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2016 Ford Focus RS

I can't believe we are getting another performance vehicle from +Ford  so soon. Everyone was expecting a Focus RS but I didn't think we would see it this soon. To recap, over the last few months, Ford's lineup has gained many options for a gear head. The Mustang gained a new engine option, the 2.3L EcoBoost to bridge the gap between the V6 and the GT. The GT350 name returned with a flat-plane crank making more than 500 naturally aspirated horsepower from a 5.2L V8. Then a GT350R was revealed, a more hardcore track version of the car. The legendary Ford GT came back to, once again, take on Ferrari and a new F150 Raptor was revealed on the opposite end of the performance spectrum. Now, we have another one. A step up from the Focus ST that, according to Ford, without worry about stepping on the toes of the Mustang. Ford said this will be the most powerful Focus, with "well in excess of 315 horsepower." If that includes the limited edition RS500, which made 345

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 vs 2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo - A Closer Look

This is the one every one has been waiting for, myself included. The two big giant killers - the Corvette and the Nissan GT-R. Let's cut to the chase, the Vette lost and people are surprised, disappointed or both. Around  Willow Springs , the GT-R Nismo posted a lap time of  1:25.7  and Corvette Z06 posted a lap time of  1:27.1 . That's  1.4  sec on a 1:25 lap which isn't insignificant. I am surprised and disappointed myself. I thought the Corvette would have easily edged out the GT-R based on the handling tests, not just expectations: Test Corvette Stingray Z06 (Z07) Nissan GT-R Nismo Braking, 60-0 MPH 91 ft 97 ft Lateral Acceleration 1.17 g (avg) 1.03 g (avg) MT Figure Eight 22.3 sec @ 1.06 g (avg) 23.1 sec @ 0.99 g (avg) The gap between the two is so large, you would be forgiven to think they are in two different classes. It's hard to believe it doesn't translate to benefit on the track. I think the fact that it didn't is

2016 Mustang Shelby GT350R does the Nurburgring in 7:32

I've read one or two interviews before with Ford that discussed Nurburgring lap times and why there aren't any for the various performance models over the years. I think it was Jamal Hameedi and he said that he didn't like posting Nurburgring lap times even though they test cars there. The reason why was because a lot of parameters aren't consistent between manufacturers so they are meaningless when it comes to comparing cars. Someone close to Ford seems to not have got the memo, though. According to a Horsepower Kings' source, the Shelby GT350R laid down a very impressive lap time of 7:32.19 at the Nurburgring. Not only that, the number also wasn't a hero lap, it was easily repeatable. Even more impressive, the standard GT350 (presumably with the Track Pack) was within a few seconds despite being on much more street friendly tires. That would put the GT350 neck and neck with the Camaro Z/28's 7:37.4 lap time, although it is worth mentioning that

New Lean and Mean Ford F-150 Raptor

Ford. Struck. Again. Another high horsepower, high performance model. This time, it's the return of F-150 Raptor, which will once again set the standard for production high performance off-road vehicles. This time, Ford reengineered more of the truck to differentiate it from the standard F-150 compared to the last generation and make it more formidable. For starters, the Raptor gets a bespoke, purpose built frame that is unique to the Raptor, making it the toughest in the lineup and stronger than the outgoing Raptor. Using the same (high strength, military grade) aluminum alloy that deputed on the body of this F-150 generation, Ford claims a 500 lbs weight reduction compared to the outgoing Raptor. Lighter and tougher? Can't complain. The exterior is still easily distinguishable from the rest of the lineup and it doesn't disappoint. I think the truck looks absolutely menacing. Some of the updates, though, are sure to upset a few people. The

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R - Because a GT350 isn't fast enough!

As if revealing the Ford GT wasn't exciting enough for car enthusiasts, Ford gave the world another treat in the form of the Mustang Shelby GT350R. It seems like more people have been talking about the Ford GT and the new F-150 Raptor and this may have been a little overshadowed. In my opinion, it's not due to it being less significant than either (okay, maybe it isn't quite as significant as a new GT), but because the biggest surprise came when the GT350 was revealed a few weeks ago and a lot of people were expecting a more hard core version to come at some point. Still, the fact that this is announced now is great. The new Mustang has been on sale for just a few months and typically it takes one model year or two to reveal a higher performance version of a model. Look at the history of Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes and even exotics from across the pond. The run-of-the-mill Mustang has been on sale for relatively little and then Ford announced the King Cobra Roush su

The Legendary Ford GT is back!

I was in complete and utter disbelief when I saw this. I read a few articles about a possible GT replacement but how many times have we heard the same? How many times have we heard rumours and saw concepts before the last return of the GT? Now that it is here, it's hard to argue that the legendary name has returned. Beyond the car itself, another shocking detail is the engine. A 3.5 litre, twin turbocharged EcoBoost V6. No longer is it a V8. Whenever a V6 replaces a V8, that's always a sin in my books but this may be the first case where I liked something about it. It ties it to Ford's racing efforts in Tudor with the Daytona Prototypes (DP) cars, which use a racing variation of Ford's famous 3.5 litre EcoBoost engine. I always like ties to racing. I still would have much rather seen a V8 and I'm afraid this is a sign of things to come but it's hard to argue with more than 600 hp, which is what Ford said it will make. Ford fitted the engine w

All new 2016 Cadillac CTS-V

Okay, this is over three weeks old new. But, as I've done in the past a few times, I simply cannot exclude some cars when they debut from my blog. This is a perfect example, the new CTS-V. For one, look at the thing. I think it looks awesome. It's aggressive but not vulgar and, besides the grille and hood vents, looks almost discrete in a dark colour like the gunmetal grey below (okay, the quad exhausts are a giveaway as well). We haven't even got to the best part yet, the supercharged beating heart making 640 hp. 640 hp. That is a lot more than the last generation's 556 hp and it actually needs less to be as quick. I was expecting Cadillac to give it a number around 600 hp and would have been very happy with that. It would have been a nice jump of about 50 hp from the last generation while having a better and lighter chassis. You can't complain about that. But no, they gave it 640 hp. For those who are bored by numbers, skip to the next paragraph. T

Chevy Corvette Z06 or Nissan GT-R Nismo

Inevitably, comparisons between the new +Chevrolet  Corvette Z06 and the +Nissan  GT-R Nismo are being made. Before I get to any discussion, here are the performance numbers for each: Corvette Z06 (manual) Corvette Z06 (auto) Nissan GT-R Nismo 0-30 mph 1.5 sec 1.3 sec 1.2 sec 0-40 mph 2.1 sec 1.7 sec 1.7 sec 0-50 mph 2.6 sec 2.3 sec 2.2 sec 0-60 mph 3.2 sec 3.0 sec 2.9 sec 0-70 mph 4.1 sec 3.8 sec 3.7 sec 0-80 mph 4.9 sec 4.7 sec 4.7 sec 0-90 mph 5.9 sec 5.6 sec 5.8 sec 0-100 mph 7.2 sec 6.8 sec 7.0 sec 1/4 mile 11.3 sec @ 126.2 mph 11.1 sec @ 127 mph 11.2 sec @ 125 mph braking 60-0 mph 91 ft 91 ft 97 ft braking 70-0 mph 128 ft 128 ft 145 ft figure 8 22.5 sec @ 0.98 g (avg) 22.5 sec @ 0.98 g (avg) 22.9 sec @ 0.91 g (avg) The manual Z06 acceleration numbers are based on Motor Trend's test because they tested a manual and the auto's numbers are based on Car and Driver's test because they tested an auto. The GT-R Nismo acceleration numbers are b

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Test Numbers

This isn't "A Closer Look". I don't have a second opinion, criticism or a different view. I simply have to include the performance numbers of a new Corvette Z06. Especially when they're blistering. 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds. 3 seconds flat. From a front (mid) engine, RWD car with a starting price under $80,000. With a manual, this number drops to 3.2 seconds. The full acceleration numbers are: 0-30 mph (auto/manual): 1.3 sec/1.5 sec 0-40 mph (auto/manual): 1.7 sec/2.1 sec 0-50 mph (auto/manual): 2.3 sec/2.6 sec 0-60 mph (auto/manual): 3.0 sec/3.2 sec 0-70 mph (auto/manual): 3.8 sec/4.1 sec 0-80 mph (auto/manual): 4.7 sec/4.9 sec 0-90 mph (auto/manual): 5.6 sec/5.9 sec 0-100 mph (auto/manual): 6.8 sec/7.2 sec 1/4 mile (auto/manual): 11.1 sec @ 127 mph/11.3 sec @ 126 mph It is worth mentioning that the numbers were recorded by different sources. Car and Driver tested the automatic and Motor Trend tested the manual but the gap m

2016 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan

Here it is in all its glory. The coupe stole the lights from those with the early leak and the bright white paint job but this, this right here is the piece de resistance for me. I don't know what it is about fast sedans that makes them so appealing to me. I think it's the fact that a sedan body style isn't as cool or "fast" looking as a coupe. It's there because of function. It has more space and more doors for easier egress and ingress. A coupe is for style. It's for fun. By definition, you compromise on practicality just for the sake of some kind enjoyment. For me, the ultimate enjoyment comes from driving it and a fast sedan means that it excels at everything you ask of it. The same applies to fast wagons. For more information, visit the earlier post: 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Leaked . For more pictures, visit GM Media website: 2016 ATS-V Gallery . Which one would you choose, this or the coupe? Sound off in the comments below!






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

Michelin Pilot Super Sports vs Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 - Street Review

I've been a huge fan of Michelin PSS tires and exclusively bought them for the Mustang over the last four years. So how did I end up here? This year, I was hugely interested in trying an "R-comp" tire. I had my eyes set on Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R's for two simple reasons: price and reputation. Although not a true "R-comp" tire on paper, it performs like one by the account of every single test and review I've read (down to wear rates...). They seem like they're easily the most affordable (from a big brand) R-comp tire and combine that with a reputation for having tons of grip, it was an easy top contender. I had my concerns, though. For one, I'm told and have read that they are an autox tire, not really designed for high speed, pressure, and temps associated with open track. For another, the Mustang is a heavy car (as far as track cars are concerned) being roughly 3,800 lb. (including driver), which will amplify the unwanted open track load

GTR vs Evo X vs STI: which has the best AWD system?

A few weeks ago, I made a post explaining  mainstream AWD system types and how they compare , pros and cons, etc. including some simple diagrams to show where the power goes and how much. As promised, this post will focus on specific cars and what AWD systems they use, especially ones that that have more or less been defined by their AWD systems, and the best place to start may be with a bombshell; the Nissan GT-R. Nissan GT-R (R35) The GT-R has built a reputation around having monster traction and very approachable performance, thanks to its AWD system - Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain (ATTESA) - and what it can do for you. But the GT-R doesn't actually use the most mechanically sophisticated type of AWD systems discussed in the previous article, namely a "true" AWD with a centre differential. Instead, it uses a clutch pack to transfer power. RWD-based clutch-type AWD schematic - Rams Eye The Track Guy © The R32, R33, and R34 Sky

Winter Car Maintenance Tips

It's this time of the year again and I thought I would share a few winter maintenance tips that can be overlooked but they can keep a vehicle running better and more safely. 1- Tires They're the only components that connect your vehicle to the road. Regardless of the capability of a vehicle's drivetrain and suspension or how strong the brakes are, they will handle only as well as the tires allow them to. Always get snow tires and not summer or all season tires if snow stays on the ground. If you only get rain but no snow where you live, all season tires are a great choice. Check tread regularly to make sure the grooves are deep enough. Tires have wear bars which indicate  when the amount of tread left is unsafe for driving. Snow tires have two wear bars; one for dry/wet driving and one for snow driving. If the tread is at the taller wear bar (the snow wear bar), the tires are not safe for snow driving but may still be used in the rain or dry. If the tread reaches the