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Ferrari LaFerrari - That Noise

I am sure different people will watch this video and think of different things. The video is a Motor Trend Ignition video of a test of the 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari. There are many things to think about.. the the horsepower figure, the performance capabilities, and cost are probably among the first aspects that come of this car that come to mind. All are substantial. The fact that it comes across civilized and well mannered is even better. But I can't help but think of one thing; the noise. It actually isn't so much about the noise of this car itself. It is more about the "contrast". The contrast between the glorious noise that this car makes and the soulless, muffled, disappointing noise that Ferrari's F1 car. I have already made a post earlier this season about the 2014 Spec F1 cars  and I said that they don't sound bad but the more F1 races I watch, the more disappointed I get. I would actually be far more excited to listen to a LaFerrari in pe

Is A Manual 2015 Chevrolet SS Coming?

When the Chevrolet SS was first announced, I assumed that the decision between the SS and the Charger SRT8 wouldn't be difficult. Assuming no brand loyalty and narrowing your choices down to full size sedans with good ole' American muscle, the choice would come down to your driving style. The Chevy SS would be your favourite of you're more of a canyon carver and the Charger would be your choice if you wanted more of a grand tourer, judging by the fact that the Camaro is smaller and sharper than the Challenger. Chevrolet may want to give buyers another reason to consider the SS though, as Motor Trend sources report that the SS may be getting a six-speed manual transmission and magnetic ride control suspension.  Full size sedan with a V8 in the front, power going to the back and a manual transmission? Seems too good to be true. I don't know if a manual would make the car any quicker because GM builds a good auto and I believe I have read a few times that the

GM Doesn't Want You to Clone The Camaro Z/28

After Ford re-introduced the Boss 302 and Boss 302 Laguna Seca, many parts became available such as the wheels, the front splitter and more. The GT500 spoiler has long been a favourite amount many Mustang owners (myself included - I have a genuine GT500 spoiler on my Boss 302). GM doesn't want you to be able to do that, though. To prevent people from borrowing design cues or all out cloning the mighty Camaro Z/28, GM is restricting sale of 35 parts to only those who own the car.  The restricted parts include the brake callipers and carbon ceramic rotors, forged wheels, helical differential, half shafts, seats and many aerodynamic parts such as the fender flares, rocker panels, rear spoiler and more. Here is a  list of parts (courtesy of GM Authority) including part numbers: 22958646 ROTOR-FRT BRK 22958647 ROTOR-RR BRK 22958658 CALIPER ASM-FRT BRK 22958607 CALIPER ASM-FRT BRK 22958637 CALIPER ASM-RR BRK 22958634 CALIPER ASM-RR BR 23179350 MOLDING ASM-RKR PNL 231

Disappointing BMW M4 Start-up and Rev

This is the new BMW M4 which is powered by a twin-turbo 3-litre straight six making 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque which is 11 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque. While that is a healthy upgrade, specially the increase in torque, the engine noise is rather disappointing.. Below is a video showing a 2015 BMW M4 start up and rev. You can actually hear someone in the background saying that it sounds like a Prius. Many diehard M3 fans and auto enthusiasts in general were bemoaning the switch to a turbo engine and now there's another disappointment, the engine noise. If you have a laptop, I recommend plugging in good speakers, preferably with a woofer, or at least head phones because laptop speakers will make it terrible. This is the new BMW M4 which is powered by a twin-turbo 3-litre straight six making 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque which is 11 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque. While that is a healthy upgrade, specially the increase in torque, the engine noise is rather disappointi

2015 Hyundai Sonata - Motor Trend's Refreshing or Revolting?

A 245 hp, FWD midsize family sedan with extremely mild sporty aspirations should not have four exhaust outlets. Other than that, it looks much better than the current generation, although that's hardly a compliment in my books because the current generation looks like an over-designed mess. Reducing power seems like a trend with all new Hyundai models now. Someone up there probably wanted to boost all peak power ratings to grab attention while the brand was redefining itself but they are trying to improve drivability now, which is a positive. Background: Hyundai plans to give the 2.0-litre turbo Sport revised electric power steering system as well as 12.6-inch front brakes (the Mazda6 Grand Touring and Honda Accord Sport have 11.7 and 11.5-inch front brake discs, respectively) and a unique sport-tuned suspension.  For 2015, HP is reduced for both engines. The 2.4-liter naturally aspirated I4 now produces 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the 2014'

Happy 50th Mustang!

Just over a week ago, the Mustang nameplate turned 50 years old. Not many cars can claim the honour and even more importantly, the rich heritage. It found success on the streets, in motor sports and even a few iconic roles. Check out the video below put together by Ford Racing to celebrate 50 years of Mustangs in motor sports. Ford made sure that no one forgets the anniversary by offering a 50th anniversary limited edition model and only 1964 will be built to pay homage to the year 1964, the year the Mustang was born. It will be offered with every available option on the Mustang GT, except colour and transmission. Customers will pick the colour and an automatic or a manual transmission.  Not only that, Ford also repeated the great feat of putting a Mustang on the 86th floor observation deck of the Empire State building - 1,000 ft high. There is one "gift card" that Ford might not have been excepting though.. a Happy Birthday from Chevrolet and none

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible

This week, Chevrolet introduced the convertible version of the highly anticipated, C7 Corvette Z06. Yes, the Z06 will be available with a drop top. A power operated tonneau cover will be offered that is identical to the one offered on the standard stingray. The top will be offered in four colours and can be operated up to speeds of 30 mph. It features a thick fabric top with sound absorbing padding and a glass rear window to provide a quiet cabin.  This is guaranteed to upset a few die-hard fans. Let's not forget, this is a car that used to be exclusive to a very specific group of people. The Z06 was not offered with a convertible top since the very first Z06 - the 1963 Corvette Stingray. According to GM records, 199 C2 Corvettes with the Z06 package were sold, only one of which was a convertible. However, the C5 and C6 Z06's being offered only as coupes and without an automatic option, they excluded many Corvette buyers who may have wanted extra oomph or b






Does An Aftermarket Grille Really Increase Airflow?
I put a Saleen S281 grille to the test to answer that question.

Stock Suspension S197 Mustang With Square 305/30/19's
What you need to fit a proper size square tire setup.

How Limited Slip Diffs Make You Faster on Track
What you need to know about how they put power down and pros and cons.

Can Telemetry Explain Schumacher's Talent?
A comparison between Schumacher's and then team mate Herbert's data.






Cayman GT4 Track Review
The first Cayman with proper (911-challenging) power.

Is an EcoBoost Mustang any good on Track?
Two days at the track in a Mustang short 4 cylinders.

2016 BMW M4 DCT Track Review
It's quick (properly quick). But is it fun?

Can a stock Golf Diesel handle a Track Day?
Not your every day track beater.




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Falken Azenis RT615k+ Street and Track Review

Last year, I picked up a 2009 Lancer Ralliart to do a long term test with it as a dual duty track/daily. One of the first things I knew I was going to do was put a decent set of tires on it. The car came without OEM wheels which was actually good because I didn't have to hesitate about getting a good set of aftermarket wheels to support going wider. Thankfully, my friends at YST Auto Halifax  set me up with a great set of Superspeed RF03RR wheels. The Wheels I had never even heard of Superspeed but I trusted the good folk at YST Auto who mentioned some customer cars running on track with them. These wheels are rotary forged which is basically a prerequisite to be taken seriously in this market populated by companies like TSW and Fast Wheels. The wheels looked like a high quality, well finished wheel and each had a "QC" check sticker on. Just for appearances? Maybe, but I found no defects. The wheels seemed easy to balance (didn't need many weights) and at 18.1 lb. f

2007 Saleen Mustang S281 SC Super Shaker Track Review

"Who's your green student today?" asked a friend and instructor at the BMW Club Atlantic Advanced Driver Training (HPDE) weekend in June this year. I said: "The Saleen." The response was: "Oh, boy." Mustangs, generally, have a reputation for being more power than chassis. Mustang drivers have quite the reputation for.. how to put this nicely? Taking advantage of said power/chassis imbalance. To make matters worse, this particular Mustang was a supercharged Saleen, with a honkin' Shaker scoop sticking out of its hood. Did I mention it was also a convertible? And the owner was someone who's never been on track before but clearly has the speed bug. Having had a Mustang for years and driven a few on track, they don't scare me - generally speaking - but the combination of being convertible and supercharged with a new and excited owner worried me a little. Nevertheless, I shrugged it off and got excited about chatting with the owner to find

2014 BMW 335i xDrive M Sport Review

Post-refresh 2015 F30 3-series pictured.  Which is better, an F30 3-series or an E46? The F30 has certainly taken its fair share of heat. But if you thought I was going to say the E46, you'd be dead wrong. The F30 3-series is better. Far better. It is quicker, faster, safer, more practical, more efficient, more refined, quieter.. the list goes on. A lot of reviews and people I talk to consider the F30 to be an abomination. Frankly, I don't see it. You'd have to be mad to think the E46 is better. Completely out to lunch. I don't know who in their right mind would prefer the E46..  Trouble is, since when were people buying sports cars in their right minds? Here, lies the real problem. " Raw rather than refined in its noises, pounding ride, heavy clutch, 50 grand and cloth seats? " "..  and not at all shy about its performance compromises. It always acts like the automotive jock it is, every mile of every day. " " Raw and quite loud.. An

Limited Slip Differentials - The Basics

I'm finishing up a comparison post (link to introduction: Intro: Focus RS vs Golf R vs WRX STI vs Evo X ) and, throughout the post, I realized that I have to go off topic a lot to talk about how each type of differential changes the way the car drives. As a result, I thought I'd write a separate post to go into more detail before I post the comparison to keep it more focused on the cars and avoid veering off topic too much. By saying "Limited Slip Differentials" in the title, I am including torque vectoring diffs because, although current conventional terminology treats them differently, a torque vectoring differential is, in essence, a very sophisticated limited slip diff (LSD) that can be manipulated to actively help the car handle better. And while none of the cars in the comparison use open (without help from the brakes) or non-gear mechanical LSD’s, I’ll briefly discuss them so that the post is more inclusive. I’ll only focus on using power to help the