Lustworthy _ The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC has that ‘je ne sais quoi,’ that ‘certain swagger’ if you will. Not because it has one of the longest names in the entire Benz line-up, or because it’s packing the powerful 5.5L AMG biturbo V8 with 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. Rather, it’s because this particular bad… Read more →
Cayman’s got bite! _ At the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada’s (AJAC) TestFest event last fall, the 2014 Cayman went up against a host of “all-new” models in the annual Sports Performance car shoot-out. These new or significantly-updated 2014 models include the BMW 435i xDrive (663 pts.), Corvette Stingray (673 pts.), Jaguar F-Type V6 S (637 pts.), Mercedes-Benz E 350… Read more →
Crikey, that’s a big one! _ In one fell swoop, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray landed itself at the top of my own 2013 Top 10 list. Not by choice, but by merit. Maybe it’s because the Viper GTS hasn’t landed in my lap, but I thought for sure the MP4 12C had that locked up and key thrown away.… Read more →
STImprezive! _ I’ve had an insatiable urge to get completely sideways while driving a Subaru STI since watching Ken Block’s Gymkhana Practice video on YouTube. Five long years have passed, Subaru launched a new model and I even met Mr. Block – who now drives a Ford of course – in person before that would happen. But it did happen,… Read more →
Roush Stage 3 _ This Roush Stage 3 Mustang is the very same one we drove the snot out of in Mid-Ohio. It is the base Stage 3 model – Roush calls it Phase 1 – with a selection of options added to make it more unique. Sitting somewhere between the Ford Shelby GT500 and Boss 302 Mustangs in terms… Read more →
Hello Nismo _ Like AMG (Mercedes), M Performance (BMW), Mazdaspeed, even TRD (Toyota Racing Development), Nismo stands for more. Actually, it stands for motorsports – Nissan Motorsports to be sure – and with that you get more. More style, more performance, more technology, more fun – it’s all there in the 2013 Nissan Juke Nismo. Founded in 1984, Nismo exists… Read more →
McBat Out of Hell _ What is it like to drive a $300,000 mid-engine British super car on Canada’s famed Mosport Grand Prix road course at the gorgeous, newly-renovated Canadian Tire Motorsport Park? Well, thanks to our friends at McLaren Toronto (part of the Pfaff Automotive Group), I can unequivocally confirm that it is exhilarating and unlike anything many people… Read more →
Now that’s smart _ I recently had a smart ebike for a week-long test ride. While I’m not the young, avid cyclist (read mountain biker) I used to be, it was a definite treat and a whole lot of fun. For the uninitiated, this ebike is a pedelec, or pedal electric cycle to be sure. Its Lithium-ion battery alone doesn’t… Read more →
I didn’t get to pin the throttle and feel the 700-plus horsepower AMG-built twin-turbo V12 launch me to the moon. I did, however, get to sit inside a $2-million Pagani Huayra Carbon Edition last fall at the Ritz Carlton in Toronto thanks to Pfaff Automotive Partners. It is, by far, the most expensive car I’ve ever sat in, if only… Read more →
Up up and away! _ The 2014 Toyota Corolla is not faster than a speeding bullet or more powerful than a locomotive. And no, it certainly does not leap over tall buildings in a single bound. It doesn’t grind or railslide, and it doesn’t drift. Unless, of course, you are the Stig. Or have a few tricks up your sleeve.… Read more →
