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Archive for November, 2015

Respectability comes to Uber In Australia. Apparently?

UBER RIDESHARE STOCKUber has put the cat amongst the pigeons when it comes to offering a transport service alternative to taxis. Originally founded in 2009, in San Francisco where its headquarters remain, the company quickly spread its wings worldwide.It also quickly garnered a reputation fo being more cost efficient, better on arriving on time and providing a range of vehicles to suit particulars desires. But it also seemed to hover on the fringe of legality, with no seemingly apparent regulations or rules.

In November 2015, the state government of New South Wales appeared to have decided to change that, following a decision by the Australian Capital Territory in October to regulate the ride sharing service.Uber 3

Part of the issues raised by those against the service was a lack of checks on drivers and the vehicles involved. Insurance, as a result, was also under the spotlight. In NSW,proposed changes involve a licensing fee being brought in, whilst the taxi industry will be compensated forlosing their virtual monopoly. There’s an agreement that no Uber vehicle will stop streetside, unlike a taxi, nor will they be allowed to gather at designated taxi ranks.

The reforms will also lead to tighter control of who can become an Uber driver with those with criminal records banned from obtaining a licence. Uber vehicles will also be required to undergo regular safety inspections.

That’s all presuming the mooted changes actally go ahead. As of November 23, the Premier of New South Wales,Mike Baird, had said that any recommendations by the Point to Point Taskforce, investigating how Uber may work in competition with the taxi industry, have yet to be officially put before Cabinet. Baird said: “What you need to understand is the taxi industry is effectively 6,000 small businesses, they have bought into this industry on the basis of significant upfront investment.”

This comes after a crackdown on the service in late September of 2015, as 40 drivers had their vehicle registrations suspended by the Roads and Maritime Services. If a suspended vehicle is found on the road after 1 October, the vehicle is deemed unregistered and uninsured, with penalties of $637 for each offence, increasing to about $2,200 if heard in court, an RMS spokesman said at the time.

As this is a story in progress, this article will be updated when further information comes to hand.

Uber 2 http://credit-n.ru/kreditnye-karty.html

Baby Names For Motor Enthusiasts

Mum and Dad named me Skoda!

Mum and Dad named me Skoda!

One of the life events that sends people on a hunt for an MPV or some other large family-sized car is the addition of a new person to the family. I think I may have covered the things that need to be considered when choosing a family car in another post a year or more ago. But what about the new person in question? You’re going to have to pick a name for your new child, so if you’re into cars at all, why not look to the motoring world for inspiration?

An awful lot of cars are named after people (or at least their surnames), so why not name a baby after a car? However, you should have some consideration for the kid in question and follow all the usual rules such as thinking about how the name would look or sound in the grown up world – painted on the side of a commercial vehicle with “Contracting Ltd” after it, inserted into “Your captain on today’s flight is xxxx” or “Dr XXXXX will carry out your knee replacement surgery.”  So combining anything automotive with the surname Carr is probably out (except possibly as a second name – if you have to!) or anything really outlandish (at least for Australian culture) like “Toyota” or “Mitsubishi”.

Other names have a lot more promise, partly because they were names for people before they were names for cars. The one topping the list here is, of course, Mercedes. In the pre-WWI era, a designer named Emil Jellinek for working for Daimler decided to honour his daughter by naming a line of vehicles after her. The cars were good and the name “Mercedes” caught on and was continued long after the merger with Benz.  (Note: if you have the surname Benz, don’t call your daughter Mercedes.) Other good names that are now associated with cars but are (or were) decent people names are:

  • Ford (boys)
  • Holden (boys)
  • Lincoln (boys)
  • Royce as in Rolls-Royce (probably boys but you could possibly get away with calling a girl Royce).
  • McLaren (boys)
  • Bentley (probably boys but maybe a girl)
  • Aston (boys)
  • Martin (as in Aston Martin) (boys)
  • Austin (more of a boy’s name but could be OK for a girl)
  • Morris (boys)

Other car marques may not have been taken from names (some have been) but you can probably get away with them as they sound fairly similar to other names out there and won’t sound too outrageous, especially with alternative spellings:

  • Lexus (probably girls but OK for a guy)
  • Alfa or Alpha (boys or girls)
  • Romeo (boys – although he may not thank you!)
  • Chevy (boys and girls)
  • Opal – sounds like Opel (girls)
  • Portia – sounds like Porsche pronounced the right way (girls)
  • Minnie (girls – although she’ll have to put up with the nickname Mouse)
  • Suzie (short for Isuzu or Suzuki – girls)
  • Chrysler (probably boys)
  • Tesla (probably girls)
  • Lotus (for a girl –preferably if she’s got a bit of Asian in her genetic mix)

 

You don’t have to stick to marque names. Model names are a much richer source of inspiration as well as making life a bit easier on your child. You may love Renault cars but don’t want to saddle your daughter with the name “Renault”, but Clio and Megane are just fine.  If you’re a Saab fan, then Griffin would work for a boy (so would Viggen if you look a bit Scandinavian). And what about Lizzie as in Tin Lizzie as in the classic Model T Ford? Sierra, Ranger, Cressida, Cherokee, Cooper and Octavia, Laurel and Astra won’t raise too many eyebrows. These days, you can probably get away with Wrangler, Cayenne, Jetta, Odyssey, Leaf, Genesis and Journey as well… but only just. Car parts such as Axel might be OK, but avoid Dipstick.  Turning to the two-wheeled world, there are plenty of Harleys out there.

However, there are probably some “don’t go there” names.  Spare a thought for the kids out there who have been saddled with the following

  • Diesel
  • Veight (as in V8)
  • Jaguar
  • Jeep
  • Audi
  • Cougar
  • Falcon
  • Paxton (after the supercharger system)
  • Camry
  • Dodge
  • DeLorean

You should definitely avoid the following, which haven’t (at least as far as I know) been given to children. At least I hope not…

  • Volvo (change the vowels…)
  • Studebaker
  • Avenger
  • Cruiser
  • Rover and Landrover
  • Maloo
  • Ute
  • Fiat
  • Aircross
  • Evo
  • Pajero
  • Volkswagen
  • Getz
  • Tiida

Of course, if you originate from Japan or Korea, you are better placed than I am to comment on the wisdom of calling your child Suzuki, Ssangyong, Nissan, Subaru or Mitsubishi.  You can probably get away with it and claim that it’s traditional.

What other car-related children’s names have people come across, considered for their children or even been given? Share your best finds here?

Safe and happy driving,

Megan (No, my parents did not drive a Renault!) http://credit-n.ru/debitovaya-karta.html

Huracán LP 580-2 Unveiled By Lamborghini Automobili.

Lamborghini Automobili has unveiled the new, two wheel drive, facelifted and reengineered Huracán LP 580-2. It;s been specifically designed and engineered for rear wheel drive, providing a new look packaged with sporty driving dynamics.

Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, says: “The Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 continues the Lamborghini tradition of pure, visionary and technology-driven models.” It’s powered by a 5.2L V10 engine, with 426 kW (580 hp and achieving just 2.4 kilos per horsepower) available,seeing the ton in 3.4 seconds whilst on the way to a top speed of 320 kmh.

Weight has been reduced to a svelte 1389 kilograms, making it 33 kilos lighter than the all wheel drive version. Peak torque is 540 Nm, with an astonishing 75% of that available at just 1000 rpm. Huracán being Huracán, there’s engine cylinder deactivation, helping the V10 achieve fuel economy of under 12L per 100 kilometres on a combined cycle.2016 Lamborghini Huracan 580-2 front profile

Weight distribution is 40% at the front, 60% to the rear with Winkelmann saying: “The rear-wheel drive model fits perfectly into our Huracán family, appealing to those wanting an even more intense driving experience, or who currently drive other rear-wheel-drive marques and aspire to driving a Lamborghini. This is the purest expression of a Lamborghini to date, with class-leading technological refinements. It is a serious car for serious drivers: it is maximum driving fun.”

With the lesser weight force on the nose, a new power management system, stiffer suspension, new steering set up and recalibrated traction & stability systems reconnect the driver to the car and the road even more. Being rear wheeled biased, the sports modes of STRADA, SPORTS and CORSA are tuned to provide an oversteering characteristic, reinvigorating the brand’s history in rear wheel drive behaviour.2016 Lamborghini Huracan 580-2 rear

Design wise, the front and rear of the 580-2 define the car: it’s fresh, young, and gives the Huracán a distinctively assertive look. Newly formed air intakes at the front direct both headwind and cooling air in an effort to increase downforce on the front end whilst the spoiler lip at the rear combines with the underbody diffuser to improve rear airflow, with the Huracán LP 580-2 not needing a movable spoiler as a result.

Although the new Kari rims are the same size in diameter at 19 inches, in true Lamborghini fashion there wider at the rear than at the front and are shod in Pirelli P Zero tyres developed specifically for the LP 580-2. A redeveloped spring setup and anti-roll bars on the double wishbone suspension give an incredible 50% higher torsional stiffness than the Gallardo LP 550-2.

The seven speed dual clutch system, Lamborghini Doppia Frizione or LDF, is tailored to provide the fastest possible gear changes and includes launch control, whilst the optional Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) gives the driver the feeling of improved agility and control. The Huracán includes the Lamborghini Piattaforma Inerziale (LPI) centre of gravity sensor system, providing info in real time to the optional Magneto Rheological Suspension and steering & stability control systems.2016 Lamborghini Huracan 580-2 interior

Computers provide the soul of the Huracán LP580-2; known as ANIMA or Adaptive Network Intelligent Management, it offers up the three driving modes mentioned previously. STRADA is for daily use and with a touch of understeer, SPORT which is intended to forge the emotional connectional between car and driver by allowing some oversteer and CORSA, the track mode with neutral balance.

A new owner can involve Ad Personam, Lamborghini’s personal tailoring service, and can choose from an amazing range of options and colours, inside and out. There’s also the latest Lamborghini Infotainment System II, with a 12.3” high resolution TFT instrument panel.

Prices for Australia are yet to be confirmed but if you’re in Europe, it’ll start at 150,000 euros plus tax.2016 Lamborghini Huracan 580-2 front

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

Founded in 1963, Automobili Lamborghini is headquartered in Sant’Agata Bolognese, in North-eastern Italy. The Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4, which made its world debut at Geneva Motor Show in 2014 and the Spyder version presented at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, are the successors to the iconic Gallardo and with their innovative technology and superior performance have redefined the luxury super sports cars driving experience. The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 in coupé and Roadster versions, and the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce and Superveloce Roadster, stand as a point of reference in the world of V12 luxury super sports cars. With 135 dealerships throughout the world, Automobili Lamborghini in over half a century has created an uninterrupted series of dream cars, including the 350 GT, Miura, Espada, Countach, Diablo, Murciélago, and limited series including Reventón, Sesto Elemento and Aventador J. The Veneno Coupé, Egoista and Veneno Roadster were designed to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary in 2013. http://credit-n.ru/zaymi-listing.html

Private Fleet Car Review: 2016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade and HiLux 4×4 cab chassis diesel.

Toyota has one of the more enviable heritages in the automotive field when it comes to four wheel drives. The Land Cruiser started it all, then Toyota gave birth to a whole new category with the release of the RAV4. In the background, the HiLux has been quietly beavering away and now Toyota adds a sibling vehicle to that and the Prado, with the passenger oriented Fortuner. A Wheel Thing back to backs the new HiLux work ute and the top of the tree Fortuner Cascade.2016 Toyota Hilux crew cab ute 2.8L diesel profile 22016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade profileThe Fortuner is, ostensibly, based on the HiLux and is intended to be the SUV version of that vehicle, offering a diesel alternative to the petrol only Kluger. There’s more than a hint of Prado in the Fortuner in certain angles, allowing the Fortuner to slot in between Prado and Kluger. Size wise you’re looking at 4795mm x 1855mm x 1835mm and rides on a 2745 mm wheelbase. Approach angle on the Fortuner is 30 degrees and departure is 25 degrees.

The new Hilux is a different kettle of fish; the test vehicle supplied was the four door crew cab, complete with Toyota optioned alloy tray, snorkel and bull bar with LEDs. Power, or more correctly, torque, is delivered by a new 2.8L diesel, with an admirable 420 torques at an astoundingly low 1400 revs.2016 Toyota Hilux crew cab ute 2.8L diesel engine2016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade engineThe auto gets 450….There’s also an 80L tank for the 1930kg beastie, which stands at 5330 mm x 1855 mm x 1815 mm in standard trim and rolls on a huge 3085 mm wheelbase. Towing is 2800kg, braked.

Inside the cabin are two buttons marked Eco and Power. Pressing the power button provides an astonishing measure of extra boost, allowing the Hilux to garner extra speed without so much as an extra millimetre of pedal travel. The Fortuner has the same engine package but didn’t appear to have the same extra “turbo on turbo” response.2016 Toyota Hilux crew cab ute 2.8L diesel centre consoleEconomy was average at 10.4L litres of diesel consumed per 100 kilometres. Toyota quotes, for the manual HiLux, 8.1L/9.3L/7.4L per hundred on the combined/urban/highway cycles. Emissions are quoted as 212g/km. The Fortuner has an 80L tank and has economy as quoted of 7.8L/9.3L/6.9Lper 100 km. Towing? Fortuner offers Sir 3000 kgs (braked) thank you kindly, from the 2135 kg seven seater.

Transmissions were six speeds; manual for the Hilux, auto and paddle shift for the Fortuner. The manual was problematic, getting stuck in the gate a little too often for comfort, whilst the auto in the Fortuner Cascade had issues also, with no advantage being offered by using manual mode, and flaring, a sense of slippage, in off boost driving, particularly when turning.2016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade centre consoleThe clutch in the Hilux was balanced nicely, not requiring a muscle man’s left leg nor was it feather light; it worked well with the gear shift in regards to the pickup point, there’s no rubberiness but the gate just seemed to lock the lever sometimes rather than slot it through.

Ride quality is as expected of off road capable vehicles, complete with tyre squeal on tarmac for the more industrial oriented HiLux. They’re both tightly sprung, with the Fortuner offering up a touch more initial compliance befitting its luxury intentions. Steering in both is somewhat vague, with the HiLux seemingly needing a half turn more than the Fortuner before any sense of directional change got under way.

Exterior design wise, the cab chassis has the new HiLux face, albeit somewhat blocked by the factory optioned bullbar fitted. Fortuner is not a design A Wheel Thing can say is pretty although there is hints of muscle to the flanks.2016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade front2016 Toyota Hilux crew cab ute 2.8L diesel frontThe rear window line is unusual in the downward slope and the kickline underneath, meeting at the rear door. The powered tailgate integrates the rear lights into both the chromed nameplate and into the rear guards, with a laser like LED lighting at night.2016 Toyota Hilux crew cab ute 2.8L diesel rear right2016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade rearThe front is a touch heavy handed in the lines, although there are splashes of chrome to lighten it visually and there’s more than a hint of Prado in the guards. Both cars have LED driving lights, with the HiLux’s as an eyebrow whilst the Fortuner’s are aligned in the inner section of the assembly. The pair came with sideboards underneath the doors, with the Hilux snorkel, as mentioned, a factory option.2016 Toyota Hilux crew cab ute 2.8L diesel front rightThe interior of the pair also, unsurprisingly, have crossover; in particular the dash design echoes that of the 86 and Corolla range. There’s a raised, almost arch like, section for the centre airvents (bracketing a LED clock), and both have a touchscreen with the Hilux’s looking almost as if it was fitted as an afterthought. 2016 Toyota Hilux crew cab ute 2.8L diesel dash dials2016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade dashAt least the Fortuner’s looked integrated, as did the surprisingly harmonious shade of chocolate leather fitted to the seats. A letdown was the plain look of the Fortuner’s dash dials, detracting from the otherwise luxury feel of the cabin, including the DAB equipped audio system.2016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade dash dialsThe Hilux had manual seat adjustment for the front seats with all seats comfortably padded and cloth clad, Fortuner’s were electric, with the centre row (that’s right, it’s also a seven seater) slide and tilt whilst the rear two pews….they’re mounted in the rear with side pivots and with plastic hooks which very easily come loose when taking the Fortuner over some bumps, allowing a seat to bounce and flap around with a boom. But, there are rear air vents to sooth the furrowed brow of said rear seat passengers.2016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade rear vents2016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade rear seats2016 Toyota Hilux crew cab ute 2.8L diesel rear seatsThe Hilux stays with tried and tested dials for the aircon, dials that wouldn’t look out of place in car twenty years ago with Fortuner’s Cascade getting more modern looking dials and LED lit temperature screen. There’s also a leather clad cover for the passenger side mounted chill box and a nicely finished surround for the transmission selector.2016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade front seats2016 Toyota Hilux crew cab ute 2.8L diesel dashBluetooth is fitted to both cars, and both have auxiliary inputs plus 12V sockets. Fortuner’s steering column is adjustable for reach and tilt,as is the HiLux. There’s also, very unusually, a 240V compatible socket mounted low down in the console and facing the rear seats. Smartly, Toyota have fitted both cars with easy to clean rubber mats.

I say smartly, because both are fully fledged off roaders, with locking rear diff and a transfer case. They’ll flick from 2WD to 4WD in high range on the fly at speeds up to about 80 kmh but you need to be stopped and in Neutral to engage low range. The Fortuner also came fitted with a hill descent assist mode, which can be heard whirring and quietly clunking away underneath.

2016 Toyota Hilux crew cab ute 2.8L diesel wheel2016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade wheelThe Fortuner rolled on 265/60/18 Bridgestone Duellers, the ute with same size and branded rubber, with the tread being the Grand Trek tyre. The Fortuner was taken to A Wheel Thing’s “secret test track” in the back parts of a lower Blue Mountains suburb, that has a good mix of gravel, stony road surfaces, mud and sand plus a number of slopes and conditions that the average driver would baulk at.2016 Toyota Fortuner Cascade mudLet’s just say that for the average off road capable driver, the car will be more than able to deal with what the driver can do. For both, don’t expect them to be quick off the line, as it’s more the mid range that the Power button really works in giving that extra grunt.

Toyota offers the Fortuner and HiLux a 3 year/100,000 k warranty and a five year anti corrosion warranty as well. Safety comes well packed, with pretensioning seatbelts, traction control, hill descent and airbags all around.

The Wrap.
There’s no doubt at all of Toyota’s 4WD heritage being passed on and down through the Hilux range, however the addition of the Fortuner adds an extra and possibly untapped option to their range. The Kluger is HIGHLY unlikely to be taken off road, as is Prado, even though it’s capable. The FJ40 is petrol only and isn’t quite the passenger car in intent whereas Kluger and Prado are, hence where Fortuner fits in.

The HiLux range is vast, with petrol and diesel, two wheel and four wheel drive, single, Xtra, dualcab, tray backed, ute backed, cab chassised….the version supplied is a great example of how HiLux has continued to evolve and the version supplied certainly does the nameplate no disfavour.

For specs on the HiLux tested (and to take you through to the range) go here: 2016 HiLux 4×4 dual cab chassis range.
The Fortuner tested starts at a tick under $60K plus on roads and details on the range can be found here: 2016 Toyota Fortuner rangetoyota_logo_blackprivate_fleet_logo http://credit-n.ru/ipoteka.html