BREAKAWAY FACTION: The Breakaway 8 discussing their move in light of Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley’s recent rule changes that they feel are unacceptable and stifle the sport

For the longest time, everyone , well nearly everyone has been complaining that Bernie Ecclestone has had a iron grip on F1 and he keeps tightening it every year.

Teams complain they don’t receive enough Tv and other commercial money from sponsorship of the championship while track owners complain that they have to fork out STG10 million to host a race.

So when the regulations wrangling got ugly this year, the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) decided enough was enough and raised their threat to form the breakaway series again but this time they appear to be genuine in carrying it out.

The eight teams that want to form the breakaway series are Ferrari, McLaren, Toyota, Renault, BMW, Brawn, Red Bull, Toro Rosso and they had a meeting at Renault’s HQ in Enstone and decided that they can no longer take whatever it is that Bernie and Max are dishing out.
Below is part of their Press Release

“The teams cannot continue to compromise on the fundamental values of the sport and have declined to alter their original conditional entries to the 2010 World Championship.

“These teams therefore have no alternative other than to commence the preparation for a new Championship which reflects the values of its participants and partners. This series will have transparent governance, one set of regulations, encourage more entrants and listen to the wishes of the fans, including offering lower prices for spectators worldwide, partners and other important stakeholders.

“The major drivers, stars, brands, sponsors, promoters and companies historically associated with the highest level of motorsport will all feature in this new series.”

They are even initiating talks with Dorna’s Carmelo Ezpeleta to find out if his company can provide turnkey organisation for the new series. Dorna runs FIM’s MotoGP very successfully.

With only Williams staying on in F1 and no one can be sure that they adn other teams would not jump ship anytime soon so all fans are holding their breath to see how this problem will be solved.

Suffice to say FOTA’s suggestion will lower the costs for fans, track owners and maybe even sponsors but without restricting technological advances. FOTA is also keen to have more teams taking part.

I say dump Bernie and start fresh, if Bernie wants you guys back in, squeeze him for all he is worth, no sport should be such an exclusive domain of one person, no one should have so much say in a championship that involves thousands and are loved by hundreds of millions of people around the world.

Good Luck FOTA

Some people spend hundreds of millions developing electric cars but Miles Rubin thinks that what the public wants is a familiar normal sedan with electric motors, that’s it.

So he went to China, found a suitable body shell and then stated talking to Lishen, In case you don’t know and you probably don’t, Lishen is the world’s biggest supplier of compact lithium-ion batteries and their charge stores are found in Apple, Motorola, Samsung, Vodafone and other big name brands.
Basically Rubin just packed as many batteries into the car and bolted on an electric motor to power the wheels.

Exact details are sketchy but don’t expect anything too fancy for the USD45K that they are asking for it.
The price tag is not exactly cheap, after all you add a few thousand more and you can get an entry level Tesla machine, which looks a lot better.
Anyway after green rebates and other incentives, the car’s actual retail price would probably be nearer USD37K.

So what do you get, apart from blanked out grille and an extension cord? Well the company estimates that it will cost less than $3, on average, to drive 100 miles. A comparable petrol-powered sedan that gets 20mpg costs about $17 per 100 miles.
Driving a Coda equates to over $2,000 in operation and maintenance savings per year at normal driving rates, which equates to $20,000 in savings over a ten year period.
Are you excited yet?

I think that this is what the future will look like, backyard garages converting cars to run on electricity when oil gets ridiculously pricey.
I hope the conversion is done properly, we don’t want exploding batteries during charging do we?

Popular entry-level sedan gets a mild mid-life facelift

There is hardly any detail out on the newly facelifted Hyundai Accent. All we can see is that it has a new grille and lamp combo, reworked bumpers and rear end. Fancy chrome exhaust tip and a bit of new moulding and capping here and there.  Good enough for a mid-life facelift.

It is actually a fairly decent looking car m in an inoffensive kind of way so I am sure that the many  buyers who chose the current model wuld be happy to upgrade if they can afford it.

The front view is probably the most flattering.

Many changes were made to the interior and this is focused mainly on the dashboard design and functionality.

Apart from new colours and backlighting options, the car now gets improved USB and bluetooth connectivity and comes ready to mate with an i-pod.

No word when or if the facelifted version will make it to our shores

Oil price on the world market is about to breach USD60 per barrel again, for no apparent reason.

Global oil demand is slipping and oil inventory remains high while supply continues to overestimate consumer needs and yet oil price is creeping upwards.

Some say that big oil is slowly closing the taps to push up oil price but all the graphs show that demand is lower than supply so how can the price increase?

In the US, pump prices are rising even faster than oil prices, this depite sliding consumer confidence and demand.

So what is fair price for oil anyway?
given a free market, a fair price is the price you are willing to pay and that could be anything but it would definitely restrict demand.

According to industry watchers,, fair price for oil, given the current costs is around USD40 per barrel and even that gives big oil a healthy margin and by healthy of course we mean anything between 20 and 30 per cent, anything more than that is exorbitant while margins of more than 60 per cent is simply unreasonable and beyond that it should be made illegal

If oil breach USD60, keep a lookout for higher pump prices here because the current pump price was set based on USD60 or less and with monthly adjustments, we may see some play in the pump price.

Better take out that fuel saving tip book you have been keeping on the shelf.

for all the graphs tables and long version of the global oil situation, click HERE

Retro can be so yesterday but then again there is nothing new in this world so everything must be retro at some level and with this in mind we now look at the handiwork of one Mattias Vöcks.
Vocks is a Swedish-born designer who spends his working hours assembling Koenigsegg’s delicious supercars and on his time off, he creates stunning works of automotive art.
He has found enough free time to come up with a fresh interpretation of the elegant Volvo P1800 coupe and it looks gorgeous.
Vock’s last Volvo was a 1967 Volvo Amazon custom that he showed off at SEMA some time ago and that was promptly voted “Sweden’s Hottest Volvo.”
That title may soon go modern interpretation of the Volvo P1800 made famous in part as the car driven by Roger Moore in the British television series The Saint from the 1960s.

Specs and Hi-res gallery after the jump

With help from Bo Zolland from Swedish design firm Vizualtech, Vöcks has added a few modifications to bring the shapely Swedish beauty to modern standards.
Aerodynamics is improved by a rear diffuser, flat underbody tray and a front fascia that’s been smoothed out and lengthened by 70mm.
Powering the beast is a 4.4-liter V8 borrowed from a Volvo XC90 SUV that’s been force-fed by a turbocharger and feeds its 600 horses through a six-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels.
Good news for those with fat wallets: The car may go into limited production in the near future.

I know that not many people watch American oval racing but I simply could not pass up the chance to have a play with Talladega Nights, that hilarious NASCAR movie..

Anyway it was not so funny in Talladega when seven fans were injured when compenents went past the safety fencing and rained on the stands.

A lot of people do not realise just how challenging Nascar racing is because they think anyone can turn left. That’s true but these guys are turning left at 280km/h inches from each other so they can slipstream and everyone can go faster and they do it on a steep banking where grip relies on the driver maintaining a steady line and downforce on the car.

A small slip on the banking can mean disaster and this is what happened in Talladega over the weekend.

Carl Edwards’ car was clipped by Brad Keselowski on the last lap of the race, sending the number 99 Ford into the fence. Kaselowski was in Edwards’ draft on the last lap, and when he made his move to take the checkered flag, Edwards tried to block too late, resulting in a massive wreck. Keselowski won the race in a finish for the ages, but the resulting crash shows just how dangerous 200 mph racecars can be.

The wreck could have been far worse if it weren’t for an amazing new fence that kept the Edwards car from killing scores of onlookers. Instead, five of the injuries were not considered to be serious, while the other two weren’t considered life threatening, with one woman reportedly suffering a broken jaw.

Just as impressive as the minimal injuries and Edwards’ ability to extricate himself from the car unscathed, was this finish. In true Ricky Bobby style, Edwards removed himself from his wrecked race car and ran to the finish. Well played. Hat tip to Leonard!

The American National Highway and Transport Safety Agency (NHTSA) got into a bit of a bother last week when it was leaked that they refused to give marketing approval to Volvo’s brand-specific infant safety seat.

In development for years with child seat manufacturer Britax, the Volvo infant safety seat is packed with advanced features and is probably safer than most models on the market.

NHTSA’s reasoning is hard to fault, they only allow safety seats that can be fitted to all cars to prevent customers from having problems later or unable to fit a safety seat to their car.

However a few websites began raising questions about the intelligence of such a decision and after about two weeks, it appears that the NHTSA may relent and allow Volvo to sell their brand-specific safety seats in the US.

I say that the NHTSA was right in the first isntance and the media should, instead, push for a common standard fro safety seat fitting so that all cars can use all seats and I have just one word to say – ISOFIX

In Malaysia we are still grappling with the enforcement of rear seat-belt usage while most children ride free in cars and face serious injury during heavy or sudden braking.

I will be the first to admit that it is not possible for me to insist all six of my children (especially the two-year old triplets) to buckle up because my car does not have enough seat belts and there is no way I can fit three child seats in a normal MPV and still have room for anyone else.

If Mercedes Benz or Nusa Automobile is reading, I would welcome a hefty discount on their Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibus. Then I can be like Jon and Kate Plus Eight – that family with twins and sextuplets that appear on Discovery Health and Home every week.

They drive a black Dodge Spinter – cooool, enough to make a man with a large family drool

Its mostly cosmetic and personally, I think that the Imperator is a bit OTT but then again that is probably why people will buy them.

The Continental is a fantastic and gorgeous car that really does not need much fettling but where would we be without people who always push the envelope, even if it is the envelope of good taste they are tearing apart.

Gallery and Full PRESS RELEASE below

PRESS RELEASE

April 2009

HAMANN-IMPERATOR

The stylish refining programme for the Bentley Continental GT and Continental GT Speed

All over the world, the company HAMANN-Motorsport is renowned for refining luxury cars. With the new programme for the Continental GT and Continental GT Speed by the English manufacturer Bentley, the company located in Laupheim once again confirms that it is the first choice when it comes to sportive accessories and breathtaking body design for luxury car models.

Optimised aerodynamics in perfect quality

Sportive elegance is the hallmark of the HAMANN-IMPERATOR design: In order to meet the high expectations in its appearance and aerodynamics, the HAMANN -designers completely reconstructed the front of the four-seater. Larger air inlets in connection with perfectly integrated daytime running lights give the Bentley an even more dynamic face. Additionally, the newly designed front optimises the air flow and therefore reduces the lifting forces at the front axle. Impressive extensions at the front and rear wings broaden the IMPERATOR by 70 millimetres and are contribute significantly to the powerful overall impression of the HAMANN modification. The HAMANN side skirts were modelled in such a way that they calm the air flow at the sides and make the noble sports car look even lower and more elongated. In order to reduce the lifting forces at the rear axle, the HAMANN technicians fitted an elegant spoiler on the original boot lid of the Bentley and combined it with a diffuser rear skirt for additional downthrust.

Impressive in terms of dimension and design – the new light alloy wheel ANNIVERSARY RACE ´´ANODIZED´´

Matching the striking appearance of the IMPERATOR, HAMANN uses new rims of the type ANNIVERSARY RACE ´´ANODIZED´´ in the dimension 22 inches. The exceptionally light, multi-part forged wheel has a high-gloss polished rim flange and a black anodized rim star. The recommended wheel/tyre combination for the front is 10.5Jx22 inches with tyres measuring 265/35 R 22. At the rear, 11.0Jx22 inch rims are used with tyres measuring 305/30 R 22.

HAMANN even offers a 21-inch alternative. Under the designation DESIGN EDITION RACE ANODIZED the refiner offers an ultra-light forged wheel which unites sportiness and elegance in its design. The black rim star and the titanium bolts emphasise the dynamics of the wheel while the high-gloss polished rim flange confirms the noble look. HAMANN offers the 21-inch wheel with tyres sized 295/30 R 21.

A seven-seater with a genuine Malaysian touch

This picture of Proton CEO, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Tahir sitting in the third row of seats is the first photo I show my friends when they ask me about the Exora. Syed Zainal is 5-foot 10 and as you can see from this photo, his knees are not banged up against the back of the second row of seats.

This means that the Exora passes the first test of a seven-seat MPV, it actually seats seven adults.

Lets look at the picture again. Syed Zainal’s knees ends up quite high when he is seated, this is because the footwell is a bit shallow. This is a problem that most compact MPVs suffer, even those that cost twice the money.

As an Avanza owner I can say that the cabin configuration and space of the Exora is superior to the Avanza in nearly every way, except for the third row legroom.

Comapred to the Grand Livina, the Exora is more roomy and has the advantage of having air conditioning vents for all three rows. All MPV owners know how important it is to keep all rows of passengers cool because the kids can really kick a fuss if they don’t get air conditioning.

OK. now that we have established that the Exora is a genuine seven-seater, let’s look at the styling. Styling is important because most people judge a car on looks, regardless of what it is. Heck even truck drivers judge trucks on looks.

Personally I like the simple lines of the Exora. Proton said that the angular looks is in keeping with the current automotive styling trend. They are right of course, just look at the chiseled looks of the new Mercedes-Benz line-up and the current Honda styling vocabulary and you will see that angular, masculine is in and soft organic curves are yesterday’s.

Given the tight budget and even tighter deadlines that Proton set for their development engineers, the simple surface treatment is entirely understandable but even with those restrictions the designers made a lot of effort to give the car character.

The semi-clamshell bonnet, dramatic swage-line on the flank and prominent jaw are some of the examples of their effort to make the Exora handsome. Well I think it is a fairly good looking vehicle.

While in the driving seat, we were keen to find out if the 125hp Campro CPS 1.6 has enough grunt to keep the Exora interesting for keen drivers.

In one word I would describe the power output as adequate.

Although we only had a chance to drive the automatic and the route was a shade more than 32 kilometres, it was enough to give us an impression of what the Exora can do.

Even with four near-rugby player size adults on board, the Exora could accelerate at a fairly decent rate and in top gear, the Campro will spin at about 3,400rpm when cruising at 120km/h. Good enough for a relaxing cruise for the obedient.

Those who prefer the excitement of higher velocities, the Exora would easily hit 160 clicks per hour.

The Exora is clearly superior to the Avanza when it comes to performance and would probably match the Grand Livina except maybe at very low speed when the Campro’s torque deficit puts it slightly behind the Grand Livina.

In terms of engine refinement, the Exora is firmly in second place behind the Livina but ahead of the Avanza, which has much taller gearing ratio.

Proton made a lot of effort to spice up the spec sheet and they decided to offer features that are only found in vehicles that are a lot more expensive than the Exora. The key engineering leap that they took was the use of CAN-BUS wiring for the body-control function.

Basically, what this means is that many of the comfort, convenience and security functions of the car is run by a central processor. With more processing power, they could pack a lot more features into the Exora. Features such as the programmable remote locking system, hazard flashing during emergency braking, lane change mode of the turn indicator and auto rear wiper on reverse.

I know these are not ground breaking features but you don’t get them in the two named competitors, do you?

The truth is CAN-BUS wiring is a complicated affair and can cause a lot of problems with a car so Proton implemented it separately from other crucial functions. In more expensive cars, the can bus would run everything from engine management to traction control to the airbag trigger system. This is obviously the best way to maximise the processing power of the electronics but it also means that if the CAN-BUS goes on the blitz, nothing works.

By allowing the engine to run on its own processor and letting the airbag and ABS to operate independently, any fault with the CAN-BUS would only affect the comfort and convenience features and not cripple the engine.

Proton said they saved nearly two kilogrammes of wiring by using CAN BUS. less wiring means less complication and less assembly time and lower costs.

I also like the one-hand operation of the second row from flip to tumble. The one-hand operation of the third row is also well engineered. If there is anything that I don’t really liek about the cabin it is the tree-bark texture on the lower plastic panels but hey that is a personal opinion. some people seem to like it.

The luggage area is typical of a seven-seater MPV; You can have seven people with overnight luggage  or five with weekend luggage and more.

That said, the straight lines of the exterior means that the limited luggage room when all three rows of seats are up is more practical than the competitors.

The luggage net is nice touch.

I saved the dashboard picture for the last because I think that it is the most important feature of the Exora, of any car. First impression is that the driving environment is comfortable and blessed with decent ergonomics. I particularly like the position of the gear lever and the lack of obstruction between the two front seats. Now the front passenger can attend to the kids without going down.

VERDICT: I like the Exora and I don’t have any real reservations about the car other than petty details that are down to personal preference. The Campro CPS may be just a 1.6-litre but it loves to be worked hard and gives the Exora decent performance. Please go to the nearest Proton Showroom and give it a close look. It really is a car worth giving your consideration even if you are planning to spend a bit more money. Really.

Gallery: Proton Exora 1.6 Campro CPS (Auto)

*edited 5/5/09 (corrected typo mistake)*

Proton’s first MPV is all that you would expect of a people carrier and more

It is one of the most anticipated car launch of the ye with spyshots leaking at a steady stream onto the internet for the last six months and speculation was rife that the MPV would be based on a  Mitsubishi, it would look like a Toyota Wish and may have a nice two-litre engine under the bonnet.

Well, in the end, the MPV you see here is the work of Malaysians, fromthe brand new modular platform to the styling to the detailing. Even the engine is pure Proton. It runs on the Campro CPS.

Clean lines, neat detailing, honest engineering and fantastic value for money

The Exorawas designed by Malaysians to suit the needs of Malaysians while keeping oneeye on the international market. by that Proton means that they have designed the Exora to fulfill all the wants of a Malaysian MPV buyers while accommodating the technical and safety standards of the export market.

The evening started with solo violin session. The most telling feture of the session was tpopulist choice of songs, from Getaran Jiwa to a few favourites you woudl remember from Hollywood Westerns.

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the Exora and commended Proton for their effort.

Then CEO, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Tahir gave an extensive overview of thExora and how the company arrived at thefinal product.

After the tech presentation, Proton PR exec, Badri Ibrahim belted a song that was written specially for the occasion. Boy can he sing

Afterwards the people behind the Exora took the stage much to the appreciation of the guests. It’s good to see the public appreciating those behind the scene.

Then the winner of the name the MPV contest got her keys

OF course all the VIP, including Tun Mahathir went on stage to look at the Exora. Tun Mahathir was the only person who received applause when his name was mentioned. He is the father of Proton after all.

At the end of the evening, all the guests milled in the lobby of the KL Convention centre adn looked over the Exora closely. Most were enthusiastic about the vehicle.

I think many Malaysians will fidn the Exora perfectly suited to their needs.