My Latest Obsession: BMW 335d

Posted on April 22, 2009 by mark

bmw-335d-front1

The last time I wrote a “Latest Obsession” post was October, discussing my undying love for the rapid Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Seeing as that was nearly seven months ago, you can see that I don’t flit from one hot new thing to another at whim. It takes time; it’s a slow-burning fuse.

I came to realize My Latest Obsession when postulating to some friends that the 335d sedan I’d just returned to BMW Canada was the first vehicle ages that I could comfortably see owning and driving for the rest of my days… or at least until I wore the thing out. The latest 3 Series never generated any emotion before… A respect, perhaps, with the performance of the 335i and M3, but if pressed, I would have recommended other brands. Not even the long-term 328ix Touring I drove when at Carguide had me sold.
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An Official Apology to the Porsche Cayenne

Posted on April 15, 2009 by mark

cayennegtstrack-resizedI’ve long held the belief that the Porsche Caynenne serves no real purpose on this planet. Sure, it’s fast, and yes, it’s well engineered, but please! A Porsche SUV? Heresy.

However, I would like to apologize to the folks at Stuttgart who designed said Cayenne after making good use of a couple yesterday during the Porsche World Roadshow at Mosport International Raceway near Toronto. The first was a GTS version with super-wide tires, full air suspension and blazing-copper paint that I was able more than handily keep up with the rest of the group driving Caymans. And it’s powerful 400-hp 4.8-litre V8 meant I was hitting about 190 km/h up the Andretti Straight before braking for Turn 8.
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Getting ready for spring: what to do with winter tires

Posted on April 6, 2009 by mark

nokianwintertireWhile most folks were highly tempted to pull the winter tires off the second it got warm, certainly today’s slushy conditions will prove those who waited correct.

Waiting another couple weeks won’t hurt you or the tires, and it’ll give you an oppourtunity to figure out if your storage options are acceptable. Huh? Thought keeping them out in the backyard under a tarp would be fine? Forget it.

Here’s what 1010tires.com has to say:

“The best place to store winter tires is in a cool, dry location. (Basement, or possibly a garage). You can lay them down flat, stacked on top of each other, but no taller than 4 high. This offers the most support and should eliminate any fitting problems the following fall. We also recommend that you return to the store/dealer from where you purchased your tires, and ask for storage bags. This will protect the tires from natural ozone in the air which can cause tire rubber to dry and crack. Wrap each tire individually and stack them. Stored tires should be kept away from electric motors or welders as these produce ozone which will damage the rubber over time.”

So does your space make the grade? If not, try the shop where you bought the tires in the first place as they may have storage options for your off-season rubber at pretty reasonable prices.

Whatever you do, treat them well and they’ll serve you for three or four good winters’ worth of driving.

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The best April Fools around: Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG previewed

Posted on April 1, 2009 by mark

708565_1280655_400_267_09c205_015Given my obvious love for Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, the official news that the company will adopt some of that same styling and power into the new, larger E-Class version is music to my ears.

The same 6.2-litre V8 engine and seven-speed transmission make the cut, and the five-spoke wheels could be taken directly off the hottest C-Class, but in this application that potent powerplant pokes out 525 horsepower, up 18 from before. And the new E’s square styling gives it plenty of attitude to back up the performance.

The four-eye face will take some getting used to, and I suspect the most attractive versions will be in silver as it hides most of what’s wrong up front. Also, chances are that once I drive it, I’ll fall in love again. Good to see Mercedes getting its mojo back.

Full release and more photos from Mercedes-Benz after the jump.

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The most important day in auto history?

Posted on March 30, 2009 by mark

downthedrain-nosheepEver wonder if you’ve woken up in some other dimension because that’s the only logical explanation for the insanity that surrounds you? Welcome to my day…

First came news that General Motors’ CEO Rick Wagoner had stepped down at the request of President Barack Obama’s auto task force, and takes an estimated $23 million retirement fund with him…

Then the markets in Asia tanked on speculation that GM and Chrysler were going bankrupt, then the fear spread to the rest of the world.

Then the U.S. Government says it’ll honour warrantees for GM and Chrysler vehicles, give GM 60 days to get its house in order, and tells Chrysler to make with the Fiat alliance or else. Apparently they weren’t convinced that the companies’ restructuring plans were solid.

So Chrysler quickly signs the deal with Fiat.

In Canada, things aren’t any better because Chrysler still hasn’t reached a labour agreement with the CAW, and GM wants to reopen talks with them as well to try and squeeze more money out of the deal. And then the Canadian government ponies up $4 billion in aid to both companies

Given everything that happened, I wondered if today was April 1st, but no such luck. Can I get off the merry-go-round yet?

Photo Credit: nosheep at stock.xchng
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