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Archive for January, 2014

F1 Cars: Rock Star Superstars

The world of F1 has been thrown into intense debate with the recent announcements regarding the the 2014 season. Over the last few days, a selection of the top teams have released the official designs of their new cars. McLaren, Lotus, Williams and Ferrari have all proven that the new cars definitely are…different. The visual assault to the eyes mixed with the array of other regulation changes have resulted in a military barrage on the credibility of the sport. And so I thought it was about time to bring some light hearted happiness to proceedings. In the world of motorsport, F1 represents the pinnacle of what is meant to be possible. And as it turns out, mind blowing lap times and rib cage rattling power is not all that is possible. Once their day job is over, they take to the night and their secret passion is let loose. For an F1 car, is a rock star.

The new McLaren 2014 F1 car and its distinctive 'gentleman sausage nostril'. I think we all need a distraction

The new McLaren 2014 F1 car and its distinctive ‘gentleman sausage nostril’. I think we all need a distraction

I have been scouring the web of late and I have come across some absolute gems.

May I present to you a selection of F1 cars and their greatest hits. Stand aside AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Queen and Black Sabbath, here is a whole new lesson in music, a V8 powered lesson.

1. Happy Birthday – Lotus F1

I would like to kick off proceedings with a celebration (probably). Somewhere around the world, it is someones birthday. And so, let us take a moment to celebrate *insert name here*. Happy Birthday! (whoever you are)

As awesome as this video is, I would also like to draw your attention to the gentleman on the far right of the video. He is standing mere inches from a ear shattering brute, and he feels no need to cover his ears. You sir, have ears of steel, and I commend your bravery.

2. Top Gun Theme – Mercedes F1

There are not many people in the world who are not Top Gun fans. The Top Gun theme is nothing but a timeless classic. But I can bet you have never heard a version like this…

3. God Save The Queen – Renault F1

It is time to stand up and salute. This is the Renault F1 car doing the UK proud with this whole new version of the British National Anthem. Perhaps during the Golden Jubilee celebrations it should not have been Brian May performing this on top of Buckingham Palace…

4. The Star Spangled Banner – Red Bull F1

You know those Americans love any excuse for some patriotism, so maybe next time they should roll out an F1 car. The power, the theatrics, the glory, what more could they possible want to make them feel more American?

5. When The Saints Go Marching In – Minardi F1

Minardi were never overly successful in their F1 adventure, so perhaps they should have discovered music earlier. What makes this video that extra bit more special is the presence of a wonderful conductor. He really does give it the performance of a lifetime. This is definitely worth a watch.

6. Deutschlandleid – Red Bull F1

They have been gifted with the best car in the field and a German superstar to match their need for glory. And so it would make perfect sense for the Red Bull machine to blast out the German National Anthem. A fitting tribute to a man who will most likely become a legendary name in F1. This one really is an orgasm for your ears.

7. La Marseillaise – Renault F1

Renault are a French-based team, so it was only a matter of time before they got their personal god powered rock god to belt out the French National Anthem for them.

8. We Are The Champions – Renault F1

There has been a whole host of famous musical names who have attempted to cover the irreplaceable Freddie Mercury on a song that is known by people the world over. And you know, seeing as F1 is meant to be a motor racing event that tops all other racing events, what other fitting song to end this greatest hits run through than this? The anthems to end all sporting anthems. Freddie would be impressed, guys.

The Power, The Theatre, The Legend. Finally there is another musical titan to cover the great man...

The Power, The Theatre, The Legend. Finally there is another musical titan to cover the great man…

I hope you have all enjoyed my brief ride into the world of musical motoring greatness. If any of you have found other examples of great F1 covers of some musical classics, I would love to hear about it!

Follow me and join the musical madness on Twitter @lewisglynn69!

Keep Driving People!

Peace and Love! http://credit-n.ru/offers-zaim/glavfinance-online-zaymi.html

Award Winning Wine: The Golf GTi

Golf GTi November WheelsThe timing of things can be fortuitous sometimes; I was fortunate to have the Volkswagen Golf 103 Highline in the driveway when Wheels magazine announced the Golf as recipient of their prestigious Car Of The Year award. The week prior I had the presence of the top of the range GTi, so, like any smart person, a drive to the Hunter Valley was called for, to sample fine wine in liquid and four wheeled form.Golf de Bortoli
The roads chosen were windy, twisty, varying in elevation, the ideal test for such a vaunted chariot. Starting from the lower Blue Mountains directly west of Sydney, north through Penrith and Windsor and through to the delightful Wisemans Ferry, to the joy of the two younger occupants of the GTi. From here the nose went east then snaked north, paralleling the freeway before coming to a right hander at Wollombi before nor’easting to Cessnock, southern gateway to the Hunter Valley.
Golf engineThe GTi is powered and that’s definitely the appropriate word, by a firebreathing 2.0L turbo petrol engine. With 162kW on offer there’s plenty of upper end however there’s an astonishing 350 Newton metres of torque from as low as 1500rpm. Coupled to VW’s six speed DSG (direct shift gearbox http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-Shift_Gearbox) it’s enough to launch the 1300 odd kilo hatch to 100 km/h in a handy 6.5 seconds (claimed). Given some welly it’s a shove in the back as the gearbox ratchets its way through with barely a feel of change whilst the dual exhaust emits a snarly pop on the upshift. It’s immensely flexible and incredibly linear in its delivery, thanks to some tricky engineering like the TSI system (http://www.volkswagen.com.au/en/technology_and_service/technical-glossary/tsi-engine.html dual fuel injection (cylinder and inlet port), friction reduced internals and variable valve timing. Somewhat surprising is the lack of torque steer through the front driven wheels; it’s simply unnoticed if there was any, possibly due to the torque vectoring system fitted. Gears can be selected via both the lever and the finely finished paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
The Golf GTi comes with switchable suspension settings (think Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Shiraz), Golf gearshiftranging from Comfort through Normal and Sport to personalised settings, which remained untouched during A Wheel Thing’s tenure. Due to the abysmal road surfaces on much of the trip, Comfort was selected which did its best to absorb most of the lumps. Normal firmed up the response whilst Sport went harder and, sometimes, was the better pick for the unevenness. The GTi sits flat in turns at speed but, on the most unsettled surfaces, still managed to crash through to the bumpstops although there was no ongoing rebound or wallowing. Around town in Cessnock, the GTi is mild mannered, well behaved, docile, showing no signs of the demon that lurks under its shapely bonnet. The table top flat torque (available past 3500rpm) eases the Golf around with no fuss, with the Golf consolestop/start system (normal key ignition, not press button) kicking in when the brake pedal is depressed far enough; a light lift of the foot keeps the brake on but restarts the engine. Being a dual clutch transmission, there’s some hesitancy, a delay when moving from reverse back to first and some indecisiveness on light throttle. Combined with the Normal suspension it makes for an exhilarating drive. Then there’s the pin point steering, responsive to the mildest touch and with a progressive feel lock to lock, entered via a solid, chunky yet tactile, flat bottomed tiller.
The seventh generation Golf is much like its cousin, the 911, stamped definably with DNA traceable Golf noseto the very first of its kind. Five door hatchback, wheels pushed to the corners, solid C pillar, shortish bonnet and decent glasshouse have been design hallmarks of the Golf since its release in the mid 1970s. This model is an evolution of the previous, with subtle changes to the nose, headlights and rear lights. Colour plays a big part in how a car looks and the GTi provided came in a glossy fire engine red, complete with black plastic highlights and LED daylight running lights (DRL). It certainly looked the part, especially with the five spoke “pick axe” style alloys, clad in grippy 225/45/18 tyres. Punted Golf dashthrough corners on flat surfaces, the Golf is superglued velcro, the suspension working to keep the car flat, the steering responding almost as if though thought was being transmitted via the driver’s brain, the engine delivering when asked and the exhaust barkingGolf wheel in response. On the back roads in the wine country, it’s a tantalising, almost sensual experience.
Of somewhat questionable flair is the tartan seat covering; contrasting vividly against the varying shades of black in the interior, it’s a bright if somewhat unusual choice of fabric for the sporty and comfortable seats. Being a smallish car overall, rear leg legroom is immediately compromised. Thankfully for the smaller occupants, their father isn’t eleventy feet tall but there still was noticeable shoving in the back. The dash itself is elegant yet simple; a lovely touch that harkens back to analogue screens is the rolling number Golf rear seatchange for distance covered rather than the traditional instant change plus also offers compass direction. The dials have a classic look, simple black on white with a chrome ring lending class whilst framing a screen with an efficient colour graphic Golf seatsdepicting the vehicle itself. Climate control aircon, a small yet clearly legible monochrome touchscreen with a presence sensing feature, colour map display (with a voice readout that was sometimes out by 300 metres) that worked on a pinch and pull zoom basis plus showed your road location on the radio screen, bluetooth, rear parking camera and heated seats complete the picture. Of note was the fuel gauge; it barely moved as in there was no movement until the 180km mark, then suddenly a quarter of the 50 litre tank was shown to have been used….that’s not entirely inspiring. Golf bootA note on that gauge; it’s broken into fifteen segments, rather than a standard four or even eight. Economy averaged around 9L/100km over the week. Rear cargo space is reasonable, holding a decent week’s worth of shopping, a 60/40 split fold rear plus ski ported rer seat setup plus there’s a full sized spare (steel) wheel under cover. The boot opens via the prominent VW badge. Safety wise there’s airbags aplenty, electric parking brake and hill start assist, collision sensing braking and more.
The Golf GTi is like a fine red wine that’s been cellared; subtle yet powerful, improving over time from a good if somewhat rough base, to a well honed and thoroughly enjoyable experience. The sediment particles left over are the downsides of the GTi, unavoidable to a point but are there none the less. From a tick under Au$42k for the manual and $44k (plus on roads, check your local dealer) for the DSG auto, it may seem pricey to some, but when you factor in the sheer useability as an overall package, especially if purchased to be used by one or two people that enjoy what the driving experience is all about including that slingshot like acceleration and go kart handling, it’s a small price to pay for an awarding winning car. There’s a three year and unlimited kilometre warranty, capped price servicing to go with the twelve month/15000k service intervals to sweeten the deal.
More details can be found here: http://www.volkswagen.com.au/en/models/golf/highlights.html http://credit-n.ru/offers-zaim/mgnovennye-zaimy-na-kartu-bez-otkazov-kredito24.html

Return of a Legend: BTCC Super Touring Titans

The British Touring Car Championship is the premier race series in the UK. The championship holds a special place in the hearts of fans and drivers alike. When attending a Formula One race weekend, it is hard to pretend that your Ford, Holden, Vauxhall or even Mercedes is anything like the hyper powered god machines that are F1 cars. However, the joy of touring cars series whether it is the V8 Supercars or the BTCC is that the cars are relate-able to all of us. You have the chance to own your own road going version of a Honda, Holden or Volvo. The BTCC began back in the 1950s and is still going strong today. A lot has changed over the years; the series began with multi-class racing all with a chance of winning the final title. However, in the 1990s this was replaced with a single 2 litre class that would go on to become known as the ‘Super Touring Era’. This was the golden age of Touring Car Racing in the UK.

The BTCC in the mid 90s was the pinnacle of motorsport

The BTCC in the mid 90s was the pinnacle of motorsport

It was a British series that had captured the hearts of fans the world over. And with action like this there was no other competition that would even come close… The Super Touring Age of the BTCC

Sadly, the year 2000 was the final flourish as the world bid farewell to the Super Tourers forever. The budgets dropped, the series began to follow the BTC Touring Regulations which would then become the Super 2000 and now the Next Generation Touring Car rules. Some of the greatest racing you will ever see took place in the 1990s, and the closure of the 2000 season brought about a tearful goodbye by the fans of the sport. They were gone forever.

You are not going blind, that is a Volvo Estate that entered the BTCC in 1994. Don't get that in F1 now do you?

You are not going blind, that is a Volvo Estate that entered the BTCC in 1994. Don’t get that in F1 now do you?

Or so we thought. Because they’re back.

It is now official that the Super Touring Trophy will now be supporting the main BTCC season this year. Considering that the 2014 BTCC grid has reached capacity for the year I was excited enough. But then this happened and my excitement blew through the roof. Don’t get me wrong I love the modern BTCC; I am still one of the firm believers that the BTCC is leading the way in motorsport not just in the UK but across the world. There has to be a reason why the championship gained global recognition. As much as that magic was lost in the early 2000s, it is definitely undergoing a resurgence. However, as good as the modern championship may be, it will never match the glory of the past. The Super Touring Cars defined my childhood; they taught me what motorsport was and I will be thankful to them forever.

The Ford Sierra Cosworth dominated the BTCC in the 1980s, especially under the dominant control of Andy Rouse

The Ford Sierra Cosworth dominated the BTCC in the 1980s, especially under the dominant control of Andy Rouse

I first encountered the Historic Touring Cars last year at the legendary Brands Hatch race track as part of their Summer Super Prix event. The last time I had seen the Super Touring cars had been 12 years previously in the year 2000. I had the single most absolute pleasure of attending the Snetterton Night Race. There is something special about seeing a multi-million pound racing Ford Mondeo charging its way around a track and dominating all that lays before it in the day time; during the night all those senses that got you excited are turned up to 11. It is a common saying that when you lose the ability of one sense the others are heightened, and my sweet holy cheese grater the SOUND made by those Super Tourers at night have the destructive power to give me a crisis in the trouser department. That moment when the cars took to the track for the first time last year was one I will truly never forget.

The multi-million pound Ford Mondeo brought Alain Menu his second BTCC championship in 2000

The multi-million pound Ford Mondeo brought Alain Menu his second BTCC championship in 2000

Technologically we may never develop the ability to make time travel or teleportation a reality. The fact my Mac right now tells me that teleportation is not even a real word is proof enough that even the most modern of technology lacks the belief in humanity’s ability to invent it. This is especially true when the technology is created by humans in the first place. Essentially, we are developing an inbuilt lack of faith in our own ability. But that is another story.

An Alfa Romeo racing on 2 wheels in 1994? Oh yes, that's right

An Alfa Romeo racing on 2 wheels in 1994? Oh yes, that’s right

Our lives are filled with a selection of triggers that will transport us to the happiest place you could ever dream of. And for me, seeing those cars on my favourite race circuit will always shoot me back to my childhood. My childhood was a time filled with happiness, expectation, excitation and a sense that no dream was unreachable. Seeing those cars were the very representation of that freedom of childhood. Unlike F1, they were relate-able and gave me the hope of achievement. Anything was possible. Now I have got older however I have of course been introduced to the harsh brutality of reality. But last year, as the 21 year old me shuddered with excitement, I was a child again.

So far, the Historic Touring Cars will be supporting the BTCC at the amazing Oulton Park circuit. Hopefully as the season progresses more circuits will be announced. And you can believe it that I will be at Oulton Park.

The HTCC was a huge hit with fans when it returned last year

The Super Touring Trophy was a huge hit with fans when it returned last year

Stick around for more news and announcements! Follow me on Twitter @lewisglynn69

Because who does not want to be a child again?

Keep Driving People!

Peace and Love! http://credit-n.ru/offers-zaim/migcredit-dengi-v-dolg.html

Tips for Tradies

Tradies. Contractors. Those vital people who come around to your place to do something practical that you can’t do for yourself. They come in all flavours – gardeners, electricians, cleaners, plasterers, carpenters, builders, interior decorators, etc. etc. Perhaps you’re one of them.

Now, one thing that every tradie needs is a decent vehicle.  There are some jobs that you just can’t do using public transport or on a bicycle.  But what do you need to look for in a set of wheels if you are a tradie?  What do you need to keep in mind before you head over to our car reviews to pick yourself the right car for your work?

  • What tools do you need?  You are going to have to carry everything you need with you to every job.  This means that you’re going to have to put it somewhere in your vehicle.  This doesn’t necessarily mean that a van is a must, in spite of the popularity of vans with tradies.  Anything with a decent dollop of luggage space will do the trick – even a ute will do if you carry gear that can stand getting wet.  MPVs, 4x4s and station wagons are other options. If your business is less tool-intensive (e.g. mobile computer whizzes, pet groomers or piano tuners) then something smaller can work – a hatchback allows easy access to the few tools that you do have.
  • Do you need to pull a trailer?  Builders, gardeners and carpenters often have to haul around a trailer, either to take large amounts of stuff to the clients’ places (builders, carpenters) or to take stuff away (gardeners).  You’re going to have to consider engine size and type in this case.
  • Ground clearance.  Some jobs need a decent bit of ground clearance, especially if you’re going to have to take the vehicle over rougher ground to get your gear right where you want it.  Others don’t so much.  Utes and 4x4s have good ground clearance, which is why they’re popular choices for most tradies.  However, a lot of contractors just run around on regular roads in the suburbs and can park on the street or in the driveway, so ground clearance isn’t always necessary.
  • Signage.  Are you planning on putting your business logo and contact details on your vehicle?  It’s a good way of attracting new business.  In this case, you may have to consider the colour of your vehicle. If your usual logo is plain black, it’s not going to show up on a dark coloured van or 4×4.  If you have more than one vehicle for your business, it’s good if the vehicles match.  However, if you’re a sole trader or owner/operator and you only need the one, then you can be a bit flexible when it comes to colour.  White isn’t the only colour for a van or work vehicle.  I knew a tradie once who scored a van cheap because the previous owner had given it a metallic pink paint job.  One quirky logo later and he had a very eye-catching work vehicle that stood out among the fleets of white ones.  Similarly, there is no rule that says that gardening/landscaping contractors have to have dark green 4x4s in spite of the “close to nature and good in the bush” image these tend to have.

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