Designed to Drive

In recent years the trend for automotive companies appears to be a more direct transition from the conceptual stages of a vehicles directly to the production line.  The most recent display of this is, the Land Rover Evoque. I saw the Evoque at this past years Canadian International Auto Show and I have to say I was very impressed.  It's unique styling and  aggressive design was tantalizing to those who in all reality will not be rock climbing on the weekend.  More significant to me though was the fact that this production vehicle was essentially unchanged from the concept vehicle we had seen not too long before. 



In 2009 the Evoque is explored as the next generation of Land Rover;

http://youtu.be/F1XujhLuKXU

It made me wonder why we are seeing a more direct transition of the design to dealership floor.  Maybe it is because the buyers are demanding more dramatic designs.  Like I have mentioned in previous discussions that I believe there is such a demand.  It may well be more simple than this though, it might just be that it is now more possible to make these concepts fiscally possible. 

Think about some of the concept cars you have dreamed up over the years, with their awe inspiring power plants, incredible interiors and 'out of this world' technology.  It appears though that now by the grace of brilliant engineers that these out of reach ideas have been made possible.  It is my opinion that the car has become a BING BANG In the truest sense of the collision of art and technology.  It appears that the car industry has become the experimental ground for those technologies that link our lives together.

BACK FROM THE BRINK

The heavy wrecking ball of the global economy swung widely in the last few years.  It has consumed many businesses, hitting the automotive sector particularly hard.  GMC was included in the group that did not come out unscathed and were forced to trim the fat, getting rid of brands and eliminating models. (oh yeah and receiving a massive government bailout on both sides of the boarder...no big deal, but let's not get into that now.)  

I was extremely nervous about the resulting sales numbers, specifically with the choice to eliminate Pontiac over Buick.  However, the aggregate numbers do not lie, Buick's sales are up substantially on a year over year basis.  This is a pretty impressive feat considering the state of the global market at this time.  Granted this is not isolated to GM products, and across the board Automotive companies have done extremely well in the last year.   

Unlike the post recession vehicles that have been seen in the past that were cheap attempts at trying to make a quick buck, a light bulb seem to go off in manufacturers heads this time.  They realized that buyers want a high quality product, great technology and matching vehicle performance. Across the board I think we have seen this. I mean even Chrysler has had fantastic sales as of late and that is saying something. 

Anyways, back to Buick.  The new line-up features an impressive array of well designed vehicles both mechanically and visually.  I honestly believe that with this new line-up Buick is able to challenge a standard criticism that Buicks in the last few decades have been nothing but geriatric wagons. 

Both Buick and Oldsmobile were seen as the humble vehicle of the Sunday driver. Not exactly the personification of success. But, and this is a big but, though I strongly support their latest attempts to move away from this perspective, there still should remain some aspects of the old Buick. This is not necessarily a bad concept when it comes to quality and comfort of ride. Oh right I forgot, performance too. 

1970 Grand Sport 

Let us not forget some of the beautiful Buicks of yesteryear.  Every company seems to be doing this right now, looking back to the most successful vehicles that the automotive industry has pumped out and more specifically what Detroit has pumped out like the previous 1970's-80's Regal Grand Sport and Grand Nationals.

1987 Grand National

The introduction of the Buick Regal GS has me  excited when it comes to Buick right now.  It has aggressive styling, intoxicating interior and impressive 2.0L turbo charged engine.  When I look at it, it makes me grin (somewhat like the Grinch, minus the terrible dental hygiene)because I know what I am capable of doing with this car. Reading the spec breakdown on it makes you want to do one of those hearty Tim Allen-esque grunting fits! Okay so it isn't an 3-series or a C class, or A4, but Buick could reasonably have them a little nervous.

Would I rather have the 3 series or and A4?  Quite possibly, but I don't think it is reasonable to just shrug off the Regal GS. This is a European car at heart, an Opal in disguise let's remember!  This isn't a sad re-badge though, this is bringing to North American markets a high quality (performance) product 255hp and 290lb/ft of torque. Let us not forget that it has chrome 'fangs'!  Fangs on their own are very in at the moment, let alone chrome fangs. So if for no other reason then to make girls drool over your car, the Regal GS might be a good and fast option.

The Regal GS stands as a testament not just to GM fans but to car fans in general that even the most beleaguered brand can have a chance to etch out their mark on the automotive landscape.  Though Buick may not be the most striking re-brand, it is among the more aggressive attempts to truly target a new buyer and market.  Granted you are still going to have those perennial Buick buyers but if models like the GS continue to roll off the design block I honestly believe a shift in demographics will take place seeing younger and younger buyers of vehicles of this type. 

I look forward to seeing the demographic data relating to the purchasers of Buicks over the next couple of years.   Even more so, I look forward to seeing which of these lucky models will see the next generation of the GM Northstar V8 strapped under the hood - who knows maybe even a supercharged version.  

Regardless though, models like the GS make me continue to believe that ingenuity and appreciation for fine design still exist in the industry.  Some critics may claim that cars nowadays all look the same but I would say that we are witnessing a renaissance of design.  

Please do not get me wrong, I am in no way attempting to say that the Buick Regal GS is in some way the epiphany of the automotive design world.  However, I feel it is fair to take the perspective that, the Regal, like a note in a sweet melody, contributes to the beautiful complexity of the automotive anthem.  An anthem entitled "Back from the Brink".

Later days, 

J.R.   

Between the lines

I thought that I might cover what I consider to be one of the best drives that I have had the pleasure of undertaking.  I am of the opinion that as unbelievable as your car may be, the blacktop that you are driving on can be equally as important.  The route that I am about to discuss is by no means a short drive but it encompasses most, if not all road types. 

This route has S-bends, beautiful straight-aways, steep climbs fallowed by even more rapid descents.  It snakes through some of the most unbelievable exposed Canadian Shield rock faces and dark lakes carved out and filled by the receding glaciers of the last ice age.  Not to mention a few great small towns to stop in when you need to give yourself a quick break and pay your car some appreciation for what it has just accomplished.  Maybe be so kind as to fill up your card regardless of whether it is a Mercedes or Kia with some premium.  I mean you wouldn't run out and jump in the Boston Marathon without being well nourished.

I think it is best to break this trip down into a few sections, but feel free to modify as you see fit.

Section 1:

Toronto to Orillia

Speed Limits: 100 - 60 km/h

Roads:   Highway 400 North to Highway 11North take Highway 12 East exit in Orillia

Yes not the most interesting road to travel but this will be your last chance to enjoy multi lane highway.  Enjoy the ability to pass other vehicles freely and travel as speeds of 100 km/h. I suggest that you don't attempt to travel this route on Friday evening of any summer weekend, this is the main cottage country artery and no one needs to spend hours parked on a highway. 

Section 2:

Orillia to Bancroft

Roads:  Rama Rd. to Hwy 45 - changes to Hwy 118, Hwy 28

Speed Limits: 80 - 50 km/h

As you begin you will have the opportunity to warm up your tires and transition to two lane roads.  I have to say this section always makes me smile because I know 'it' is just beginning.  There should realistically be a welcome gate, you know similar to any amusement park or place of that nature as you turn onto Hwy 45.  It's almost like entering into a foreign world.

As you begin to speed along stretches of straight roads bordered by farms and scrub bush, you will quickly be reminded of why cars are designed with bolsters in their seats.  For those of you in back seats or in the passenger seat at this time I would suggest you become friendly with the 'holy sh*t' handle.  This is because there is a particular set of S bends in the lead up to Head Lake that have plenty of warning signage and recommended speeds.  I will repeat recommended not required, for those of you not used to driving aggressively through sharp turns I would suggest you take your time and become accustom to how your car acts and reacts through these turns, because remember you want to make it to the end of this trip intact.

As you pass Head Lake you start to appreciate that you are truly entering some of the most beautiful landscapes arguably anywhere.  Though the title of this article may well be "between the lines" take care to appreciate the landscape around you.  

I should have mentioned that this drive should also be done with a co-pilot who is handy with a camera or if you are taking this challenge on your own be prepared to pull over, stop and take it all in.

Passing through Norland, and hugging the edge of a small lake cruising towards Kinmount the trees and hills begin to grow up tall around you.  It always crosses my mind that the road now becomes less of a the focus of the environment and more a narrow river of ashphault flowing through the landscape as if painted on with a fine brush by a master painter. 

A slight switchback in Kinmount gives you the chance to grab a drink and if you feel so inclined ask a local resident for directions to a unique theatre/museum Highlands Cinema. 

http://www.highlandscinemas.com/second_page.php

As you head back into the wilderness on what is now Hwy 503 you will now have to, for lack of a better word, work.  I know it is a nasty word when you are trying to just appreciate a good drive but the road becomes challenging at this point.  The way I see it is, the more raw the landscape the more challenging the drive. 

You will begin to face some pretty steep climbs and hard turns and this is when you are going to appreciate a little more horsepower under the hood.  The road surface may be broken in some areas so stay attentive and be prepared to react.  Adjust your speed accordingly, remember the speed limit through much of this section is 80 km/h (wink, wink - nudge, nudge) but drive accordingly.  There are definitely some opportunities to push your car along the way.

I have done this drive in a multitude of vehicles, including one trip towing my entire life in a uhaul trailer attached to a well equiped 2009 GMC Sierra.  I have also done the drive in ; 2010 Sebring, 2010 Dodge Journey, 2010 Ford Flex, 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer, 2009 Suzuki SX4, 2011 Nissan Altima. 

The Sebring V6 limped through the drive and the steering felt like lead. The Suzuki, though it drove like a go-kart through many turns I felt could overheat or die at any moment going up hills.  It's not that often that you can put your foot literally to the floor and have the car just shrug it off and almost say, "It's a hill bud, give me a break!"

My favourite car for this trip so far has been the Mitsubishi Lancer.  It was fun to drive, coming alive and enjoying the road almost as much as I was.  Light steering, peppy engine with very little lag in acceleration and great brakes.  I was driving an electric blue GT version and the only complaint I have is that I wish the bucket seats were a little deeper and hugged a little more.  By far thought this is the car that I have most enjoyed driving this route with.

A right turn off of Hwy 118 onto Hwy 28 will give you a change to relax slightly. Hwy 28 in this area is wide and well paved, and maybe more importantly passes the Kawartha Dairy - be prepared to line up, but it is worth it.  Hope back on the road and head into Bancroft, I suggest heading through town and out to the Tim's just on the outskirts of town, not so much for the coffee or timbits but more for the unbelievable rockface across the road.  Sometimes you can be lucky enough to catch adventurous climbers heading up, or down this massive chunk of Canadian Shield.  Also grab some food here in town, grab some gas and stock up on any other items you might need because this will be your last stop before the best part of this trip.

Section 3:

Bancroft to Renfrew

Speed Limits: 80 km/h

Roads: Hwy 28, 41 and 132

GET READY.  As Bancroft quickly slips out of your mirrors you creep back into essentially complete wilderness, cell signal is either weak or non-existant.  The result is complete focus, your senses are hieghtened, the hum of the engine begins to sound more like the rappid beat of a heart.  There are very few moments when I say to myself I wish that I had convertible so that I could be that much closer to the environment around me.  Much of the time though I have to be satisfied with reaching my arm out the window and feeling the fresh air capture my outstretched hand. 

You may find some of the rougher road sections of this entire journey in this jaunt (I use this term very loosely as it is about 128 km) but I promise the short sections of rough edges to the road will be far outweighed by exhileration of hard corners which cut along the edge of beautiful lakes.  The incredible rolling hills of this area will put your vehicle to the test, and have you in awe at the incredible egnineering feat that this road is.  As a skier I liken the sensation of climbing up these hills and racing down the other side as the same rush as skiing down a beautiful powder covered hill.  It's possible that it could be even more closely describes as the adrenaline high of speeding down your favourite childhood hill on your fastest led.

There is a particular stretch of about 2-3 kilometres, just prior to reaching Denbigh, of perfectly straight road.  On this stretch of road I have to admit I typically allow my foot more leniency in pushing the gas pedal closer to the ground.

This is why I find such pleasure in driving this road, as each time I make the journey I find another impressive feature.  It challenges me and forces me to be cogniscent of how I drive.  If you take the opportunity to follow my directions which I consider to be a treasure map, I am sure you will also find a certain section that will become your favourite. 

The road will eventually start to calm down as you creep up on Renfrew and at this point you can start to breath easy and relax.  Slowly cruising through Renfrew you will have time to relfect on the kilometres you have just covered.  Now it's up to you at this point, you can either stop and eat here or grab a quick break and head on in to the final destination...Ottawa.

It seems only fitting that one of the best drives in Ontario ends up in Ottawa.  Take the time to come in off the highway and come downtown Ottawa and visit the Parliament buildings.  I promise you that it will cap off your journey.  Though this whole adventure is about getting the opportunity to push your car and your driving capabilities to the limit it is far more important.  By taking this journey you are able to delve into the beauty of our Country and realize why Canada truly is the greatest country in the world.  After appreciating the natural beauty of our country, it will only be emphasized by the Parliament Building which represent the real beauty of Canada - its democracy.

Take the journey, share it with others - challenge yourself and enjoy the ride!

If you do take this trip let me know what you think and feel free to share with me what your favourite part of the drive was.  Please let me know of some other epic drives that you would recommend to me.

later days,

J.R.

Euro-Chic or Euro-Chick

It has become a pretty consistent debate since the introduction of the Fiat 500, by Chrysler in Canada, as to whether or not it can be considered Euro-chic or Euro-chick.  I have actually found making this decision a bit of a struggle, as I see more and more of these little Euro cars spotted all over the city here they catch my eye.  Maybe it is their bug eyed head lights, or slight chrome grin, but more likely it is the fact that most of the people who drive these cars seem to struggle to parallel park them - Shocking.

Who are the people I see in these cars though you ask?  Well basically a wide variety of people, but typically it is either young professional looking types or middle aged women, strange group.  I guess it kind of makes sense though, unique styling, fuel efficiency, high quality interior, a very reasonable price range and edgy. It might be simplistic to do so but I think it pragmatic to qualify this vehicle as Euro-Chic, it satisfies my criterion.

I do enjoy the unique retro styling of the Fiat, both inside and out.  I somehow can't see myself investing in a vehicle that I would be terrified to drive on the highway (as a tractor trailer could shift lanes and the next thing I know I am caught under a trailer) or in any other season than summer.  So that eliminates the 'rational buyer', and this only adds to my confusion about this car.  For that matter this only adds to my confusion  about the increase in these miniature cars for Canada.  It just doesn't seem to make sense, originally spurred on in recent years by the Smart Car and Yaris (Toyota Echo) followed by the new Mazda 2 a re-badged version of the Ford Fiesta accompanied by Chevrolet's Spark.

I guess that this is less a discussion of the Fiat 500 and rather more an analysis of whether or not these small cars really make sense for Canada.  Fuel efficiency is obviously a serious concern for most buyers these days, but in these price ranges, clearly the focus is not just those concerned about sipping fuel.  So I guess at this point we can confirm these are entry level vehicles.

They are all well designed, compared to their predecessors in the 90's.  I still remember shivering when I walked onto a GM lot and saw the Pontiac Firefly.  I just can't imagine the designer who sat down and thought, "You know what this is really going to turn someone's crank!" (pun intended). Even more disturbing were the negotiations between GM and Suzuki to  badge it as a new Pontiac product.  Many Firebird tear was shed.

Is it us young drivers that are supposed to purchase these small little cars?  The ads I see would have us believe this.  I would personally rather invest 15,000 plus dollars on a low mileage used vehicle.  I admittedly appreciate a little more horsepower under the hood but you can pick up a more powerful vehicle with mileage pushing over 30mpg used. Best of all you can drive them in all seasons and merge onto the highway at highway speeds.

(As an aside I remember a particularly terrifying moment when first learning to drive attempting to merge onto the highway my foot to the floor the engine pushing 4500 rpms and all four cylinders of that Hyundai Elantra screaming as the speedometre lethargically fluttered up to 60 km/h.)

Alright let's try and pull this all back together for the big finale:

THE FIAT 500:

• Euro-Chic

SUB-SUB COMPACTS

• Well, if you are an irrational buyer...go nuts, and hopefully your new Ford Fiesta can't be started with a fondue fork as rumored to be the case in the 90's

Moral of the story; buy something you love, but make sure you can drive it in every season because remember we do live in Canada. (Fiat 500 comes in a soft top version just in case you were wondering, you know for all those warm January days.)

Later days, 

J.R.

Missed the Mark

This was a hard one to take, the brand new 2011 VW Beetle was introduced.  I have to give it to the designers they made an apt effort at making this car less effeminate in an attempt to attract more male buyers. they did so by removing the flower vase which came standard on most VW beetles following their relaunch in 1994 as a concept vehicle.  Going quickly into production we saw many special editions of the VW Beetle including the very special Barbie edition.  

Point made that a remodel was necessary, but really did you hit the mark? I'll give you this, it looks a lot better from the back, the more aggressive roof line beefier tires and rims.  I mean the designers did about all you could do to make this car look better.  But, then I think to myself, "Who is going to buy this car?" With starting prices in Canada around the $21000 mark I thought VW already had small sporty type vehicle that chewed up this price range, what could it be?  Oh right, the hugely successful VW Golf which doesn't seem to have any issues attracting male buyers. 

My real concern is that this is such a specialty vehicle but the price range doesn't really specify that.  I mean if you want to make it basically a bubbled up Audi TT then great, but I had better get the same performance with the same premium qualities.  I somehow doubt at this price range that you are going to get that.  As a younger male I can honestly admit I couldn't walk into a showroom and say that that is the car I would want. 

However, VW did something to reconcile this clear issue they created this:

Well they almost did.  Recently VW announced that they would not be producing the VW Jetta Coupe because of production limitations.  Now you might call me crazy but I have this strange feeling that we would have seen this coupe enter the market around the same price at the aforementioned Beetle.  In my opinion those male drivers that were scared off by the Beetle could have been easily brought into dealerships with the quite palatable designs of the Jetta Coupe.  I for one was extremely interested to see if VW was going to grace us with a sport model of this car, perhaps with similar packages as the Golf GTI.  The point here is that VW missed with this one.  Is this once again an issue of European applications being thrust upon North American markets?  I guess we will have to see, and I will fill you all in on the Beetle if I can get my hands on one to check it out.  I doubt I will be let down by the interior or what will likely be a very peppy and smooth 4 cylinder, no it will be when I get out and walk away and don't want anyone to know that I was the one that drove up in this car that I will be let down.  

VW you missed the mark.

Later Days, 

J.R. 

something catchy

I guess the title kind of says it all doesn't it.  My attempt at trying to be clever actually serves a purpose, I think that it pretty much captures what the automotive industry is about in general.  All the planning, designing and creative development comes down to producing a product (or attempting to ) in order to capture a specific audiences' interest.  Whether it is a utilitarian box that acts as a people mover or an mobile work space, example the Ford Transit or a massive w16 Veyron, they each in turn serve a purpose.

As I cruise the internet going to my typical sources; blogs, newspapers, dealer websites and my many, many copies of a variety of auto magazines I find myself over and over unable to connect with the writer in many cases.  As a young, recent university graduate, with grandiose dreams of one day having a car collection as immense as Jay Leno or Jerry Seinfeld...ah who am I kidding? The likelihood of me being able to do that becomes slimmer by the moment but the point is that my love and appreciation for cars is no less as great.

This is where I am lost by most other auto writers.  When I read their stories about different vehicles I often become consumed by frustration as they totally miss the mark with many vehicles.  I have come to the realization though that maybe it isn't that they are missing the mark but rather are unable to appreciate these vehicles from the same generational perspective I am coming from.

So you may ask, "What's your point? Do you really think you can provide a perspective that is so revolutionary that it moves above and beyond the constant mundane writings of most of the automotive writers out there?" Well...maybe not but I think it is high time that I offer my own perspective.  Maybe in the process I will be so lucky as to have one of those writers out there stumble across my blog and see it not merely as just another 'auto-nut' writing about why he loves the purrr of the Ferrari 458 Italia, but rather a coherent analysis of what works, what doesn't and how to fix it.

I hope you find in the posts to come my love for the automotive industry and that you might look past my sometimes rambling writing to catch the subtle undertones that I am often trying to relate.  I encourage you to comment, critique and disagree, and I look forward to the adventure that I am about to embark upon in starting this blog.

Later Days,

J.R.