Drawing board
2014 Subaru Forester: Heading to dealer showrooms next spring is the latest generation of Subaru's all-wheel-drive wagon. Although the Forester's 170 horsepower four-cylinder carries over, a new optional engine will be a turbocharged version of the 200 h.p. 2.0-litre four-cylinder from the BRZ sports coupe. Output is rated at 250 h.p. and 258 foot-pounds of torque. This appears to indicate that the turbo could be available for the BRZ at some point.
Auto trivia
? Although the Duryea brothers, Charles and Frank, are credited with creating the first American automobile in 1893, it was Ransom E. Olds who made the world's first mass-produced car eight years later.
? After Henry Ford's first car company failed in 1902, he went on to make automobiles under the Cadillac brand.
Who am I?
To guess his secret identity, read the following clues!
1) As a racing driver, he triumphed in many disciplines, from Formula 1 to Nascar, to Trans Am.
2) In 1965, he combined forces with Carroll Shelby, creator of the Cobra.
3) His team, the All American Racers (AAR), built its own Eagle brand of race cars.
4) With it, he became the first driver to win a race in a car that he had designed and constructed.
Still stumped?
Dan Gurney is one of the most versatile racing figures in the history of auto racing: from driver to engineer.
What's up, auto doc?
Many manufacturers are now beginning to equip their vehicles - usually, but not limited to, hybrids - with low-rolling-resistance tires. Instead of filling the tires to the desired 32 or 34 pounds per square inch, the new strain of tires can take up to 100 p.s.i. (check your owner's manual for specifics).
The extra pressure makes them easier to roll since the sidewalls don't compress as much under the weight of the vehicle. In a regular car, that would also mean a harsher ride and possibly unpredictably handling, but cars designed for low-rolling-resistance tires have suspension that are designed around a harder tire. And although you might have heard of your neighbour overinflating his tires to achieve a similar effect, keep in mind that tires that are not designed for added pressure could become unstable - and dangerous - and will most likely wear out sooner, completely obliterating any fuel savings you might think you're realizing.
Still, tires are developing all the time and many manufacturers have low-rolling-resistance tires that can be retrofitted to cars that never came with them. Aside from the air pressure, tread compound and pattern can be modified to provide less rolling resistance.
Share your tips with the Auto Doc at shiftweekly.com using the contact form. eBay watch
1966 Volkswagen Convertible, sold, US$9,100: This ragtop bug is literally a classic example of an affordable way to get involved in the collector-car hobby. Most of the expensive restoration work - a refresh of the air-cooled engine and the installation of a new convertible top - has already been completed. The rust-free body and interior also seem more than acceptable. All that the new owner needs to do is to go out and have fun with his or her new toy. Visit ebaymotors.com.
Top gear
Sportubes, US$170 and up, sportube.com: Hitting the slopes on vacation means taking your gear with you, but how? Sportube's hard-shell containers are made from high-density polyethylene and are capable of absorbing plenty of punishment, whether strapped to the roof rack of your vehicle or being jostled about in cargo class. Built-in wheels and a detachable tow handle are included, as is a combination cable that's approved for airline cargo.
