June 28, 2003
Yaris Cup
I always guessed that small cars racing would be fun, but this Quicktime movie just put a grin on my face.
I want “one”
June 27, 2003
Jetta Wagon TDi
CanadianDriver reviews the GLS TDi Wagon and does a good job of the pros and cons. What is missing in the details is how easy these vehicles are to improve in both drivability and performance.
“A real shame about not having the base model GL in Canada.”
- 16” lightweight wheels with better quality tyres, say Pirelli P6000 Sport Veloce will improve ride, handling and grip
- TDi tuning controllers, about $1000 Cdn, will boost both Hp and Torque without and mechanical changes
- running on Bio-Diesel, this vehicle will rev smoother and actually have a better fuel economy
More involved but worth looking into:
- larger injectors offer the best price/peformance upgrade $500 Cdn
- the above will almost certainly require a new clutch plate due to Torque slip: recomended the Golf VR6 unit or equivalent
- a better “intercooler” pipe $400 Cdn
- an oil cooler/heater for the engine $300 Cdn
- a lighter flywheel allows the engine to be more “free revving”
All these “stealth” modification will not make your car into a “Street Racer”, but just a potent lug-about, with better then average accelaration, while maintaining a great fuel-economy. Essentially, you will go on-par with European models.
Chery on Top
China is known for the ” cloning ” ( “Ripping Off” may be more accurate) of PC parts, but now they may have out-done themselves with clone cars.
Hmm, parts, engineering and so on. Does this mean the beginning of “White Box” cars?
I have heard Chinese firm cancelling lucrative Co-Operative engineering projects once the data from the western partner is “acquired”. So this may just be a new-found self-assurance, not methodology.
June 26, 2003
Define Success
Audi’s Gyõr (Hungary) facility just finished the 250000th Audi TT
Now that is a successful and expensive little car!
June 24, 2003
Fuel Cells Bad for Ozone ?
This is a weird one: Googling it
According to a group of reputable researchers at the California Institute of Technology, widespread use of hydrogen as a fuel source (President Bush’s stated goal) could lead to damage to the ozone layer, which protects people from ultraviolet rays which cause sunburn and cancer. The ozone layer would be indirectly damaged by the leakage of hydrogen.
The report suggested caution before going ahead with a wholesale shift to hydrogen. Congress is set to spend $3 billion on hydrogen research to put fuel cell cars on the road by 2020, though several automakers already have test vehicles in use, and GM plans to have fuel cell vehicles widely available by 2010.
While the vehicles themselves would produce little or no pollution, the energy to distill hydrogen must come from somewhere, and the administration is emphasizing nuclear power and coal, which have security and environmental drawbacks. Some have suggested that spending a fraction of the amount of money that is applied to these technologies to building renewable energy sources would have more impact, especially with regulatory changes to encourage use of hybrid-electric and biodiesel powered vehicles, along with discouraging the least fuel-efficient vehicles.
© paragraphs from AllPar.com
$80B Unsold New Cars
The BIG3 have $80B of Unsold New Cars … because they have no monopoly in any segment ? Or is it that they produce overweight crap … by default ?
And you think the US economy is in a slump now ? Guess what it will be like if these companies begin to “fail a little more” and “cut a little more”. Everyone should watch Roger and Me
Diesel Sacrifice
In fact, the Bush administration, which has loosened some environmental rules, has found it convenient politically to sacrifice diesels to the environmentalists. New rules prepared by the Clinton administration have been allowed to take effect with little or no change by the current administration.
Honday FCX
$2,000,000 (est) buy you the new Honda FCX Hydrogen powered car. If you are a municipality, you can rent one for 500$/month.
42 Volt
We learn the adoption of 42 volt systems is delayed in an article about chassis systems which wraps-up ABS brakes, electronic stability programs (ESP), traction control and so on.
Simply put: Too bad.
Todays cars have so many more electronic doodads, yet we have not enough power to drive true “steer by wire” or “brake by wire” setups. Such technologies require redundant power but in turn simplify and lighten cars, not to mention alter the basic design constraints: remove the steering column and just think what the nose of the car looks like now.
June 23, 2003
Echo Hatch Roadtest!
Canadian Driver has the 2004 Toyota Echo Hatchback in roadtest. Love the starting price!
June 21, 2003
Scion-ara
The folks in California have just started seeing the new Scion label, a division of Toyota, roaming about on two small but distinct cars: xA & xB
The Car Connection Preview gives a pretty good showing for a pair of vehicles unlikely to appear at dealers above the 49th parallel.
What is to note from this article, both vehicles are based on the Toyota Echo platform, but weigh between 200-400 pounds more. If performance per pound the xA & xB beat the Mini or Golf, then you can just image how the nimble Echo must be!
The only dark spot is really the Scion xC aka Coupe the we will most likely not see either. Probably based on the ccX Concept Car, it really may closer in the end to the Citroen C3 Pluriel in modularity.
Racing Yaris ! 205/40/16 VR tyres on 16×7.5 wheels. TRD (Toyota Racing Development) shocks.
No Joke: Tuned Vitz
Want a Turbo Echo ?
Mini who ?
SUV Crash
The Insurance Institute for Highways Safety has done a crash-test of 14 Small SUV’s. The results point to the only safe one: Subaru Forester.
Rally technology means a lot. IMO
2.1 Million Miles
Irv Gordon has been drove his 1966 Volvo P1800 into the Guinness recordbook, and he keeps surpassing that moment each time he drives. His 37 years old car has clocked 2.1 million miles. He has some tips for fellow drivers.
June 20, 2003
Quote of The Day
“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.”
— Groucho Marx
June 17, 2003
Great Quote
“…sleep-deprived zombies aren’t the shock troops of enterprise success… When managers treat crash-and-burn schedules as a sign of commitment and not as a problem to be fixed, that’s a cultural force that pushes in the wrong direction.”
- Peter Coffee, eweek
Bentley Victory @ LeMans 24H
After 73 years, Bentley has once again won at the Le Mans 24H, taking both top positions. This year ended the awesome three year domination of Audi, who managed a 4th place in the form of Team Goh from Japan.
Hydrogen is the Bomb
EU and US energy chiefs have agreed to aim for “pollution free” hydrogen future.
Naturally, some folks pointed out the obvious: production of hydrogen has to be included in the “pollution” count. Hydrogen is made with either Nuclear or “Fossil Fuel” factories. So, they smoke or radiate, so you can drive clean.
It’s still a good idea for long term, as the factories may be able to meet better emission standards. But not likely.
June 13, 2003
Car Nut ?
I was told this web-page makes me look like a “Car Nut”.
Far from the truth.
The fact is, cars, fuel and politics makes this continent “ride” and most people may benefit from the knowledge gathered.
I think we are unfortunately tied to this “Fuel Economy”, in the broadest sense.
I’m really a computer guy, outdoors guy, information guy.
OK, I’m an information junkie.
I gather what I like, present what other may find useful.
But “Your Milage May Vary”
Sunday Matinee
Just watched a double VCD of “2 Fast, 2 Furious”. Yes, on the Internet such things are a regular occurance.
Was it a good movie ? Perhaps. It was at least entertaining … while drunk. My bud, lightspeedchick (I wish she switched to MT so I can link individual items. Sigh.) has some ideas about “guilty pleasures”, a term apt to describe entertaining yet un-recomendable movies. Unless you are in the same frame of mind that is.
I was not expecting a great movie, so 2F2F proved more then satisfactory. Not as much consistency as The Italian Job, but a “Nice Ride” nonetheless.
June 11, 2003
Blue Monday
$30K US = $40K Cdn … or so says the current exchange rate. Wow.
Say you had a significantly lower financial pressure by your mortgage, your incidental loans, your lines of credit unused. What would you spend on a car ?
Blue Monday takes a look at three 4WD, powerful and inspired rides. $40K Cdn. VW R32, Subaru STi, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
Ethanol Voted In
The US Senate bipartisan proposal would have more ethanol blended fuel made available in 48 states. This is good news.
Ethanol is made from corn, Methanol is made from Natural Gas.
In Europe you also have LPG, Liquified Petroleum Gas.
2005 Outback
Spy photos and some specifications: 250HP 3.0 liter boxer with Porsche like variable lift and timing.
Is it me, or Subaru is pushing to go even higher in the market/price category ?
Jay Leno
Hey, Jay Leno is a known “car nut”. Interesting how he summarizes the efficiency of Diesel.
Passat TDI
All indications point to the return of the VW Passat TDI to Canada. Hopefully, the 2.5 liter V6 TDI, with Euro 4 compliance will be made available here. Two engines ( 163 & 180 HP ) with 6 speed transmissions make the deal in Europe.
So far, only a new Pumpe Deuse 130 HP edition engine is slated for Canada.
Toyota Diesel
Toyota has a newer (3rd generation?) 2.0 liter Diesel engine in Corolla’s destined for Europe, developing 114 HP with excellent 42 US MPG mileage . (AutoExpress)
Converting ?
UK (Imperial) gallon = 4.55 liters.
US gallon = 3.79 liters.
Thus UK MPG / 1.2 = US MPG
Echo Hatch Pricing
This article © CanadianDriver.ca
Pricing released for 2004 Toyota Echo hatchback
Toronto, Ontario - Toyota Canada announced pricing for its new 2004 Echo Hatchback on Tuesday. Prices will start at $12,995 for a 3-door Echo Hatchback CE with 5-speed manual transmission. A 5-door Echo Hatchback LE with an automatic transmission will carry a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,600. The MSRP for an Echo Hatchback RS with five doors will be $17,300. Hatchback models will go on sale in late July.
“It’s the ideal, real-life car for anyone who needs something practical, wants something new, and likes to have fun - on a budget. That describes a lot of Canadians of all ages,” said Tony Wearing, Group Vice President of TCI.
Options will include air conditioning, cruise control, cargo net, and one of four audio systems (AM/FM/Cassette, AM/FM/CD, AM/FM/CD/MP3, AM/FM/Cassette/CD). Exterior choices include a spoiler, side skirts, fog lamps, centre line dual exhaust, and 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside, Echo Hatchback can be equipped with custom seat covers, sport pedals, shift knob, and 10-inch subwoofer.
Information about the new Echo hatchback is now available on the company’s web site, www.toyota.ca
Article © CanadianDriver.ca
Subaru WRCar
AutoExpress just published a story of the “ultimate” Subaru, a “limited-edition production version of the Impreza World Rally Car.”
Those crazy (rich) Japanese will have said car (expensive), assembled by Subaru’s Isesaki studio, and available in December.
June 10, 2003
Impure
| Your Ultimate Roleplaying Purity Score | ||
| Category | Your Score | Average |
| Hacklust | 33.02% Has conversations in between massacres | 52.7% |
| Sensitive Roleplaying | 31.65% All the game’s your stage | 52.7% |
| GM Experience | 0.72% Worldbuilder, storyteller… Master. | 67.9% |
| Systems Knowledge | 70.06% Local rules guru | 89.5% |
| Livin’ La Vida Dorka | 9.2% Gaming is my life | 61.5% |
| You are 31.63% pure Average Score: 67.5% | ||
June 07, 2003
Eve Online
My buddy DJ Uriel, aka Baron VonClaw, is hooked on Eve Online and has been making inroads with his arguments, tempting me with this “drug.”
I can resist.
Last Exile
Another Studio Gonzo masterpiece, made for their 10th Anniversary and somewhat unfortunately, already licensed in US. IMO, this animation has the most evocative background since Studio Gainax’s 1987 Wings of Honneamise
An Industrial Age, sky ships that work on principles that elude you, yet remain constant. An era of war with set-piece fighting, yet technology has begun to exceed tactics. And endless sky, floating cities, with traditions and clothes mixing the eras of Napoleon & Stalin. Questing for the “Grand Stream” and longing for fresh water.
An animation with a different kind of style, music and presentation.
I hope they can carry it until the end.
[bit of spoiler information below]
Claus Valca lives in Prestale, a world in the grips of an Industrial Revolution within an endless sea of cloud where an enormous storm called Grand Stream rages on unceasingly in the sky above. Working in the carrier business as pilot on a Van Ship (flying boat) which his father had left behind, he dreams of passing through the impassable storm to reach beyond. His friend Lavie Hed helps him out with the business as a highly skilled navigator and a mechanic, and she too, dreams of going beyond the Grand Stream, which claimed both their fathers.
A ceaseless war has been fought in Prestale between two nations that occupy the world, involving flying battleships skirmishes. For Claus and Lavie who live in a small town, the war has been a remote incident unrelated to their lives until one day they accept the dying request of another Van Ship pilot to deliver his parcel, a young girl named Alvis to the mysterious battleship Silvana.
Because of their insatiable desire to reach beyond the Grand Stream, they inadvertently get involved in the war that is about to affect the lives of all people in Prestale.The first 9 episodes are fansubed by AnimeJunkies and worth the effort to download. In context, that means about 1 week after it airs in Tokyo, you can watch the English fansub!
Official Site with clips in RealPlayer
Macross Zero
With the general summer lull in Tee-Vee-Land, I’m spending some time looking at the animations I have missed in the past.
One struck me by accident, Macross Zero, as I was looking for more information on the fansubed Sentou Yousei Yukikaze by Studio Gonzo.
Being a teenager of the 80s, into ‘Mecha, I know my fair share of “Macross” and the whole behind-the-scenes original Japanese animations. But I was never a big fan of these Earth-versus-Aliens in super-equipment. And I was certainly not happy with the “Protoculture” aspect. My friends at Protoculture Addicts know this and yet I still owe them credit for turning me into a pseudo-anime-otaku.
That said, I grabbed the Fansub of Macross Zero, OVA 1, in glorious DivX+AC3 sound. The reviews are not overstating the facts: this is one awesome animation! Great use of CGI. Descent story.
Maybe Mr Lucas should take this as a hint about “Prequels.” The Wachowski brothers too.
"Quality Job X"
J.D. Power & Associates published May 7th their 2003 Car Quality summary. Automotive Engineering was nice enough to put a 1.1MB PDF to cover the details.
A Lexus or Toyota model topped the charts in six of 16 categories.
If you are looking to buy a car, this is good information to digest.
British Lawn Mower Racing Associatin
The title says it all! I know British Blokes are nuts but the BLMRA is beyond me.
New Rides
cardesingnews provides a nice glimpse of upcoming car models, most arriving in Europe & Asia first or ever.
The June 6th update (erroneously stating July), shows the beautifully conceived Citroen C3 Pluriel & super-mini C2.
I have been a Citroen lover since childhood, due to the swoopy D19 and the anything-goes 2CV, star of “Romancing the Stone”.
pictures below
D19
D19
2CV
2CV
350 million euros
What does it buy you ? A V6 diesel engine, if you are Ford partnered with PSA Peugeot Citroen.
Scheele told reporters there were no current plans to produce diesel engines in the United States but believed that diesel had a “significant future” in the world’s biggest car market.
June 04, 2003
A Beetle from a Beatle
Sir Paul, Paul McCartney, gave away a “Sundown Orange” New Beetle Cabriolet to the 2 millionth audience member, 19 year old Laura Andrew.
Well done Sir Paul.
June 03, 2003
3rd Generation Common Rail Diesel
Competition is good for technology: Siemens & Bosch are the players in diesel.
The most significant detail of this new generation of engines is their ability to meet 2008 Euro emission standards without a particulate filter (large particles like soot). This high pressure injection technology, coupled with low sulfur additives, means some good things for the 2006 models in North America.
All we really need here is the fuel. Of course, a greater distribution of bio-diesel and blended-bio-diesel would greatly improve this.
From the after-market view, todays engines may even be abel to retrofit to said pressures, as the engines are rather solidly built, meaning a simple injector replacement might be future solution.
8th Diesel Engine Emissions Reduction PDF
Comparison of Emission Standards
June 01, 2003
Teenage Girl ?
Maybe we’re all safer this way - thanks to weblogs. Maybe blogs are a way of keeping the truly antisocial out of harm’s way. So if you know a middle-aged sociopath, for heaven’s sake, point him to a computer and show him how to start a weblog.
At least it will keep him off the streets. ®
props to Denis “the Menace”. “Care for a weblog dearie ?”
Read more @ The Register
They're Back!
The old entries have been imported.
What broke:
1) I goofed during testing and loaded the database on the “production” server (silly fingers) versus the “development/test” server. Lost 1 day’s worth of my weblog and Lou’s. Baka.
2) Calendar links seem to not work. Don’t know why.
3) Comment’s tally for the imported material is busted. Oh well.
4) Learned of how Safari times-out too fast. Used Lynx for the import.