Auto News 5

Protégez-Vous magazine, in collaboration with the Automobile Protection Association, last week published a list of the top 10 best and worst vehicles when it comes to preventing rust. Here they are:

Best

1. Audi A3, A4, S4;
2. Volkswagen Golf, GTI, Jetta, Beetle, Rabbit, Passat, Passat CC;
3. Volvo S40, V50, V70, CX70, S60;
4. BMW 3 Series;
5. MINI Cooper, Countryman;
6. Honda Civic, Accord, Fit, CR-V, Odyssey, as well as Acura CSX and TL;
7. Toyota Camry, Corolla, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Matrix, Prius, RAV4, 4Runner, Sienna, Solara, Venza, Yaris;
8. Mercedes-Benz B-Class, C-Class;
9. Hyundai Accent, Elantra, Entourage, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tuscon;
10. Kia Forte, Magentis, Optima, Rondo, Sedona, Spectra, Sportage.

Worst

1. Mazda3, Mazda5, Tribute, MPV;
2. Jeep TJ, Wrangler;
3. Ford Focus, Escape, Explorer;
4. Saturn Relay, Vue;
5. Buick RendezVous, Terraza;
6. Suzuki Swift, XL7;
7. Nissan Altima, Maxima, Sentra;
8. GMC Terrain;
9. Pontiac G5, Montana, Torrent, Wave;
10. Chevrolet Cobalt, Equinox, Uplander, Aveo.

Source: protegez-vous.ca

Do you know who this man is? Probably not, unless you're a certifiable car-nut or Porschefile. Mr. Walker, other than having an extremely cool name, is a man who has spent the last 20 years of his life working on the car he loves most: the fantastic, legendary, and extraordinary Porsche 911.

In less than a year, this man went from “little known” to the biggest underground automotive superstar-cum-folk-hero in the Porsche world. What this man can do with his hands and mind on these cars makes me weak in the knees.

A short film was released last fall that literally catapulted Mr. Walker into stardom. If you love passion and Porsches, watching all 32 minutes' worth will leave you wanting more.

In these last 12 months, Magnus has been featured in a number of magazines and various shows including Jay Leno's Garage. If you make in Jay's good car books, you've made it -- and Magnus Walker can make them like no other man can.

His story is fairly simple and is depicted in the video, which I strongly recommend you watch. His love for the 911 has allowed him to own one 911 for each model year, from 1964 to 1972. He's still looking for that '73...

The cool demeanor depicted in this video is not put on. I was lucky enough to meet Magnus at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show and can attest to the fact that he is as calm, composed, and as chillaxed as he is the film.

Our talk was very brief. I asked him about his newfound fame and he said that it's only made people notice him and talk to him more. Not that he's difficult to spot with his dreads, tattoos, and height. That's perhaps what I appreciate most about him: He is who he is, and remains true to himself.

Shortly before I met him, he was selling one of his most prized possessions: a 1972 911 STR II. Obviously, the car eventually sold at just over $300,000, or twice the estimated amount. When I asked Magnus if parting with this car was difficult, he simply answered, ”No.” He's got another one like it that he's working on.

Magnus Walker started out with clothing, becoming a self-taught designer by reconfiguring purchased clothes. He went on to cars much the same way shortly thereafter. He became successful in both endeavors simply because he wanted to. That, and he's massively talented.

His ability to just “do” and be good at it has given him a vision that cannot fail. The proof is found in his cars; they are gorgeous to behold, perfect in every sense of the word, and no one could ever argue the opposite.

I hope and plan to visit his shop in Los Angeles some day. In fact, he said that if we set up a date, he'd be glad to have me check out his digs.

Should that day come, I will have struck another item off my bucket list.

Fusajiro Yamauchi established Nintendo near Kyoto, Japan, on September 23rd, 1889. Originally in business to produce handmade hanafuda cards, the company later specialized in entertainment and became a world leader during in the 1980s with the Nintendo video game console.

Among the most famous racing games were F-Zero, F-1 Race, F-Zero Ax, and Mach Rider, not to mention Mario Kart.

Earlier in the '50s, Nintendo tried to manage a taxi company called Daiya, but without much success.

Yvan Muller (Chevrolet) clinches his fourth World Touring Car Championship win last week end at Suzuka.

The Frenchman, who drives a Chevrolet Cruze ran by team RML (which lost Chevrolet's backing at the end of last season), has no rival this season, setting a huge gap that put him out of reach already as four rounds (two in Shanghai, two in Macau) remain in the calendar.

Yvan Muller, RML. (Photo: FIA WTCC)

Muller's title was already set after race 1 at Suzuka, where the Chevrolet driver secured a third position while Gabriele Tarquini was forced to retirement with mechanical issues aboard his Honda Civic. Norbert Michelisz took win driving his team Zengo Motorsport's Honda Civic. In the second round, Muller had an early retirement as he was hit at the start, damaging his suspension. The race, which was the 200th race in WTCC history, was won by Tom Coronel's BMW.

Next season, Muller will move to Citroën, as the french squad is about to make its WTCC debuts with Sébastien Loeb, running the C-Elysée.

It seems I've been on a bit of a pickup binge lately. Having just driven the Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4 and now the Limited, I'm currently staring at a V8-powered Nissan Titan in my driveway (but you'll all have to wait for that review). Over the years, I've driven my fair share of Ford F-150s, from bare-bones models to the King Ranch and SVT Raptor, and every time I've been impressed.

Why? Because like certain British and German brands I tend to harp on about, the F-150 is purpose-built. The company makes no qualms about the Ford F-150 being anything but what it is: a pickup. What makes it even more remarkable is that it is the pickup all competitors hope to be like one day. It is the benchmark, and deservingly so.


What is the Ford F-150 Limited?
The Ford F-150 is a line of full-size pickup trucks that have been on the market for the past six decades, dominating the truck business with a vehicle that's not only reliable and hard-working, but also great to drive and practical.

As for the Limited edition, it's essentially the kingpin of the lot; the most fully equipped, most luxurious truck your money can buy in the Ford F-150's twelfth-generation iteration. This is not a special edition model (like the Harley-Davidson, King Ranch, or Raptor), but a top trim level.

As for the Limited edition, it's essentially the kingpin of the lot; the most fully equipped, most luxurious truck your money can buy in the Ford F-150's twelfth-generation iteration. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

2013 Ford F-150 Limited Price and Specs
Sitting at a base price of nearly $52,000, this is no bargain buy. However, you have to remember that the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited arrives very well equipped and is no slouch when it comes to getting the job done.

Look for 22” polished aluminum wheels, power-deployable running boards (great for my 5'2” stature when getting in and out), a tailgate step, lots of chrome accents on the exterior, a rearview camera, and a self-dimming rearview mirror. There are still little bits and bobs you can add (bed liner, ruby red paint, bed extender, etc.), and mine was dressed to the nines with a final price of close to $67,000.

It's not just about functionality and looks with the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited, though. There's also a great powerhouse beneath that massive hood: a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine good for 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. With 4WD and a towing capacity ranging anywhere from 14,000 lbs to 16,900 lbs, this truck might look fancy (and carry a hefty price tag), but it's got the grunt to do the job, too.

There's also a great powerhouse beneath that massive hood: a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine good for 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Driving the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited
Ford's EcoBoost engine is a gem among gems; what a fabulous piece of machinery. Save for the roar of the 3.5L V6 upon acceleration, there's very little to give away the fact that you're behind the wheel of a quite large SuperCrew cab truck with a 5.5ft cargo bed.

To me, that's the beauty of the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited: You don't feel like you're driving a truck. When you've got a bed behind you, there's always a certain amount of body shudder and shake. I was impressed with the stability of the Ford F-150 Limited's frame and how solid it felt.

Throttle response is also pleasantly sharp. Again, a vehicle of this weight and girth shouldn't feel as nimble or responsive as it does, but that EcoBoost coupled with the 6-speed automatic transmission does wonders to the overall driving dynamics.

My only gripe with the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited was the gas mileage which I had hoped would be a little bit lower (considering the EcoBoost engine and all). I averaged in the 13.5L/100km range, and I mostly did highway travel. I should have been closer to 10-11L/100km according to Ford's stats.

When you've got a bed behind you, there's always a certain amount of body shudder and shake. I was impressed with the stability of the Ford F-150 Limited's frame and how solid it felt. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited
What's not to like about this pickup? It really is dressed to impress, especially in the Ruby Red exterior paint colour (a few hundred extra). Add on all the chromed goodies (Limited wording along the bed, massive chrome grille, chromed tailpipes, chromed wheels), and you've got yourself one seriously flashy truck.

That flash and pizzazz continue into the cabin. My 2013 Ford F-150 Limited was swathed in red leather from the footwells to the roof, complete with a “Limited” metal plaque on the massive armrest (which, by the way, gets really hot in the sun if you leave the sunroof cover off!), as well as “Limited” decals on the seats.

The rear quarters are nothing short of ginormous. In fact, they could almost have doubled as a playroom and travel space for my son; he had plenty of freedom to move and walk around (and so did I).

My 2013 Ford F-150 Limited was swathed in red leather from the footwells to the roof, complete with a “Limited” metal plaque on the massive armrest. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Comparing the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited
Of course, the part that hurts the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited the most is its asking price. Even in top trim level (without added bells and whistles), the F-150's direct competitors, the GMC Sierra and Toyota Tacoma, retail for a good $10-$12k less.

However, if you want the best, you have to be willing to shell out a little bit extra, and I think the 2013 Ford F-150 Limited is money well spent, especially if you want some dressing on your workhorse.

Fiat plans to take full control of the diesel engine manufacturer VM Motori by buying out the half of the company owned by joint venture partner General Motors.

Fiat plans to take full control of the diesel engine manufacturer VM Motori by buying out the half of the company owned by joint venture partner General Motors.

Renault has begun sales of locally assembled Duster SUVs in Indonesia as it seeks to boost growth outside slumping Europe.

Renault has started sales of locally assembled Duster SUVs in Indonesia as it seeks to boost growth outside slumping Europe.

The Four Level Interchange, the first stack interchange in the world, opened in California on September 22nd, 1953 after four years of construction. Located at the northern edge of Downtown Los Angeles, it connects U.S. Route 101 to State Route 110.

In 2006, the name was changed to Bill Keene Memorial Interchange in honour of the former KNX and KNXT traffic and weather reporter.

Photo: Wikipedia

Model: 2010 to 2013 Chevrolet Camaro

Vehicle Type: Coupe/Convertible

The Verdict: The first few years of new-Camaro models are not problem-free, though a strong online owner's community has done a great job of documenting potential issues that new shoppers should be aware of. Many of these are relatively minor and easily identified -- though some aren't.

A partial list is presented below, though shoppers are advised to visit a site like www.camaro5.com/forums for a closer look. Maximize your peace of mind by opting for a model with plenty of factory warranty remaining, and consider a mechanical inspection mandatory.

Photo: Rob Rothwell

Price: High mileage, V6-powered units from 2010 can be had for as low as $12,000, perhaps less, with a newer V8-powered model commanding $30,000 or more. Shoppers will find plenty of selection around $20,000.

What Owners Like: New-generation Camaro owners tend to be most fond of their vehicle's performance, styling presence and fan-factor when travelling around town. The cabin is generously sized and comfortable, and fuel mileage from the V8 on a highway cruise is surprisingly good.

What Owners Dislike: Common complaints include a “cheap” feel to much of the cabin's plastics, bad outward visibility, less-than-impressive mileage from the V6 engine, and big, long doors that are easily whacked in parking-lot situations. Some owners complain of an awkward shape to the steering wheel and gear shifter, too.

Photo: Rob Rothwell

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