Off-Roading in the 2013 Ford Raptor

Ford’s extreme pickup truck has a very enthusiastic fan base, but having never driven one, didn’t understand why.

Ford invited KeriBlog to Alberta a couple months ago, to test their F150 truck lineup, part of which was, “here’s a Raptor and a crazy course, have fun”.  I totally get it now.

The Raptor eats it, all unaffected.

 

(photo: Jeremy Sinek)

It’s a 6.2L V8 engine, outputting 411 hp and 434 lb-ft. of torque with a 6-spd automatic and 4-wheel drive

Comes in one trim only, love that.

Limited options include: a moonroof, bed-liners, and a graphics package, (say no to all). Front and rear cameras are extra, $1000 for both (meh, use your eyes).

2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Starting at – $56,599

Then around the track with Jeremy Sinek, chief road-tester at MSN Autos, and a far better driver than I.

Me losing control of my neck ha.

I also learned how to tow on that trip, here’s a video of that; and here’s another video about their clever infotainment input design.

Lastly, here’s the post about that Alberta trip, where the sky really is bigger, and the drive instructors are awesome.

 

The 2013 Chevy Spark

My opening line:

“This is the 2013 Chevy Spark and its 84 hp. I’ll wait for you to stop laughing before continuing why that’s just right.”

Read my full review on Autonet.ca.

This is a great starter car (it’s an appropriate amount of hp for a new driver), that has a surprisingly spacious interior, with sporty handling.

“I took it onto the highway, in the big-boy fast lane and all, and it performed fine. If you’d like some extra oomph, choose a manual transmission, and save $1,400 at the same time.”

The green is too much for me (like it best in black), the base model comes well-equipped, and the infotainment system “MyLink” is the only system I’ve ever gone on record saying I like.

Chevy Spark website

Starting at – $12,170
This one – $17,945