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.
Spit flames!
The flame throwers are one those simple kits that spit flame through your exhaust system. The kit comprises of a control box and a spark plug, here is how the flames are produced, through a pulsing spark plug ignites the unburnt fuel in the exhaust system.
Its a simple concept of igniting unburnt fuel present in the exhaust system. By an ignition bypass procedure the car's ignition is shut down for fuel to pass through the cylinders to reach the exhaust end and the kit ignites the unburnt fuel spitting out flames. This type of method usually have the fuel mix with oil hence having to change oil earlier than usual or rather often.
The other method is by having a line run from the valve through the exhaust system to the end of the pipe and have the spark to ignite the fuel sprayed through the line having more controlled flames. Iam not a great fan of flame throwers though but something that I would like to see on show cars only and not on regular street cars.
Mini Works participe à Mini Experience
Mini Works a répondu présent pour le MINI Experience sur le circuit de Braga, Portugal.
L'occasion de toucher du bout du doigt la MINI Cooper S JCW Challenge... et d'y laisser son empreinte... ;)
La fameuse MINI Cooper S JCW Challenge... mythique et impressionante même à l'arrêt.
Montage photo réalisé par notre photographe atitrée Stef www.stefarts.com
Et c'est parti pour 3 tours de circuit à fond la caisse avec des MINI comptant moins de 100 kms au compteur pour la plupart. Parmi elles: des Cabrio R57, des Clubman Cooper S JCW R56 et également une One et une CooperD.
L'occasion de toucher du bout du doigt la MINI Cooper S JCW Challenge... et d'y laisser son empreinte... ;)
La fameuse MINI Cooper S JCW Challenge... mythique et impressionante même à l'arrêt.
Montage photo réalisé par notre photographe atitrée Stef www.stefarts.com
Et c'est parti pour 3 tours de circuit à fond la caisse avec des MINI comptant moins de 100 kms au compteur pour la plupart. Parmi elles: des Cabrio R57, des Clubman Cooper S JCW R56 et également une One et une CooperD.
Mini Works Cooper S Cabriolet
Voici notre MINI Cooper S Cabriolet de 2005, équipée avec les pièces que nous préconisons: amortisseurs Koni, freins Brembo, jantes Piaa, poulie Alta, échappement Larini ainsi qu'en commande des sièges Recaro.
Nous sommes fiers d'avoir déjà remporté plusieurs concours avec cette MINI.
Coilovers and diff mount and brake pads
Today I fitted the Gaz Gold rear coilovers on the car. The rears seem to rub on the inside of the turrets. I'm not sure if this will happen when the car is at the correct ride height. The fronts are fine. The Gaz Gold coilovers should allow for quick ride height adjustment and simple spring replacement.
I also replaced the original Ford differential mount for an alloy unit with a poly centre mount. I hope this, combined with the polyurethane beam mounts should make for a stiffer rear beam with less flex.
For the 2009 season I am giving up crap brake pads. Redstuff fall to pieces, Yellowstuff turn to rock and the cheap OMP pads I have used have been pretty good. But this season I'll be using DS3000 pads by Ferodo - these from the nice people at Burton Power.
Here's the original diff mount and the alloy unit in place ready to be fitted:
Front coilovers:
And the rear suspension with springs and dampers removed, and new coilovers in place:
You can see the eccentric top mounts on the tops of the front coilovers sitting in the turrets in this pic, and the second pic shows the location inside the turret top:
Yellow stuff pads off the front and DS3000 pads on.
I also replaced the original Ford differential mount for an alloy unit with a poly centre mount. I hope this, combined with the polyurethane beam mounts should make for a stiffer rear beam with less flex.
For the 2009 season I am giving up crap brake pads. Redstuff fall to pieces, Yellowstuff turn to rock and the cheap OMP pads I have used have been pretty good. But this season I'll be using DS3000 pads by Ferodo - these from the nice people at Burton Power.
Here's the original diff mount and the alloy unit in place ready to be fitted:
Front coilovers:
And the rear suspension with springs and dampers removed, and new coilovers in place:
You can see the eccentric top mounts on the tops of the front coilovers sitting in the turrets in this pic, and the second pic shows the location inside the turret top:
Yellow stuff pads off the front and DS3000 pads on.
2009 Honda FCX Clarity Fuel-Cell
Honda has actually applied the FCX badge to several vehicles. The outgoing model is a chunky-looking Japanese hatchback. The new edition is decidedly more stylish - and roomy. Honda has learned a valuable lesson from its Japanese rival, Toyota , whose Prius is a distinctive visual standout.
The Honda FCX Clarity takes the layout and design themes first seen in two years ago in the FCX concept to completion.
While facilities for retail distribution of hydrogen are obviously extremely limited right now, Honda is actively working to change that too. Honda Soltec recently started production of new photo-voltaic cells that only require half the energy input to manufacture of current cells. Their Torrance, CA headquarters campus has a hydrogen filling station that features two different H2 generators. A solar powered electrolyzer produces the gas from water, while the experimental Home Energy Station has a natural gas reformer.
With the most common way of producing hydrogen right new is steam reformation of natural gas, CO2 emissions still remain a concern. However, when well-to-wheels CO2 emissions are evaluated in comparison to gasoline engines, steam reformation and fuel cells show a sixty percent reduction. For solar powered electrolysis, Honda has proton exchange membrane electrolyzer that basically functions as a fuel cell in reverse and is eighty percent efficient. Although home hydrogen generation is still a ways off, centrally produced hydrogen is being distributed via pipelines right now. Shell will open be opening a hydrogen station in Los Angeles next year right on an existing 8" hydrogen pipeline.
Exterior Design Leader Masaru Hosagawa explained that the body of the new FCX was specifically designed to highlight the tiny drive-train that propels this relatively large car. The FCX takes the cab forward design ethos to a whole new level with the base of the windshield starting at about the front wheel center line and sweeping all the way back to the edge of the trunk lid in a continuous curve dubbed Dynamic Full Cabin Design. Combined with the super compact vertical flow fuel cell stack that sits within the center console, the FCX has an almost limousine-like interior volume for four passengers.
Speaking of the passengers, keeping them in climate-controlled comfort is important but regulating the temperature of such a large interior volume can consume quite a bit of energy. One way to minimize that energy is to regulate the temperature right at the surface of the occupants. Since the largest point of contact between the passengers and the car is the seats, Honda has chosen to provide a climate control system within the seats. Fans draw air into the front seats where a thermo-electric device chills or heats it before blowing it through pores in the seat cushions. The end result is greatly reduced demand on the climate control system.
The FCX Clarity has remained remarkably true to the concept with the most obvious visual difference being the nose. The production car has been stretched out by a few inches in order to provide crush space for crash protection. The grille has now been moved above a new chrome bumper strip taking the place of the previous full-width light bar. In profile the base of the windshield extended even farther forward and the front quarter windows were part of the body. Those windows are now smaller and integrated into the doors instead. At the back, the full width tail-lamp cluster is now slimmer in the middle providing room for an extra piece of vertical glass aiding rear visibility with the high deck.
That tall deck combines with a fuel tank mounted down low between the rear wheels to provide for much more trunk room than other converted fuel cell cars. Including the under floor compartment, the total storage volume is 13.1 cu. ft. The fully-appointed FCX is equipped with all the modern conveniences such as a satellite navigation system, adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control. All of this is combined in an aluminum structural cage that provides protection for the passengers and the fuel system.
The FCX platform as having been designed to be lightweight while providing maximum safety. The FCX is designed to meet and surpass all safety standards in the US and elsewhere. When this car becomes available next year, it won't require any safety waivers. The 5,000 psi hydrogen tank is designed to withstand any impact it might see in the real world. While the first generation FCX used a two tank storage system, the new car has switched to a single-tank setup. Previously separate components like the pressure sensor, regulator and shut-off valve are now combined in one module mounted in the tank.
Having only one tank means fewer connection points that can fail so that safety is enhanced and installation is a lot simpler. A single larger diameter tank has greater capacity in less overall space than two smaller tanks. The bottom line is seventy-four percent fewer parts and twenty-four percent better storage efficiency.
One problematic aspect of many previous fuel cell vehicles has been high weight. The Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell being used for that company's Project Driveway weighs over 4,400 pounds and the Sequel concept reportedly weighs over 5,000 lbs. Even the much smaller Ford Focus FCV weighs in at 3,600 lbs. The new FCX Clarity weighs in at 3,582 lbs, which is only about 175 lbs more than the similarly-sized 2008 Accord. Doing a ground up design around a fuel cell power-train has allowed Honda to optimize it for the purpose.
The FCX is extremely well-equipped, overall, with niceties such as dual-zone digital climate control, adaptive (radar) cruise control, voice-activated navigation, and a sweet AM/FM/CD/XM audio system with a jack for your iPod or MP3 player.
That pays off in the ride and handling of the Clarity. While some other cross-over type fuel cell vehicles definitely feel more truck like on the road, this car is pure Honda. The FCX Clarity will be available for lease to retail customers beginning in the summer of 2008.
While facilities for retail distribution of hydrogen are obviously extremely limited right now, Honda is actively working to change that too. Honda Soltec recently started production of new photo-voltaic cells that only require half the energy input to manufacture of current cells. Their Torrance, CA headquarters campus has a hydrogen filling station that features two different H2 generators. A solar powered electrolyzer produces the gas from water, while the experimental Home Energy Station has a natural gas reformer.
With the most common way of producing hydrogen right new is steam reformation of natural gas, CO2 emissions still remain a concern. However, when well-to-wheels CO2 emissions are evaluated in comparison to gasoline engines, steam reformation and fuel cells show a sixty percent reduction. For solar powered electrolysis, Honda has proton exchange membrane electrolyzer that basically functions as a fuel cell in reverse and is eighty percent efficient. Although home hydrogen generation is still a ways off, centrally produced hydrogen is being distributed via pipelines right now. Shell will open be opening a hydrogen station in Los Angeles next year right on an existing 8" hydrogen pipeline.
Exterior Design Leader Masaru Hosagawa explained that the body of the new FCX was specifically designed to highlight the tiny drive-train that propels this relatively large car. The FCX takes the cab forward design ethos to a whole new level with the base of the windshield starting at about the front wheel center line and sweeping all the way back to the edge of the trunk lid in a continuous curve dubbed Dynamic Full Cabin Design. Combined with the super compact vertical flow fuel cell stack that sits within the center console, the FCX has an almost limousine-like interior volume for four passengers.
Speaking of the passengers, keeping them in climate-controlled comfort is important but regulating the temperature of such a large interior volume can consume quite a bit of energy. One way to minimize that energy is to regulate the temperature right at the surface of the occupants. Since the largest point of contact between the passengers and the car is the seats, Honda has chosen to provide a climate control system within the seats. Fans draw air into the front seats where a thermo-electric device chills or heats it before blowing it through pores in the seat cushions. The end result is greatly reduced demand on the climate control system.
The FCX Clarity has remained remarkably true to the concept with the most obvious visual difference being the nose. The production car has been stretched out by a few inches in order to provide crush space for crash protection. The grille has now been moved above a new chrome bumper strip taking the place of the previous full-width light bar. In profile the base of the windshield extended even farther forward and the front quarter windows were part of the body. Those windows are now smaller and integrated into the doors instead. At the back, the full width tail-lamp cluster is now slimmer in the middle providing room for an extra piece of vertical glass aiding rear visibility with the high deck.
That tall deck combines with a fuel tank mounted down low between the rear wheels to provide for much more trunk room than other converted fuel cell cars. Including the under floor compartment, the total storage volume is 13.1 cu. ft. The fully-appointed FCX is equipped with all the modern conveniences such as a satellite navigation system, adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control. All of this is combined in an aluminum structural cage that provides protection for the passengers and the fuel system.
The FCX platform as having been designed to be lightweight while providing maximum safety. The FCX is designed to meet and surpass all safety standards in the US and elsewhere. When this car becomes available next year, it won't require any safety waivers. The 5,000 psi hydrogen tank is designed to withstand any impact it might see in the real world. While the first generation FCX used a two tank storage system, the new car has switched to a single-tank setup. Previously separate components like the pressure sensor, regulator and shut-off valve are now combined in one module mounted in the tank.
Having only one tank means fewer connection points that can fail so that safety is enhanced and installation is a lot simpler. A single larger diameter tank has greater capacity in less overall space than two smaller tanks. The bottom line is seventy-four percent fewer parts and twenty-four percent better storage efficiency.
One problematic aspect of many previous fuel cell vehicles has been high weight. The Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell being used for that company's Project Driveway weighs over 4,400 pounds and the Sequel concept reportedly weighs over 5,000 lbs. Even the much smaller Ford Focus FCV weighs in at 3,600 lbs. The new FCX Clarity weighs in at 3,582 lbs, which is only about 175 lbs more than the similarly-sized 2008 Accord. Doing a ground up design around a fuel cell power-train has allowed Honda to optimize it for the purpose.
The FCX is extremely well-equipped, overall, with niceties such as dual-zone digital climate control, adaptive (radar) cruise control, voice-activated navigation, and a sweet AM/FM/CD/XM audio system with a jack for your iPod or MP3 player.
That pays off in the ride and handling of the Clarity. While some other cross-over type fuel cell vehicles definitely feel more truck like on the road, this car is pure Honda. The FCX Clarity will be available for lease to retail customers beginning in the summer of 2008.
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