Ekk..
Check
Engine
Light
Cars have been a problem for me for a very long time – a “what happens if we change this, lower that, add more power and pretend the budget doesn’t exist?” problem.
This is where I’m dumping all of it: old builds, past shows, current projects, favourite photos, questionable modifications, strong opinions, unsolicited automotive commentary, and whatever mechanical rabbit hole has hijacked my attention this week.
Expect nostalgia, back yard modifications, bad financial decisions, car-show memories and the occasional rant about something the automotive world has collectively decided is “normal.”
Welcome to the garage. Try not to touch anything expensive.
Here is some Coverage of the last few years and going forward
The Electric Revolution
KNOW YOUR ENEMY, KNOW HIS SWORD
“Know your enemy, know his sword.” — Miyamoto Musashi.
Seems appropriate, because apparently I have reached the stage of my automotive life where I’m actively learning about hybrids, EVs and even hydrogen cars.
It pains me a little to admit it. Grrr.
But electrification isn’t going away, and if I’m going to have opinions about it, I should probably understand what I’m complaining about first. So here is my reluctant crash course in the increasingly alphabet-heavy world of electrified vehicles.
So there we have it: gasoline, batteries, plugs, regenerative braking and hydrogen.
I’m learning.
This does not mean I have to like all of it.
MHEV — Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Basically an ICE vehicle with a little electrical assistance. The electric motor helps the engine, but generally doesn’t propel the car on its own. Hybrid Lite.
BEV — Battery Electric Vehicle
The full commitment. Battery, electric motors and a charging plug. No gasoline engine, no exhaust pipe, no pretending there’s still an engine hiding somewhere.
HEV — Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Gas engine + electric motor + battery. No plugging in required; the car charges its battery through the engine and regenerative braking. Think Toyota Prius-style hybrid.
PEV — Plug-in Electric Vehicle
Not really another type of drivetrain. It’s an umbrella term for vehicles you can plug in — mainly BEVs and PHEVs.
PHEV — Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
A hybrid with a bigger battery that you can plug in. It can drive for a limited distance on electricity alone, then the gas engine takes over when needed. Basically an EV with a gasoline security blanket.
FCEV — Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
The hydrogen one. Hydrogen is stored onboard and fed through a fuel cell that generates electricity to power an electric motor. Technically an electric car — it just makes its electricity differently.
BEV — Battery Electric Vehicle
The full commitment. Battery, electric motors and a charging plug. No gasoline engine, no exhaust pipe, no pretending there’s still an engine hiding somewhere.
Check it out: blast from the past with this show coverage from 20+ years ago
The Car Fever Montreal, usually at Napierville Dragway during the peak of the import/sport compact tuning scene in the early /mid 2000
Explore →
Full Throttle, Autodrome St-Eustache, just outside Montreal, brought modified tuner cars, drift events and bikini contests
Explore →
The latest vehicles and concept cars: CIAS Canadian International AutoShow is a must! Even better when you look back on past shows!
Explore →
Toronto: Performance World Custom Car and Truck Show, since evolved into the Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo
Explore →
For 36 years, Automotion Car Show in Brockville brought family friendly fun for classics, muscle and sports compact alike.
Explore →
09/10 I held the Allegro Car Show at McConnell Manor. A fun day for my residents who can’t make it out to shows – have the show come to them!
Explore →
Sport Compact Performance at at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium (“Big O”) since 2000 was filled with music and great cars. It’s hard not to miss the vibe.
Explore →
Camaro Nationals were held at the GM Oshawa Plantin Ontario, where the fifth generation Camaro was manufactured.