogan might not be Zoom Zoom anymore, but the epithet certainly fit on that one. This gives us high hopes for drivers that need seating for eight but want to enjoy driving.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174375" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cx-90-27-of-36-scaled.jpg" alt="Mazda CX-90" width="2560" height="1707" />

The new platform gives the CX-90 a unique look. The long hood and set-back cabin - Mazda calls it "traditional rear-drive proportions" - add athleticism and gives it a great stance. Especially on the available 21-inch wheels.

The trade-off comes in overall length versus cabin space. It's easy to spot in the side view just how far back the windshield (and driver's seat) is. This is still a big cabin, certainly larger than the CX-9's with a third row that is usable for average-sized adults on actual drives, but it could be larger. If you care more about styling and driving than eking out every last cubic centimetre, then this is the one for you.

Artisan Red is the latest in Mazda's line of special Takuminuri paint colours, and the new shade makes its debut on the CX-90. The colour's depth and saturation accentuate CX-90's lines and will make sure the crossover stands out. Mazda's exterior design team has been absolutely nailing it with all of the company's recent models; with other details like the new grille badge with more facets in the corporate logo this is another home run.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174380" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cx-90-35-of-36-scaled.jpg" alt="Mazda CX-90" width="2560" height="1707" />

With the possible exception of the rear three-quarter angle, that is, where the D-Pillar has just a bit too much of the awkwardness of the Mazda3 hatchback. Mazda made it tough for us to get a photo from this angle, so the company's higher-ups might be feeling the same way about that one view.

There must be a serious rivalry between the automaker's inside and outside design teams, because the cabin is exquisite as well. Soft leathers and loads of detailing in the layout and contrast stitching on the PHEV model, while the top-trim versions get one of the best interior treatments around.

A fabric dash, instead of the usual leather, is the highlight of that cabin. The hanging stitch is inspired by an intricate Japanese weaving technique called Kumihimo ( meaning "gathered threads") and the hand binding of books. You won't find anything like it anywhere else, and it's a cool way to highlight the brand's heritage.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174365" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cx-90-3-of-3-scaled.jpg" alt="Mazda CX-90" width="2560" height="1707" />

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174364" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cx-90-2-of-3-scaled.jpg" alt="Mazda CX-90" width="2560" height="1707" />

The cabin is more than just aesthetics, of course. It has big displays including a digital dash that has special PHEV information and a 12.3-inch center screen. Mazda says the buttons are bigger, because the vehicle is bigger. The back rows have USB-C charge ports and plenty of cupholders. Heated seats are available, but we didn't see a button for the ventilated mid-row chairs the Koreans offer.

Mazda didn't get into driver assistance tech (we're told that information is being held until closer to launch), but it will have Mazda's i-Activesense suite. That includes front braking support, adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, "and other new features."

Last, but certainly not least, are the drivelines. The go-fast option is a <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/mazdas-is-using-an-inline-six-for-the-first-time-in-their-80-year-motor-vehicle-history">brand-new 3.3L inline-six</a> fitted with a turbocharger and 48V mild-hybrid system. We've taken a deep dive into the reasons for the inline-six already, but they include smoother running and lower production costs as well as fewer big parts.

The 3.3 makes 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, making it Mazda's most powerful production engine yet. It will get a brand-new eight-speed automatic that uses clutches instead of a traditional torque converter to help make it more efficient and responsive. As well as narrower to stop it from cutting into the driver's space. The 48V electric motor between the engine and transmission helps smooth launches and lets the CX-90 spend more time with the engine off.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174368" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cx-90-1-of-36-scaled.jpg" alt="Mazda CX-90" width="2560" height="1707" />

Then there's the PHEV. A 2.5L four-cylinder and more powerful electric motor deliver 322 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. This would be Mazda's second-most powerful engine, so both versions should be a fair bit quicker than the CX-9.

We didn't get a range estimate at launch, but the 17.8 kWh battery should give it at least the 50 km range needed to qualify for the full PHEV federal incentive. The PHEV variant uses the same eight-speed auto as the gas-only version, and we're waiting to learn which trim grades will offer which driveline.

Mazda wasn't ready to talk pricing either, but that won't stop us from making an educated guess. Slightly bigger than the 5,065mm-long CX-9 and with a much more premium driveline and design, we expect that to come with a price slightly larger than the $41,550 of the CX-9 GS and climbing to more than the $53,550 of the CX-9 Signature. But maybe not a lot higher. Compare that with Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, which start from $50,195 and $50,706 respectively and Mazda should have plenty of room to make this crossover offer a strong value.

Expect the 2024 Mazda CX-90 to hit dealers this spring.

2024 Mazda CX-90 three-row gets new inline-6, plug-in drivetrain

news 1-30 (2)

BMW M3 CS Limited special

BMW just announced the M3 CS. A lighter and more powerful M3, it offers 543 hp from its 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six and comes with an eight-speed automatic. CS stands for Competition Sport, and that helps explain why it has 40 hp more than the M3 Competition. The car gets new engine mounts, sharper chassis and steering settings, and the AWD system has a rear-drive mode with extra oil for the center diff to make sure it is up to track use. A new grille that looks like the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/track-tested-2023-bmw-m4-csl">M4 CSL's</a> makes the car stand out, along with yellow running lights. More carbon fibre body panels, M Carbon seats, and a titanium muffler all help to trim 75 lbs from the car. BMW says it will be built in "limited numbers," starting in March. Canadian pricing starts from $148,000.

Activesphere concept

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174348" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-30-1.jpg" alt="Audi Activesphere" width="2500" height="1670" />

Audi revealed a concept that was part SUV and part pickup truck. It's a new look for the company, called the Activesphere concept. The fourth in Audi's line of "Sphere" concepts, this one has what the company called an "active back" cargo area. The rear glass slides forward and a bulkhead moves up behind the rear seats to create an open and plastic-lined pickup truck bed. The vehicle was also a showcase for advanced VR and gesture control tech. Using special goggles, driver and passenger could reach out and turn virtual controls for audio, climate, and other functions instead of having actual buttons. Designed to anticipate autonomous driving, this allows Audi to make a much cleaner cabin when the wheel and pedals are retracted.

More range and power for Polestar 2

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174351" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-30-4.jpg" alt="Polestar 2 updates" width="2500" height="1406" />

Polestar is giving the Polestar 2 EV a big update for 2024, including giving it more range and moving the single-motor model from front-drive to rear-drive. A new nose hides more sensors and the company says it "reflects the high-tech nature" of the company's cars. Two new generation motors and inverters boost efficiency and performance. The new single-motor car makes 299 hp up from 231 and 361 lb-ft up from 243. Along with a slightly larger battery (up from 78 to 82 kWh), range grows 50 km to an estimated 483 km. Dual-motor cars keep the same 78 kW battery but get 421 hp and 546 lb-ft up from 408 and 467. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Mercedes EQE pricing

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174350" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-30-3.jpg" alt="Mercedes-Benz EQE" width="2500" height="1667" />

Mercedes-Benz announced pricing for the 2023 EQE electric sedan. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan will start from $85,600 in Canada for the 288 hp EQE 350 4Matic, with a $95,000 402 hp EQE 500 4Matic coming and a $121,500 617 hp AMG model. The first two will arrive next month, the AMG a bit later. Range for the new models is an estimated 418 km for both EQE 350 and EQE 500, and 362 km for the AMG.

Ranking driver assistance systems

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174352" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-30-5.jpg" alt="Bluecruise ranking" width="2500" height="1667" />

Consumer Reports has just announced <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/active-driving-assistance-systems-review-a2103632203/">its latest rankings</a> of advanced driver assistance systems. Ford's BlueCruise hands-off system took the top spot this year, while Tesla's Autopilot slid down the rankings. The tests measured capability and performance, ease of use, how they kept the driver engaged, handled unresponsive drivers, and made it clear when the system was safe to use. GM's Super Cruise came second with Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Toyota's latest finishing out the top 5. Why was Tesla's system seventh? "After all this time, Autopilot still doesn’t allow collaborative steering and doesn’t have an effective driver monitoring system. While other automakers have evolved their ACC and LCA systems, Tesla has simply fallen behind," said CR.

News Roundup: BMW M3 CS, Polestar 2 updates, More

All-New 2023 Honda Accord Arriving at Honda Dealers next Month a

Honda Accord priced

Honda has just priced the all-new 2023 Accord ahead of the sedan's arrival at dealers next month. The 2023 Honda Accord will start from $37,000 plus destination for the base EX trim, while the hybrid Sport is $41,000, and the hybrid Touring trim is $44,500. Honda has gone longer and sleeker with the new shape, but has also added some big tech. This is the first Honda to get Google built-in, including Google Assistant, Maps, and Play to enhance in-car apps and voice controls. The hybrid models are expected to deliver 5.3 L/100 km combined, making it the most efficient vehicle in the current Honda lineup. All Accords come with the Honda Sensing driver assist suite including Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise, and more.

Jeep Cherokee loses the V6

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174228" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-23-3.jpg" alt="Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk" width="2500" height="1667" />
Jeep is shrinking the number of different versions of the Cherokee crossover it offers for 2023. This model year cuts the number of trim levels from seven to just two, and the 3.6L V6 engine is cut along with it. For 2023 Jeep is offering the Cherokee Altitude and the Cherokee Trailhawk. The former has a 180 hp 2.4L naturally aspirated four, the latter a 270 hp 2.0L turbo-four. The Trailhawk is the more off-road focused version that includes a more advanced AWD system with Low setting and a mechanically locking rear differential. Pricing for the 2023 Cherokee has not yet been announced.

Small block lives at GM

GM has just confirmed it will be building a new generation of V8 engines. The confirmation comes as GM announces a US $854m (CAD 1.14B) investment into several of its U.S. powertrain facilities to retool for the sixth-generation small block V8 engine. The announcement also included investments into manufacturing EV components for two of the four facilities. Not mentioned was the GM St Catharines Propulsion Plant, the sole Canadian facility that manufactures GM's current V8 engines. GM did not release any details or information about the new engine family.

Lexus EV pricing

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174227" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-23-2.jpg" alt="Lexus RX EV" width="2500" height="1668" />

Lexus has just priced its first EV. The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e hits dealers soon, starting from $64,950 before destination. The RZ offers 308 hp from its two electric motors, while the 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery delivers an estimated 360 km of range. The RZ starts with Signature trim which includes 18-inch alloys, LED lights, and a 14-inch touch screen. The RZ 450e Luxury ($73,550) adds a fixed glass roof, ventilated front seats, panoramic monitor and more, and the $80,950 Executive trim includes Mark Levinson audio, acoustic glass, advanced park assist, and more.

AJAC winners

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada announced its 12 category winners for the 2023 Canadian Car and Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. 11 different manufacturers made the grade this year. Jurors from across Canada cast more than 1,700 ballots based on their drives over the past year. The 2023 Canadian Car of the Year and 2023 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year overall winners will be presented at the Toronto auto show on February 16th.

Best Small Car in Canada for 2023 
Mazda3

Best Large Premium Car in Canada for 2023
Genesis G90

Best Sports Performance Car in Canada for 2023 
Hyundai Elantra N

Best Small Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023 
Toyota Corolla Cross

Best Mid-Size Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023
Mitsubishi Outlander

Best Large Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023 
Kia Telluride

Best Mid-Size Premium Utility in Canada for 2023 
Lexus NX

Best Large Premium Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023 
Volvo XC90

Best Small Pick-up Truck in Canada for 2023 
Ford Maverick

Best Large Pick-up Truck in Canada for 2023 
Ram 1500

Best EV in Canada for 2023 
Hyundai IONIQ 5

Best Premium EV in Canada for 2023 
BMW i4

News Roundup: 2023 Honda Accord, Jeep Cherokee, More

Netherlands The Rolling Stones Show Canceled

Halifax-based auto dealer Rob Steele has been a lifelong fan of the Rolling Stones and he’s found a way to incorporate the band’s travelling memorabilia exhibit, UNZIPPED, into an event space he built called <a href="https://steelewheels.ca/">Steele Wheels Motor Museum</a> located in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

And as any Stones’ fan knows, Steel Wheels is the name of one the Stones’ albums and a subsequent tour, so Steele Wheels is somewhat of a double entendre.

“It really is,” Steele said. “It’s funny you say that. Sally Woods (wife of Stones’ bassist Ron Woods) said the same thing. It’s totally a coincidence. We were trying to think of a name for what this place would be called and the marketing department came up with it. I’d been a Stones fan for a long time, so it’s sort of a play on words.”

Steele has purchased a few paintings by Woods and through his musician’s representatives, he brought the memorabilia exhibit to Steele Wheels for its first inaugural event which will run from December 17-March 19. The exhibit features more than 300 original objects from the band’s personal collection. Steele said he saw the exhibit five years ago in London, England. The exhibit has touched down in several international cities, including Canadian stops in Kitchener and Winnipeg.

“It’s quite a fascinating exhibit, even if you are not a Stones fan, and that’s a frequent comment we’ve heard because the costumes are there, the instruments, song sheets, an iron stage design from various tours, it’s interesting to see,” Steele said.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174185" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Unzipped-Fashion-CREDIT-Courtesy-of-The-Rolling-Stones-Unzipped-scaled.jpg" alt="UNZIPPED" width="2560" height="1656" />

The exhibit also includes rare auto fragments, video footage, personal diaries, costumes, posters and album covers. There are also works of art from the likes of Andy Warhol, Alexander McQueen, Prada, Dior and Martin Scorsese.

The museum is the product of a warehouse with a go-kart track that Steele bought and converted it into an event space. It is spread out across 32,000 square feet on the floor and an 11,000 square foot mezzanine. A state-of-the-art sound system and video walls are also part of it.

Steele said the original plan was to turn the building into a used car dealership selling 70-80 classic, exotic and speciality cars and make them available for purchase in person and through the internet. Following the UNZIPPED run, the building will be occupied by those types of cars.

“The market for that stuff is around the world, and as we got going I thought let’s make it like a nice-looking dealership,” Steele said. “I think it’s going to more of an event space than a dealership.”

Steele said he’s already stockpiled more than 100 cars.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174187" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rob-Steele-head-shot.jpg" alt="" width="1604" height="1203" />

Steele, who is 61, became a fan of the Stones as a teenager and saw his first Stones concert as a 20-year-old in Buffalo, making an “arduous trek” from Newfoundland and Labrador where he was raised. He met the band in a brief meet-and-greet in 2004, in 2006 when the Stones played in Halifax, and 2018 in Coventry, England. He said he’s had a chance to get to know Wood and saw him and his wife three weeks ago in Los Angeles.

“I really enjoy the car business, but I also enjoy concerts, that’s kind of my passion,” Steele said.

The Steele Auto Group is Atlantic Canada’s largest dealer for new and used vehicles, service and parts. In July 2021, Steele Auto acquired All EV Canada, specialists in pre-owned Teslas and other electric vehicles. It is also a leader in EV education.

Steele has been involved in auto-related industries since 1990. His company has 59 automobile dealerships, nine collision centres and two Honda Powerhouse dealers. It expanded its footprint internationally by expanding into Texas in 2020. It has been designated as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.

Halifax auto dealer celebrates love for the Rolling Stones at Steele Wheels Motor Museum

2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ

The quickest Chevrolet Corvette ever is about to hit the market. It's called the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, and it uses an electric motor in the front to deliver all-wheel drive and <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/the-2023-chevrolet-corvette-z06-just-put-ferrari-and-mclaren-on-notice">Z06 levels</a> of horsepower.

It's a big day for the Corvette, and not just because of today's E-Ray announcement. Today is also the day that marks 70 years since the first Chevrolet Corvette was revealed. In New York at the 1953 Motorama show.

2.5 seconds. That's how quickly the Corvette E-Ray can rocket to 96 km/h, on its way to a 10.5-second quarter mile. That's about half a second faster to 96 than the standard Stingray and nearly a second quicker through the quarter mile.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174139" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/eray-6.jpg" alt="Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray" width="2500" height="1872" />

An electric motor mounted to the front axle is what makes the E-Ray so quick. The motor adds 160 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque to the car's output, powered by a 1.9 kWh battery pack that lives between the seats.

You've probably guessed by the battery size that this is not a plug-in hybrid, and you'd be correct. This is a standard hybrid system where the gas engine runs most of the time. Not all of the time, though, thanks to Stealth Mode. In Stealth Mode, the Corvette E-Ray can drive short distances at up to 72 km/h with the engine off. Perfect for making a quiet neighbourhood getaway first thing in the morning or late at night.

Mounted behind the seats is the same V8 as the basic Corvette Stingray. The 6.2L unit makes 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, sending all of its power to the rear wheels. The gearbox is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic unit.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174138" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/eray-3.jpg" alt="Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray" width="2500" height="1875" />

Total power output for the two power systems is 655 hp. That's nearly enough to match the hardcore Z06 and its 5.5L V8, and the Corvette E-Ray should have more torque. Chevrolet says the electric motor will add to the aural experience as well, with "an invigorating sound."

E-Ray's AWD system is an adaptive one, Chevrolet says it is constantly learning the road surface and making adjustments to meet driver demands. In quick driving or driving on slick surfaces, it will send more power to the front wheels to boost stability and grip.

Chevrolet is giving the Corvette E-Ray the Z06's wider bodywork, a stretch of about 91 mm over the standard car. The E-Ray will get its own wheel design, wearing a staggered setup with 20-inch wheels in the front and 21's in the back. All-season tires are standard, but summer performance tires will be offered.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174141" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/eray-13.jpg" alt="Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray" width="2500" height="1875" />

More 2024 E-Ray standard features include a lighter 12-volt battery to save weight as well as Brembo carbon ceramic brakes to get the electrified Vette stopped in a hurry. Magnetic Ride Control, GM's magic adaptive damping system, is also standard kit.

Beyond the widebody, Chevrolet has made just a few cosmetic changes for the Corvette E-Ray. We've already mentioned the wheels, but E-Ray will also offer an exclusive stripe package, standard carbon flash badging, and a Charge+ button on the centre console.

Pricing for the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray starts from $128,798 in Canada for the coupe. There will be loads of trim, seat, and interior choices that let the buyer take the price up from there. The car goes on sale this year.

Chevrolet Reveals 655 hp Electrified AWD 2024 Corvette E-Ray

news 1-16 (1)

GT-R soldiers with another update

Nissan is updating the GT-R once again for 2024, this time with some new aero parts that make it look like a race car even more. A new splitter in the front and a new diffuser in the back show off more carbon fibre, and the rear wing is new on both standard and Nismo models. The 2024 Nissan GT-R brings back the T-Spec trim, too. That's the one that combines the standard 565 hp 3.8L twin-turbo V6 with the carbon brakes, Nismo-tuned chassis control, and other performance bits of the Nismo model. Then it adds exclusive interior colours and brings back Millennium Jade and Midnight Purple. The 600 hp Nismo model gets a limited-slip front differential for the first time and a new swan-neck rear wing that makes more downforce and less drag.

Tesla price cut

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174111" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-16-2.jpg" alt="Tesla Model 3" width="1619" height="1080" />

Tesla has slashed prices for the new year, lowering its vehicles by up to 17 percent. The entry-spec Model 3 is down $5,000 to a starting price of $54,990. That price should make it qualify for the federal iZEV incentive once again, though the iZEV site hasn't been updated yet. The Model Y long range is now $69,990, down from $85,000. Model S and Model X vehicles are also down significantly. The price cut comes after a big discount offered at the end of last year. Along with a sharp lead-time reduction in Tesla's delivery estimates, the move suggests that the EV brand is looking at softer demand for its vehicles than it has in the past.

Mazda MX-30 rotary not planned for Canada

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174113" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-16-4.jpg" alt="mazda mx-30" width="1800" height="1013" />

Mazda is expanding MX-30 EV sales to the entire country for 2023 and has announced pricing for the new model that goes on sale next month. The MX-30 offers a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, enough for an estimated range of 161 km. The GS trim starts from $42,650, while the MX-30 GT is $47,650. What's missing is the MX-30 R-EV range extender model. While that model would use a gas-powered rotary engine to extend vehicle range, it appears that it is not going to be coming to Canada. At least not anytime soon.

Civic drops from best-selling list

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174112" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/news-1-16-3-scaled.jpg" alt="Honda Civic Hatchback" width="2560" height="1560" />

Honda does not have the best-selling car in Canada for the first time since 1997. The Civic (29,722 units) has been the top-selling car in Canada since it overtook the Chevrolet Cavalier more than 25 years ago, but was beaten out this year by the Toyota Corolla (33,906). Blame production slowdowns, as Honda just can't build enough cars to meet demand. The top-selling crossover was the Toyota RAV4 once again (55,921), and the Ford F-Series was the best-selling vehicle of all in Canada in 2022 moving 114,729 units.

Sports cars and penis size linked according to study

A new study from the UK suggests that men who believe they are less well-endowed than average have a higher desire to own a sports car. "The link between driving a fast sports car and having a small penis is a widespread cultural trope, discussed by academics from Freudian analysts to evolutionary theorists," the study says. "For the first time, we show that it is grounded in a psychological truth. We found that experimentally manipulating men, especially older men, to feel that they have relatively small penis caused them to increase their desire for luxury sports cars." That's right, researchers didn't measure the men, but instead used different methods to convince them they were above or below average. Men who believed they were smaller than average were more likely to want to own a sports car. For older men (starting at age 30), the effect was increased. And here we always thought sports cars were better because of quick responses, fast acceleration, and superior handling.

Now do pickups!

News Roundup: Tesla Cuts Prices, 2024 Nissan GT-R, More

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Living in rural Nova Scotia, Matthew Guy has immersed himself in car culture for over 30 years and relishes the thought of a good road trip. A certified gearhead, he enjoys professionally writing about cars and is very pleased to contribute for wheels.ca.

His work has also appeared on Car Throttle, The Truth About Cars, and in CAA Magazine. Find him on Twitter @matthewkguy

With the world’s automakers plunging headlong into a world of electric vehicles, attention is (finally) starting to turn to the perplexing puzzle of charging the things at public venues. At <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/top-ten/ces-2023-eight-of-the-latest-reveals-in-automotive-tech">CES in Las Vegas</a>, Mercedes-Benz announced it may have an answer – in the form of its own branded charging network.

Set to launch in North America this year, the Mercedes-Benz branded high-power charging network will be comprised of chargers capable of belting out up to 350 kW of juice in order to help EV owners keep their rigs topped off with electrons. Each location will offer between 4 and 12 chargers, with some prime locations housing up to 30 places in which to plug in. The network will be open to all electric vehicle brands but <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/2023-mercedes-benz-eqb-350-4matic-first-drive-review">Mercedes-Benz customers</a> will enjoy special benefits, such as the ability to reserve a charging spot.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-173966 size-full" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/23C0009_009-scaled.jpg" alt="mercedes high-power charging network" width="2560" height="1440" />

The entire North American charging network is planned to eventually encompass some 2,500 chargers at more than 400 hubs by the 2027 calendar year. Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes-Benz, told this publication at a media roundtable that the Canadian market should expect the same rollout timeline as our neighbours to the south, though current negotiations between M-B and landowners preclude his ability to spill any beans about specific locations.

Schäfer did emphatically say the units will be premium spaces and not “next to a dumpster or in the back of a shopping centre”. This is good news for owners of vehicles from the Mercedes EQ range, especially since Schäfer also suggested the charging areas will have a premium feel. Does this mean the locations will have facilities like a Mercedes lounge with refreshments? We’ll have to wait and see.

Breakout numbers for just how many of those 2,500 chargers will be in the Great White North are up in the air, but it is not unreasonable to estimate we’ll get roughly 10 per cent of them since our population and car market is roughly one-tenth the size of America. As mentioned, M-B owners will get priority service by way of a reservation system, and Schäfer told us there’s a distinct possibility that Merc drivers could take advantage of an advantageous pricing structure.

One step closer to autonomous driving

Elsewhere, the company is planning to bring its own flavour of driving aids to the North American market this year. Simply called Automatic Lane Change, it will enable the car to initiate a lane change and overtake slower vehicles when cruise control is engaged and conditions are right. It’s billed as a further expansion stage of the Mercedes-Benz SAE Level 2 partially automated driving feature, meaning the driver remains responsible for the car at all times. In other words, think of this as an anti-fatigue tool and categorically not any sort of so-called self-driving feature. ALC can also initiate an automatic lane change to help follow the active route guidance when approaching exit ramps or freeway junctions.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-173961" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/23C0013_014-scaled.jpg" alt="Mercedes-benz" width="2560" height="1440" />

However, boffins inside Mercedes-Benz are seeking to take the next step with this type of driver assistance tool. As such, they have applied for certification of Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the American states of California and Nevada. This rung on the ladder to an eventual day in which cars drive themselves could permit drivers to take their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road. The pilot must still be present and alert and ready to take control of the car at any instant, of course, but proponents of Level 3 systems insist they “give time back” to drivers who can now attend to other tasks instead of keeping their eyes welded to the road ahead. Mercedes calls their system Drive Pilot and will roll it out in those two American states in due course.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-173963" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/23C0012_010-scaled.jpg" alt="mercedes benz audio" width="2560" height="1440" />

Finally, audiophiles will be gratified to learn that Stuttgart has partnered with Apple Music and Universal Music Group to create the “ultimate sound experience” in Dolby Atmos. These collabs will permit the system to be integrated natively into select M-B vehicles, offering spatial audio and creating a new standard with which artists at UMG can measure their work if they so choose. In other words, these creators can now base their song approval process on how the final mix sounds in a Mercedes-Benz. Fancy. According to Schäfer, this new leap in audio quality is on the same scale as when the world went from mono to stereo all those years ago.

Circling back to the big announcement of their own branded charging stations, Mercedes-Benz pointed out the total investment cost for the North American network will be just over 1 billion Euros, or roughly $1.43 billion CAD at today’s exchange rate. This will be spent over the next 6 to 7 years.

Mercedes-Benz is Launching its Own High-Speed Charging Network

IMG_6902

Automotive journalist from Montreal, AJAC-member, and owner of claveyscorner.com

If you’re an automotive enthusiast looking for something cheap and fun in the secondhand market these days, things are a little rough. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit us back in 2020, prices of iconic enthusiast-friendly classics have skyrocketed, making them, in some cases, more expensive than a brand-new sports car. But not all hope is lost, because there are still some hidden gems out there for any budget. One example is the first-generation MINI Cooper R50, an underrated future classic. It was sold here in Canada from 2002 to 2006 (2008 for the convertible).

When these cars came out, they were all about smiles per gallon. They were lightweight and tiny compared to anything else on the road, huge fun to drive and beautifully styled by non-other than Frank Stephenson. They also marked the return of the iconic MINI brand thanks to new BMW ownership.

Here’s a fun fact about these cars: in 2022, Hagerty UK listed the MINI Cooper R50 in its Bull Market List. Hagerty, a classic car insurer, considers that this generation of the MINI Cooper is currently at its most affordable and that it will slowly appreciate over time. Hagerty believes that the MINI Cooper is a future classic due to its significance in automotive history, but also because it’s a bookend car in the sense that it reincarnated the entire MINI brand that we know today.

Unfortunately, one of the reasons they’re so underappreciated and forgotten by enthusiasts is because of their shady reliability record. Stories of first-generation MINI Coopers blowing their engines, dropping their transmissions, or ending up with serious cooling or electrical issues are far too common, which has seriously hindered their appeal and resale value over time.

Finding the right Mini

Yes, it’s true that the R50 (base MINI Cooper), R53 (supercharged Cooper S) and R52 (Convertible Cooper and Cooper S) aren’t the most reliable cars out there. But it’s also true that if you pick the right one, you’ll end up with a MINI that’s “not bad”. That’s the one you’ll want to buy as a foundation for your build.

The good news in all of this is that you can still find a well-kept example with decent mileage in the vicinity of $10,000. When I bought my Cooper back in 2020, I paid $6,000 for a model that had never seen winter and it only had 115,000 km on the odometer. Needless to say, it was a keeper.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174243" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_6949.jpg" alt="Mini Cooper R50" width="2000" height="1125" />

The first rule of thumb when buying an R50 is to stay away from anything that’s pre-2005. The early years were a nightmare, but in 2005, BMW basically overhauled the car, replacing several key components with sturdier and better parts. The transmissions were now supplied by Getrag instead of Midlands, which made them a lot more reliable.

The second rule when shopping for a first-generation MINI Cooper is to avoid the automatic transmission. As an enthusiast, you won’t want it anyway since it’s a CVT, but also because it was plagued with problems, leading to a <a href="https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/closed-settlements/mini-cooper-class-action-lawsuit-settlement/#:~:text=Under%20the%20terms%20of%20the,mileage%20of%20the%20repair%2Freplacement.">class-action lawsuit</a>.

The final and perhaps most important rule of all: do not buy a Cooper S!

Now at this point, you’re probably wondering why? Why not start off with the high-performance, supercharged model for your performance build? The reason for this is that you’ll want to stay away from the complexity, as well as the oil consumption and cooling issues that resulted from the supercharger. The base Cooper, while underpowered, has a much simpler engine, while remaining a fantastic platform on which to build from.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174247" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/mini-r50-manual.jpg" alt="Mini Cooper R50" width="2000" height="1123" />

So, let’s recap. You’ll want to find a 2005 or 2006 MINI Cooper, non-S R50, equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and, ideally, without low mileage. Also make sure that the car has been properly maintained and has its service records. This is a European car after all.

The Tuning Guide – Handling

The R50 MINI is already a fantastic handling car, but you can make it even better. One of this car’s main problems out of the box is that its ride is very stiff. You can improve ride quality and durability with a quality aftermarket coilover set.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174248" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/mini-bilstein-coilovers.jpg" alt="Mini Cooper R50" width="2000" height="1125" />

Take the time to carefully shop for the brands that are available. Try to go for well-established companies that have made a good name for themselves in the aftermarket and OEM world. I personally chose Bilstein due to its extensive experience with all sorts of vehicles, more specifically European cars. I went with the B16 set due to its adjustability. Working with a trusty mechanic, I was able to find a sweet spot between handling and comfort. The upgrade led to a car that handles better, rides smoother, but that’s also more solid when hitting rough pavement.

Wheels and Tires

Since the R50 has a power disadvantage versus the R53 Cooper S, you’ll want to keep those wheels as small and light as possible. From the factory, the non-S Cooper comes with 15-inch wheels. I recommend staying with those. If you plan on going larger for looks, do not exceed 16 inches.

There’s a great website called <a href="https://minicooper.fandom.com/wiki/OEM_Wheels_and_Tires#15%22_Wheels">minicooper.fandom.com</a> that lists all the available OEM wheels for a first-gen MINI Cooper, with the weight of each set. The lightest wheels are the R81 “phone-dial” type, weighing in at only 12 lbs. each.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174249" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/stock-wheels.jpg" alt="Mini Cooper R50 wheels mod" width="2000" height="1125" />

I personally couldn’t resist the look of the R90, Italian Job style 16-inch wheels. But I do realize that at 24 lbs. apiece, they’re on the heavy side.

Lastly, you’ll want to wrap those wheels with sticky rubber and if possible, not too wide. What you want from your MINI is to feel it at the limit, so you don’t want too much grip. From the factory, these cars come with 175-mm wide tires. I wouldn’t go past 205-mm, which is what I chose to put on my MINI.

Power – You’ll Need More of it

The biggest problem with the R50 is its lack of power. While immensely fun to throw into a corner due to its lack of body roll and small size, you might find things a bit boring in the straights. You’ll need to extract more horsepower and torque from that basic, but bomb-proof 1.6-liter, single overhead cam, 16-valve Tritec four-cylinder. Stock, it’s good for 115 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque.

But what this engine lacks in refinement, it makes up for it for by how simply it was engineered. When designing the MINI Cooper, both Rover and BMW wanted the car to be easily customizable. This also meant easily tunable. They therefore engineered a cast-iron block so it could endure massive abuse, either through natural aspiration, supercharging or turbocharging.

Breathing

The first step is to improve the engine’s breathing through an upgraded intake system. A cold air intake is typically the best route to take for this.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174233" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Engine.jpg" alt="Mini Cooper R50 intake mod" width="2000" height="1123" />

Just like the coilovers, carefully research each brand and find the one that is best suited for a MINI Cooper. Try to prioritize quality over low pricing. <a href="https://www.outmotoring.com/">Outmotoring.com</a> is a wonderful place to find aftermarket parts for all generations of the MINI Cooper. They suggested that I go with an A&amp;E cold air intake system for maximum gains. Upgrading your Cooper’s intake will also give it a pleasant, raspy snarl when climbing through the revs, further adding to the driving experience.

Exhaust

Intake modifications don’t do much if they’re not paired with a proper exhaust system. What you want from this tiny engine is to give it a chance to breathe properly, but also to adequately get rid of its waste.

A full exhaust system may be costly, but it’ll give you the greatest number of gains, especially if it’s mated to a proper intake system. In my case, I went with the Milltek setup, which is specifically designed for the R50 MINI Cooper.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174246" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MINI-R50-exhaust-mod.jpg" alt="Mini Cooper R50" width="2000" height="1125" />

Designed and hand-built in the UK, the system is said to add about 15 horsepower while improving the exhaust note, but not to the point of getting you pulled over by the police. One other aspect I particularly like about this exhaust system is that the muffler’s tip fits perfectly well inside the bumper hole, put there for the OEM exhaust tip.

True MINI connoisseurs will argue that the R50’s original “Coke can” exhaust tip is part of the Frank Stephenson design. And it is. But Milltek’s system is discrete enough to make it look like an OEM part, all while significantly improving your car’s performance and sound.

Ignition

Now that air and exhaust are flowing through your engine faster than before, you’ll also want to improve the entire ignition system so it can keep up. Out Motoring sells a great package for this that they call the <a href="https://www.outmotoring.com/mini-cooper/out-motoring-MINI_cooper_ignition-upgrade-out-ig-kit-kingsborne-beru-standard-screaming-deamon-coil-tune-up-performance-upgrade-spark-plugs-coil-pack-high-volt.html">Out Motoring Stage 3 Ignition Kit</a>. It comes complete with an upgraded coil pack from Screaming Demon, upgraded NGK spark plugs, and performance Kingsborne wires. This engine modification may seem insignificant, but when you mix it up with a proper intake and exhaust upgrade, you’ll notice the gains.

ECU Reflash

This is a tricky one and I highly recommend you read up on it before you embark on an ECU reflash. It’s also important that the company you work with knows everything about your car before they send you the tune.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174239" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_6945.jpg" alt="Mini Cooper R50" width="2000" height="1126" />

I learned this the hard way by working with Superchips, a UK-based company. They sell a great kit called the Bluefin which allows you to simply connect it to your OBD port, giving you up to 10 horsepower in the process. Unfortunately, I hadn’t informed them ahead of time that I had already installed the parts listed above. This led to a reflash that simply wasn’t compatible with my already tuned engine.

My recommendation is as follows: either you begin with this upgrade or, if you plan on doing it last, like I did, make sure to inform the company of all the upgrades you’ve done prior. Also make sure to work with a company that has extensive experience with gen-1 MINI Coopers. Superchips is a good one, but they’ve already begun to legacy their kits due to their age.

How About the Brakes?

Upgrading your brakes is never a bad idea, but I’ve realized that the stock Cooper brakes are plenty capable of withstanding the augmented horsepower and torque. That’s why I decided to stay with the original four-wheel disk setup. All I did was upgrade my brake pads with Hawk performance ceramic units.

Enough Gains to Have Massive Fun

If all these steps are taken properly, your MINI Cooper R50 should end up in the vicinity of 140 horsepower give or take. Considering that these cars only weigh about 2,500 pounds, that’s a great power-to-weight ratio.

You’ll also notice that the engine revs easier all the way to its 7,000-rpm redline and that the throttle response is improved. Lastly, since the car’s entire intake, exhaust and ignition system is overhauled, I suggest always running on 91-octane fuel or higher.

In total, expect these mods to cost you anywhere between $5,000 and $7,000. Considering how affordable these cars are right now, you could end up with a highly fun, analog, and vocal little brat of a hot hatchback for less than $15,000.

Buying and Modding a first-generation BMW Mini Cooper R50

wh-AskMechanic-Nov12

Dear Ask a Mechanic,

My 2009 Toyota Corolla has a warning light that stays on. I’ve brought it into the dealership, and they say it has to do with the tire pressure. At the time, they did something to clear the warning light and checked the tires. They said it would cost a lot of money to replace the sensor that is causing the warning light. They said that if I didn’t want to pay for it to be replaced, I could just live with the warning light being on and just be sure to check the tires now and again. But it’s annoying seeing the light on every time I’m driving. What do you think? – Tire tired

Automotive tire pressure monitoring systems, generally referred to as TPMS, have been around for more than 30 years. The earliest design, co-developed by Bosch and Porsche, used specialized wheels with calibrated pressure switches built into them. The system was costly and not widely used.

Improvements in technology eventually allowed sensors powered by internal batteries to do the job. Each sensor transmits its information to the car’s computer using radio signals. While these sensors have become smaller and capable of transmitting more information (such as tire temperature and sensor battery strength), the basic premise of what is known as direct TPMS remains the same today.

At the same time, anti-lock brakes (ABS) have also become more common and its controllers are now much more sophisticated. This is also a way that tire pressure can be detected. Known as indirect TPMS, this method uses the ABS wheel speed sensors to monitor average tire speeds relative to one another.

Low pressure will result in a tire’s overall diameter becoming smaller. The tires sidewalls get smooshed out and the wheel is closer to the road, meaning the tire’s overall height is less and it will rotate slightly faster than a properly inflated tire. Eventually the average tire speeds reveal the imbalance, and the ABS module will turn on the TPMS warning light.

Automakers frequently use either type. Your Corolla uses the direct kind with four sensors in the valve stems. Since they have batteries built in them, they have a finite lifespan. The battery is attached to the sensor, so replacing the sensor is required to replace the battery, and the tires must come off the wheels to do it.

Like you, I hate having warning lights on, and TPMS is a useful system when it works, so I’d want to fix it. Just know that the sensors are probably all the same age, so even if only one is dead, the others may not be far behind.

While factory sensors can be expensive, aftermarket sensors are widely available, functionally interchangeable and potentially far less costly. I would expect that it will cost well under $100 for each sensor to be replaced and installed. You’ll most likely have to go an independent shop for this option, though.

Ask a Mechanic is written by Brian Early, a Red Seal-certified automotive technician. You can send your questions to wheels@thestar.ca. These answers are for informational purposes only. Please consult a certified mechanic before having any work done to your vehicle.

Dealing with the pressure from a tire warning light

wh-AskMechanic-Nov5

Dear Ask a Mechanic,

I have a three-year-old Mini Cooper. Recently two tires developed a bump on their side walls. I do hit the occasional pothole, but never at any high speeds. Because the wheels on the Mini do not have a conventional inner tube, I was told I would have to replace both tires (they have less than 18,000 kilometres on them). There is no warranty or insurance coverage, and it has cost me $750. What is going on here? – Tire Dinged 

Unfortunately, you’re the victim of a couple of automotive industry trends. One is the market’s preference for larger diameter wheels and correspondingly shorter sidewalls. With less sidewall height to flex and compress, the likelihood that the tire will get pinched by something, like the edge of a pothole or a driveway lip, becomes even greater.

Mini’s use of tire sizes on the Cooper that are a smaller in overall diameter than what is common in Canada and the U.S. results in even shorter sidewalls.

Your cost sounds quite high, but you probably tried to match the remaining tires, which would be a major factor. Even if you didn’t, the Cooper’s less popular tires sizes mean there are fewer alternatives on the market. One of the Mini’s tire sizes, the 205/45R17, is a common factory fitment on Mazda’s MX-5, but the Japanese roadster doesn’t use run-flat tire

Run-flat tires are another factor in your replacement costs. BMW, Mini’s parent company, began transitioning to primarily using run-flat tires in the early 2000s, eliminating spare tires and saving on vehicle weight, space and production costs. The German automaker isn’t alone in using run-flat tires, Chevrolet’s Corvette has used them for three generations, but BMW is among the higher users of them in the auto industry.

The key benefit of these extended mobility tires is the ability for the heavily reinforced sidewall to safely permit continued driving without air pressure (albeit at reduced speed) far enough to reach a service station or garage. Most tire manufacturers have a policy of replacing and not repairing the tire once that happens. Some do not permit repairs at all.

Due to their heavier and specialized construction, run-flat tires are typically anywhere from 10 to 30 per cent more expensive than comparable tires. They also tend to increase ride harshness, a side-effect of the super-stiff sidewalls necessary for low pressure support. Many owners opt to replace run-flats with other tires (and rely on roadside assistance in a flat tire situation) when they buy a vehicle with them.

While it won’t help you with your car’s original tires, pro-rated Road Hazard warranties are available from select tire retailers and brands (often at additional cost) for future tire purchases, offering you a limited form of insurance protection.

Ask a Mechanic is written by Brian Early, a Red Seal-certified automotive technician. You can send your questions to wheels@thestar.ca. These answers are for informational purposes only. Please consult a certified mechanic before having any work done to your vehicle.

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Buying and Modding a first-generation BMW Mini Cooper R50

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