Welcome to our round-up of the biggest breaking stories on Driving.ca from this past week. Get caught up and ready to get on with the weekend, because it’s hard keeping pace in a digital traffic jam.
Here’s what you missed while you were away.
The Ford F-150 Lightning delights with better-than-advertised power and range
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning EV electric pickup truck Photo by Ford Motor Co.
Ford is receiving some positive vibes this week with the revelation that its upcoming electric F-150 Lightning will boast a better range and more power than originally projected. Lightning models carrying the extended-range battery pack will pump out 580 horsepower instead of the initially touted 563, while standard-range trucks are up to 452 horsepower from 426. Hauling figures have been upped 235 lbs from the 2,000-lb projection. And the EPA-official range numbers are up, too, with the extended-range XLT and Lariat trims (as well as fleet F-150 Lightning Pros) now rated at 515 km, an increase of 32 km.
Ontario drivers upset over expired-plate fines issued in Quebec
The Gatineau police report, so far in April alone, 320 tickets were issued to Ontario motorists for having expired plates. Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia
The Ottawa Citizen has collected a tome of first-hand tales involving Quebec traffic forces issuing fines to Ontario drivers operating vehicles with expired licence plate stickers, including during the Ontario government’s announced “grace period.” Last year, Gatineau authorities handed out 239 tickets for expired Ontario plates, but 809 to Quebec drivers, indicating a cross-province issue. The enforcement and heavy ticketing on private properties, however, remains a cause for question and concern for many residents and motorists.
Justin Bieber was apparently banned from buying Ferraris for life
Singer Justin Bieber attends Super Bowl LVI between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. Photo by Kevin C. Cox /Getty
Canadian pop star Justin Bieber is apparently in Ferrari’s bad books for misbehaving with his 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia F1 Edition and will not be allowed to purchase a supercar from the Italian maker for the rest of his life. Is it too late now to say “sorry?” I think so, Justin. Reports from Italian outlets suggest Ferrari has blacklisted Bieber for a number of reasons, including changing the colour of his supercar, selling it via auction (for charity), losing it for a number of weeks after partying too hard, and receiving multiple tickets while behind the wheel. Click here to find out which other celebs are rumoured to be on the outs with Ferrari.
2023 Acura Integra comes in just under $35,000, arriving in June
Acura Integra 2023 Photo by Acura
The Acura Integra is returning to Canada this summer, and should be in dealerships by June, stickered with an entry-level price of $34,350 (before freight and PDI). The 2023 A-Spec mid-trim sits at $37,050, but those who want the option for the segment-only 6-speed manual transmission will have to spring for the top-dog Integra Elite A-Spec, priced at $42,550. As well being the only premium sport compact with a stick, the 2023 Integra also boasts class-leading rear seat legroom and cargo volume.
Hyundai-Kia faces class-action suit over allegedly oil-thirsty engines
Pushing the centre of the Elantra’s rear logo pops the trunk latch open Photo by Jil McIntosh
A group of eight individuals are taking legal action against Hyundai-Kia, alleging that a number of the automaker’s vehicles’ engines consume too much oil, which can lead to leaks, stalling, or even engine failure. The suit claims the brands “concealed and failed to address” the issues that impact some models including the 2012-2020 Hyundai Elantra, 2009-2018 Hyundai Genesis, 2015-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2010-2021 Kia Forte, and lots more. Check out the full list here.
Keyword: News Roundup: The underhyped F-150 Lightning, the well-priced Acura Integra, and more