Driver Dynamics Blog

July 16, 2007

New Porsche GT2

Filed under: New Car News — Kev @ 10:25 pm

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New 911 GT2 with 530 Horsepower

High-Performance Sports Car with Low Fuel Consumption

Stuttgart. Presenting the new 911 GT2 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is proudly launching the most powerful 911 so far homologated for road use. Through its striking design with large air intakes at the front and the rear wing so characteristic of this very special model, the new 911 GT2 expresses the power and performance potential of the fastest-ever 911 right from the start even at a standstill. Available exclusively with rear-wheel drive and a manual six-speed gearbox, this high-performance athlete accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph) on average fuel consumption of just 12.5 litres/100 km (equal to 22.6 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), thus offering a level of fuel economy regarded as quite impossible in this performance class just a few years ago.

The power unit of the new 911 GT2 is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine of the 911 Turbo, with air supply by two exhaust gas turbochargers featuring variable turbine geometry (VTG). The 3.6-litre boxer engine achieves its maximum output of 530 bhp (390 kW) at 6500 rpm, with maximum torque of 680 Newton-metres maintained consistently between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm. With its unladen weight of 1,440 kg or 3,175 lb, finally, the 911 GT2 offers a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.72 kg/6.00 lb per horsepower.

The increase in engine power by 50 bhp over the ”regular“ power unit is provided in the new 911 GT2 by two turbochargers with a larger compressor wheel and a flow-optimised turbine housing raising turbocharger pressure to an even higher level. And for the first time Porsche’s engineers have combined the turbocharged engine with an expansion-type intake manifold – a genuine revolution on turbocharged power units.

The expansion intake manifold uses the principle of oscillating air in the intake manifold during the cooler expansion phase, keeping the temperature of the fuel/air mixture lower than in the 911 Turbo. This, in turn, means a significant increase in all-round efficiency, with fuel consumption down by up to 15 per cent under full load despite the increase in engine output.

The 911 GT2 offers new achievements also in terms of emission management and control: This is the first Porsche homologated for the road to feature a rear silencer and tailpipes made of titanium as standard equipment. This expensive material reduces weight by approximately 50 per cent versus a comparable component made of stainless steel to just 9 kg.

The new 911 GT2 comes as standard with PCCB brakes featuring brake discs made of a composite carbon fibre/ceramic compound ensuring maximum stopping power maintained with an extremely high level of consistency. A further advantage is that PCCB brakes reduce the weight of the unsprung masses versus comparable grey cast-iron discs by approximately 20 kg or 44 lb.

Yet another feature fitted as standard is the electronically controlled PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management. (PASM). The GT2 comes on 19-inch light-alloy wheels running at the front on 235/35 ZR 19, at the rear on 325/30 ZR 19 sports tyres.

June 19, 2007

Audi Claims Victory Again at Le Mans

Filed under: New Car News — Kev @ 9:45 am

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AUDI AG has continued its impressive series of victories in the Le Mans 24 Hour Race with yesterday’s win in extremely difficult conditions. Frank Biela (Germany), Emanuele Pirro (Italy) and Marco Werner (Germany) repeated their success from last year, giving Audi its seventh victory in the French endurance classic.For the second consecutive time, the Audi R10 TDI claimed victory. The revolutionary diesel sportscar from Ingolstadt remains unbeaten at Le Mans.

In the 75th Le Mans 24 Hour Race, Audi again clearly demonstrated “Vorsprung durch Technik”. The Audi R10 TDI was the fastest and most reliable car in the field. From the first to the last lap, one of the three diesel sportscars from Ingolstadt headed the field.

More than 260,000 spectators witnessed one of the most exciting 24 Hour races in the history of Le Mans. Changing weather conditions at the beginning claimed the #3 Audi R10 TDI when Mike Rockenfeller left the rain-soaked track on his third lap and impacted backwards with the armco barriers.

The impressive showing of Dindo Capello, Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish in #2 Audi R10 also came to a premature end. After having controlled the race with a considerable margin for more than 16 hours, the left rear wheel of their Audi R10 TDI loosened on Sunday morning. Dindo Capello, who celebrated his 43rd birthday on Sunday, was behind the wheel of the car when the wheel came off. He had no chance of avoiding the accident.

During the last five-and-a-half hours of the race, the hopes of the entire brand rested on the shoulders of the #1 Audi R10 TDI piloted by Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner.

Conditions were extremely difficult thanks to torrential rain in the final phase of the race, however the established Audi drivers mastered the conditions with bravado. The impressive winning margin of Marco Werner over the second-placed Peugeot was ten laps at the finish line.

After its seventh Le Mans triumph, Audi has moved up to third place in the historic records during the 75th edition of the French endurance classic. Only Porsche and Ferrari have won at Le Mans more often than Audi.

“This was certainly the most difficult race that we have ever contested at Le Mans”, said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG after the finish.

“So this victory counts even more. On the race track, we have shown once more that we have the best technology, the best drivers and the best team. Everybody within Audi can be proud of this success.”

 

 

April 5, 2007

Driver Dynamics is turning Japanese

Filed under: New Car News — Kev @ 5:55 pm

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Driver Dynamics has taken on a distinct Japanese flavour in the last few months.

It started in December when Kevin Flynn drove the all new Lexus LS460 for its debut Japanese television commercial. Filmed on the streets of Melbourne the commercial, title ‘The Veil’ highlighted the LS460 rear pre-crash system.

In late January 2007 Kevin was again chosen as the lead Precision Driver for a Japanese car commercial, this time it was the all new Honda Crossroad - a ‘Japanese market only’ small SUV. This commercial was filmed on dry salt flats in the South Australian outback and the streets of Sydney city.

Finally, Driver Dynamics recently provided professional driving services for Japanese superstar Goro Inagaki and crew during filming of a Melbourne city special episode of the Japanese TV show SmaSTATION.

March 6, 2007

Driver Dynamics to attempt new world record at 2007 CRUISE 4 CHARITY

Filed under: New Car News — Kev @ 5:15 pm

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Driver Dynamics Precision Driver’s, Kevin Flynn and Lawrence Ryan will be attempting to establish a new world record for driving cars on two wheels at the upcoming 2007 Cruise 4 Charity to be held at Shepparton in country Victoria on the weekend of the 28th and 29th April.

All proceeds from the 2007 Cruise 4 Charity  will go to the Royal Childrens hospital in Melbourne.

The event features a number of activities over the two day period.

On 28th April drivers can participate in a Driver training and Motorkhana event at the DECA facility or choose a  Winery Tour / Luncheon and tour of the Great Alpine Rd.

On 29th April there will be a Show and Shine event at Victoria park Lake in Shepparton featuring a host of classic, modified and exotic cars.

More details and contact details regarding this event can be found here…   http://www.cruise4charity.com/
 

February 21, 2007

Cadillac at the 2007 Salon International de l’Auto in Geneva

Filed under: New Car News — Kev @ 7:16 pm

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GENEVA - Cadillac will open the next chapter of its 21st century product story, as the 2008 CTS sedan makes its European premiere at the 2007 Salon International de l’Auto in Geneva, Switzerland. The new luxury sedan is scheduled to begin production in the United States, in late summer of 2007, with European sales to follow in the fall.  “The all-new CTS has a mission to bring the striking design of a concept car, the performance of a sports car and sophistication of an elegant sedan right into the heart of the luxury market,” said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. “Cadillac is injecting more dramatic character into the normally reserved luxury sedan category.” With a design inspired by Cadillac’s landmark Sixteen concept car, the new CTS reinterprets the brand’s traditional grandeur in a very contemporary design. CTS employs lessons learned from Cadillac’s acclaimed V-Series of high-performance cars, combining sports car-like performance with the poise of prestigious luxury sedans. 

Advanced direct-injection gasoline technology helps deliver an estimated 223 kW (300 horsepower) with good fuel efficiency and reduced emissions from its new 3.6L V-6 engine. The all-new CTS chassis was developed with extensive testing around the globe, from famed German raceways to roads in China and the United States.  Cadillac’s first-generation CTS built a strong record of success on many levels, beginning with its debut in 2002. There are about 275,000 CTS owners worldwide, and industry researchers say they are among the most satisfied in the automotive market.  

 

January 15, 2007

Peugeot Reveals 908 Le Mans Race Car and Announces Driver Line Up

Filed under: New Car News — Kev @ 4:01 pm

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Peugeot reveals the 908 Le Mans race car

Seven drivers announced for LMS Campaign in 2007

Jacques Villeneuve to drive the 908 at the Le Mans 24 Hours

 

In 2007 Peugeot will return to the world’s racing circuits as part of the Le Mans Series (LMS) with the Peugeot 908 and an experienced team of racing drivers.

2007 will be the restart year for Peugeot Sport with two key Motor Sport programmes. The first is the Peugeot 908 and the main race of the year will be the Le Mans 24 Hours, a race that Peugeot has won twice already in 1992 and 1993. Peugeot will be present in all the Le Mans Series (LMS) races and the Le Mans 24 Hours with two cars.

A team of six international drivers and one test driver has been recruited by Peugeot Sport’s Team Manager, Serge Saulnier. Four drivers will contest all seven LMS races, Nicolas Manassian, Stéphane Sarrazin, Pedro Lamy and Marc Géné. Two other drivers will then strengthen the two teams for the Le Mans 24 Hours, Sebastien Bourdais and ex-Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve. Eric Hélary, winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1993 in the Peugeot 905, will take on the responsibility of test driver and reserve driver for the team.

The inclusion of Jacques Villeneuve will also provide a second challenge - for him to become the first driver in the world to win the Formula 1 World Championship, Champcar Championship, Indianapolis and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

All drivers will now start an exhaustive development programme which will include 15 races, of which three simulate the Le Mans 24 Hours. The team will go to Sebring but not for the race, only the test sessions.

The first races for the Peugeot 908 will be the LMS race at Monza on 14th and 15th April, then Valencia on 5th and 6th May. These two races will be major tests for the 908 in order to amass as much information as possible prior to Le Mans.

The clock is now ticking but, from a blank sheet of paper, Peugeot Sport has in one year and three months created the Peugeot 908 and recruited its driver team.

The second Motor Sport programme is based around the new Peugeot 207. Three competition-based cars will be campaigned in 2007. The first is the 207 LW, an entry level car which will be developed and raced in the French Peugeot Sport race meetings, in the 207 Sprint Cup. The winner of the cup will, as their prize, be given the wheel to the second 207 based competition car, the Spider 207.

The Spider 207 will be raced in a single class race championship, the 207 Spider Cup. The Cup will consist of eight races including, as a curtain raiser, all six rounds of the Le Mans Series where it will support the Peugeot 908. The winner of the 207 Spider Cup will have the possibility of test driving the 908 for a day.

The final car is the 207 Super 2000 which conforms to the new Super 2000 regulations. It is aimed at Peugeot subsidiaries, importers and private customers to campaign in national and international championships, such as the intercontinental Rally Challenge and the Production WRC in 2007.

With two strong Motor Sport programmes the world’s motor sport arenas will once again hear the roar of the Peugeot Lion.

January 3, 2007

Detroit Premiere for the New BMW 3 Series Convertible.

Filed under: New Car News — Kev @ 9:36 pm

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BMW will reveal its new 3 Series Convertible to the public for the first time at the North American International Auto Show on 7 January 2007.

A magnet for car enthusiasts, Motown is the ideal venue for BMW to pull the covers of what will undoubtedly be one of the stars of the Detroit show.

The iconic BMW 3 Series Convertible is reinvented and presented with a folding metal hardtop for the first time. It is the sleekest rendering yet of the new generation 3 Series design.

The new car has a low and smooth shoulder line that belies the capacious storage compartment that hides the folded roof as well as generous accommodation for luggage.

Naturally, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible provides a dynamic driving experience, enhanced by the choice of travelling fully enclosed in a snug coupé, or open to the elements enjoying the rush of the wind and a the fragrances of a summer country or bayside drive.

With a body stiffer than the previous, and very popular, 3 Series Convertible, the new model comes with a choice of 160 kW 325i straight six magnesium-aluminium engine, or the new top of the range all-aluminium Twin Turbo 225 kW engine in the 335i.

It takes just 22 seconds for the fully-lined retractable hardtop to unfold itself from behind the rear seats. The three-piece lightweight steel roof provides both superior sound insulation and extremely large windows for excellent visibility.

Opening the roof is a full second faster than closing, and once stowed, the boot retains a remarkable 210 litres of luggage space.

In addition, the rear section of the seat backs fold flat allowing a through-loading system that means bulkier items than ever can be carried securely.

The European market launch of the new BMW 3 Series Convertible will be on 24th March 2007 – coinciding with the European launch of the new BMW X5, which is also on display at the NAIAS.

The BMW 3 Series Convertible will go on sale in Australia late in the first quarter of 2007. Australian specification and pricing details will be announced in due course.

November 17, 2006

The Honda Dream Began 100 Years ago Today

Filed under: New Car News — Kev @ 1:18 pm

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Today (November 17) is a special day for Honda – it’s 100 years since our founder, Soichiro Honda was born in the little village of Komyo, near Hamamatsu in Japan.

 

Mr Honda may have died on August 5, 1991, but his dreams live on in all of our products. From the HondaJet to the humblest lawnmower, all Hondas have been infused by the DNA of that special man.

Born on November 17, 1906, the son of a blacksmith and a weaver, Soichiro was fascinated by machines and what made them work. One of his earliest memories was being enthralled by the first motor car he had ever seen.

He later said: “As the car rolled through our small village I turned and chased after that car for all I was worth. I could not understand how it could move under its own power. And when it had driven past me, without even thinking why, I found myself chasing it down the road as hard as I could run.”

By the age of 15, Soichiro hadn’t any formal education, but he had a thirst for knowledge and what made things work. After a few years of helping his father in their bicycle repair business, Soichiro started as an apprentice at a garage, working as a car mechanic before starting his own auto repair business in 1928. Racing was an early passion. Soichiro built his first racing car with parts including a V8 aircraft engine, but he left racing in 1936 after a serious accident.

In 1948 Honda Motor Co was formed. The first Honda motorcycle – the A Type – was an early success, proving to Soichiro that motorcycles could be the answer to cheap transportation. Early machines were refined until the development of the legendary 1958 Super Cub.

A passion for racing was still in our founder’s blood and soon the Isle of Man TT races would provide the pedestal to advertise the quality of Honda’s motorcycles. In 1954 he said: “I here avow my intention that I will participate in the TT race and I proclaim with my fellow employees that I will pour all my energy and creative powers into winning.”

Two years after their debut on the island, Mike Hailwood won the Ultra-Lightweight and Lightweight TTs. Another dream was realised.

Others have since been chased, and realised: Formula 1 wins, a Formula 2 championship and countless motorcycle titles. Honda has diversified into road cars, All-Terrain Vehicles, engines, generators, outboard motors, personal watercraft, water pumps, scooters, snowblowers, robots and most recently jet aircraft.

Soichiro Honda remained president until his retirement in 1973, but he stayed on as a director and was appointed ‘supreme advisor’ in 1983. During his retirement, Soichiro remembered his humble roots and spent much of his time working with the Honda Foundation, which was set up to aid non-profit-making organisations which help youngsters in minority or impoverished communities. It was fitting that his was an active retirement, as both Soichiro and his wife Sachi both held private pilot’s licences and he also enjoyed sports as diverse as hang-gliding, ski-ing and ballooning. Long after retirement he was still often seen on the shop-floor, discussing problems with his engineers and managers.

For more on this remarkable man, go to: http://world.honda.com/history/limitlessdreams/joyofmanufacturing/text/01.html

10 famous Mr Honda quotes

“We only have one future, and it will be made of our dreams, if we have the courage to challenge convention.” “Real happiness lies in the completion of work using your own brains and skills.”

“Racing improves the breed.”

“What we learn through failure becomes a precious part of us, strengthening us in everything we do. So let the tough things make you tougher.”

“Since I was a small child, one of my dreams has been to compete in motor vehicle races all over the world with a vehicle of my own making, and to win.”

“We will not be content with this victory alone [first win in F1]. We will study why we won and aggressively apply those winning technologies to new cars.”

“Enjoying your work is essential. If your work becomes an expression of your own ideas, you will surely enjoy it.”

“After materials are carried into the factory, nothing but products should be carried out from it.”

“If Honda does not race there is no Honda.”

“Since I was a small child, one of my dreams has been to compete in motor vehicle races all over the world with a vehicle of my own making, and to win.”

“Because the water raises rice and the fishes live in the water, I don’t want to contaminate it.”

October 31, 2006

Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Dedicates New R&D Centre in Geelong

Filed under: New Car News — Kev @ 3:47 pm

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Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Mr Bill Ford today joined with Victorian State Premier, the Hon Steve Bracks and Federal Minister for Industry, Tourism & Resources, the Hon Ian Macfarlane to officially dedicate the company’s new Research & Development Centre currently under construction in Geelong.  

“This new Research & Development Centre will allow Ford Australia to continue developing world-class vehicles for Australia and overseas markets,” said Mr Ford.

“The Ford Australia team is in a unique position to offer world-class design and engineering capabilities to the rest of the Ford world. This exciting new facility will allow Ford Australia to continue this important work.

“I am very proud to be here today with Premier Bracks and Ministers MacFarlane and Haermeyer to dedicate this new facility. I would particularly like to thank our Government partners for their foresight and willingness to support the future of Ford in Australia.”

The Centre is part of a previously announced broader strategic direction for Ford Australia and, when completed in 2007, will house more than 350 product development engineers. It will also incorporate new test and equipment areas, including engine development laboratories and prototype facilities.

It will complement the company’s Design Studio and Engineering & Technology Centre in Campbellfield, and the Proving Ground in Lara. These facilities are also being upgraded in support of Ford Australia’s leading-edge design and engineering capability.

“Our new Research & Development Centre will underpin our future engineering projects,” said Ford Australia President Mr Tom Gorman.

“It will play an integral role in our ability to successfully deliver on the design and engineering leadership role we have secured for a new global light commercial vehicle architecture that will eventually be sold in more than 80 countries worldwide.

The Centre is due for completion in late 2007.

October 9, 2006

Ford Wins Bathurst!

Filed under: New Car News — Kev @ 5:56 pm

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Team Betta Electrical’s Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup have won Australia’s biggest motor race, the Super Cheap Auto 1000 at Bathurst.  

The win was Ford’s first at Mount Panorama since 1998 (Jason Bright and Steven Richards - Pirtek Racing). It was Lowndes first triumph in the race since 1996 and it was Whincup’s first win in the ‘Great Race’.

The win was Ford’s sixth win of the season from nine rounds. It was Lowndes fourth win and Whincup’s second.

In one of the most emotional-charged races ever held at Bathurst, Lowndes held off a determined Rick Kelly over the final laps to win by 0.01 of a second!

Rounding out the top-three was JELD-WEN Motsport’s James Courtney and Ford veteran Glenn Seton.

The race itself was dramatic from the start with pole position winner Mark Skaife crashing on the opening lap. It set the tone for a race that had 10 safety car periods over the 161-laps.

Others to strike drama included the CAT Ford Performance Racing Falcon of Jason Bright and Mark Winterbottom, as well as the First Rock Home Loans Racing Falcon of Steven Johnson and Will Davison.

This resulted in an ever-changing leader board where teams gambled with fuel strategy.

The race settled down just after the half-way mark when Jamie Whincup and Todd Kelly battled for the lead. Whincup took first position from Todd Kelly on lap #109 and this proved a decisive part of the race as he handed the Falcon over to Lowndes with a 10-second lead.

Lowndes’ lead was evaporated with just 10 laps to go when the final safety car was called onto the track.

Lowndes drove an inspirational final seven laps after the re-start to take the chequered flag.

It was an emotional Lowndes who along with Whincup took the first ever Peter Brock trophy.

“This is the biggest and most important win of my life,” said Lowndes.

“It’s been too long between victories for me at Bathurst and for the Ford fans it’s been even worse.

“To get it for Ford, myself, Jamie and our awesome crew is just amazing.

“With all the emotion around Peter Brock’s passing and the pre-race ceremonies honouring him today, I was just so determined to win this race. I’m so proud to have my name on the Peter Brock trophy.

“I have to say that Jamie was awesome today. He pushed me all weekend and in the race I was so confident in him doing the job and he didn’t let us down. He’s a wiz kid!

“We gave it everything in the race. Rick as always is a tough competitor and Todd was just as tough when he battled with Jamie. So to win against great competition like that you know you have done a great job.

“Our crew was fantastic. We kept to a plan with our pits stops. We made just four stops for the race, while others made up to eight! This gave us great track position to keep our place near the front.

“This result is great for our championship chase. Today shows that the best way to win a title is go out and try to win every time - especially at Bathurst.”

After finishing second last year Jamie Whincup is now a Bathurst champion.

“It’s the highlight of my life,” said Whincup.

“I had a big responsibility for this race and I’m really pleased with how I drove. I drove the car as hard as I could and it remained strong.

“I have learnt so much this weekend to win this race. I know that it will hold me in a much stronger position not just for this race in the future but others races as well. Importantly I want more!

“I’m so pleased to win it for the team and the Ford fans. They have been awesome since I joined the Blue Oval this year and they showed all that emotion during the podium presentation.

“Now we all have something to really cheer about!”

Ford Motor Company President Tom Gorman enjoyed the celebrations.

“This is a major highlight in my three years that I have been at Ford Australia,” said Gorman.

“I don’t think I knew how much it meant until Craig crossed that line.

“The emotion and importance of this win can’t be underestimated. I know everyone at the Ford Motor Company in Australia and indeed around the world will enjoy this result.

“For our dealers and fantastic supporters I’m especially pleased. They really deserve it. We have won every major trophy over the past three years - now we have the piece of silverware that everyone has been waiting far too long for.

“To Craig and Jamie, as well the entire Team Betta Electrical crew a big thanks. Together they have worked so hard to win this race. To be part of it is something I will never forget.”

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