Category Archives: Events

Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins 2nd Daytona 500

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It took 10 years but he has done it again. Yes, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won America’s race for the second time in his career surpassing his late father’s record of only one win at Daytona’s great NASCAR race.  Sunday’s race was not the most exciting as there was a rain delay of 6 hours, 22 minutes but Dale Jr. hung on to win and that is what counts. The Daytona win also snaps his 55-race losing streak dating back to 2012.

Photo source: AOL

Photo source: AOL

In today’s world of social media it is kind of surprising Dale Jr. had not joined Twitter. However, after Sunday’s win he signed up and has tweeted up a storm ever since. His account is brilliant – over 496k followers and counting while not following anyone and having only 43 tweets as of 9PM EST on Feb 25th.  Here’s a recent selfie from Monday captured at the Daytona Experience.  His selfie tweet is awesome – Look who I ran into at the Daytona Experience. Dad’s Happy!

Photo source: Twitter

Photo source: Twitter

North American International Auto Show 2014 Recap

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Now that the North American International Auto Show is over for another year, RedlineNorth takes a look back at the highlights of this year’s show, identifies some trends as well as personal favourites.

Over 800,000 people visited the NAIAS this year, an eleven year high. Along with the 5,169 journalists in attendance and an estimated $365 million it brought to the local economy it’s fair to say Detroit is back!

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Plug-in Electric Vehicles were more prevalent at this year’s show, from the newly released BMW i3 (available as both a pure electric and with a back-up gasoline engine) to the plug-in version of the Porsche Panamera to the Cadillac ELR, the availability of plug-in vehicles across manufacturers as well as product lines is visibly increasing. From zero electric vehicles being available in the market only five short years ago, to upwards of twenty different models in 2014, consumers are the big winner here in terms of choice. The real challenge going forward is for manufacturers to offer an affordable plug-in SUV/CUV. Mitsubishi may be first out the gate in North America with its plug-in hybrid electric Outlander.

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Cadillac ELR

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Porsche Panamera

The next significant wave of technology to hit showrooms beyond electric drivetrains is likely to be the autonomous, or self driving vehicle.  This technology can fit well with electric vehicles and at the show Nissan had on display a right hand drive Leaf fitted with autonomous vehicle technology, along with a video showing the self driving vehicle in action on the streets in Japan. While we don’t expect to see fully autonomous vehicles to hit showrooms within the next five years, its encouraging to see the realm of the possible being stretched by the OEMs. 

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An Autonomous Drive Nissan Leaf

Overall, OEMs are on the whole offering a number of models with significant fuel economy savings from currently available electric vehicles to fuel cell concept vehicles as well as weight saving technologies such as Ford’s new aluminum body for its F150, shown below incognito when it was run in the Baja 1000.  

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2014 Ford F150

There were a number of North American and World debuts at the show this year including the 2015 WRX STI from Subaru (shown below).  With a 305 hp turbocharged engine, 67% faster steering response, and matted to a 6 speed manual gear box this car is a rocket. It’s also nice to see Subaru reverting back to the more classic sedan style STI.NAIS-9

There was plenty of eye candy on display in Detroit this year – we’re referring to the cars of course – from the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 to the Lexus RC F and the Dodge SRT Viper (shown below), raw power in the form of performance cars stole the show.

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SRT Viper

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Porsche 918 Spyder

One of the star’s of the show was this beautiful Porsche 918 Spyder, which unfortunately was displayed behind glass so we could not get up and close.  However, another darling of the show was the new 911 Targa which incorporates all the elegance of the 1970s Targa model with the latest Porsche technology and design.

911 Targa

911 Targa

Finally it wouldn’t be an auto show without some concept vehicles including this one from Nissan.   The square front end of this concept reminded us of BMW styling cues from the 1980s.

Nissan Idx Concept

Nissan IDx Concept

Overall, this year’s North American International Auto Show had something for everyone, which judging by the surge in the number of visitors this year, resonated well with the general public.  It’s always a pleasure visiting the NAIAS, especially given the hospitality of the host city of Detroit. Despite is tenuous financial footing, Detroit is on its way back.  It’s down, but definitely not out.  RedlineNorth is already looking forward to 2015.

Sources: CBC

Toyota FT-1 concept car

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Toyota surprised us all today at the North American International Auto Show with the reveal of their stunning FT-1 sports car concept.  First devised by Calty Design Research in the Sony PlayStation Gran Turismo game environment, the FT-1 concept leapt from the screen to the stage in a race-inspired press conference at Detroit’s COBO Hall.

The name says it all. FT-1 stands for “Future Toyota,” and the number “1” represents the ultimate. According to its designers, the FT-1 Concept is the ultimate expression of a Toyota coupe design, building upon Toyota’s rich sports coupe heritage dating back to the 2000GT, Celica, Supra, MR2 and most recently Scion FR-S. In addition, the concept draws inspiration from Calty’s more recent sports car concept work such as FT-HS (2007) and the Lexus LF-LC (2012).

The front engine rear-wheel drive configuration locates the cockpit far rearward within the wheelbase to improve weight distribution.  This design element also helps create the classic sports car proportions one would expect from a vehicle poised to dominate even the most challenging road course. The cockpit’s wrap around windshield and side glass openings are a distinct nod to the design of the legendary Toyota 2000GT.

The interior is a focused, highly functional “place of business” that locates the driver at the controls behind an F1 inspired steering-wheel.  The intimate, low slung cockpit has its A-pillars set far back to help optimize cornering vision and sensation of the cabin’s intimacy.  The cockpit’s sense of minimalism adds to the purposefulness of the driver-focused environment with an emphasis on light weight components such as the composite seat covered with just the right amount of padding in only the areas that come into contact with the driver. A color heads-up display keeps the driver’s attention on the road ahead, with vital information projected just above the steering wheel within the driver’s line of sight.

While technical specifications are not provided, one can assume that the FT-1 represents an ideally balanced front-engine, rear wheel-drive layout powered by a high performance engine. Beneath a transparent glass hood, an ambiguous engine cover hides a powerplant left to the imagination of the onlooker.

With the recent launch of Honda’s NSX concept and the success of Nissan’s GT-R model it’s not surprising Toyota is trying to amp things up with a possible Supra replacement. We really hope this one comes to fruition soon as we can’t wait to test this one out on a race track.

Central Florida Racing Complex closes its doors for good

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Having just spent some time in the South, it’s quite suiting we recently came across this story. After years of providing Central Florida with a popular development track, the Central Florida Racing Complex (CFRC) has officially closed its doors.  Most recently used by drifting enthusiasts to hone their skills, the track’s substantial size and grassroots environment made it a prime breeding ground for Florida’s drifting scene.

Over the years, track owner Donnie Vivier poured his heart and soul into each event and fought hard to keep the doors open for Florida’s drift community. However, Donnie is now moving on to Orlando Speedworld (OSW), an oval track where drifting started for a lot of Florida’s top drivers. Nevertheless, check out a recently made tribute video which successfully captures the visceral action that made the track infamous for providing an ultimate learning ground for aspiring drifters.

Remembering Paul Walker

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With the recent passing of Hollywood actor and legendary car enthusiast Paul Walker many people around the globe have turned their grief into positive action. In doing so, car enthusiasts have coordinated official memorial cruises and meets to create more awareness for the organization Paul Walker helped co-found called Reach Out WorldWide.  Here in Toronto, the local car scene held several Paul Walker Memorial events this past Sunday, December 8th throughout the city.

Team RedlineNorth attended the meet and cruise event at Canadian Tire at Lakeshore and Leslie in Toronto’s southeast organized by local enthusiast Tim Knight. As usual it was well attended and included some very cool rides in spite of the cold December weather. Unfortunately, we did not capture any of our own coverage however, local enthusiast site Automotofoto’s provided some solid coverage.

Paul Walker Memorial

Paul Walker Memorial

Kudos to the Toronto local scene for all coming together to raise awareness for Paul’s charity.

Porsche Macan

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At this week’s 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show one of the models making a big splash is Porsche’s all-new 2015 Macan crossover.  Marketed as Porsche’s new entry-level compact crossover with all the comforts of its Cayenne but with a lower starting price. Designed for the soccer mom’s tasks during the week while also providing owners with a solid weekend track day partner.  It all sounds pretty good eh?  We sure think so, and it does not hurt their pitch person is the “out of this world” Russian tennis superstar Maria Sharapova.

Porsche Macan

Porsche Macan – Photo C/O Forbes.com

Set to go on sale in the first half of next year, the Macan will be available in both an S and Turbo trim levels.  Prices will start at $49,900 but as is often the case with luxury rides the price ranges dramatically as you choose various options making the total price sky rocket. For example, decide on a Macan Turbo and you’re looking at a base price of in the $72,000 range.  Nevertheless, Porsche has kindly provided all its pricing information through its very cool new online configurator.

As for the name, according to the UK’s Car Magazine Porsche continues to leverage its wild naming convention as the name Macan “is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics” – core characteristics of the new off-road car.  Well, not sure I love the name but I do eagerly await getting behind the wheel of the Macan for a test drive at some point in the near future.

Ken Block’s Gymkhana Six

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It’s that time of year again! Ken Block along with sponsoring partner Need for Speed have come out with a new installment of the epic “Gymkhana series”.  Having covered the infamous series for the past few years there is nothing in the world like it.  This latest version picks up where the fifth installment from the streets of San Francisco left off. Titled Gymkhana SIX: The Ultimate Gymkhana Grid Course this new version is set in an industrial area where once again Block is able to do the impossible; drifting between shipping containers, hitting man-made jumps while narrowly avoiding Lamborghini Aventadors and cops on Segways.

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Ken Block in Gymkhana 6

After watching the six and half-minute video it’s no surprise this series is one of the most watched and shared web franchises of all time.  Ken Block truly is a magician while in the driver’s seat of his purpose-built, out of this world, 2013 Ford Fiesta ST RX43.  I only wish I was a member of Ford’s marketing team when the deal was signed to get Block to switch from Subaru.  I’m sure they pay him a pretty penny but seriously there is no better advertisement in the world for the blue oval.

Please beware after watching this film you may think you are a rally star but I’m afraid you will still be an armchair star like the rest of us.  Please note: video participant is the best professional stunt driver in the world…..Don’t try this at home.

Redbull Frozen Rush

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Now that the weather has turned colder, at least here in Canada, our thoughts start to turn to winter racing.  In a few weeks the Rally of the Tall Pines will be taking place in Bancroft Ontario, which promises to be a great event.

For those into something a little less traditional check out the Redbull Frozen Rush is a head to head race competition between 900-horsepower Pro4 trucks down a ski slope. Eight trucks will compete in all at Maine’s Sunday River resort on January 10th, 2014. The race format will be a bracketed, single elimination with two drivers on course at a time.  In addition, the United States Auto Club has sanction the race and will oversee the competition.   If you happen to the be in the area you can simply walk up to the slopes and take a look at the action.

The race format sounds intriguing, with trucks barreling down slopes next to skiers and snowboarders and because it’s Redbull you know it’s going to be a good event.

Here’s a video from last year’s competition:

Happy Racing!

Targa Newfoundland

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For the past twelve years, Targa Newfoundland has played host as a unique one of kind auto event providing auto enthusiasts with the opportunity to drive or race their own cars along a 2200 kilometer course through Canada’s most eastern province. This amazing course is comprised of central Newfoundland‘s breathtaking public roads along with competitive race sections held on closed roads.

Photo source: thegarageblog.com 2009

Photo source: thegarageblog.com 2009

For one week every September, the roads in Newfoundland become much busier with all types of vehicles attempting to tame Newfoundland’s incredible terrain.  As auto enthusiasts, Targa Newfoundland needs to be on your bucket list if not already.  We hope some day in the near future we are able to run a RedlineNorth team in this epic auto adventure. Be sure to check out all the recent coverage as the event wraps up tomorrow.

Photo source: ca.autoblog.com 2011

Photo source: ca.autoblog.com 2011

Frankfurt Motor Show 2013

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Holy jeez, time flies as it just seems like the auto show season just wrapped up and it’s beginning all again with this week’s start of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Unfortunately, RedlineNorth is not actually attending this year’s event, however, we have pulled together a compilation of some key outlets’ media day coverage.

918 Spyder hybrid

Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid                                               

From the headlines so far one thing is clear – electric cars are gaining momentum and becoming more popular across product lines.  With a range of manufacturers debuting their latest models of plug-in electrics and plug-in hybrids there’s really an electric offering for all audiences now.

VW e-Up!

Volkswagen  e-Up!

Here is some of the early coverage coming out of Frankfurt.

Ferrari 458 Speciale

Ferrari 458 Speciale