Automotive
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The Star Wars Red Bull F1 Promotion
May 22, 2005 When it comes to doing things on a grand scale, a strategic alliance between George Lucas and Red Bull’s Dietrich Mateschitz always threatened to be a bit over the top. And so it came to pass. Lucas and Mateschitz partnered for a week of global promotional hype on the Cote d’Azur with stunning success. The tie-up between Red Bull Racing and the latest Star Wars movie finally reached its conclusion on Saturday night in Monaco when the last (and first) film in the series, “Revenge of the Sith” was screened for the benefit of guests from the world of Formula 1. The screening, which took place in the Grimaldi Forum was followed by a party, attended by several stars of the film and its director, George Lucas. There were plenty of sore heads in the Monaco paddock this morning, after a crowd of around five hundred F1 movers and shakers attended the biggest bash of the weekend in the Grimaldi Forum last night. Then the Red Bull pit crew did its stuff decked out as Star wars characters and around 500 million people around the world were reminded about the film’s premier. (read more...)
Le Mans-Winning Matra sells for over 1.1 million Euros
May 19, 2005 Bonhams' Grandes Marques a Monaco Sale of classic, historic and collectible cars surpassed all records this year with 1972 Monaco Grand Prix-winning racing driver Jean-Pierre Beltoise's personal collection of cars leading the catalogue entries, together with fabulous Lancias from the Italian collection of Silvano Cima and supercars from a Monegasque collection. The star Lot sold was the Beltoise collection Matra-Simca MS670B sports-racing 'Barquette' with 3-litre V12-cylinder power in which Beltoise's team-mates, Henri Pescarolo and Gerard Larrousse won the 1973 Le Mans 24-Hours endurance racing classic. This magnificent and historic 220mph projectile was passed from Matra to Jean-Pierre Beltoise and it has since been lovingly preserved over many years and restored within his personal collection. The car sold to a British collector for the world record Matra price of 1,105,000 Euros. (read more...)
First 150mph Tango electric performance commuter to be delivered next week
May 19, 2005 No folks, this is not an optical illusion or a Photoshop-enhanced image - this is the Tango. The Tango is a carbon fibre, two seater electric commuter vehicle that will reach 60mph in four seconds and 150 mph in a few seconds more – a radical, pollution-free solution to the problem of transport in congested urban environments. The first batch of 100 vehicles goes to market next week when actor George Clooney takes delivery of the first US$85,000 pocket rocket to come off the production line. A deal between UK-based automotive technology specialist Prodrive and US-based Commuter Cars Corporation (CCC) has seen the Tango vehicle design taken from prototype form to efficient low volume production in just a few months. Plans call for volume production to follow, at which point the projected price for the car will drop to around US$20,000. (read more...)
World Rally Championship: HOLY SAINZ - he's back!
May 17, 2005 Following a rift inside the Citroen Rally Team's second car in which co-driver Stephane Prevot refused to drive with the errant Francois Duval again after Duval failed to finish an event at the Cypress Rally last weekend, Citroen has managed to talk Carlos Sainz out of retirement. Sainz is the most successful rally driver of all time, and has put his retirement on hold to get back behind the wheel of the Citroen Xsara WRC in the next round of the World Rally Championship, the Rally of Turkey to be held June 3-5, 2005. Duval will be "rested" for the event as Citroen hopes to bring the superstar team together to wrest the constructors championship which has been slipping away despite the dominance of the team's number one driver Sebastien Loeb who has four wins out of six starts for the year. "The results of Citroen in the Manufacturers' Championship aren't matching our goals," says Guy Frequelin, Citroen Sport Team Director. (read more...)
WTCC Rds 5 & 6: Alfa and SEAT win one each
May 16, 2005 The World Touring Car Championship tightened up at the top on the weekend when rounds five and six were run at Silverstone in the UK. Alfa Romeo drivers dominated the first race, while SEAT claimed a brilliant 1-2 finish in the second, putting both marques in contention for the manufacturer's crown and taking Alfa Romeo's Gabriele Tarquini to within two points of BMW driver Dirk Muller's points lead. (read more...)
WRC Rd 6 - Cypress Rally: Loeb wins and sets up title
May 15, 2005 Citroen’s Sebastien Loeb collected his third consecutive win in Cyprus, and his fourth of the 2005 season to take a significant points lead in the World Rally Championship. This weekend's success – the crew's fourteenth at WRC level – takes the defending champion 11 points clear at the top of the provisional Drivers' World Championship standings thanks to the failure of Subaru’s Petter Solberg, Loeb’s main rival for the title. (read more...)
ABB e-motion land speed record attempt abandoned
May 15, 2005 ABB e=motion has abandoned its attempt to break the world electric land speed record following an aborted attempt in Nevada last week. The e=motion team has not yet announced whether it will attempt to break the record in the future. After a successful trial run on an isolated highway outside of Wendover, Nevada on May 4, the car - which is powered by an ABB variable speed drive and two 50 hp ABB motors - experienced a series of false starts. Technical problems arose in the car’s control circuits, preventing it from starting. A detailed investigation to find the exact nature of the fault will be done when ABB e=motion returns to the U.K. (read more...)
Radical British MBR EOS 3-seater Supercar
May 13, 2005 New to the ranks of supercar manufacturers is MB Roadcars (MBR) which unveiled its first offering, the unique 3-seater EOS (‘Exigence of Speed’) supercar at the prestigious Top Marques Motor Show in Monaco last weekend. Engineered by a consortium of Formula 1 designers, EOS benefits from some radical aerodynamicsthat provide 40% more downforce than its closest competitors, plus a range of the latest technologies and materials taken directly from Formula 1 and the aerospace industry. The EOS will sell for UKP340,000, have a top speed of approxiumately 325kmh and a remarkable power to weight ratio of 0.5bhp per kg. EOS features a three-seat layout with central driving position, and its advanced aerodynamic shape, with a two-element front wing and side winglets, has been designed from the outset using the latest F1 computer-aided-design and computational fluid dynamics technology. Of major importance was the announcement of an engine supply agreement with Mader Racing, who will develop a bespoke engine for EOS based on the all-alloy V8 race engine currently used in the new GP2 series. (read more...)
The 350 km/h 700 bhp Fulda Maybach Exelero
May 15, 2005 The Maybach Exelero high-performance show car unveiled to the world for the first time this week is a remarkable car with an even more remarkable story behind it. The 700-hp V-12 biturbo two-seater is a unique custom model produced for tyre manufacturer Fulda Reifenwerke, which is using the Maybach Exelero as a reference vehicle for a newly developed generation of wide tyres. The German manufacturer of luxury cars built the unique model as a modern interpretation of its legendary streamlined sports car from the 1930s, thereby forging a link with the historical predecessor, which at that time was likewise based on a powerful Maybach automobile (SW 38) and used by Fulda for tyre tests. Highly recommended reading. (read more...)
Mitsubishi developing in-wheel motors for enhanced All-Wheel-Drive performance
May 12, 2005 Mitsubishi Motors released details of its ongoing development of in-wheel motors earlier this week, hinting that the company’s interest in next-generation electric vehicle technology offers highly promising potential in the ongoing evolution of Mitsubishi's all-wheel control technology. In other words, the company’s firebreathing Lancer Evolution XI or XII models, two or three years from now, might feature hybrid technologies not just for conservation’s sake, but for outright performance. The company statement stated, “an in-wheel motor makes it possible to regulate drive torque and braking force independently at each wheel without the need for any transmission, drive shaft or other complex mechanical components.” (read more...)
World’s Largest Pickup Truck spawns an entire family
May 11, 2005 What happens when you take the trailer off a prime hauler, do a bit of remodelling of the cab, and turn it into a pick-up truck? International did just that and created a crew cab with enough room to seat five sumo wrestlers without them touching plus a big enough tray to carry a jet ski or a motorcycle with the tailgate still up. Well that was the first CXT model unveiled in late 2004. Now there’s a slightly smaller, more athletic, slightly upmarket RXT version “for business owners who want a truck that promotes themselves as much as their businesses.” Then there are two pre-production prototypes: a military-derived 4X4 dubbed the MXT with a payload of over 4 tons plus a restyled version of the CXT. Conceived in a moment of glorious insanity, the decision by International Truck and Engine Corporation to build the International CXT was regarded as folly by many in the industry but it seems that there’s a very large market out there for people who want a truck that’s more masculine than a hummer - a five-ton, 22-foot-long commercial pickup truck. (read more...)
Spanish GP Formula 1 Round 5: Raikkonen/McLaren dominant, Schumacher/Ferrari retire, Alonso /Renault closer to title
May 8, 2005 McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen dominated the Spanish Grand Prix today, ending Renault’s domination of the 2005 season and replacing Michael Schumacher as the man most likely to prevent Renault’s Fernando Alonso from taking the drivers’ title. Michael Schumacher retired from the event, effectively ending his chances of retaining the title and with both Schumacher and team-mate Rubens Barrichello out of the points at the Circuit de Catalunya, Ferrari is now also likely to lose its constructors title with McLaren looming as Renault’s biggest threat. (read more...)
Holy Golf!
May 7, 2005 Good fortune it seems, comes in many different ways. When a young German, Benjamin Halbe, bought a second-hand 1999 Volkswagen Golf six months ago, the car’s former owners were not even a consideration. The car had clearly been well cared for and was in excellent condition. But when one of the former owners, one Josef Ratzinger, became Pope Benedict XVI with a billion Catholic followers, the young German decided to put the car up for auction on EBay Germany. His 9500 euro investment returned a handsome dividend earlier this week when the auction closed at 188,938 euros (US$245,000). The publicity associated with the vehicle being auctioned focussed massive attention on the auction, and helped the auction page get viewed a massive 8.4 million times. Such was the congestion at the eBay server as the minutes ticked down towards the end of the auction that news sources in Germany now suggest that the auction price might have gone much higher had several bidders been able to get through to place much higher bids. The winning bid was reportedly placed about one minute prior to the end of the auction at 7.30pm Berlin time on Ascension day, May 5. (read more...)
Volvo YCC Concept Car wins major design award
May 6, 2005 The Volvo Cars' YCC team has received the Torsten och Wanja Soderbergs Pris (Torsten and Wanja Soderbergs Prize), one of Scandinavia's most prestigious design awards. The YCC is a Volvo concept car with unique features designed exclusively by women and it impressed the judging jury. "For their solutions for storage, accessibility, vision and the possibility to personalize the interior, the group has in a convincing way shown possible solutions for future cars," wrote the jury. (read more...)
World 100,000 mile record: 140 mph for 30 days averaging 40 mpg
May 3, 2005 With so much competition for global car sales, it helps to launch a car into the market with a significant impetus and there’s no greater testimony to the speed or reliability of a car, or boost to the desirability of a car than a world record. Accordingly, Mercedes Benz used such a feat to launch its new V6 CDI diesel engine. It had three cars picked at random off the production line, sealed, taken to a track in Texas and run continuously for 100,000 miles. Each E 320 CDI car ran flawlessly for 30 days while averaging 224 kmh (140mph) and 40 miles per gallon while satisfying all Californian CARB emission standards and stopping for a regular service - each car was serviced ten times during the run. The 26-strong team of mechanics changed the engine oil, air and diesel filters during each service stop. That should make the showroom punters take notice! Read on for the full story. (read more...)
BMW dominates French round of World Touring Car Championship
May 1, 2005 The prediction that BMW would dominate at French round of the World Touring Car Championship at the weekend (1 May 2005) at Magny Cours was born out by a total German domination in both races. In race one Jorg Muller lead the BMWs home after a spectacular start that saw Andy Priaulx overtaking Alfa Romeo's Augusto Farfus and Rickard Rydell before entering the first corner. The 2004 FIA ETCC title holder did not surrender this advantage and crossed the line in second place 2.882 seconds behind the winner. Rydell represented SEAT Sport on the podium by finishing third in his SEAT Toledo Cupra after an exciting duel with Gabriele Tarquini's Alfa Romeo. Antonio Garcia, Dirk Muller, Jordi Gene and Farfus filled the other point positions, while Peter Terting made a daring move on the very last corner of the race to overtake Fabrizio Giovanardi, enabling the German rookie to claim ninth place. (read more...)
WRC Rd 5 - Loeb takes the lead
May 1, 2005 Sebastien Loeb dominated the Italian round of the World Rally Championship at the weekend (29 April - 1 May), guiding his Citroen Xsara to victory over Petter Solberg by nearly a minute and in the process taking over the lead in the World Rally Championship from the Subaru driver. Loeb's domination of the rally of Sardinia - he lead from stage three to the end of the event and scored twice as many stage wins as his nearest rival - was achieved through the reliability of his Citroen Xsara, an excellent choice of tyres and a skilful and well paced drive from the Frenchman. Team mate Francois Duval managed to score manufacturers points despite a first-day roll off the track into the bush that left his Xsara on its side and minus a rear wheel. Following repairs and a re-start, he went on to finish in 11th place. (read more...)
Radical airless tyre has half the rolling resistance and is cheaper to make
April 30, 2005 Michelin’s radical new Tweel announced in January this year looks set to be the next big thing in tyre technology but recent news from Amerityre on a very similar technology suggests there will be strong competition in the airless tyre market, as more than one manufacturer is close to market. Amerityre has successfully completed high-speed testing of its experimental non-pneumatic or “zero-pressure” polyurethane tyre in testing for FMVSS 129 compliance, the safety standard governing the testing of non-pneumatic car tyres. The advantages of the polyurethane tyre are many according to Amerityre including much cooler running temperatures (less wear), much lower rolling resistance (amounting to a reported 10% decrease in fuel consumption) and the ability to produce a complete tyre inside a few minutes significantly simplifying and reducing the cost of the manufacturing process. (read more...)
The world's first mass-produced mass-produced petrol-engined automobile
April 26 2005 When we saw this 1904 Oldsmobile pop up in the catalogue for the next Shannons Motor auction, we copuldn't help but check to see how far we have come in a century. The Oldsmobile to be auctioned on May 2 has enjoyed more than a century of motoring on a single cylinder. Oldsmobile until its demise last year was the oldest American car company, with its vehicles built on the industry’s first assembly line in 1901 and its Curved Dash model – so called after the unique shape of the footboard – became the first mass-produced petrol-engined automobile. Produced from 1901-1907 in Runabout, Light Delivery Van or Light Tonneau models it rapidly became America’s most popular automobile. The US Postal Office employed the Curved Dash vans as mail trucks and some 16,000 of this model were made. (read more...)
San Marino F1 GP - Fantastic duel between Schumacher and Alonso
April 24, 2005 Fernando Alonso made it three wins in a row when he won the 62 lap San Marino Grand Prix at Imola on Sunday, but the real excitement came from his fantastic duel with Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari over the last 11 laps of the race, the pair being just 0.2s apart at the end. BAR Honda’s Jenson Button completed the top three to open his score in the championship. Though the RS25 V10 fitted to Fernando Alonso’s car became the first engine in the modern era of Formula 1 to win two consecutive races, the real message from San Marino was that Ferrari is back and that Ferrari and Michael Schumacher now have the speed to fight to retain the title. McLaren Mercedes and BAR Honda have also caught up to the speed of the Renault and the season looks set to be a pearler! (read more...)
BMW 3 Series Wagon Variant announced: The
April 20, 2005 BMW has announced a wagon variant of the new 3 Series Sedan that will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The “Touring” shares a strong visual link with the 3 Series Sedan, largely identical to the Sedan from the front to the A-pillars. From the A-pillars back the car's sporting, almost coupe-like silhouette hides the immense degree of practicality for families and professionals seeking more space, grace and style. The fourth-generation BMW 3 Series Touring has been developed as an entirely different and unique car in parallel to the Sedan. (read more...)
Honda’s Fuya-jo Party-on-wheels Concept
History has produced some wonderful concept cars that became significant production models. It has also produced many that were somewhat less than well received. Japan in particular, has an automotive culture which takes significant chances with its concept vehicles, and is often prepared to go well beyond the traditional to explore new niche markets. One such long shot was the Fuya Jo from Honda – the vehicle whose name means "Sleepless City", was designed specifically to transport “party animals who demand the full excitement of night life.” (read more...)
Lago Talbot Formula One Grand Prix Works Racer for sale
You know the story - only ever driven on Sundays. Original condition. Only four owners. Except this one has all the paperwork including letters from Tony lago verifying its history. Very rare Formula One racing cars don’t come up that often and completely original, never damaged Formula One race cars are much rarer, so it’s astonishing that a car such as this exists. This 4.5 litre 1952 Lago Talbot Formula One Grand Prix Works Racer has never been damaged, was rebuilt at the factory to 1953 specs and sports the 270bhp “twin” plug motor which gives it a top speed of around 175 mph. Prior to being sold by Tony Lago to Australian champion driver Doug Whiteford in 1954 the car was driven by champion French drivers Louis Rosier and Pierre Levegh. The car is beautifully presented and is considered to be the most original Lago Talbot Formula One vehicle in existence. Asking price – US$1.25 million (read more...)
Creating a plug-in Toyota Prius
Many people including the California Cars Initiative (CalCars), see the short to medium term future of hybrid cars as plug-in hybrids – hybrids where you can choose not to use petroleum should you wish. They claim that the biggest problem with the current Honda and Toyota hybrids is that you can’t charge their batteries overnight because they’ve been designed to gently wean the population off petrol. So CalCars decided to jump-start the market for plug-in hybrids itself, taking a Toyota Prius, adding much bigger batteries and modifying it so it could be plugged into the electricity supply and charged overnight. The aim is to harness the collective vision and purchasing power of individuals and corporate and government fleets and get a major auto manufacturer to produce plug-in versions of existing hybrids. (read more...)
REVA Electric Vehicle Concept
April 15, 2005 The REVA-NXG, a “next generation Electric Vehicle” concept was shown for the first time earlier this month at the EV21 Electric Vehicle Symposium in Monaco. Created by the Indian REVA Electric Car Company (RECC), the new concept car is the result of a collaborative effort between RECC, automobile designer Dilip Chhabria and Simputer developer Encore Software. The REVA-NXG is a two-seater roadster with a range of 200 kilometres and a top speed of 120 kmh. The car is powered by a high performance 37 kW AC induction motor that drives the front wheels, and uses Sodium Nickel Chloride batteries in lieu of conventional lead acid batteries for extended life. The REVA-NXG has four-wheel independent suspension with an integrated regenerative and hydraulic braking system and the company claims excellent handling and braking. (read more...)
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