Monthly Archives: October 2003

2004 Canadian Car of the Year “Test-Fest”

by Greg Wilson Shannonville, Ontario – This featureless, wind-swept race-track bordering the Trans-Canada highway near Belleville, Ontario may seem like an unlikely Mecca for Canada’s auto writers and automobile manufacturers, but each year for the past ten years, they have … Continue reading

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Test Drive: 2003 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra

Click image to enlarge Story and photos by Russell Purcell What is SVT? Ford’s SVT program was set up 10 years ago to offer fans of the blue oval the chance to order a number of limited edition factory ‘tuner’ … Continue reading

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Feature: Mid-luxury cars for 2004

Acura TL. Photo: Acura BMW 5 series. Photo: Tony Whitney Audi A6. Photo: Audi Buick Park Avenue. Photo: GM Cadillac CTS. Photo: Greg Wilson Lincoln LS. Photo: Lincoln Chrysler 300M. Photo: Grant Yoxon Infinity M45. Photo: Grant Yoxon Jaguar S-Type. … Continue reading

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Test Drive: 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

Click image to enlarge by Tony Whitney The E55 is based on the new E-Class sedan and although it has various minor body modifications, it doesn’t look overdone. It’s a very subtle performance statement and the new E is a … Continue reading

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Test Drive: 2004 Toyota Camry Solara SE 4 cylinder

Click image to enlarge Story and photos by Greg Wilson Curvy coupe stands out If you were to ask a Toyota Camry customer why he/she bought a new four-door Camry sedan, they’d probably mention Toyota’s reputation for “reliability”, the Camry’s … Continue reading

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First Drive: 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 3.5 and 2004 Elantra

Click image to enlarge by Grant Yoxon Photos by Grant Yoxon and Greg Wilson Toronto, Ontario – For 2004 Hyundai has added a new top-of-the-line model to the Santa Fe line-up with a larger 3.5 litre V6 engine, a 5-speed … Continue reading

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Auto Tech: The science behind winter tires

by Jim Kerr As we enjoy the beautiful warm days of Fall it’s difficult to think of the cold winter ahead, but soon the snow will fly. Snowy roads make for poor traction and until drivers get used to it … Continue reading

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Test Drive: 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland

Click image to enlarge Story and photos by Russell Purcell Jeep is one of those unique brand names that have become more influential in the marketplace than the vehicles that carry its logo. With a history of producing off-road vehicles … Continue reading

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Feature: Mini Cooper S handles Targa Newfoundland

Click image to enlarge by Paul Williams Road-testing a car for review usually involves driving it for a week, and commenting on the vehicle’s performance and features. The idea, in my case, anyway, is to simulate activities that owners would … Continue reading

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Test Drive: 2004 Acura TL

Click image to enlarge by Greg Wilson Confidence-inspiring performance and plenty of gadgets When the Japanese-made Acura 3.2TL switched to the American-made Honda Accord platform in 1999, there was initial skepticism about the TL’s ability to compete with established luxury … Continue reading

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Feature: Reliving the famous Carrera Panamericana

Click image to enlarge By Ted Laturnus What’s wrong with this picture? I’m blatting down a two-lane backroad at well over 180 km/h. In fact, I’m accelerating and taking corners just about as fast as I can, reaching 220 km/h … Continue reading

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Test Drive: 2004 Hyundai XG350

Click image to enlarge by Richard Russell Perched atop the Hyundai lineup is the all-inclusive XG350. A few years back the idea of a South Korean luxury car would not have carried much appeal, let alone respect. But Hyundai is … Continue reading

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Auto Tech: DVD audio is here!

by Jim Kerr Snug up your seatbelt. Hang onto your hat. The first factory-installed DVD Audio 5.1 surround-sound system is hitting an automobile showroom near you and the sound will blow you away. Acura, Panasonic, and five-time Grammy winning producer/engineer … Continue reading

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