Auto News 5

From Jim Clarke - Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

The clock is ticking and drivers in every division at Canada's Toughest 1/3rd- Mile Oval are looking to gain every advantage they can as they search for the 2013 track championship.

Saturday, August 17th the cars and stars at Peterborough Speedway thrilled a capacity crowd as the track hosted the year's third and final Fan Appreciation/Toonie Admission Night, presented by Pepsi.

The Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stocks rolled out for their 10 lap qualifying events with Ryan Oosterholt, Ryan Babin, Danny Benedict and Miles Tyson heading for the winner's circle.

Nearly a dozen Techtonix Open Wheel Modified machines signed-in for the show that would determine their 2013 point championship. Nick Lees, Darren Kearnan, Rob Warnes and current point leader Dwight Brown shared the trips to victory lane. The entry level Four Fun division - presented by Battlefield Equipment Rentals - saw Ray Schroer, Ryan Oosterholt with a pair and Griffen Powell win the heat races.

Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car preliminary rounds went to Tom Cormier, Steve Mayhew, Donny Beatty and Dan Price. Jarrit Stewart and Nicholas Ledson won the Ontario Legends heat races, with Cory Horner, Chris Mitchell with a pair and Dan McHattie grabbing the Vanguard Self Storage Late Model qualifiers.

As the crowd thinned from the autograph session, the Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stockers prepared for their 20 lap feature tilt, with Ember Junkin and Miles Tyson on the front row.

As the lap counter showed seven complete, the leaders caught the tail-end of the field and started working lapped traffic. Tyson surrendered the lead coming off the second turn, with Ryan Babin taking over the point and bringing Chris Mulders along for the ride. Babin put some distance on second place and held on for the win. Tyson was third, with Brandt Graham and Brandon Hannah completing the top five.

Twenty laps were on the agenda as the Techtonix Open Wheel Modifieds took the green flag for a feature race that would finalize their season standings. Randy Hollingsworth and Bill Pickford paced the field, but the yellow was quickly displayed without a lap complete for a flat tire on Chad Strawn's machine.

As the top three broke away from the pack, Dwight Brown saw the opportunity to pounce and took his No. 2 rocket three wide heading into the third turn. Within a couple of laps, the soft spoken speedster from Beeton, Ontario had worked his way to the lead and charged to Dart Heating and Air Conditioning Victory Lane.

Rick Warnes, Rob Warnes, Nick Lees and Darren Kearnan chased Brown across the stripe.

The Battlefield Equipment Rental Four Fun drivers were next to take to Canada's Toughest 1/3rd-Mile Oval, with the field lining-up behind Rob Gosse and Willow Barberstock.

Ryan Oosterholt and Andrew Massey wasted no time getting to the front, taking last week's feature winner James Townsend with them. The leaders successfully navigated through the back markers, until a yellow with 13 complete bunched the field. Townsend was able to slip into second on the restart, but couldn't do anything with Oosterholt. Massey was third, with Griffen Powell and Ray Schroer fourth and fifth.

Tom Cormier and 2013 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Speedway track champion Howie Crowe brought the Paul Davis Systems Thunder Cars to the stripe for a 20 lap headline dance.

At the drop of the green, Crowe took the point with crowd favourite Dan Price in tow. After following Price for a handful of laps, Donny Beatty slipped into second. The race's first yellow slowed the pace with 15 complete when Matt Spence drifted high and off the track in the first turn. Spence and Cormier came together a lap later and contact during the yellow flag saw the No. 2 parked for the night. Crowe held-off Beatty for the win, with Price, Jeff Bell and Jamie Wager filling-out the top five.

Dave Riopelle and Nicholas Ledson paced the Ontario Legends field for their 20 lap feature.

Just by taking the green in the main event, Ledson clinched the 2013 series crown. 12 laps were in the record books when Cole Ledson slowed to a stop in the infield. As the field came to the yellow flag, Nicholas Ledson drifted high and made contact with the third turn wall.

The Paul Davis Systems clean-up crew took care of some fluid on the track and the field was stopped on the front stretch.

With Ledson unable to answer the call for the restart, Riopelle assumed the top spot and held it to the checkers. Bill Mason, Andy Warbutton, Jarrit Stevens and Duane Cinnamon followed the winner home.

The night's final feature event saw Craig Graham and Dan McHattie take the Vanguard Self Storage Late Models to the line. McHattie would use the outside front row starting spot to take an early lead, but contact between Mike Wallace and Scott Harrison would bring out a yellow with only two laps complete.

On the restart, Cory Horner moved into second and after some strong runs in his qualifying events, Chris took third. When Bryan Sudsbury spun in the third turn with eight complete, Graham had dropped to seventh.

Before a lap was finished under green, Horner and Mitchell went around in the first turn. The caution also collected Craig Graham. Adam Cuthbertson sent Dan McHattie for a wide ride through the front stretch grass with 14 circuits complete.

Through the closing stages, McHattie was in his own area code as the Cavan, Ontario veteran held on for the win. Darren Kearnan, Mike Wallace, Steve Foster and Graham finished the top five.

From Flamboro Speedway

On Monday, August 19, Flamboro Speedway will play host to the Gold Rush 100 with NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace.

Last year's race was an exciting event as Jason Shaw chose to start at the rear after qualifying second fastest and made his way through the field and managed to make his way to second place.

Paul Howse was the driver to strike gold taking the 100 lap race and taking home the $5,000 first place prize. Kenny Wallace drove a great race and came home in third.

This year Kenny says. "I'm coming to collect the Reward." The reward is an extra $5,000 to whoever qualifies fastest and chooses to go to the rear of the field and make their way to the front and take the checkered flag. Make plans to join us as the best Late Model drivers in the province will be on hand, all with one thing on their mind... taking home $10,000!

Pit gates open at 2pm for tech inspection, Grandstands at 5pm, Kenny Wallace Autograph Session 5:30pm - 6:30pm (Grandstand Area).

Time trials begin at 7pm and on-track, out of car, driver introductions at 8pm. Admission prices for the grandstands are as follows. Adult $35, Senior & Student $30, Children (12 and under) $5. Pit admission $40. HST EXTRA.

We have learned that Michael Andretti, owner of the IndyCar team Andretti Autosport, is actively trying to find sponsorship in order to bring Juan Pablo Montoya back to open wheel racing next year.

Juan Pablo Montoya (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)

Michael Andretti has already had preliminary discussions with the Colombian and the team owner has also confirmed that Montoya is very interested on working out a deal.

Last week, Montoya learned that Chip Ganassi's NASCAR team would not renew his NASCAR contract for 2014.

Meanwhile, Andretti is still trying to finalize deals for some of his current drivers, including James Hinchcliffe, but the organization is still in need of a sponsorship commitment from GoDaddy.com which is the main sponsor.

Andretti also confirmed Hinchcliffe has reached a point in his contract where he's free to negotiate with other teams.

From GMM

Lotus Formula 1 driver, Kimi Raikkonen has tested this year's GP3 car in Barcelona.

Reports said the 2007 world champion, friends with GP3 team owner Afa Heikkinen, was at the Spanish grand prix venue to help with the feeder series' 2014 development programme.

He told the series' official website that the car was "actually fun to drive".

But to Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper, he joked: "It was good, but they should think about putting an engine in the car."

Kimi Raikkonen testing the new GP3/13 car in Barcelona. (Photo: GP3 Series)

Or, for the manufacturer's good conscience?

Let us consider the current state of the auto world at the moment and in no time flat, a keen observer will notice two things:

1. High- to ultra-high performance cars are more common today than ever before -- as are big trucks. In 2013 alone, Auto123 will have driven the likes of the Audi RS 7, Audi R8, Mercedes E 63 AMG and S-Class, Corvette Stingray, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, and a few others;
2. New EVs, hybrids, and small cars are coming out of the woodwork seemingly every day: the Mazda3, the [link artid=157098""]Nissan Versa Note[/link], Lincoln MKZ hybrid, the BMW i3, Audi A3 e-tron, Toyota Corolla, Ford Fiesta, and more.

Two groups of more diametrically opposed car, I cannot think of. So what am I trying to say?

Car manufacturers want to continue to make these high-powered, expensive cars because that's where the big $$$ are. In most cases, small cars only generate small revenues and expensive-to-build EVs are usually losing propositions. But both are necessary in order to create a healthy business case.

The bread-and-butter cars are fine and dandy and generate strong revenue, but competition is fierce. Having a good Camry, economical Impala or all-new A3 is no longer enough. Brand association is a crucial element in what drives people to dealerships. Consumers dream of an R8, but purchase an A3. Likewise, they'd love to own a Corvette, but will likely leave the showroom with a Cruze.

The other consideration is emissions. By 2015, the fleet average to be achieved by all new cars is 130 grams of CO2 per kilometre (g/km). A short 5 years later, that average will drop to 95 g/km.

Consider then that a BMW M5 produces 232 grams of CO2 per kilometre. This is where the i3 comes in... An Audi R8 V10 is responsible for 314 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Enter the A3 e-tron.

So here's the lesson we all need to heed: We must buy small cars, EVs, hybrids, and all these cars we don't really want if we are to continue to drool and lust after supercars. Thankfully, carmarkers are hard at work making twin-turbo V8s that consume 10-20% less fuel than normally aspirated V10s and V12s.

I know what you're thinking! I can't afford my dreamy Mercedes E 63 S-AMG 4MATIC Estate either, but think of your kids and the posters that will adorn the walls of their bedrooms. No one wants to grow up with a poster of a beige Corolla above his or her bed.

Photo: BMW

From GMM

Dr Helmut Marko has hinted that former Formula 1 World Champion, Kimi Raikkonen is not in Red Bull's plans for 2014.

The Austrian's comments come amid reports the 2007 world champion has actually decided to move from Lotus to Ferrari next year.

After German media reports said Daniel Ricciardo will be Sebastian Vettel's new teammate, Red Bull's Marko admitted that the team's 2014 lineup will be announced this weekend in Belgium.

But he has hinted that Finn Raikkonen is now out of the running.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus E21 (Photo: WRi2)

Asked about the Raikkonen-to-Ferrari reports, Marko told German newspaper Bild: "I'm not nervous.  Don't forget that we still have Vettel."

It is a clear sign that Red Bull has decided instead to sign Toro Rosso driver Ricciardo, who was described by Bild as a 'no-name' driver.

But Marko insisted: "This (Ricciardo's signing) is not fixed yet."

And, when asked about reports Toro Rosso is set to lose Ricciardo, team boss Franz Tost told Speed Week: "I don't know."

By now, you've heard of hybrids: they use electricity and motors and batteries to help drive the vehicle to which all that is bolted -- all with the intent of lightening the load on that vehicle's gas engine. Lightening the load on said gas engine means hybrids will use less fuel, often be able to drive in certain situations on electricity alone, and spew less nastiness into the atmosphere.

Now that many hybrid models have enjoyed many years of sale in Canada, they're popping up on the used market more often than ever -- and you might be considering one.

You might, also, have questions. After all, hybrid cars are relatively un-proven, and more complicated and sophisticated than conventionally powered models.

Here's a look at some of the things existing owners like about their hybrid vehicles, and the issues they say you should be aware of when shopping for a used model. This information intends to be a highlight only, and note that purchasing a hybrid without a full inspection from the vehicle's dealer is not advised.

Continue reading Part 1: Used Hybrids at a Glance

Cadillac unveiled its Elmiraj Concept Vehicle last week in Pebble Beach. This new vehicle closely resembles the Ciel concept launched two years ago, which displays Cadillac's new design and luxury philosophy.

The expansive four-door coupe measures 5207 mm in length and is powered by a 4.5 litre V8 twin-turbo that produces an estimated 500 hp. The engine is based on the 420 hp V6 found in the 2014 CTS Vsport which is scheduled to be launched this fall.

While Cadillac has no plans to mass-produce the Elmiraj, it is built on a chassis that contains certain elements that will be used in upcoming Cadillac projects, as the manufacturer plans to expand into the luxury market.

Photo: Cadillac

Monterey, CA - Every now and then a company does something incredible; they take a moment in their storied history and they relive it in a gloriously modern way. Incredibly, they return to their roots, but in such a futuristic package that those new to the product may miss the historical lesson altogether.

The brand new, seventh-generation Corvette Stingray is a technological feat for Chevy, loaded to the rear flank cold-air intakes with gadgets and amenities previously unheard of in the Corvette. Modern to the max, but with a firm and solid old-school muscle car mentality, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a marvelous machine.


What is the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray?
The Corvette is one of those vehicles that enter boyhood dreams and reveries. First introduced in the ‘50s, the C1 was a 150-horsepower inline-six, drop-top sports car with racy looks. Since then, the Chevrolet Corvette has stood as a symbol of American muscle on the road, and a statement for homegrown, American craftsmanship.

Not since the ‘60s has the Chevrolet Corvette worn the Stingray name. Why? Because the folks at Chevrolet didn't think their cars were quite worthy of what that particular name meant. However, the C7 has proven highly capable of sporting the Stingray badge.

The Chevrolet Corvette has stood as a symbol of American muscle on the road, and a statement for homegrown, American craftsmanship. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Price and Specs
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is its price. With a base MSRP in the $50k range ($58K for the convertible), the 455-horsepower (460 with the performance exhaust package) V8-powered Corvette Stingray gives the illusion that it's just a high-performing economy car amongst overpriced luxury track demons that mainly hail from Germany. However, get behind the wheel before you make an actual judgement call. Even fully decked out, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray still sits way below the “norm” around the $70k mark.

Chevy's 6.2L LT1 V8 engine coupled to a 7-speed manual transmission is gold. With 460 lb-ft of torque (465 with that performance exhaust kit), a brand new electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), algorithms that monitor tire temperature for optimum grip, five different selectable driver modes, Active Rev Match (which can be deactivated), 50/50 weight balance, lightweight materials throughout (carbon fibre hood and removable T-top), as well as available Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is as loaded as any of its “higher-end” counterparts, yet available for a helluva lot less coin.

Chevy's 6.2L LT1 V8 engine coupled to a 7-speed manual transmission is gold. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Driving the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Winding my way through gloriously curvy, blind-cornered, elevation-changing Californian roads behind the wheel of the Stingray was perhaps one of the most incredible drives I've ever done in my career.

There was something surreal about it all; cruising the West Coast, T-top removed, hot Californian sun beating down as my hair whipped around my flushed cheeks. As I turned up the radio to better hear Led Zeppelin's “Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You” over the rush of seaside air, I let the Stingray stay in 3rd gear as I approached a particularly sharp corner. Hands lightly gripping the wheel, I turned the ‘Vette's sharply angled nose into the bend and trailbraked my way through, listening to the V8 burble and howl along with Page's guitar riff.

Somehow they've managed to create a vehicle that's as in tune with its heritage as it is futuristic. It's no secret that the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is full of electronic gadgetry (the eLSD being the most talked about), but they've engineered it in such a way that it still feels like a raw, American muscle car to drive.

Steering is heavy and almost feels like a go-kart when in Track mode. Precise and connected to the wheels, turn-ins are sharp. Throttle response only really changes when the Eco or Weather mode is selected, and will feel dull and tame.

The available Active Rev Match feature may seem kitschy, but it's fun to use at times. The 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray makes no allowances for those unsure of what they want to do behind the wheel; you need to be confident in your abilities, and smooth downshifts are no exception.

Will you ever really use that 7th gear? Well, for highway cruising and fuel economy (which the company puts at around 29 mpg) you will. However, the Stingray seems happiest in the 3rd-5th gear range -- just listen to that exhaust note beyond the 3,000 rpm mark!

Winding my way through gloriously curvy, blind-cornered, elevation-changing Californian roads behind the wheel of the Stingray was perhaps one of the most incredible drives I've ever done in my career. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
This iteration may be one of the best-looking Corvettes I've ever seen on the road. I'll always be a fan of the C3, and in my opinion the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray comes the closest.

Aggressive and angular, it presses all the right buttons from the outside. Functional hood vents and rear flank vents improve downforce and aerodynamics, while adding an air of “race car” to the whole package. Meanwhile, the massive, centre-mounted quad exhaust pipes are so menacing you'll remain intimidated by the ‘Vette even after it's passed you in a flurry of V8 growl.

Inside, Chevy went to great lengths to create a driver-centric cabin. The new digital gauge flanked by analog dials is great, and the head-up display is a nice touch and not overly distracting. Onboard entertainment and navigation proves easy to use, but you won't bother with any of it once you engage the Sport mode and hit the open road.

Materials include leather and touches of real carbon fibre and aluminum trim. The carbon fibre T-top is a breeze to detach and store in the trunk.

Inside, Chevy went to great lengths to create a driver-centric cabin. The new digital gauge flanked by analog dials is great. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
In terms of horsepower, the new Vette goes up against the likes of the Porsche 911 Carrera S, Jaguar XK and Mercedes-Benz SL550, all ridiculously more expensive. If quality was a dividing factor in previous-generation Corvettes, the C7 stands to change all that and create some serious, much-needed competition to the European performance car clique.

From WRC.com

After a miserable time at Rally Finland earlier this month, then the disappointment of being dropped by his Citroen team for Rally Australia, Dani Sordo is under enormous pressure to deliver some decent results, and fast.

So for Sordo a return to his favourite surface at this week's all-asphalt Rallye Deutschland couldn't have come at a better time. Better still, Germany is the first of three sealed surface events in the second half of the WRC season - a trio Sordo says he has been looking forward to all year. Will he be able to turn his season around this week?

Dani Sordo, Citroën DS3 WRC (Photo: Citroën Racing)

Here's what the Spaniard had to say about the challenge:

Question: Dani, you're about to race again on tarmac. Will this be a new start for your season?


Dani Sordo: “We have only been able to test ourselves against our rivals on this surface at Monte-Carlo. And even then, almost all the roads were covered in snow. It's difficult to make real comparisons, but my third place was encouraging. It's no secret that I feel particularly at home this type of road surface. I know what is expected of me and I'm ready. I'm very pleased to be racing on this surface again.”

Q: What are your goals for Germany?


DS: “There are three tarmac rallies coming up between now and the end of the season, and I know my chances of doing well are even higher on this surface. Germany is a rather particular round, with road surfaces that vary greatly from one stage to another. There are a lot of corners which can make the racing line quite dirty, and the weather is often unpredictable. I have already had some good results in these sorts of conditions and I'll be trying to fight for the win right from the word go.”

Is Dani Sordo saying goodbye to WRC? (Photo: Citroën Racing)

Q: Will the fact you are missing Rally Australia change your approach?


DS: “The decision was taken jointly [with Citroen]. It means I can skip the specific preparation needed for Australia and focus more effectively on the three tarmac rallies that are coming up between now and the end of the season. I want to be quick in Germany, France and Spain. I know I can win, and I know how strong this team is. I have everything I need to do the job.”

Subaru Canada recently released the Canadian pricing and model info for the 2014 WRX STI, as well as announcing the arrival of a new ‘'Tsurugi'' version.

The complete 2014 WRX STI lineup is powered by the potent turbocharged 2.5L Subaru BOXER engine that delivers 305 hp and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h is reached in under 4.9 seconds, for a top speed of 250 to 255 km/h.

The Tsurugi version has additional leather seating, 5-spoke 18-inch Enkei alloy wheels with distinctive inserts, and much more.
MSRP of the different versions start at:

• 2014 WRX STI (4-door): $38,195
• 2014 WRX STI (5-door): $39,095
• WRX STI Tsurugi Edition (4-door): $41,495
• WRX STI Sport-tech Package (5-door): $42,595

Photo: Subaru

From GMM

Nico Rosberg is very happy to be tested alongside the undoubted talents of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, team boss Ross Brawn insists.

Paired with the great seven time world champion Michael Schumacher between 2010 and 2012, German Rosberg emerged as the most consistently strong.

But team boss Brawn admitted that Rosberg is arguably happier now, alongside Hamilton -- widely regarded as among the very best on the grid.

"Lewis is a great reference for the team," Brawn is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

"I think sometimes he (Rosberg) was a little unhappy with Michael, because it wasn't the same reference.  Michael often had difficult moments with Nico.

Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg (Photo: WRi2)

"Was it because Michael was not as good as he once was?  Or was Nico better than some people gave him credit?

"I think everyone recognises now that Nico was better than everyone thought," he added.

Brawn said the results of the 2013 season, with Rosberg winning twice and Hamilton opening his victory account recently in Hungary, has proved the current driver pairing is right.

"I feel vindicated now that Lewis is on the team, because people are saying how good Nico is, and I've always said so," he insisted.

Classic car action isn't confined to Detroit's Woodward Avenue and the

Monterey car week is well under way, and bids are flying in every direction at the major auction houses.

Classic car action isn't confined to Detroit's Woodward Avenue and the

Monterey car week is well under way, and bids are flying in every direction at the major auction houses.

Classic car action isn't confined to Detroit's Woodward Avenue and the

MyFord Touch. Lincoln MKZ. C-Max. All were heavily promoted as innovative products that would help Ford Motor Co. pull customers from rivals and cement the company's position as a technology leader. Instead, each has come back to bite the automaker.

From GMM

Red Bull has signed Daniel Ricciardo to replace his departing Australian countryman Mark Webber in 2014.

That is the claim of Germany's Sport Bild, whose correspondents Bianca Garloff and Ralf Bach said the news about Sebastian Vettel's new teammate will be announced at the Belgian grand prix in a week.

"Unfortunately, I cannot say any more than that we will make an announcement at Spa," said the energy drink-owned outfit's Dr Helmut Marko.

23-year-old Ricciardo's move to Red Bull ties in with reports Kimi Raikkonen is returning to Ferrari.

It's easy to picture Daniel Ricciardo in Red Bull overalls (Photo: WRi2)

Australian Ricciardo told Sport Bild just before the summer break that, if selected to race alongside Vettel in 2014, he expects to get along with the reigning world champion.

"I know Seb quite well," he said, "as I was the reserve driver in 2010.  I was out for dinner with him a few times and we get on really well."

Ricciardo admitted, however, that he is not immediately expecting equal status with his German stablemate.

"Of course not at the start of the season," he said, "but I'm in formula one to be the best."

Model: 2007 to 2012 GMC Acadia

Vehicle Type: Crossover SUV

The Verdict: Where an upscale driving experience, plenty of on-board space and room for up to eight are priorities, the Acadia is worth a test drive, but shop cautiously and check any model for the common issues outlined below. A newer model -- or one with plenty of factory warranty remaining -- is your safest bet.

Price: Used Acadia's are somewhat rare in the used marketplace relative to their competition, although shoppers can expect to find units available ranging between $15,000 and $35,000, depending on mileage, features, and condition.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

What Owners Like: Plenty of on-board space, an upscale cabin, adequate performance, and flexible interior appointments are commonly praised by GMC Acadia owners. All-season confidence in AWD models and car-like dynamics were also highly rated.

What Owners Dislike: Lazy transmission programming, fuel mileage, and small at-hand storage bins were among the most common complaints. Others included a fussy navigation system, fussy Bluetooth system, and limited rear-seat comfort.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

History/Description: With the intention of putting GMC showrooms on the mental radar of family-minded crossover shoppers, the Acadia launched for model year 2007 with plenty of space, handsome looks, an upscale cabin, and the promise of good fuel mileage thanks to its modern V6 engine. Look for room for up to eight occupants, BOSE audio, dual sunroofs, heated leather, automatic climate control, OnStar, and plenty more.

Trim grades span from SLE to SLT from basic to loaded, respectively. A high-luxury Denali grade was available for several years, too.

Front-drive was standard, and automatic All-Wheel Drive (AWD) was optional. All models have a 3.6L V6 engine, which made 275 or 288 horsepower, depending on the year. All models were equipped with a 6-speed automatic. Consider the Acadia alongside competitors like the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Acura MDX, and Ford Flex.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Common Issues: On a test drive, inspect the ceiling liner and footwell carpeting for signs of moisture resulting from a leaky sunroof assembly. This issue seems to have been corrected after 2008 and may be subject to a recall that will fix the issue, a leaking drain tube, free of charge. Ask your local GMC dealer for details.

A transmission that shifts harshly, slips or responds unfavourably to throttle inputs may require having its computer brain wiped out and reprogrammed by a GMC technician.

Have a mechanic inspect the underside of the used Acadia for signs of fluid leakage from the shock absorbers, transmission, engine timing covers, and AWD system, and to be sure the CV axle boots are in good shape.

A fairly well-documented problem with the Acadia is a timing chain wear issue, which could be expensive to fix should it occur, possibly causing engine failure. To protect yourself from this potentially big issue, opt for a model with as much of the lengthy GMC powertrain warranty remaining as possible, and be absolutely sure the model in question was treated frequently to high-quality oil changes. Note that 2007 and 2009 models commonly suffered from this issue.

Test drivers are also advised to confirm proper operation of the air conditioner, rear-seat climate control system, all entertainment-related electronics, and the rear liftgate.

Finally, pop the hood and have someone turn the steering wheel fully from one side to the other. You're listening for any questionable “overloaded” sounds from the power-steering system, which typically come just before power-steering system failure. Be sure to “feel” the power steering on your test drive to ensure it's smooth, and that the system is providing full power assist.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour