Archive for March, 2014
The Australian Car Manufacturing Scene
So where to from here for those involved in the current Australian car manufacturing scene? With Ford’s manufacture of cars in Australia closing in 2016, and Holden and Toyota closing their manufacturing operations in 2017, this will leave Australia without any major car manufacturing going on.
With premium car manufacturing being so expensive to perform in Australia, the cost of physical labour in Australia is unlikely to become competitive on a global scale anytime soon. That’s not a particularly bad thing though, because I bet there are not many Australians who would want their wages to drop to the equivalent level of those in some other countries around the world.
Maybe the answer lies in the consumer. How can we ensure that we support the buying of cars designed and manufactured in Australia? Supporting Australian manufacturers and suppliers has got to be the best thing that we can do to keep Australia on its feet and going forward. Wouldn’t it be great if Australia could be a whole lot less dependent on cheap labour and goods from overseas?
There are some small scale car designers and manufacturers currently active in Australia. Has anyone heard of the Australian Kit Car, Bullet, Carbontech, Classic Revival, Daytona, Deuce Customs, Devaux, DRB, Elfin, G-Force, Kraftwerkz, Nota, Python, Roaring Forties, Skelta and Tomcar? We need to get alongside these guys and support them in what they do. I wonder if one or two of the people losing their job in the big gun names might be able to use their skills with any of these small scale car manufacturers.
Also fully producing vehicles of a different kind are Australian truck manufacturers IVECO, Mack Trucks and Paccar Inc.
Here’s to seeing some life breathed back into people who are entrepreneurs of the car scene in Australia; and for seeing life some breathed back into Holden and Ford. It’s great to see smaller scale Australian car manufacturers, and the truck manufacturers, doing so well. Take a look at some of the interesting small scalers mentioned above. All of these vehicles are available in Australia, and made by Australians:
Bullet Roadster
Devaux Coupe
Elfin
Python Amphibious Vehicle
BTCC 2014: The Magnificent Seven
The rising of the sun was met with an air of tension. The sandy plains shifted their undulating mass across the vast empty landscape. The tumbleweed rolled effortlessly across the scene with a stereotypical ease. A wooden sign stands alone, existing in a state of decaying eternity. The letters upon the sign have long since lost their clarity, yet the message has been etched into the fabric of time. Alas, only the worthy may receive the ultimate gift of vision.
In the distance, the landscape was interrupted by the return of a long forgotten force; the force to shake the very foundations of the earth. Moving ever closer upon their trusty steeds, our heroes have answered the cries of the many. For between them, they have witnessed the passing of many moons, fought many battles and vanquished many foes. But for our battle-scarred cowboys, one final challenge remains. They must face their biggest test yet, apart from the startling number of clichés; they must face each other.
As they ride ever closer upon their mighty stallions, their identity springs forth into reality. Of these 7 great riders, not one was the same. They were linked only by their greatness. Each deserved his own introduction. For they are the Magnificent Seven; the titans that walk upon the soil of the earth.
We begin with the newly initiated member of the party. Sheriff Jordan proved his worth in the great events that have become known as the ‘Pirtek Times’. He stood independently against the dominant forces of his land, overcoming his foes one by one in ultimate glory. For his bravery and determination he was awarded the Sheriffs badge and will stand for the name and strength of all independents across the land.
As the dust of anticipation begins to settle, the figure of our second of our seven becomes visible. Feared among many, Commissioner Plato has become infamous across the land; he is never afraid to use brutal force to put those who oppose him back into line. The Commissioner is a battle hardened veteran of our story, but age merely focuses his powers.
The Commissioner is followed closely by a man whose rank is unknown, he is known only as ‘Flash’. His ascent to command has been swift. Little is known about the homeland of our hero, only that he hails from the vicious wilds of the northern territories. He holds position with the high ranking ‘Yuasa Party’ that has given the Honda region supremacy.
Never a forgotten man, Commander Turkington is a relative newcomer to the field of battle, but has very quickly earned himself a reputable status. On many occasions he has taken struggling bands of fighters and led through to glory. He refuses to lose his new found power.
These riders may ride as one, but the past is a cruel mistress; dark clouds form over the tranquillity of these freedom fighters. Superintendent Neal rides astride his stallion, towering above those who bask in his stature. A folk tale has been narrated for many generations across the land of the free; this is the tale of a titanic clash of power between the Superintendent and the Commissioner. Word has reached the ears of the many that these two lords of their land ride for glory once more. Will this end in the ultimate stand off?
He rides as a foreigner in these lands, but has been feared by those who dare challenge his dominance. Next we see Generale Giovanardi, commander of the forces from a distant land. He lust for power has seen the demise of many brave warriors. Only the foolish would dare challenge him.
And finally, a man rides with his Stetson pulled low, riding in the shadows. To the other riders in our company, this man was once only spoken about in hushed tones. Many thought him to be a forgotten icon of an ancient time; a time where giants rode across the desert sands, waging violent war on all that lay before them. He has returned to take back what he is. He has no rank, he has no captain, he just has his trusty steed. He is known, only as Menu.
Our weary band of travellers has ridden many miles across the burning sands, searching for but one thing. Ultimate power. After months of flight, they have found what they were searching for. Sitting alone in the desert sand, sits a sign; the sign is a seemingly forgotten remnant of an ancient power centre. As they approach, something begins to change. For our weary worthy travellers, the sign burns bright and points the way to journeys end…
‘Brands Hatch’
Everything has come down to this. The call has been answered. The greatest leaders of our time have come together. 7 riders. 1 prize. This will be the ultimate showdown.
This is the Magnificent Seven. Guns at the ready.
Let the games begin.
- Image Credit: Stopwatch Hospitality
Thanks for this post goes to Stopwatch Hospitality who have always shown support to my articles I write for Private Fleet. This post was inspired by the picture you see above, created by Stopwatch Hospitality to celebrate just how exciting the 2014 BTCC championship will be. I am indeed aware that I recently published an article detailing a possible 8th driver, but until he is confirmed the number is fixed on seven.
The British Touring Car Championship 2014 kicks off at Brands Hatch on 29th/30th March!
Stopwatch Hospitality are an amazing company that provide top-class hospitality at motorsport events. They are the first choice in hospitality for any motorsport fan!
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The Gravett(y) of the Situation: Is the BTCC on for 8 Champions?
Why is this man smiling? Maybe he has got a secret to tell…
Not too long ago I found myself telling you all the exciting news that the BTCC was to host 7 former champions for the 2014 season. Never before has the championship been graced with such a presence. With the electric combination of champions and eager newcomers, the 2014 season is set to be one of the most fiercely contested in history.
There is only one problem. I may have given you incorrect information. I come to you all now in confession of my sins. I hope you are able to forgive me, given the erm… Gravett-y of the situation.
That’s right, the BTCC grid for 2014 may now be seeing not 7, but 8 former champions taking to the field.
Robb Gravett in his 1990 Ford Sierra
Robb Gravett, winner of the 1990 British Touring Car Championship, has announced that he is most definitely considering a return to the field this year. Sadly nothing yet has been confirmed, but he has stated that he has indeed been approached.
So who is this Gravett fellow and why is his return so exciting?
Well I am glad you asked.
Robb Gravett shot to Touring Car fame in the late 80s when he launched an attack on the ever-successful Andy Rouse and his Kaliber/ICS Ford Sierra team. At this time, the championship still operated as a class system, where often the overall championship winner across the year would have been finishing around 12th in each race. Confusing right? No wonder they changed it. In 1989, Robb Gravett co-founded the TrakStar team alongside broadcaster Mike Smith; by the end of the year he finished second in class behind Andy Rouse. The overall title that year went to a young John Cleland in a Class C Vauxhall.
When 1990 came along, Gravett was aiming for the top, but his early title attempts were crippled by a severe lack of sponsorship for his Ford Sierra. Thankfully however, as the year progressed and he had proven his success, the sponsors came and he went on to take the 1990 crown. When I first got into the BTCC, it was the videos from these years that were always my favourite. I have always and will forever be a diehard fan of Andy Rouse. Anyone who had the skill to beat Andy Rouse in the late 80s was a serious talent. To beat the ultimate driver, you must also be pretty special.
When the BTCC became a single class 2 litre series, Gravett continued on with Peugeot in 1992 and 1993. His success may have started to fade, but his determination didn’t. Gravett returned as an independent in 1994 up until 1998, before retiring from the BTCC altogether. In 1997, he won the Independents championship in a Rock-It Cargo Honda Accord.
In the late 90s, Gravett competed in the Independents Championship in his Honda Accord
Now obviously, as a former champion he doesn’t want to be given a car that cannot challenge at the top end of the field. No one really wants that now do they? But he has admitted that the offer he has received has come from one of the top teams.
Although he didn’t say outright which team had given him said offer, I believe the truth can reveal itself through some careful detective work. Looking through the confirmed teams and drivers for the 2014 championship, you will notice that most teams are now full. There are however two teams that appear to have spaces. One of these is the Speedworks team which is entering a Toyota Avensis, and the other is the Airwaves/Crabbies/Motorbase team that are entering Fords.
Of the two of these, the Speedworks team are a great up and coming team, but I don’t believe that they will be challenging at the top this year. The Airwaves Fords however showed great promise at the end of 2013, and have already confirmed Giovanardi (2007/2008 champion) alongside Jack Clarke. If we work on the ever increasing success of the Ford team in 2013, and the fact they have already hired one champion, it would seem clear that they will be aiming for ultimate success this year.
What better way to do that than to hire a man who has previously conquered the championship (also in a Ford, if you remember)?
Robb Gravett represents the golden age of Touring Cars. Hard, fast, aggressive and determined, I can see him returning to glory once more.
So with Gravett back, now we just need Andy Rouse back and my life will be complete. Anybody got his number?
8 champions. 1 grid. 1 championship.
Let the games begin!
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WTF is the new Cadillac?
Now I love cars. Chances are that this will come as no shock to you whatsoever. Cars are just great aren’t they? And what really gets my V12 purring is knowing that the automotive world is always on the cutting edge of the modern world. Whatever it may be, there is always another new development, another boundary being pushed, another mind that is blown. The technology developed in the motoring world is driving us into a whole new future.
Futuristic? As children, adults or even very attentive family pets, everyone loves a bit of sci-fi futuristic wizardry. Deny it all we like, there is a sci-fi geek hiding in all of us, trapped in the delicate force field of balance between our sense of shame and childish wonder. You claim you hate Star Trek but at least once in your life you have indulged in a moment of live long and prosper. My point is, it is always fun looking into future and seeing what may come tumbling from human imagination.
Every now and again we are given the delectable treat for the eyeballs that is the latest designs for concept cars. Sometimes they are your conventional hypercars of ultimate destruction (I say conventional, you get my point), and other times they are something brand new. Once it was solar power, but now we have moved on.
Now, what is the craziest car concept you can think of? A car powered by the pure power of Tom Jones’ vocals? A new green machine that runs off the power of electric eels?
Well until then, how about this…?
The Cadillac ‘World Thorium Fuel’ Concept
Are you impressed yet? This is the Cadillac World Thorium Fuel concept car of the future, a nuclear-powered car that has been designed by the absolute beauty that is Loren Kulesus. Anyone who can pull this out of their mind machine has my full respect. I love the erm… carefully chosen name that has been given to this car, Mr Kulesus you are fooling no-one. This is the future right here. Honestly, if I had to describe this car, WTF would definitely be what I would use as well. Aptly named really.
So, what exactly going on here in this futuristic spaceship of awesome:
- The car is powered by Thorium. Thorium is a radioactive metal that can be used as a nuclear fuel. Yes you did just read that correctly, this car will essentially be powered by a mini nuclear plant. WTF indeed.
- Apparently standard tyres just aren’t cool anymore yo. This Cadillac has 6 individual mini wheels that each have their own independent motor that come together to form what we prehistoric dinosaurs would call wheels. WTF indeed. This fancy new ‘motion-direction-circles’ would never have to be changed, Mr Kulesus says.
This car was designed back in 2009. Back then it was just a concept. But that was then. This is now. Laser Power Systems (LPS), from the USA has now set to work on developing this whole new automotive propulsion system that could revolutionise car travel forever.
Looking at the car itself though, I can’t say that practicality seemed very high up on the menu. How on earth would you even get into one of these? And once you are in, are you essentially going to be driving with your behind on the ground? Better hope the road isn’t too bumpy. Although, imagine turning up to a party in a WTF. Now THAT is a way to get peoples attention. Just better hope you picked the right outfit and know how to gracefully get out of this machine.
Either way, this car does make me happy. Look at it. It’s like its come straight out of Star Wars. And I love Star Wars.
Thorium? What is Thorium?
As I said before, Thorium is a radioactive metal that can be utilised for fuel. Its biggest advantage is that the material is so dense it has the ability to create mind-boggling levels of heat. So through using thorium to produce a laser that will heat water, create steam and power a turbine. And that, dear friends, will create motion.
To put the awesome power of Thorium into some form of perspective, 1 gram of this substance has the same power as 28,000 litres of traditional petrol. Not only that, but LPS CEO Charles Stevens claims that 8 grams of Thorium fuel will be enough to power one of these cars for about 100 years. This LPS development program aims to have this technology in mass production as soon as possible.
In general, Thorium is actually a pretty good idea for energy production. Firstly, the usual process to retrieve weapons-grade fissionable material from a Thorium reactor is outrageously difficult. Therefore using Thorium only reactors would significantly reduce the risk of nuclear weapons. Not only that but the radioactive waste produced by Thorium is up to 10,000 times less long lived than most other material. And finally, in an acceleration driven reactor, Thorium cannot maintain nuclear chain reaction without priming, which yet again reduces the risk of destruction, sadness and bad press.
Overall, it sounds pretty good wouldn’t you say?
Inside, we see the WTF for what it is… Image Credit: www.cutedesign.com
Now obviously, most of this information has been taken from LPS themselves, so I will go on record and say that not every word that has been uttered should be believed. I am pretty sure if Thorium had the potential to reshape the foundations of America they probably wouldn’t mention that. But then again, I would also hope that if this was true they wouldn’t be trying to put it into their cars anyway. Especially as you know, cars crash pretty badly sometimes. I don’t know about you, but Id rather not be driving knowing that one wrong turn might end up giving me 3 heads. But each to their own I guess.
If the WTF goes well, maybe Cadillac may branch out and improve their other cars, like the LMAO-bach, or even branch out into the world of flying with the ROFLcopter. I couldn’t resist I’m sorry.
If this is the future, I have only one thing to say.
WTF.
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