Want improved performance and improved economy?

AVO Turboworld at Sattahip has designed and begun manufacture of a product to improve both performance and fuel economy of Common Rail Diesel engines, called the AVO DFC Fuel Controller.

This unit can be installed in 5-10 minutes using minimal tools.  At the factory setting you can expect 10-12 percent peak torque and horsepower improvement and further gains are available with a simple adjustment if you have further modifications such as improved intercooler or exhaust.  It also improves throttle response and as an addition to the performance increase, an improvement of up to 8 percent in fuel economy can also be achieved with normal driving.  All performance improvement figures are validated on the AVO in-house Dyno as well as road tests and 0-100 kph time improvement figures.

The AVO Fuel Controller can be made to fit most Common Rail Diesel engines on sale in Thailand but there are a few exceptions.  AVO Turboworld have also ensured me that there can be no damage to the engine as the ECU still has control and will not exceed its own parameters.  Another handy feature is that it can be easily removed if the vehicle has to go in for Servicing and the ECU has no record of it being fitted and thereby protecting warranty.

The unit retails for less than 6,000 THB and comes with a 12 month warranty.  For further information on your Common Rail vehicle, ring Terry Wilson at AVO on 084 945 5167 or email terry@avoturbo.com.

Jaguar C-X16 hybrid concept

Jaguar’s E-Type successor

The latest Jaguar concept, the C-X16 was released at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany last week.  Smaller than the XR series, its position is reputedly to be a successor to the legendary E-Type, and I have to say the photo does show some styling cues from the earlier Jaguar.

The new Jaguar is a two seat hybrid with a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 petrol engine that can produce 380 BHP and 450 Nm of torque with a Formula 1 styled hybrid boost system and a steering wheel mounted “Push to Pass” button for on-demand acceleration.  The drive train features an eight-speed ZF gearbox and a motor/generator that draws power from a 300 V, 1.6 kWh battery pack that is charged through a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System).

The combination of internal combustion and an electric motor produces huge torque and the C-X16 returns acceleration figures of zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h.  Jaguar also claims that the C-X16 can run at speeds up to 80 km/h just on electric power.

Jaguar say the idea behind this hybrid performance system is to supplement the engine’s power with a “push to pass” system; reduce fuel consumption; and allow it to perform as an electric vehicle at lower speeds.

There are a number of features that help boost its performance.  Among them is intelligent start/stop which can shut down the engine in 300 milliseconds after the car comes to a rest.  This is also linked to a transmission motor generator.  Meanwhile, the KERS used by Jaguar sees the battery pack mainly charged through brake energy recuperation.

In that niche market of high performance coupes, the selling point is heritage and looks.  The Jaguar C-X16 has both.

Fall off the step-through and bounce

British impact protection specialists Knox have developed a new wave of impact protectors that are not only flexible but also have great memory!

One of an increasing number of products created as part of the Knox ST3 program of continuous innovation and development, Knox Flexiform+ protectors have an Intelligent Cell Structure created by the combination of high density polyurethane foam with added elastomers.  This combination allows the protector, whether fitted at the elbow, shoulder, knee or hip, to move freely with the wearer and to mould to their body shape.  Flexiform+ protectors ‘memorize’ their new shape making them instantly comfortable the next time the garment is worn.

The high density material is efficient at absorbing energy from an impact, exceeding the European CE standard EN1621 for motorcycle armor by a margin in the region of 35 percent.  Furthermore, its dense structure delivers excellent repeat performance.

Temperature stable, Flexiform+ protectors have a low profile with tapered edging, so the entire range can be fitted into close fitting leather and textile kit and used in extreme cold or hot weather conditions without any change in comfort or performance. Flexiform+ is available for clothing manufacturers to fit as original equipment but may also be purchased by riders wishing to upgrade existing garments; shoulder, elbow, back, knee/shin, hip, and thigh versions are produced, with prices starting at £19.99 per pair.

For further information visit www.knox-lab.com/hand-armour.

Is this the world’s ugliest new car?

Citroen hearse

The Citroen Tubik may just be the ugliest motor show concept ever designed.  Now while concept cars displayed at motor shows are usually stunning, Citroen has done what Citroen does best - produce something at the Frankfurt show that makes the viewer go OMG!

One overseas journalist described it as being like the misbegotten spawn of an affair between a piggy bank and a bread bin, while the Citroen Tubik on the other hand is described by Citroen as a “high-tech, high comfort, highly functional executive shuttle that is shared, intelligent, connected and eco friendly.”

“More than a taxi, more flexible than a limousine and as much fun as a trip to beach.  Its flexible interiors means it can carry a group of people or a single person and their luggage; the seats can fold down as a bed or swing around for a meeting; entertainment units fold from the roof and privacy is guaranteed.”

Only Citroen could come up with this vehicle, which might make a great hearse, but you probably wouldn’t want to be seen dead in it.

The “New” Fortuner

I honestly think that Toyota have scraped the barrel so deep that their marketing people have splinters under their fingernails.  A full page advert in the Bangkok Post produced such gems as “Impression that is above and beyond (what?)… Complete with functionalities of luxury mobility.”  (Eh?  Your guess is as good as mine!)

I don’t know who they are trying to impress, but even Blind Freddie would soon see that the “new” Fortuner is the same as the previous model Fortuner, other than the “luxuriously designed radiator grille and front bumper.”  ‘Adspeak’ at its best.  It also crows about the “large engine hood bulge,” (which has four inlets and is so different from the previous model which only had three).  And if you want to be truly impressed with this radical “new” Fortuner, it has a “Tailgate opener with Fortuner badge.”  That’s just in case you thought it was an Isuzu.

Mr. Toyota, send the entire department to the assembly line (to attach the “luxuriously designed radiator grilles”), and hire some real copywriters instead.  Or just be honest and call it a “minor change’ model.

Now, if you have pots of money…

The new Royale?

Bugatti has done it again.  After the stunning failure of the Bugatti Royale, you can now spend a fortune on the Bugatti Veyron L'or Blanc.

The Veyron Grand Sport L'or Blanc uses carefully crafted porcelain on its striped finish, which has been designed to look like the pattern of a studio light reflecting on a shiny surface.

“At first, it seems to be an unusual idea to use porcelain in a car, especially in the world's fastest convertible,” said Dr. Stefan Brungs, Bugatti sales and marketing director.  “But this is what Bugatti stands for: the realization of exceptional ideas whilst striving for the utmost in quality and aesthetics.  This allows us to continue Ettore Bugatti’s heritage, who himself loved to experiment with new materials.”  (And while he was at it, bankrupted the company with the over the top, ill-timed Royale, a vehicle that no Royal family purchased.)

In true Royale fashion, there is a caviar dish that sits on the central rear console (Beluga, I hope).  I would imagine that you can have titanium nose hair pluckers as a special order as well.

Of course, you still get the 8.0 liter, four turbo, W-16 cylinder engine with its 1001 horsepower and 1250 Nm of torque with (porcelain) shattering acceleration times of zero to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 407 km/h.

It is not all that economical with a claimed consumption of 41.9 L/100 km; but the average claimed fuel use is only 24.9 L/100 km.

However, if you can afford the $2.2 million, who cares about fuel economy?

The “New” Fortuner

Red Bull F1 in Bangkok

The financial pages of the Bangkok Post had an item regarding the desire of some government offices to see an F1 race in Thailand, and that to be a round the houses in Bangkok.

It was reported that 150,000 people came to see the demonstration by Red Bull with an F1 car along Ratchadamnoen Avenue, helping to validate the claim that Thailand will bid to stage a Formula One race in future, to help spur tourism and meeting businesses, according to the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau.  TCEB president Akapol Sorasuchart said the agency was responding to calls to hold major events to enhance the country’s reputation.  Next year, 20 countries will hold F1 races, and the TCEB is looking at other Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, China, India, Japan, South Korea and Abu Dhabi which already have rounds of the F1 series.

“Building an F1 circuit is very costly but it would be useful after the races end,” said Akapol.  “I think that street racing is interesting for Thailand because it involves lower investment.  A good location would be Ratchadamnoen Avenue because it has a good atmosphere.”

Will we be next to line Bernie’s pocket?  Possibly, as the Red Bull Chalerm Yoovidhya is at the helm of a company that could afford it, but would Bangkok be prepared to meet the annual (usurer’s) fees.

The news was also picked up by one of F1’s senior journalists, Joe Saward, who ventured the following opinion:

“The goal now is to rebuild the tourist business and attract worldwide attention and so Formula 1 is a logical step.  The plan is to research the effects that F1 could have on the Thai economy and then decide on whether to bid.  There is much competition for races in Asia with events in Malaysia, Singapore, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.  A demonstration run in Bangkok recently by Red Bull attracted huge crowds.  The government is looking closely at Singapore’s experience, which has transformed the city’s reputation, even if the race itself is not so popular with the locals because of the disruption caused by the street closures.  The Thais must decide whether it is worth building a circuit, or extending an existing facility or running a street race.  Street races involve smaller initial investment but cost more in the longer term.  The bureau may wish for a race in Bangkok, but it might be wiser to extend the 1.5-mile circuit near the seaside resort of Pattaya, which was built in 1985 and is named after Prince Birabongse Bhanutej Bhanubandh (known in Europe as “Prince Bira”) who raced Grand Prix cars with some success in the 1940s and 1950s.  This is currently not suitable for Formula 1.  There were plans as long ago as 1939 for a Grand Prix of Thailand, which was being planned by Prince Bira.  Sadly that event never happened as World War II broke out a few months before it was due to happen.

“The Thais have one major advantage over rival countries.  The Red Bull company is 51 percent owned by Chaleo Yoovidhya (who owns 49 percent) and his son Chalerm (who owns two percent).  Dietrich Mateschitz owns the remaining 49 percent, but runs the business, leaving the Thais to market their original energy drink Krating Daeng (on which Red Bull is based) in the Asian markets.  Chaleo is now the richest person in Thailand, with a fortune estimated at $4 billion.  Money from a public-private partnership could thus be found… so long as politics do not get in the way.”

We shall see what eventuates over the next 12 months, but I wouldn’t be holding my breath.

What did we learn from the Italian GP?

What did we learn from Monza?  Well, we learned that you can have a damn good race without rain.  You can have a damn good race without all the silly ‘Mickey Mouse’ Tilke round the houses stop-go circuits.  The Italian GP was exciting from start to finish, in the dry, on a circuit that runs through the countryside and dates back many decades.

All due plaudits to Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) who showed he can pass, and has the large cojones when needed.  The pass round the outside of Alonso (Ferrari) with two wheels on the grass was just breathtaking.  No plaudits for Vettel’s team mate Mark Webber, who yet again crapped in his own nest with a silly crash with Massa (Ferrari) and ended up in the wall, no points, and slips back to fourth in the championship - just like he did 12 months ago in Korea.

A well deserved second place for Jenson Button (McLaren), who is the quiet man in the current championship.  After a poor start he managed to pass his team mate Lewis Hamilton, plus Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) and Alonso.  Three top drivers and all three soundly beaten.  Hamilton, however, did not cover himself with glory and found himself holed up behind Michael Schumacher who showed that he had forgotten none of his race craft.  Much noise from the anti-Schumi brigade for leaving no room for Hamilton, so that he ended up with two wheels on the grass.  So?  Vettel managed to pull it off, Hamilton didn’t, and then whinged to his pit.  Sorry, young Lewis, you have a lot to learn yet, including not to daydream while following the safety car and getting left behind.

Michael Schumacher showed he has not lost his enthusiasm and drive.  The battle with Hamilton had everyone on the edge of their seats (and Hamilton on the edge of the bitumen).  After the race, Schumi said, “The fighting against Lewis was big fun, and my mirrors seemed to be very small at times.  We are both known for driving on the limit, and that is what we did.  I had to make my car as wide as a truck, and had to stretch the possible as much as I could, but in the end, as expected, he was still faster.”  If Mercedes can start providing him with a better car, Vettel might meet his match.

The Toro Rosso team did well with both Algywotsit and Buemi in the points.  Algy, from looking as if he were going to be dropped is now the stronger of the two.  He should be in Toro Rosso again next year.

One driver who is impressing is Bruno Senna.  When in the HRT last year he was an embarrassment.  This year he is one of the standout rookies in his Renault.

Paul di Resta (Force India) again drove a solid race to finish eighth, and is the other standout rookie.

The rest of the field were nowhere.

So what else did we learn?  Liuzzi (HRT) is a clot, for one.  Came storming through from last position and managed at the first corner to take out Nico Rosberg (Mercedes), Vitaly Petrov (Renault) and himself, while Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber), Sebastien Buemi (Toro Rosso) and Rubens Barrichello (Williams) all suffered damage.  The stewards made his clottishness official by penalizing him five grid positions for the (next) Singapore race.  Since he is likely to qualify in grid position 24 (i.e. last) anyway, this is another ridiculous stewards’ decision.  They would have done better to make him start from the pit lane 20 seconds after the field had left.  This way he wouldn’t hit anyone (on the first lap at least).

Personal city cars may be the new trend

VW NILS

Personal city cars are needed to counteract the traffic problems in major cities, and the example of Bangkok needs no further description, its traffic jams are now legendary.

Volkswagen presented their future personal transport for city-dwellers at this month’s Frankfurt motor show where it unveiled the futuristic single-seater NILS concept. The NILS is miniscule.  3040 mm long, 1390 mm wide and 1200 mm high, and has one-seat.

BMW has its own all-electric hybrid i3 city hatch that will enter production in 2013 and other city cars in Frankfurt are Audi’s two-seater open-wheeled Urban Concept and the Smart Forvision EV from Daimler.

VW says the one-seat NILS features an aluminium space-frame chassis that helps bring the weight to just 460 kg but meets all current safety requirements.  The one seat configuration was chosen because almost 90 percent of German city commuters travel without any passengers.

The NILS is powered by a 15 kW electric motor that produces up to 25 kW/130 Nm in short bursts to the rear wheels and is powered by a “relatively inexpensive” 5.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which only takes two hours to fully recharge, so can be done during working hours at the office.

VW also says their statistics show around 70 percent of all commuters residing between Berlin and Munich cover less than 25 km on their way to work.

The NILS has a driving range of up to 65 km, depending on driving style, has a top speed of 130 km/h so it can travel on the autobahns and it is claimed it can accelerate to 100 km/h in a respectable 11 seconds.

Supported by the German transport ministry, the NILS project is “designed to be both technically realistic and economically supportable”.

Volkswagen’s head of development Dr Ulrich Hackenberg said NILS anticipated the future.  “The goal of the NILS project is to research a technically concrete and economically feasible vehicle concept for micro-mobility which restructures individual transportation to make it more efficient and environmentally compatible based on electric drive technology,” he said.

The 2012 Ford Focus gets rave reviews

Ford Focus 2012

It is common knowledge that Ford Motor Company in Thailand are building a new factory on the Eastern Seaboard to produce the 2012 Focus, plus two other body styles based on the Focus floor pan.

American reviews suggest you can forget what you knew about the previous Focus - the 2012 car is a monumental improvement.  Available in four door sedan and hatchback body styles, the new Focus benefits from great exterior styling and a new interior with high-quality materials.  There is also a new fuel efficient four cylinder engine, and new suspension that delivers both above average handling and a refined ride.

The new Focus (for the American market at least) offers new technology, ranging from a rearview camera to Ford’s Automated Parking Assist, which gets you into a parking spot without the driver ever touching the steering wheel.  There is also a new MyFord Touch system that largely does away with buttons and knobs in favor of a large center touchscreen and voice commands.

The new Ford Focus is obviously a well-balanced and highly refined small car.  The 2012 Ford Focus offers the features and sophistication of a large car in a smaller, practical package.  This sounds as though it really is one to wait for.

Some more ‘oldies’ in Pattaya

Sweet little A30

After complaining that there were no ‘classics’ in Pattaya, I have had to change my opinion. Here’s three more which are being made way for three larger oldies, and priced to sell. I know these cars personally, so can vouch for their descriptions. First off, a 1968 Mercedes 200 Fintail, truly immaculate condition, inside and out. Mercedes diesel engine. Recent full service, new tyres, battery. Air-con, tinted glass, new leather seats, etc. Correct Blue book, taxed and insured. Baht 585,000, email serutiovs@yahoo.com

Or how about a 1966 Ford Cortina 1600 4 door saloon for the British car enthusiasts. Car is in superb condition, after a bare metal restoration (full photographic record), with immaculate paintwork. Very good interior, with new carpets, headlining, etc. Mechanically very sound, with new starter, alternator, brakes, suspension, tyres, battery, and much more. Blue book, taxed and insured. Baht 315,000. Phone 081-834-3260.

Or what about this funky little gem? 1952 Austin A30 4 door saloon. 59 years old, but in first class condition, and utterly reliable. Interior has cream leather, new carpets, headlining, etc. Mechanically excellent; recent full service. Blue book, taxed and insured. Baht 395,000, 081-834-3260 or contact serutiovs@yahoo.com

Thomas Raldorf moves up championship ladder

Thomas Raldorf at Kaeng Krachan

Following a very successful weekend at the Kaeng Krachan Pro Race meeting, Pizza Company/CEA Projects driver Thomas Raldorf is now second in the Thailand Touring Car championship with his Honda DC5.

In the first race, he started from pole position and had pulled out a commanding 10 second lead when the retainers from the inlet valves on cylinder 1 broke and he was forced to slow for the last seven laps, but still came in second.

Fortunately, the valves did not make contact with the piston and Thomas was able to compete in the next three heats, ending up with two more second places and a third.  This has moved him up to second in the Thailand Touring Car Championship, and hopefully with the new reliability he is in with a very strong chance of winning the series.

The ultimate in snob appeal?

Bentley SUV

For all those people who wear worsted jackets with leather patches on the elbows, here is the ultimate vehicle for you.  The most expensive SUV you can buy.

If you thought that the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S was the pinnacle, think again.  Volkswagen AG are threatening to build a V12 soft-roader priced “above everybody who is there already.”  This is the mooted Bentley V12 SUV, which will also be available as a plug-in hybrid if hugging trees or saving the planet is high on the agenda.  Legendary founder W.O. Bentley is revolving in his grave, I am sure.

The VW-owned brand’s chairman and CEO Wolfgang Durheimer has told US site Motor Trend that an SUV built to Bentley standards would change the way buyers think about soft-roaders.

“For all of the hundreds of thousands of SUV customers that are around the world and drive all kinds of vehicles, they would have a product to differentiate themselves,” Durheimer is quoted as saying.  This is because the level of creature comforts will surpass everything currently available.

“In terms of price, it would be positioned above everybody who is there already.  I think it's a big chance for Bentley and for this reason, I am promoting this idea.”  (Durheimer previously worked at Porsche and introduced the Cayenne SUV models.)

Durheimer expanded further saying, “If you imagine opening the door of an SUV that says hello to you the way we do in a Mulsanne or Continental - big leather, very nice wood sections, lambs’ wool floor mats and so on - and then have a body style that is British, that is uniquely Bentley - I think there is room for a super-luxury SUV.”

The proposed Bentley SUV will be built from VW’s parts bins as Durheimer says they have enough existing platforms, and gearboxes and suspension components currently used by other brands owned by VW, such as Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen itself.

“It will not be a completely new platform because in our group, one of the big advantages we have are shelves heavy with components and modules.  The challenge is to make the right combination of what’s already there, together with what we want to achieve.

“I'm sure on the engine side we need to have our (Bentley) engines, but on the gearbox and suspension side we have perfect examples in-group that can be used for our purposes with our calibration in the future,” Durheimer told Motor Trend.

The new high-rider is likely to be powered by a new V12 engine, with Durheimer saying it is his target and objective “to position Bentley as the 12 cylinder company amongst manufacturers,” saying that for him at least, V12s are “very sexy”.

Durheimer also said having a hybrid version of the SUV would be “helpful”, stating that Bentley would “skip the first hybrid generation and immediately go into plug-in hybrids.”

The estimated date for release of this ‘super’ SUV is 2014, so you don’t have to rush down to the Bentley showrooms.

Toyota drop “technology” to concentrate on “benefits”

New Prius C

Toyota is discovering (rather late in the piece) that the average car buyer is not interested in the technology in the car, but is more interested in tangible benefits to the consumer - and not the environment.

Senior Toyota executive director sales and marketing David Buttner came out to say, “Do you know how your plasma TV works?  Do you know how your microwave oven works?  Do you care, as long as you get a good picture and your food comes out hot?”  And of course, he is totally correct.

“We are really questioning from a marketing and strategic point of view whether we have been spending too much time trying to educate the consumer rather than talk about the benefits of the technology.”

Now, with the Prius C compact hatch and Prius V wagon set to join the range in the first half of 2012, Toyota believed it was time to place more emphasis on the benefits of hybrid technology, he said.

Benefits from the new technologies can be seen in fuel economy figures, with the new plug-in version Prius PHEV achieving official fuel economy of 2.2 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 49 gm per kilometer, making it almost twice as efficient as the standard Prius that consumes 3.9 L/100 km and emits 89 gm/km of CO2.  However, Toyota is still missing the point that the buyers out there are not excited about CO2 levels, unless they are committed tree huggers.  The buyers can understand fuel economy.  The environment can look after itself, with CO2 levels still being considered a trace gas at a concentration of 0.039 percent by volume of the earth’s atmosphere.  Yes, you are reading that correctly, less than four hundredths of a percent.  The generally accepted composition of dry air is roughly (by volume) 78.09 percent nitrogen, 20.95 percent oxygen, 0.93 percent argon, 0.039 percent carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other gases.  Air also contains a variable amount of water vapor, on average around 1 percent.  Lesson over.

What did we learn from the Belgian GP?

Well, let’s start with Qualifying. We learned that despite all the millions of dollars swallowed up by the professional teams, sometimes they appear as incompetent as a new amateur race team. Just how can Mercedes have a rear wheel fall off on Schumacher’s first lap of practice (and it’s not the first one either)? Leaving their driver to start on the 24th grid spot. Just how can McLaren forget to tell their driver Jenson Button that he has only one lap left to set a time in qualifying, leaving him 13th on the grid?

What did come out of Qualifying was that Bruno Senna (Renault) turned in an incredible performance to claim 7th on the grid, when everyone was deriding his seat in the team as being merely a ‘pay driver’. Everyone had to eat their words (on the Saturday at least). The other brilliant Saturday performance was from Jaime Algywotsit in the Toro Rosso to bag 6th on the grid. Having been threatened with the sack a couple of months ago, Jaime has woken up and is returning to excellent form.

And so to the race, one with plenty of action from beginning to end. Spa remains a fantastic circuit that encourages fantastic racing, and not one of these dreadful new Herr Tilke boraramas. Are you listening Bernie (the patron saint of golden garden gnomes)?
A brilliant start by Rosberg saw a Mercedes lead a Grand Prix, something that hasn’t happened since 1955 or thereabouts. Schumacher in the other Mercedes was up to 15th from his 24th starting position by the end of lap 1. Schumacher continued his relentless push, eventually passing Rosberg to finish 5th and silence his critics.

Eventual winner Sebastian (the finger) Vettel was not threatened after he got past Rosberg, and again deserved the win. Webber in the other Red Bull did his usual start taking him from 3rd on the grid to 10th by the first corner. Will Red Bull please take him out to a vacant field somewhere and teach him how to start. Currently he is hopeless. However, his pass on Alonso through Eau Rouge to take second place showed he must have cojones the size of coconuts.

Third was Button, in another of his exemplary clean drives. If he started somewhere further up than 13th he could even have been on the top step of the podium. His team mate, Hamilton the feisty, seems to attract trouble. His crash after hitting Kobayashi occurred because he forgot that the Sauber was still there after his pass down the straight. He moved over and hit Kobayashi (sorry all you Hamilton fans), and he even admitted it later after viewing the video evidence, writing, “After watching the replay, I realize it was my fault today 100 percent. I didn’t give Kobayashi enough room though I thought I was past.”

Alonso (Ferrari, the faster one) was not himself all weekend, but did finish 4th, but was not a happy little Spaniard, though he was in the action for a while. Massa? Bringing up the rear as usual. (“Fernando is quicker than you. Do you understand?” That (in)famous communication from his engineer.)

And what about the ascending ‘stars’ of Jaime and Bruno? Unfortunately Bruno in his excitement forgot which pedal was the brake and center-punched Jaime on the first corner. End of the race for Jaime’s Toro Rosso and the first ‘drive-through’ penalty for Bruno Senna.

The next GP is Monza on the 11th September.

Safety - now a world-wide campaign

Crash testing.

ENCAP, the European body that performs the crash tests on new cars gave more 5 star results this month with the Audi A6, the BMW X3, the new Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando, the Citroën DS5, the Hyundai i40, the Opel Ampera, the VW Golf Cabriolet and the VW Jetta all performing well.

Only the European Kia Picanto received an overall rating of 4 stars, a result poorer than many of its city-car competitors. Surprisingly, the new Picanto is not fitted with Electronic Stability Control as standard across the model range. Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general, said, “Proven safety benefits of ESC resulted in new legislation requiring the technology to be fitted as standard on all new models in Europe as of next year. In 2011, consumers should expect this critical safety equipment to be part of any offering regardless of car size or price.”

Euro NCAP continues to test plug-in and electric vehicles and announced that the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera (Chevrolet Volt in the US) achieved an overall rating of five stars.
Some of the tested vehicles obtained high scores for child occupant protection. The Hyundai i40 and both VW Jetta and Golf Cabriolet scored 86 percent. Michiel van Ratingen says, “We consider child protection as a very important part of the overall star rating and have plans to step up our requirements even more in the coming years.”

While many cars released continue to impress in the areas of adult and child occupant protection, pedestrian protection scores are generally still lagging behind. The Opel Ampera, Audi A6 and Citroën DS5 only just meet Euro NCAP's 2011 pedestrian requirements for a 5 star rating but none of the cars in this release would meet the more stringent 5 star requirement of 60 percent coming into effect in 2012. A few car makers have already stepped up, showing much higher pedestrian scores such as the recently tested Ford Focus. Euro NCAP hopes that others will follow suit soon.

Euro NCAP is encouraged to see important advanced safety systems being offered to consumers on more and more models. The 5 star new medium-sized SUV BMW X3 comes with the awarded Advanced eCall, a system that is able to automatically notify emergency services providing critical details of the crash event.

Another example is the Mazda Rear Vehicle Monitoring System available on the Mazda 3 tested in 2009. Euro NCAP reviewed the safety benefits of this technology that detects and warns the driver of an approaching vehicle and helps to avoid common lane change related crashes involving two or more vehicles.

Here’s the very ticket for the Jaguar restoration

Glossy “factory finish” for Jaguars.

Liquid Black finish from Zircotec recreates Jaguar factory finish and also reduces underbonnet heat.  This brand new coating that replicates the vitreous enamel finish of Jaguar manifolds has been created by Zircotec.  The product also serves to protect underbonnet components and bodywork from the effects of heat.  Suitable for all six cylinder Jaguars manufactured from 1948 right up to the mid-1980s, Zircotec’s Liquid Black™ ceramic coating solves the long standing durability issues of the original enamel finish whilst also reducing underbonnet temperatures.  Tested to a simulated 160,000 km of use, the tough, gloss coating should appeal to both concourse and driver enthusiast alike.

According to Zircotec, by far the highest proportion of classic car customers seeking a Zircotec coating is Jaguar owners.  “Many E-Type, MkII, XK and early XJ owners wish to retain the glossy enamel finish from the factory but even on new reproduction parts it can’t withstand the heat cycling and just doesn’t last.  It ends up looking very tatty and won’t help lower underbonnet temperatures,” says Zircotec’s sales director Peter Whyman.  “We set out therefore to create a new coating that would look ‘period correct’ but would also offer a significant thermal barrier performance.”

Zircotec’s Liquid Black™ coating will provide other benefits to owners choosing it over less effective solutions; by keeping heat inside the exhaust, the coating prevents damage to surrounding paintwork, can assist in lowering cockpit temperatures and will help avoid fuel evaporation issues during hot start-up.  “The coating can withstand exhaust gas temperatures of 600°C and testing has shown it to maintain its appearance in use.  Unsightly paint cracking on E-Types around the louvres and stifling temperatures in the cockpit could be eliminated by using our technology,” suggests Whyman.

Zircotec’s development team worked for more than a year to create Liquid Black™ the company’s s first ever gloss finish.  “We wanted a finish that would respond to the needs of Jaguar owners, a finish that would be long lasting, durable and robust.  Liquid Black™ has passed our rigorous test regime.  All parts are coated at Zircotec’s Abingdon factory.  Customers can send either new or used cast manifolds and we will prepare, clean and apply the multi layer coating,” adds Whyman.  “We turn round parts typically in under 10 days.”

Available now, the coating costs £330 for a pair of cast manifolds for a six cylinder engine.  Not cheap, but if you are into concourse preparation well worth it.

Here is an email contact: peter.whyman@zircotec.com.