Innehållsförteckning för Fall 2023 från Vicarious

“What’s behind me is not important.”– Raul Julia as “Franco”-The Gumball Rally WELCOME TO VICARIOUS! To some, that might sound a little strange if this is not your first look at our exceptional enthusiast magazine. But if you have been with us from the beginning, or joined us recently on this passionate adventure of auto and moto culture, you are certain to notice something is very different. Our team has been working overtime and significant changes have been made to the cover and pages of our magazine to offer you, our valued reader, an even better experience. And for those of you picking us up for the first time, we’re happy you have joined us and are very confident you will enjoy the ride. We promise to keep it exciting!…

THERE ARE A SMALL HANDFUL of motorsports events on the annual calendar that qualify for must-see status. Two of these races, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500, are single-day competitions that offer spectators two to three hours of excitement. The other race, the 24 Heures du Mans, is a round-the-clock marathon that explores a season’s worth of highs --and lows --in one fell swoop. Of course, there are other worthy endurance races to consider, such as the Dakar Rally and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. But in terms of legacy and tradition and heightened drama, nothing compares to Le Mans. This year’s event, the 100th anniversary of the first 24 Heures du Mans, ratcheted up the pomp, the circumstance and the anxiety to the absolute redline. At this…

PARK HYATT TORONTO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF Yorkville is renowned for museums and design studios and is a favourite destination of visitors and residents of the greater Toronto area for it’s fine boutique shops and art galleries. Canada’s largest city has several similar affluent districts throughout its sprawling geographical footprint, most available by taking the subway or streetcar, but none quite hold up to the glitz and glam offered here. The Park Hyatt Toronto has recently completed a significant four-year upgrade to what was already a posh and welcoming hotel located immediately across from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Other recommended attractions not far from the hotel include the Art Gallery of Ontario, Gardiner Museum and, of course, you can Uber to The Hockey Hall of Fame. After gazing at Lord…

WHEN YOU’RE IN CONTROL of a brand with 75 years of largely uninterrupted success, you’ve got a lot of heritage to call upon. This is particularly true of a brand such as Porsche, which has such a strong persona. One of the ways the leaders of the company are seeking to promote its heritage is through the Porsche Heritage Design strategy, which calls for four limited-edition models with unique engineering and design elements to be produced over an indeterminate time period. The first of these models, the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, was released in June 2020. The second to hit the order books is the model we’re considering here, the 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic. On a recent trip to honour the 75th anniversary of Porsche, a select…

IN THE VIBRANT CITY of Hamburg, Germany, The Moto Social movement has taken root, bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts in a monthly gathering and evolving far beyond its initial purpose. The Moto Social, a community-driven initiative aimed at fostering connections within the motorcycle world, has undergone a remarkable transformation under the skilled hands of the Hamburg team. Not content with merely uniting motorcycle aficionados, this team has artfully begun welcoming the car community into the fold, resulting in a harmonious blend that’s captivating gearheads of all kinds. What started as a modest endeavor to create a space for like-minded motorcycle enthusiasts to bond over their shared love for two-wheeled marvels has, over time, blossomed into something far grander. The Moto Social team in Hamburg recognized the universal appeal of mechanical passion,…

FIRST RIDE CERTAIN TOOLS INSPIRE the imagination. At around 10 or 11 years old, my parents gifted their aspiring outdoorsman a small maroon box with a Cross & Shield logo. Neatly nestled inside was a Swiss Army Knife, representing a pathway of boundless potential to any highly active mind in the pre-internet era. The world was my oyster, and I could shuck every one of them, now armed with minuscule scissors, a wood saw, various blades, and a bottle opener. The Adventure motorcycle class has seized the same willful energy for riders looking to colour outside well-defined roadway lines and beyond local horizons. Sport, touring, and trail riding are three diametrically opposite activities. Yet, they happily fall under a day’s work for a bike like the 2023 Aprilia Tuareg 660,…

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED what it’s like to venture into remote places for an extended period of time without the assistance of auto parts stores or a repair shop if something unexpectedly bad happens? What is solo travel like if you’re self-sustaining out of your 4x4 with your gear, a deep sense of wanderlust, and a general idea of where you’re going? Before you pack a jerry can and your grade-school sleeping bag, think about the knowledge you must have to sustain this way of traveling. Do you have the tools to successfully dig yourself out in case your vehicle sinks in soft sand? What if you need to traverse alongside a steep hillside towards your end destination but you don’t know how to safely do so? Now there’s an…

SILENCE. IT’S THE HUSHED audience waiting for the concert to begin, the quiet in the dead of night or the blankness of the void in space. It’s not what you expect from your automobile. But that’s what the BMW group’s creative director, sound, Renzo Vitale designs first. It’s the platform upon which all the sounds the manufacturer’s next generation of electric cars will be based. Vitale is a highly educated Italian pianist, composer, sound designer, acoustic engineer and artist. He joined the BMW Group’s research and innovation centre as a noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) engineer in 2015, and in 2017 was appointed to design the sounds of BMW Group electric vehicles, including BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce. At a recent BMW event in New York City, he sat down…

“All my means are sane, my motive and my object mad. ”– Herman Melville WE ALL – EACH AND EVERY ONE of us – have our own “White Whale”. That car, watch, or motorcycle we obsess over. We scour the internet, brick-and-mortar shops and back-alleys, searching, hoping it’s available and maybe, hopefully, gasp… affordable? Nowadays, with so many incredible things – both new and those from yesteryear – I’m pretty sure most of us have pod. I know I do. The search for one of my elusive beasts began some eight years ago. Shiny, polished, new. It plucked at the strings of my petrol pumping heart at the North American International Auto Show in Toronto, and it played them hard. Fast, sleek and practical, it was a 345 horsepower sport-tuned…

BARBADOS IS FAMOUS for its pristine beaches and each coast offers a unique experience. The west coast is known for calm, turquoise waters, making it ideal for swimming and water sports. The south coast is more lively with surf spots and bustling nightlife, while the east coast is a surfer’s paradise but has rougher waters. Each is so unique, it’s hard to comprehend how an island with just 97 km of coastline can be so diverse. To fully appreciate all the island has to offer, I recommend renting a car. Public transit is very reliable, but driving is so much more engaging. Renting is also easy as there is only one main airport, Grantley Adams International, so everything is available as soon as you arrive. But remember, driving takes place on…

EPOCH BAR & KITCHEN TERRACE serves produce-forward cuisine guided by the seasonal offerings of our local purveyors. We nod to the food and beverage trends of the past and reimagine them. We are inspired by the gastropub movement that shook the culinary world in the 90s. Our concept redefines pub culture and pays homage to innovative international dining. Our cocktails respect a notable past full of tradition, but with modern interpretations. We are inspired by the storytelling around us – from the vibrant film industry to the ultimate storyteller, Mother Nature. We tell these tales through creative mixology. ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON, TORONTO In downtown Toronto, a hotel that embodies luxury with five-star amenities, attentive service and access to top attractions. The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto embraces the cosmopolitan edge of the city…

FIRST DRIVE IF I DIDN’T ALREADY KNOW the make and model of the car, I wouldn’t have believed it. No full-size grand tourer-slash-sedan should feel this lively and predictable in my hands, but the Audi RS7 Performance is a car that is unpredictable in its predictability. With 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque from a twin-turbo V8 being sent violently to all four wheels through a lighting-fast eight-speed automatic transmission, you knew it was going to be fast. Like, supercar fast to the tune of under 3.5 seconds from stop to 100 km/h. Indeed, you feel every one of those ponies when you drop the hammer, especially if you’ve made use of one of the more aggressive driving modes and easy to engage launch control. It may weigh nigh…

IMAGINE A WARM SUMMER evening in Winnipeg, where the scent of baked goods mingles with the hum of engines. It’s not your typical scene, but that’s exactly what went down on a laid-back summer Wednesday at High Tea Bakery on Portage Avenue, all thanks to The Moto Social team in Winnipeg. The story of The Moto Social is refreshingly simple: bring local riders together to bond over their shared love for motorcycles. But what began as a modest idea has ignited a community firestorm, turning casual hangouts into meaningful connections for riders of all stripes. Now, let’s talk about that meetup at High Tea Bakery. Tucked away in the heart of Winnipeg, this cozy spot provided the perfect backdrop for The Moto Social. As the sun dipped low, the parking…

https://www.vicariousmag.com/test-ride-2023-kawasaki-ninja-zx-4rr/ TEST RIDE “STOP CHASING SPEED!” Dennis Campbell is serious, stern, but ultimately welcoming when he imparts this wisdom. His Nottingham accent, faded from forty-seven Canadian winters, thickens as if to make the point even clearer. “Speed will find you. Trust me. Focus on connecting the dots, right? The lines of the track linking apexes, once you start seeing them – really seeing them – speed will come naturally.” You can see the lesson take root in the faces of all riders within earshot. Dennis has been at this track riding thing for a long time. Much longer than I have, but he can sense my enthusiasm and passion for the sport. More importantly, at least to me, he’s dangling the tastiest of carrots: potential. Of course, that’s exactly what all…

IN THE MIDDLE OF CANADA’S westernmost province, British Columbia, there’s a valley filled with wineries, fruit farms and lakes as far as the eye can see. There are a few towns, spread out so there’s just the right amount of drive time between them, but this area is about the natural wonders thriving there. It’s called the Okanagan Valley, and it acts as a sort of breadbasket for BC and Canada as a whole. So what’s this land of wine and peaches doing gracing the pages of a magazine typically frequented by exotic motorobilia? Well, there’s also a racetrack in the area and instead of cementing over the area in order to build it, the track’s designers – one of whom you’ll surely recognize – made sure their track lived…

FAIRMONT LE CHÂTEAU FRONTENAC QUEBEC CITY, THE ONLY fortified city in Northern America, with its cobble stone streets, charming boutiques and French speaking residents is a must for any traveller. In an instant you will feel like you are experiencing the culture and charm of Europe. Undoubtedly, the jewel of this City is the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. This picturesque hotel with stunning views of the St. Lawrence river creates a fairytalelike experience to anyone willing to let their imagination run wild. With 610 beautiful, contemporary rooms you will experience luxury without losing out on the charm of the original 1892 design. The indoor pool and outdoor terrace with cocktail bar provide a relaxing atmosphere after a busy day of exploring. Lounge in the sun during the day, or enjoy…

TO ANYONE WHO APPRECIATES the finer points of taking corners at speed on a race track, the word ‘Corkscrew’ means only one thing; turns 7, 8 and 8a at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. It’s iconic. Get it right and you will be smiling for a least the next 1:25.44 seconds as your work your way back for another go around should you happen to be driving a Czinger 21C Hypercar, the current record holder. Of course, there is an equally compelling use of the word corkscrew that evokes a sense of surprise and delight as you anticipate the simple joy found in a fine glass of wine or spirits. While it may be a different pleasure than deftly making it through the famous set of turns located just east of…

https://www.vicariousmag.com/2024-audi-q6-e-tron-prototype/ READ MORE I CONSIDER MYSELF a well-informed traveller. Of course, with that comes the expectation I should know most of the incredible places every person on the planet should hope to visit during their lifetime. So how is it I had no idea about the Faroe Islands until Audi invited me to come and test drive a prototype of their upcoming 2024 Q6 e-tron? This tiny archipelago located 690 km southeast of Iceland in the north Atlantic Ocean is truly one of the most incredible places on earth, and a destination that should without question be on your travel bucket list. We landed at Vágar Airport, a forty-minute drive from our eventual overnight in Tórshavn (Thor’s Haven) and headed to the product briefing immediately adjacent to the terminal. If…

https://www.vicariousmag.com/road-test-2023-land-rover-defender-130-first-edition-p400/ READ MORE THERE WAS A SERENE SENSE of personal insignificance when staring out across the vast dunes of the Arabian Desert. It’s as if time stood still and the sound of my own heartbeat became the focal point for whether what I was seeing was real, or imagined in some dream of a far off land. Maybe a little Robin Williams played in my head as well; you can’t help but feel the presence of a Genie out here surrounded by so much sand, camels and hot, dry, air. This is the stuff of legend and it was mine to be discovered. Or, as was the case on this trip, it was mine to be defended, as I found myself two hours outside of Dubai driving the latest iteration…

HISTORY TAKES A SEAT IN THE 2024 ASTON MARTIN DB12 “And then…pray.” Ahh, there’s nothing quite like a supportive drive partner, right? It’s sage advice, especially when you’re piloting a 671 horsepower – that’s almost 700 – grand tourer from the king of the grand tourers: Aston Martin. And particularly when on the Route Napoleon in southern France, where the bends are addictive and the passing opportunities few and far between. It’s in one of these passing circumstances that we find ourselves, although the situation is iffy; the centre line is dotted, so passing is technically OK but there is a bit of a turn coming ahead, one that features a rock face on one side, and a sheer drop on the other. So what do you do? Well, you…

https://www.vicariousmag.com/first-drive-2024-jeep-wrangler/ FIRST RIDE THE 2024 JEEP WRANGLER is the latest version of an iconic vehicle that has defined off-roading since the Second World War. So iconic, it takes a keen eye to notice styling differences from generation to generation. For this version, the nearly vertical fold-down windshield, removable doors and roof, the seven-slot grille, prominent wheel fenders and wheels pushed as far to the corners as possible remain. Tweaks include replacing the whip antenna with an in-windshield version, reducing the height of the seven-slot grille to accommodate an optional, factory-engineered Warn winch and a redesign of the interior. In the place of radical design changes come some significant upgrades in capability, from the ability to ford water nearly three feet deep (an increase of more than a half-inch at the…

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West RECIPE: Mix equal parts engineering prowess, perfectionism, and freakishly tasteful creativity, then add a generous dash of childlike wonder. Et voila! It’s Porsche 911 magic, courtesy of Rob Dickinson. To Ms. West’s point: I’m thrilled to be the latest columnist for Vicarious, an honor for which I solemnly swear to pull out all the stops. Each issue, I will give you a peek behind the curtain of luxury automotive to get the latest take on legends and mavericks—of both machines and men (and hopefully some women, too). I’ll do my best to unearth truths, reveal secrets, share my honest perspective, and grind more than a few gas and brake pedals into exotic floorboards along the…