Heros and Zeros

It looks like Ferrari and not the same dominating team which we saw a year back or may be during Schumi Brawn Era. The new rules have just not worked in favour of the big guns like Ferraris and the Maclaren. Seems like while there 2 times were busy fighting for the title last year, the rest of the lot focused on developing their 2009 car. But as they say, you can never rule out the big guns, after 4 disapointing rounds, Ferrari were determined to make a come back and they showed some good performance during Friday's practice session for the Spanish GP.

It looked liked that Ferrari were back after they dominated the Friday's practice session during the Spanish GP. On saturday qualifying, it once again proved to be a disater for the Scuderia team when Kimi Riakonnen didnt manage to qualify for Q2 not because of lack of pace, but because of some poor tactical blunders which left the Finn languished in the pits instead on progressing through the qualifying. His team mate Masa, howver manageg to put up a good show by qualifying 4th.

The Ferraris certainly looked like the car to challenge the Brawns for the Spanish GP. Being the only car with KERS on the front row of the grid, Masa was certainly the man to watch out for. The 5 red light went off. Both the Ferraris made a superb start. Masa jumped from 4th to 3rd and Kimi jumped 5 places from 15th to 10th. Till lap 12 things were going pretty smooth but desaster struck on Ferrari once again. This season Ferrari had been strugling with reliability issues rather than any thing else and once again Kimi's car suffered from hyraulic failure when he retired on lap 12 of the race.

I really feel sorry for Masa. The Brazilian drove his heart out at Barcelona. He was third and could easily finished the race on the podium. He used his power boost provided by his KERS to blast ahead of the 2 Red Bulls in the opening corner of the race and could have so easily finished the race on the podium but his race was runined by a re-fuelling problem which prevented his car to get enough fuel on both his pit stops.

What must Ferrari do this season to win a race. They have had sequence of errors. Sadly I think they still have a long way to go before we consider them to be likely winners for this year. Like most people I too think its game over for the Prancing horses. The Brawsn still have an edge over the Ferraris and it looks like they will run away with the championship.

It has been suggested by experts that given the current form, Jenson Button could win his first title as early as the British or German GP. This could be almost the repeat of 2002 season when Schumi had the title sewn up with six races remaining. If you looking for an old Ferrari style Schumi/Brawn esque performance, look no further than the team headed by former Ferrerai's technical director Ross Brawn. Jenson Button has now won 4 races out of 5. Superb race speed, excellent in qualifying and amazing stratergy. Sounds a bit like Scumi/Brawn esque doesnt it?? The old Ferrari days.....

Formula 1 season 2009, Melbourne Gp here we go..

Changes in the rulebook, some surprising reversals of form and a likely battle between those who have and those who have not decided to use the sport's new secret weapon. Welcome to the start of the 2009 Formula One World Championship season.

My first ever Australian GP and the first ever twilight race which started at 5pm EST. I was there at 11am with a group of friends just to find the right place. We were lucky enough to find a place just around turn 1.
Being a die-hard Ferrari fan, I was cheering for Ferrari but I knew one team to watch out was Brawn Gp who had set the fastest lap in qualifying and also during Friday's practice session.
New rules, new team, newly designed cars, KERS, return of slick tires and much more. It was motor racing at its very best. Though I cheered for Ferrari, I still had high expectation from our very own Force India F1 team. It was difficult to sight Vijay Malia but he was kind enough to come out and wave at his Indian fans.... Go force India.....
McLaren have simply struggled to match the pace of any of their rivals in Fridays practice and saturdays qualifying session. It could be that defending champion Lewis Hamilton, may for the first time in his career be forced to start the season with an inferior car to his rivals. It was a true test of his mettle starting from the last place on the grid.

The 5 red light went off and the Melbourne F1 2009 season was on. Brawn Gp stunned the world by winning in their first ever formula 1 GP It was a relatively easy day for Button, a walk in Albert Park you could say, as he led from start to finish for only the second win of his 154-race career. His partner Ruben Barichello managed to secure 2nd place after a bit of dramas.. It was For the first time since 1954 when the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio led home Karl Kling for Mercedes in the French Grand Prix, a debut team captured the top two places in a race.

Mix feelings for me at the end of the race. A bit disappointed as non of the Ferrari could even finish the race but a true delight to watch the top drivers and the teams and see Force India cars finish the race in top 10 . Stunned by Ross Brawn Gp whodominated the race by nearly a second a lap faster than the rest.

Ross Brawn was the man who gave shcumi the Benetton car in 94-95 season to win double world champion ship and continued his journey with Ferrari to crown him to more world titles with Ferrari at the time when Ferrari were struggling..

Can he do it again.. Can he give Barechello and Button their first ever world title... Will the Ferraris and Maclarens fight back....Guess which team I'll be backing for another win in Sepang next week? You got it!
Cheers....

Formula 1 racing is a number game

From budget spent, to speed reached, from kms raced and from points scored, Formula 1 racing is a number game.
An average F1 team dispatches 32 tonnes of air freight to flyaway races. A team consumes around 100kgs of fruit per GP weekend.
Each race weekend involves around 80 workers. Apart from the team management and 3 drivers, there are 18 engineers, more than 30 mechanics, one or two logistics staff, host for sponsorship, the press department and the catering staff.

For 2009 season there are 10 teams and each team on an average employs 680 workforce so on an average there are 6800 workfoce employed for 2009 season. As per the FIA reports, no staff member has been retrenched by any team as there is acute shortage of staff in Formula 1 racing. This is pretty good considering the world economic crisis and the number of workforce retrenched by top corporates

F1 team dispatches 32 tonnes of air freight each weekend for every race. This includes 6 chassis, 6 to 8 engines, 3-5 sets of spare parts, 160 wheel rims, 100 radio sets, headphones, computers and other equipment all packed in 40 FT high cube container.

The transport fleet of each team for the European GP comprises of 8 trucks, carrying hospitality unit. The hospitality unit comprises around 30 men. The kitchen is kept busy feeding and watering team members and guest. Average consumption per GP weekend amounts to 140 kg of meat, 100 kg of fish, 100 kg of fruits, 90 kg of vegetables, 40 kgs of cheese, 1000 eggs, 1800 bread rolls plus 2500 LTRs fo water and soft drinks

Formula 1 Season 2009 changes

A number of changes to both the Sporting and Technical Regulations have been made by the FIA for the 2009 Formula One season. In the case of the Sporting Regulations, the primary aims are increased reliability and further cost reductions. In the case of the technical changes, there are three main objectives - reducing the role of aerodynamics in the cars’ performance; making overtaking easier; and keeping lap times in check.

Tyres
After 10 seasons on grooved tyres, Formula One racing returns to slicks in 2009, as part of moves to increase the emphasis on mechanical rather than aerodynamic grip. With no grooves, grip will increase by around 20 percent, bringing a significant performance gain. However, that gain will be offset by the vastly reduced downforce levels of the revised aerodynamic regulations (see below). The overall effect should be reduced performance through high-speed corners. Drivers will still have the choice of two dry tyre compounds and will still have to use both compounds during a race.

Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS)
From 2009 teams have the option of employing a KERS to boost their car’s performance. As its name implies, a KERS recovers the (normally wasted) kinetic energy generated by the car’s braking process. This energy is stored using a mechanical flywheel or an electrical battery and then made available to the driver, in set amounts per lap, via a ‘boost button’ on the steering wheel. Under the current regulations the power gain equates to around 80 horsepower, available for just under seven seconds per lap. This could be worth several tenths of a second in terms of lap time, but the weight and packaging of the system - and its impact on the car’s weight distribution - also have to be taken into account.

Engines
In a move designed to boost reliability still further, rev limits will be cut from 19,000 to 18,000 rpm. Drivers will be limited to eight engines per season, with each team allowed an additional four engines for testing. Once a driver has used up his eight-engine allocation, any engine change will incur a 10-place grid penalty (or a move to the back of the grid if made after qualifying). Just one team - Renault - has been allowed to make performance modifications to their engine for 2009 in order to help equalise power outputs.

Aerodynamics
Along with slick tyres, this is the biggest area of change for 2009. Downforce will be dramatically reduced and the cars’ bodywork will appear much cleaner, thanks to new dimensional regulations that effectively outlaw extraneous items such as barge boards, winglets, turning vanes and chimneys.

As well as reducing overall aero performance, the revisions are also designed to increase overtaking by making the car less susceptible to turbulence when closely following another driver. The most obvious changes are to the front and rear wings.

The front wing becomes lower (75mm from 150mm) and wider (up from 1400 to 1800mm - the same width as the car) with driver-adjustable flaps. Drivers will be allowed to make two wing adjustments per lap, altering the wing angle over a six-degree range.

The rear wing becomes taller (up 150mm to bring it level with the top of the engine cover) and narrower (750mm from 1000mm).

Also at the back of the car, the diffuser has been moved rearwards, its leading edge now level with (rather than ahead of) the rear-wheel axle line. In addition, the diffuser has been made longer and higher, all changes that will reduce its ability to generate downforce.

2009 Formula 1 Season changes

A number of changes to both the Sporting and Technical Regulations have been made by the FIA for the 2009 Formula One season. In the case of the Sporting Regulations, the primary aims are increased reliability and further cost reductions. In the case of the technical changes, there are three main objectives - reducing the role of aerodynamics in the cars’ performance; making overtaking easier; and keeping lap times in check.

Tyres
After 10 seasons on grooved tyres, Formula One racing returns to slicks in 2009, as part of moves to increase the emphasis on mechanical rather than aerodynamic grip. With no grooves, grip will increase by around 20 percent, bringing a significant performance gain. However, that gain will be offset by the vastly reduced downforce levels of the revised aerodynamic regulations (see below). The overall effect should be reduced performance through high-speed corners. Drivers will still have the choice of two dry tyre compounds and will still have to use both compounds during a race..



Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS)
From 2009 teams have the option of employing a KERS to boost their car’s performance. As its name implies, a KERS recovers the (normally wasted) kinetic energy generated by the car’s braking process. This energy is stored using a mechanical flywheel or an electrical battery and then made available to the driver, in set amounts per lap, via a ‘boost button’ on the steering wheel. Under the current regulations the power gain equates to around 80 horsepower, available for just under seven seconds per lap. This could be worth several tenths of a second in terms of lap time, but the weight and packaging of the system - and its impact on the car’s weight distribution - also have to be taken into account.


Engines
In a move designed to boost reliability still further, rev limits will be cut from 19,000 to 18,000 rpm. Drivers will be limited to eight engines per season, with each team allowed an additional four engines for testing. Once a driver has used up his eight-engine allocation, any engine change will incur a 10-place grid penalty (or a move to the back of the grid if made after qualifying). Just one team - Renault - has been allowed to make performance modifications to their engine for 2009 in order to help equalise power outputs.


Aerodynamics
Along with slick tyres, this is the biggest area of change for 2009. Downforce will be dramatically reduced and the cars’ bodywork will appear much cleaner, thanks to new dimensional regulations that effectively outlaw extraneous items such as barge boards, winglets, turning vanes and chimneys.

As well as reducing overall aero performance, the revisions are also designed to increase overtaking by making the car less susceptible to turbulence when closely following another driver. The most obvious changes are to the front and rear wings.

The front wing becomes lower (75mm from 150mm) and wider (up from 1400 to 1800mm - the same width as the car) with driver-adjustable flaps. Drivers will be allowed to make two wing adjustments per lap, altering the wing angle over a six-degree range.

The rear wing becomes taller (up 150mm to bring it level with the top of the engine cover) and narrower (750mm from 1000mm).

Also at the back of the car, the diffuser has been moved rearwards, its leading edge now level with (rather than ahead of) the rear-wheel axle line. In addition, the diffuser has been made longer and higher, all changes that will reduce its ability to generate downforce.

Ferrari first to debut as F60 is unveiled

Ferrari have become the first team to officially launch their 2009 car after unveiling the F60 online. It is the machine that will be driven by Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen as they defend the Italian squad's 2008 constructors' title.

In line with revisions to the Formula One regulations for 2009, the F60 features a lower, wider front wing and a taller, narrower rear wing. Its name commemorates what will be Ferrari’s 60th F1 campaign.

The F60 is the 55th single-seater produced by Ferrari to contest the world championship and it will make its track debut on Monday afternoon at the team's Mugello circuit, with Massa behind the wheel.

The new car has far fewer aerodynamic appendages on its bodywork compared to its predecessor, due to the rule changes designed to cut downforce and promote more overtaking, with the driver now able to make minor front wing adjustments from the cockpit. The F60’s suspension and layout has also been completely reconfigured as a result, in order to maintain optimum weight distribution.

The F60’s design also takes into account two other major rule changes - the return of slick tyres and the option to use a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). Ferrari’s KERS has been designed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli and is centrally mounted on the engine under the rear part of the chassis.

The car’s seven-speed transmission has been redesigned to optimise its aerodynamic efficiency, while Ferrari’s Type 056 V8 has been modified in accordance with the new ruling that requires engines to last for three Grand Prix meetings from 2009, with rev limits cut from 19,000 to 18,000 rpm

Mistubishi Lancer ------by Yasveer Patel

Introduction in 1973 TheMitsubishi Lancer is a small family car built by Mitsubishi Motors It has been known as the Colt Lancer, Dodge/Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, Mitsubishi Carisma, and Mitsubishi Mirage in various countries at different times, and will be sold as the Galant Fortis in its home market from 2007. It has also been sold as Lancer Fortis in Taiwan with a different facelift compared to Galant Fortis from September 15, 2007



It was only in 1991 that there was greater differentiation between the Mirage and Lancer. Although both were on the same platform, the Lancer sedan received different sheetmetal from the Mirage four-door. The Mirage variant was sold in North America under the Eagle Summit name. Minivan models, such as the Mitsubishi Space Runner and Mitsubishi Chariot, were mechanically related. In 1993, the Lancer wagon, named the Libero in Japan, was launched. An electric version was also released named the Libero EV that ran on NiCd batteries.[3] A V6 variant was also introduced with only 1.6 L, making it the smallest mass-produced V6. The high-performance, turbocharged GSR version formed the basis of the contemporary Lancer Evolution (or 'Lancer Evo') from September 1993, using the drivetrain of the successful Galant VR-4 rally car.
The Mirage Asti Coupé in Japan was offered as the Lancer Coupé in many export markets.


In Europe, the Lancer EX was offered with a turbocharged 2.0 L 4–cylinder engine known as the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo. It was the first Lancer to use the very first 4g63engine which was then used in succeeding models such as the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 and the Lancer Evolutions I to IX. It achieved a maximum output of 168 bhp (125 kW) and manages a top speed of125 mph (201 km/h) in less than 15.5 s. A new feature on this model is that it is equipped with ECI or Advanced Electronically-Controlled Fuel Injection which gave the Lancer more power and outstanding fuel economy as it did 23.0 mpg in city driving and 28.8 to 37.2 mpg in highway driving. A rally version of the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo was made for the 1000 Lakes Rally that gave 280 PS (276 hp/206 kW
In 1988, a more aerodynamic-looking Lancer was launched, following the shape of the Galant. A five-door hatchback was added to the range. The Mirage and Lancer nomenclature continued. The station wagon continued on the old platform and shape, as did, in some markets, a five-door version of the Mirage. In Australia, all models were sold as the Mitsubishi Lancer, initially designated as the CA series and from 1990 as the CB. By that time, the Lancer name was shared with the Dodge Lancer sold in North America. The sedan was sold as the Mirage Aspire in Japan.
In some markets a 'van' model was produced, being the three-door hatchback (which had an upright profile) without rear side window (this triggered a reduced sales tax burden in the Dutch market).


The fifth generation Lancer was rebadged as the Proton Wira sedan and 5-door hatchback models in Malaysia in 1993 with 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 L engine capacities. A short-lived 2.0 L diesel model was also available. Currently, the car has stopped production as one of the longest running Proton models in Malaysia after Proton Saga, which is also based on a previous Lancer model. The Proton Wira was recently replaced by Proton's latest model, the Proton Persona.

In 2005, Mitsubishi revealed the Concept-X model car at the Tokyo Motor Show and its Concept-Sportback model at the Frankfurt motor show. The new Lancer is based on these two concepts. The new Lancer was officially revealed in January 2007 at the Detroit Motor Show and went on sale in North American markets on March 2007. New Lancer features Mitsubishi's next-generation RISE safety body.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer DE Sedan Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
- 2400 cc 2.4 liters in-line 4 front engine with 86.0 mm bore, 86.0 mm stroke, Unleaded fuel 87
Multi-point injection fuel system
15.3 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 12.7
Power: 113 kW , 152 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 146 ft lb , 198 Nm @ 4,250 rpm
Two disc brakes including two ventilated discs
Immobilizer
Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel
Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs,
Body color front and rear bumpers
Day time running lights
Driver and passenger power black door mirrors
External dimensions: overall length (inches): 180.0, overall width (inches): 69.4
Complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights
Luxury trim titanium look on doors and titanium look on dashboard
Pearl paint
Fixed rear window with defogger
Tinted glass on cabin
Weights: curb weight (lbs) 2,999
Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe

Reva

The title may lookalike a roadmap but its actually a new electric vehicle which is all set to rock the French auto market. Bangalore based Indian electric maker Reva and contract manufacturer Argentum has manufactured an electric vehicle which was showcaused at paris auto show. Both Reva and Argentum will make components and the CKD kits will be exported to France and assembled there. Christened as ‘pondicherry’ to mark the French association with their once colonial state (French ruled Pondicherry till 1949) this 3.5 metre golf cart-type vehicle is a neighbourhood runabout, a small supply vehicle for shops around the corner. Reva - Heuliez (read Argentum) also plans a larger vehicle and four seater electric car for France. Reva is already enjoying good market share with its G-Wiz in european electric vehcile market

Formula 1 2008 Seasonal Review

I cannot thnk of any thirty seconds of motor racing than the final corners of the Brazilian Grand Prix. I was in Australia and woke up at 2am just to watch the race .It was nerve-wracking, it was dramatic, it was motor racing at its very best. The result was disapointing to me and to all Ferrari and Masa fans. I couldnt belive what i saw. Masa won the race but on the very last lap he lost the championship by a single pt. Cruel for Masa but what a last lap which was full of dramas.

Last year, Ferrari won the World Championship by a single point in Sao Paolo. This year they lost it by a single point, regained by Hamilton on the run to the chequered flag. It was the cruelest of endings for Massa, who had driven a perfect race in the toughest of conditions.

Felipe had soaked up the pressure of a nation gone crazy with Formula One fever. I doubt that there was a living room or bar in the whole of Brazil that did not have their TV tuned to the race, with both the set and its audience, at full volume.

Massa handled the expectations of his home crowd as admirably as he handled the Ferrari in the wet. I have gone on record a few times this year rating Massa above Hamilton as more of the purists racing driver.

He’s more of a throwback to an earlier era. He drives with his heart and he’s breathtaking to watch in his best moments such as his magical pole position laps in Singapore and in Sao Paolo.

Massa has always been fast, he’s also sometimes been erratic, but he has grown up hugely this season. His performance in the last few races has shown he is a very much different, tougher and better, driver than even at the start of the season.

His resilience was shown in Japan. After his penalty for clashing with Hamilton on the second lap, his charge back through the field showed a new steel in his driving. I’m sure he was proud to hear it described as Schumacher-esqe.

As for Hamilton, he too has run the full roller-coaster of emotions in the past few days. Not least in the closing stages of the race, when he knew that his McLaren, with a deliberately low-downforce setup to prevent others from challenging him at the end of the straights, was going to be hopeless when the rain came.

He was right. He could do nothing about the pace of the Ferraris, or Alonso’s Renault and ultimately Sebastien Vettel’s Toro Rosso. Even then it was a wildcard strategy from Toyota and Timo Glock that so nearly ended Hamilton’s hopes.

As the rain shower turned into a proper tropical storm, Glock, who had last stopped at half-distance, was skating around the track on a set of worn-out dry-weather tyres. Had the rain held off for one more lap, he’d have claimed fourth place and Massa would have been champion.

As it was, he finished sixth, Vettel grabbed fourth and Hamilton fifth, and with it Lewis fulfilled what he sees as ‘his destiny’. The big question for me is now, can Hamilton be a popular champion?

While he is an awesome racing driver and a smooth PR professional, he is perceived by some as being just a little too slick. A little too smart. Dare I say arrogant?

While in London the British newspapers are all frothing about his success in becoming the ninth Briton to take the title, there isn’t the massive groundswell of popular support behind Hamilton that we saw when Nigel Mansell or Damon Hill took the world title. In a way, I suspect that it is because he is so much a part of the ‘McLaren machine’.

They are seen as slick, smart, efficient and in many eyes too arrogant. It is sad because anyone that gets inside the silver walls of ‘Castle Dennis’ knows that this is a team that is just as passionate as Ferrari. It is just that they can’t seem to show it.

The biggest feeling though, that Sao Paolo’s stunning finale has given me is a sense of anticipation already for next year. Come March, we can look forward to the Hamilton and Massa being renewed.
A hungry Raikkonen awakening from his hibernation this year? Alonso in an on-form Renault perhaps? Vettel battling Webber at Red Bull and possibly, another major championship contender in Robert Kubica and BMW.

Roll on next year, I can’t wait!

Formula 1 2008 season review

I cannot think of any more dramatic thirty seconds of motor racing than the final corners of the Brazilian Grand Prix. I was in Austrlia and woke up at 2am just to watch the race .It was nerve-wracking, it was dramatic, it was motor racing at its very best. The result was disapointing to me and to all Ferrari and Masa fans. I couldnt belive what i saw. Masa won the race but on the very last lap he lost the championship by a single pt. Cruel for Masa but what a last lap which was full of dramas.

Last year, Ferrari won the World Championship by a single point in Sao Paolo. This year they lost it by a single point, regained by Hamilton on the run to the chequered flag. It was the cruelest of endings for Massa, who had driven a perfect race in the toughest of conditions.

Felipe had soaked up the pressure of a nation gone crazy with Formula One fever. I doubt that there was a living room or bar in the whole of Brazil that did not have their TV tuned to the race, with both the set and its audience, at full volume.

Massa handled the expectations of his home crowd as admirably as he handled the Ferrari in the wet. I have gone on record a few times this year rating Massa above Hamilton as more of the purists racing driver.

He’s more of a throwback to an earlier era. He drives with his heart and he’s breathtaking to watch in his best moments such as his magical pole position laps in Singapore and in Sao Paolo.

Massa has always been fast, he’s also sometimes been erratic, but he has grown up hugely this season. His performance in the last few races has shown he is a very much different, tougher and better, driver than even at the start of the season.

His resilience was shown in Japan. After his penalty for clashing with Hamilton on the second lap, his charge back through the field showed a new steel in his driving. I’m sure he was proud to hear it described as Schumacher-esqe.

As for Hamilton, he too has run the full roller-coaster of emotions in the past few days. Not least in the closing stages of the race, when he knew that his McLaren, with a deliberately low-downforce setup to prevent others from challenging him at the end of the straights, was going to be hopeless when the rain came.

He was right. He could do nothing about the pace of the Ferraris, or Alonso’s Renault and ultimately Sebastien Vettel’s Toro Rosso. Even then it was a wildcard strategy from Toyota and Timo Glock that so nearly ended Hamilton’s hopes.

As the rain shower turned into a proper tropical storm, Glock, who had last stopped at half-distance, was skating around the track on a set of worn-out dry-weather tyres. Had the rain held off for one more lap, he’d have claimed fourth place and Massa would have been champion.

As it was, he finished sixth, Vettel grabbed fourth and Hamilton fifth, and with it Lewis fulfilled what he sees as ‘his destiny’. The big question for me is now, can Hamilton be a popular champion?

While he is an awesome racing driver and a smooth PR professional, he is perceived by some as being just a little too slick. A little too smart. Dare I say arrogant?

While in London the British newspapers are all frothing about his success in becoming the ninth Briton to take the title, there isn’t the massive groundswell of popular support behind Hamilton that we saw when Nigel Mansell or Damon Hill took the world title. In a way, I suspect that it is because he is so much a part of the ‘McLaren machine’.

They are seen as slick, smart, efficient and in many eyes too arrogant. It is sad because anyone that gets inside the silver walls of ‘Castle Dennis’ knows that this is a team that is just as passionate as Ferrari. It is just that they can’t seem to show it.

The biggest feeling though, that Sao Paolo’s stunning finale has given me is a sense of anticipation already for next year. Come March, we can look forward to the Hamilton and Massa being renewed.
A hungry Raikkonen awakening from his hibernation this year? Alonso in an on-form Renault perhaps? Vettel battling Webber at Red Bull and possibly, another major championship contender in Robert Kubica and BMW.

Roll on next year, I can’t wait!

Hyundai's answer to Honda CIVIC

Honda Civic is the largest seller in the lower D segment and is the ‘Car of the Year 2006’. The style and the features it offers makes civic invincible and even once the best seller - Toyota Corolla is selling in meagre numbers now. Whether it’s Toyota or Mitsubishi or General Motors, the manufacturers have to revamp their strategy and have to roll out new models to compete civic. The same is the case for India’s second largest car manufacturer – Hyundai. Hyundai’s existing Elantra fails to match the much stylish Honda Civic. To stay in this hot segment, Hyundai has to bring India a worthy competitor – Hyundai has launched the new Elantra in western markets and the right hand version of new Elantra is already offered in countries like Australia. So, we can expect Hyundai new Elantra soon in India too. Will Hyundai’s new Elantra match Honda Civic? Let’s see

Generation by generation, a car usually evolves slowly as the technology under the nameplate gradually improves. But in a single stroke, the new Hyundai Elantra has leapt ahead, and now it’s right in the mix with sedans such as the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla

2008 Hyundai Elantra SE Specs
Performance Overview
- 1,975 cc 2.0 liters in-line 4 front engine with 82.0 mm bore, 93.5 mm stroke, 10.1 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
- Unleaded fuel 87
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 14.0 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 11.7
- Power: 103 kW , 138 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 136 ft lb , 184 Nm @ 4,600 rpm

2008 Civic Performance, Engine & Power Specs
• 1,799 cc 1.8 liters in-line 4 front engine with 81.0 mm bore, 87.3 mm stroke, 10.5 compression ratio, overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
• Unleaded fuel 87
• Multi-point injection fuel system
• 13.2 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 11.0
• Power: 104 kW , 140 HP SAE @ 6,300 rpm; 128 ft lb , 174 Nm @ 4,300 rp m

Yamaha Fz16, the best 150 CC bike in India

Billed as a ’street’ tool FZ16 is presumably designed largely for posing around town on. FZ16 looks so mean and purposeful and the potential owners will doubtless be hoping some of that rubs off on them.

Styled by iconic designers of GK Dynamics, this new bike also takes the credit of being the second bike after R15 to use wind tunnel for better aerodynamics. Take a close look at the headlamp, front fender and strip over the engine there are plenty of angular curves and cuts to redirects the air to the engine. In addition these distinct shapes increases the aesthetic sense of the bike. The designers have efficiently used the steel bolts all over the frontal part to give a rugged look which the potential owners would like.

Features

The large 12 litre fuel tank is cleverly sculpted with shrouds on both sides. The tank pretends to be large but actually it is not. - metallic tank is enclosed by a plastic tank. Be careful while riding, if you bump the bike then ready to shell out more. The aircraft type tank lid and black stripe on the tank increases the FZ16’s style quotient. But take a closer look, apache flashes in your mind. Elongated neck and large head tank design is already popular feature of its rival the TVS apache. The tail lamp is purposefully mounted on the rear fender rather on the rear cowl. Bull the horn like grab rail with rubber mouldings would deter the followers

Engine and other specifications

Engine is neither fuel injected nor oil cooled. Similar to any other machine available in the market, this 153cc mill produces peak power of 14PS. But remember the spec sheet doesn’t say all. Vroom the engine you would feel the difference, the enormous torque (13.6Nm) which pulls you from the word ‘go’ and will make you nostalgic. Yes, you are right, legendary RX100 comes to our mind. The engine is responsive till it touches the 9000rpm (redline). The low end and mid range performance of FZ16 speaks for itself. FZ16 zooms past 60kmph in just 6 seconds and the roll on time between 30-70 is pretty low. However the top whack is just under 120kmph.

But the one thing FZ16 owner cannot boast about is its mileage or fuel efficiency figure. Fattest rear tyre and torque tuned engine is taking toll on FZ16’s fuel economy figure. FZ16 returns just 36kmpl under testing conditions.Yamaha adapts internationally proven technologies like

MidShip muffler to dig out the best. While the expansion box beneath the mono cross ensures excellent exhaust efficiency, concentration of mass, and aerodynamic characteristics, the two layer expansion muffler emits an attractive exhaust note

The clocks are clear enough. The yellow back lit LCD console houses digital speedometer, odometer and an analogue tacho. Trip meter, fuel gauge and other indicators. are laid out legibly around it. A special engine starting signal is a nice touch. The switchgear quality are on par with its peers.

You would find a strange center stand for this bike. there is no kick starter. But again you would occasionally foul the center and side stand with the bike’s toe only gear shift knob

Ridding and Handling

Whatever the kind of wheelie you wish, you can try in this bike. The 41mm rebounding front forks and 140/60-R17 at the rear makes the perfect menu for all wheelies. Similar to the Honda’s Unicorn, FZ16 sports a mono-cross suspension The suspension allows 120mm of wheel travel to comfort you on potholes. But the ride turns bumpy when you hit rough roads and it lose feedback and control on bumpy roads The pillion seat is so small that even an average size adult could find it tough. For the fair sex it’s strict no-no.

However the FZ16 is a street fighter and it offers comfortable upright riding position. Good ergonomics is because of wide handle bars, low set foot pegs and flat seats. FZ16 is hard to fault, though it appears to be massive, it flicks with ease, the rakish steering angle takes the credit

Conclusion

The fz16 has come up with an affordable yet powerful bike. Though its not it also takes for being the is the first bike in India to feature Radial and fattest rear tyre. Also the most difference between the siblings is the price. Its a true 150cc bike that means it is priced on par with its competitors. The peers of FZ16 are not karizma’s and pulsar 220cc’s. It has pull away the pulsar,unicorn,Hunks and apachians. FZ16’s trendy styling and responsive engine will do that. Truly, FZ16 has raised the standards of 150cc bike yet it is priced very sensibly. You won’t get this much for Rs65000. Having said FZ16 still leaves room for other players to challenge the crown. I am sure we all would love to see a better bike with much better driving dynamics and mileage. Till then FZ16 rulesssssss

Car Modification & Styling

You can learn how to customize and modify all parts of your car for looks, performance and handling. Under each category you will discover the options we have suggested for your car to help guide you in the decision of which products are most suitable for you and your modified car.

Engine Modifications
Learn what engine modifications are appropriate for your car, and what you can do to your car to generate extra performance.

Turbos Performance Chips
Get a big turbo if you want more horsepower.Raise boost levels and remove of speed and rev limits with a performance chip.

Camshafts Superchargers
Make a difference to your engine at different speeds. Similar to a turbo but with no lag. Nos - Nitrous Oxide Systems Ecu Get more bhp with a nos kit. Upgrade to the right computer for your car. AIR

Filters and fuel pumps
Increase the air flow into your engine with one of these. A good fuel pump will stop that fuel cut. Clutches Engine Internals If you have lots of bhp you will need a good clutch to get you off the mark. Make your internals tough.

Interior Modifications
Redesign your interior to suit your lifestyle. Find the best brands and system setups from our categories below. Car Seats Car Audio and Visuals Stay comfortable and don't fall out your window with some nice bucket seats. Get your "ice" just right so you can enjoy your tunes. Custom Dashes Gauges Make your dashboards look like you want it to. Keep your eyes on the road with a big gauge. Pedals Car Floor Mats Keep the pedal to the metal with some racing pedals. Put your feet on some custom car floor mats.

Exterior Modifications
Improve the look of your car with exterior modifications. Help your car's aerodynamics so it sticks to the road better with a body kit. Body Kits Lights Make your car look like its on steroids with a great looking body kit. Get some lights, to see or be seen. Graphics Lambo Doors Put some stickers on your car. Make your doors look like a Lamborghini.





Wheels and Tires
Roll in style with some new wheels for your car. Custom Wheels Tires Wheels, rims, whatever you want to call them, you need them if you want your car to look good. Increase handling and traction with high performance tires. read more Spinners Dubs Get your rims spinning. A dub is a wheel or rim that is 20" in size. Wheel Nut Locks Chrome Wheels Keep your wheels secure with some wheel nut locks. Get more attention with some chrome. Find Your Stud Pattern Get the right size wheels for your car.


Exhaust modifications
The role of the exhaust system is to take the spent gases away from the engine and allow for the next amount of the fuel air mixture to be drawn into the cylinders and go thru the ignition, burn, power and exhaust cycle. If the exhaust system is constricted then the burnt mixture is not all exhausted from the cylinders and hence there is less room to "get more in". Less in, equals less power and huge inefficiencies in the operation of the engine.

To remedy this issue and provide easier breathing for the engine, a larger exhaust can be fitted. Exhaust sizes up to 2.5 or 3 inches (67mm to 75 mm) will improve the flow of exhaust gases from your engine however a common mistake is to retain the existing muffler.

Exhaust size increase only, will give a small increase in engine power however, combined with a free flowing muffler will deliver considerably more increase in power. It is also better to opt for a "mandrel" bent exhaust. This means that all of the bends in the exhaust are of the same diameter as the pipe itself. Under normal circumstances exhaust pipes are bent and the pipe deforms slightly in the area of the bend, the tighter the bends the more the pipe deforms and the smaller the diameter of the pipe at the bend. This means your huge 3" exhaust is maybe 2.75" on some bends introducing restrictions to the exhaust gases, eddy currents in the gas and overall reducing the effectiveness of the exhaust system.

Mandrel bent exhausts avoid this and maintain the diameter of the exhaust for the entire length of the system. Manifolds Extractors Help your car breathe properly. Extract that air. Flexi Joints Hi Flow Cats Get the angle you want with a flexi joint. Let the air flow freely through your exhaust. Mufflers Pipe and Tips Get the right exhaust note with a muffler. Tips and pipes make a difference.


Suspension modification
Suspension is the best way to improve handling. Get the right setup for your car and you will be driving on rails . Springs Lowering Kits Get the right springs for your car. Kits may already be available for your car. Hydraulic Suspension Air Bag Suspension Get some bounce with hydraulics. Up, down, side to side any way you want it. Strut Braces Adjustable Coil Overs Stop the flex and keep your car flat on the road. Get your setting just right with some adjustable coil overs.


Brake modifications
Stopping is just as important as going, so take some time to find the right brake setup for you car. Brake Pads Brake Rotors Good brake pads are a start. Take it to the next level with some new brake rotors, slotted or drilled? Brake Lines Brake Calipers Brake lines and fluids will help more than you might think. These will hold your brakes in place. Brake Discs Brake Fluid The bigger the better, when it comes to brakes. Fluids are cheap and will make all the difference.




Transmission modifications
A great transmission setup will help you shift gears on time Transmission Shift Kits Sequential Gearbox There are already many transmission kits available for most cars. Most race cars use sequential gearboxes. Brand Name Transmissions Transmission Fluid Brand name transmissions you can trust. Keep your transmission in shape with fluids. Gear Knobs Rebuilt Transmission Get a good grip with a nice gear knob. Get more information on rebuilt transmissions. Manual Transmission Stick Shift Gearbox 5 speed, 6 speed, whatever your preference. Get a strong gearbox.

Car Accessories
Find out what accessories are available on the market for your car. Car Covers Car Battery Charger Cover up to protect your car. This will get your car back up and running. Car Seat Covers Car Alarm Systems For looks or just to keep your seats clean. Keep your car safe and sound with a security system. Steering Wheels Radar Detectors Get a grip on your car with a great steering wheel. keep the law at bay with one of these. Customized License Plate Frames Personalized License Plate Get a custom frame. Get personal with your cars plate. Car Wax Teflon car wax works a charm.