The Subaru Winter Experience gives drivers the chance to hone their skills in slippery conditions.
Brendan McAleer
Now in its third year, the Subaru Winter Experience is a celebration of snow, held on the foot-thick ice of Dollar Lake in Northern Wisconsin. Hosted by both Flatout, a Swedish motorsport event company, and Dirtfish, a Washington-based rally school, the Experience is intended to educate drivers on the necessary skills to drive in slippery winter conditions. It also happens to be about as hilarious as swinging from a deer-horn chandelier.
“When you eat cake every day, sometimes it’s nice to have a change,” says lead instructor Nate Tennis. Ordinarily, he and his crew spend their days teaching gleeful students the art of sliding sideways in sticky mud. For the next month, however, it’s going to be all about the frosting.
The blend of cheerful Swedes and toque-wearing Pacific Northwesters that runs this event is pretty much what you’d expect from Subaru. In many ways, the company has supplanted Saab and pushed Volvo upward into the luxury sphere by being the most Scandinavian-feeling Japanese mainstream brand on the market. Any owner will attest to how capable its cars are on snow (given the correct footwear).
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The vehicles are given studded tires to optimize the driving experience.
Brendan McAleer
Here, that means that a fleet of Subaru STIs, WRXs and BRZs that have been fitted with Swedish-made Lappi tires with three-millimetre studs. The tires are not exactly road-legal, but they are the only modifications made to the cars.
“We wanted you to be able to feel the cars, even on the slippery surface of the ice,” says Swedish native Patrik Sandell, driver for the Subaru USA Rally team. “Too little grip and you’d just slide. Too much grip and you might go too fast until something went wrong. This setup lets you feel the joy.”
Fully crossed up in a bright blue BRZ, shooting roostertails of snow from its rear wheels, it’s certainly easy to see the appeal. Subaru’s rear-drive coupe takes a little finesse to get up to speed on the slippery ice, but once moving, adding throttle just increases the angle.
The BRZ coupe’s feel hits a sweet spot between challenging and entertaining.
Brendan McAleer
Through a slalom of pendulum turns, the BRZ swings its hips to a rhythm in a manner that could give Shakira dancing lessons. Set traction control on, and fun time is over. Turn everything off, and some injudicious throttle will have you facing backwards. The Goldilocks setting is the track mode, which allows enough rotation to be fun, but keeps you away from the snow banks.
As a car that is intended for the everyday enthusiast, the BRZ works well here. It’s entertaining and challenging, yet comes with a built-in safety net. Dirtfish also reports that the BRZs in their loaner fleets have far more robust powertrains than the STIs, with longer service life even under abusive conditions.
However, there is a reason why the last rear-wheel-drive car to win a top-level rally did so in 1983. It’s the same reason Subaru makes such a big deal about all-wheel-drive. When the snow starts falling, it’s best to have a little more traction.
The BRZ willingly slides its way through a series of slalom turns.
Brendan McAleer
If the BRZ encourages you to drive in a manner that will not pass muster with your local police department (best save it for some sanctioned ice racing or snowcross), then the lessons learned behind the wheel of the STI are more practical in application. First, look where you want to go, as you’ll most likely end up there. No, not at that snowbank. Oops – call the tow vehicle.
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Second, trust your safety systems. The days of pumping your brakes on snow are long gone. ABS and traction control are likely quicker than you are, so stay firmly on the brakes in an emergency situation.
Perhaps most importantly, have a little patience. Jack Harrison, one of the Dirtfish instructors, lays things out in a conversational tone as he drifts an STI through a long sweeper.
“On gravel, the car will react in about a second. On the ice, it’s more like four seconds. You’ve got to be patient with your inputs.”
The instructors preach patience and a gentle touch on the throttle for handling the icy corners.
Brendan McAleer
Sure enough, staying away from the throttle while the car rotates towards the corner’s apex takes an internal one-two count. But it’s worth it when you get back on the power and slide out for a glorious exit.
Being patient and gentle on the throttle and steering is the quickest way to get around this frozen lake, and coincidentally the safest way to get home in slippery conditions too. After a full day of instruction, we head back to shore, with visions of snow rally glory dancing in our heads.
If the BRZ exhibited a charming ballet and was the car the instructors stampeded to, the real surprise here is how good the STI still feels. The car is a half-decade old, and its 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four has roots that go back to the mid-2000s. Yet continual updates have kept it fresh, while still retaining a notchy, mechanical driving experience. It’s still the one Subaru rally fans dream of.
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The half-decade-old WTI retains its mechanical, rally-inspired driving experience.
Brendan McAleer
Subaru’s Winter Experience starts at $1,295 for a single day, and is already sold out for this year; that’s about half the price of similar snow-driving events from Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The school is growing, and will be back for next year. If you’re looking for similar instruction sooner, then Dirtfish operates year round, and has options for nearly any skill level. Alternatively, you could just sign up for your next local snowy rallycross, and pick up your own skills via trial and error.
Just remember, winter’s not only a time for hibernating. If you’ve got the keys to a Subaru, and a frozen lake close at hand, it’s the ideal chance for a little winter recreation. Just try to remember what’s really important as you hang the tail out, leaving a sparkling cloud of ice and snow hanging in the air. You’re not having fun. This is purely educational.
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
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CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
