May 30, 2003
Care for an Eleanor
“Gone in 60 sec” had one major star: Eleanor
The Carroll Shelby GT500E “Fastback” Mustang was the main attraction of a movie that had much less talent and story then “Fast & Furious” or the new “Italian Job”.
But it had “Eleanor” and you can buy one. I wonder how much …
Lego Matrix
Some people have soooo many pieces! Lego Rulez!
props to Budha’s Belly for finding this :)
Breed
Breed (Demo) by BRAT Designs is out!
This game may outshine Halo on the PC, before Halo takes roots!
Small Car Purchase
My friends are considering a small car purchase. This is what they wrote:
—- start include —-
Possibilities:
Honda Civic Sedan
Golf TDI
Toyota Echo
Others that you could suggest would be welcome.
Main concerns (for me anyway):
Fuel economy
Safety
Reliability
Say what you think!
—- end include —-
Let me know what the rest of you think !
1967 Porsche 911R
Apple is hosting a Quicktime movie produced by Endorphine Productions about the 1967 Porsche 911R.
May 28, 2003
FedEx & hybrids
Sourced From: New York Times, May 21, 2003, Page B5
Diesel/Electric Hybrid Engines Going on 30K FedEx Trucks; Firm Eyes 50% Gain in Fuel Efficiency, Cut in Emissions
Excellent news! Point by point review at Automotive Digest.
Web links:
PSA & Ford Diesel Partnership
PSA and Ford team on diesel
Design and engineering cooperation between major OEMs on high-investment projects can be an effective use of resources, and that is what PSA Peugeot Citroën and Ford are doing to create a wide range of diesel engines. The latest result of this union, which was formed in 1998 and expanded in 1999, is the announcement of two significant power units: an all-aluminum 1.6-L, and a 100-kW (134-hp) version of PSA’s established 2.0-L HDi with Siemens’ piezoelectric injector system.
Diesel Mini
The “Car of the Year” is sold with a Toyota sourced diesel engine in Europe. Auto Express has a preview and in summary:
Quote:
“Despite its charms, £11,390 is a bit steep for a fairly spartan, non-air-conditioned, steel-wheeled supermini - especially as you can buy a fully loaded Yaris D-4D GLS, offering better economy, for over £1,000 less.”
The Yaris D-4D is the “Echo Hatchback” here, and no, we don’t get diesel. Why? I dunno.
May 27, 2003
Iraqi Fuel Economy
Sourced From: The Wall Street Journal, May 23, 2003
UN Gives US and Britain Control of Iraqi Oil Exports to Finance Rebuilding Nation’s Infrastructure
Subaru Legacy
Seems like Subaru is “refreshing” the current lineup. In Japan the new Legacy Touring Wagon and the B4 have both been introduced.
Evidently, the look is sharper, more European and more Impreza like. (What about the price ?) I think the Mazda6 just had a short run on the top position.
pictures at Subar Global
Subaru B11S
Those lucky b*st*rds at Auto Express got to drive the prototype Subaru B11S
Looks like Subaru might be serious enough to build this car. But if the Subaru WRX starts at $35K Cdn, then how much money will the B11S cost ?
So when will they build a turbo equipped car for “the rest of us” ?
Mazda to stop making luxury cars
Reuters / May 27, 200
TOKYO — Mazda Motor Corp., Japan’s fifth-largest automaker, is set to withdraw from the luxury car market, business daily Nihon Keizai Shimbun said on Tuesday.
Mazda, one-third owned by Ford Motor Co., will stop production of the Millenia — its only remaining luxury model — by the end of this year and halt sales by the end of 2004, the paper said, citing company sources.
A spokesman for Mazda said: “We are considering various options for what to do about the Millenia but nothing has been decided yet.”
The paper said the move is designed to concentrate the automaker’s resources on small and midsized passenger vehicles as well as sports cars, where it has considerable strength.
Only 1,300 units of the Millenia were sold last year, the paper said.
Mazda, in the midst of a five-year turnaround plan, is counting on new models such as the award-winning midsized Mazda6/Atenza and the Mazda2/Demio subcompact to boost global sales and put it on a firm recovery track.
Local media said earlier this month that rival Mitsubishi Motors Corp. would make only one high-end sedan instead of two.
Tenants Meeting
I live in a loft, an old converted 1920s school, and my place is built from the remains of a class room.
Last night was the first tenant meeting I have been around to attend. Many faces I didn’t even know, funny since I’m among the earliest to arrive in the building. I also learned there is only one unsold unit left. “Could this be the end of the construction ?” Nah.
So, after the long day with the server and stuff, it was quite a surprise to see no major disagreement among tenants. We elected a new board, approved a budget and such. This part of living in a Condo has not yet sunk in.
May 26, 2003
SUV deduction, $100K
Quote :
A loophole that allows small-business owners to deduct $25,000 for luxury sport-utility vehicles will grow to $100,000 under the $350-billion stimulus plan expected to be approved by the Senate today and signed by President George W. Bush on Monday.
“Now that’s boosting the economy George!”
walking upright
slowly, gently, the server is coming back to life
Yes… coffeehaus had a fatality … there was a shiny (torch) light … a heart (hard-disk) transplant … and now, recovery.
Tough Morning
I’m a human barometer, groggy and usless as rain aproaches. Today, I’m running on 4 hours and a bit of sleep, it’s rainy and I still woke-up before my alarm.
I’ve made the decision that ‘coffeehaus.com’ will stop being a spam magnet and so all the public mailinglists will be closed for good. This should remove a good chunk of the overhead.
The websites for each user should be active sometime today. Mail should flow. I will be making major alterations based on what there is now.
coffeehaus.com is limping along.
Reset
It feels like someone hit RESET
180+ messages in this weblog, over 4 GB of mailing list archives, numerous neat websites: all gone.
The harddisk is still OK … so it has little explanation why some files died and others are A1.
It is going to take some time to rebuild all this as the backups only concetrated on the home directories of the few “coffeehaus” natives.
…sigh…
May 24, 2003
The Italian Job verus The Italian Job
VS
Yesterday I watched the circa 1969 The Italian Job, starring the ever charming Michael Caine as “Charlie Croker”, a man that just loves a big gold heist and “no guns please”. This movie is famous among car lovers for the entertaining scenes with the Mini Austin fleet: the Red, Blue and White Rally styled cars.
Now, any movie that also has “Benny Hill” as computer genius with a name like “Professor Simon Peach” and fetish in “big” women, is not geared for anything else then entertainment. It took someone like Rockstar Games, makers of the now infamous “Grand Theft Auto” series to re-market the true meaning of this movie: a caper, a giant chase scene all punctuated by set-piece jokes. Or simply: Entertainment.
The contender is the remake, a movie I saw tonight, 7 p.m. This was the “sneak preview”, an event that was sold-out until 10 minutes before start. Luckily I walked past the theater again and noted the change, nabbed a ticket and made my way to the screening.
You’ll hear reviews state the changes first:
- Turin replaced by Venice, and really L.A.
- car sponsor FIAT by BMW (Austin had nothing to do with the original!)
- Austin Mini replaced by BMW made “Mini”, with Brazilian engines (confused?)
- “Charlie Croker” now played by Mark Wahlberg
- “Professor Simon Peach” replaced by “Lyle, aka Napster” and played by Seth Green
And thats it. In fact, this movie is an “adaptation” and most importantly, a new take on a good story.
In 1969, some “birds” (read chicks), some cars, some football (read soccer) and a gold heist with an escape chase scene made a movie with an unexpected ending. Today, the re-tread contains the entire original movie’s heist “essence” in the first 15 minutes and then makes a sequel of sorts, with good guys, bad guys, more bad guys and L.A.
I liked this movie: no expectations, no pressure. Entertaining! Seth Green’s character repeats the “Computer Genius is the funniest character bit”. Well chosen cast, well chosen, if “too often paved”, script turns and fantastic cars. Now you know, BMW is happy to have sponsored this movie, and they should be. I kept hearing the roar of that Brazilian supercharged engine and thinking about my buddy Dave who said : “This your kind of car.” In the near future, the “New Mini” will sport engines by Peugot and diesel by Toyota Maybe even in North America.
So, if you are looking for an “Sunday Matinee” movie, this one fits the bill.
But Y.M.M.V.
more info:
New: Yahoo Movies
Old: Film, Rally, Car and Soundtrack
Spoiler:
It’s also the first movie in a long time to feature a Pink Floyd tune, no marks for guessing which one. :)
“The Italian Job” versus “The Matrix Reloaded” -> The vistory goes to TIJ for not taking itself too seriously.
May 20, 2003
Hot Physics
“There is a lot to like about a hot chick reading a book on astrophysics.”
— update —
Chuck:
So Steph. Just perusing YMMV and noticed the following quote:
“There is a lot to like about a hot chick reading a book on astrophysics.”
I agree wholeheartedly, but what is the context?
me
Sitting on the Metro, reading a magazine. Eyes pan-up. Across they way sits a “Turbo Hottie” … notice eyes , pan down to book facing me… read title … Advanced Astrophysics …
Yeah … my kinda chick.
Are you reloaded ?
IRC, AIM, MSN Messenger and all other chat systems have been using a new designation: reloaded
I may be reloaded … as in “seen The Matrix Reloaded” … but I’m not “Enlightened”.
UPS Fuel Cell
Props to UPS and Daimler-Chrysler for the choice of fuel cell based delivery vehicles. The “Dodge Sprinter” is really a Mercedes-Benz cargo vehicle imported into the US and potentially to be manufactured in Michigan as well. The “Sprinter” is by default a Diesel cargo unit with excellent reputation.
April Sales
The stats for April automotive sales are in and the outlook is awful. The “Big Three” are the lowest and each segment has some surprises. One thing for sure, the longer the economy is weak, the more Korean brands will take hold in Canada.
Though the Nissan 350Z and the Audi A4 are selling well … shows people have money and taste too.
Born Again Trabant
— start cut —
© Auto Express
Trabant Is Born Again In Africa
Unlike Communism, the Trabant refuses to die. Manufacturer Sachsenring plans to sell the ageing east European vehicle in South Africa, where it will be called the AfriCar.
The Trabant, launched by the East German government in 1957, will sell for £2,100, making it the country’s cheapest motor.
— end cut —
I remember my parent’s little soapboax Trabant, with 2 stroke engine and reasonable fuel efficiency. Like the “In the West”, the fuel crisis had dire effect on the economy of the “Eastern Block”. My parents gave up the wonderful Russian Military Jeep for this soapbox.
It’s all about the fuel economy
Dollar Hedging
Looks like Porsche, the most profitable car company on the planet, learned its lesson in 1980s and now hedges quite far ahead the US dollar.
In an economy where the U$ is low and going lower, that is a smart move. VW is “only” 40% hedged, but they produce most vehicles for North America in Mexico.
May 15, 2003
Shell & VW Natural Gas Fuel
I missed this before, but thanks to TDIClub, I have a link to the CanadianDriver article.
“The crystal clear fuel is made using Shell’s proprietary “Gas to Liquids” technology, Shell Middle Distillate Synthesis. It is made from natural gas, providing a diversity of energy supply. It can be used in conventional diesel engines and its special properties - a fuel virtually free of sulphur and aromatics - deliver significant emissions benefits. “
“Tests carried out by Volkswagen show that many Euro-3 diesel cars operating on this synthetic natural gas based fuel would, without any modifications, meet the stringent Euro-4 emission limits, while Euro-4 car emissions can be lowered even further. Moreover, this specially designed fuel will support innovative drive systems, like Volkswagen’s combined combustion system (CCS) which combines the fuel economy advantages of a diesel engine with the emission benefits of a gasoline engine. “
Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation
Direct to DVD release called “Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation” has begun production. (more info @ aint-it-cool-news)
“Run Paul Run!”
Citroen C2
I think my recent “small car” fascination has to do with Go-karts and BW’s new Mini.
Price-wise the Mini isn’t and so a lighter, cheaper alternative would be great … like all those crazy European and Japanese “hot-hatches” like the French Citroen C2.
Already in Sport guise, this little “Pocket Rocket” is going to be UK #1 hatchback and potentially unseat all other across Europe.
The 1.6 liter petrol engine and the 1.4 liter hDI diesel can both be ordered with a sequential shift transmission. That be just fine for some rally inspired driving. :)
more pictures from Italian site InfoMotori.com
The Matrix Transcoded
My firm is shutting down earlier this afternoon. We are all going to see the “Matrix Reloaded”, gratis. That’s one thing to like about this place :D
If you’re stuck in some awful corner of the planet and cannot see the movie on big screen yet, search the net and you shall find.
May 14, 2003
Satisfaction
Hyundai Elantra ties with VW New Beetle to win owner satisfaction award
I’m not surprised of the results having owned a New Beetle (Turbo) and reading about the experience of Elantra owners. Though I would venture it is the Elantra GT that is garnering the results.
May 12, 2003
Another 24 Hours, part Deux
You know you are working for something meaningful when “they” thank you for a job “well done”. And that’s nice. But then they gift you, for the “above and beyond the call of duty” part. The gift is not important, the principle of it is. Such little things make the question go from “Why?” to “How high ?”
No ?
Summer Tyres
I have neglected my car maintenance for the last two months or so. I t had to do with lack of funds first and now, lack of time. But the winter tyres (yes, I prefer the UK spelling) must come off as the leafs are turning green and spring is finally here.
Choosing bad tyres is not only a waste of money, but a hazard to yourself and others. Often the opposite is very true, a quality set of tyres (and maybe lighter wheels) improves the handling and driving comfort of a car, and your opinion thereof.
Phil Bailey’s article for CanadianDriver covers the same topics and reminds me I really need to take care of my car.
My tyre spec is : 205×55R16 H rating or better
So far the short list includes :
Pirelli P6000 SPORTVELOCE, H rating obo $160 Cdn
Falken ZIEX ZE-512, V rating obo $135 Cdn
Bridgstone POTENZA RE950, H rating obo $155 Cdn
Kumho 712 ECSTA SUPRA, V rating obo $125 Cdn
and
Nokian WR, H rating obo $200 Cdn and the only true “All Season” tyre
Where to buy is another question, today, much like with computer components, mail-order houses (often from B.C.), seem to have the best prices and service. Even with transport costs around 20$ a tyre to Montreal.
See :
TireTrends see their community discussion board on Canadian Driver
As for local shops:
Shops carrying Falken, a performance brand from Japan with great racing and “street cred”, can be found at President Tire
Where I shopped in the past, with great prices and service:
Although it changed ownership and now is in the Unipneau corporate stable, Pneaus Beaumont has shod my last two cars and my mothers’ Forester in Nokian winter tyres. If it were not for my fascination with Falken, I’d go there for the Pirelli and the service.
For Falken, I found online raves for Pneus Theo Gossellin, who are close to the distributor and have great prices (or so I read).
UPDATE : Just called and Mr. Gossellin himself took the call. No tyres of my size in, but will be in day-two. $625 installed, ballanced, tax. Better overall price the from Tiretrend.com … wow.
And for the “new and innovative”, how about Pneus Direct actually come to your house!
May 11, 2003
Another 24 Hours
When was the last time you noticed the time on your watch and realised you woke-up 24 hours ago ? Or how about when you noticed that you walked into work exactly 24 hours ago ?
Never happened to you ? Lucky. Though there is a sense of “trial-by-fire” that actually improves in some way the team camaraderie. It will be at the very least a memorable day.
Well, I added another one to my list last Thursday (6-am) to Friday (6-am). All it really did is screw up my sleeping schedule; I’m back on “Tokyo Time”.
May 06, 2003
Smart ForFour in Spring 2004
Yes, the Smart FourFor is now confirmed for a spring launch in North America, built in Brazil.
We may even get the new Mitsubishi Colt, a platform twin, in the same time frame.
Both cars may have Turbo Diesel engines as options.
Subaru WRX STi
$47,000 Cdn buys you the Subaru WRX STi
Street legal, World Rally Championship derived, in your face styled fun car.
Do I wan’t one ? Sure. Will I ever buy one ? Not unless I win the lottery.
May 04, 2003
sub-Ka mini
Ford is considering building a smaller car then the Ka. If you have never seen one in person, the Ka can only be described as “cute” and handy sized for European cities. To me, it always brings a smile for the shape and the “Jungle Book-ish” name. To build something even smaller makes only sense when you compare this vehicle against others in Europe.
“Most people have way more car than they need,” he added. “There isn’t a Ka made that you can lose your license with. So the decision was to make it a fun vehicle, not a performance vehicle.”
May 03, 2003
Fuore Design
Interesting news on the Subaru B 11S & Jaguar XF10 similarities I mentioned before. Turns out the consulting design firm is the same: Fuore Design
May 02, 2003
Fourfor comment
© Dan Minick GlobalAuto.org
Variations on a Theme? There’s something that’s really making a statement at DaimlerChrysler. Is it that the actual photos of the Smart forfour were released yesterday? Quite a good looking small car actually. Better than I was expecting. Smarts first four-door four passenger auto. Significant? Perhaps, but not the biggest statement. The states will even see a version of this, to be manufactured in Brazil, and most likely using DaimlerChrysler’s global four cylinder engine. So that’s big news? No, what is the biggest statement that isn’t being said, is the fact that the Smart forfour shares a platform with Mitsubishi’s new Colt that was introduced late last year. This is really the first co-devloped platform to hit the streets in the DaimlerChrysler empire. While everyone is bemoaning the chassis sharing plans that keep leaking from the cracks from both Stuttgart and Auburn Hills, the fact is, that both the forfour and the Colt look nothing alike. Each model looks like a full-blooded family member of the division whose surname they carry. In fact I would bet you’d be hard pressed to notice that these two were even related unless you studied stampings and under carriage bits.
I think we’ll be expecting great things from the new platforms DC has planned. Expect no cookie-cutter clones, but distinct brand specific models. This is the kind of platform sharing that works.
© Dan Minick
DCM Fuel Cell Info
Allpar.com’s Chrysler full cell vehicles article is a good primer on what can be done and how much it really costs.
Prius Eyes
According to AutoExpress, Toyota lost its nerves when they chose the final form of the new Prius. The pictures show a much “swoopier” version or two.
The neat bit of information that makes my day is :
The firm also revealed it’s working on a diesel/electric hybrid system.
Oh yeah! Bring it on!