Category Archives: Video

Review of 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Edition

Posted on by
Reply

It feels like just yesterday; I was in university with friends driving around Mom and Dad’s hand-me-down Grand Cherokees. Although those years are a bit hazy from all the 90s grunge rock, I have one fond memory of a ride home from a very cute blonde who drove a classic, green Jeep Grand Cherokee.  As a young car guy at the time, that combo was equal to a royal flush in poker…..So it comes as no surprise that I have had a soft spot for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee

1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Then

Jeep had incredible success with its 1990 Grand Cherokee models which went on to set the standard for the medium-sized SUV.  More recently, sales of the Grand Cherokee model have provided significant help to Chrysler’s bottom line through a very critical time in its history. To this day, the Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to build on its success as the benchmark in luxury and performance capabilities within the SUV marketplace.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit – Now

To say the new 2014 Grand Cherokee is not your average soccer Mom’s ride is a complete understatement. This new model is an exceptional piece of craftsmanship and precision built on an outstanding legacy which Chrysler has carefully refined for the past twenty years.  Today’s end product is something very special and as a result, we were excited about taking a closer look.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Driver’s view

The new 2014 model has amazingly clean, sleek lines along with an aggressive 4×4 stance that’s ready to take on any type of road or weather condition.  Unfortunately, we never had the opportunity to use the selec-Terrain 4 wheel drive system but we can easily imagine how much fun it is for owners to select and go.

Throughout the week, friends, neighbours and car folks we ran into on our travels were all eager to chat about the new ride and many complimented its stellar good looks.  Having driven in both city and highway environments we can say the Grand Cherokee was a real treat to drive in both situations.  It has the power and rawness when you need it while also providing the creature comforts of a luxury car with its character and function.

Our tester came with the 3.6L V6 which has a posted fuel consumption rating of 12.4L/100 km city and 8.3L/100 km highway. The Grand Cherokee is able to get these stingy fuel numbers as a result of Chrysler’s newly developed eight speed automatic transmission and its Econ fuel saving model.  This new improved fuel efficiency does not come at the cost of performance though as the V6 has a 0 to 60 time in the seven second range which is very respectable for a vehicle of approx 4900 pounds.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Side rear view

Our test vehicle came in the top of the line Summit trim which includes a range of extras which brought the sticker price to $62,085 CAD.  This prices includes some out of this world features not even imagined yet back in the 90s.

Some of these new technology features include:

  • 8 speed automatic transmission with E-Shift
  • Steering wheel mounted shift controls (paddle shifters)
  • 3.6L Pentastar™ VVT V6 – 290 hp – 260 lb-ft torque
  • Power 12-way driver’s seat with lumbar adjust
  • Memory settings function for driver’s seat and mirrors
  • 7-inch reconfigurable in-cluster display centre
  • Exotic open-pore wood accents
  • Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Tilt/telescopic steering wheel
  • Adaptive Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with headlamp washers
  • LED tail lamps
  • Remote start system
  • Quadra-Trac I™ 4×4 system
  • Quadra-Trac II™ 4×4 system with Hill Descent Control
  • Quadra-Lift™ Air Suspension System
  • Select-Terrain™ with Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud and Rock settings
  • harman/kardon® 19-speaker audio system with 825-watt amplifier
  • SiriusXM Satelitte Radio
  • UconnectTM 8.4AN multimedia centre with 8.4-inch touch screen
  • 8-way power passenger seat
  • Power liftgate
  • P265/50R-20 All Season Tires
  • Advanced multistage front air bags
  • Seven air bags including driver’s knee blocker
  • ParkView® Rear Backup Camera with dynamic grid lines
  • Park-Sense® Rear Park Assist System
  • Park-Sense® Front Park Assist System
  • Hill Start Assist
  • Brake Assist
Jeep Grand Cherokee

Backseats

The interior is beautifully appointed with all seats covered in a high quality leather with the Summit trim branding (pictured above). A real attention to detail is noticeable as Chrysler continues to up their game in this area throughout their 2014 line-up.  The combination of special interior features such as; heated steering wheel, dual-pane panoramic sunroof and wood trim sets the Summit model apart from its competition.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Rear cargo area

The storage capability is huge as you can see from the (above image) which illustrates how small one standard airline carry-on bag, a computer bag and two pairs of shoes appear in its cavernous rear storage area. With a very generous 36.3 feet of cargo space behind the rear seats it has space for all your gear and with the rear seats folded down you have access to a monstrous 68.3 feet of cargo room. Honestly, if you need more room than that just buy yourself a min-van.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Side view

As for its competition, many options are available for North American buyers in this market segment.  However, the main competitors include; the Ford Explorer, Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Lexus RX 350, Acura MDX, Range Rover Sport (significantly more money), and Hyundai Santa Fe XL. However, although some of these competitors can actually seat seven (Grand Cherokee only seats five persons) there is a range of varying levels in exterior and interior refinement, towing capacity and off- road capability of which the Grand Cherokee Summit all brings its “A” game.

After spending a week with our Grand Cherokee, I can seriously say if I was in the market for a mid-sized SUV this would be at the top of my list.  And most importantly, my wife really liked the look of it since it’s always a good thing when your partner appreciates another vehicle parked in the driveway.

Drifting videos

Posted on by
Reply

You may have already seen some of the coverage of rally superstar Ken Block‘s Toronto tour stop. Well, if you are wanting more on the event, the guys from Autoblog Canada have published their full interview with Ken.  Of course, the real cool part would be to see the video of their drive along which I guess we have to wait to see since they have not published it yet.  In the past, we have published many Ken Block Gymkhana videos which are always worth checking out.

On a related note, we recently came across a cool new drifting video created by Sylvania Canada. Shot in an undisclosed location SYLVANIA Canada and Canadian Tire teamed up to capture the beauty of drift racing at night. In making the video, drift drivers modified their cars with SYLVANIA Silverstar® zXe Twin Halogen Headlight Bulbs and absolutely rip it around a challenging outdoor course.

Audi RS 6 Avant – Man vs. Machine

Posted on by
2

To celebrate the latest incarnation of the formidable 2013 RS 6 Avant, Audi UK has commissioned a very cool new video titled ‘The Duel ~ Man vs. Machine’ which has officially launched on their YouTube channel.

This epic video pits man against machine in an egg throwing battle the likes of which has never been seen before. Starring “Parkour” superstar Damien Walters and 007 stunt-driver /Top Gear’s ex-Stig Ben Collins the rules of ‘The Duel’ are simple – To cover your opponent in as much paint as possible, within the allotted time.

The 2013 Audi RS 6 Avant has a four liter, V8 twin turbo engine that produces a monstrous 560 HP and almost certainly can lay claim to being the world’s fastest production family car.  This is certainly different from the station wagon we all grew up with that’s for sure…..

IMG_4279

Audi RS 6 Avant

Audi RS 6 Avant

Audi RS 6 Avant

Audi RS 6 Avant

The only bad thing about this story is the painful fact that Audi is not bringing the RS 6 Avant to North America.  We have one word to say to Audi and that is – Why?

For the full specs and details of the Audi 2013 RS 6 Avant please refer to the following here. In addition, to get a glimpse of the “behind the scenes” making of this video check out the ‘How To Make An Omelette’ video here.

Grand Theft Auto V

Posted on by
Reply

Last Tuesday, Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 5, the latest installment in the raunchy gangster action game series, generated $800 million in first-day sales, shattering the previous record for the video game industry.

Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V

Although this new installment includes some cool features, the core essence of the game is still the automobile and the variety of vehicles included in the game is awesome as always. Earlier this week, Autoblog Canada went deep with some analysis of the new game in a recent article worth checking out.  As well, they have closely examined the images of the cars throughout the game as there are certainly some great vehicles to choose from.

Porsche 930

Posted on by
Reply

Car guys all have their favourite dream rides but one model remains on most auto enthusiasts’ list, the iconic Porsche 930.  Built between 1975 and 1989 the Porsche 930 was one of the fastest production vehicles ever produced in its time.

Porsche 930

Porsche 930

Known to the public as the Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche originally produced the car to comply with homologation (racing series) regulations and had focused its marketing on creating a street legal race vehicle similar to the illustrious 1973 Carrera 2.7 RS. When the homologation rules changed, Porsche continued to develop the car, deciding to make it the top of the 911 model range also providing Porsche with a product to compete with Ferrari and Lamborghini.  Sure sounds like today’s Porsche GT3 models which regularly go toe-to-toe with the Italian sisters on the track.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

People all over the world love Porsche and do crazy things to get their dream rides. If this video does not get you inspired about one man’s passion about the Porsche 930 we don’t think anything will.

An amazing Porsche TV ad from the 1980s….It’s a shame there was no social media back then since this video is truly a masterpiece from Porsche’s marketing team.

Motor Trend’s World’s Greatest Drag race with only engine sounds

Posted on by
Reply

What do you say when the 12 best performance cars in the world are tested at an airstrip by the folks at Motor Trend in their third iteration of the Motor Trend’s Best Driver’s Car competition? If you love cars as much as we do, you probably have seen it already and are still giddy from its awesomeness!  Well, hold on because it gets better as Motor Trend has outdone themselves as they have posted an unplugged version of the epic drag race. Yes that’s right, same race, same cars just with no music and narration. Wow!!!

The full video includes the roundtable of all the Motor Trend gang discussing their opinions about the various cars.  To check the out drag race go to 19:35 in the video.

Here’s the full list of cars in the video.  Quite the showcase that’s for sure. The only key one missing is the 2014 Corvette Stingray…..

  • Aston Martin Vanquish
  • Audi R8 V10 Plus
  • Bentley Continental GT Speed
  • BMW M6 Coupe
  • Ford Focus ST
  • Jaguar F-Type V8 S
  • Mercedes-Benz E63S AMG Wagon
  • Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series
  • Nissan GT-R Track
  • Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
  • Porsche Cayman S
  • SRT Viper

Source: Autoblog.ca 

Love Hurts

Posted on by
2

My name is Ryan and I’m a friend of RedlineNorth. This is my rant. To borrow a quote from Scottish Rockers, Nazareth and their 1970s hit “Love Hurts” this is especially true when you are talking about older luxury cars. I truly love cars, especially, older high-end models in the $3,000-$10,000 price range and my specialty is finding, buying and driving them into the ground.

2002 BMW M3 autopazar.co.uk

2003 BMW M3

A little background on me:

  • My newest vehicle was 12 years old
  • I have covered the bases when it comes to auto breakdowns
  • I have been a customer seeking an elusive European car part at one time or another at the local auto junkyard
  • I use only regular gas
  • Occasionally, I do add a fuel additive or two
  • In winter, I do use gas line antifreeze to combat Canada’s freezing temps
  • Based on today’s theory that luxury cars using high-end synthetic oil can travel over 5,000 kilometers before an oil change –
    • I always push them to at least 7,000 KM
    • Since I feel that taxing oil is not just the government’s job
    • And besides isn’t this how they test engines?

As for my purchase criteria of “high end” cars, here’s my motto and please note “high end” is a subjective term.  Firstly, if the vehicle has over 160,000 km, and/or once retailed for over $50K or has rims and a stereo that’s of equal or greater value than the rest of the car – it’s likely on my radar for potential purchase.

Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac Escalade

Audi S4

Audi S4

Unfortunately, my purchased rides don’t seem to survive long with my combination of a heavy foot and focus on pure driving pleasure.  Therefore, based on this reality – it is important to always be ready to recruit new prospects, so I keep my feelers out.  Now, this applies to more than just friends and co-workers since you must continually scour classified ads, Autotrader, Kijii, eBay, frequent car lots, eavesdrop at the mechanics’ shop and most importantly make time to pull over when you see a gem for sale on a passing lawn.

From experience I can say, turnover is high in this game and it’s not for everyone.  Sketchy, luxury car ownership runs on a 2-3 year cycle from passionate purchase to jaded dismissal. So please keep in mind that these cars will go sideways; so be sure to have CAA or some type of roadside assistance. Since for sure the On Star, DVD based navigation and/or Bluetooth will be long expired, broken or never existed.  Once again, at some time you will need a lift to the garage – so please splurge for the extra tow coverage.

Although the game is not for everyone the rules are simple and the rewards are immeasurable.

Here is my best advice for someone starting out today:

  • Downgrade your insurance to liability only
  • Have ‘ a guy’ or ‘a handful of guys’ on standby who can fix cars and find parts
  • Be familiar with the sounds and smells of a lemon and/or pending engine disaster
  • Never forget the joy of riding a bicycle
  • Have access to a “Black Book”
  • Keep your supportive partner
  • Appreciate ‘flossin’
  • Understand your neighbours will notice…and judge you
  • Accept that the purchase and sale transaction of your rides will always be weird.

Sketchy luxury car ownership is in some ways practical since most European whips are designed and engineered like works of art and are wickedly fast.  And the rewards are worth it since your car is to be used daily so you need to enjoy driving it.

For example, a 2014 Kia might technically be capable of reaching 200 kilometers per hour, but the experience is nothing compared to being at the wheel of a 2000 BMW M3 or an S4 Audi of the same vintage.  It’s better to be a once was than a never could be when travelling at high speeds.

As well, rap music is an integral influence to my “Love Hurts” philosophy so please look at the following as reference to the immortal beats and remind yourself what it takes to ball in an older, high-end luxury ride.

1)            The inc ride – Masta Ace Incorporated

2)            Whutcha Want? – Nine

3)            Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz – Lost Boyz

4)            Born to Roll – Masta Ace

5)            Lacville ’79 – Devin the Dude

6)            Ridin – Chamillionaire ft. Krayzie Bone

7)            Bugatti – Ace Hood ft. Future, Rick Ross

8)            Box Chevy – Yelawolf ft. Rittz

9)            Beamer, Benz or Bentley – Lloyd Banks ft. Juelz Santana

10)         Stuntin Like My Daddy – Lil Wayne ft. Birdman

11)         Wild Boy – MGK ft. Waka Flocka Flame

Masta Ace - Sitting on Chrome Album cover

Masta Ace – Sitting on Chrome Album cover

In closing I want to reinforce that life is short and you bought the ticket so enjoy the ride (R.I.P. Hunter S.Thompson). So stop stressing about the gas mileage in your V8 Rover and just roll because behind the wheel you look like Christopher Moltisanti. This philosophy is way better than car payments on a new vehicle so keep pumping regular in spite of the stickers that say premium fuel required.

Hopefully, this has been helpful and maybe someday we will cross paths as I will be sure to stop if I see you in trouble at the side of the road….

Happy shopping!

Griswold Family Vacation

Posted on by
Reply

For all our visitors that remember the 1980s movie National Lampoon’s Vacation staring Chevy Chase, check out this video of a real Griswold family driving a replica Wagon Queen Family Truckster to Walt Disney World. You have to love the 8 headlights and the flip down rear seating found in station wagons from the 1980s. A blast from the past!

Isetta

Posted on by
Reply
Isetta

Isetta

The Isetta was a micro car that was originally developed in Italy by the scooter and refrigerator company of Iso SpA and was first released in 1953. It was powered by the 9.5 hp motorcycle engine found in the Iso Moto 200 and became known as the ‘bubble’ car thanks to its egg like shape.

The design of the Isetta was licensed to a number of companies around the world including in Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil, the UK and to BMW of Germany.  In 1955, BMW redesigned the Isetta around a one-cylinder, four-stroke, 247 cc motorcycle engine which generated 13 hp. Although the design remained the same ,much of the parts in the BMW version were not inter-changeable with the Iso Isetta. BMW produced over 160,000 vehicles until production ceased in 1962.

The Isetta has been featured numerous times in pop culture since its launch 60 years ago, including being the vehicle character Steve Urkel drove in the TV sitcom Family Matters and an Isetta was found by Barry Weiss wrapped up in a storage unit in the first season of the reality show Storage Wars.

Steve Urkel's Car in Family Matters

Steve Urkel’s Car in Family Matters

Most recently Petrolicious has recently added a video to their library on Jack Charney, an auto enthusiast from California that owns a 1957 BMW Isetta which he originally bought new, sold it and then was able to acquire it again years later.  It’s a wonderful video, with the fantastic cinematography we have come to expect from Petrolicious.

Sources: Wikipedia, Microcar Museum, Petrolicious

Hidden compartments in vehicles

Posted on by
Reply

For those of you who watched the gritty HBO hit series “The Wire” you will be well versed in the role hidden compartments in vehicles play in the life and death of drug dealers. Well, it seems as if it is not just television fiction since we are now seeing laws in the US be changed to deal with the rise in hidden compartments in vehicles designed to transport contraband materials such as guns, drugs and money.

Secret compartment

Secret gun compartment in SUV

Car and Driver magazine recently did a feature on this very topic which is well worth checking out. As well, here is a video clip which shows an example of a VW Jetta modified to transport drugs.