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Archive for April, 2015

The President and The Beast

Obama_Limo“The Beast” is the nickname of the customized limo of the President of the US of A – a sort of land-based equivalent of Air Force 1.  While the name might make certain groups of conspiracy theorists-cum-Biblical fundamentalists have all sorts of conniptions, The Beast is certainly quite an impressive vehicle.  It’s almost worth becoming President for – or at least becoming the Presidential chauffeur.  That’s if you pass the driving test as well as the safety check – the driver has to be able to do advanced level police-style manoeuvres for evasion if needed.

Although the official marque of The Beast is (no, not 666) Cadillac, the current Beast is actually based on a Chevrolet Kodiak, which means that although it looks like a limousine, it’s a ute at heart.  Looks-wise, it’s got many of the classic Cadillac hallmarks, such as the lights and the overall styling. What you might not know is that the outside of The Beast that you can see isn’t actually metal but removable fibreglass panels that look swish while covering the titanium, aluminium, steel and ceramic panelling underneath.

The full list of specs for The Beast is classified information, but they’ve let us know a few little bits and pieces about it, either to deter us from attempting to assassinate anybody, to reassure us that assassinations are unlikely or to make us very, very envious. Or not.

There is not just one Beast but there are 12 identical ones, all tucked away in a very secure underground garage somewhere so they can be trotted out in rotation while the others get fixed.

The Specs of The Beast:

Seating: Seven: two front seats, a rear-facing middle row and two in the very back (this is where the President plus his (or, in the future, her) significant other or sidekick sits). A glass partition separates front and rear, and the rear seats can do the lot when it comes to reclining and adjustment. There’s also a table that can fold up and down in between the middle and rear row.

In-car communications: A highly sophisticated communications console is included somewhere in The Beast. For obvious security reasons, the full details are not available, but it’s pretty safe to say that it’s probably a lot better than what you’ve got in your car. One detail that is available to ordinary Muggles like you and me is that there’s a link that talks to everything else in the accompanying motorcade. There’s also a satellite phone with a hotline to the Pentagon and the Vice President.  The car has night vision cameras.  Five antennae can be counted coming off the trunk, so there are probably way more communications networks talking to The Beast. Conspiracy theorists are free to speculate as to whether The Beast is in touch with alien craft.

Safety and security: The Beast can withstand biochemical attacks, bullets, grenades and fire, with 8-inch thick doors and some very serious armour plating, including underneath the car.  The bulletproof glass is 5 inches thick and is sealed against biochemical attack.  Other passive safety features (i.e. those that kick in after or during an accident) include a chauffeur who is a Secret Service member trained in CPR (although he’s not permanently fitted to the car), a blood bank well stocked with the President’s blood type, and a bodyguard in the front seat. Only the driver’s window opens: to a mere 3 inches down.  There are rumours that The Beast is fitted with tear gas cannons.  Rumours also abound about grenade launchers but we can’t confirm this.

Fuel economy: The engine (reportedly a V8) manages 29 L/100 km, so they’d better have a good source of fuel handy (no, we won’t get into the possible politics of this). Diesel is the fuel of choice, as it’s less volatile than petrol and thus less likely to explode if attacked.  The fuel tank is surrounded by foam armour so The Beast won’t become a fireball if the tank scores a direct hit.   (Poking around on a few other websites for info suggests that it’s actually run on petrol – so who really knows?)

Tyres: Kelvar-reinforced run-flats made by Goodyear. The steel wheels can keep going even if the tyre blows out completely rather than merely getting flat.

Weight: that’s classified information but it’s pretty darn hefty thanks to all that armour, so it’s a lot.  Smart cookies might be able to work out the weight from a combination of the fuel economy and the 0–60 mph time.

Length: 18 feet long

Performance: The 0–60 mph time is 15 seconds, which makes underpowered LPG vans looks speedy.  Top speed is reportedly 60 mph.

Ground clearance: Could be better, as demonstrated by one incident in Dublin.

Actually, I think that I like my own Volvo better. It might not have the armour plating and the communications but it’s got better fuel economy, better acceleration and much better ground clearance. And it’s less of a hassle for the local mechanic.

Safe and happy driving,

Megan http://credit-n.ru/kredity-online-blog-single.html

Sensational Sixth for Cook in Donington Qualifying

Photo Credit: marekp.co.uk / #RacingForHeroes

Photo Credit: marekp.co.uk / #RacingForHeroes

After a thrilling opening race weekend at Brands Hatch, the BTCC juggernaut rumbles on to Donington Park. As the sun was shining beautifully upon the circuit, the serenity would soon be shattered as the cars took to the track. After a solid two free practice sessions, Josh Cook and #RacingForHeroes were out to impress in qualifying. And impress is exactly what he did.

One of the brilliant things that makes the BTCC such an iconic and thrilling series is the genuine levels of unpredictability at each race. From one race to the next no two things are ever the same. The introduction of new weight penalties for 2015 has certainly added to the entertainment and will most likely see new faces at the front of the grid as a result.

Following their impressive first race weekend at Brands Hatch, everyone at Power Maxed Racing had high hopes moving into Donington Park. Josh Cook and everyone at #RacingForHeroes made an impressive debut in the championship at Brands Hatch, scoring two Jack Sears Trophy wins and challenging the big names consistently. The last time Cook cruised the tarmac of Donington Park, it was at the series Media Day at which he was ultra competitive.

The two free practice sessions gave Cook confidence, delivering consistently strong times around the 1:10 mark which would have seen him just outside the top 10. Mike Bushell in the AmD Tuning Ford Focus had set the benchmark for the Jack Sears competitors and it was beginning to look like the 2014 Clio Cup UK champion would out-qualify the 2014 Clio Cup UK vice champion. Or so we thought.

Photo Credit: BTCC.net

Photo Credit: BTCC.net

As qualifying got underway, Cook made his intentions clear from the outset. This was a man on a mission. When Priaulx pulled off the track and brought out a temporary suspension of the session, Cook lay in the mid-pack. But as the green flag waved, it all started to come together. Taking advantage of gaps in the traffic and a tow from other cars on a hot lap, Cook stormed to a 1:10.119 and an eventual 6th position.

To top off an already jaw dropping afternoon, Dave Newsham put the other Power Maxed car in 10th, securing a truly outstanding performance for the team. It is a true testament to the hard work put in by everyone at Power Maxed Racing to transform the team from what it was last year to battling for the top positions in 2015.

Bring on race day!

You can follow all the action on social media:

Facebook: RacingForHeroes

Twitter: @RacingForHeroes

#RacingForHeroes – supporting our injured through motorsport.

Its time to drive for change

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for all my usual rantings @lewisglynn69

Keep Driving People!

Peace and Love!

Image Credit: #RacingforHeroes

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Has the BTCC just stolen the show?

Image Credit: BTCC.net

Image Credit: BTCC.net

The British Touring Car Championship blasted back onto the scene at Brands Hatch for the opening round of the 2015 season. As the dust clears on what can only be described as a sensation return to form, the time has come for some evaluation. With other world series underway, how has the BTCC fared? The world of motorsport is ultimately for the collective enjoyment of the drivers, teams and fans. And after what I had the pleasure of witnessing on Easter Weekend, I am starting to believe. Has the BTCC stolen the show?

From the outset, not that it really needs stating, I must mention that as a passionate fan of the BTCC this may just be a little biased. But I am a firm believer that everything is subjective, as objectivity does not exist. But that’s another story. Having followed the series from my childhood years in the 90s I have been a first hand witness to the changes and evolution undergone by the series. From the days of astronomical budgets and worldwide glory, to the years of lacking driving standards, I have been there for all of it. Since the introduction of the NGTC regulations, the championship began to take a sudden turn for the better, with a staggering 31 car grid last year. How could that be topped? Was it possible? As I made my way home from the opening round at Brands Hatch, the answer was all too clear. Not only has the BTCC managed to outdo its dizzying heights of 2014, but it might have killed it all stone dead and just stolen the show all together.

I realise that this is a bold statement to make but when the evidence is there it is hard to deny. My first point comes from a few months back where the BTCC was voted by Autosport as one of the greatest touring car series in the world, only falling behind DTM. On that note, I do find it ironic that the BTCC was voted one of the worlds best, far above the WTCC which you would have assumed would be the top touring series. But more on that later. All of this took place in the close season, before the BTCC had taken to the track for the first round at Brands Hatch. Having been there for every moment of the first BTCC race weekend of the year, I can categorically say that things have changed. And what an amazing change it is.

This is not staged, that is how close the finish was. Image Credit: BTCC.net

This is not staged, that is how close the finish was. Image Credit: BTCC.net

Just look at the intense criticism launched at Bernie Ecclestone and F1 recently; teams threatening to leave and dwindling attendance figures. The world is being sent into a laborious pit of predictability with the consistent Mercedes domination, broken on occasion by the plucky Ferrari of Vettel. I could even use almost the same description for the state of the WTCC, except there is no breaking Citroen domination. They are everywhere, and there is no stopping them. So while the FIA continues its relentless offensive on the state of world motorsports, the BTCC stands firm.

Even before the racing began, let us not forget that the championship has been blessed by not one, but two teams that are raising money and awareness for charities. Infiniti with Support Our Paras alongside the #RacingForHeroes (as part of Power Maxed Racing who are an official partner of Help for Heroes) represent a true first in motorsport, and a step forward in the effect motorsport can have in wider society. In both cases, not only are these teams supporting their individual charities, but they are both aim to give our injured veterans a chance to work as part of a race team. You read all the time in the news the sad stories of ex-soldiers who are struggling to make a living, so it is so inspiring and almost revolutionary for the BTCC to be having such concepts as this. Hopefully from their example, the rest of the motorsport world can follow.

The BTCC / TOCA format is the biggest and most successful in Europe and every year it goes from strength to strength. From the 3-race format of the BTCC which makes perfect viewing for both on-track and television audiences (especially at a time when people want instantly accessible action, and not longer endurance viewing), to the outstanding support package, the overall weekend feel is one you will get nowhere else. The rejuvenated Clio Cup and Carrera Cup UK saw non-stop action throughout the weekend. The Porsches last year were often when people would lose interest, but there was no way I was going to take my eyes off the action for even a single second this year. The two Ginetta championships showcase both young talent and those hoping to transition into GT racing, and the skills are undeniable. Finally, the introduction of the MSA Formula for 2015 proved to be a never ending thrill ride alongside the touring cars. Most fitting was the moment that Ricky Collard won his first race, just before his dad Rob Collard went out and won the first BTCC round of the year.

A truly multi-generational win for a multi-talented family in a multi-faceted race series.

In case you were worrying, I have not yet forgotten the racing itself from Brands Hatch. As they say, it is better to save the best for last. Throughout the mid 00’s, it was often the case that there would be the one dominant team or driver that would consistently fill the top places. Even in the last few years, the winner may not have been so clear cut but it was usually a combination of WSR, Honda and MG in the top places, often even the same for the reverse grid too. The impressive pace of Tingram and Morgan can only get better over time, and they are slowly but surely climbing up the order. Furthermore, fan favourite Austin and team mate Abbott have been showing that they are a team to be taken seriously in the Exocet Audi A4s. Well, if of course we forget the whole ball-gate scandal.

The BTCC still has drama a plenty in 2015. Image Credit: BTCC.net

The BTCC still has drama a plenty in 2015. Image Credit: BTCC.net

The results from Brands Hatch reflect the unpredictability that will make this years championship beyond exciting. Let us not forget that the gaps between first and second across the three races were 0.4, 0.04 and 0.1. If that is not close racing I don’t know what is. Long gone are the days where they might be a run away winner who wraps the race up by the first corner. If the success of the first rounds could be summed up in one single moment, then the battle between Shedden and Priaulx for victory in the second race is that moment. If you are going to make a return to the BTCC after going off and triple conquering the world championship, then securing pole for the first race and engaging in one of the most entertaining battles of the weekend for the win is definitely how to do it. Many doubted Priaulx’s abilities upon his return, but it is safe to say that they have been silenced.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Jack Sears contenders are showing that rookies can show the establishment what’s what. Josh Cook especially managed an overall 3rd in first practice, and spent the rest of the weekend battling with some big names like Rob Collard, team mate Dave Newsham and Rob Austin. I foresee the battle between Cook and Bushell (in the AmD Ford) throughout the year will be fierce and spectacular. They may not be a new team, but the new look BMR boys have taken the BTCC field by storm already. Interestingly, it is Aron Smith who is fast becoming the man to watch for the 2015 title, over the two double champions Plato and Turkington. Will it be two titles in a row for the Irish in the BTCC?

Team BMR are looking good for a title challenge this year. Image Credit: BTCC.net

Team BMR are looking good for a title challenge this year. Image Credit: BTCC.net

The overall quality of the racing from Brands Hatch was sensational, whether you were concentrating on the action at the front, mid-pack or even towards the back. In fact, one of my fondest memories of the weekend comes from race two where there was a train of 12 cars nose-to-tail from the green light to the chequered flag. The NGTC regulations have created a series with such an emphasis on performance parity yet retaining variety that the resultant races are jam packed full of action, drama and entertainment. The added aspect of the mysterious soft tyre has also played a significant part in proceedings already. We saw Priaulx fall off the edge of a cliff he didn’t even know was there in the first race, Collard driving backwards in the second race and Plato charging one step forward then taking two steps back in the final race. Surprisingly (or not) the Hondas seemed to manage the soft tyre in a way that Matt Neal was still able to take the final race win of the day. I have never been one to praise ‘tyre talk’ politics in race series but the soft tyre has added a whole new level of unpredictability that will change from track to track. Planning for the unexpected is difficult, which will throw up some surprises across the 2015 season.

The standings going into Donington this weekend reflect the excitement that is yet to come in 2015. Who would have expected to see Jack Goff in an equal points lead with Matt Neal, with Plato suspiciously absent from the top 10? And with Priaulx on such form, will he really afford to be able to miss some race weekends this year if he has a title to be fighting for?

1 Matt Neal Honda Yuasa Racing 37
2 Jack Goff MG Triple Eight Racing 37
3 Aron Smith Team BMR 36
4 Andy Priaulx Team IHG Rewards Club 34
5 Gordon Shedden Honda Yuasa Racing 32
6 Colin Turkington Team BMR 30
7 Adam Morgan WIX Racing 27
8 Tom Ingram Speedworks Motorsport 26
9 Sam Tordoff Team JCT600 with GardX 23
10 Rob Collard Team JCT600 with GardX 21
Photo Credit: BTCC.net

Can Priaulx continue his success in 2015? Photo Credit: BTCC.net

We may have only had the opening round of the year, but the BTCC is fast becoming THE motorsport series to follow in the 2015 season. It has had everything from triumphant returns to the championship, close battles and even controversy in the ‘Ball-Gate’ scandal with Rob Austin. With ever increasing track side and television audiences in Britain and the rest of the world, following their favourite drivers and manufacturers, what is there not to love? And unlike some other series, tickets are affordable and a weekends entertainment can be had for £35 or so. Compare that to your average F1 ticket.

With the backbone of the NGTC regulations keeping costs down and focusing on pure thoroughbred racing over strategy and single make domination, the British Touring Car Championship may have just become the best race series in the world in 2015.

Follow me on Twitter for all the latest motorsport updates @lewisglynn69!

Keep Driving People!

Peace and Love!

 

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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Continues Its Record Run.

Mercedes-Benz, one of the oldest vehicle makers on the planet, is rightly known for its broad range of passenger vehicles. Not unsurprisingly, in certain quarters, their commercial vehicles garner just as much acclaim. A well known nameplate for M-B Commercial Vehicles is the Sprinter, a vehicle I have great personal affection for as it’s one of the first vehicles I sold in my car sales career.

In its category, the large van market, the Sprinter has recently been named the number one seller for the seventeenth year in a row, for the Australia/Pacific region. There’d be very few, if any, passenger cars, that can say they’ve the same history. Sprinter first sold in Australia in 1998, with a then reasonable 369 units sold, with 2014 moving 2144 Sprinters, leaving its competitors some distance behind.

It’s not just here that Sprinter has made its mark, with an increase of 16%, worldwide the model has increased by 9%, moving over 294, 000 units worldwide. Sprinter’s variations and reliability have also solidly entrenched the model in the heart and souls of many, including one Australian.2015-Mercedes-Benz-Sprinter-Super-High-Roof

Rewind to 1998, a year that saw Australia realising the new millenium was nearly upon us and businesses were worried about a possible worldwide computer failure called the Y2K bug. Robin Culkin-Lawrence no doubt had this in the back of his mind, thanks to his newly established olive grove and plant growing businesses. Robin was based in a small town in Victoria’s Otway Ranges, Birregurra, and needed a vehicle that was reliable and dependable. Robin purchased one of the 369 Sprinters sold in 1998 and now has a fleet of vehicles, including three Sprinters.

So taken with the three pointed star brand, Robin says: ” “I must admit I think Mercedes-Benz will be part our business for a long time to come.” And of the Sprinter? “”The Sprinter is also better on brakes and terrific on fuel. At the end of the year all this adds up to quite a few extra dollars in our pocket.” Robin’s grown his businesses to the point that Birregurra Olive Grove and Plants Direct Australia now have him not so hands on: “I leave that up to our team. They are up and down the highway at least once a day, doing many miles. As an incentive, staff are allowed to take the vehicles home on the proviso they are washed and cleaned.”

Sprinter continues to make its mark on the Australian market, with a 51% share of the van market in December 2014. http://credit-n.ru/potreb-kredit.html