Autoglym Valet Kit Review

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Autoglym Valet Kit

The RedlineNorth team were recently provided a sample of the Autoglym Valet Kit from our friends at Canadian Tire to review.  This kit provides the user with a start to finish for all quick auto detailing needs and includes six 500 ml bottles of Autoglym products (Bodyworks Shampoo Conditioner, Super Resin Polish, Fast Glass, Instant Tyre Dressing, Vinyl & Rubber Care and Custom Wheel Cleaner), a Perfect Polish Cloth, Sponge and carrying case.  The only noticeable exception is car wax, although it does come with a Rapid Detailer (see below for a review on that product).  The Autoglym Valet Kit retails for $99.99 and is available at Canadian Tire in Canada. The individual products are also sold separately.

The RedlineNorth team used a black 2003 Nissan Altima to try out the kit.  Black is a notoriously difficult paint colour to keep looking new and tends to show off a lot of imperfections, such as scratches and dents. A perfect opportunity to see what this stuff can do!

First up for review is the Rapid Detailer which is designed to be used between regular washing to remove dust and fingerprints and provides water repellent properties.  In short, the detailer worked very well – so much so it was noticed by one of the wives of the RedlineNorth team a couple of days after the application as the car being ‘shiny’ and ‘looks good.’ In our books that’s one of the most authentic reviews we could have received.  In addition,  given that the application of the product was so quick and easy to apply, the Rapid Detailer is going to be used regularly by us going forward.

All that is required to apply the Rapid Detailer is a cold vehicle surface, a quick spray and a little bit of elbow grease with a mirco fiber cloth.  The Valet Kit does come with a ‘perfect palm’ applicator, as shown below, which we used to apply the detailer.  It was a nice added touch, but not necessary to get a good result. After the application we let the detailer sit for a number of minutes while we applied the tyre dressing and wheel cleaner. We then returned to the detailer to wipe off the product and did some quick buffing to reveal a brilliant shine.  So much so, the black metal appeared almost mirror like reflecting our work area as can be seen in the pictures.  We can honestly say we’ve used a number of similar products in the past, but have yet to such a result in as little time as this took.

Before Auto Glym Rapid Detailer Applied

Before Autoglym Rapid Detailer was applied

Using the Palm Applicator

Results of the Autoglym Rapid Detailer

The Custom Wheel Cleaner was also very easy to apply with a few squirts around the circumference of the rim, about 60 seconds of wiping and then letting sit for 60 seconds, doing one wheel at a time.

At the same time as the Wheel Cleaner, the Instant Tyre Dressing was applied as both require rinsing after the application. Yes, tyre is spelled with a ‘y’ in the UK and as these products are actually made in England – not just the typical cop out of being ‘designed’ in one place, but actually made somewhere else –  it’s therefore fitting they use the British spelling. Again, the application was very easy, a few squirts, one wipe around to ensure an even coating and then let sit for three minutes.

Before Customer Wheel Cleaner

Before Custom Wheel Cleaner

Before Instant Tyre Dressing

Before Instant Tyre Dressing

Literally 60 second wipe

Literally a 60 second wipe

Once the tire and rims were rinsed there was a very noticeable improvement in the blackness of the tire and the cleanliness of the rims.  These two Autoglym products were one of the easiest products to apply that also resulted in noticeable results.

The Results

In addition, the Instant Tyre Dressing can also be used as an engine dressing to protect and improve the appearance under the hood as well.

After using the products

At the end of the day there are a wide variety of car cleaning products out there. The old adage you get what you pay for rings true with AutoGlym.  While other products may give you a similar result, a lot more effort can be required.  The Autoglym products aren’t the cheapest products out there.  Individually, the products retail for $12.99 for the Tyre Dressing, $14.99 for the Rapid Detailer, and $12.99 for the Custom Wheel Cleaner. However, what impressed the RedlineNorth team the most was the easy of use and the little effort required to make a 9 year old car look very good, and stay that way.

If you are like the RedlineNorth team and you have one hour on the weekend once a month to work on the car and you want something that will give you the best results with very little effort and time, we recommend you give the AutoGlym Valet Kit a shot and try it for yourself. Canadian Tire also offers a 1 year exchange warranty redeemable at any Canadian Tire store on the three products reviewed in this post.

McLaren MP4-12C Review

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We thought it was time to take a closer look at one of the coolest supercars available today. We are talking about the McLaren MP4-12C, the amazing sports car designed and manufactured by the UK’s McLaren Automotive. It is the first production car wholly designed and built by McLaren since the McLaren F1.  With a sticker price in the $250,000 CAD range the MP4-12C is priced to compete with the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari 458. Although the price is elitist to say the least, there are recent reports that 55 of the MP4-12C’s have been sold this year alone in Canada. Who says there’s a recession still?

The MP4-12C features a carbon fibre composite chassis, and is powered by a mid-mounted McLaren M838T 3.8-litre V8, twin-turbo engine developing approximately 592 HP  and 443 lb ft of torque. According to McLaren, the MP4-12C can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.9 seconds, however if optional Corsa tires are used acceleration times are further improved on with 0 to 62 mph completed in 3.1 seconds. The car has a top speed of 333 km/h (207 mph) and can brake from 200 km/h (124 mph) to a complete stop in under 5 seconds. Braking from 100 km/h (62 mph) to zero can be done in under 30 metres (98 ft). Power is transmitted to the wheels through a 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch gearbox.

This car and its performance stats are absolutely incredible and securely puts it in the ultimate supercar class. The MP4-12C also leverages its Formula 1 heritage by using F1 racing technologies such as “brake steer”, where the inside rear wheel is braked during fast cornering to reduce understeer.

And if this wasn’t enough, for those drivers who just won’t settle unless they have an open car there is also the incredible McLaren 12C Spider. It has all of the fun and performance of the closed model but with a unique retractable hard top (RHT) folding roof system.

To get a sense of the visceral experience of this super machine you need to watch the official launch video.

For more information on how you can get behind the wheel of this ultimate “Widowmaker” check out the official site of Woodbridge, Ontario based Toronto McLaren.

EV Day Toronto – Sunday August 11th

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Just a reminder for those readers in the Toronto area EV Day is happening tomorrow at Yonge & Dundas Square.  There is a free ride and drive of the latest electric vehicles at the event so if you’ve ever wanted to try driving an electric vehicle here’s your chance.

2012 Buick Verano Review

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For a week in July, Team RedlineNorth had the opportunity to put a 2012 Buick Verano sedan through its paces.  As Verano is the Spanish word for summer it was rather fitting we reviewed it during one of the hottest weeks this season. Redesigned for 2012, the Buick Verano shares GM’s Delta II platform with the Chevrolet Cruze, and is the first compact sedan marketed by Buick in North America since the 1997 Buick Skylark.

Our silver 2012 Buick Verano review vehicle came in the 1SG trim package which includes the following:

  • 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder engine with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) making 180 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • 10 airbags
  • Leather heated driver & front passenger seats
  • Bose premium 9-speaker sound system
  • OnStar® with 6 months of the Directions & Connections Plan, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and OnStarRemoteLinkTM
  • Air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, locks and mirrors, cruise control, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB port and auxiliary audio input jack, and Bluetooth: hands free phone and audio connectivity.
  • 18 inch painted aluminum wheels
  • Trunk/storage space – 14.3 cubic feet– based on GM Canada’s vehicle information
  • $27,620 CAD MSRP from GM Canada’s website as of August 8, 2012 ($22,595 for entry level)

The interior lived up to all the hype with its luxurious leather seating, full colour touch screen display, sleek functional gauges and ultra modern ambient lighting. Dubbed as one of the quietest sedans ever produced, the Verano really delivers with its whisper quiet cabin and smooth classic sedan ride and feel.

With the average Buick owner in North America holding steady at age 59, GM is pushing hard to attract younger buyers and sporty new models like the Verano are a step in the right direction. The Verano’s sister model, the Buick Excelle was China’s best-selling passenger car in 2011 as China continues to be GM’s largest market for Buick and a great test ground for the development of new models.

Over the week, we averaged 9.7L/100 km (24 MPG) which is significantly higher than GM’s/Transport Canada’s official 6.2L/100 km (38 MPG) fuel consumption rating. However, this is based on the total mileage, which was more city based than highway miles so at the end of the day the fuel consumption was solid for the sporty sedan. Over the review, we took the Verano through a daily commute to downtown and traveled north to the heartland and farms of Georgian Bay’s Huronia region.

Our only complaints over the course of the week were during long drives the lower lumbar section of the front seats felt a bit awkward.  As well, at certain points in the acceleration curve the six speed automatic transmission seemed to be out of place resulting in lag. Nevertheless, in spite of these minor issues the Buick Verano delivered on its promise to provide a modern and more youthful experience from the oldest active American automotive brand.  And more importantly, we are quite sure Buick founder, David Dunbar Buick would approve of the direction GM is going with its 2012 Buick Verano model. Overall, we give it a 4.2 rating out of 5 in its class.

The main competitors to the Verano in the compact luxury segment are the Lexus IS 250, BMW 3 series, Acura TSX and the Audi A4 all of which start at a much higher price point.  That being said, the Verano also has competition from the Hyundai Sonota, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry especially with the lower entry level price of $22,600 CAD.

This places the Verano squarely in between both market segments and sales are quickly growing- surpassing 3,000 units in the US in May, over half of which were non-traditional GM buyers.

Chevrolet Camaro to debut in NASCAR in 2013

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Last week, Chevrolet announced they will have a new entry in the NASCAR Nationwide Series next year as the Camaro will make its series debut in February 2013 at the Daytona International Speedway.

Leading its segment in US sales in both 2010 and 2011 and currently in 2012, the Camaro will continue the proud heritage of Chevrolet performance vehicles in one of America’s most prestigious racing series.  Chevrolet has more wins, more manufacturers’ championships and more driver’s championships than any other manufacturer competing in the Nationwide Series.

The Camaro race car model incorporates a strong front grill, halo light rings and a bulging hood taking its style cues from the mean street car it is today. We look forward to seeing it in action next year.  For more information, check out the full press release.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Day Sunday August 12th – Toronto, Ontario

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For those readers in the Toronto area who have been wanting to test drive an electric vehicle here is your chance.  On Sunday August 12th, Yonge and Dundas Square will be home to EV Day.  Starting at 10 am you’ll be able to test drive some of the newest electric vehicles and learning about re-charging infrastructure.  Invited exhibitors include:

Azure Dynamics
Audi – A3 e-tron
GM – Chevy Volt
Fisker – Karma
Ford – Focus EV
Nissan – Leaf
smart – ED
Tesla – Roadster and Model S
VIA Motors

More details can be found here at Plug ‘N Drive Ontario.

 

Via Motors

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The following is a video of Jay Leno talking to Bob Lutz (former vice chairman of GM) about a new electrified pick up truck that is about to enter the market manufactured by Via Motors.

Bob Lutz was the one of the main proponents of the Chevy Volt during his tenure at GM. He is now a board member at Via Motors, a new company that is focusing producing ‘range extended’, also called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).  These are vehicles that run on electricity, but also have a back up gasoline engine.

What makes Via Motors unique in the EV market is their production (or more accurately conversion) to a PHEV of a full size pickup truck based on the Chevy Silverado platform called VTrux.

They also offer a full size SUV (based on the Suburban)…

and delivery van (based on the GM G-2500 van).

To date the vast majority of electric vehicles entering the global market have been modestly sized vehicles. The full size offerings by Via Motors could be a game changer for those who would like to own an electric vehicle, but want more size and space than what is currently available.

In addition, the Via Motors pickup comes with an optional on-board inverter that can be used in place of a generator to power the workplace or provide emergency power.  For contractors, or those who use their pickups in remote locations and require a generator this may be an ideal solution.


The pickup truck will get 40 miles (64 km) on a single charge and an additional 300 miles (482 km) on the gasoline engine.  This will likely provide enough range for the vast majority of the population.

The anticipated MSRP of the vTrux pickup isn’t exactly cheap at $79,999 USD. However,  in many jurisdictions the vehicle would likely qualify for government incentives.

Fleet deliveries have started and consumer deliveries are expected in 2013.

True Playaz Lowrider Show – July 28

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As our RedlineNorth mandate states, we promise coverage of a wide assortment of auto events so true to form we checked out a local low rider show called – True Playaz – Candy On Chrome.

From custom paint and pin stripping, to chromed out chassis and frames and trunks full of speakers and batteries that power monster hydraulics, the entire low rider scene is an enthusiast’s dream.

As we walked the show it had a very 90s feel from the rhythmic hip hop beats in the background to the many exquisite rides including several examples of the infamous 1964 Impala immortalized in the 1991 film Boyz in the Hood.  Throughout the afternoon you could almost see Ice Cube’s character Doughboy pulling up and wanting to show his ride off in the Toronto parking lot.

Unfortunately, we missed the actual competition that includes the hopping of the cars but were able to get some solid pics of the different rides.  Yes, this scene is totally niche but very cool nonetheless, and you must respect the countless hours of hard work and enthusiasm that goes into creating these one-of-a-kind beauties.  The attendees brought a wide range of daily drivers and trailer queens of all decades and brands but the majority of the low riders were GM models from the 60s, 80s and 90s.

London 2012 Olympics – Official Vehicles

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With the 2012 Summer Olympics officially opening yesterday in London we thought it was time to check out the official vehicles for the big event. In a massive marketing move signed in 2011, BMW became the official automotive partner of the 2012 games. As official sponsor, BMW will loan the London Olympic Games Organizing Committee a fleet of 4,000 branded vehicles to transport VIPs and executives between various sites using the newly designated and highly controversial Olympic only lanes. The 30 miles of specially designated roads have been introduced to help with speedy transit between venues.

The Olympic fleet is distinguished by the London 2012 branding wraps which have been designed specifically for the various models.

In order for BMW to secure the deal they had to meet the Olympic committee’s stringent emissions requirements: while the average emissions of vehicles in the UK comes in at 138 grams of CO2 per kilometer, the German automaker had to come in below 120 g/km – which BMW did at 116 g/km for the Olympics.

To get there, a portion of the cars BMW is supplying are electric vehicles: 160 units of the 1 Series ActiveE and 40 of the Mini E, with another 40 of the 5 Series Active Hybrid. The rest of the fleet is comprised of the 320d EfficientDynamics (1,550 vehicles), 520d Efficient Dynamics (700), X3 xDrive 20d (17), X5 xDrive 30d(10) and Mini Countryman Cooper D (200 vehicles), plus another 25 R1200 RT motorcycles and 400 BMW Streetcruiser bicycles.

Earlier this month, BMW unveiled their newly designed London 2012 Olympic Park Pavilion which represents a significant architectural addition to the Olympic Park, providing an exciting assortment of the company’s latest vehicles against the backdrop of the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre.

In addition to providing all the fleet vehicles for the Olympic games BMW has also brought their Art Car collection which is on display during the London 2012 Festival that runs into early September.

Kudos to BMW UK for stepping up to support the Olympic spirit in such an efficient and bold way. We hope all the Olympic folks have as much fun being chauffeured around in those BMW vehicles over the next three weeks as they do watching the games.

Go Canada go!

Batmobile Documentary Preview

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Check out this preview of an upcoming documentary on the iconic Batmobile. From the first appearance of the Batmobile in DC Comics #27 in May 1939 the various incarnations of the vehicle have been a fixture of the Batman comic series.

The documentary will be released late 2012 during the Christmas season and promises to take an interesting and detailed look at the Batmobile.