My Car's: April 2008

4.30.2008

Website that finds cool stuff on Ebay, like 60's cars!

http://www.retrotogo.com/ebay_watch/index.html

1960 Messerschmitt KR200 bubble car
1972 Mini Clubman Estate
1969 Fiat 500
1963 Triumph Herald
are just a few there recently

Burnout video of the week! A pair of customs at Las Vegas dragstrip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqBiLAaKA-s&e
Via http://www.classiccar.com/wordpress/2008/burnouts/

Hello!

Hello Sweden, Hello Finland!

Hello Argentina, Hello Chile!

Great artists in automotive fine art

for the above two, http://www.rpmart.com/newsculpt.html but look around through all his stuff, it's terrific. Richard Pietruska is a teacher at the Art Center of Design, Pasadena... you've heard about that college, it's the one Chip Foose and Dick Teague went to.

I found him and others from looking at http://www.autoartgallery.com/afas/index.html

One artist, Bill Motta, was the art director of Road and Track magazine. He is the V.P. of the Automobile Fine Arts Society and a member of the National Acrylic Painters' Association. http://todaysinspiration.blogspot.com/2006/02/bill-motta.html

Also http://blog.cardomain.com/blog/2008/05/automotive-art.html#more

This will have you wanting to take a trip, and then wondering how to raise the money to go

http://www.goodwood.co.uk/revival/revival_themovie.htm

Terrific snapshot of the determined spirit to win

http://www.lbvcr.com/gallery.cfm/flag/2/category/18/id/380/category_name/2007%20LBVCR%20Photographer%20of%20the%20Year

Hurst wheels

Popular Hot Rodding magazine has a great 5 page article on Hurst wheels, but of course they don't have a word of it on their website, so let me recommend you go take a look at the nearest magazine rack, June 2008 issue, page 48

If you have a fortune to spend on a rare car, here's a interesting bunch

They have an unrestored '65 Shelby GT350, but we've all seen them before, however I bet you've never seen the owners manual, I haven't.

http://fantasyjunction.com/used-cars.php?SID=664d9edb2ef32f7f37853da6cfa69c7f

Very odd way to treat a Hispano - Suiza

Hispano-Suiza H6B Landaulet

Graham White chose to discard the drophead coupe bodywork and stretch the H6B's wheelbase by 3ft 6in to 15ft 7in. Entering a period of limbo thereafter, it was still in its lengthened, denuded state when acquired by Peter Hampton in 1966. Apparently inspired by a similarly extravagant Lanchester 40hp-based creation (made to order for an Indian potentate) he had the Hispano fitted with a genuine Brewster Landau carriage body that once belonged to the Woolworth family.

Known thereafter as 'Peter's Folly', this unique car is a true child of the 1960s. Finished in black over yellow with varnished wooden wings, its driver's bench and rear postillion seats are trimmed in beige leather, while the landau itself carries beige cloth upholstery (complete with wicker seat bases and embroidered door panels etc). Still sporting a Brewster & Co, Broome St New York plaque, this 'horseless carriage' is further adorned with fork-mounted nickel plated Marchal headlamps, a combination of SPN Scintilla / Toby Baxton Ltd (London) Diver's Bell rear lights, a CAV horn (nearside running board), Boa-type horn (offside running board) and faux ivory dashboard stocked with Hispano-Suiza instruments. Retaining its trademark Flying Stork mascot, the radiator also wears a discreet plaque celebrating the car's participation in the Grand Prix Concours d'Elegance, Monte Carlo 1927. Driven by Mr Van Dijk on the occasion of his daughter's wedding, the H6B is said to handle surprisingly well. Indeed, it has been credited in the past with "a top speed well in excess of 70mph".

http://www.octane-magazine.com/carsforsale.php?seecarsforsale=6414

Russian May Day parade of military vehicles

http://amazing-filtered.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-04-30T11%3A09%3A00%2B04%3A00&max-results=1

Zeel Design choppers

http://www.zeeldesign.com/Images.asp?IdSection=29 103Cu supercharged

Games to keep your mind off the drive

http://americaonwheels.org/AOW%20Car%20Games.htm has several, most of them I've never heard of.

I have used the 'farthest state plate' to keep my mind active and looking around, and when on a long drive with someone else the name game is a fun and competitive way to see who can start the next name with the last letter of the previous full name. ie Jack PalancE to Emilio EsteveS to Steven SpielberG to George Burns. This was a great way to waste a lot of time on watch while I was in the Navy too. It gets competitive when someone has to start a name with a X, Y, or V. Yasmine Bleeth was always a good bet.

Name foreign cars from a certain country was a good one too.

What did you use? jbohjkl@yahoo.com

Save the date for Encinitas Cruise, June 19

June 19

Rods & Woodies Classic Car Show 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every third Thursday through Sept. 18, South Coast Highway 101 between H and D streets, Encinitas.
Info: http://encinitas101.com/news_events-woodies.html or (760) 943-1950.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080426/news_1dd26signcal.html

ASE cerification test study guide company

http://passthease.search-autoparts.com/#start

Another cool photographer

http://boydphoto.com/

Technically true

Mattell is the largest car maker in the world, at 5 million toy cars a month. http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/advanstar/sap_200803/#/8

4.29.2008

Ford Ka

The Ford Ka lives for the moment. With its unmistakable styling, superb driving dynamics and a catch-me-if-you-can attitude, this is a small car with big ideas. If you’re looking for more power, there’s Ford Sportka SE with its aggressive styling and feisty 1.6-litre engine. Whatever you’re into, the Ford Ka wants to be part of the action.

Exterior

Ford Ka is proof that good things really do come in small packages. There’s just something about it; that curvaceous body, the sculpted headlights, those distinctive bumpers and that unmistakable zest for life. The Ford Ka was made to get noticed and so you always reach your destination in style.

Now you can make an even bigger statement with Ka-ligraphy, a range of vibrant exterior vinyl graphics which complement the cute curves of the loveable Ka.

Interior

Because life’s about seizing every opportunity – and creating some fantastic memories, flexible 50/50 split rear seats and a handy glovebox mean you can bring whatever you need for your latest adventure. And with a comfortable and stylish interior you’ll never fail to make a statement.
Source:Ford

Video;New Mercedes GLK

When the Mercedes GLK was launched at this year's Beijing Motor Show there was very little left to the imagination as we had already seen the pre production Freeside and Townside concepts at the Detroit Motor Show back in January. But the area of imagination is where the Mercedes designers have been found lacking, with a rather uninspiring design which falls well short of the innovation expected in the premium SUV sector.

"Hey guys, the boss says we need to make something to compete with the X3! -Really? I'm so lazy today. Ok give me 5 minutes and a ruler, I will work something out." commented WCF reader Afterace2.'

Fortunately the German manufacturer has at least popped in a few of its recently developed technologies including 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, Agility Control suspension, Intelligent Light System, PRE-SAFE and 7G-TRONIC transmission. Power units range from the 170 hp 2.2-liter four cylinder engine up to the top of the range 3.5-liter V6 pumping out 272hp.

Check out the video for driving footage of the all new GLK.

Source: Mercedes

Venturi Fetish with the new VM300 engine ...

The Venturi Fetish was first shown at the 2004 Paris Motor Show and will go into production this year, but Venturi first wanted to give the Euro 100,000 electric sports car an upgraded engine. This engine is called the VM 300 and produces 300 hp (220 kW) with 380 Nm of torque while weighing just 35 kg.

The Venturi Fetish was designed by Sacha Lakic and will be entering the newly established electric premium segment with the Fisker Karma and Tesla Roadster.

The 2009 Venturi Fetish with the new VM300 engine will be presented at the upcoming 2008 Paris Motor Show this October for those who have missed it at the elite Top Marques show in Monaco last weekend.

Source: Venturi

Opel Corsa OPC by Steinmetz

Steinmetz presents/displays a preparation to us for Opel Corsa OPC, the Corsa more powerful than is sold at the present time and that is from most attractive in its segment and category by his fit price, benefits and design.

The preparation of Steinmetz consists, in the first place, of kit the aerodynamic, that consists of elements like a new one and guessed right frontal grill, followed of a spoiler located in the inferior part of paragolpes front and divided in two parts, new range of alloy rims that are offered in diverse sizes - from 16 to 19 inches -, among others.

In the mechanical section, it still more receives a reduction of 30 mm in the suspension, leaving it under which the one of series, in addition to an involution in its small supercharged motor 1,6 of 192 CV with a turbocompressor, that thanks to the preparation happens to count on 202 CV, that is to say, 10 CV extra, but Steinmetz has not at the moment revealed the improvement in the benefits that implies. Finally, we were the new escapes located in the back diffuser, that are those that contributes to the increase of power.

In general, this preparation still more improves the one of by aesthetic exceptional himself of Corsa OPC, the only failure (to look for some to him), would be the positioning of the later escapes in the back diffuser, that cause that that zone is recharged too much.
Source: Steinmetz

Bentley Apprentices Win Spirit of Greenpower

The only green usually associated with Bentley other than the color is the amount you have to spend to own and operate one. However there are some within Bentley who are working on cars that don't necessarily represent conspicuous consumption. A team of young apprentices working for Bentley took part in the GreenPower Corporate Challenge over the weekend and won the "Spirit of GreenPower" award with their Continental DC. The Continental DC doesn't have the typical wood and leather interior associated with the brand, but instead is a minimalist single-seater running on battery power. The GreenPower challenge is a electric vehicle competition for British high school students that is in its tenth year. For the Corporate Challenge, company teams had the opportunity to take on the top 15 student teams from the regular GreenPower series.

The victorious Continental DC features a snug carbon fiber body that encloses a 240 W, 24V wheel chair motor and a pair of 12V lead acid batteries. The little racer has a top speed of 40mph. Maneuvering in a parking lot could be problematic with its 63ft turning circle. Of course with its 265lb mass you could just pick it up and turn it around. The team had some technical issues in the first part of the four race but persevered to win their award. They will go on to compete in the F24+ series this season.

[Source: Bentley]
Bentley Racing Green

28 April, 2008

Crewe, Monday 28th April 2008... A Bentley Motors apprentice team has won a special "Spirit of Greenpower" award for its performance in the Greenpower Corporate Challenge which took place at Goodwood race circuit yesterday. The Bentley apprentice team designed, engineered and built the electric powered car which they entered into the Greenpower Challenge as well as a season of "F24+" racing. The Bentley Greenpower car is called Continental DC (Direct Current) and runs off a 24-volt motor supplied by two 12-volt batteries. Designed for lightness and maximum power efficiency the one-seater Continental DC has a carbon fibre chassis and low resistance tyres.

Greenpower is a series of events which aims to promote greater interest in young people to follow careers in the fields of engineering and technology. The 2008 Greenpower corporate challenge held yesterday was the first race of the season. 25 teams entered, comprising 15 school entries and 10 company teams. The Bentley team achieved their goal of completing the four hour race, despite some technical difficulties in the first section. The award was given in recognition of their excellent team spirit which they showed in overcoming these initial technical challenges. The F24+ season consists of eight 90-minute endurance race events which will culminate in a grand final at Goodwood in October. Race tracks on the F24+ schedule include Dunsfold, Rockingham, Croft and Aintree.

The Bentley Motors team is composed of nine of the company's apprentices who are all following a three or four year apprenticeship scheme at the factory in Crewe. Margaret Cheshire, Head of People and Organisational Development at Bentley Motors said, "It's fantastic that the apprentices are not only gaining the technical skills associated with building a car but are also increasing their knowledge of other areas of the business such as finance, purchasing and public relations." She continued, "It's all about giving the individuals knowledge and expertise to be successful in their future careers after the completion of the Bentley apprenticeship programme."

Having taken the initiative themselves to compete in the Greenpower challenge the apprentices have devoted weekends and evenings for the past ten months taking full responsibility for all aspects of the car's development. Three team members acted as drivers on race day, the rest of the team provided essential back-up support in the pits.

Tom Hodgson, Greenpower team manager added, "In building the car we pooled the expertise and resources from across the business to produce a project of which we're all proud. Having completed our first race we now know what we have to do to be successful for the rest of the 2008 Greenpower season. The experience of developing a project from idea to race-day was exhilarating. It was also hugely satisfying to see the positive support from sponsors keen to help the Bentley team".

Technical highlights of the Bentley Greenpower car

- Its 24v Motor delivers 0.5bhp and 5.1 lb ft (7Nm):
- Top speed of 40mph (64km/h).
- Zero CO2 emissions.
- Chassis & design:
o Fixed carbon fibre suspension wishbones for maximum strength and minimum weight.
o Excellent roadholding and superior grip from unique 1x16" carbon fibre wheels with bespoke Michelin low resistance tyres.
o Rear grille matrix in chrome finish.
o Bentley Hide/Alcantara trimmed interior
o Specially built ECU to control motor/transmission

More information on the project is available at www.bentleygreenpower.com

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

MODEL TYPE Single Seater

Power
Type 24v Wheelchair motor (Regulation)
Installation Transversely mounted, One-wheel drive
Power 240 Watt
Torque 7 Nm
Fuel Source 2 x 12 v Lead Acid Batterys

TRANSMISSION
Type Continuous one-wheel drive
Gearbox Nuvinci CVP
Ratios Infinitely variable between 0.5 under and 1.75 overdrive

PERFORMANCE
Top speed 40mph (64km/h).

SUSPENSION
Front Single wishbone rigid suspension
Rear Single wishbone rigid suspension

STEERING
Type Rack & pinion,
Turns lock to lock 1
Turning circle (kerb to kerb) 19.2m

BRAKES
Rear 160mm ventilated disc (to single wheel)
Anti lock In development!

BODY & CHASSIS
Construction Carbon Fibre monocoque
Length 1420mm
Width (inc. mirrors) 1000mm (82.76in)
Weight 120 Kg
Height 500mm
Wheelbase 1300mm
Front track 1000mm
Rear track 1000mm
Wheels Custom made 16" carbon fibre

Tyres Michelin Eco-Marathon specials

FUEL CONSUMPTION/EMISSIONS
Fuel consumption 2 hours per battery set
Carbon dioxide emissions 0g/km
CONTINENTAL GT FEATURE SPECIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR FEATURES Bright chromed grille
Bentley Wheel Badge

INTERIOR FEATURES Trimmed Steering wheel, Seat and dashboard, Touch screen driver information panel in development

Tom Hodgson
Bentley Test & Development Engineering Apprentice
Greenpower Project Manager

Andrew Conneely
Bentley Whole Vehicle Engineering Sponsored Degree Apprentice
Greenpower Design of steering and suspension components

Martyn Brookes
Bentley Prototype Workshop and Test Facility Apprentice
Greenpower Chassis, Design & Electrical.

Ellis Dawson
Bentley Apprentice Analyst Programmer
Greenpower Team Marketing, Website, data logging and telemetry.

Annabelle Gibson
Bentley Commercial Apprentice
Greenpower Contact for sponsors.

Charlotte Watling
Bentley Electrical Engineering Apprentice
Greenpower Electrical design & Production and driver.

Hannah Proffitt
Bentley Body Hardware Engineering Sponsored Degree Apprentice
Greenpower Interior trim, Steering and driver.

Laura Taylor
Bentley Trim Development Apprentice
Greenpower Seat design and manufacture.

Paul Johnson
Bentley Manufacturing maintenance Apprentice
Greenpower Data logging and telemetry
via driive.com

Tony Dron tests the new Volkswagen Passat CC

If you thought the VW Passat saloon was just a bit, well, worthy, then the new Passat CC is a stylish and luxurious alternative. Assuming you require neither Pickfords' carrying capacity nor a family bus, then this "upper mid-range segment coupé" might not be an Audi, a BMW, or a Mercedes-Benz but it is a very stylish temptation. Its makers evidently hope that it will be seen as a poor man's Mercedes-Benz CLS. Although the CC name might suggest a metal-topped convertible, in this application it actually stands for "Comfort Coupé", so note first that the roof does not open.

This new version of the Passat has the right image and the right price range, but be wary of VW's claim that it offers space without compromise: anybody sitting in the back who is much over 6ft tall will find their head touching the roof. This is a bit unfortunate as the Passat CC is strictly a four-seater luxury car and is fitted inside with different seats and more costly materials than you'll find in the saloon. It is a genuine luxury car and quite a large one at that, 15ft 9in long yet only 4ft 9in high, with generous legroom and a surprisingly voluminous boot, albeit with a small opening. It may be based on the Passat saloon's platform but the CC is longer, wider and the body stands a full couple of inches lower.

It's no surprise to see VW producing a superlative expression of the latest automotive technology. In fact, we expect nothing less and the Passat CC offers sophisticated adaptive chassis control. It's also the first VW with "lane assist", to help keep dozy drivers from wandering off the road.

From July, when Passat CCs start arriving here, there will be a choice between two petrol engines and one diesel. The cheapest model, from £21,000, is the CC TSI, front-wheel drive and powered by the smallest petrol engine, a 1.8-litre turbo producing 158bhp. Lively, smooth and quiet, this new engine is remarkably efficient, giving a top speed of 138mph, 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds and returning a very acceptable EC Combined fuel consumption figure of 37.2mpg, with CO2 emissions at 180g/km.

Early models also include a front-wheel drive, two-litre turbodiesel, whose impressively smooth engine gives 138bhp, which is sure to be the most popular choice because of its long-term cost. Later on there will be another petrol engine, with 197bhp, and a second diesel with 168bhp.

The range-topper, available from the start and the one that VW must hope will steal some sales from the rich boys' showrooms, is a very different machine. With an on-the-road starting price likely to be £31,120, the Passat CC V6 4Motion is packed with every technical marvel you could think of, including four-wheel drive, adaptive chassis control and a DSG gearbox as standard. With 296bhp on tap, its 3.6-litre V6 engine delivers the high performance expected. This is a very quick car - its top speed is electronically limited to 155mph - and on paper it does appear to take on far more costly rivals. Its sophisticated all-wheel drive and stability systems do all the right things to keep it safe and controllable but, driving it, I could not escape the feeling that VW has tried a bit too hard here.

This is another fast, technically brilliant machine, but it is heavy and I felt that the concept might be a touch overblown. I was occasionally conscious of the sound of all that sophisticated machinery driving it along, in a way I never am with, say, an Audi or a Mercedes-Benz, but then those cars do cost a lot more. VW tends not to make marketing mistakes these days and the company seems quietly confident of its ability to satisfy a niche or two with the Passat CC range.

When it comes to driving pleasure, however, I found the cheapest Passat CC, the 1.8-litre petrol, the most enjoyable of the lot. It felt lighter in every way, the new engine was smooth and very willing and it never seemed like a slow car. A top speed of 138mph cannot be regarded as remotely inadequate, surely? VW's four-cylinder engines, petrol or diesel, are all excellent now. They can be found in the cheaper Audis, too, where they seem that bit quieter, but there isn't much in it.

For all its sporting looks, the Passat CC does not rival BMW in driver appeal. There's a touch too much understeer for that and the CC can best be described as supremely competent. Volkswagen calls it a "Comfort Coupé", after all, and that's exactly what it is. With the choice of comfort, normal and sport modes, however, its behaviour can be altered and, to be fair, it feels noticeably firmer and sharper when the damping is set for sport.

The most intriguing new gadget is the optional "lane assist". When engaged, this comes into play at 40mph and above. It disengages when the indicators are used or the speed drops below 37mph. What happens when you let the car drift off its lane? Very gently, reacting to signals from a camera, you can feel the steering easing the car back on line. Although we tried it only in sunshine, it should also work in bad weather and at night. It's effective, but it doesn't take over the driving completely, not yet anyway. If you let it carry on, it will wander from side to side three times before emitting a warning noise and flashing a sign telling you to take proper control. Quite right, too. I can't help feeling that anyone who really needs this sort of help shouldn't be driving at all. More useful is the optional "park assist" which will guide you into a parking space (as long as it's big enough), with you working the pedals.

Does the Passat CC make the grade? Probably, thanks largely to its very stylish looks. The neighbours will be impressed, no doubt about that, and they might also be astonished to see that it carries VW Passat badges.

Volkswagen Passat CC

Price/availability: 1.8 TSI from £21,000, 2.0 TDI from £21,870, V6 4Motion from £31,120. On sale from May, 2008; deliveries commencing in July.

Engines/transmissions: 1.8 TSI: 1,798cc turbo petrol in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC; 158bhp at 5,000rpm, 184lb ft of torque at 1,500rpm. 2.0 TDI: 1,968cc turbo diesel in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC; 138bhp at 4,200rpm, 236lb ft of torque at 1,500rpm. V6 4Motion: 3,597cc petrol V6; 296bhp at 6,600rpm, 258lb ft of torque at 2,400rpm. 1.8 TSI and 2.0TDI: six-speed manual; seven-speed DSG optional. 4x4. V6 4Motion: six-speed DSG. Four-wheel drive.

Performance: 1.8 TSI: top speed 138mph, 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds, EU Urban fuel consumption 27.1mpg, CO2 emissions 180g/km. 2.0 TDI: 132mph, 9.8sec, 37.6mpg, 153g/km. V6 4Motion: limited to 155mph, 5.6sec, 18.7mpg, 242g/km.

We like:Stylish looks with convincing feeling of luxury, good legroom in rear for this class, adaptive chassis control and loads of technical goodies.

We don't like Not quite as sporting to drive as its looks suggest, visibility slightly difficult when reversing, restricted headroom in rear, noisy mechanicals in the V6 model.

Alternatives: Alfa Romeo 159, from £18,555. BMW 3-series, from £24,145. Mercedes-Benz CSL, from £43,962.

Source:telegraph.co.uk

Related entries:
Volkswagen Passat CC Four-Door Coupe Revealed
Volkswagen's Passat Coupe Spied Again

I like these, but can't recall where I found them

Great all around photographer

http://philaphoto.com/

Old photography website, http://www.shorpy.com/

Cars and photograhy, a picture of both my favorite things in one.

1924 Harley used by the Post Office for Special Delivery. Not a chance in a zillion they'd ever buy a Harley nowadays for postal deliveries
Via http://www.shorpy.com/

Turn Your Cadillac CTS into a Convertible

The Cadillac CTS sedan has enjoyed a fair amount of success since it was launched last fall and this could well continue in the form of the top of the line 550hp CTS-V which will hit dealers later this year. Lets also not forget the coupe variant currently under development derived from the awesome CT Coupe concept.

But obviously the line up is missing an open top variant, this is where conversion specialists Coach Builders Ltd come in with their version of the CTS Convertible. The design has just been completed and orders are now being taken at a whopping $19,000.

The convertible kit does not have a roll bar and features an acrylic polyester cloth hydraulic top in a number of colors, a padded roof and exterior fabric for sound and temperature insulation, it takes about eight weeks to complete.

Source: InsideLine