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 →
Tested: 2013 McLaren MP4 12C
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 →
Ridden: smart ebike
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 →
Gallery: Pagani Huayra Carbon Edition
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 →
Tested: 2014 Toyota Corolla S
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 →
Tested: 2013 Ford Focus ST
FocuST Performance _ Ford has tried everything to disguise the fact that a fun, sporty, hopped-up hatchback like this has been missing from North America for quite some time. Alas, the 2013 Focus ST has officially landed. It landed last fall actually. Within weeks it had already been awarded the title of “Best New Sports Performance Vehicle (under $50,000)” as… Read more →
Tested: 2014 Jaguar F-Type V8 S
Bringin’ Sexy Back _ It’s been a while since I’ve driven a Jaguar as good as the 2014 F-Type. In fact, it was the 2008 XKR Coupe. It was brand new at the time, but the model is now on its last legs after its most recent (and probably final) refresh. The XKR’s 420-hp supercharged V8, luxury interior as well… Read more →
Video: Mini JCW throwdown on Mosport autocross course
A John Cooper Works Mini Showdown _ Almost four weeks ago, PRN IGNITION hooked up with DriveTeq, Engineered Automotive and Wheels on Edge at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for a showdown and a throwdown of Mini Cooper JCWs. One is from 2003 and the other from 2013. It’s the very limited Mini JCW GP, or Grand Prix, model in fact.… Read more →
Tested: Three BMWs put to the test (740Li edition)
Seventh Heaven _ Any time I get in a new BMW, I’m amazed at how certain things take me back to my childhood and teenage years and my dad’s ’85 735i. From the amber-on-black dash displays to the integrated computing power, everything about it was leagues ahead of everything I knew about cars at the time. Like a boss, I… Read more →
27 hours at Le Mans
Inside with Audi: 27 hours at Le Mans The 24 Hours of Le Mans is Audi’s big ticket event of the year. It is the one that Audi invests the most time, money and resources into year each year. And why not? It has won the 11 out of its last 13 starts here at the 13.6-km Circuit de la… Read more →