Volkswagen built Electrify America, its U.S. multi-brand-compatible network of EV charging stations, as part of a settlement with authorities there over its Dieselgate scandal. But now the automaker has voluntarily expanded that effort with a Canadian arm to give electric vehicle owners that same level of charging access.Electrify Canada announced early October that it plans to open 20 350-kW-capable charging stations at Canadian Tire locations in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.While you wouldnt be able to jet clear across Canada via the charging network, youll now probably be able to take reasonably long journeys in the western and central parts of the country with a properly long-range electric vehicle, that is.The only car that can utilize the 800-volt chargers to their full potential is, currently, the Porsche Taycan, which can be charged at up to 270 kW. (Electrify Canadas chargers offer up to 350 kW of charging power.) Teslas Model 3 can charge at only 250 kW right now, and other brands EVs charge at about 150 kW.Charging stations for multiple types of connectors will be available; all stations will have a 350-kW CCS DC fast-charging connector, as well as one with 50-kW CHAdeMO fast-charging. The rest of the stations chargers will offer 150-kW CCS fast-charging.Pricing is based on 75-kW-, 125-kW- and 350-kW-per-minute power levels. There is a $1 session fee per charge-up, but an Electrify Canada Pass+ is only $4 per month, which waives the session fee and knocks the cost down by roughly 20 cents per
Origin: Electrify Canada planning 20 new 350-kW charging stations across the country
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Big city and small town shows across B.C. this weekend
Two of the spectacular classics that will be at the Crescent Beach Concours dElegance on Aug. 31st: Ethan and Troy Coopers Riley, left, and Gerry Sungs Intermeccanica Italia. Sung is joined by Dave Sanderson.Cam Hutchins Im going to miss some great events this weekend, but that doesnt mean you have to. There are great downtown shows in Ladner and Port Coquitlam, the Early Ford V8 Club sets up at Hougen Park in Abbotsford and the annual BurnOuts in the Sky Bradley McPherson Memorial Show Shine takes place tomorrow at the Twilight Drive-In in Aldergrove.Of course, its not like Im going to be car-starved as Im in covering Car Week in Carmel, California for the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada. That includes attending the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, the Concorso Italiano, and the historic racing at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. The annual BurnOuts in the Sky Bradley McPherson Memorial Show Shine takes place tomorrow at theTwilight Drive Inn in Aldergrove. PNG Files I got a little preview of that kind of racing last weekend during the British Columbia Historic Motor Races at Mission Raceway Park, and it brought back memories of my Westwood days shooting in the rain. Saturday midmorning the skies opened up, and considering the downpour I was impressed that not many cars spun out. Clearly a testament to the mad skills of the drivers in their precious old tin.. One of the older Camaros got into wet part of the drying track coming out of turn one and certainly showed us what racing in the rain is all about. Rain or shine, historic racing is great.My weekend actually started at 7 a.m. on Friday morning with a photo shoot of two cars for the cover of the Crescent Beach Concours dElegance program. This annual fundraising showB.C. Childrens Hospital Foundationtakes place on the Saturday of the Labour Day weekend at Blackie Spit in Crescent Beach.One of the two cars was a Riley, and really the only thing I knew about Rileys is that my dad had a framed print of which I now have. Turns out Riley started as a bicycle manufacturer in the 1890s before building cars and merging with larger companies. In 1952 it became part of British Motor Corporation and was shuttered in the late-Sixties after being reduced to making rebadged Austins.The other car looked familiar and when I asked if it was an Apollo GT convertible, I was told it was an Italia. Both made by Vancouver-based Intermeccanica. The company was the brainchild of Frank Reisner, a Hungarian-born engineer who was living in Canada and moved to Europe to build sports cars in the late-Fifties. After some success and some struggles he eventually moved to Vancouver and produced very high quality Porsche speedsters for decades. Franks son Henry is still making those, along with Solo electric vehicles under the Meccanica banner.Henry has been involved in cars since he was a kid and now he runs the car company, so remember to take a kid with you to a show this weekend.SH0WSAUG. 16Date: Aug 16What: Friday Night Rod RunWhere: Starts at AW Restaurant at Ivy Green Husky, proceeds through downtown Ladysmith and returns to AWWhen: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.Info: 250-246-0637, 250-245-2263 or duckwon@shaw.caWebsite: ladysmithshowandshine.comAUG. 17What: BurnOuts in the Sky Bradley McPherson Memorial Show ShineWhere: Twilight Drive Inn, 3360 260th St., AldergroveWhen: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Admission: $5; Children under 11 freeRegistration: 8 a.m. $20 and open to all vehicles, including motorcyclesInfo: 604-360-7455 or burnoutsinthesky@gmail.comWebsite: burnoutsinthesky.comWhat: Ladysmith Show ShineWhere: Downtown LadysmithWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Registration: 8 a.m. $15 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 250-246-0637, 250-245 2263 or duckwon@shaw.caWebsite: ladysmithshowandshine.comWhat: Rods Rails Car ShowWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Downtown ArmstrongAdmission: FreeRegistration: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Open to all vehiclesInfo: cmelanson@shuswapins.com or 250 838 7707What: Beverly Corners Show ShineWhere: Cobble Hill Country Grocer, 5847 Chesterfield Ave., DuncanWhen: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.Admission: Free (donations accepted)Info: 250-748-1314 or info@beverlycornersshownshine.comAUG. 17-18What: Downtown PoCo Cruise Car ShowWhere: Downtown Port CoquitlamWhen: Saturday cruise starts at 6 p.m. at Leigh Square; Sunday show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: FreeInfo: 604-674-2899 or info@pococarshow.caWebsite: pococarshow.caAUG. 18What: Hougen Park Show ShineWhere: Hougen Park, AbbotsfordWhen: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 9 a.m. $15 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 604-942-5651, questions@earlyfordv8bc.com, oldcars@telus.netWebsite: earlyfordv8bc.comWhat: Vintage in The Valley Vintage Motorcycle ShowWhere: Chilliwack Heritage Park, 44140 Luckakuck Way, ChilliwackWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: Adults $10; Children under 16 freeRegistration: By donationInfo: 778 242 7104 or wallylevy@hotmail.caWebsite: vintagemotorcycleshows.comWhat:
Origin: Big city and small town shows across B.C. this weekend
2020 Audi A6 Allroad could make a trip across the pond
Static photo, Colour: Gavial green It’s true that every automaker, Audi included, has a model line that is filled to the gunwales with crossovers and SUVs. Those of us with long memories will remember the genesis of this segment, when companies like AMC and Subaru offered station wagons with slightly more ground clearance and a butch appearance. Of course, Audi also did this with the original Allroad. In this country, we are blessed with the ability to purchase the A4 Allroad, a wagon combining increased ground clearance and Quattro all-wheel-drive. Now, according to reports, there’s a chance the midsize A6 Allroad will be offered in North America as well. This would be great news for Audi fans who want Quattro traction and prodigious cargo space in a wagon-shaped package larger than an A4. Across the pond, the A6 Allroad sits 1.8 inches higher than a standard A6 wagon. It features adjustable air suspension, which set ground clearance at 5.5 inches but can stand a further 1.8 inches taller on its tippy-toes, when the proper settings are selected. Oh yeah, it can also tow more than 2,200 kilograms if the correct, European-spec engine is fitted. 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Handout / Audi Why do we need crossovers again? In other markets, a myriad of powertrains are offered including a trio of diesel engines, one of which heaves out 457lb.-ft of torque. If the A6 Allroad makes it to our country, look for a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 under the hood. That mill is currently found in the A6 sedan, making 335 horsepower. It’s connected to Audi’s seven-speed S-tronic transmission and can scamper from rest to 100km/h in about five seconds. Given the extra sheet metal and glass needed to create a wagon, an A6 Allroad would likely be a little bit heavier than the 1,935-kilo A6 sedan. Price? Our best guess would be in the mid-$70,000 ballpark, given that the A4 Allroad is priced about $10,000 more than an entry-level A4. Raise one while you’re watching the Raptors tonight in hope that Audi will bring this Quattro wagon to our
Origin: 2020 Audi A6 Allroad could make a trip across the pond
Car shows and racing events across B.C. this weekend
The 1933 Ford Tudor Sedan owned by Richard Hicks and Wes Bakers 1929 Ford Model A at last weekends Langleys Cars and Crafts.Cam Hutchins VANCOUVER — I only attended one car show last weekend, but it was for a good cause and I had a chance to spend lots of time speaking with many cool car owners. One of those was a 2007 GT 500 Super Snake at the Cars and Crafts Show in Langley. The GT 500 Super Snake is the result of Shelby American in Las Vegas, which added optional performance equipment to the Ford factory Shelby GT 500. As coincidence would have it I went to the Shelby Museum and factory in 2008 when this Super Snake was being created. This Super Snake churned almost 800 horsepower on the Mopac dyno and runs over 140 m.p.h. in the quarter mile. The owner showed me the Shelby American-added driver’s side mirror warning “Objects in Mirror are losing”. This car is audacious and earns a special spot in my heart. Another audacious beast at the show was a 1956 Packard Patrician with the push-button automatic transmission. This giant four-door car was the last model built by Packard before their “merging of equals” with Studebaker left them both crumbling. The car was restored many years ago and is longingly looked after by its present owners who drive it sparingly and respectively. One thing this car needs is the ring that fastens the engine ignition switch. It is broken and the couple he found on online are unsuitable. Any Packard fans out there with this little piece gathering dust? Readers know that I am a huge fan of British cars. I grew up with them, and even though the industry fell on hard times throughout the 70’s there are still so many great cars of interest. During the 50’s and early 60’s the mix of cars in Vancouver were almost 50 per cent of British decent. And as always, if you attend tomorrow’s All-British Field meet at VanDusen Gardens, you’ll see a huge a variety of British cars, from quirky little Mini Moogs to graceful old Rolls-Royces that still get regularly driven. Almost every British car has a passionate group of fans keeping their beloved cars alive. Which ever event you get to this long weekend, make sure you bring a kid along for the ride! SHOWS SATURDAY, MAY 18 What: All-British Field Meet Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 37th Oak Street, Vancouver When: 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Admission: Adults $18; Senior $14; Youth (13-18) $14; Child (3 12) $8; Child under 2 and under free Info: 604-736-6754 or jstewart@westerndriver.com Website: westerndriver.com What: 11th Annual Holiday Trails Resorts Show Shine Where: Camperland RV Resort, Bridal Falls When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: 9 a.m. $10 per vehicle includes lunch Info: 604-614-4815 or george@cantexx.ca SUNDAY, MAY 19 What: All-Brit Run Vancouver to Whistler Where: 8:30 a.m. start at Park Royal Mall, West Vancouver 8.30 a.m. Info. 604 736 6754 jstewart@westerndriver.com Website: westerndriver.com What: Creston Valley Cruisers Blossom Fest Show Shine Where: Downtown Creston When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: $25 at the gate Info: crestonvalleycruisers@gmail.com Website: crestonvalleycruisers.com What: 22nd Annual Kaslo May Days Car Show Where: Front Street, Kaslo When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. $10 and open to all vehicles Info: 250-353-2500 or superdavekaslo@gmail.com Website: kaslomaydays.com What: 22nd Annual Peachland World Of Wheels Car Show Where: Beach Avenue, Peachland When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. $20 and open to all vehicles Info: 250-767-6718, 250-215-8085 or peachlandcarshow@gmail.com Website: peachlandcarshow.com COMPETITIONS MAY 17 What: Friday Night Drag Racing Where: Mission Raceway Park, 32670 Dyke Rd., Mission When: Gates open at 4:30 p.m.; racing starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. Info: 604-826-6315 or info@missionraceway.com Website: missionraceway.com MAY 18 What: P.N.D. Soil Gravel Night at the Races Where: Western Speedway, 2207 Millstream Rd., Victoria Info: 250-474-2151 or denise@westernspeedway.net Website: westernspeedway.net MAY 18-19 What: 62nd Annual Knox Mountain Hill Climb Where: Knox Mountain, Kelowna When: 9 a.m. to 5p.m both days Admission: Day pass $20; weekend pass $25 Info: 250-878-1233 or bryanfulton@shaw.ca Website: knoxmtnhillclimb.ca What Young Guns Memorial Weekend Where: Penticton Speedway, 2070 Carmi Ave., Penticton, When: Racing starts Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Info: 250-809-9117, 250-460-0121 or pentictonspeedway17@gmail.com Website: pentictonspeedway.com Date: May 18-19 Where: Saratoga Speedway Oval Track Racing Event: Monster Truck Show, Crash to Pass, Mad Max Extreme Racing, Figure 8 Cars, Hornet B Division. Rain or Shine Info: 1-250-337-5024 race@saratogaspeedway.bc.ca Website: http://www.saratogaracing.ca To have your event included in the Carnut Corner please e-mail
Origin: Car shows and racing events across B.C. this weekend
German police seize 120 sports cars racing across Europe in high-speed rally
More than 100 supercars were seized in Germany this past week after witnesses reported the owners were driving recklessly and illegally racing on the autobahn. The incidents happened during Eurorally, a US$900-per-person event that sees a bunch of supercar owners get to together to enjoy their sports cars as the manufacturers intended—by driving them as fast as possible on the famously speed-limit-less German autobahns. Apparently, that was too much for some people. According to Global News, one of the drivers said the rally was “just some car guys having fun,” but the police say the drivers were racing each other, and employing illegal maneuvres such as passing in emergency lanes at high speed. Witnesses to the events said the supercars were travelling speeds in excess of 250 km/h. In the video, you can see entrants taking off their Eurorally stickers in order to avoid further trouble from the authorities. The rally started in Oslo, Norway, and was supposed to end up in Prague before it was stopped on a section of the A20 in Germany. View this post on Instagram German police tried to stop EURORALLY by accusing us, but what happened only made us stronger. We are moving forward to our last stop in Prague! ❤️ @rwmedia #eurorally2019 # eurorally #nothingcanstopus 📸 @renarso A post shared by Eurorally (@eurorally) on May 4, 2019 at 5:10am PDT Once the authorities were notified, they didn’t hesitate to bring out all the firepower they could. Dozens of cops descended on the supercars; even helicopters were brought in to follow the vehicles. While almost all the cars were seized, not all were found guilty of driving infractions, and despite the interference, the event was able to reach its finish line happily in Prague, with all drivers receiving their supercars back from the impound
Origin: German police seize 120 sports cars racing across Europe in high-speed rally
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