Words: Shawn Molnar | Photos: Shawn Molnar

As the producer of fine, loftier-performance automobiles, BMW faces a peculiar sales claiming in the Canadian market. Congested urban roadways and bourgeois speed limits conspire against the sporting nature of BMW'due south able-bodied lineup.

The purchase of a new car is probable to be the second biggest buy yous will ever brand. Non surprisingly, the discerning buyer takes their fourth dimension while comparison cars from several competing manufacturers. But in the monotony of an ordinary test bulldoze, it is difficult if not incommunicable to appreciate the dynamics of a thoroughbred performance car.

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BMW Canada presents a solution. In their words, "put the consumer behind the cycle of a high performance auto, in a high performance setting." I similar the way they work. How else could the average consumer get a gustation of BMW power, handling, and prophylactic before making their buy decision?

Safety? Yes, prophylactic. Heresy you say: how could a high functioning car be safe? Quite simply because a car that can turn, terminate and accelerate quickly on a racetrack tin can as well plough (effectually the wayward pedestrian), terminate (short of hitting the bus that merely cut you off) and accelerate (safely while merging) on public roadways. In short: performance equals safe.

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The event begins indoors where friendly, knowledgeable product experts offer an overview of BMW cars and their core characteristics. Canadians attending this event were given a special treat: Pierre Savoy, BMW'southward main driving instructor was on hand to explain several new BMW technologies, and to help participants meliorate understand the concrete reasons why BMW cars perform so well on rails.

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Heading out to the track, participants feel a buzz of excitement – something foreign to the average test drive. Several brand new BMWs sit idly, lined up in parallel rows. Later on instructors explain the form layout, attending drivers jump behind the wheel.

BMW Canada has gone out of their fashion to pattern an impressive autocross course, ane that allows you to experience the phenomenal agility of their cars. With pulses quickened, participants steer through the course, learning how to better handle the car with every lap. Near chiefly, participants experience the incredible operation that has made BMW's roundel then famous and revered the globe over.

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Of a sudden information technology all comes together, "my car doesn't feel like this when I emergency brake – it ordinarily wobbles back and forth." To this participant, l:50 weight distribution now means something – they've experienced its benefits kickoff mitt.

Gleeful drivers dice through cones, brake difficult for corners, and feel the unrivaled surge of BMW Ability every bit they accelerate down straights. Watching from the sidelines, someone concludes, "I call back he'south going to buy that car; he's really driving it!"

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Upon concluding the course, one instructor remarked how he, "loves to scout people jump out of their BMW with an ear-to-ear smiling." From what I observed, this is no rare sight.

Upon discovering the real value of what lies beneath the peel, a new appreciation for BMW's lineup is built-in. Perhaps a cheque will follow.

If you are contemplating the purchase of a new automobile, we strongly encourage you to nourish a like event in your surface area. Y'all'll never look at a examination drive the same way.

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