NEWS: New Scooby...

By Michael Banovsky
Photos courtesy Subaru

...and it's a doozie.

We'll let the pics speak for themselves, as it's not like Subaru will change a whole lot spec-wise.

NEWS: New RAM

By Michael Banovsky

For the ’06 model year, the Ram will go through a host of changes to keep it competitive against stiff competition from Ford, Chevy, and the imports. Changes include cylinder deactivation on the Hemi option, which will save customers “227 million litres of fuel annually.”

From DaimlerChrysler:
“In addition to being the first pickup truck to offer Chrysler Group's MDS technology, the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 the most powerful light-duty pickup truck on the market boasts an all-new frame and suspension, an all-new interior, and an even bolder new Dodge Ram exterior.
The new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 is the first pickup truck and latest Chrysler Group vehicle to feature standard MDS with the 5.7-litre HEMI. Without compromising its best-in-class 345 horsepower, the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 s HEMI V8 engine seamlessly alternates between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V8 mode when more power is in demand.
The Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 model utilizes a new coil-over shock absorber and double wishbone front suspension. Mounting the shock absorber inside the coil spring enables four-wheel-drive models to benefit from the coil springs added tuning characteristics.
The interior of the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 complements the bold exterior by taking
luxury and refinement to new levels in the pickup truck market. Enhanced driver and
passenger comfort and more feature content is abundant inside the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500.
Driver and passengers will experience an interior environment that is 20 percent quieter than the previous Dodge Ram 1500, achieved by employing laminated front-door glass and improved door seals. In addition, extensive use of Polymer Constraint Layer (PCL) and new body mounts reduces road noise and resonance between the engine and cabin. All-new seats, including optional bucket seats with available leather trim, provide substantial bolstering and generous support while adding a rich appearance to the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500’s interior.
A new instrument panel cluster placed underneath a redesigned cluster brow is designed to reduce glare, and a new, wide center stack contains a new audio system and new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning controls.
Premium amenities including a new GPS Navigation radio, new rear-seat DVD (Quad Cab"
only), Infinity® sound system, UConnect" hands-free communication system, SIRIUS
Satellite Radio (late availability, pending CRTC approval), sunroof, adjustable pedals, dual-zone climate control, heated seats and a new power-sliding rear window are available on the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500.”

NEWS: Ferrari FXX

By Michael Banovsky
Photos courtesy Ferrari

Okay, okay… I know that they aren’t doing too well this year in F1, and that they make really expensive cars almost all of us won’t be able to afford…but this proves my theory that Ferrari could throw a prancing horse on a Pontiac Aztec and sell it for $400,000.

In fact, the Ferrari FXX (taking the “F” moniker (F40, F50, F60, etc.) to an “X-treme” level) is much more ugly than the Aztec. It’s also much more expensive, at roughly $1,800,000 USD. (That’s over $2,250,000 Canadian…) Thankfully only 20 or so will be made.

Obviously, there is some purpose for the looks: the aero parts add 40 per cent more downforce over the Ferrari Enzo. The engine is 0.2L bigger, for a total output of more than 800bhp at 8500rpm. The transmission will shift at 100 miliseconds. The aero parts are fully adjustable. It has carbon brakes and custom 19-inch Bridgestone racing slicks.



Slicks? Yeah, it’s not road legal. It’s the showcase of Ferrari’s Corse Clienti (Track Client) program. The FXX package includes Ferrari-organized track events during the next two years, an official team of technicians to look after the car, storage of their FXX at the Ferrari factory, a driving course, individually-tailored seats and pedals, and a full evaluation of the client’s driving via onboard data collectors.

Ferrari says: “the wealth of data and experience gathered in the course of this very special program will be exceptionally important. In fact, the feedback from these highly skilled, non-professional client test drivers will be compared and supplemented with suggestions from Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello and Ferrari’s professional in-house test drivers.”

I’ve got a suggestion: You’re driving the ugliest Ferrari ever made. That fact alone is worth avoiding the FXX. I bet they're already lining up outside the “more money-than-brains club...”

NEWS: Jeep Accessories

By Michael Banovsky

Okay, this is to offset the super-crazy Ferrari FXX that was shown today. Mopar has created a line of new accessories for the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. Well, we got a separate release for each new product… From Mopar:

“Jeep Wrangler is rugged, durable, and capable. And authentic Jeep accessories by Mopar included in the Off Road Enthusiast Package are just as hardcore, including skid plates, rock rails, unlimited half top, rugged full coverage flooring, off-road front and rear bumpers, Warn winch, and corner guards.”

We’re sure they are available at your local Jeep dealer. For a full rundown, visit www.mopar.com

NEWS: Challenging the X

By Michael Banovsky

Just driving down a Canadian highway fills most people with a sense of environmental responsibility. After all, only an hour outside of Toronto, rocks begin to jut parallel to the road and the roadside trees seem to go on forever.

So it’s no surprise, then, that a team of students from Waterloo University have won round one in the Challenge X, a competition sponsored by General Motors and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Waterloo team used Canadian-sourced components (a fuel cell engine from Mississauga, ON’s Hydrogenics Corp. and an electric drive system from Burnaby, BC’s Ballard Power) – to create an Equinox that improves on-road fuel economy and reduces emissions.

They beat out 16 other teams from around North America – which is even more impressive considering they are the only Canadian entrant. They drove away with a Chevrolet Equinox, over $20,000 in prize money, and a great head start for rounds two and three of the competition.

"This is the ultimate made-in-Canada success story," said David Paterson, Vice President Corporate & Environmental Affairs, GM Canada. "Canadian students using Canadian technology on a Canadian-designed and -built vehicle are shining on the North American stage. All of us at GM Canada salute the University of Waterloo team's major achievement, and we look forward to more success from these remarkable students in the years ahead."

NEWS: Hyundai’s Entourage

By Michael Banovsky

Much like DCX stamped out competitors in the 80s by offering the super-popular Caravan, I think Hyundai will score big with its new minivan, the Entourage. Poised to offer class-leading power and a competitive price, Hyundai’s entry comes when some manufacturers are downsizing (Mazda5) or scrapping (Ford’s Freestyle) their minivan offerings. It should be an interesting fight.

From Hyundai Canada:

“Hyundai has announced that it will introduce an all-new minivan in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model.

Called the “Entourage”, the new offering will extend Hyundai’s product range into the highly-competitive minivan segment for the first time.

Strengthening the Hyundai product portfolio, the new Entourage minivan will be offered only as a long-wheelbase version and will be powered by the sophisticated 3.8-liter V6 engine that will also be found in the 2006 Hyundai Azera premium sedan.

“The Entourage will be yet another milestone vehicle for Hyundai in Canada,” said Stephen F. Kelleher, President and C.E.O. of Hyundai Auto Canada. “We are extremely excited to be entering this market segment and, like other new Hyundai offerings, the all-new Entourage will offer buyers outstanding levels of quality, spaciousness, safety and standard features while reflecting and retaining traditional Hyundai value.””

NEWS: The Gender Split

By Michael Banovsky

Unfortunately, we don't yet know if this survey was done among 12-year-olds. If so, the men all like cars they can't afford - and the top 10 cars for girls must be what the "hot guy" drives at their school. (Which would explain all the budget motors.) Prices are all in US dollars, in case you thought there was some sort of sale going on. From Cnn.com:

Top 10 cars for men

1. Porsche 911 coupe, $70,095 - $193,765
2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, $28,504 - $35,274
3. Ford GT, $143,345
4. Volkswagen Phaeton, $68,905 - $104,455
5. BMW 6-series convertible, $76,900
6. Jaguar XK8 coupe, $69,830
7. Maserati Spyder, $92,302 - $96,465
8. Mercedes CL, $96,720 - $132,320
9. BMW 6-series coupe, $69,900
10. Porsche 911 convertible, $79,895 - $141,995

Top 10 cars for women

1. Pontiac G6 convertible, (Not yet available)
2. Suzuki Forenza, $13,994 - $18,494
3. Volkswagen New Beetle convertible, $22,940 - $27,100
4. Volkswagen New Beetle, $17,185 - $27,100
5. Pontiac Sunfire coupe, $11,460 - $15,770
6. Volvo XC70, $36,080
7. Mitsubishi Eclipse convertible, $25,744 - $31,544
8. Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible, $20,045 - $29,120
9. Kia Rio sedan, $10,535 - $13,065
10. Kia Optima, $16,585 - $20,585

GAME: Configuroto

By Michael Banovsky

A few days ago, during a lull in the world of automotive news, I decided to configure some cars on the Internet. Not because I was going to buy one, mind you – but just to see how fat I could load up a few cars with options…

Pretty soon the bug spread, and Mark Atkinson was configuring a long-wheelbase Ford panel van. Other guys in the office were convinced they could spec out a Buick so it rang in at over $50,000. Then, like a Cold War-era arms race, we were all competing to configure the most over-the-top model.

Configuroto was born.

Here's the game:
Configure a car on the Internet, and add every conceivable option (the car must be on-sale in Canada). Take the total MSRP (options included), and divide it by the number of options you put onto the car. The winner is the person with the lowest overall total after three cars.

For example, on ford.ca, a 2005 Focus ZX5 SES retails for $21,755. Options are a 4-speed automatic ($1,200), leather seats ($860), side impact airbags ($500), power moonroof ($1,000), and a perimeter alarm system ($250).

The total is $26,535, divided by the five options, for a total score of 5307.

The player with the lowest total of three configured models added together is the winner. Don't forget to email your results to your friends - the best way is to put simply: "Ford Focus - 5307", so that your optioning skills are kept secret. Feel free to post your lowest scores using our handy-dandy comment system.

Note: No prizes will be given, except for the immense gratitude and admiration your fellow motorheads will bestow upon you.

Good luck!

NEWS: Passat Wagon

By Michael Banovsky
Photos courtesy Volkswagen Germany

In some look what we'll be getting in a few years news, these are the first official photos of the redesigned Volkswagen Passat Wagon.



Although VW is currently pushing its redesigned Jetta, we'll be getting the new Passat next year - and the wagon most likely six months after that. Expect the range of engines to include the 200 horsepower 2.0L FSi, the 255 horsepower 3.2L FSi V6, 150 horsepower 2.0L TDi diesel, and (maybe) a range-topping W8.

I suppose that Ikea shopping spree will have to wait...

NEWS: Another high noon duel?

By Michael Banovsky
Photo courtesy McMaster University

Austin, Texas has seen many midday duels under the scorching sun. This year, the competitors won’t be using wild west-style revolvers, but solar cars.

Team members of the McMaster Solar Car Project have just unveiled one of Canada's entries into the first-ever North American Solar Car Challenge. Named Phoenix, the solar car features a redesigned aerodynamic shell, a three-wheel chassis system for reduced road resistance, a more efficient solar array with 479 solar cells, and new suspension, steering and braking systems for improved performance and handling.

"We've engineered Phoenix based on what we've learned from our previous two cars, Fireball 1 and Fireball 2," explains Avery Yuen, Project Manager, McMaster Solar Car Project. "We've found better ways to tap the sun's energy and overcome earth's natural resistances to make Phoenix travel faster over a longer period of time while making it easier to drive."

The first-ever North American Solar Challenge is a special edition of the biannual American Solar Car Challenge and will run from July 17 to 27. More than 30 teams from across North America will race on a highway route that starts in Austin, Texas, crosses the Canadian border into Manitoba and finishes in Calgary, Alberta.

Cars will reach speeds of over 100 km/h while using the equivalent electrical output of a toaster.

"Engineering a solar car lets us put into practice what we've learned," said Karleen Dudeck, Business Manager, McMaster Solar Car Project. "It also lets us explore engineering solutions in areas such as alternative energy and environmental protection."

The team has spent the last 12 months working on designing, manufacturing and fundraising for Phoenix. More than 50 local organizations and individuals have contributed to the development of the car, which is valued at over $300,000.

The project can be found at www.solarcar.mcmaster.ca