A Look into Canadian Car and Motorsport Culture
Statistically, most of us aren’t in the market for a new Koenigsegg like the Agera RS at the Toronto auto show. Fortunately, manufacturers like Chevrolet, BMW and Hyundai brought out slightly more affordable performance cars that you’ll likely see on the road this summer. Continue reading “2018 Toronto Auto Show – Best Performance Cars of CIAS”
Canadian vehicle import regulations allow cars manufactured over 15 years ago to be brought into the country. This means we will have access to cars produced in 2002 that were sold as either 2002 or 2003 models.
We are lucky to see cars like the Skyline GTR (R32-R34), Impreza STI (GC8), Lancer Evo (I-VII) and Lancia Delta Integrale EVO on the road. Our American neighbours still have to wait 25 years until they can import cars from 1992!
Two guidelines for my selections this year:
Now time for the list:
This one hit me hard. 2002 was the end of the road for the FD3S Mazda RX-7, a lightweight RWD sportscar powered by an unique twin-turbocharged 1.3L rotary engine.
Mazda decided to send the legendary JDM icon in style by introducing the RX-7 Spirit R. The motor was left alone with the 276hp gentlemen’s agreement still in place.
Focusing on the chassis, Mazda installed stiffer springs with matching Bilstein shocks. The exterior and interior were also upgraded, highlighted by an adjustable rear wing. A gorgeous set of staggered forged BBS wheels with sticky tires matches the aggressive styling.
Production of the Spirit R was limited to only 1,504 cars split between three variants:
If I could pick one JDM legend, the Spirit R would be the one sitting in my garage for the rest of my life.
Road & Track did a feature on the only factory LHD RX7 Spirit R in the world which was built for a Mazda North America executive. What does a guy have to do to get a freaking custom built Spirit R around here???
Photos: Mazda
After teasing us with a picture of a yellow BRZ earlier, Subaru brought the BRZ Series.Yellow to Wicked Big Meet.
Continue reading “Subaru BRZ Series.Yellow – Not Quiet the Special Edition we were Hoping for”
McLaren Special Operations (MSO) unveiled their Carbon Series LT this week. Based on the 675LT Spider, the limited production supercar has 40% more carbon fiber components and displays them all proudly in an exposed carbon gloss finish. The aggressive aero of the 675LT combined with the carbon fiber body panels really takes the looks of the car to a whole different level.
Photo Credit: McLaren