CARS

Friday, December 4, 2009

The FIA confirmed on Thursday that the BMW Sauber team has obtained the last available space on the 2010 F1 championship’s entry list. The departure of Totoya therefore played in the Swiss team’s favour.

“The FIA has written to inform BMW Sauber AG that their application for an entry in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship has been successful,” indicated a statement issued by the sport’s governing body. “Subject to their signing the Concorde Agreement, BMW Sauber will be awarded the 13th entry in the Championship, taking the place of the departing Toyota team.”

“The FIA has worked closely with the Commercial Rights Holder and the teams involved over recent weeks and is grateful for their support in achieving the best outcome for the sport,” the FIA said, adding that “an updated Formula One entry list will be published in due course.”

With BMW having announced its retirement from Formula One this summer, the German carmaker had not signed the amended Concorde Agreement which would have bound it to the sport until the end of the 2012 season. That left the outfit out of the picture when the FIA granted the 13 team positions available on next year’s roster.

However the FIA granted a ‘14th team status’ to BMW Sauber in case a confirmed team pulled out. Failing that, unanimous agreement was required from the other competitors to allow a 14th team on the entry list – a task easier said than done.

With the Qadbak takeover of the BMW Sauber team floundering, BMW confirmed earlier this month that original team founder Peter Sauber would in fact take over the outfit. However, with legal issues surrounding the Toyota exit, the FIA declined to grant the Sauber team entry for 2010 when they released the official entry list on Monday.

The FIA finally clarified the issue and confirmed today that Sauber has been granted a place in next year’s championship.

Peter Sauber is now looking for sponsors and investors in order to continue the adventure. It can be expected that drivers will be confirmed in the near future.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

It all began in 1999 as a concept (I remember cause I wrote about it in my SPM English paper), and in 2004, the Mercedes-Benz and Mclaren love story began. The two legendary companies set out to produce a memorable supercar and came up with the SLR (Sport, Light, Racing). The SLR spawned two coupe’s, two roadster’s and one Stirling Moss edition which was the final edition of the SLR range. In a span of five years 2,000 SLR’s were built but only 75 would ultimately be badged Stirling Moss, making it even more exclusive than the already very exclusive coupe and roadster SLR.

The SLR is powered by a 5.5-liter supercharged V8 powerplant that makes 626hp in the Coupe and Roadster models. The same engine makes 650hp in the 722 and Stirling Moss editions. The latter has a blistering speed that does the 0-100 run in 3.5 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 350km/h. With no roof, windscreen or side windows, a helmet for the driver and passenger of the Stirling Moss, is highly recommended.



The original 300 SLR racing cars was piloted by Moss himself and went on to a succession of victories in the 50s. The legendary Juan Manuel Fangio later became a five time Formula One World Champion in the cars too.

So it is in fact a sad day for the SLR legacy that goes back decades but with such a glittering history, we’re sure there will be future models of the SLR. Meanwhile, members of the SLR.CLUB (open to anyone who owns a SLR) will keep the history alive by getting together regularly and continue organising club events such as drives on famous racing circuits and participation in the Mille Miglia.


2010 Jaguar XFR
The 2010 model year XF features all-new 5.0-liter direct-injection V8 engines. There are also significant trim and specification changes – including many new features unique to the new XFR – and the introduction of a new Portfolio derivative.
When it was introduced last year, the XF was soon recognized as a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language. It also soon became apparent that here was a car where the driving experience exceeded the expectations created by the striking appearance. Now, the new XFR takes this driving experience to new levels, shifting the balance even further towards dynamic performance while still retaining the XF’s core values as a refined and luxurious sports sedan.
2010 Jaguar XFR
The enhanced exterior styling of the Jaguar XFR moves those sporting credentials on even further, to deliver the ultimate expression of Jaguar's new saloon car design language - carrying a number of visual design cues that are intrinsic to Jaguar's 'R' car philosophy. Its unique front-end design has a larger lower grille with new black-finished mesh, plus chrome outboard air intakes. The upper mesh grille retains XF's bright finish, while the bonnet carries distinctive louvres.
2010 Jaguar XFR
The Jaguar XFR's sporting character is clearly apparent in the 20-inch Nevis alloy wheels. It is the only car in its class to offer this size of wheel as standard specification. Those twin-seven-spoke wheels bear the wording 'Jaguar Supercharged' embossed around their centres, and are wrapped tightly around silver-grey brake callipers, which carry the evocative 'R' logo.The interior design theme is modern and individual.
2010 Jaguar XFR
The supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that powers the new XFR is Jaguar's new flagship engine, but it is only half of the petrol engine story - a naturally-aspirated version of the all-new engine brings additional advanced technologies and performance to other models in the XF range.
Power comes from an all-new 5.0-liter direct-injection supercharged V8 engine delivering 510bhp and 461lb-ft of torque. Immediately recognizable thanks to unique new 20-inch wheels, a new front end design with revised chrome air intakes, 'Supercharged' hood louvres, four polished exhaust tailpipes, an aerodynamically functional rear spoiler and side sills, the new XFR also sports discreet ‘R’ badging.
The new XFR features Active Differential Control and Adaptive Dynamics – technologies being introduced for the first time on this and the XKR sports car. The electronically controlled differential and suspension system work together to optimize traction under hard acceleration and cornering – highly appropriate for a car that offers an electronically limited top speed of 155mph and reaches 60mph from standstill in just 4.7 seconds. The XFR also adds a faster steering ratio and uses the XF’s largest ventilated disc brakes – although every version of the XF with the new, more powerful engines features upgraded braking specification.
2010 Jaguar XFR
The attributes that marked out the XF at launch are still very much new and in the public eye. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior wholly contemporary in style yet uniquely Jaguar.
Jaguar has developed a unique, intelligent oil-pump pressure relief valve (PRV) which senses oil pressure deep in the engine's oil galleries to control the oil pump delivery. As a result, oil pump frictional losses are reduced during the warm-up period. New engine oil has a lower viscosity, contributing to an extension in service intervals from 10,000 miles to 15,000 miles or 12 months. Both V8 engines are now fitted with an electronic oil level sensor feature for added peace of mind.
2010 Jaguar XFR
Minimising internal friction is key to improving fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and as such was a key aim when it came to the design of the engines. As a result, the new Jaguar AJ-V8 Gen III engines achieve another best in class, setting a new industry benchmark for cranktrain efficiency.A sixth-generation, twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger is fitted to the Jaguar XFR's 510PS engine.
The all-new 5.0-litre AJ-V8 Gen III and the 3.0-litre diesel AJ-V6 D Gen III engines transmit power through an enhanced version of Jaguar's acclaimed ZF 6HP28 electronically controlled, six-speed transmission. Additional clutch plates and an uprated torque converter have been added for the supercharged V8 to facilitate the extra power.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today, on World Environment Day, unveiled the production version of the i-MiEV *1 *2 new-generation electric vehicle (EV), describing it as "the pioneer that will open the door to the next 100 years of our automobile society." The i-MiEV will go on sale on the Japanese market in late July of this year.


The i-MiEV represents the crystallization of some 40 years of electric vehicle development at Mitsubishi Motors. The company is presenting the production i-MiEV as the ultimate eco-car, a solution to the various challenges the automobile faces today including environmental pollution, global warming and the depletion of petroleum-based energy supplies. The company will continue its extensive collaboration with both private and public sectors in Japan and overseas in developing infrastructure to promote ownership of EVs.

Mitsubishi Motors expects to distribute, on a maintenance lease *3 basis, some 1,400 i-MiEV models in fiscal 2009 principally to corporations and to local authorities. The company plans to start sales of i-MiEV to individuals in April 2010 and will start taking orders in late July of this year.



*1 MiEV: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle

*2 i-MiEV: For the full production model a hyphen has been added to the name by which the advance experiment and proving models have been known.

*3 Maintenance lease: A lease in which the monthly payments include some of the taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.


i-MiEV : Overview
The i-MiEV makes maximum use of the long wheelbase that stems from its base model the "i" minicar's rear-midship layout to install a large capacity lithium-ion drive battery under the floor and the power unit under the luggage compartment. This provides a cruising range that is ample for everyday use without compromising the generous seating or luggage space of the "i."


The introduction of the MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System) *4 - an advanced integrated vehicle management system into which the company has poured its wealth of know-how garnered from many years of EV research and development - has provided the kind of high performance and reliability that befits a new-generation EV.

*4 Generic name for the integrated vehicle management system developed by Mitsubishi Motors for new-generation EVs.


1. Principal product features

(1) Zero drive-time CO2 emissions



The i-MiEV is a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) which produces no CO2 emissions while being driven. Even when the CO2 gas emitted at power generating stations is taken into consideration, the i-MiEV generates approximately one-third of the CO2 produced by the gasoline "i" minicar (Calculated in-house based on the average of electric energy frameworks in Japan).


(2) Driven 100% by electrical power
The i-MiEV is very economical because it only uses electrical energy as its power source. Also, depending on electric power company rate fees, the running cost can be reduced further by charging the battery when off-peak (late night) rates apply *5 .

*5 An application must be submitted to the electric power company to qualify for domestic late night rates.

(3) Quiet, agile, comfortable performance
The i-MiEV delivers the quiet and comfortable motoring experience only possible from an internal combustion engine-less EV. Maximizing the excellent response and high low-end torque inherent to its electric motor i-MiEV enables a level of responsive and powerful performance that surpasses that of the gasoline-powered turbo engine "i" minicar.


(4) Ample range for everyday minicar use
The i-MiEV has a single-charge range of 160 km *6 in the Japanese 10-15 mode urban driving pattern. This gives it a range that is ample *7 for everyday minicar use.

*6 Actual range will vary depending on weather conditions, road congestion and on how the driver operates his vehicle (use of accelerator, climate control system, etc.)
*7 A nationwide survey in Japan indicates that on average 90% of car drivers cover less than 40 km/day on weekdays and that 80% cover less than 60 km/day at weekends and holidays (in-house research).


(5) 3 ways to charge the battery
The i-MiEV uses a 3-way charging system that allows the drive battery to be charged at home or when out and about. For normal charging i-MiEV is connected to either a standard 100-volt or 200-volt domestic outlet using the charging cables supplied with the vehicle. The i-MiEV's battery can also be "quick charged" at quick-charge stations which are currently being established throughout Japan.

*8 Actual charging times may vary depending on such factors as air temperature and power source status.
** The normal charging gun and normal charging connector were jointly developed by Toyota Motor Corporation and Yazaki Corporation.

2. Advanced technology

(1) Main powertrain components
a. Drive battery


The i-MiEV is powered by a very high energy-density lithium-ion battery manufactured by Lithium Energy Japan *9 . The large-capacity drive battery is comprised of 88 lithium-ion cells connected in series and is installed under the floor in the center of the vehicle. This configuration contributes to outstanding handling and stability due to the car's low center of gravity.

*9 Joint venture established on December 12, 2007 between Mitsubishi Motors, GS Yuasa Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation to develop, manufacture and sell large-capacity and high energy-density lithium-ion cells for EV use.

b. Motor (power unit)
The i-MiEV uses a high-efficiency compact and lightweight permanent magnet synchronous electric motor specially developed for the vehicle. It generates maximum torque from low engine speeds to deliver powerful response and a comfortable ride experience. When the vehicle slows down the regenerative brake system causes the motor to operate as a generator. The electrical energy recovered is stored in the drive battery.


c. Transmission
The i-MiEV uses a lightweight and compact single-speed reduction gear transmission, exploiting the high low-end torque inherent to the electric motor and eliminating the need for complex gear shifting mechanisms as found in internal combustion engine powered vehicles.

d. On-board charger
The i-MiEV comes with a compact, lightweight on-board charger that allows the drive battery to be charged using a domestic 100V/200V AC line.

e. DC/DC converter
The DC/DC converter is used to charge the 12-volt auxiliary battery and power electrical equipment. It is integrated with the on-board charger in a single unit to reduce size and weight.


f. Inverter
The i-MiEV 's motor is driven by an alternating current. The inverter converts high-voltage direct current from the drive battery to alternating current and supplies motor with the power required to drive the vehicle.



(2) Combination meter display
The combination meter instrument cluster is comprised of a power meter that presents a visual display of power consumption and energy recovery status, a drive battery residual charge indicator that indicates how much remaining power there is left in the drive battery, and an available range indicator that displays an estimate of how far the vehicle can be driven on the basis of average power consumption over the last few kilometers.

(3) Shift selector
The shift selector provides the three positions described below that allow the driver to choose between maximum fun, maximum economy or maximum regenerative brake bias.


(4) Climate contro l
The i-MiEV 's climate control system features air conditioning with an electrically powered compressor and a heating system which circulates warm water heated by an electric heater. The control dial provides six-step manual adjustment of both cooling and heating temperatures. The system reduces power consumption by minimizing occasions when both cooling unit and the heater operate together.

(5) Safety features


a. Drive battery protected by sturdy frame
The high-voltage system, battery pack included, is located inside the body frame and is further protected by a well-crib frame against damage from any direction of impact.
b. Integrated vehicle management system: MiEV OS
The MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System) gathers data and information from all the major EV components to provide integrated management of the i-MiEV 's performance. The advanced management system constantly monitors battery status and the energy recovered from the regenerative brakes while regulating output to ensure smooth and powerful acceleration from a full stop. As a result the system optimizes and minimizes energy consumption while delivering road performance that is comfortable, safe and reassuring.



3. Other equipment and trim

(1) Body colors
The range of 8 body finishes includes monotones and two types of 2-tone color schemes.


a. Monotones
Three monotone colors are offered: White Solid, Cool Silver Metallic and Raspberry Red Pearl (factory option).
b. 2-tone schemes (factory option)



(2) LED headlamps and rear combination lamps
The i-MiEV is the first minicar *10 and the first Mitsubishi Motors model to use LED headlamps, which throw a longer and wider low-beam pattern while also cutting power consumption. The rear combination lamps also use fast-illuminating LED emitters for the tail and stop lamps, making these lamps more instantly visible to following vehicles.


*10 As of end May 2009, according to Mitsubishi Motors research.

(3) PBS-bamboo fiber Green Plastic tailgate trim
The i-MiEV uses PBS (polybutylene succinate)-bamboo fiber Green Plastic for the tailgate interior trim. The use of PBS-bamboo fiber cuts life-cycle emissions (from extraction of raw materials to final disposal of product) of CO2 by some 10 percent compared with polypropylene.

(4) Mitsubishi Multi-Entertainment System (MMES)
The i-MiEV is available with the Mitsubishi Multi-Entertainment System (with a 7-inch display and SSD navigation) that is built around solid state drive (SSD) technology to offer outstanding power saving and shock resistant properties. MMES is a factory-fitted option. The navigation database can be updated using SD flash cards and the company plans to use this feature to display the location of battery charging stations as they become available.

About the Author
For more information about the i-MiEV electric vehicle and Mitsubishi's environmental vision, visit the Mitsubishi Motors website.

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