Car Evolution: June 2010

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Great overtaking moves still happen

One of the greatest Formula One overtaking moves of all time happened as recently as 2000, at Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix, proving that it isn�t quite an art lost to Formula One. The race was a flat-out battle of wills between the two men fighting for that year�s World Championship: Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen. Schumacher�s Ferrari had led most of the race but in the late stages was rapidly being caught by Hakkinen�s McLaren.
Schumacher, with more rear wing, was slower up the long hill that follows on from Eau Rouge, perhaps Formula One�s greatest corner. This made him susceptible to attack under braking for the tight right hander, Les Combes, at the end of the uphill straight.
A few laps from the end, Hakkinen got a run on the Ferrari there and sliced his car to the inside. At around 200 mph Schumacher began to edge Hakkinen over towards the grass. The McLaren�s front wing actually touched the rear of the Ferrari as a horrified Hakkinen was forced to lift off. But now he was angry.
On the next lap, the two cars came to lap the BAR of Ricardo Zonta at the very same place as their earlier encounter. Schumacher opted to pass on the left, and in an instant, Hakkinen dived for the right. A startled Zonta thankfully remained on his line as Hakkinen squeezed past and then proceeded to outbrake Schumacher. It was a great gladiatorial victory for the Finn who afterwards was seen to be having a quiet but stern word with Schumacher.

Best place to overtake

Having said all that, some corners are conducive to overtaking:

A tightly connected left-right or right-left sequence � where the outside line for the first part of the turn forms the advantageous inside for the second part or vice-versa � allows cars to pass each other. The revised Nurburgring track in Germany includes some of these exciting corners.
A long straight followed by a slow hairpin � which increases the braking distance, also works and has been used well at the revised Hockenheim track, also in Germany, as well as at the Malaysian circuit of Sepang. The Senna Esses at Interlagos combines both these features and is a classic overtaking spot. Juan Pablo Montoya made himself a hero to millions at this spot in only his third Formula One race, rubbing tyres with Michael Schumacher to take the lead of the 2001 Brazilian Grand Prix.

At such tracks race strategies can be more aggressive as light, two-stopping cars cannot be held up indefinitely by heavier one-stoppers. Formula One purists might try telling you that because overtaking is rare, it�s more special in Formula One than in other forms of the sport where passing and re-passing is frequent but relatively insignificant. Don�t worry if you feel indignant at this � it reflects well on you as a Formula One fan. You might reply along the lines of �That�s a dangerously complacent attitude, and Formula One really needs to address this part of its show if it�s to keep its fans entertained.� A lot of thought is being given to the overtaking issue by both the governing body and teams. Circuit design and lessening the cars� downforce are the favoured areas of investigation. But Formula One tends to spend a lot of time arguing with itself before any changes are made. Don�t hold your breath.

Overtaking and Why It�s Rare

Once past the first corner of the race, overtaking in a Formula One car is an incredibly difficult art. Here�s why.

Passing on the straight: The power difference between even the fastest car and the slowest is rarely enough make overtaking simply a matter of blasting by on the straight. For that to work, the driver needs to complete the move before the next corner arrives, because unlike racing on an oval track, there is only one real �line� through a corner; anything else is much slower. Therefore the overtaking car would need to get completely in front of the car it�s passing rather than just nosing ahead, in order to then take up track position for the next turn. It�s rare for such a performance differential to exist between cars to make this possible.
Passing under braking: This is where the moves � such as they are � are usually made. But this is by no means easy. With over 2000kg of pressure pushing the cars into the road, they can decelerate with enormous force �up to 5g. Even the act of lifting your foot from the accelerator pedal creates around 1g of deceleration � around the same as a full emergency stop in your road car � and that�s before the brakes have been applied! Consequently the braking distances for corners are incredibly short. The shorter the braking distances, the less opportunity there is to pass under braking.
Slipstreaming: The driver of the car behind can benefit from the slipstream effect. This is where the car ahead punches a hole through the air, greatly reducing the air resistance for any car immediately behind it. This effect means that the following driver can use less throttle for the same speed and then simultaneously pull out and floor the throttle to gain a brief surge that might get him ahead. To be successful, the driver has to carry out this move just before the cars enter the braking zone � and on the inside line for the corner. Given that the defending driver is allowed one blocking move between corners, he should invariably have that situation covered, forcing his attacker to take the long way round � the outside.

2010 Sportec SPR1R

Sportec has released the images and details of the new 2010 Sportec SPR1R Porsche 911 which will be premiered at the Salon Prive 2010.

The Sportec Porsche 911 SPR1R comes with titanium connection rods, a flat carbon fibre under floor, active suspension and F1 style ceramic brake discs as well as composite (carbon / Kevlar) body panels, forged alloy wheels and an integrated safety cage.

The new Sportec SPR1R makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3 seconds and top speed remains at 236 mph. The SPR1R also comes with a driver adjustable traction control system, managed via a touch screen mounted in the center console. This unit also doubles as a vehicle data logger and lap timer, which also allows owners to monitor key engine data in real time.

Dubbed the SPR1R, the car features composite (carbon / Kevlar) body panels, a flat carbon fiber under floor, an active suspension, carbon ceramic brakes, and a roll cage. While this is all standard on the SPR1 M, the SPR1R weighs 50 kilograms (110 pounds) less and has an adjustable traction control system (which doubles as a data logger and lap timer).

As for the styling, SPR1R comes with lightweight 20 inch forged alloy wheels and a carbon fibre rear wing, while the interior is covered in leather and alcantara.

Press Release

SPORTEC RETURNS TO SALON PRIV� EVENT WITH IMPROVED SPR1R SUPERCAR

Having stunned the motoring press and Salon Priv� show goers last year with the UK premier of the SPR1, SPORTEC is set to debut a new, faster, lighter and improved version of the Swiss built supercar at this year's event - the SPR1R.

Conceived, designed and constructed in Switzerland by SPORTEC's technical team, the new version of the SPR1 offers unrivalled supercar performance and exclusivity, carrying over the 858PS bi-turbo, 3.6-litre, 24-valve, flat six T80M engine and permanent four wheel drive of the previous version.

Likewise the SPORTEC SPR1R's specification includes the titanium connecting rods, a flat carbon fibre under floor, active suspension and F1 style ceramic brake discs of other SPR1 models, while the use of composite (carbon / Kevlar) body panels, forged alloy wheels, an integrated safety cage and ceramic brake discs allows the SPR1 to be lighter, safer and more dynamic than other cars in its class.

For 2010, the SPR1R boasts a number of detail improvements. Firstly, by concentrating on weight reduction across a variety of key components, SPORTEC's technicians have managed to reduce the weight of the SPR1R by 50 kilograms, to a total of 1295 kilos.

This development makes the SPR1R one of the lightest supercars on the market (a Bugatti Veyron weighs 1990 kilos for comparison) and enhances the SPR1R's power to weight ratio to a staggering 655 bhp per ton.

In addition, SPORTEC has added a driver adjustable traction control system, managed via a touch screen mounted in the centre console. This unit also doubles as a vehicle data logger and lap timer, which also allows owners to monitor key engine data in real time.

These combined improvements have yielded considerable performance benefits. While the 0-62mph (100kmh) time is unchanged at 3.0 seconds, the 300 kmh (186mph) increment arrives 0.9 seconds quicker than previously, highlighting the effectiveness of the changes. The quoted top speed of more than 236mph remains unaltered

Available in a choice of colours, the SPR1R boasts a number of exclusive SPORTEC styling and interior touches, including lightweight 20 inch forged alloy wheels, a carbon fibre rear wing and leather / alcantara interior.

Subtle, exclusive yet very useable and designed to deliver unrivalled performance, the 2010 SPR1R is designed to stay ahead of the supercar competition.

APS of Brackley is the UK concession for SPORTEC, and APS / SPORTEC is delighted that the 2010 SPR1R will be making its British debut at the prestigious Salon Priv� show at London's Hurlingham club, between 21st-23rd July.

2010 MY SPORTEC SPR1R Technical Data

Engine type Six cylinder boxer engine
Displacement 3600cc
Bore/stroke 100 x 76.4mm
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Power output 858PS @ 8200rpm
Torque output 642lb.ft @ 4800rpm
Engine management Bosch ME 7.8 SPORTEC MFC G4.0
Fuel quality 98 RON unleaded
Idle speed 820rpm
Max engine speed 1st gear 8700rpm

2nd-5th gear 8500rpm

6th gear 8200rpm

Emissions standard Euro IV

Transmission

Six-speed manual, four wheel drive

Gear ratios:
1st 3.82
2nd 2.05
3rd 1.41
4th 1.12
5th 0.92
6th 0.75
Reverse gear 2.86
Final drive ratio 3.44
Speed at 1000rpm in 6th gear 30.76mph
Clutch disc diameter 240mm

Chassis
Front axle Light alloy links with McPherson struts, uniball top mounts
Rear axle Multi link suspension, uniball top mounts
Steering Electric power steering
Steering ratio 1:16.9
Steering from lock to lock 2.98
Brakes Front: 8 piston light alloy calliper
Rear: 4 piston light alloy calliper

Brake discs Front: Cross drilled and ventilated ceramic 380 x 34mm discs
Rear: Cross drilled and ventilated ceramic 322 x 28mm discs
Wheels Front: 9J x 20 inch 30mm offset
Rear: 12.5J x 20 inch 40mm offset
Tyres Front: 255/30 R20 92Y XL

Rear: 345/25 R20 100Y

Weights

Kerb weight (DIN)* 1295 KG
Front / rear weight distribution 40/60

*Depending on equipment

Dimensions
Length 4467mm
Width 1878mm
Height 1275mm
Wheelbase 2350mm
Track front: 1550mm

Rear: 1564mm
Fuel capacity 64 litres

Performance
Maximum speed Over 236mph (380kmh)
Acceleration:
0-100kmh (62 mph) 3.0 seconds
0-200kmh (124mph) 8.6 seconds
0-300kmh (186mph) 18.9 seconds
Power to weight ratio 655 bhp per ton
Bhp per litre 238

Trailer full of Fiat 500's spotted...

I received an interesting message from a follower of this blog the other day that I'd like to share with everyone.

"Chris,

I have been a fan of Chrysler products for over 40 years and have been following the recent developments with great interest.

Red marker is near where 500s were spotted

Last Wednesday, June 23, I was traveling west on Interstate 70 near Evanston Wyoming and I passed a full transporter load of Fiat 500's They were obviously new with the protective plastic cladding and window stickers showing.

Thought you may be interested. Bob"

In a latter correspondence Bob noted...

"It was a carrier full which is 12. The colors I noticed were white and red. The rest were a blur."

Thanks Bob!

There seems to be a lot of sightings of the Fiat 500 out in the mid-west, so any one living out there, keep your eyes open for the 500. I would like to thank Bob for taking the time to share this information with us.

If anyone else sees a 500, feel free to contact me and I'll get it out in a post, of course, if you get a picture that would be great. Just click here to get in touch with me and include an email address and I'll get back to you.

Pogea Racing - Fiat 500 Ferrari Edition

Pogea Racing has released an incredible upgrade package for the special edition Fiat 500 Abarth 595 Ferrari that includes both performance and styling enhancements.

Pogea Racing believes the standard 180 hp of the special edition model is not enough, so they gave it another 100 hp. This means the total output of the Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari gets up to 268PS and 330 Nm of torque. In a car this size, with front-wheel-drive, getting so close to 300 hp is pure madness.

The standard Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition makes a respectable 164-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Pogea Racing decided to take it a step further and added larger stainless steel exhaust system, modified downpipe, and a new catalytic converter. All those modifications allow for a total of 264-hp and a maximum torque of 243 lb-ft. For stopping power Pogea Racing upgraded the OEM brakes with their 4-piston brake assembly.

To add cooling to both the intake air, and to lower the combustion temperature, a modified Intake cooling system was created. A center-mount, larger, more efficient intercooler replaces the two smaller original intercoolers. Additional air is being pumped into the engine compartment to cool the accessories via the carbon fiber parts of the Assetto Corse. Fuel injection is optimized by changing fuel pressure valves and using upgraded Bosch fuel injectors.

With the added power comes upgraded four-piston caliper brakes.� Options available include an upgrade suspension, unspecified carbon fiber parts, and leather upholstery.� Taking a cue from the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, the car appears to be painted in the same Scuderia Red with grey race stripes around the venting on the hood.� Pricing on the Pogea Racing 500 package begins at �3400.

Press Release

The mighty Italian - Fiat 500 FERRARI DEALERS EDITION with 268 PS

When there is a new project at Pogea Racing, one can be absolutely sure that everything is well studied to the smallest detail.

The hardest part of the development process was to avoid using a separate Tuning Box Unit. Unlike other "tuners", Pogea Racing starts with the OEM ECU of the Fiat 500 Abarth, instead of relying on a separate controller unit. Pogea Racing develops the software data to work directly with the vehicle's ECU. This assures that instructions that are sent from the ECU direct all normal functions of the car properly. An auxiliary unit cannot control all functions, and will ignore the vehicle's ECU's commands. Herein lies the principal difference between Pogea Racing's development and other Tuners.

Pogea Racing chose a very rare model, the Fiat 500 FERRARI DEALERS EDITION of Abarth. The standard engine is already relatively strong, coming with 165PS and 230Nm. Pogea Racing increases the performance of the small Italian model by adding 100hp on top of the standard engine, producing 268PS and 330 Nm total power. The Pogea Racing model was also measured and developed on one of the most modern all-wheel drive dynamometers. To get this power out of the mighty Italian car, they changed the exhaust system and replaced it with a larger stainless steel exhaust system, modified downpipe, and a new catalytic converter. The tailpipes can be chosen by the customer from many available Designs.

Power comes from the new hybrid turbocharger from Pogea Racing. Currently, there are two turbocharger variants that the customer can choose from. To add cooling to both the intake air, and to lower the combustion temperature, a modified Intake cooling system was created. A center-mount, larger, more efficient intercooler replaces the two smaller original intercoolers. Additional air is being pumped into the engine compartment to cool the accessories via the carbon fiber parts of the Assetto Corse. Fuel injection is optimized by changing fuel pressure valves and using upgraded Bosch fuel injectors.

For increased stopping power Pogea Racing upgraded the OEM Brake system with their 4-piston brake assembly. This detail is very important to Pogea Racing, and they developed a brake system with identical weight to the OEM brake system, but about 1,8m reduced braking distance when compared to the OEM brakes. You can round up the entire kit with T�V Approval and with an optional warranty for engine, turbo, and transmission. Pogea Racing completes its tuning work exclusively at their headquarters in the center at the Bodensee.

Apart from the performance cure Pogea Racing also offers Assetto Corse Parts as legal T�V Approved Parts dealer in Germany for the current models. The parts come directly from the factory in Italy. So now your Fiat can become optically at least a large Ferraristi, or even an image of the 100 PS Assetto Corse. Pogea Racing has other services; leather work, individual suspension systems, and carbon fiber parts can also be part of your individualization. Now there is one tuning company which makes just about everything for your little Italian. Prices for the smallest Change begin at 3400�.

Dodge Durango Hybrid Specs

Chrysler started to build the Dodge Durango Hybrid 2009 in fall 2008, featuring the 340 hp (254 kW) 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi engine with MDS as well as the new Two-Mode Hybrid system developed with General Motors and BMW. The manufacturer claimed an almost 25% gain overall fuel fuel economy and an almost 40% gain in the city.

EPA testing on the Hybrid Durango with the Hemi V8 engine indicates fuel mileage to be about 20 miles per US gallon (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg-imp) (city) and 22 miles per US gallon (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) (highway) for 2009 model.

Dodge Durango Hybrid

Dodge Durango Hybrid

The normal (non-hybrid) Durango with the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi and 4WD gets 13 miles per US gallon (18 L/100 km; 16 mpg-imp) (city) and 19 miles per US gallon (12 L/100 km; 23 mpg-imp) (highway).

The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $45,340.Production of the hybrid models (this included Chrysler Aspen Hybrid as well) began on August 22 2008. Chrysler received approximately 3000 pre-orders from dealers. By early November 2008, 400 of the hybrid S.U.V.�s, including Chrysler Aspen, had already been built.

Dodge Durango Hybrid

Dodge Durango Hybrid

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2010 Dodge Journey Marketing

Dodge Journeys assembled and marketed in Japan are known as Dodge JC.

As part of the vehicle's introductory promotion, Dario Franchitti's No. 40 Dodge Charger carried a "Journey" paint scheme for the 2008 Daytona 500 on February 15, 2008.

2010 Dodge Journey

2010 Dodge Journey

Aston Martin Rapide Information

The Aston Martin Rapide is a four-door, high-performance sport saloon, which British luxury marque Aston Martin introduced in early 2010 to compete with the Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, and Porsche Panamera along with the upcoming Audi A7 and Lamborghini Estoque. It was first presented as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in 2006. The Rapide name is a reference to the Lagonda Rapide, a saloon car produced by Lagonda, now part of Aston Martin. The car is based on an Aston Martin DB9. The base price for the Aston Martin Rapide is $199,950 (USD)and the first cars were rolled out in May 2010.

The Rapide is built at a dedicated plant at the Magna Steyr facility in Graz, Austria. Production began in 2010 and the factory plans to build 2,000 per year.

The production version features a full-length glass roof and LED light bars on the rear end, two firsts for Aston Martin.

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin Rapide

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

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