Choosing Tyres in F1 Races

Teams can invest small fortunes (actually, make that very large fortunes) in developing race car technology, and drivers can be as brilliant as they like, but when it comes down to it, a car�s tyres are what actually keeps it moving on the track. So, as you might expect, development has crept into tyre design too! The teams are given a choice of two compounds of dry weather tyres from their supplier. The compound refers to the constituent mix of rubber and chemicals of the tyre. The compound choice will usually be between:

• One that is more consistent and tougher-wearing
• One that is made from a grippier chemical/rubber mix and therefore usually faster at its peak A team will prefer to be able to use the softer, initially grippier tyre but sometimes they are prevented from doing so if they cannot attune the car sufficiently so that the tyre�s wear rate is kept in check. In this case they will be forced to choose the harder compound.

The compound choice refers only to the dry weather tyres. The tyre company will supply wet weather tyres but there is no choice of compound for the teams to make.
The teams have to choose their dry weather compound before going out to qualify. They are stuck with that choice for the rest of the weekend, so a bit of forward planning is important. What compound they choose depends on the following:

• The practice laps: The practices give the teams some indication of the wear rates and lap time capability of each tyre, enabling them to trade off one quality against the other in their calculations.
• Info from the tyre manufacturers: The tyre manufacturers advise the teams after studying the practice data. This will include looking at the tyres� lap time drop off, the difference in performance at its peak and just before the pit stop. At some circuits, there is virtually no drop-off �meaning that the tyre is still at a peak performance level when the fuel stop is made. At others, notably circuits like Suzuka in Japan that have lots of long duration turns, it is a significant factor.
• The pit stop strategy: The choice of tyre compound is also linked to the pit stop strategy. If you go for a one-stop strategy, the extra fuel weight may destroy the softer, more delicate compound and force you to opt for the harder, slower, choice.
• The driver�s skill: Much depends upon the sensitivity and control of the driver. If he can �nurse� the car through the early stages when the car�s weight is high, he may be able to make even the softer tyre �live� and therefore get the benefit of its extra grip as the fuel load comes down. You hardly ever know before the race what tyre and pit stop strategy a driver has chosen, as obviously this is information that could be used to advantage by his rivals and is therefore kept close to the team�s chest. You can always try asking if you get close enough, but they might lie.

Ross Brawn � strategy master

Recognised as the greatest pit lane strategist in Formula One, Ross Brawn helped Michael Schumacher to all five of his World Championships, first at Benetton and subsequently at Ferrari.
A gifted designer in his own right, Brawn�s greatest period of success began when he took up the role of Technical Director and left the design chief role at Benetton to Rory Byrne. Brawn became more of an overseer and organiser, albeit one with the technical insight to work hand-in-hand with Byrne. This came just at the time that Formula One re-introduced refuelling �which had previously been banned � thus opening out new avenues of competitive advantage. Brawn exploited this brilliantly, frequently making rival teams look inept with his dazzlingly quick mind.
He was aided in his operations by the searing speed of Schumacher and when the latter left Benetton for Ferrari, it took only another year before Brawn and Byrne followed him there. The three have been the architects of Ferrari�s renaissance, and in 2000 Schumacher became the first Ferrari driver in 21 years to lift the world crown.

Deciding F1 Strategy

The two principal tools of pre-determined strategy are tyre choice and pit stop timing. Deciding whether to use hard or soft tyres and whether to stop once (meaning your race will comprise two stints) or twice (meaning three stints) and at what intervals are influenced by a two really important considerations:

• Where you are in the field: Over the past few seasons Grand Prix grids have tended to be split into three sections: the top three teams, the midfield, and the lower orders. Barring freak circumstances there�s no way a midfield or tail-end team is going to threaten for victory, no matter how brilliant their strategy. �The competition� is usually a reference to the cars in your own group. A team that has qualified in the middle of the midfield looks at what strategy could get it to the front of the midfield by the end of the race, rather than trying to take on Ferrari, Williams, or McLaren for victory. Strategies are usually decided from that perspective. Is that negative thinking on their part? No, just realism.
• How fast your pit stops are: For reasons of pit lane safety, highly pressurised refuelling � whereby fuel flows into the tanks at a very fast rate under pressure � is limited. The refuelling equipment fills the tanks at the rate of 12 litres per second. Barring problems, refuelling � and not tyre changing, which can be accomplished in around three seconds � is what determines the length of a pit stop. The tyre guys could even have a cigarette while waiting for the refuellers. . . no, on second thought. . .

Leak: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

New 2011 Hyundai Sonata YF made the rounds today on several Korean forums revealing more details on the mid-size sedan's styling. As predicted, Hyundai's Mazda6 and VW Passat challenger incorporates a more dramatic design language than the current model featuring a four-door-coupe-like roofline and a stubby rear-end.


Although it is most likely that these photos depict the U.S. and Asian market model, the European version that will potentially be named ix40, shouldn't differ much - we suspect that the only significant change will concern the replacement of the Klingon-like front grille with something more in the lines of the new Tucson / ix35's grille.

The single interior photo shows the 2011 Sonata's instrument panel that houses a pair of deeply set gauges separated by small color screen.


We'll have to wait for the official reveal to learn details about the engine range, but four-cylinder and V6 gasoline units are almost guaranteed while the European range will also include Hyundai's a choice of four-banger turbo diesels such as the 2.0-liter four-pot with 185 horsepower.


We expect to see the new Sonata making its world debut before the end of the year and to arrive in dealerships on both sides of the Atlantic sometime during the first half of 2010.
via:carscoop

Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV

As they sat looking over the horizon, they realized they had achieved their dream. The guys from Dunkel Industries had driven themselves to a remote spot where they could just relax and enjoy nature at its tranquil best. What made the journey extra special was that they had gotten there in their very own Dunkel Industries Luxury 4x4. Now, "Luxury 4X4" might have some of you thinking Land Rover or Porsche Cayenne. If that's what you're picturing, then all we can say is "Think bigger." Much bigger. Like, so-big-we-can't-get-it-into-the-frame bigger. The Dunkel version of a Luxury 4X4 starts with a Ford F-650 commercial chassis and winds up as the ultimate off-road recreational vehicle.


As their website puts it, Dunkel industries was built on the childhood dream of never having to stop because the trail was 'more than the RV could handle.' So they created a vehicle with "unlimited versatility" that utilizes a Fabco military-grade 4x4 system, capable of driving the luxurious "custom wood, leather and Fiberglass interior" to places no RV dares to go. And in case you want to bring some smaller toys along with you into the wilderness, the bed is big enough to haul a car. That bed also articulates to serve as a ramp to load dirtbikes or ATVs onto the roof. No trailer necessary and no 55-mph limitations for this beast.


Dunkel Industries Luxury 4X4 Build Sheet

• Custom Seats
• Custom Cabinets
• Center Dash with Navigation, Stereo, Bluetooth, DVD, CD, and Laptop
• Rear Bed/Seat
• Custom one touch entry Stairwell
• Tilt-Bed with ramps
• Truck Levelers
• Extra Water
• 3 Winches
• Tow Package with air hook-ups
• 3 windshield wipers
• Custom Rims and Tires
• Custom Grille
• Custom Bumpers with lights
• 2 Flat Screens 17" and 12"
• LED Lighting (above and under cabinets)
• Rear Closet with Drawer
• 2 Custom Pull Out Tables
• 2 Hideaway Boxes (each side of rear seat)
• 3200 Onan
• Inverter
• Kitchen Sink (folding)
• 2 Burner Stove
• Refridgerator
• Aluminum Bed deck with Tie downs
• Upper Deck (with More Storage)
• Rear Pental Hitch (pivot with spring)
• Front Tow Bar
• Drivers air ride seat
• Upper Cabinets (6 Total)
• Back-up Camera also available for left and right side
• Monitor for cameras
• Four house batteries
• 18,000 BTU A/C-Heater
• Air-Ride for chassis with seperate air ride for cab

More Photos

Oakley Design Panamera Turbo

British Porsche tuners Oakley Design is the third to show their vision on the Porsche Panamera Turbo. The Oakley Design Panamera Turbo features a number of wind tunnel developed aerodynamic parts and Dymag lightweight carbon fiber wheels. The engine outputs range from 580hp for a simple remap and modified exhaust to an expected insane 680hp for a fully modified Panamera Turbo.


The 680 hp comes by way of a fully modified engine. Partial mods with 580 hp is also achievable via the exhaust and a "simple remap" of the ECU. The titanium exhaust include quad tips, replacing the original system from Porsche. After getting carbon fiber upgrades, like a tweeked rear spoiler, new front splitter, and new 20" wheels, the company added a new front spoiler and new side sills resembling those found on the Oakley GT2. The roof has also been remodeled in carbon fiber, while still using the original Panamera sliding roof.


The strongest version of the Oakley Design Panamera Turbo that produces 680bhp will feature various other parts that are being developed with Oakley�s American distributer �Farnbacherloles�. The Oakley Design Panamera Turbo kit should be available from the 15th of September 2009.


Source: gtspirit

Frankfurt Motor Show: Opel Astra styling kit by Irmscher

IAA Frankfurt 2009: World premiere of the new Irmscher Opel Astra

The new Astra from Irmscher - exciting design and outstanding driving dynamics

On the occasion of the IAA in Frankfurt, the customisation specialist Irmscher for the first time presents the upgraded Astra. To accompany the nationwide sales start on 17th September, Irmscher offers a comprehensive sports programme for the trade. For this volume model from Opel R�sselsheim, Irmscher has come up with a strikingly sporty design coupled with pure driving dynamics. The Irmscher accessories are characterised by unusually high quality and the seamless integration into the look and design of the new Opel Astra. The lrmscher exterior products harmonise perfectly with the proportions of the new Astra.

Outside

Balanced proportions and exciting design

The broad shoulders on the flanks, and gentle curves between clearly defined lines recall the design language of the Insignia. The balanced proportions of the new Astra imply dynamics at the very first glance. An attribute which Irmscher consistently underlines and develops further with its design ideas. Viewed from a distance, the eye is immediately caught by the harmoniously integrated front spoiler lip, the slim radiator grill panel with silver or carbon-look design rail and the track width of the Irmscher wheels with their Turbo Star design. The side view of the new Astra is skilfully enhanced by Irmscher with a side skirt which picks up the curved line of the side view. The sporting ambitions of the Irmscher Astra are also clearly apparent from the vehicle rear, where the agile and dynamic look are complemented by the striking roof spoiler, together with a diffuser insert and quad stainless steel exhaust silencer.

Inside

Selected materials and outstanding quality

In the interior of the vehicle, the driver and passengers want for nothing. The seats, door panels and central armrests are manufactured by Irmscher and finished in fine cowhide. The leather interior fittings have been carefully matched with the red bodywork. Irmscher provides additional interior refinement in the form of aluminium door-locking pins, sill panelling in stainless steel and aluminium pedals. All Irmscher accessories stand out for their excellent visual and tactile finishing quality and further enhance the already high-quality impression of the new Astra.

Equipment

Outstanding dynamics with high driving safety

For the new Astra, Irmscher has developed a new 18" wheel in the "Turbo Star" and "Turbo Star Exclusive" design. The new rim comes complete with the 225 cm tyre width. These will be followed shortly by 20" light metal wheels, also in the Turbo Star design. For the chassis, Irmscher offers a lowering of 30 mm. here the spring characteristics used ensure sportily agile driving pleasure, and in combination with the wide tyres provide greater track stability and even more driving safety. The exhaust silencer with its elliptical twin tailpipe not only emphasises the sporty rear view of the Irmscher Astra, but also creates the appropriate satisfying sound.

At a glance

The new Astra from Irmscher

Outside

� Front spoiler lip
� Radiator grill panel with design rail in stainless steel or carbon look
� Side skirts
� Roof spoiler
� Diffuser rear spoiler trim

Inside

� Complete leather interior including seats, door panels and central armrests, and matching foot mats
� Matt aluminium door-locking pins
� Stainless steel sill panelling
� Aluminium pedals

Equipment

� Light metal wheels in the Turbo Star design 8x18 ET 46 with 225/45x18 tyres
� 30 mm lowering of the chassis springs
� Left and right exhaust silencers with elliptical twin tailpipes

via:worldcarfans

New Chevy Tahoe

New Chevy Tahoe

New Chevy Tahoe

New Chevy Tahoe

Chevy Quotes

Chevy Quotes:

I like jazz, but I could never play it. You just sit there with a guitar the size of a Chevy on your chest, wearing a stupid hat, playing the same solo for an hour. - Chevy Quotes by Dave Mustaine

I'm Chevy Chase, and you're not. - Chevy Quotes by Chevy Chase

If Chevy Chase had not been an actor, he might have been a very popular guy in advertising or whatever field he would have gone into, because of his charisma. - Chevy Quotes by Harold Ramis

Since my induction into the Sports Hall of Fame, I have wanted to have my No. 3 Chevy on exhibit for sports fans to see. I hope others will enjoy the car as much as I have. - Chevy Quotes by Junior Johnson

They can't make any of these talented young actors Fletch. You might as well make a movie called Chevy Chase. - Chevy Quotes by Chevy Chase

Cash For Clunkers - Art Car Renaissance???

Cash For Clunkers Art Cars

During the recent government "cash for clunkers" program this country witnessed an art car renaissance within the car dealership community. The program gave birth to the hidden talent that laid dormant within some of our countries finest car sales people. No longer did they just have to blow up balloons first thing every morning or make sure that the standard signage was clean and ready to go. During cash for clunkers a new and innovative signage program was needed so they took to their canvas with gusto to tell the world about it. What we saw was the raw inner creative spirit coming through as public works of art through car painting, car sculpture and even car destruction performance art. I don't know if our country will ever be the same, but I hope this new cash for clunkers art car renaissance will not effect us adversely.




Cash For Clunkers Sculpture



Cash For Clunkers Destruction Performance Art

Chevy SUVs Chevrolet S-10 Blazer

Chevy SUVs Chevrolet S-10 Blazer

Chevy SUVs Chevy S-10 Blazer

Chevy SUVs Chevy S-10 Blazer

New Hatchback Pontiac G3 Base 2009

New Hatchback Pontiac G3 Base

New Hatchback Pontiac G3 Base

Luxury Hatchback Pontiac G3 Base

2009 Vector Chrome

2009 Vector Chrome Auto Car Modification

2009 Vector Chrome

2009 Vector Chrome Auto Car Modification

Lorenzo Took US MotoGP Victory after Rossi and Pedrosa Crashed

Jorge Lorenzo took victory at the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix to cut Valentino Rossi's championship lead to 25 points as Rossi crashed and failed to finish on Sunday's race. Lorenzo, who did not finish in the last two Car Evolutions, came home nine seconds ahead of Alex de Angelis in second with home favourite Ducati rider Nicky Hayden in third.


Unlucky for Dani Pedrosa, he set the early pace before crashing his bike on lap four, leaving Rossi and Lorenzo to battle for the lead. Two laps later, the Spainard had gone ahead when the Italian also crashed and out of the race.

Dani Pedrosa did superbly to come back and finish in 10th place, and Britain's James Toseland boosted his chance of earning a new contract with the Tech 3 Yamaha team by equalling his career-best sixth place finish. With five races of the season left, Jorge Lorenzo has cut Rossi's championship lead to just one win's-worth of points.

Statistics confirm accident research conducted by Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes drivers enjoy better road safety

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Aug 31, 2009 � The evidence is now clear: drivers of Mercedes vehicles are safer on the road than drivers of other car brands. This is the result of a study of Mercedes accident research based on official, anonymous data samples from the Federal Office of Statistics. Having looked at 18,748 accidents resulting in personal injury during the period from 2003 to 2007, the study found that the risk of being seriously or fatally injured as the driver of a E-Class, is 10.4 percent lower than for comparable vehicles of other brands.


The study did not even allow for the fact that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are involved in accidents less frequently than the vehicles of other brands � primarily because, among other reasons, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to introduce ESP� across the board. The study of accident severity only took into account accidents resulting in personal injury. The criteria were initial registration from 2002 onwards, as well as a performance and weight class corresponding to the E-Class.
The result represents clear evidence of the contribution made by the passive safety systems of Mercedes-Benz to reducing the consequences of an accident. Thanks to adaptive front airbags and belt-force limiters, which can adapt to the severity of an impact, rollover sensors, windowbags as standard and an intelligently designed body structure which provides occupants with excellent protection even in the event of severe collisions, at the time of its world premiere in 2002 the E-Class became the new benchmark for passenger car safety in the luxury class.

In the course of a facelift of the E-Class in the spring of 2006, the Mercedes engineers continued to achieve further substantial advances in the field of high-level safety, equipping the E-Class with safety systems which no other passenger car in this class was able to offer. At the time PRE-SAFE� was introduced, the interlinking of systems for accident prevention with occupant protection marked the start of a new era in this vehicle class. This Mercedes invention takes advantage of the time between detecting an accident-prone situation and possible accident damage for occupant protection. With the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has continued to build on the advances being made in the field of safety. Around a dozen new or enhanced driver assistance systems contribute to preventing accidents and reducing the severity of an impact. These include the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, as well as the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system and PRE-SAFE� Brakes with autonomous emergency braking. For the first time, PRE-SAFE� can also make use of information from the short-range radar sensors in the front bumper to tighten the front seat belts in the very last split second before an unavoidable accident, thus helping to reduce the loads suffered by the driver and front passenger in a crash.

With nine airbags as standard, four seat-belt tensioners and belt-force limiters as well as crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front passenger, the new E-Class provides an even more comprehensive level of safety equipment than its predecessor. As well as the air cushions, which can be activated in milliseconds in the event of an accident, there are also two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front seat backrests, and also two generously sized windowbags which span the area from the A to the C-pillar in the event of a side impact. For the first time, pelvisbags have also been incorporated for the front seat occupants. These can also help to reduce loads in the upper body and pelvic areas in the event of a side collision. Sidebags are also available as an optional extra for the rear passengers, while another safety innovation includes automatic adaptive belt-force limiters in the rear, now available for the first time as an option from Mercedes-Benz. These adjust automatically to the size and weight of the passengers.

Copyright � 2009, car-evolutioncars. All rights reserved.

[rF] F1 Spa 2009

[rF] Kimi Spa 2009

New Car 2009 Chevrolet Colorado Cincinnati Video

New Car 2009 Chevrolet Colorado Cincinnati Video

The Abt R8 5.2 FSI -Ten cylinders. 600 HP

These figures make the hearts of sports car drivers beat faster: 600 HP (441 kW), acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, top speed of 322 km/h. The car to which these impressive performance figures belong is the ABT R8 5.2 FSI. Its V10 engine draws plenty of power from its large 5,204 cubic centimetre capacity � all the more if ABT POWER gives it an extra boost. 75 extra HP or 55 more kW provides a powerful trust at all speeds as well as increasing the torque.


The fact that the medium-engine super sports car becomes a winner on any track is not just due to its excellent performance characteristics, but also the perfectly coordinated bodywork package. It has been designed by the DTM crew of ABT Sportsline according to the latest motorsport knowledge, including the use of high-end carbon materials. The focus was above all on the optimum distribution of weight and a systematic light-weight construction.


�The 600 HP is not just intended to exist on paper, but also be available on the road�, says Christian Abt. At the same time the ABT R8 thereby looks extremely dynamic. The front spoiler, side sills and rear apron outline the bodywork and give it a more powerful presence even when at a standstill. They form one unit with the distinctive rear wing and the typical ABT 4-pipe exhaust system.


The super sports car is presented on BR-type 20-inch wheels which suit the classic design. The ABT R8 5.2 FSI is a design milestone and is of course very, very fast. This is because the 600 ABT horsepower contain, what the dynamic design of the car promises.

via:thaiautomaxx