Auto News 5

PROs: The 2015 Chevrolet Impala is into its second year of the current generation, having been fully revised just last year. Certainly, the Impala is not lacking in elegance and can now dance with the other belles at the full size sedan Ball. Plus, the Impala offers an interesting choice of engines, impressive comfort and an overall driving experience befitting the 21th century.

CONs: Generally speaking, unless you opted for the LTZ V6, the Impala is probably a little bit on the heavy side for a 4-cylinder engine. Furthermore, when it comes to the finish, it would behoove Chevrolet to remove those cheap plastics bits'n'pieces found on some models.

Photo: Chevrolet

2015 Chevrolet Impala Price: GM is producing three versions of the Chevy Impala for 2015: the LS Ecotec 2.5 - starting at $33,300, the LT V6 starting at $34,895 and the LTZ V6 starting at $41,595.

Fuel Economy: The LS Ecotec 2.5 has the best fuel efficiency at 9.9 L/100 km in town and 6.3 on the highway. As for both the LT and LTZ V6, the rate comes in at 11.1 L/100 km in town and in 6.9 L/100 km on the highway. If you choose the eAssist option (for the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and the electric engine), fuel consumption rates improve, but at the time of writing it was not known to what extent.

Improvements and Changes: Since the Impala is in just its second year of the current generation, there are no major changes to speak of.

2015 Chevrolet Impala Powertrain: Under the hood of the 2015 Impala, Chevrolet offers three motorization choices: a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine delivering 196 hp, a 3.6L V6 capable of 305 hp and a 182 hp hybrid, combining a 4-cylinder and electric engine. All these powertrains are matched with an automatic 6-speed transmission.

Cargo Capacity: All models of the 2015 Chevrolet Impala offer 532L capacity.

Safety: Regarding safety, the 2015 Chevrolet Impala takes advantage ABS, assisted braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, dynamic stability control, adaptive cruise control, side blind zone alert and imminent collision alert.

Comparing the 2015 Chevrolet Impala: In this full size sedan category, we find the Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, Maximum Nissan and Toyota Avalon.

From GMM

Mark Webber's honest clarity has been missed from the formula one paddock in 2014.

Amid the typical PR-speak, the Australian - having left Red Bull and the paddock for semi-retirement and Le Mans - was always relied upon for a blunt assessment.

On his former teammate Sebastian Vettel's troubled 2014 season, for instance, Webber told Austrian broadcaster Servus TV this week: "Vettel is having problems with the new rules.

"He has improved, but from the first race you could see he was making many mistakes," Webber added.

But Vettel himself, whilst not denying he made mistakes, thinks bad reliability has been the headline of his struggle in 2014.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB10. (Photo: WRi2)

At Spa, he even said it is "unfair" to directly compare him with Daniel Ricciardo this year, because the Australian has had a clear run with the sister RB10.

Now, Vettel tells German television RTL: "People see the raw result and have their opinion. But they don't always see what is really going on. We have had so many technical problems; burned up so many engines and wasted many components.

"Daniel has performed very strongly, there is no question," said the four-time world champion. "But I think the races he won, we would have also been able to win if things had gone a bit differently."

For that reason, he said he is not beginning to question his own talent.

"It's not as if you forget how to drive over a winter and suddenly start doing everything wrong instead of everything right," said Vettel. "The hunger is still there and I think we have a good chance to fight for the world championship if we position ourselves better."

The new brake-by-wire technology today used in Formula 1 is well explained in this short video produced by Italian brake manufacturer Brembo.

This 3D animation shows the functional interaction between the several components of the Brembo brake system.

It shows the various components, from the brake-by-wire to the MGU-K, which harvests kinetic energy developed under braking, to the safety system, which ensures the rear brakes still work even if the new electronic system fails.

From GMM

Gian Carlo Minardi, former owner of the Minardi F1 Team -- which became Toro Rosso -- thinks Sebastian Vettel and Adrian Newey might be convinced to switch to McLaren.

At the very least, the British team and its new works partner Honda are undoubtedly on the lookout for a top driver to spearhead the 2015 project.

Even boss Eric Boullier admits the protracted deliberations are unusual for McLaren.

"We are working on the strategy for the driver lineup for the next years," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"For me it's important to say 'years' because we are looking for three years and maybe five years."

Boullier admitted the delay is "uncomfortable" for both Kevin Magnussen and Jenson Button.

The five-year plan might make Button, the 2009 world champion, particularly nervous, as he will be 35 when the 2015 season begins.

The wilder speculation suggests McLaren could be holding out for a disgruntled former champion like Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton or Sebastian Vettel.

Romain Grosjean and Valtteri Bottas have also been linked with the Woking based team, although Speed Week thinks Williams' Finn has essentially already signed on to stay with Williams in 2015.

"It's an unusual situation, yes," Jenson Button acknowledged, "but sometimes it's that way."

Minardi's theory, based on a Japanese source, is that Honda is pushing hard to bring not only Vettel to McLaren, but also his similarly disgruntled Red Bull designer Adrian Newey.

On his website, Minardi claimed Bernie Ecclestone and Vettel met to discuss the possibility in Belgium, as the F1 supremo is close to the German and always keen to spread the best drivers across the top teams.

Sebastian Vettel and Bernie Ecclestone. (Photo: WRi2)

In Russia this week to drive the new Sochi layout in a road car, Vettel was asked if Newey's plans to step back at Red Bull affect his own plans for the future.

"No, I don't think so," the quadruple world champion answered, according to Speed Week.

"Adrian is a very ambitious man, and even if he says he wants to take things a little quieter, I believe - in a situation like now with Red Bull Racing - if we go back to the top, then his motivation will be restored.

"The enthusiasm for racing is simply in his nature -- and he cannot bear to lose!"

Following the announcement of 16-year-old Max Verstappen to drive for Toro Rosso F1 team next year, Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey raised concern for motorsport's up-and-coming young racers.

Talking to Alan Baldwin of Reuters, Newey expressed his concern and blamed some parents of risking a miserable future for their children by neglecting their studies.

Several current Formula 1 drivers started racing karts as young as five years old and progressed to the lower formulas while still of school age and before they can legally drive on public roads.

Adrian Newey said he is very concerned about the several thousands of young racers who fail to make the grade.

"A lot of the drivers in karting and in junior formulas frankly just aren't going to school," Adrian Newey said in Belgium last weekend.

"They don't go to school at all. The parents then hide behind that by saying that they have private tutors but I think in many cases - not all, I'm sure, but in many cases - that's actually a complete sham."

Being signed by mega sponsors at a very young age also puts excessive pressure to succeed on the fragile shoulders of teenagers.

"I think for many of those children that don't quite make the grade, they have spent all that time not going to school, not having a proper tuition and then what happens to them afterwards is altogether another question," Newey declared.

"It's something which motor racing as an industry urgently needs to look at, because personally I think we're being irresponsible allowing that."

From GMM (Story updated, see below)

Dutchman Robin Frijns looks set to return to the GP2 series.

The talented Dutchman was signed up as a reserve driver by Caterham this year, and was even briefly considered for a race seat.

But that was under Caterham's former ownership, headed by Tony Fernandes who has since sold the Leafield operation.

Under Colin Kolles' new regime, it has been all change on the staff front, including the departure of some 40 factory workers, tester Alexander Rossi and most recently racer Kamui Kobayashi.

Now Frijns, who is highly rated but not substantially sponsored, looks set to also leave.

The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claims the 23-year-old is now in talks with the GP2 team Russian Time about 2015.

"At Caterham, where Christijan Albers is team boss, he (Frijns) appears to have little future," the report said.

UPDATE
The management team behind Robin Frijns has denied that the Dutchman is pondering a GP2 return.

Timo Gans, who has been working with the 23-year-old since late last year, has denied the speculation.

Robin Frijns, Caterham CT05-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

AutoPacific has announced the winners of its 2014 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IDA), which recognize models considered by consumers to be the most attractive and desirable. Almost a quarter of winners were all-new or completely redesigned models.

“Winning an IVA in their first year of release shows that these newly redesigned vehicles have hit the mark with their owners, but it also shows that the designers did their research to know how to best meet the needs and expectations of their core group of buyers,” said George Peterson, president of Auto Pacific.

It is worth noting that American manufacturers, winning 14 out of the 27 categories, had the most top-ranked models.

The 2014 winners are:

• Ideal Vehicle Overall Winner: Chevrolet Corvette
• Most Ideal Premium Brand: Porsche
• Most Ideal Popular Brand: GMC

Winners (Passenger Cars)

• Premium Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz Classe S
• Executive Luxury Car: Acura RLX
• Aspirational Luxury Car: BMW Série 3 GT
• Large Car: Chevrolet Impala
• Luxury Mid-Size Car: Lexus ES
• Mid-Size Car: Volkswagen Passat
• Premium Compact Car: Buick Verano
• Compact Car: Volkswagen Golf
• Economy Car: Ford Fiesta
• Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette
• Sporty Car: Ford Mustang
• Hybrid/EV Car: Ford Fusion HEV-PHEV

Winners (Light Trucks and SUVs)

• Light Duty Pickup: GMC Sierra 1500
• Heavy Duty Pickup: Ford Série F SD
• Luxury SUV: Land Rover LR4
• Large SUV: Ford Expedition EL
• Mid-Size SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Premium Luxury Crossover: BMW X5
• Luxury Crossover SUV: Volkswagen Touareg
• Large Crossover SUV: GMC Acadia
• Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: Ford Edge
• Mid-Size Crossover SUV: Honda CR-V
• Compact Crossover SUV: MINI Countryman
• Minivan: Honda Odyssey

Source : thedetroitbureau.com

Pros: In addition to its distinctive styling and shape, the interior of the 2015 Hyundai Tucson, while not overly spacious, offers sufficient room and functionality for four adults. As usual, Hyundai doesn't scrimp when it comes to standard equipment in the new Tucson. Reasonable fuel economy and good quality fit and finish round off the list.

Cons: The first impression you get behind the wheel of the 2015 Tucson comes from the firm suspension, which will surely grab your attention when driving on damaged roads. The 2.4 litre engine seems willing enough on the power front, although it tends to complain a bit when accelerating. As for the 2.0 litre engine, it is barely adequate. Rear luggage space is also at a premium.

Photo: Hyundai

2015 Hyundai Tucson Price: For 2015, Hyundai offers its Tucson compact SUV in six versions: The 2.0L GL with 6-speed manual transmission at $21,999, the 2.0L GL (automatic) at $23,999, the 2.0L GL (automatic) with all-wheel drive at $25,999, the 2.4L GLS (automatic) at $27,449, the 2.4L GLS (automatic) with all-wheel drive at $29,449 and the 2.4L Limited (automatic) all-wheel drive with navigation at $33,999.

2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Economy: The manual transmission GL has an estimated fuel economy rating of 11.4 L/100 km city and 10.1 highway; the automatic version is rated at 10.2 and 8.2 L/100 km (city and highway); the all-wheel drive version rating is 11.4 and 8.2 L/100 km (city and highway).

The 2.4 litre GLS model with automatic transmission has a fuel economy rating of 11.3 and 8.3 L/100 km (city and highway); as for the GLS with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive and the Limited automatic with all-wheel drive, the rating is 11.6 and 9.3 L/100 km (city and highway).

Improvements and Changes: As the previous generation only goes back to 2010, the South-Korean manufacturer has applied only a few limited changes to the vehicle exterior.

2015 Hyundai Tucson Powertrain: Two DOHC 4-cylinder engine options are available under the hood of the 2015 Tucson: a 164 hp 2.0 litre engine mated to a manual or automatic 6-speed transmission and a 182 hp 2.4 litre engine hooked-up to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Cargo Capacity: The 2015 Hyundai Tucson cargo capacity remains unchanged at 728 or 1,580 litres, whether the rear seat back is raised or lowered.

Safety: Safety features in the 2015 Hyundai Tucson include ABS brakes, electronic braking assistance, electronic stability control, launch control, hill assist and rear camera.

Comparing the 2015 Hyundai Tucson: In this category of compact SUV's you will find the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4.

Mercedes has released a number of videos of its soon to be launched 2016 AMG GT.

In the videos, engineers explain how the GT will offer exceptional performance and handling akin to that of a go-kart. It will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 bolted to a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transaxle.

The GT will compete with the Porsche 911 and its power output is estimated at 455 horsepower according to Motor Authority. A GTS version could develop up to 503 hp.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT will make its debut at the Paris Auto Show this October.

Source : motorauthority.com

Going into NASCAR's playoff, the Chase for the Sprint Cup last year, Matt Kenseth had five victories and thought he had a legitimate shot for his second championship.

This year, under a new set of rules that favors race winners, Kenseth is winless after 24 of the first 26 races. But he's not worried.

Kenseth spoke with the media, at his Joe Gibbs Racing shop, to promote the launch of a four-part series co-written with his wife Katie which covers children's books to “educate and empower children if faced with bullying situations.”

Saturday night in Bristol the 42-year old Wisconsin native finished third tying his best finish of the year. This was a far cry from his 2013 season - his first at JGR.

Matt Kenseth, Clara Mae, Grace Katherine, Katie Kenseth. (Photo: JGR/NK Photography)

Despite the lack of victories, which would make him a lock for the Chase under the new system which guarantees one win gets a driver into the first of ten races, he's not worried. That's likely because he can still qualify on points and he has a comfortable 41-point lead over Ryan Newman (the next winless driver in points) with three races remaining in the season.

“I feel like we're closer,” Kenseth said.

In the off-season NASCAR made a series of technical changes to improve the competition to make passing easier and eliminate the dreaded “aero push.”

“It doesn't have a simple answer,” the 2003 champion said “ if we knew that we would have addressed it at race three.” As he continued “ last year we finished strong. Got the new rules package and we didn't run that good. When we got the new rules,” his team had some issues as early as the first test. But with things like “the spoiler change, the splitter change, the pan change and the ride height change” his team didn't adjust as quickly with the others.

“As good as last year was I never thought I'd be in race 24 without a win."

Katie Kenseth holding Clara Mae, Grace Katherine (standing), Matt Kenseth and Kaylin. (Photo: JGR/NK Photography)

After a third place at Bristol it's not hat I'm not confident. Last year going into the Chase just off the performance I felt like I could beat everybody. We had five wins before the Chase started. But Jimmie just beat us on the last ten.

“Obviously we don't have the stats and numbers,” (this year),” he added but “that's not going to say we won't have it right in the ten. We just haven't been as dominant as we were.”

Speaking about the books “As a parent of three small children, it's natural to worry about the issues they will face while growing up,” Kenseth said. “Both Katie and I believe that openly talking about these issues is the best way to prepare them. This book is designed to help families discuss the effects of bullying with their kids. We believe it's important our kids not only know how to deal with a bully, but also understand that it's not OK to act like one.”

From GMM

Marco Mattiacci has repeated his claim that Ferrari is keeping its driver lineup for 2015.

At Spa, the British broadcaster Sky made waves when it quoted the Maranello team's chief as admitting both Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen will still be wearing red next year.

That is despite intense speculation particularly about the future of Spaniard Alonso, who is reportedly disgruntled after five years of failing to win a third title with Ferrari.

Following the Sky report, the correspondent for the Spanish sports daily Marca, Marco Canseco, also asked Mattiacci to 'confirm' Alonso and Raikkonen for 2015.

"If you want, I can confirm them to you," Marco Mattiacci responded. "Both have contracts and there is not much to say on this matter other than that they are the two best drivers for us."

Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: WRi2)

But while Monza is often the scene of an official Ferrari announcement, the Italian grand prix is also a reliable hotbed of 'silly season' rumours.

At Spa last weekend for example, Alonso and his manager were spotted entering the Red Bull motorhome, amid wild rumours Sebastian Vettel could be lured next year to McLaren-Honda.

Canseco acknowledges the official story that Alonso was simply asked by the Red Bull engineer Paul Monaghan, formerly of Renault, to sign a t-shirt for his son.

Honda has just launched its 2015 Fit SEMA project on Tumblr, which asks internet users to vote for their favourite personalized subcompact.

Six build teams will have the opportunity to customize a FIT and win the most votes from internet users. These cars will also be presented at the Las Vegas SEMA show in November. The six selected teams are:

• Bisimoto Engineering;
• Kontrabrands;
• MAD Industries;
• Spoon Sports USA;
• Tjin Edition;
• Kenny Vinces.

Modifications will include aerodynamic body kits, wheels, custom paint jobs and more. Photos of the transformations in progress will be posted throughout the campaign at hondaloves.tumblr.com. The program will conclude by presenting all 6 vehicles at SEMA.

People may vote for their favourite Fit from August 21 to October 22 and reblog posts using the #ProjectFit tag.

Source: Honda

Photo: Honda

Summerhill Impact's Tundra Take-Back project has been launched, which aims to remove end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) and other metal waste found in Nunavut.

The program will remove vehicles that contain pollutants that are harmful to the environment and water quality. Recycling ELVs will also free up space within Northern community dumpsites.

Made possible by funding from Environment Canada, the initiative focuses on 2 Nunavut communities, Gjoa Haven and Arviat. With key partners from the recycling and transport sectors, Summerhill Impact will decommission vehicles by recovering fuel, mercury, winshield washer fluid, antifreeze, tires and refrigerants.

These materials will subsequently be shipped to Quebec province by sea before the first frost. Once harmful pollutants have been eliminated cleanly, decontaminated metal will be recycled and transformed into other tools.

Source : Summerhill Impact

The road course of the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park will be the stage of the Chevrolet Silverado 250 of the NASCAR Truck series this weekend.

The road circuit, known as Mosport until a few years ago, is 3.957km long and features 10 high-speed, difficult corners, making it one of the most challenging race tracks in North America.

Here are 6 things to know about this circuit.

1
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has been presenting major league entertainment since 1961, primarily motorsport events. The 910-acre, multi-track facility is located less than an hour east of Toronto.

Photo: CTMP

2
The first race event was held June 3, 1961. It was a non-spectator event organized by the Oakville-Trafalgar Light Car Club. The winner of the first race at Mosport was Sam Bird in a Triumph TR3.

3
The first professional race was staged June 24, 1961. Stirling Moss of England drove a Lotus 19 to victory in the first Player's 200. Joakim Bonnier of Sweden was second overall and under 2-litre class winner in a Porsche RS61.

Photo: Player's Phototheque

4
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is one of only two race tracks to have hosted Formula 1, IndyCar, FIA World Endurance Championship and Can-Am races. The other is Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York.

5
In 1967 Canada joined the Formula 1 circuit, as Mosport hosted the first Canadian Grand Prix. Despite rain, the crowd was huge (58,000) as Jack Brabham drove to victory over Denny Hulme.

6
Canadian Gilles Villeneuve contested his first Grand Prix for Ferrari at Mosport in 1977. Driving Niki Lauda's abandoned Ferrari 312 T2, Villeneuve qualified 17th. He was classified 12th in the race, completing just 76 of the 80 laps because of a broken transmission.

Gilles Villeneuve. (Photo: WRi2)

French car manufacturer Renault has pulled the covers off its latest spec racer, the R.S. 01 at the Moscow motor show.

The coupe features a 493-bhp twin-turbocharged V6 motor, and is set to race in a new Renault Sport Trophy.

Renault R.S. 01 (Photo: Renault)

The 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 unit is derived from the version used in the Nissan GT-R. Supplied by NISMO, the engine benefits from a dry sump lubrication system to cope with the rigours of racing on a race track.

The engine is mid-mounted, and bolted to a Sadev 7-speed sequential transmission with steering wheel paddles.

Performance is said to be somewhere between a GT3 and DTM car.

Renault R.S. 01 (Photo: Renault)

Built to conform to the strict 2014 LMP1 safety standards, the R.S 01 is built around a full carbon fibre monocoque, produced by Dallara.

With a steel roll cage, and all of the crash structures and safety features in place, the car weighs in at 1100kg.

Renault R.S. 01 (Photo: Renault)

The braking system consists of 280mm carbon discs, with six-pot brake callipers and a Bosch ABS system. Double wishbone and pushrod suspension, with Ohlins racing dampers, ensures total control and adjustability.

Cars in the series will be required to run on a set of specially produced Michelin 18-inch racing tires.

With the first season kicking off in 2015, up to 20 Pro-Am teams will be able to enter the series, with racing taking place at World Series by Renault at various European circuits.

Renault R.S. 01 (Photo: Renault)

From nascar.com

NASCAR announced its national series schedules for the 2015 season, featuring date enhancements to races at some of its most storied tracks.

Key date changes featuring Darlington Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Daytona International Speedway, some of NASCAR's most tradition-laden tracks, highlight the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule.

Sprint Cup Series 2015 schedule
2/14/15 Daytona International Speedway (Sprint Unlimited)
2/15/15 Daytona International Speedway (Daytona 500 Qualifying)
2/19/15 Daytona International Speedway (Duel)
2/22/15 Daytona 500
3/1/15 Atlanta Motor Speedway
3/8/15 Las Vegas Motor Speedway
3/15/15 Phoenix International Raceway
3/22/15 Auto Club Speedway
3/29/15 Martinsville Speedway
4/11/15 Texas Motor Speedway
4/19/15 Bristol Motor Speedway
4/25/15 Richmond International Raceway
5/3/15 Talladega Superspeedway
5/9/15 Kansas Speedway
5/16/15 Charlotte Motor Speedway (NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race)
5/24/15 Charlotte Motor Speedway
5/31/15 Dover International Speedway
6/7/15 Pocono Raceway
6/14/15 Michigan International Speedway
6/28/15 Sonoma Raceway
7/5/15 Daytona International Speedway
7/11/15 Kentucky Speedway
7/19/15 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
7/26/15 Indianapolis Motor Speedway
8/2/15 Pocono Raceway
8/9/15 Watkins Glen International
8/16/15 Michigan International Speedway
8/22/15 Bristol Motor Speedway
9/6/15 Darlington Raceway
9/12/15 Richmond International Raceway
9/20/15 Chicagoland Speedway
9/27/15 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
10/4/15 Dover International Speedway
10/10/15 Charlotte Motor Speedway
10/18/15 Kansas Speedway
10/25/15 Talladega Superspeedway
11/1/15 Martinsville Speedway
11/8/15 Texas Motor Speedway
11/15/15 Phoenix International Raceway
11/22/15 Homestead-Miami Speedway

Nationwide Series 2015 schedule
2/21/15 Daytona International Speedway
2/28/15 Atlanta Motor Speedway
3/7/15 Las Vegas Motor Speedway
3/14/15 Phoenix International Raceway
3/21/15 Auto Club Speedway
4/10/15 Texas Motor Speedway
4/18/15 Bristol Motor Speedway
4/24/15 Richmond International Raceway
5/2/15 Talladega Superspeedway
5/17/15 Iowa Speedway
5/23/15 Charlotte Motor Speedway
5/30/15 Dover International Speedway
6/13/15 Michigan International Speedway
6/20/15 Chicagoland Speedway
7/4/15 Daytona International Speedway
7/10/15 Kentucky Speedway
7/18/15 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
7/25/15 Indianapolis Motor Speedway
8/1/15 Iowa Speedway
8/8/15 Watkins Glen International
8/15/15 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
8/21/15 Bristol Motor Speedway
8/29/15 Road America
9/5/15 Darlington Raceway
9/11/15 Richmond International Raceway
9/19/15 Chicagoland Speedway
9/26/15 Kentucky Speedway
10/3/15 Dover International Speedway
10/9/15 Charlotte Motor Speedway
10/17/15 Kansas Speedway
11/7/15 Texas Motor Speedway
11/14/15 Phoenix International Raceway
11/21/15 Homestead-Miami Speedway

Camping World Truck Series 2015 schedule
2/20/15 Daytona International Speedway
2/28/15 Atlanta Motor Speedway
3/28/15 Martinsville Speedway
5/8/15 Kansas Speedway
5/15/15 Charlotte Motor Speedway
5/29/15 Dover International Speedway
6/5/15 Texas Motor Superspeedway
6/13/15 Gateway Motorsports Park
6/19/15 Iowa Speedway
7/9/15 Kentucky Speedway FOX Sports 1, MRN, SiriusXM
7/22/15 Eldora Speedway
8/1/15 Pocono Raceway
8/15/15 Michigan International Speedway
8/19/15 Bristol Motor Speedway
8/30/15 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
9/18/15 Chicagoland Speedway
9/26/15 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
10/3/15 Las Vegas Motor Speedway
10/24/15 Talladega Superspeedway
10/31/15 Martinsville Speedway
11/6/15 Texas Motor Speedway
11/13/15 Phoenix International Raceway
11/20/15 Homestead-Miami Speedway

Squamish, BC -- You know that fancy candle you bought months and months ago because it smelled so good and fit your décor perfectly? It's still sitting there, unlit, still wrapped in its plastic casing. Likely, it will remain that way for a few years, unused, unable to fulfill its purpose as a candle.

Now, think about pretty much every Land Rover LR4 nestled in uni-stone driveways in high-class, gated urban neighbourhoods. They fit the décor perfectly, even offer the comfort and space for family life. Likely, they'll remain that way for years, unable to fulfill their true purpose as proper off-road vehicles.

Well, not my LR4.


Can you really have luxury and off-road capability?
First off, let's set the mood: I planned a five-day vacation in British Columbia with my 2.5-year-old son and my mother. Returning to our stomping grounds (where my mother and I lived when I was roughly my son's age and older), I knew we'd be traversing some pretty hard-core terrain at least once on our travels.

So, I had to make the right choice: A vehicle with plenty of space for all our luggage; lots of comfort for the long Sea to Sky jaunts from Whistler to Vancouver and everywhere in between; and the ruggedness to handle rocky, steep, hill climbs to the family cottage.

My mind immediately went to the Land Rover LR4.
The sad thing is that 95% of LR4 owners will never use their vehicles the way they were meant to be used.

Well, I set out to change that.



It's much too expensive to consider, right?
The real beauty about the Land Rover LR4, in my opinion, is its price point. In base trim -- with no extras but all the Land Rover ability you'd want for any and all surface conditions -- pricing starts at $59,990. Sure, you can have a base Jeep Grand Cherokee for about $20k less, but it just won't be the same...

My particular white LR4 was an HSE LUX, which means it was also the most expensive, dressed to the nines with all the fixings, starting at $70,990.

In reality, the LR4 is very well priced for what it offers the buyer. Similarly luxurious SUVs sit in the same price bracket and may offer the same creature comforts and fancy bits, but they hardly compete with the likes of the LR4 when it comes to heading off the beaten path.

Is it too big for the city?
As easily as it can head off the beaten path and onto rock-laden steep inclines, the Land Rover LR4 is just as happy on urban side streets. Sure, it's big and boxy and seems ungainly at times, but it's so easy to maneuver and drive through tight city settings, you're sure to forget you're driving such a big car.

If the tight quarters of an underground lot or one-way street makes you nervous, Land Rover's got you covered with all-around cameras that can be accessed via the entertainment system (which I'll not speak about because this review has been all but positive so far, and why sully a good thing?). Cameras all over the place ensure you see everything around you at all times.

But, does it drive big?
Equipped with a supercharged 3.0L V6, this behemoth of an SUV (because, let's face it, it is rather large) moves quite well. Make no mistake, this is not a speed monster or a switch-back pro, but it does boogie when asked. With 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, the LR4 has plenty of power to get the job done. Coupled with an 8-speed transmission, the entire package is well put together.

While it did struggle at times on the Sea to Sky heading from Vancouver to Whistler, the ability to downshift myself with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters ensured the revs didn't bog out as the transmission got a bit confused and the engine seemed a bit tired after the constant hill climb.

Really, where the LR4 truly excelled was on the rocky, steep trail up to my family cabin. Sure-footed, sturdy and never wavering, the LR4 took on deep crevices, steep inclines and declines, large boulders and jagged rocks without so much as a stutter. With the terrain response system set to “rock climb” and the ride height at maximum, my confidence levels were high.

On the way back down, with hill decent control activated and the max speed set at 5km/hr, with both feet off the pedals, I let the Landie do what it does best; get its passengers through whatever terrain is thrown its way. Even as the rain poured down on the muddy, rocky hillside, the Rover was as cemented to the road's surface as a gecko on a wall.

Is it really practical to own a Land Rover?
Of course there are other options out there when it comes to luxury SUVs. The Land Rover is not unique in terms of its amenities and brand recognition. The Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Audi Q7; they'll all get you that high-brow experience you crave. However, few of these can tackle the terrains with the same ease as the LR4 can, and that's the beauty and allure of the Land Rover in my honest opinion.

But please, only get one if you intend on taking that wrapping off and lighting it -- at least once.

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