Car FYI

Photo Credit: Foto Studio Columbo Per Pirelli Media By many people, by many respects, the 2016 year will be remembered in an oddly unpleasant way. As there have been so many bad events in history in previous years, we have found this recently completed one being a period of collective sadness, mourning and a time where unforseen occurrences were far too common. In auto racing, 2016 was not immune to perceived wackiest the year apparently brought. Ahead of a 2017 year of memorable and potentially shocking racing moments (a year that has already included the hiatus of Carl Edwards in NASCAR), there’s time to reflect on some most astoundingly wacky 2016 events. No Tea Party For IndyCar in Boston Photo Credit: Chris Nagy If you are a fan of IndyCar racing, you would be aware of the surrealistic sight of seeing everyday city streets or urban areas converted into high-speed thrill zones. For those who also pay attention to the frequency of new venues being added while ...

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company Almost two years since its initial introduction to the public at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Ford GT has enjoyed some busy duties. The supercar propelled by one of the most powerful twin-turbocharged V-6 engines ever placed inside a North American built production car has been in the spotlight even before the first vehicle was handed to its first owner. An auto show darling and driven in virtual form in Forza Motorsport 6, the racing version of the Ford GT became a quick spectacle in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Taking three class victories in the North American sports car racing series in its debut season in 2016, the year was highlighted by the LMGTE Pro category victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With a modern pedigree established, the first production examples of the 2017 Ford GT will work on cementing its status as a road car.   Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company Taking place in Ma...

The 2016 Canadian International AutoShow arrives this weekend promising to gather an assorted collection of automobiles. Before going into any depth with the 2016 edition of the Toronto exhibition, I wish to provide some enlightenment to the spirit of the event by profiling last year’s. While I was able to detail some of the content through articles and with videos on YouTube, I regret that I wasn’t able to write a full review of last year’s Canadian International AutoShow. I’ll sum it up by explaining that I simply froze. Last year’s media day for the Canadian International AutoShow corresponded with one of the coldest days of 2015. In my round-trip to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, there was about 15 minutes I needed to walk outside. In the morning it was about -15 degrees Celsius and my trip back had me moving through temperatures of -25 degrees Celsius. Between that time, I was inside a convention space where lights and constant movement made it feel like a sauna. I a...

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company The words of The Simpsons character Helen Lovejoy “Won’t somebody please think of the children!” comes to mind in a recent browse on Ebay. Ahead of the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, I recalled a press release from Ford announcing a promotion with model builder Revell. Having built so many models as a kid and continuing to construct sets to this day, it’s a good feeling to see the pass time is still in existence. At the Detroit show, a custom-built scaled Snap Kit of the 2017 Ford GT was offered to a specific audience of younger automotive enthusiasts. “Letting kids build their own Ford GT is a great way to introduce them to the Ford brand and create new enthusiasts,” is part of what Ford Licensing manager Mark Bentley said ahead of the Revell Make n’ Take model kit program at the show. Unless a significant sum of kids have chosen to gain PayPal accounts and sell their specialized model kits in on-line auctions, I belie...

Photo Credit: Chris Nagy Technology wastes no time in ringing-in a new year. This week, the CES (Consumer Electronic Show) 2016 edition will provide a dazzling showcase pitching how this recently-arrived year, as well as others following, could be impacted by new ideas. Once a major exhibition for computer companies and home electronics trends, auto companies have rapidly assumed the figurative center stage at CES as a changing driving experience is quickly becoming apparent. Appearing almost as important as Detroit's North American International Auto Show in some aspects, the beginning of the year has Ford Motor Company devoting considerable resources into the 2016 CES. Set to be part of their showcase starting with Tuesday January 5th press conference ahead of the CES' opening, Ford has presented an impressive official show vehicle for the event. The reincarnated supercar that served as an auto show crown jewel in 2015, the 2017 Ford GT represents 2016's new and a...

As a new regular feature on Car FYI, this website will dedicate a vehicle to represent each passing month. I wanted to prepare the feature for last month but planning for the 2015 Canadian International AutoShow and other news slowed that progress. So, to inaugurate the Car FYI Car of the Month honours, I will name two vehicles in order to catch up. For January and February, the two vehicles chosen could not differ more greatly. Car of the Month January 2015: The Ford GT After the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the blue oval brand thrilled the high-performance community with a new iteration of their GT. The new Ford GT supercar understandably dazzled audiences with a shape that truly had to be behold to love for its every curve. Lavish use of lightweight carbon fiber and Pirelli Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires defined the two-seat supercar in its world premiere. This is second time Ford Motor Company is res...

Unofficially the source of 130 million dollars in the sale of over 1,600 vehicles, the 2015 Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona concluded on Sunday with roughly 113 years of automotive history represented on the block. Starting with modest vehicles on Monday such as a $4,500 1981 AMC Concord and a 2008 Smart Fortwo Passion Sport, the week eventually produced use extravagant vehicles. Included below are some of the high-valued machines presented at this year's sale. This list does not include the newer cars sold at Barrett-Jackson. I will prepare a separate post to recognize those vehicles. Please also note, prices do not include auction fees and Canadian conversions have been rounded. Lot #5087: 1949 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Coupe Sale Price: $1,500,000 US ($1,812,000 Canadian) 1949 Talbot-LagoT-26 #BarrettJackson $1.5M pic.twitter.com/YTmvIy497M — Top Notch Rides (@A_mericanMuscle) January 18, 2015 A French-bo...