Car FYI

During the late 1990s, the recognition of the popularity for sport utility/crossover vehicles sparked a gold rush in the auto industry. The vehicle type’s adventurous off-roading physique, decent mechanical equipment and a design that maximizes interior space for abundant passenger comfort and cargo room evolved from being appreciated by a loyal niche to appealing to a mainstream. This growth also coincided with the luxury car category being disrupted by a vehicle known as the Hummer that became a new status icon during the turn of the century. The Hummer’s allure around the turn of the millennium encouraged brands such as Lincoln, Cadillac, BMW and Porsche to make their first forays into what would become a vibrant luxury sport utility sector. Along with these existing brands entering the luxury sport utility marketplace, one company envisioned using the category in reviving the name of an old American automotive icon. In the early 1960s, the Studebaker Corporation was struggling ...

  Auto racing activities in Canada exploded during the 1960s. The opening of Mosport (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) and the emergence of lucrative sponsors led to the establishment of some Canadian motorsport legends. Billy Foster, Al Pease, Craig Fisher, Eppie Wietzes and Earl Ross were some names that emerged in the 1960s with several finding massive success in the following decades. Running from 1961 to 1971, the Shell 4000 Trans-Canada Rally was a major sponsored event where elite drivers competed across the rich mosaic of our country. Beyond attracting Canadian competitors, the event proved enticing to many international drivers including three-time NASCAR champion David Pearson being a notable face at the 1965 edition of the event competing with Dodge. The call of the challenging Shell 4000 Trans-Canada Rally was so alluring that a handful of brave, intrepid women entered the event competing in the special Coupe des Dames award. Disarming observers as an attra...

NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano holding the Championship Trophy in 2024 after prevailing in the Playoff Finale at Phoenix Raceway. (Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR) Every year since its 1948, NASCAR’s top division has crowned a champion at the end of a season of racing. In the 77 years, there have been various points-paying formats for the title but none has been so polarizing as the current NASCAR Playoffs for the Cup Series . Ever since its inception, the championship-deciding 10-race format attracts strongly polarizing views of the sport’s fans and observers. Supporters of the current Playoff format promote the diverse group of contenders late in a season, how it directly rewards winning races and there is a certain crowning of a champion at the final race. Detractors of the NASCAR Playoffs have been vocal since its initial incarnation in 2004 (called the Chase for the Cup) criticizing it as manufactured title hunt which, in honesty, it is. One major argu...

Equipped with four-wheel drive system incorporating a Rock-Trac part-time transfer case and 33-inch all-terrain tires, the Rubicon trim version of the Jeep Gladiator will be available to Canadian customers for a considerable lower price for the 2026 model year.  Roughly a decade ago, the Jeep brand had been promoted as the backbone to its parent auto group Stallantis (Known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles prior to 2021). Featuring a rich history that has made their vehicles attracting a broad base from serious off-roaders to luxury-minded city drivers, Jeep was also advantaged with a growing consumer trend favouring crossover utility vehicles. An expanded range of products in recent years included the flagship Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer  as well as a pickup truck version of the company’s famous Wrangler called the Gladiator. While Jeep has been recognized as a steady profit centre for Stallantis in North America, the brand has also underwent growing criticism from loyal customers a...

In addition to the headline NTT IndyCar Series, the 2025 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto on-track activities include a range of other types of racing. The CASC Miata Cup Canada cars were part of this year's festivities for the first time. Pictured above is the Operation Motorsport-supported 1999 Mazda Miata of Huw Leahy. (Photo Credit: Chris Nagy/Car FYI Canada)     Summer in Canada goes by so quickly but we certainly know how to make the most of the longer daylight and warm weather. A steady summer ritual for me in July involves a visit to Toronto’s Exhibition Place where the sound of engines is like a siren song. Getting closer, sights are delighted by shapes and colours in motion being handled by a handful of speed warriors. Of course, I’m talking about the 2025 edition of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto that took place from July 18th to the 20th delighting with a weekend of racing activities.  To go back to what I had written about this season moving ...