Monday, August 3, 2009
The 2009 TTRS Season
Well the season looks simple but I'm very impressed at the low cost, high value year ahead. Six events with two races at each event and £100 per race means the season will cost £1200 in race fees. The dates and locations are:
- Brands Hatch 15/03/09
- Donington National 18/04/09
- Snetterton 13/06/09
- Cadwell 28/06/09
- Oulton Park 08/08/09
- Silverstone 02/10/09
So I have five weeks from time of writing til the first race. And only six race dates with qualifying and two races on each of these days.
The race fees work out to around £5 a minute of racing.
2009 Honda Civic Hybrid
The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid ranks 3 out of 35 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 36 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Civic Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Civic Hybrid provides similar qualifications as the popular Toyota Prius while offering the conventional styling of a gas-engine sedan. But many reviewers report its around-town driving is weak, even for a hybrid vehicle. Even still, the Civic Hybrid is one of our top picks for 2009 U.S. News Best Cars for the Money.
The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid compares well to both hybrid and small cars for its high quality, sleek design and fuel-sipping habits. Although many auto writers categorize the Civic Hybrid's performance as underwhelming, even among other small engine hybrids, the Civic Hybrid gets outstanding gas mileage -- second only to the popular Toyota Prius.
Chances are most people consider the Civic an alternative hybrid vehicle to the Prius rather than the other way around. The Prius' 2009 EPA rating is currently 48/45 mpg city/highway, its cabin is both upscale and roomy, and its exterior styling has become synonymous with "hybrid."
But the Civic Hybrid's distinction from the Prius continues to be its conventional styling. If that appeals to you, also consider the Toyota Camry Hybrid. In addition to its traditional Camry shape, this option is praised for the balanced drive offered by the four-cylinder engine and hybrid motor.
The gas-engine Honda Civic comes in a number of trims, as well as a performance Si trim and the two-door coupe, but the 2009 Civic Hybrid is only offered as a four-door sedan. The exterior has been slightly refreshed and new interior features have been added for 2009.
- "Honda's Civic hybrid is a good alternative for those who don't need Toyota Prius' distinctive styling to advertise their fuel saving heroics." -- USA Today
- "The Honda Civic Hybrid is one of the best hybrids available, with an affordable price, excellent driving dynamics, and fuel economy matched by few other models." -- Forbes
- "Whether your interest in hybrids is driven by political, environmental or financial considerations, the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid allows you to address those issues in a vehicle that's just about as comfortable and stylish as a compact sedan can be with little sacrifice in drivability." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "Honda's reputation for practical economy is shown in the Civic Hybrid, well-built and simply designed to sip fuel. Interior tech options are usefully done, making this Honda a great commuter sedan." -- CNET
- "The Civic Hybrid's efficiency and environmental benefits are undeniable. Add in spaciousness, fun factor, and equipment level, and there's your value, folks. High, as in hybrid." -- About.com
- "Civic Hybrid drivers pay a price for being able to thumb their noses at Big Oil and help save the planet -- in higher purchase price and lower performance.
The CLS 55 AMG is a treat to drive thanks to its balanced handling characteristics and excellent performance.
Carlsson CK55 based on the CLS 55 AMG : finely-dressed athlete
The CLS 55 AMG is a treat to drive thanks to its balanced handling characteristics and excellent performance. Nevertheless, Carlsson Autotechnik GmbH from Merzig in Southwest Germany has decided to risk its own interpretation of this thoroughbred automobile, which is primarily aimed at the ambitious, discerning driver who wants more. And doing so has paid off because the Carlsson CK55 leaves no automotive wish unfulfilled.
Ford Model T Automobiles
The Model T Ford, which first appeared in the fall of 1908, went on the revolutionize transportation more than any other single invention.
Henry Ford had founded The Ford Motor Company in 1903, and the Model T Ford was not his first car on the road. But during the 19-year production life of the Model T, it became the most famous automobile in histroy, due to its fine workmanship, excellent materials, and especially its low price.
Early Ford Model T automobiles were produced in Detroit, Michigan at the plant on Piquette Avenue. Henry Ford's stated intention was to produce the first automobile affordable to the masses. Indeed, from its $850 initial pricetag in 1908, Ford's introduction of assembly-line mass production eventually lowered the price to under $300. By 1918, nearly half of the cars on the roads in America were Model T Fords.
The advent of assembly lines cut the average assembly time from around 12 hours per car to about one and a half hours. The oft-repeated legend that Henry Ford required all Model T's be painted black had a practical basis, in that the particular black paint in use dried much quicker than other sources, and thus further speeded production. The use of interchangeable parts not only speeded production, but reduced the cost of subsequent repairs.
The typical Model T seated five passengers, produced 20 horsepower in its 4-cylinder engine, achieved a top speed of 45 mph, and ran on either gasoline or ethanol. Fuel economy was 15 to 20 miles per gallon. Ethanol became outlawed during Prohibition and gasoline became extremely cheap, so all alcohol and battery-powered vehicles faded from the scene. The Model T also became known as the Flivver or the Tin Lizzie. The original open touring car was soon joined by various closed models, and eventually small trucks. Early designers included Childe Wills, Harry Love, Eugene Farkas, Joseph Galamb, Gus Degner, and Peter Martin.
Most Model T's had only two forward gears and reverse. They had rear-wheel drives.The reverse gear often proved essential since the initial placement of the 10-gallon fuel tank was a good deal behind and a bit lower than its front-mounted engine. On steep hills, the car would often stall out when the tank wasn't completely full, leaving the driver to back up the hill in reverse in order to maintain the flow of fuel.
Model T's were incredibly durable and dependable. Even after the introduction of electric starters (activated by a peddle on the floor board), the hand-cranked magneto remained part of the design as a back-up starting method.
The wooden spokes on the artillery wheels with their pneumatic tires evolved to metal.
The Model T was not the twentieth model made by Ford, as the alphabet would dictate. But it was a refinement of a number of prior Ford creations. Ironically, when Model T production finally gave way to something new, Ford dubbed his new creation the Model A, saying it was a whole new start.
The Model A, however, never achieved the same massive impact of its predecessor. More than 15 million Model T automobiles were eventually manufactured. This world record was not surpassed until 1972 by the Volkswagen Beetle.
About the Author
Lawrence R. Bell is Editor of The Antiques Bible at http://www.antiques-bible.com/ppf/term/Ford+Model+T+Automobiles/definition.asp. The Antiques Bible is an illustrated glossary of antique terms with helpful links to related resources.
Henry Ford had founded The Ford Motor Company in 1903, and the Model T Ford was not his first car on the road. But during the 19-year production life of the Model T, it became the most famous automobile in histroy, due to its fine workmanship, excellent materials, and especially its low price.
Early Ford Model T automobiles were produced in Detroit, Michigan at the plant on Piquette Avenue. Henry Ford's stated intention was to produce the first automobile affordable to the masses. Indeed, from its $850 initial pricetag in 1908, Ford's introduction of assembly-line mass production eventually lowered the price to under $300. By 1918, nearly half of the cars on the roads in America were Model T Fords.
The advent of assembly lines cut the average assembly time from around 12 hours per car to about one and a half hours. The oft-repeated legend that Henry Ford required all Model T's be painted black had a practical basis, in that the particular black paint in use dried much quicker than other sources, and thus further speeded production. The use of interchangeable parts not only speeded production, but reduced the cost of subsequent repairs.
The typical Model T seated five passengers, produced 20 horsepower in its 4-cylinder engine, achieved a top speed of 45 mph, and ran on either gasoline or ethanol. Fuel economy was 15 to 20 miles per gallon. Ethanol became outlawed during Prohibition and gasoline became extremely cheap, so all alcohol and battery-powered vehicles faded from the scene. The Model T also became known as the Flivver or the Tin Lizzie. The original open touring car was soon joined by various closed models, and eventually small trucks. Early designers included Childe Wills, Harry Love, Eugene Farkas, Joseph Galamb, Gus Degner, and Peter Martin.
Most Model T's had only two forward gears and reverse. They had rear-wheel drives.The reverse gear often proved essential since the initial placement of the 10-gallon fuel tank was a good deal behind and a bit lower than its front-mounted engine. On steep hills, the car would often stall out when the tank wasn't completely full, leaving the driver to back up the hill in reverse in order to maintain the flow of fuel.
Model T's were incredibly durable and dependable. Even after the introduction of electric starters (activated by a peddle on the floor board), the hand-cranked magneto remained part of the design as a back-up starting method.
The wooden spokes on the artillery wheels with their pneumatic tires evolved to metal.
The Model T was not the twentieth model made by Ford, as the alphabet would dictate. But it was a refinement of a number of prior Ford creations. Ironically, when Model T production finally gave way to something new, Ford dubbed his new creation the Model A, saying it was a whole new start.
The Model A, however, never achieved the same massive impact of its predecessor. More than 15 million Model T automobiles were eventually manufactured. This world record was not surpassed until 1972 by the Volkswagen Beetle.
About the Author
Lawrence R. Bell is Editor of The Antiques Bible at http://www.antiques-bible.com/ppf/term/Ford+Model+T+Automobiles/definition.asp. The Antiques Bible is an illustrated glossary of antique terms with helpful links to related resources.
Sumber Roda Rally Sports - Scores MRC Podium Finish
Sumber Roda Rally Sports has created Malaysian rallying history by entering a Mini Cooper and securing a podium finish in the Cyberjaya MRC rd1!!! HSLee, with his gung-ho driving, and Jeff's photographic memory, propelled the 998 Mini Cooper to 3rd in class P9.
The Mini - The most popular car in the rally 
TrophiesHSLee and his workshop - Sumber Roda in USJ (directly behind Summit USJ), is famous for everything Mini and for the past year, the sport of rallying. Meng, Sumber Roda's chief mechanic, has years of experience in preparing rally cars and Minis. So guys and girls...... need a cruiser/race/rally prepared Mini? You now know where to go!!!
Click here for more photos of the Mini.
*Sumber Roda also provides mechanical, body, interior and painting services for all types of cars.
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