Formula 1™ - February debut, Petronas backing for Mercedes

Formula 1™ - The Official F1™ Website:

"The new Mercedes team, formed following the German carmaker’s recent purchase of Brawn GP, has announced Malaysian national oil and gas company Petronas as its title sponsor. Under a newly-signed long-term agreement, the German squad plan to compete as the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team next season.

Mercedes have also confirmed that their 2010 car will make its track debut in its new livery at Valencia in Spain on 1 February, for the first of next year’s pre-season tests.

“Petronas’ home base in Kuala Lumpur is located in the middle of a fast-growing region for the automotive industry which makes this new partnership even more valuable,” commented Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports.

“Within the limits of the new Formula One resource restrictions, the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team will be well positioned to achieve our goals. We will all strive to present efficient success in the future knowing at the same time that the new Formula One season with some fundamental rule changes will be a particularly challenging one.'

Team principal Ross Brawn added: 'Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and Petronas livery at the Valencia test in February.'

Germany's Nico Rosberg will race for Mercedes next season, but his team mate has yet to be confirmed as speculation continues about a possible comeback for seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher ."

Govt Scraps Plan on Vehicle 'end-of-life' Policy

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 – The government has agreed to pull back the introduction of an end of life policy for vehicles after taking into account the people’s views and feedback.

Since the announcement of the plan, the government has been receiving many complaints from the people who are generally not agreeable to the mandatory annual comprehensive inspection as requirement for road tax renewal for vehicles aged 15 years or older, a statement from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) said today.

On October 28, MITI had announced the new National Automotive Policy (NAP) which included the Vehicle End Of Life Policy which will see the introduction of a mandatory annual inspection of cars aged 15 years and above as a requirement for road tax renewal - Bernama

2009/11/06 By Azlan Abu Bakar - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has withdrawn the end-of-life policy for vehicles after taking in account the public’s views and feedback. The International Trade and Industry Ministry, in a statement issued yesterday, said the government had received many complaints from various quarters on the policy which was annnounced on October 28 as part of the National Automotive Policy (NAP).

They generally disagree to the mandatory annual comprehensive inspection as a requirement for road tax renewal for vehicles aged 15 years or older.Among the main grouses were the additional cost that the affected owners had to incur for having the car inspected every year before road tax renewal.

The phasing out of old vehicles in other countries is normally accompanied by some form of subsidy or incentive to ease the burden of the car owners.

The announcement came two days after Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that the government was willing to review the new NAP regulations that had a negative impact on the public.

Outraged Italian police set to crush fake Ferrari

Right up front, we must state that there is a very high likelihood that the following is not entirely true. With that said, here's the skinny on what we think we know: Thanks to local copyright laws, cops in Ostuni, Italy have reportedly confiscated a Toyota MR2 cut to look an awful lot like a Ferrari 355 Berlinetta.

And they intend to crush it.So much so that the British-made phony Italian was being touted as the real thing -- an obvious scam. As to why the authorities intend to destroy the car, let's listen to what one of the cops involved had to say: "It was a good fake but just a fake, Ferrari is one of Italy's crown jewels. We can't allow cheap copies."

Yes, well, we guess that makes sense. But are the cops allowed to crush the car out of some odd sense of damaged Italian pride? Looks like it. We here at Autoblog feel it's our duty to go ahead and give you a surefire tip on how to keep your faker from meeting the same fate – nobody suspects a Fiero-bodied Ferrari 308. Hint, hint. Thanks to Cosmin for bringing this to our attention! Autoblog

Top Gear reports Stig arrested in both Dublin and Mojave Desert

Some say he has a problem with authority. Others say he's actually capable of being in two places at the same time, and getting arrested in both. All we know is that Top Gear is making less sense with every passing day.One of the BBC car show's myriad blogs reports that the enigmatic test driver known to all as The Stig was "sensationally" arrested by police in Dublin for some unknown incident, possibly involving assault on a "hairy biker" or a swan. Not much else was said, other than that the arresting Garda officer was friendly and that the program's live action show is set to visit the Irish city in December.Meanwhile, TG frontman Jeremy Clarkson disclosed in his regular column in The Sunday Times that the Stig was also detained in the Mojave Desert, where the crew was apparently filming another misadventure in America. According to Clarkson, "a lorry full of soldiers" mistook Stiggy for a Muslim since he's not fat. Right... For our part, we'll take both stories with a grain of salt as big as Stig's helmet while we wait for mug shots from either incident to surface.

Officially Official: Fernando Alonso signs with Ferrari F1 for three years ? Autoblog

Officially Official: Fernando Alonso signs with Ferrari F1 for three years ? Autoblog

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F1 to get private sponsors

SINGAPORE: The Government will hold no equity in the 1Malaysia F1 Team project, either directly or indirectly, through any of the government-linked companies.

Private investors will put in RM110mil to RM165mil a year, while sponsorship was expected to contribute a significant sum, according to team principal Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.

He added that F1 had approached Petronas to sponsor the Lotus F1 team.

“Yes, we have spoken to them.

“We will also approach Malaysian Airlines, Genting Bhd and other organisations,” he told a press conference at the Singapore F1 circuit yesterday.

“It would be good if they can sponsor us as they do not have a team for the next season,” Fernandes said.

“Other countries have been bidding hard for this spot but Malaysia, through our concerted effort and strength in the true spirit of 1Malaysia, managed to pull it through.

“This will be an excellent opportunity for Malaysian corporates to share this dream that has finally come through,” he said.

He described the team as a lifetime achievement for all Malaysians.

Fernandes said the project would help Malaysia move up the value chain by emphasising innovation and technology.

Petronas’ sponsorship with BMW Sauber will expire this season. Fernandes also said that the F1 team car would be ready in February for testing at the Sepang circuit. They have also identified several young personalities who will be part of the team either as drivers or part of the crew.

Meanwhile, 1Malaysia F1 Sdn Bhd aims to employ 225 people and the job advertisements have been published this week in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

As for sponsorship in the current economic climate, it could come from Asia in the future, although Europe has been the traditional source of sponsorship, Fernandes said.

The team will have a start-up capital of RM168mil while its baseline annual budget is estimated at RM308mil, according to a statement it released on Friday.

The 1Malaysia F1 Team (1MF1T) is a collaboration between the Government and three entrepreneurs — Fernandes, who is AirAsia Group CEO, AirAsia deputy CEO Kamarudin Meranun and Naza Group CEO SM Nasaruddin SM Nasimuddin.

The privately-funded project is jointly-owned by the Tune Group, Naza and Litespeed UK. Tune Group is jointly-owned by Fernandes and Kamarudin.

Proton Holdings’ British subsidiary, Lotus, is the team’s constructor. In a statement, the team said Proton Holdings Bhd would license its Lotus brand to the 1MF1T. The partnership license will include a variety of benefits for both Lotus and Proton involving technology transfer, marketing rights and employment opportunities, both within the national F1 Team, at the team’s technical centre in Sepang and its satellite base in Norfolk, United Kingdom, it said.

Proton’s Managing Director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the company as very excited and supportive of the Malaysian initiative.

“Through the impending licencing arrangement between Lotus and the team, the brand association will be beneficial to both Lotus and Proton as it would definitely heighten global brand awareness,” he said.

Similarly, Syed Zainal said the Proton Group also hopes to capitalise on this opportunity from a technical and engineering aspect.

“The exposure to be obtained from Formula 1 racing is invaluable, especially when Lotus is a renowned sports car manufacturer and a respectable engineering firm,” he said.

The team will collaborate with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS to help realise the aspiration of creating a growing class of high-technology and knowledge-intensive human capital for the country.

www.thestar.com.my

1Malaysia F1 Team to be formed

PUTRAJAYA: The 1Malaysia F1 Team, a joint venture between the Government and private sector, will participate in the F1 race beginning next year, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister said the project involved the combined expertise of Proton and Lotus with the support of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Motorsports Association of Malaysia, Naza Motor and AirAsia.

Najib, who is also the Finance Minister I, told reporters when making the announcement at the Finance Ministry that leading corporate figures such as Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and S.M. Nasarudin S.M. Nasimuddin were also involved in the initiative.

“This is the Malaysian team. The car was designed at the SIC, manufactured at the SIC, tested at the SIC and the car is Malaysian-made. Even the pit-stop team consists of Malaysians,” he said.

He said the 1Malaysia Team would identify a suitable Malaysian driver, adding that the project could lift the country’s image in the international arena.

Najib said the FIA had received Malaysia’s application to participate in the World F1 Championship next year.

Asked on the budget and the total investment by the Government, Najib said: “The Malaysian government’s investment is through Proton.”

Najib said the project was not a waste because it would provide a strong marketing element to the country when it competed in the F1 championship.

“If we want to export the Proton, we must ensure that the brand is strong. There is a strong element of marketing.

“It is not merely a sporting activity because there is an element of marketing for Proton and Malaysia while at the same time, the AirAsia and Naza brand names can be popularised,” he said.

According to a press release issued by a local public relations company for the 1Malaysia F1 Team, the national team will be based at SIC.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Petronas as well as Composite Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM), a leading local composite manufacturing expert, have already been engaged to participate in the project.

The statement said the national F1 team would integrate the Malaysian technical and pit crew totalling 200 people to be managed by one of Formula One’s most respected technical director, Mike Gascoyne.

He had already recruited a core team of international experts with a proven record in the various engineering, design and manufacturing disciplines needed to ensure that the 1Malaysia F1 team was of international standard, readiness and capable of competing with the world’s greatest drivers.

Currently, six local and international drivers have been shortlisted for evaluation and the team is expected to announce its two drivers by end of next month.

The statement quoted Najib as saying that the country’s participation in Formula One with the national team had far reaching objectives, mainly the advancement of the country’s automotive industry development from the technological aspect including initiatives in green technology.

“By establishing our racing centre within the country, we hope to also attract more foreign investments and the best technical minds which, in turn, will spur the growth of our automotive industry where we hope to see more R&D into lighter, safer and more cost-effective cars,” he said.

“We further anticipate higher commitment by organisations and attendance by individuals during the F1 Petronas Malaysian GP which will be coupled with increased tourism related returns,” Najib said.

He claimed that by creating a national F1 team, the country was taking “its motor sports to its pinnacle, thus ensuring its place in this internationally embraced sports that had scaled the heights of entertainment.”

The 1Malaysia F1 Team takes its name from the “1Malaysia People First, Performance Now” policy mooted by Najib in June this year as the unifying foundation for all Malaysians to come together in celebrating cooperation among its multiethnic, multicultural and multireligious society for the betterment of the nation.

Petronas, the national oil giant, has also made advancement in this arena via its sponsorship of the BMW-Sauber Team for the last four years. -- Bernama

15 September 2009
theStar.com.my

Fernandes Seeking Experience for Lotus Line-up

Lotus’s Tony Fernandes says he hopes to recruit an experienced Formula One driver to spearhead the new team’s inaugural Formula One campaign in 2010. Fernandes is also seeking an experienced candidate to take over the role of team principal, which he plans to relinquish early next season.

The Malaysian government, partners in the project along with Fernandes and other local entrepreneurs, announced earlier this week that six drivers - Malaysian and international - are on the team’s shortlist. However, Fernandes, boss of budget airline AirAsia, believes choosing someone who knows the ropes would be beneficial.

"My personal preference would be to try to get someone with lots of experience, even though he may be ending his career, who can add a lot of experience and develop the car," he told Reuters. "Having the right personality that can transfer knowledge and enjoy working with people, I think is critical... there's no point throwing someone in at the deep end if he's not ready either."

Though the team will initially be UK based, the long-term plan is to move to purpose-built headquarters at Kuala Lumpur’s Sepang International Circuit, host of the Malaysian Grand Prix, and Fernandes hopes to hand over the operational reins to a more experienced team principal - ideally Malaysian - once he's laid the groundwork.

"I am going to get it (the team) to a stage and then someone can do it full time, properly,” he added. "I just want to make sure that we (Lotus) have the right direction, the right imaging and the right future, the right strategic plan and marketing. Maybe I'll enjoy being the team principal for a couple of races and I think then we'd move it on to someone else.

"Despite the Lotus team’s Malaysian focus, Fernandes insisted they would be doing everything possible to respect the Formula One heritage of the British sportscar firm, now owned by Malaysian automakers Proton.

"(The late Lotus founder) Colin Chapman had a fantastic pedigree and we want to enhance it, protect what's there and add value to it,” said Fernandes. “Very much we see ourselves as the original Lotus and carrying on the processes.”

The original Lotus team competed in almost 500 Grands Prix between 1958 and 1994, winning seven world championships along the way.

18 September 2009

http://www.formula1.com/

Lotus confirmed for 2010 as FIA pushes for 14 teams

Following an intensive selection and due diligence process, the FIA has awarded the 13th entry in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship to the new Lotus team.

The FIA also received an impressive application from the BMW Sauber team. As such, it has awarded BMW Sauber the '14th place' in the championship meaning that it will be entitled to fill any vacancy that arises on the 2010 grid.

In addition, the FIA believes that a good case can be made for expanding the grid to 14 teams. The FIA will be consulting urgently with the existing teams regarding the introduction of an appropriate rule change to expand the grid to 28 cars in time for the first Grand Prix in 2010.

Detailed below is information about the new team that has been confirmed to compete in the championship from next year, joining fellow newcomers Manor Grand Prix, Team US and Campos Meta.

Company Name: 1Malaysia F1 Team Sdn Bhd

Team Name: Lotus F1

TeamCountry: Malaysia

Team Principal: Tony Fernandes

A partnership between the Malaysian Government and a consortium of Malaysian entrepreneurs, 1Malaysia F1 Team returns the Lotus name as a constructor to Formula One for the first time since 1994. The team will initially be based at the RTN facility in Norfolk, UK, some 10 miles from the Lotus Cars factory. A 50,000 square foot fully equipped facility, RTN was built by Toyota for its initial Formula One programme and then used by Bentley for its successful Le Mans programme.

The team’s future design, R&D, manufacturing and technical centre will be purpose built at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit.

Team Principal Tony Fernandes is the founder and CEO of the Malaysian-based Tune Group, owner of the Air Asia airline. The team’s Technical Director Mike Gascoyne has over 20 years of experience in Formula One having previously performed the same role for the Force India, Toyota, Renault and Jordan Formula One teams.

As part of its application to compete in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship, the team has agreed an engine supply deal with Cosworth and a wide variety of technical partnerships including Xtrac and FondTech.

The team is understood to already have a shortlist of six drivers, including both Malaysian and international names, and an announcement confirming their line-up is expected in late October.

15 September 2009

www.formula1.com

Volkswagen Performance Chip

The Volkswagen Group or VW is an automobile manufacturer and mobility organization. It was founded by Ferdinand Porsche and Adolf Hitler in 1937. Currently it is the third largest automobile maker in the world and the largest in Europe. It means “people’s car” in German. The main intention was that ordinary Europeans would buy the car by means of a savings scheme which around 336,000 people. The second largest market is in China where its subsidiary Volkswagen Group China is the largest joint venture automaker. The third bestselling car in the world is Volkswagen Golf. Volkswagen honored its savings agreements in West Germany after World War II. Volkswagen began introducing a variety of new models after Bernd Pischetsrieder became Volkswagen Group CEO in 2002. Early models were air-cooled and were produced for low cost which can be affordable for the average person. The early VW vehicles were quite basic, but people loved them for their simplicity. It has become an iconic figure for people looking to buy a German vehicle. In the United States, it is known for models like GTI, GLI, and R versions of the Golf and Jetta models. It is recognized as one of the leading diesel engine manufacturers and is partnering with Mercedes and other companies to market Blue Tec clean diesel technology called as Blue Motion.


Adding performance to VW with the Volkswagen performance chip and Volkswagen performance parts will be an extra advantages. It is specially designed to work with Volkswagen performance parts to increase power, torque, acceleration, and MPG. It includes the largest selection of performance parts, performance chips, intakes, exhausts, superchargers, spark plugs and power modules that will get every last bit of power from the engine to make it more capable, better performing, fuel saving, and a blast to drive. It provides you an opportunity to boost up the efficiency of your engine. Using this, your vehicle becomes more active and responsive than before. It supports the engine as well as provides you 25 to 50 horsepower strength to your car’s engine but also you obtain high level of efficiency and high level of throttle response. It ensures that your engine is safe and would work smoothly in excellent manner. This is also very helpful in extending the life of spark plug and provides your engine with long term durability and strength. It is designed to provide powerful soul to your car’s body. Lots of research work has been done by the R&D department of well reputed company for the sake of obtaining positive outcomes. It is fully adjustable with the other functions of car. It has excellent programmed features which control the power in well manner so that it would easily suit your driving needs. It’s easy to use installation and effective performance to the customers. You do not have to face any complex problem in future while using these chips. These chips are simply great and provide sophisticated and smooth results to your engine. Usually these are installed within 30 minutes. It is programmed according to the information you provide for optimized performance and mileage to match your specific modifications. It provides your car an energetic strength by which the car would go on a right path.

By installing Volkswagen performance chip and performance parts, you need not to obtain much more horse power which means you can drive your car according to your own speed but also your engine doesn’t have to heat up so much at the high speed of car. Through computer settings, you can also control your engine. This resolves your car engine’s issues in such a way that you can get unlimited advantages. Some of these are Volkswagen Beetle, Cabriolet, Corrado, Eos, Eurovan, Jetta, Phaeton, Vanagon etc.

Volvo Performance Chip

Volvo means "I roll" in Latin and is founded in 1927 by SKF (Smith, Kline & French). The Volvo Group is a Sweden supplier of transport solutions for commercial purpose such as buses, trucks, construction equipments, financial services, marine engines and aerospace components. The first car built by this group is Volvo ÖV4. The Trademark of this group is equally owned by AB Volvo and Volvo Car Corporation. The main motive of the company is to own, maintain, protect and preserve its trademarks which include Volvo, Volvo Aero and Volvo Penta. The main aim is also to act against unauthorized registration and use of trademarks similar to the Volvo trademarks. The Group has about 100,000 employees and customers around 180 countries worldwide. Volvo performance chip is one of its useful product.


A Performance Chip is used to give energy boost to your engine. It also helps your engine or vehicle to gain power and resist a longer period of time. These are mainly of three types such as Control Modules, Power Programmers and Engine Management Systems (EMS). Each type has its own unique capabilities and characteristics but they have the same function of propelling the performance of your vehicle. Control Module plugs directly into the electrical system having various sensors and the computer. The module receives the data before it has a chance to reach the onboard computer. After that, it analyses the information, determines the accurate adjustments to the air-fuel ratio and timing, then sends commands to the onboard computer. It delivers accurate, immediate tuning for your engine because it is always plugged in and constantly reading and interpreting data from your sensors. The Installation process is very simple and does not take more than 15 minutes. Power Programmers reconfigure your vehicle's onboard computer to perform at peak levels. These are plug-n-use devices. The advantage is that you have greater control over the tuning of your system. Engine Management Systems (EMS) is a complete replacement for your stock onboard computer. These are designed to customize your car, truck according to your exact specifications. You can fix Volvo Performance Chip inside your engine compartment. Once it is installed, you can unplug the wires from your old computer and plug them into the new one. It uses the readings from your sensors to run your engine at its peak level.

Volvo Performance Chip is designed to increase the power and performance of the Volvo. This is specially made for the year and model to ensure the performance and customer satisfaction. The technical engineers have tested this feature for longevity and durability of Volvo. It works with the existing computer to reconfigure and recognize the air to fuel ratio and thus create more power. This feature feeds your engine or vehicle with a heavy dose of power. It also prevents unrealized Volvo potential. It is a key to open the gates of full throttle power for your vehicles. A Volvo has a built-in computer which can be reconfigured to unlock its full potential in terms of air-fuel ratio, automatic transmission shifting and timing. Plugging a high-tech into it may result to a greater engine efficiency because it accelerates faster, tow harder and pass quicker without burning extra fuel or gasoline. Another thing is that you will be able to custom-tune your vehicle depending on your driving style and modifications. Also you will experience faster off-line acceleration and rapid passing because it will create massive boosts in both torque and horsepower across the entire RPM range. Some of the brands are Jet Chips Volvo ECM Recalibration Kit - Volvo 440, Jet Chips Volvo ECM Recalibration Kit - Volvo XC90, Hot Tools Volvo ECM Programmer - Volvo V70, Hot Tools Volvo ECM Programmer - Volvo C70 etc.

A1 Team Malaysia Launches New Logo With It’s Own Unique Approach To The “1Malaysia” Concept

 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 07 September 2009 - The unity initiative recently launched by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia called “1Malaysia”, is a philosophy which is close to the heart of A1 Team Malaysia.

The motor racing team which represents the country in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, the nation-versus-nation international racing series, was conceived five years ago with the aim of drawing together Malaysians to form a national racing team. The team embodies 1Malaysia with a crew which is both multi-racial and multi-denominational and competes for the pride of the country, for the pride of Malaysia!
A1 Team Malaysia is a team made up of ethnic Malays, Indians with diverse religious backgrounds, Muslims of Chinese and Malay origin (as represented in the picture that is distributed with this announcement) as well as Caucasians.

The fundamental concept of 1Malaysia is an appreciation of the diversity of the nation’s people; its goal is to preserve and enhance this unity and cultural diversity whilst recognising that everyone shares a desire for a better tomorrow, within the bounds of opportunity, respect, friendship and understanding. 1Malaysia energetically reinforces this and encourages everyone to define Malaysia and the role Malaysians must play in its future.

A1 Team Malaysia is proud to represent the nation on a global platform, showcasing national brands and companies by using the powerful medium of motorsport. Since its inception, the team has recruited and developed its own Malaysian crew of specialist race mechanics and technicians, as well as commercial people, who are now in demand from other high-profile international teams, having been given the necessary top-level international motorsport training and experience.

Jack Cunningham, Chief Executive, A1 Team Malaysia says of 1Malaysia, “A1 Team Malaysia wholeheartedly supports the ethos of this initiative and applauds Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for creating a forum for nurturing, promoting and encouraging the nation to consider the future and recognising the importance of unity within the diversity of the population.

In our team we only succeed through focusing on a common goal of uniting together with the purpose of achieving excellence. In our case this is to be victorious at A1GP racing events but, whether we cross the line first or not, ultimately our success is measured in the strength of our teamwork and how we strive together to win.

Therefore, it is highly appropriate and relevant that we now incorporate the 1Malaysia logo in to our own. This is a very satisfying and relevant progression of our motorsport brand.”

The team has been competing in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport for the past four years and has consistently finished in the top 10 in an illustrious, yet short, life-time and is regarded as a potential championship title contender having finished 6th overall of the 22 teams competing in the last season.
The A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has grown its annual world wide audience from 60,000,000 to in excess of 100,000,000 in 4 years.

The series is carried by 80 broadcasters world-wide and enjoys a growing regional audience.
In Malaysia the proud and loyal home TV audience now exceeds 2,000,000, with an average of 10,000,000 people watching every race world-wide.

A1 Team Malaysia has a web-based fan club of more than 35,000 members with whom the team communicates on a weekly basis.

The team is currently preparing for a new season of racing which starts next month at Surfers Paradise in Australia, 23-25 October 2009.

Courtesy of: Zerotohundred

The 2010 F1 Drivers Market

 

In what is one of the most multiple-possibility Formula One drivers’ market seen in years, the decisions of a few key players have many other racers standing by to pick up their own options for the 2010 season and beyond. Two announcements in particular are expected to provoke a cascade effect all along the grid.

Fernando Alonso has long been rumoured for a switch to Ferrari, Nico Rosberg is linked with a move to McLaren, and several other drivers are contemplating their future destinations based on the conclusion of the Alonso and Rosberg suspense stories.


With five races to go and less than two months remaining to the season, confirmations regarding 2010 driver combinations should be announced in the near future. Meanwhile, here are the possibilities - and speculation - making the rounds within and without the paddock.

Brawn:
The Brawn team has good chances of pulling off its fairy-tale dream of taking the constructors’ championship this year, but it must still be wary of the Red Bull Racing effort. Jenson Button holds a good lead in the drivers’ standings and teammate Rubens Barrichello has chances of being this year’s Vice-Champion, although the Red Bull drivers also have a word to say on the matter.

In view of such results, the Brawn team has no solid reason to change its line-up for the 2010 season, especially since Barrichello has been bettering Button lately. However, it is nonetheless rumoured that Ross Brawn has made an offer to Nico Rosberg. If accepted, the German would most likely replace the veteran Barrichello, but that remains to be seen as the Brazilian’s form remains strong.

Red Bull:
The Red Bull team is where the clearest situation can be found as it has already been confirmed that Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber will remain teammates in 2010. The only unanswered question concerns the team’s engine supply, as Renault power might be dropped in favour of Mercedes.

Ferrari:
The red-clad team has two drivers under contract for the 2010 season: Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa. But with the persistent rumours surrounding Fernando Alonso’s arrival – without mentioning the apparent hints dropped by the man himself – all indicates that Ferrari management have a decision to make.

It seems the team may not be interested in keeping Raikkonen for another year; the aloof Finn does the job but does not appear to have the same passion as Massa. Raikkonen has never hidden his interest in an eventual rallying career, and with Ferrari’s parent company Fiat, might very well have a car at his disposal if he decided to make the jump next year – not that he has indicated he wishes to do so.

The recuperating Felipe Massa will not return to the cockpit before next season, so performance comparisons with Raikkonen are now impossible. It would be surprising to see Ferrari let go of Massa, but with the strong possibility of Alonso coming in, the temperament of an Alonso-Raikkonen line-up might be easier to handle.

McLaren:
Lewis Hamilton will remain a McLaren driver next year, but he may not have the same teammate. Heikki Kovalainen has been asked to up his game if he wants to remain on board, meanwhile tenacious rumours speak of Nico Rosberg’s arrival in 2010. A McLaren offer to Rosberg would not be very surprising in fact, since the team tried to woo him away from Williams at the end of the 2007 season; the team apparently signed with Kovalainen after the German opted to stay put.

Toyota:
The team is hoping to keep Timo Glock within its ranks next season; negotiations with Jarno Trulli are ongoing. However, upper management in Tokyo intend to cut the team’s budget by as much as 40% next year, but that decision will not me made until November - once the season is over. Both Glock and Trulli are right in looking at their options elsewhere while uncertainty hovers over Toyota despite the Japanese manufacturer’s vow to continue with its F1 programme.


Williams:
The Williams line-up could change completely in 2010 – including its engine partner. It is no secret that Nico Rosberg is in demand and that Williams have little chance of retaining him despite their improved form lately. Kazuki Nakajima however is performing below expectations and has yet to score a championship point this year after a dozen races.

Nakajima’s seat is further threatened by the fact that Williams is looking to end its engine contract with Toyota in favour of Renault – and Nakajima is a Toyota-supported driver linked to the engine supply deal. Potential candidates include Heikki Kovalainen and current Williams test driver and GP2 series leader Nico Hulkenberg.

BMW Sauber:
BMW has decided to quit Formula One at the end of the season; the German constructor – with the help of Peter Sauber – must now find a buyer if the team is to continue racing next season. Potential buyers might have been found in Malyasia (possibly Petronas, or car manufacturer Proton via the Lotus brand). Failing a sale or management buyout, BMW might hold on to the Hinwil facility and use it as a technology development centre.

Team drivers Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld are watching the situation closely. Kubica has been rumoured for a seat at Renault, while Heidfeld might integrate one of the three new teams coming in next year.

Renault:
Renault certainly appear to be at a crossroads. Fernando Alonso is surely heading for Ferrari while rookie Romain Grosjean (who replaced the sacked Nelson Piquet two races ago) is still in his learning phase. Odds are Grosjean will continue as a Renault driver next year but the main seat remains open.

However, it is the FIA investigation into possible cheating (suspicions regarding a voluntary crash by Piquet at the Singapore race in 2008, directly favouring a win for Alonso) which might decide the future. If the team is declared guilty, the French manufacturer might simply decide to leave the sport despite recently committing to F1 until 2012.

If the team is cleared, it can then look for an experienced driver to partner Grosjean, but interested candidates are surely waiting for the FIA’s full conclusions first. A Renault-Raikkonen association has been suggested if the Finn leaves Ferrari.

Force India:
Giancarlo Fisichella has effectively already left the team: the Italian will now take over the injured Felipe Massa’s seat at Ferrari until the end of the season, a mission to be followed by test and reserve driver duties next year.

It is expected that Force India’s reserve driver Tonio Liuzzi will sit in Fisichella’s vacated seat for the remainder of the season, and possibly continue as a race driver next year. Adrian Sutil will probably remain with Force India in 2010.

Toro Rosso:
No changes are expected at Red Bull’s ‘junior’ team. Sebastien Buemi should be on the roster next season, with fellow rookie Jaime Alguersuari (recently brought in as a replacement for the ousted Sebastien Bourdais) aboard the other Toro Rosso car.

USF1, Campos and Manor:
Three new teams have been confirmed for the 2010 championship, but the only certain aspect is that they will all be powered by Cosworth engines. In regards to drivers, it is all speculation: names such as Bruno Senna, Marc Gene, Pedro de la Rosa and even Jacques Villeneuve have been mentioned as possibilities among many others, but all is in the air and nothing can be sure until contracts are signed.

What can be said however is that the 2010 drivers’ market is a very active market indeed…

Courtesy fo: F1-Live

Ron Bloom, Obama's chief auto advisor to become manufacturing czar?

Ron Bloom's role in the bankruptcy and re-emergence of Chrysler and General Motors has proven that his experience driving negotiations with the United Steelworkers union is portable. Pushing the two automotive giants through restructuring in an impressively quick manner has given the Obama administration the impression that Mr. Bloom (far left) is a good choice to head up a manufacturing overlord position which will focus on building that sector of America's economy back up. An appointment announcement is scheduled today at an AFL-CIO picnic in Cincinatti, Ohio, where both President Obama and Bloom will appear.

Bloom's credentials in manufacturing go back further than just his recent automaker involvement. As special assistant to the president of the United Steelworkers union for ten years, Bloom looked out for union jobs during a deal between Wheeling-Pittsburgh Corporation and Esmark, compromising where necessary, and stringing profanity together when needed to meet his objective.

Bloom is going to need as many fancy swear words as he can muster to stanch the bleeding in manufacturing. Many believe the United States will never have as robust a manufacturing sector as it once did. Even with our shrinkage in manufacturing, Bloom indicates that the United States shouldn't forget how to make things just yet, and that the Obama Administration wants an "innovative, vibrant manufacturing sector." In that vein, monies from the stimulus package are going into environmentally-focused programs such as electric vehicles, as well as helping automakers to retool by giving low coast loans.

Courtesy of: Autoblog

Coming this Wednesday, the McLaren MP4-12C!

This coming Wednesday, McLaren will finally reveal the followup to its legendary F1 road car, but this weekend, in an interview with the Times of London newspaper, Ron Dennis finally announced the car's name. The supercar which until now had been referred to as the P11 will be dubbed the MP4-12C. That designation draws directly on McLaren's formula heritage where the company's racecars have borne the MP4 designation since 1981. Why the road car is named after the relatively unsuccessful 1997 model is not clear at this point, but perhaps we will learn more this week.

Of course, a name in-and-of-itself doesn't have anything to do with how good the car itself might be. Besides the name, Dennis did drop a few other hints about the car. As with the venerable F1, the chassis of the new supercar is to be made of carbon fiber. This time around, the car has gullwing doors and only two seats, rather than the three staggered thrones of the F1. Features like an automatic variable rate suspension likely means the MP4-12C won't be under the 2,400-pound weight of the F1.

In spite of its immense performance, the only 106 F1s were built over six years including the race cars – for the MP4-12C, McLaren is looking to achieve a much more ambitious target: 1,000 units per year.


Courtesy of: Autoblog

First Look: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

Bayerische Motoren Werke's engineering prowess is long established, as is its well-worn rep as purveyors of 'ultimate driving machines.' With its EfficientDynamics program, BMW is drawing from its considerable expertise in an effort to continue to develop engaging, sports-themed cars while at the same time improving the efficiency of its vehicles through the use of new technologies.

 

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept is designed and billed as the ultimate expression of BMW's emerging strategy. The Vision features seemingly every high-tech, lightweight, and aerodynamic trick the company has developed in an all-out effort to improve efficiency. And of course, BMW also says the Vision is designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. The end result is a lightweight, 2+2 coupe powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that BMW says develops a total output of 356 horsepower.

One look at the Vision and its clear BMW has created a vehicle that goes way beyond today's hybrid. Case it point, the exterior, which employs advanced layering technology to layer the various pieces of the Vision's bodywork over each other. The process smooths out joints and seams and help to reduce the number of overall components. The wild bits and pieces jutting off the car are all there for a reason. At the front, the A-pillars are designed to guide air around the greenhouse where a wrap-around spoiler, fin-like rear fenders and blade-like taillights all duct the airflow off the back of the car to in an effort to further minimize turbulence and drag.

The aerodynamic tricks aren't limited to obvious body modifications, either. Underneath, the entire underbody of the car is smooth and flat to minimize drag. Up front, active louvers in the fascia close when the airflow to the radiator isn't needed, streamlining the front of the car. Below them, small ducts in the air dam direct air through special passageways and out into the front wheel wells, creating a high-velocity curtain of air over the front wheels that BMW says aids stability.

The wheels themselves are also designed for aerodynamics with the profiles of the individual spokes designed to cut cleanly through the air and, again, minimize turbulence and drag. Despite their massive size, the wheels are wrapped in 195/55 narrow, low-profile tires to minimize rolling resistance. To keep the handling sporty, they're wrapped around 21-in. wheels that help give the tires a larger contact patch, one that is longer than it is wide for minimal wind resistance. All told, the Vision slips through the air with only a 0.22 coefficient of drag, significantly better than the 2010 Toyota Prius' 0.25.

Courtesy of: Motortrend

My Third Ride "Honda Civic EK3 Ferio"

This was my third ride, a 1996/1999 JDM Honda Civic EK3 Ferio. She had a 1500cc engine + CVT Multimatic gearbox. Previously my Mum was using it and since she retired from her job, I took ownership of it.

This Honda Civic entered it's 6th generation, the "EK-generation" from late 1995 till late 2000. Replaced by the current ES-generation from late-2000, nevertheless many fans still feels the EK-Civic to represent a peak in Honda's acheivement amongst all generations of Civics thus far. In the EK-Civic, the various variants were truly refined to the highest of standards. The SiR was given the code EK4 and carries the 3rd (and as it turned out to be also the last) incarnation of the legendary B16A. This generation also saw the introduction of a true Type-R Civic, the EK9. Best of all, for the person with family requirements, the so-called "executive" D15B engined version was one of the best overall Civic yet designed by Honda.

It has always felt the EK3 Civic to be one of Honda's best overall Civic models. For its market segment and design objectives, it easily ranks alongside the excellence level of the EK4 Si/SiRs and even the EK9 Type-R.


For the EK-generation Civics, Honda used the model code EK3 to denote the 'executive' Civic versions. This versions are effectively '2nd from the top' Civics, in this case, just below the top B16A and B16B engined variants. Executive Civics are powered by engines with a balance of fuel economy and power and designed for practicality and comfort unlike the B16A & B16B engined Civics which focuses purely on performance to the extent of compromising rather large degrees of comfort and even practicality.


"2nd from the top" Civics relies on the D15B engine in various configurations. The D15B displaces 1493c.c. and is always SOHC in design. In the EK3 series of variants, Honda equipped it with either just plain PGM-Fi which produces 105ps or the now famous 3-stage VTEC mechanism in which case it produces 130ps but with fuel consumption that can reach up to ~28km/l ! With the EK-generation, Honda also continued with the segregation of using the Civic name for the 3-door hatchbacks and Civic Ferio for the 4-door sedans. However, in addition to this Honda also used different type nomenclatures for the hatch and sedans.

 

  

  

 

She was fitted with a 17" Lenso Concept 5 wheels + Yokohama A539 tyres. Future plans were to do a engine transplant and a full convert to the '99 ViRS specs. However, as I was staring to mod her, my brother was keen to take over and let go of his EG6. I finally decided to part with her after 10 months. My brother's EG6 was given to a friend to continue payment. Plans to mod was not successful. My next target was a 1992 Ford Tx3 1.8i DOHC. Some pics below, after my brother's ownership:

After about 2 years of his ownership, she was sold off to a second-hand dealer as my brother got his Ford Focus Elite MK-II. There she goes from my family. I wish I still had her. A superb base for a Type-R transplant and very robust applications. Hope she's in good hands. Miss her too.

3 Old Skool Rockford Fosgate Amplifiers

1) Rockford Fosgate 250.2 - 2Channel Amplifier.RM1200

2) Rockford Fosgate 40.2 - 2Channel Amplifier.SOLD

3) Rockford Fosgate 2.9x - 2Channel Amplifier.SOLD

Package includes:LSB

Price:Negotiable for group buy

Warranty:NIL

Dealing method:COD

Location of seller:Cheras, KL, Malaysia

Contact method/details:Comment/ Call +6016 260 6600

Item(s) conditions:Used(Fair-Excellent)

Mazda Furai ! Zoom Zoom...

The Mazda Furai is a concept car revealed on 27 December, 2007 and manufactured by Mazda.

The Furai, meaning Sound of the wind, is the fifth and last of the Mazda Nagare line of concept cars that have been made by Mazda since 2006. The chassis is based on the Courage Compétition C65 Le Mans Prototype that Mazda last used to compete in the American Le Mans Series, two seasons previously and is designed to use E100 ethanol fuel, it is powered by a new generation 3-rotor wankel engine that puts out 450 brake horsepower (340 kW). The engine is developed and built by renowned rotary tuner, Racing Beat, who also built the car's rotary-shaped muffler canister. Sounds like the perfect engine for an RX-7, doesn't it?

But Furai, which will be joined on the stand by the revised 2009 Mazda RX-8, is much more than just a design exercise. It is also an emphatic statement by Mazda that its relentless "zoom-zoom" (sorry, we tried not to use it) message really means something. According to the automaker, on a given weekend in the U.S., more Mazda-powered vehicles are ripping around tracks than any other brand. That's a lot of sports cars with soul.

From the teaser shot of the car, you can definitely make out the Nagare-style gills on top of the front wheel housing and an exaggerated cutline along the bodyside. It definitely has the look of an LMP-type ALMS car with a closed cockpit design. What seems to be a cooling vent setup along the top of the car indicates a mid-engine layout.

It has run at Laguna Seca and Buttonwillow. Head designer, Laurens van den Acker, has stated in an interview with Top Gear magazine that there are possibilities of the Furai being used for racing in Le Mans, and he also has strong hopes that the car could be brought to the market

 

 

Courtesy of: Wikipedia, Autoblog, Motortrend

Getting to know your Car better !

 

Today's vehicles are much more complex and complicated than the cars of the 1960s, '70s, '80s, incorporating more computer electronics, silicon chips, and sophisticated engines. However, the same basic car care still applies to all kinds of vehicles, and can extend the life and durability of your car or truck.

The best part is, basic car care does not require any sophisticated understanding of vehicles or their systems. A few simple steps, some regular checks, and addressing issues promptly can greatly extend the life of your vehicle, making it safer and more dependable for you and your family.

Regular checks:

It may seem intimidating, but basic care car is often simply a matter of popping open the hood and taking a look at the engine of your vehicle.

Some basic car care starts with examining the exterior. Check your tires at least every other week to make sure they are inflated properly. This should be an actual check with a tire pressure gauge, but you may also advantage from a visual check to make sure the tires appear equally and properly inflated.

Other visual checks that require almost no vehicle mechanics knowledge include the following:

- body and bumper damage, which should be monitored for insurance purposes
- leaking fluids underneath the vehicle, including oil, power and brake fluid, transmission or other fluid (air-conditioning may cause water to drip under a vehicle)
- smoke in vehicle exhaust, aside from normal diesel emissions or startup fumes
- engine or fluid warning lights, which should be promptly addressed before any further driving

Under the Hood:

Of course, much of the day-to-day driving maintenance for your vehicle must occur with the hood opened and up, but that doesn't mean you have to be a mechanic. The most important things to monitor and check regularly include the following:

- engine oil level and cleanliness
- antifreeze/coolant level (never attempt to remove radiator cap while engine is hot or warm)
- brake and power steering fluid levels
- transmission fluid
- belts

When checking fluid levels, the engine usually has containers and canisters with fill-level lines. Make sure the fluids are above the minimum line, and below the maximum line. You should also keep an eye out for any leaks or worn radiator and other tubes, which should be replaced before pushed to the point of bursting.

Other things to be watchful for in and around the engine include loose electrical or tube connections, worn or exposed wires, and loose or warped belts, which should be promptly replaced. Belt replacement is somewhat difficult for some motorists, but is a relatively simple and inexpensive fix at a service station, so it may be worth the trip to your mechanic to get the right belt installed correctly.

You should also keep an eye on your vehicle's battery, and be aware of its age. Batteries should be replaced every five years or so, and if your battery is not getting the proper charge to easily start your car, you should have it checked. You can usually have your battery's charge and water level checked for free at a battery replacement station. Most vehicle batteries come with comprehensive warranties, as well.

Changing the Oil:

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your vehicle is to change the oil and oil filter regularly. Some mechanics recommend changing the oil every 2,000-3,000 miles, but you can safely drive further. However, you should be sure to change the oil of your vehicle, or have it changed, at least every 5,000, including a new filter.

Your oil should be relatively clean, but still have a dark color to it once it runs through your engine. You should regularly check your oil level, and maintain it between the minimum and maximum fill lines. This is why it is a good idea to have some motor oil with the vehicle so you will be able to add some if needed.

There are a variety of types of motor oil to choose from. Lighter weight oil, such as 5W-40, is typically better for warm to hot weather, while heavier oil, such as 10W-40, is more suited to colder temperatures and climates. If your vehicle smokes or uses a lot of oil, a heavier weight and synthetic blend motor oil is probably best.

Other Replacements and Maintenance:

Other important components and parts of your vehicle and engine that need regular maintenance and infrequent replacement include the following:

- air filter
- headlight, turn signals, and brake lamps
- spark plugs and cables
- engine timing belt
- windshield wipers
- Most engine tuneups are either actual motor work, or electrical tuneups consisting of spark plug, cable, and distributor cap replacement.

The biggest thing to remember with ongoing vehicle maintenance is to address issues promptly, including engine knocking or other noises, and do your best to try to understand what may be going on before you visit the mechanic.

Below are some illustration of the car body and major parts that might be useful for your better understanding

 

Braking

Cooling

Engine

Engine Electrical

Exhaust

Fuel

Steering

Suspension

Transaxle-Drivetrain 1

Transaxle-Drivetrain 2

Transmission_Clutch

Transmission_Gearbox