Great drifting skills!
Unbelievable. I love it.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Drifting Skills
Drifting refers either to a driving technique utilizing a difference in slip angle between the front and rear tires of a car, or to a sport based on the technique. When the rear wheels are slipping at a greater angle than the front wheels, the car is drifting, or "power-sliding"? The rear end of the car appears to chase the front end around a turn; the driver utilizes both front tires and the rear tires to control the actual direction of the car. More throttle induces more rear wheel slip angle and the rear of the car wants to overtake the front. The goal is for the driver to achieve opposite lock and use the throttle to fine tune the car’s angle and direction.
How do you drift?
There are two ways to drift. First is through the rear wheel drive (also known as the clutching technique) while the other is through the front wheel drive. In the clutching technique, the driver pushes on the clutch and shifts his car into second gear when he approaches a turn. After revving the engine up to around 4,000-5,000 rpm and slightly turning away from the turn, the drifter cuts back towards it hard enough, while at the same time, he pops the clutch causing the rear wheels to spin. This will cause a loss of traction and the drift car begins to slide around the curve.
The hard part is having to hold the drift until the next turn. The drifter must keep the foot on the accelerator, while at the same time, he adjusts the car through the steering wheel so that the vehicle doesn’t spin out. Upon reaching the end of the turn and approaching the next turn which is in the opposite direction, he must cut the wheel towards the right direction. In some cases, if the previous drift was too slow and he starts to regain traction, he must pop the clutch again to get the wheels spinning.
The second technique is through the front wheel drive. This technique uses the side-breaks. When approaching a turn, the drifter pulls the side brake to cause traction loss. And the rest is pretty much the same as the clutching technique except that it’s much harder to take more than one turn with a front wheel drive.
Where do you drift?
Drifters would normally go to the mountains, also known as "Tohge"? to drift (having a small number of people around). Mountains are fit for drifting because they are relatively desolate and they have perfect groups of S-turns that can really challenge a drifter’s ability. Other places to drift are docks or just any isolated parking lot. And the most famous place to drift is the “circuit"? Drifting competitions are held in "circuits"? and drifters are judged on a specific group of turns on a 100 point scale.
What cars are used in drifting? Some common cars used for drifting are:
* AE86 Levin/Trueno - its rear wheel drive lay-out is fit for drifting and it’s relatively inexpensive
* Silvia S13 and S14 – it has a high horse power and free-revving engine making it excellent as a drifting car
* 180SX - lighter and has a better front/rear balance ratio
* FC3S RX-7 – not problematic
* Cefiro - has a powerful RB20DET engine and good handling characteristics
* Laurel - powered by the RB20DET
* Skyline GTS-T - has a rear wheel drive layout and boasts a 260hp engine
Monday, August 20, 2007
New Audi A3
Londoners may breathe slightly easier in the knowledge that a specially developed A3 1.9 TDI joins the Audi range this month with extensive revisions that ensure it will fall under the proposed 120g/km CO2 limit permitting exemption from the congestion charge. Available in three-door and five-door Sportback body styles, the new A3 1.9 TDI is priced from £16,660 OTR.
Following closely behind the swift yet sparing A3 1.4 TFSI that also opens for order this month, the even more acutely economy and efficiency-focused TDI model has been developed on the foundations of the existing A3 1.9 TDI. It benefits from a specially modified version of the already frugal 105PS diesel with new friction minimizing components and redeveloped ancillary units, combined with a manual gearbox with remapped, economy-biased ratios and an in-dash indicator informing the driver of the most effective gear change points for optimum economy.
Helped externally by tyres with reduced rolling resistance, and by additional modifications to further increase aerodynamic efficiency, the A3 1.9 TDI combines 62mpg-plus fuel economy with CO2 output of just 119g/km. Acceleration from rest to 62mph in the three-door model with five-speed manual transmission takes 11.4 seconds, and a top speed of 120mph is possible where conditions allow.
The measures taken to increase economy and minimise emissions in the A3 will also be employed in the creation of more efficient versions of other models in the Audi range in the near future.
These more environmentally considerate models will be engineered with the benefit of experience gained during the development of the pioneering, aluminium-bodied A2 compact hatchback of 1999, which offered 81g/km CO2 output and 94-plus mpg capability and is widely regarded as a car born well ahead of its time.
Improved availability
Although the very timely arrival of the new A3 1.9 TDI is likely to give a further boost to the popularity of the already sought-after premium compact hatchback, delivery lead times for UK customers will actually be shortened. A significant proportion of left-hand-drive A3 production has now been absorbed by the Audi production facility in Brussels, freeing up additional right-hand-drive A3 range capacity within the Bavarian Ingolstadt plant.
Source: Audi
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Aston Martin DBS
Aston Martin has finally revealed official details of its fastest and sexiest model EVER – the DBS. The car was made famous by James Bond in last year’s Casino Royale, with the motoring world waiting on tenterhooks for the finished product. The DBS is a race-bred road car based on the DB9 and Weight has been cut by 120kg, by fitting lighter seats, lighter brakes and carbon fibre panels.The DBS’s handling should be more responsive than on the brilliant DB9, with an adaptive suspension varying the level of stiffness according to the road conditions. On the outside, the DBS – which rolls on sexy 20-inch wheels – has a sculpted, muscular bodykit reflecting the DBRS9 with more air intakes than on the DB9 to increase airflow into the engine. Inside, the beautifully constructed interior is clothed with a swath of Alcantara, carbon fibre and leather. Luxury features include a 700watt sound system, sat-nav and a stainless-steel ignition fob, which is inserted into the centre console-mounted sapphire start button. Only 500 models will be made a year, with the DBS going on sale early next year with a price tag of around £160,000. 
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Proton Persona
CONFIRMED PRICES
(Price w/o insurance + insurance premium = OTR price)
Persona 1.6 Auto H-Line: RM54,186.50 + RM1,613.50 = RM55,800.00
Persona 1.6 Manual M-Line: RM48,342.50 + RM1,457.50 = RM49,800.00
Persona 1.6 Auto M-Line: RM51,264.50 + RM1,535.50 = RM52,800.00
Persona 1.6 Manual Base-Line: RM43,671.50 + RM1,327.50 = RM44,999.00*
Persona 1.6 Auto Base Line: RM46,593.50 + RM1,405.50 = RM47,999.00*
Persona 1.6 Manual Base-Line: RM44,095.50 + RM1,353.50 = RM45,449.00
Persona 1.6 Auto Base-Line: RM47,017.50 + RM1,431.50 = RM48,449.00
Note: Prices are for Peninsula Malaysia, private registration and metallic finish except the two Base-Line versions marked with *. Extended warranty and security etching on glass included. Interest rate for 7-year loan from Proton financing partners is 3.88% per annum.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Nissan shows safety technology
Some Nissan cars will soon come with a gas pedal that lifts to warn of possible collisions, while the cars will automatically stop if drivers take their foot off the accelerator in response to the warning. The technology combines radar sensors and a computer system to assess a car's speed and the distance to a vehicle in front, Nissan Motor Co said. Cars with the new safety features will be available this year in Japan, and next year in the US.
The idea was to make a car that judges dangers on its own, like a friendly animal, so machine and driver can work together, said Nissan senior manager Yousuke Akatsu. 
Drink too much, and the little thingybob on the shift knob won't let you drive.
"It is almost like riding a horse, the way the rider can have a dialogue with the horse," he said.
As soon as drivers lift their foot off the gas pedal, the brakes kick in automatically to bring the car to a stop, Akatsu said. The car will keep going if the driver continues to step on the gas pedal.
Nissan also showed an experimental system that measures alcohol levels in a driver's sweat from sensors in the gearshift. The system stops short of locking the ignition but issues a warning in an electronic voice.
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I see you .... |
The car also recognises if a driver is drifting between lanes, and comes with a computerised camera that monitors blinking to check if a driver is drunk or drowsy.
Nissan officials said people probably wouldn't buy such an intrusive car, but the technology may have commercial uses such as in delivery trucks and taxi cabs.
More practical is the lane departure prevention technology, which swivels a car back into its lane if it swerves off. The lane technology is being offered later this year in the US on the Infiniti EX luxury model.
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It's called the passenger seat alcohol odour sensor, the protruding bit. |
People hit by sporty models can be more hurt more seriously and easily, because the cars are lower to the ground and have lean designs with little space between the hood and engine. Raising the hood on impact helps absorb the shock and reduces the potential injury to a pedestrian.
The pop-up hood will be offered in Japan this year, Nissan said. Jaguar, owned by Ford Motor Co, and Honda Motor Co already offer the feature. - AP
Friday, August 10, 2007
Momo Drifting Steering Wheel
It’s was about time that MOMO offered drifting specialized steering wheel. If presently many drifter prefer SPARCO or may be even the OMP, now MOMO will be good option too. Comes with 35 cm in diameter and available in two colour (i.e orange or yellow).
The MOMO drifting steering wheel is covered in black leather, with orange leather accent stripes, orange anodized spokes and Black button head screws.
MOMO says that drifting drivers requested a dish that could offer a maximum oversteer control, so they put one, 90mm wide. The MOMO drifting steering wheel comes in two versions: a tuning model and a drifting model priced priced starts at £100.
Source : Momo.it
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Full details - New Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT
Source: Malaysian Motor Trader News
August 08, 2007 02:22 PM Author: Chips
Having been away for many years after becoming a partner in the National Car Project, Mitsubishi Motors seems to be making up for lost time (and market share) in making its return to the Malaysian market. Being directly involved in marketing and distribution activities, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) - a joint-venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and EON - has been executing aggressive strategies to capture a meaningful share of the market which is five times larger than when it withdrew some 20 years ago.
The Triton pick-up is one example of how aggressive the Japanese carmaker is. With an attractive price to complement its ‘radical’ design, it has beaten other established rivals to be the second most popular pick-up this year, after the Toyota Hilux.
Now comes the next salvo: a new generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer. MMM managed to persuade Mitsubishi Motors to allow it to launch the new model ahead of Japan and Singapore, making this the first country in Asia to get the all-new Lancer (the US market got it earlier in the year). It’s quite amazing considering the present market position of Mitsubishi (ie relatively small volumes) but it is also clear that extra effort is needed to draw customers. The company has no locally-assembled models so pricing is tricky but again, it has done yet another feat: the new Lancer 2.0GT which is imported CBU from Japan (not Thailand as many assumed) retails for RM115,980 with insurance. How MMM managed to get this price remains a secret but its Chairman, Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir said it is a ‘strategic intent’ to take the brand further and to have a more significant presence, perhaps even becoming one of the top 5 players as it used to be before 1985.
The new Lancer’s style is a distinct departure from previous styling for the model. It was first shown in the Concept X prototype two years ago and was said to be the new design language. This is the second model after the latest Outlander to adopt the new design language that ‘conveys the performance-oriented essence of the brand’.
Where the past few generations have had rounded and ‘soft’ front ends, the grille, bumper and lower air intake of the new model are unified in a distinct form inspired by the air intakes on a fighter jet for a "shark nosed" effect. Although the all-new Lancer proportions draw some inspiration from European designs, the sharp and thin front headlamp design also conveys the feel of Japanese precision and technology.
The clean, creased surfaces sweep into the side profile with its high, wedged, belt-line. Prominently flared fenders recall the brand's Evo heritage, adding bold distinctiveness. The sculptured, "chopped off" tail (looks like it came from a certain Italian car) accentuates the car's sporty cabin shape. From a front three-quarter view, the rear overhang is visually shortened by a chiseled, tapering rear bumper side surface. The tail lamp clusters themselves are like ‘small works of techno art’, according to a designer, enclosing three circles with individual functions and simulated LED lighting, in keeping with trends.Besides offering the top version, MMM has also fitted an original aerokit to it so it has sill and bumper extensions as well as a purpose-designed rear spoiler – as standard on all units.
As with the exterior, the new Lancer's interior has crisp surfaces and a lot of attention to detail. However, as with the previous generation, there is a notable lack of ‘fussiness’ with a minimum of switches and knobs. This contributes to a more spacious and airy feeling for the occupants, making journeys more relaxing. A black colour scheme gives a sporty ambience to the cabin, further emphasized by the substantially contoured seats which has Nappa leather upholstery.
Facing the driver is a sporty, dual-hood instrument panel inspired by classic European sportscars. Between the large speedometer and tachometer is a Multi-Information Display which tells the driver about coolant temperature, trip distances, remaining fuel, average speed, average fuel consumption and real-time consumption.
The 3-spoke steering wheel has buttons to operate the audio system and behind it are two large paddles which are made of magnesium. These are for changing ratios of the CVT and if preferred, you can also use the shift lever.
The equipment level is high though that should not be surprising as the GT version is the top one. Fully automatic air-conditioning is standard and the audio system gas a 6-CD changer as well as MP3 capability. For extra cargo space, the divided rear backrests can be folded down.
Under the bonnet is a bigger engine than the previous Lancer sold here. It is a brand new 2.0-litre DOHC 4-cylinder all-aluminium engine with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control) which is a continuously variable valve timing system. MIVEC operates both the intake and exhaust cam timing independently to provide four optimized engine-operating modes. Under most conditions, to ensure highest fuel efficiency, valve overlap is increased to reduce pumping losses. The exhaust valve opening timing is retarded for higher expansion ratio, enhancing fuel economy. When maximum power is demanded (high engine speed and load), intake valve closing timing is retarded to synchronize the intake air pulsations for larger air volume. Under low-speed/high load, MIVEC ensures optimal torque generation with the intake valve closing timing advanced to ensure sufficient air volume. At the same time, the exhaust valve opening timing is retarded to provide a higher expansion ratio and improved efficiency. At ide, valve overlap is eliminated to stabilize combustion.
To keep the engine weight down, there’s a plastic cam cover and intake manifold and double-layer stainless steel exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold has a rear location which makes it faster for the catalytic converter to heat up and achieve optimum chemical reaction to cleanse the toxic exhaust gases. To reduce vibrations, the engine has a 4-point inertial axis system with cylindrical hydraulic engine mounts on the left and right sides. A lightweight, high-rigidity squeeze-cast aluminium bracket on the right side mount (engine side) helps reduce engine noise under acceleration. A lightweight, high-rigidity steel plate bracket on the left side mount (transmission side) helps reduce gear noise. A custom-tuned insulator was developed for the front and rear mounts to help control both idle vibration and acceleration shock.
The power output of the engine is 114 kW/155 ps at 6000 rpm with 199 Nm of torque peaking at 4250 rpm. With a kerb weight of 1,385 kgs and a specific power output of 77.5 ps per litre, that should mean impressive performance. Tuning of the engine focused on providing strong midrange torque for ease of overtaking on the highways as well as brisk acceleration at the lower end.
While the Lancer 2.0GT to be launched in Singapore this weekend will have only a 5-speed manual transmission, the one for Malaysia has only a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a Sports mode that allows automatic and manual selection of ratios. In theory, a belt-driven CVT with two pulleys has ‘infinite’ gearing but six steps were selected for ease of use, sporty driving and flexible performance as well as to provide the driver with a better feel while driving. The CVT's ratio range is 2.349 to 0.394, with a 6.12 final drive, this spread far wider than many conventional 4-speed automatic transmissions and demonstrating the greater flexibility of the CVT. By smoothly adapting to changing vehicle speeds and allowing the engine speed to remain at its level of peak efficiency, fuel economy is better. Also, because a CVT does not "shift" gears in the conventional sense, faster and crisper "shifts" can be achieved.
By its nature, a CVT delivers a noticeably different driving feel so the engineers have used special control software to provide a ‘familiar’ driving experience. The software is called INVECS-III (3rd generation Intelligent & iNovative Vehicle Electronic Control System) and ‘personalizes’ the CVT shift strategy to match the acceleration and braking patterns of each driver. With a conventional automatic, when the driver presses on the accelerator, engine and vehicle speeds climb in unison, with perceptible rpm drops between gearshifts. The CVT, on the other hand, allows the engine to rev to its optimal-efficiency speed for a given throttle opening and vehicle load, adjusting the ratio to match the power demands. Also, since the CVT is designed to keep the engine running at an optimal speed over a wide range of vehicle speeds, pressing on the accelerator pedal will increase the car’s speed but won't necessarily change the engine sound - another trait that people often find unusual. However, after some time usig the CVT, drivers come to appreciate its seamless operation. The INVECS-III software even simulates the slight off-the line lurch that drivers feel and expect in a conventional automatic transmission vehicle. Without this programming, CVT response could be perceived as sluggish.
The independent MacPherson strut front suspension looks similar in layout to the previous Lancer's but is actually new in design. There is slightly longer suspension travel (10 mm) to reduce road shocks and a thick 21-mm diameter front stabilizer bar. Tuning of the suspension has also been biased towards sporty driving and this is clearly evident with the standard fitment of a stabilizer strut (you can see it over the engine bay in the picture) which increases roll rigidity to give better steering stability.
The Lancer's new trailing-arm type multi-link rear suspension is a major factor in providing ride and handling characteristics that go with the performance-oriented image. It provides individual location of each suspension element to ensure precise handling and better ride comfort. Contributing to handling stability are ball joint-type stabilizer links and a new hub unit bearing that provides higher camber and toe rigidity.
The new Lancer is said to give crisp, fluid steering response and part of this comes from a new rack and pinion steering system. The optimized steering column layout features joint friction-reduction parts that improve steering feel (reduced torque fluctuation) while support stiffness at the steering wheel end of the steering column has been increased, reducing steering wheel vibration. Dampers used on the intermediate shaft help reduce shimmy.
Many people were amazed to see MMM offering the large 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, along with 215/45R18 tyres. It’s certainly going to be a real ‘driver’s car’ and enthusiasts will be delighted but those tyres are not cheap either. The MMM people will be looking into this issue and probably talk to local tyremakers to see if they can produce the sizes.
For stopping power, the Lancer has front and rear disc brakes and the GT version has the same brake system and specs as the larger and heavier Outlander SUV (294 mm discs in front, dual calipers). Additionally, higher friction coefficient pads are claimed to improve performance while the single 10-inch brake vacuum booster, with a long-stroke master cylinder, improves boost power and brake feel. ABS is, of course, standard, along with EBD and Brake Assist.
A reassuringly solid feeling is promised, thanks to a body structure engineered with greater inherent strength than its predecessor. That is one reason the new platform can be used for a variety of model types, including the new Outlander SUV. It is built around Mitsubishi's next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) design. The highly rigid structure makes extensive use of high-tensile steel, a material that was not used before. Furthermore, lessons learnt from reinforcing the structure of the previous Lancer Evo have also been applied to the new Lancer. Compared to the previous-generation, torsional rigidity has been increased by 56% and bending rigidity by up by 50%. Both these increases are said to exceed body stiffness measurements of even the current Lancer Evo. The lower body structure, where the suspension attaches to the car, contributes to higher rigidity than before.
Strut tower, side and lower braces enhance lateral rigidity for precise steering response, and lower control arm attachment points and steering knuckles have been strengthened. The combination of these enhancements, along with retuned lower control arm bushings, contribute to quicker steering response. As a result of these reinforcement measures, rigidity of the tyre ground contact area was improved by a significant 18% (comparing to the previous Lancer).
MMM should not face any difficulty selling the 400 units it has forecast for 2007 and they can get as many APs as needed even though the model comes from Japan. How long this super-duper price will last remains to be seen but it has not been called an ‘introductory price’ either. And if that isn’t enough, MMM is also offering a 5-year/100,000 km (whichever occurs first) factory warranty as well as 3 years/50,000 kms (whichever comes first) of free scheduled maintenance! Clearly, this pricing level is going to force rivals to review their own pricing strategies and that’s good for buyers.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Ferrari earns €32,000 per car
Ferrari’s financial results for 2006 were released this week, with profits up a significant 16.6% over its 2005 result. Each of Ferrari’s three main business divisions - road cars, competition cars and brand development - achieved positive results, bringing in €1,447 million in revenues. Final profits totalled €183 million, which equates to earnings of just over €32,000 for every one of the 5,671 Ferraris sold. Note that a bulk of Ferrari’s sales command a significant price hike over the recommended retail price due to their limited supply.
Unlike Porsche, which earns a significant portion of its income from its investment in Volkswagen Group, the bulk of Ferrari’s money comes from the sales of its cars. However, it does earn some revenues from its own brand development activities including licensing contracts and the expansion of its retail programme. There are now a total of 13 Ferrari Shops across the globe. It’s little surprise that Fiat, Ferrari’s parent company, wants to increase its 56% stake in the supercar brand to 85%.
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