Car Guys in Autumn

Why Fall is the Ultimate Season for Car Lovers:
From New Models to Epic Drives

As the summer heat begins to fade and the first hints of fall start to creep in, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement. This time of year has always marked new beginnings for me—from the anticipation of a new school year in my youth to the thrill of a fresh athletic season. But as I’ve grown older and my love for cars has deepened, fall has taken on an even greater significance.

For car people, there’s nothing quite like late summer and early fall. It’s a time when the automotive world comes alive, offering us a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. In Windsor, Ontario, where I’m from, this season isn’t just about the weather cooling off—it’s about the pulse of car culture hitting its peak.

The Magic of New Models

One of the most exciting aspects of this time of year is the arrival of new vehicle model years. There’s an electric anticipation in the air as manufacturers start rolling out their latest creations. It’s more than just a routine update,  it’s a season of renewal and opportunity. For those of us who have spent our careers in the automotive industry, the fall marks a time when showroom floors buzz with the excitement of what’s new and what’s next. Each new model represents a chance to explore the latest in design, technology, and performance—a reminder that the automotive world is always moving forward, constantly evolving.

Cruising into Fall

But fall isn’t just about the new,  it’s also about celebrating the classics. As the temperatures begin to drop, there’s no better time to take your car out for a spin. Gone are the sweltering days of summer when engines can overheat and air conditioning struggles to keep up. Instead, fall brings crisp, clean air that’s perfect for driving with the windows down, letting the fresh air flow through.

For those of us in Windsor, mid to late August is marked by the legendary Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit. It’s an event like no other—40,000 cars from all eras and all corners of the United States and Canada gather to cruise down Woodward Avenue. The week leading up to the main event is a spectacle in itself, with car enthusiasts readying their rides, making final adjustments, and hitting the streets in preparation. The sound of engines revving and the sight of polished chrome glinting in the sunlight are enough to stir the soul of any car lover.

But the joy of driving in fall isn’t confined to Woodward Avenue. All across Ontario, the season offers some of the most scenic and enjoyable drives you can imagine. Whether you’re cruising along the waterfront or winding through the countryside, the changing leaves paint a stunning backdrop of reds, oranges, and yellows. The roads seem to come alive with the colors of the season, making every drive feel like a new adventure. There’s something about rolling down the windows, feeling that cool breeze, and hearing the rumble of the engine that just feels right in the fall.

One unforgettable autumn driving experience I had was on Southwood Road in Muskoka. A 33 kilometer tree-lined tunnel of  twists and turns that would make any driving enthusiast ecstatic. I first stumbled upon this road while trying to find my way back to the cottage I had rented with my family. I was in Truck Norris, my 2005 Excursion Diesel. It was tuned, had an altered suspension, and airbags—it was like ripping a battleship down those roads. I loved every second, but the 4 kids in the back got seasick. It was an experience I’ll never forget. Neither will they.

I’ve since been back in a "2007 Porsche 997 C2S" Cabriolet and, on another occasion, with a 2012 Mini Cooper "John Cooper Works" edition. Both manuals. Both "Driver's" cars. Each trip offered a significantly different driving experience. 

Much like a man returning to the same river, the man and the river had changed.

I highly recommend this drive, but if you go, remember to yield for oncoming traffic—this is a hot spot for motorcycle enthusiasts, and they can sometimes drift into your lane on the turn. There’s no shoulder, and the scenery is so beautiful it can be distracting. 

If I could choose one drive to relive, it would be with Truck Norris and my kids.

Why Fall is Our Season

For car enthusiasts, fall isn’t just another season—it’s ours. It’s when the passion for cars is at its peak when new models inspire dreams of the future, and when the classics come out to play. It’s a time when the air is crisp, the roads are clear, and every drive feels like a celebration of the open road.

So whether you’re a fan of the latest models or a lover of timeless and modern classics, fall offers something for everyone. It’s a time to embrace the change, enjoy the drive, and celebrate the incredible world of cars we’re so fortunate to be a part of.

This fall, I’m looking forward to hitting the road, soaking in the sights, and feeling that unmistakable excitement that only this season can bring. I invite you to do the same—get out there, enjoy the ride, and make the most of this incredible time of year.

 Maybe even take a trip back to the Muskokas.