Pintu samping takkan menjepit.

Sudah sepantasnya memperbaiki sesuatu yang diterima banyak kalangan. Itulah yang dilakukan PT Mazda Motor Indonesia (MMI), pemegang merek Mazda di Indonesia, yang memperkenalkan Multi-Activity Vehicle terbarunya; New Mazda5.

"Mazda menyempurnakan lagi produk ini, yang berarti bahwa secara tidak langsung kami mencanangkan standar baru di segmen Multi-Activity Vehicle ukuran menengah," kata Yoshinori Nishihara, Presiden Direktur PT. MMI, saat peluncuran di Senayan City, Kamis pekan lalu,

Meski hanya facelift, banyak perubahan yang dilakukan pada Mazda5 baru ini. Oke, dari sisi bodi, memang tak banyak yang berubah. Paling hanya panjangnya yang bertambah 10 mm menjadi 4.565 mm. Lebar tetap 1.755 mm, tinggi sama 1.615 mm, pun jarak sumbu rodanya tak berubah 2.750 mm.

Mesin juga tetap menggunakan seri MZR 2.0L, tapi mengalami sedikit perubahan. Teknologi In-line 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve tetap dipertahankan namun diperbaharui dengan penambahan teknologi Swquential Valve Timing (S-VT). Pedal gas tidak lagi menggunakan kabel, tapi sudah Electronic Throttle Control (ETC).

Tambahan lain adalah jika persneling varian lama yang hanya empat percepatan kini menggunakan lima percepatan Activematic. Saya sempat menguji mobil ini merasakan "nafas" New Mazda5 ini lebih panjang dari pendahulunya.

Maklum, teknologi-teknologi ini membuat tenaga New Mazda5 naik sekitar 8 PS menjadi 144 PS di 6500 rpm. Torsi bertambah 5 Nm menjadi 180 Nm di putaran mesin yang lebih tinggi 4500 rpm.

Namun Mazda mengklaim peningkatan ini tidak mengurangi efisiensi penggunaan bahan bakar. Bila model terdahulunya konsumsi bahan bakat tercatat 1:8, kini lebih baik menjadi 1:10.

Soal kemudi, New Mazda5 ini sedikit lebih ringan dibandingkan model Mazda lainnya seperti Tribute, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-7, dan BT-50. Tapi penguasaannya cukup baik karena radius putarnya mencapai 5,3 meter.

Ciri khas Mazda5, dua pintu samping double electric sliding doors, tak berubah namun mengalami perbaikan. Pintu yang bisa menutup secara otomatis ini akan berhenti pula secara otomatis begitu ada benda yang mengganjal.

Hal ini dibuktikan dengan menempatkan balon sebagai pengganjal. Pintu tak mau tertutup dan balon tidak pecah. "Sehingga anak-anak aman dan takkan terjepit," kata Astrid Ariani Wijana, Brand Communication Manager PT MMI.

Sedangkan untuk harga naik 'sedikit' dari Rp 299 juta menjadi Rp 301,5 juta (on the road Jakarta). Soal harga ini memang sedikit di atas rivalnya seperti Mitsubishi Grandis, Nissan Serena, dan Honda Stream.

Menurut data Gabungan Industri Kendaraan Bermotor Indonesia (Gaikindo), hingga bula Mei 2008 lalu, Mazda5 terjual sebanyak 44 unit atau 4,7% dari total penjualan Mazda yang mencapai 921 unit. Untuk model baru ini Mazda menargetkan angka 20 unit per bulan atau 120 setahun.

SPESIFIKASI

Mesin: MZR 2.0 In-line 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with S-VT (Swquential Valve Timing) and ETC (Electronic Throttle Control)
Kapasitas: 1999 cc
Tenaga: 144 PS/6500 rpm
Torsi: 180 Nm/4500 rpm
Panjang: 4.565 mm
Lebar: 1.755 mm
Tinggi: 1.615 mm
Wheelbase: 2.750 mm
Turning radius: 5.300 mm
Harga: Rp 301,5 juta (on-the-road Jakarta)

• Heritage Enclosure - um museu a ceu aberto da história dos super carros, desde os tempos de hoje há 50 anos atrás.
• The Marine Experience - uma exposiçaõ de iates luxuosos, e até a chance de estar embarcando em um deles para um "test drive".
• Motor Show Music Festival -  festival de shows de várias bandas. Astros como Deep Purple estará por lá.
• Earthrace - Projeto socioambiental, a superlancha deste projeto estará dando uma "passadinha" nos dias do evento, mostrando que se pode dar uma volta ao mundo sem poluir. A lancha se utiliza somente de biodisel para se locomover.
• Dreamscape - Show da montadora Honda, exibindo a tecnologia de ponta produzida pelos nossos amigos niponicos.
• Kidz Car Zone - Lugar para as crianças se divertirem, dirigindo ninhaturas de carros conhecidos.
• Land Rover's Ultimate Experience -  leva você as mais novas tecnologias da montadora, incluindo simulação de terrenos propícios para um carro como o Land Rover.
• Taster Test Drives - querendo comprar um carro novo em londres e não sabe se ele é bom o bastante? Teste-o até o limite em uma pista fechada só para você!
• Mazda Zoom-Zoom Challenge - quer saber como é dirigir um Mazda? O test drive da montadora permitira que mais de 5000 pessoas fiquem atrás do volantes da marca japoneza, para testes.
• The Autoglym Supercar Paddock - aqui só entra os carros mais rápidos do mundo. Se quiser vê-los de perto, seu lugar será aqui, onde os bólido mais rápidos do mundo serão mostrados. O salão ainda promete duas inéditas supermáquinas.
• Co-operative Insurance Greener Driving Pavilion & EV Village - mais uma ajuda ao meio ambiente. Trata-se das últimas novidades em relação aos combustíveis alternativos e as novas atitudes e tendencias perante a ameaça da mudança de temperatura global.
• Outdoor Living - Estande que apresentará os famosos Motorhomes, uma espécie de trailer, super-equipados para pegar a estrada e ainda servir de um bom lar para qualquer cara exigente.
• Vauxhall VXRacing Village - estande esportiva da Vauxhall, uma das montadoras da GM na europa, um simulador do Vectra europeu para os vistantes.
• The Westfield Active Drift Experience - parte da Potenza Sports cars, são carros ainda contruídos da forma mais antiga, manualmente. No salão você poderá embarcar em um destes carros e com um piloto profissional sentir o que é fazer um drifting emocionante.

Do you have one of these?

If so, do you want to work at home?

Well, now you can! For just $1 until June 30th, Motivated Mom's enrollment fee is just $1. Ask me how you can be a part of my team now.

It's risk free, fully refundable for 4 months, no questions asked. Test drive our team now, what have you got to lose??

One of these...

~Melissa Bailey

MBaileyMotivatedMom.tk

774-287-4522

MPV yang diposisikan di kelas atas ini, memang memiliki segala yang dibutuhkan kelompok mapan. Selain memiliki kelebihan di desainnya, Mitsubishi Grandis juga memboyong teknologi yang masih fresh di jajaran produk Mitsubishi yang dipasarkan di Indonesia.

Eksterior:

Desain eksterior Grandis mengekspresikan sensibilitas yang segar dalam bentuk dan tampilan yang mempesona. Kesan ini sudah terasa dari tampilan depan dengan penempatan logo tiga berlian, kombinasi tipe lampu halogen dengan lampu utama yang didesain untuk menjamin perluasan cahaya tanpa mengganggu pesona Mitsubishi Grandis.

Interior:

Ruang dalamnya tidak kalah istimewa. Desain dashboard bertemakan wave forms berhiaskan illumination panel instrument yang mempesona, control penyejuk udara yang praktis, dan dengan knop transmisi gate type yang elegan, sehingga mampu membangkitkan perasaan lapang dan nyaman saat berada di dalamnya.

Kelapangan dan kenyamanan ruang dalam semakin nyata dengan desain kursi yang mampu dibuat dalam beberapa konfigurasi yang dilakukan dengan sangat mudah. Setiap bangku dapat diatur secara independent, sehingga dapat dengan mudah menempatkan barang-barang pribadi.

Mesin:

Grandis mengusung mesin MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System) berkapasitas 2.4 liter. Teknologi mesin Grandis ini merupakan yang termodern di jajaran produk Mitsubishi yang sudah dipasarkan di Indonesia.

Sistem MIVEC mampu mengoptimalkan output dengan menggunakan variable waktu pengapian. Pada putaran rendah menggunakan cam rendah/medium yang membuat waktu katup dengan overlap yang kecil, memaksimalkan bahanbakar, torsi dan pengapian yang rendah meminimalkan gas buang pada start dingin.

Pada putaran tinggi (diatas 3600 rpm) mengubah profil ke camp tinggi yang menjadikan waktu klep dengan overlap yang besar. Overlap ini memberi keuntungan terhadap kecepatan pasokan udara untuk meningkatkan aliran ke silinder dengan setiap putaran yang memperbesar output.

Grandis juga dilengkapi transmisi pintar dengan sebutan INVECS-II 4A/T. Sistem Intellegent & Innovative Vehicles Electronics Control System (INVECS-II) menjadikan pengoperasian transmisi begitu mudah dan membuat siapapun yang mengemudikan Grandis merasa nyaman. Transmisi ini dapat dioperasikan layaknya transmisi manual untuk keperluan akselerasi yang lebih spontan.

Safety:

Beberapa penghargaan soal keselamatan sudah diraih Grandis ini. Euro NCAP memberikan rating bintang empat RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) Body. Rating bintang 6 diberikan oleh NASVA Test, yaitu tes keamanan yang dilakukan pemerintah Jepang.

Prestasi tersebut diraih berkat aplikasi fitur-fitur keselamatan yang komplet dan teruji. Fitur tersebut antara lain passive safety yang meliputi dual airbags untuk pengemudi dan penumpang di depan, seatbelt pretensioner and force limiters, dan rem dengan ABS yang disempurnakan dengan EBD.

Data dan Fakta:

ATPM : PT. Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motors

Tipe : MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle)

Harga : Rp. 292 juta (on the road Jabotabek)

Mesin : MIVEC 4 silinder, 16 katup

Isi silinder : 2.378 cc

Diameter x langkah : 87.0 x 100 mm

Daya maks : 165 ps/6.000 rpm

Torsi maks : 22.1 kg.m/4.000 rpm

Kaki-kaki :

Suspensi depan : McPherson Strut with coil spring

Suspensi belakang : Semi trailing arm with coil spring

Tipe velg : Alloy wheel

Ukuran ban : 215/60 R16

Rem depan : Cakram berventilasi

Rem belakang : Solid drum in disc

Dimensi bodi :

Panjang : 4.765 mm

Lebar : 1.795 mm

Tinggi : 1.655 mm

Jarak sumbu roda : 2.830 mm

Berat : 1.625 kg

Radius putar : 5,5 m

Tangki BBM : 65 liter

Destinat cu preponderenta celor carora le place clasa A, dar vor mai mult spatiu. Mercedes-Benz B-Class este o propunere interesanta. Dincolo de celelalte inovatii propuse de Mercedes-Benz B-Class, trebuie amintit faptul ca acest monovolum, premium, cu cinci locuri, de 4.3 m lungime ofera in spate un spatiu extraordinar, similar cu cel de la Mercedes-Benz S-Class, intr-un automobil mai scurt decat un Ford Focus.
www.auto.ro a testat pentru dumneavoastra cea mai populara motorizare diesel a lui Mercedes- Benz B-Class – 180 CDI. Un turbodiesel remarcabil nu atat prin cei 109 CP/4200 rpm sau prin cuplul de 250 Nm/ 1600-2600 rpm, cat mai ales prin elasticitatea lui si tandemul eficient cu transmisia manuala cu 6 trepte. La mers incet in gol si sarcini mici turbodieselul lui Mercedes-Benz B-Class este un pic zgomotos si vibreaza tipic pentru un diesel. Insa in rulare cu viteza constanta motorul toarce usor devenind nederanjant. Un aspect interesant al tandemului motor cutie amintit mai sus este ca livreaza putere mecanica progresiv pana pe la 1700 de ture; dupa acest prag se simte un usor stimul de putere mai ridicata. In traficul urban consumul mediu al lui Mercedes-Benz B-Class 180 CDI se situeaza in jurul valorii de 8.3 l/100km. Consumul mediu anuntat de constructor este de 5.6 l/100 de km. Turbodiesel-ul 180 CDI permite lui Mercedes-Benz B-Class un timp de accelerare de la 0-100 km/h in 11.3 secunde si o viteza maxima de 183 km/h, suficienta pentru un monovolum premium, date furnizate de constructor.

Citeste tot articolul pe Auto.ro

Vezi Video test drive aici

Galerie Poze

I am hyped up... this is amazing, to work for such a great company, spreading such a wonderful message, and all the while GETTING PAID!

How many of you out there (not just moms, but everyone) want an opportunity like this?

Some of the great perks I get to enjoy:

• Working from home
• Spending time with my kids
• Spending time with my hubby
• Shopping for better, safer, cleaner products for my home to protect my family and pets
• Making new friends online and over the phone
• GETTING PAID FOR ALL OF THIS!!

I don't see how people don't think it works... well actually, that's because most people are looking for a get rich quick scheme, or something they don't have to do anything for. But here is the thing, I am not doing much... just as I said above, I make friends online, that's it, that's "my work." Who on here is making friends already? Now just add shopping for your home products at a new, better, safer, cleaner store online and the products are shipped right to your door, and tell your friends, family, and other acquaintances about it.... and BAM! Instant business. No selling or stocking products. No sales pitches necessary. Simply your feelings about how great these products are will shine through to everyone you talk to about it.

Or at least through Motivated Moms, that is how we make it work. Now, I don't need or want any rude, snide, or idiotic comments. This is just a posting to solidify my success and my happiness about the system I have found. It works for me, and hundreds of other moms (if you want I can give you their MSNs and you can talk directly to them as well). We are all real, here, and making it happen for ourselves and our families.

Come for a test drive and see for yourself what I am so excited about. We are a wonderful team that works closely with each other to help grow our own businesses from home. We have tried and true techniques that get you where you need and want to be. All you need to bring is your "WHY?"

Until June 20th, the one time enrollment fee is only 1/2 price ($14.50), and is fully refundable for 4 months! So, instead of ordering that large pizza or movie, I can get you set up with a website of your own for the same price, right now. Ask me how, and I would be happy to be on your team. If you are not 100% completely satisfied, everything, and I mean everything, is 100% fully refundable. No questions asked.

*And by the way, the only reason I am not including names of the company or product, is because of copyrights and a contract I signed. But if you want to call me 774-287-4522, I am free to talk openly about them to you. I just cannot write it in an email, posting, or other such publication.

Visit my website, MBaileyMotivatedMom.tk, and request me to call you to get you on a presentation call that will tell you all about how you can do this too. Or call me at 774-287-4522, and I can talk to you directly about how you can own your own business today.

~Melissa Bailey

Menggunakan teknologi yang sebelumnya hanya ada di seri A6 dan A8.

Memang agak repot menuliskan judulnya. Simpelnya barangkali dalam bahasa Inggris adalah Three in One, tapi nanti persepsinya adalah pembatasan penumpang di jalan protokol di Jakarta.

Saya menulis judul ini untuk menggambarkan produk baru dari Audi, New Audi A4. Kenapa? Inilah kendaraan yang menawarkan tiga gaya mengemudi sekaligus hanya dengan teknologi Audi Drive Select.

Teknologi ini memang yang paling menarik perhatian. Di konsol tengah, di bawah tuas persneling terdapat tiga buah tombol bertulisan; Comfort, Dynamic, dan Auto.

Tinggal pencet, maka A4 secara elektronik akan mengubah mulai dari sistem akselerasi, suspensi, kemudi, dan power steering. Jadi kita seperti mengendarai tiga mobil "berbeda" tanpa harus meninggalkan tempat duduk atau mobilnya.

"Pokoknya tinggal pencet, mau di tanjakan, di jalan biasa, atau kondisi apapun pengendara dapat mengganti mode," kata Tubagus Benny Benjamin, Product Trainer PT Garuda Mataram Motor menjelaskan.

Perubahan besar memang dilakukan Audi A4 baru yang diperkenalkan pertama kali 10 September 2007 lalu, bertepatan dengan pelaksanaan Internasional Motor Show ke-62 di Frankfurt.

Maklum, di sedan premium baru ini Audi menerapkan kolaborasi kecanggihan yang sebelumnya hanya terpasang di seri A6 dan A8.

Dari sisi dimensi, Audi punya ukuran baru. Panjangnya kini menjadi 4.703 mm atau 12 cm lebih panjang dari sebelumnya. Lebar 1.826 mm serta tinggi 1.426 mm. Selain panjang, kabin juga makin luas karena as depan yang maju 154 mm. Tapi bodinya lebih ringan 10 pensen dari model sebelumnya.

Desain khasnya tercipta dari grill single frame lebih besar, yang diimbangi headlamp slim plus 14 LED light band berbaris melengkung. Sedangkan aura sport makin terasa dari bagian buritan berkat desain stop lamp mengikuti garis bodi horizontalnya.

Berbagai kecanggihan ditanamkan di mobil ini. Diantaranya adalah Multi Media Interface (MMI) dengan layar monitor di tengah dan electromechanical parking brake yang terletak di samping tuas persneling.

"Kami yakin Audi A4 baru ini akan mampu menarik konsumen di kelasnya dengan keunikan serta kecanggihan teknologi yang diusungnya," kata Susilo Darmawan, Chief Executive Officer PT Garuda Mataram Motor, Agen Tunggal Pemegang Merek Audi di Indonesia.

Di dapur mesin, terpasang mesin 1.8 Turbo FSI (new engine development) mampu menghasilkan daya 160 hp pada putaran mesin 4.500–6.500 rpm dengan torsi 250 Nm pada putaran mesin 1.500–4.500 rpm.

Hebatnya? Mesin 1.8 Turbo FSI baru ini dibantu transmisi 8-speed multitronic selaras dengan power steering assistance dan karakter peredam kejut berdasarkan kondisi jalan.

"Kecanggihan Audi baru ini menggambarkan filosofi Audi yaitu Vorsprung durch Technik (Advancement Through Technology)," kata Susilo Darmawan.

SPESIFIKASI
New Audi A4 1.8 Turbo FSI
Mesin: In-line, 4-cylinder spark ignition egine with petrol direct injection and exhaust gas turbocharger DOHC
Kapasitas: 1798 cc
Daya: 118 kW (160 bhp)/4500 - 6500 rpm
Torsi: 250 Nm/1500 - 4500 rpm
Transmisi: 8-speed multitronic
Ban: 245/45/R 17
Dimensi (p/l/t): 4703 / 2006 / 1427 mm
Wheelbase: 2808 mm
Konsumsi (liter/100 km): 10.3 liter (dalam kota); 5,7 liter (luar kota); 7,4 liter (kombinasi)
Harga: Rp 625 juta (on-the-road)

RIVAL

Mercedes-Benz C 230
Mesin: V6, 24 katup, DOHC
Kapasitas: 2496 cc
Daya: 204 hp/6100 rpm
Torsi: 245 Nm/2900-5500 rpm
Harga: Rp 609 juta (Elegance); Rp 669 juta (Avangarde/AMG)

BMW 320i
Mesin: MEV9, In-line 4-Cylinder 16 valve
Kapasitas: 1995 cc
Daya: 156 hp/6200 rpm
Torsi: 200 Nm/3600 rpm
Harga: Rp 472 juta s/d Rp 524,5 juta

I heard once that you can judge how good of a time you've had by how messed up you are afterwards. Dylan Moran has a great bit on this subject:

"Last night? oh, I had a wonderful time... I can't see. you should've come, you'd have at least lost an ear."

I ended this weekend with a fever induced by infection and "extensive crush damage" on my big toe, so I guess this weekend must have been half decent.

Thursday was the 5th Anniversary party for the magazine and everyone at the office was eagerly going about their business, looking forward to rushing home to clean up and head out for an all-night bash.
Thats what I imagine went on, at least. I wasn't there.

Oh, I know it's not the smartest thing to blog about playing hooky from work, but I'm afraid I'll have to risk it. you see, I had to attend a little event by Lamborghini.

at the Bentley event in the Poconos, someone had alluded to a low-key event at republic airport that they were still planning out and I got a head's up the week before the date. I often go to these things alone, but since it was Lambo, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to bring my brother along. I put both of us down for the event and neglect to tell anyone at work since I've been noticeably attending auto events ahead of my office duties. Since this one landed they day of our little cocktail party, I planned out a crafty scheme to get me to both events and still be "at work."

First off, I neglected to deliver magazines to the party the day before so I could deliver them day of, which I did. I then had to "run and do a ton of things for the party", as far as anyone was concerned. I called V and met him outside republic, and we then headed over to the Lamborghini event.

I couldn't miss this one, really. I don't get to drive Lambo's as often as you'd think and I promised my brother, so canceling wasn't an option. I hope those who judge me will understand.

Rows of Gallardos sere set in front of the tent flanked by two private jets, and helicopters meandered about their business as we arrived. Victor's jaw was on the floor and he was visibly thrilled by the whole atmosphere. It's great to finally say to someone "see? this is what I experience at these events!"

I was happy that he enjoyed being there because when we went to sign in, they politely informed him that he couldn't drive a test car because he was under 25. He was a good sport about it, thankfully, and continued to enjoy the whole experience.

Shuttled over to the autocross arranged on the runway, two Gallardo Spyders awaited our eager lead feet. The course consisted of two long but sharp turns, followed by a series of flowing bends, a drag strip, and a slalom. I climbed in the white one and surveyed the interior. The cabin of the Gallardo is a great place to just be in, it has a fantastic ambiance. Everything felt very tight and deliberate; a purposeful and contemporary arrangement. At the same time it had a swish ultra lounge feel to it, reminding you you're in a Lamborghini.

And then of course, when you remember that, you also remember that Lambo doesn't exactly race. If I see a Ferrari I haven't driven, I know that the company's practical competition experience went into the production of the car, so I can assure myself that it's probably as capable as I imagine it to be. then there's Lambo, Ferrari's chief rival, so that definitely says something in its favor, but then again they have a history of cosmic outrageousness, not for winning motorsport titles.

the assorted cones start to make me nervous that maybe this is still just a wild rich boy party piece like its predecessors. Don't get me wrong, I love the Lambos of old. My childhood dream car was the Diablo, I respect the Miura and of course, I pined like everyone else for a Countach. I love them, I really, really do, but in the back of your head I keep wondering "are they as good as I dream they are?"

They had a Diablo there too, actually. the interior was crazy, with a "laying in the street" driving position and strangely held together with jutting steel parts inside a tiny compartment. I wondered how one could possibly control the coolest car on the planet with this cockpit (it also had this "limited edition" ketchup & mustard disaster color scheme that's neither here nor there, it was just disappointing). The Gallardo was more modern, obviously, but sitting in it felt less ludicrous. It felt intuitive and ergonomic, like they had the driver in mind as they designed it, not an afterthought.

I take off slowly as instructed, acutely aware of the 500 or so horses sitting behind me in a v10. At these things, the first lap is "learn the car and learn the course", so it's feeling out the car gently, not slowly mind you, and I like what I'm holding on to. we get to the drag strip and the car barks that monstrously loud Lamborghini bark, the one you want to scream in unison with it as you speed off towards the horizon. I stopped where I was told to, but it's so satisfying to go all out in this car, I just wanted to keep going. slaloms are always fun, and expectedly, the Gallardo dances through the cones with minimal effort.

Second lap is harder and faster. the v10 screams as I enter the turns, hitting the apexes and throttling out. downshifting with the paddles is fantastic as the car automatically revs high before shifting. at the drag strip a second time, I abandon gentleness and floor the pedal. Here's where the nitpicker criticizes the 200k exotic car. I know it's 4 wheel drive and its supposed to bog a little when you take off, but it wasn't the fanfare I was expecting. What bothered me more was the launch control for the paddle-shift transmission I was using. Foot on the break, paddle in 1st, you simply step on the gas and the Gallardo revs and engages the gear automatically. the car did this weird lurching thing 4 times before we were off and away, and I had a feeling that had I controlled the clutch, it would've been much smoother. Any lurchiness would have been entirely due to my mismanagement of the whole thing.

Of course, once it's going, you don't want to stop, and again I was very hesitant to brake. I slalomed hard this time because I'd been so confident and at ease in the Gallardo, I just went for all the fun I could eke out of the next couple of minutes.

V and I hit the tent one more time and observed the Lamborghinis with a new understanding. We could feel how the Diablo would be a wild and suitable bearer of it's name. The Superleggera made a bit more sense now, a bit more serious.

Victor and I head home, suit up, and head out to the Party, picking up a stunning Melissa on the way. Naturally, V can't help himself to not race BMW's the whole way there, leading me to speed after him, just to keep an eye on things, of course.

We arrive and the party is fantastic, better than the last big one we had. the food's great and the drinks were plentiful. Company was superb, too. and the dancing. oooh, the dancing.

Lithe though I may be, I'm not one to frequent the dance floor at a party, especially if I'm surrounded by work people. I may be dragged for a song to do the required single song shuffling, but it's hardly my choice in the matter. There are those who clearly don't feel the same, as I learned.

There was this guy out there, whom I didn't know, middle aged, white shirt, dark suit get-up, belly and black hair. kind of middle-management looking. I don't know if he had a stressful day, or a nostril of coke, but this gentleman cut a motherf**kin' rug that night. You know the old saying that girls go to clubs not just to meet guys, but sometimes, they "just wanna dance"? I think that maybe this is the one guy who said the same thing. He was so eager to get to the dance floor at one point (after just leaving) because maybe his "jam" came on, that he sprinted back and shoulder checked a woman in his way, feeling "the fever" anew while he twirled and removed his jacket simultaneously.

A lot of the usually quiet and reserve people around the office took full advantage of the open bar and really came alive that night. A couple people also wandered a bit too close to a certain 14 year old, which was angering, but she's a smart girl and knew when to be freaked out and leave.

All in all, the night was great and I literally dragged myself home when it was all over. It's an evening that ends with one seriously considering sleeping on the toilet, since the energy you have left is for either one or the other. I manage to maintain my civility and go to bed like a normal person, exhausted, and wondering if I'll have any strength left for what lay ahead for the rest of the weekend.

To be continued....

-Alex-

Çok fazla sayıda içerik sunmasa da blog'un hazırlayıcısının kendi yazdığı detaylı incelemeleriyle dikkat çeken site test Drive Unlimited, Crysis ve Call of Duty 4 oyunlarıyla ilgili uzun incelemeler
içeriyor. Yeterli sayıda içeriğe ulaştığında hoş bir kaynak olacağı düşünülebilir.

It has front wheel drive, it's blue (with a blue top, cuuuuute), it's in my price range, and i don't think it'll spontaneously combust. Basically, it solves all of my problems. Except being an import and probably being expensive to take care of. But I'll try to think of that as a perk--everyone loves babying their favorite plaything, right?

If you're not a car expert, take a knowledgeable friend along with you. A large part of test-driving a car is done before you even turn the key. You should sit in the car and ask yourself: is it a good fit? Trying on a car is a little like trying on clothes. People are different, so they will have different sizes and shapes. And different tastes in what they want.

Here are some of the steps you should take when test-driving a car you're thinking of buying.

Is the seating position comfortable? Is there enough head & leg room? Remember to check the backseat, too.

Can you adjust the seat, pedals, or steering wheel?

Seat belts working and comfortable?

How is the visibility? Check the rearview mirror and the side mirrors.

Drive the car on the highway. Does it merge well into traffic?

Test the cruise control if the car is equipped.

Test drive the car's steering and handling in tight situations. Make a U-turn. Does the car have an adequate turning radius? Parallel park the car as well. Does it maneuver well into the spot?

Will it fit into your driveway or garage?

Remember to do your research first and the test drive will be more meaningful. Then you won't fall prey to the new car smell or the sometimes misleading "feel of the wheel." Instead, put yourself in control on the test drive and buy the car that's right for you.

Please feel free to call Reed Brothers Dodge with any questions you might have. Better yet, stop by our showroom. We're conveniently located on Route 355 at the Shady Grove Metro at 15955 Frederick Rd in Rockville, Maryland. We look forward to meeting you in person.

For more information log onto www.reedbrothersdodge.com or call us toll free: 1-877-681-5021.

I find it interesting that Leno talks about his old 1910 electric car in this video.  Those old cars did not go very fast.  Still, it is pretty amazing that these vehicles had the performance they did before the invention of any kind of modern electronics.  It's also interesting that electric cars tend to be more reliable and require less maintenance than internal combustion engines.

If I had a lot of cash I too might invest in some kind of electric vehicle.  It would be cheaper to operate and have better performance than a gas powered device.  Still, electric cars are not very good at going long distances.  When people figure out how to throw a quick charge on the things and set up charging stations like gas stations, it may be feasable to travel cross country in an electric car.

I read a book about ten years ago about somebody who drove from California to Maine in an electric car.  It was a subcompact with lead-acid batteries and a small motor.  I think he recharged the thing by plugging it into the electrical outlet in the motel rooms where he stayed.  As I recall he had a lot of trouble getting up the rockies, and had to be towed in the end.  Any car where you need to be towed to get someplace is pretty lame.  In the end the guy got to his destination, but it took him weeks and he ended up writing a book about it.  I guess writing is a good way to pass the time while you're waiting for your car to charge up.

Anyway, i liked the video of the Tesla and think I will go back and look at some more of Jay Leno's cars at that website.  It's pretty interesting learning new stuff about all kinds of strange vehicles people have built over the years.

"Rally Driving Experience with Hiroshi Masuoka". Wuiihhh... Saya langsung melingkari kalimat itu pada roundown acara yang dikirimkan PT Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motors (KTB).

Ya iyalah... Masuoka, pereli Mitsubishi asal Jepang, adalah juara 2002 dan 2003 Rally Paris Dakkar yang terkenal itu.

Undangan KTB sebenarnya untuk memperkenalkan Strada Triton Exceed, varian terbaru dan tertinggi dari Triton. Tapi lantaran ada Masuoka, acara bertajuk Media Touring Mitsubishi Strada Triton 2008, di Bali 7-9 Mei lalu itu, jadi double exciting.

Strada Triton Exceed merupakan varian tertinggi dari keluarga Mitsubishi Strada Triton. Rencananya, launching resmi akan dilakukan 21 Mei besok. Tapi saya bersama 25 wartawan otomotif lainnya berkesempatan mencobanya duluan.

Dengan kehadiran Exceed membuat Triton kini memiliki tiga varian. Selain Strada Triton D-Cab Exceed yang dibaderol Rp 256 juta, juga ada Strada Triton D-Cab GLS seharga Rp 241 juta, dan Strada Triton D-Cab GLX yang dipasangi mesin 2.800 cc seharga Rp 218 juta.

Dibandingkan dua varian lainya, tampilan Strada Triton Exceed lebih modis. Dilengkapi new front grill, front bumper ornament, fog lamp, foot step, side body moulding, rear step bumber, dan ground clereance paling tinggi di kelasnya.

Interior juga dilengkapi jok berlapis kulit, shift knob dan roda kemudi juga dilapis kulit. Urusan entertainment ditambah dengan pemasangan CD/MP3/WMA dan USB Port.

"Strada Triton Exceed merupakan langkah KTB untuk memenuhi pasar sekaligus mempertahankan dominasinya di kelas pick-up 4x4. Pasarnya lebih ditujukan pada kalangan menengah ke atas dan mereka yang punya gaya," kata Fumio Kuwayama, Presiden Direktur KTB.

Di hari pertama, kami diajak menguji mobil berpenggerak 4WD (four wheel drive) ini di jalanan Bali. Meski bodinya cukup bongsor, melalui Serangan-Padang Galak-Pura Geger-Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) di Jimbaran, Stratda Triton Exceed tak sulit dikendalikan. Apalagi turning radiusnya lumayan, 5.9 meter, sehingga memudahkan manuver.

Mesin 2.5 L DI-D Commonrail DOHC 16-Valve Intercooler Turbo yang pertama mengadopsi sistem Low pressure coomonrail menghasilkan tenaga besar tapi emisi gas buang lebih rendah. Pasokan turbo pada mobil bertransmisi 5-speed manual ini sudah terasa sejak jarum rpm menunjuk angka 2.000.

Satu yang membuat saya cukup terkesan adalah suspensinya yang empuk untuk kelas double pick-up. Hal ini lantaran Rigid Elliptic Leaf Springs with Shock Absorber yang terpasang di suspensi belakang.

Di GWK, KTB sudah menyiapkan trek off-road. Di sini kami bisa menguji fitur Easy select 4WD Shift-on-the-fly. Begitu persneling ditempatkan di posisi 4L Strada Triton sanggup menaiki tebing buatan dengan kemiringan lebih dari 45 derajat.

Kesempatan berkendara bersama Masuoka kesampaian juga keesokan harinya. Pereli kelahiran Saitama 13 Maret 1960 ini memberikan sensasi yang belum pernah saya rasakan sebelumnya

Trek berkerikil dan berpasir, jalur naik turun, dan tikungan-tikungan tajam di antara tebing GWK dilahap Masuoka seperti tengah berada di jalan bebas hambatan. Ya, pastilah trek ini nggak seberapa dibandingkan jalur yang ia lalui di Paris Dakkar.

Tanjakan dan turunan digeber habis. Tikungan tajam disikat dengan angle yang takkan berani saya lakukan. Sementara Masuoka terus ngebejek pedal gas, saya yang berada dibelakangnya berpegangan erat. Sesekali berteriak-teriak guna mengurangi deg-degan. Kesempatan langka yang belum tentu datang dua kali.

"Arigato, Masuoka-san...!"

SPESIFIKASI
Mesin: 4D56 DOHC 16 Valve In-line 4-Cylinder Commonrail Diesel Injection Intercooler and Turbocharger
Kapasitas: 2.477 cc
Daya: 136 PS (100 kW)/3.500 rpm
Torsi: 32.0 Kgm (314 Nm)/2.000 rpm
Transmisi: 5-Speed Manual
Dimensi (pxlxt): 5.000/1.800/1.810 mm
Wheelbase: 3.000 mm
Suspensi: Independent Wishbone, Coil Spring with Shock Absorber and Stablizer (depan); Rigid Elliptic Leaf Springs with Shock Absorber (belakang)
Rem: 16 inch Ventilated Disc (depan); 11.6 inch Leading & Trailing Drums with LSPV (belakang)
Harga:
- Strada Triton D-Cab Exceed: Rp 256 juta
- Strada Triton D-Cab GLS: Rp 241 juta
- Strada Triton D-Cab GLX: Rp 218 juta

Looks great, here is a test drive to the sounds of the Peter Gunn theme!

A great right up on a car Stirling Moss loved over at Jalopnik

Learn more Facel Vega ClubFacel Vega Club

sageflyfish.com

I've been getting by with a less than spectacular 5 weight for some 8 years now. The rod is nothing pretty to look at and is stiffer than it needs to be. It isn't what you would call a smooth casting rod. On more than one occasion I've overlined the little 8 1/2 foot 5 weight with everything from a 6 weight to a 9 weight just for laughs.

Just recently I did a side-by-side comparison of the Sage ZXL and Winston BIIx in a parking lot test. Not much to gain from this sort of research but you get an idea of what feels good. I lined each of the 9 foot 5 weights with your basic Scientific Anglers GPX in a 5 weight. The GPX is actually half a size heavier and more of an all purpose line - good at a lot of things.

I've casted the Winston BIIx before and liked how it felt. Very smooth with a soft tip. Gives you that old school feeling...nice and relaxed. If it weren't for the Sage ZXL I would have probably picked up the BIIx sooner or later.

After throwing some line around though, it was clear to me which one I liked better. The ZXL is very smooth from the tip down. It's a little hard to explain but the tip doesn't just fold into the middle of the rod like the BIIx. Don't get me wrong. The BIIx is a nice rod and I wouldn't mind owning one. The ZXL is just better.

The tip isn't so soft that you have a tough time picking up a lot of line. With 40 feet of line out in front it just takes a smooth pickup to bring all of that line up and behind you. Once you get the line moving it just makes you look like a superstar.

A week later I went back to the fly shop to try out the ZXL again but this time I lined it with RIO Gold. That match up was nice. Much better than the GPX.

So...now I have a little dilemma. Me and the ZXL obviously get along. I guess I need to start picking through the herd and seeing what I can throw on the auction block.

Test Drive: Unlimited (2006)

The Hawaiian island of Oahu is your playground for expensive houses, clothes, bikes and, of course, cars from hatchbacks and nice family saloons all the way up to eyes-on-stalks supercars. Race against the clock, against the islands drivers and online against drivers from all over the world or just put on your favourite radio station and take a relaxing drive and soak in the scenery.

8/10

Extremely well thought out and extremely large open world driving game with lots of cars to drive and lots and lots of roads to drive them on. Bikes, hundreds of costumes and full avatar creation are the icing on the cake but the thing that really sticks in the mind is the exemplary interface that puts everything you need at your fingertips in a very clear and highly usable manner. Online integration is also outstanding.

I had the opportunity to test drive a Smart Car (made by Mercedes-Benz) over the weekend. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it ran and how comfortable it was. I test drove the Smart ForTwo, which has retail price of $11,000 to $16,500. Currently, in my area there is a 1 year wait for a car and in order to get on the list you need to put a $99 deposit down for the car.

All cars come with automatic and a push button standard (I do not know how to drive a stick so I cannot elaborate on how this is different than other cars other than there was no clutch or pedal on the floor). If you drive the car in standard you get better gas mileage.

This is a gas fueled car that is legal to drive on the highway and to my surprise can go as fast as 90 MPH!! When looking at its size you wonder what it can do on the highway.

Once I got into the car I was surprised to see how big the passenger space was. You feel like you are sitting pretty high in the car and there is a huge sunroof so you feel like you have alot of space. The controls on the car felt like they were in the right place and it was easy to see out of. As I started driving the car it had a good start as you step on the gas, my biggest complaint is when you get to about 15 mph you hesitate as you switch gears and you feel this much more than you would in another car. Overall, the car drove well and handled well.

The cargo space was also larger than I thought it would be, although not cavernous. You could easily fit several full grocery bags in the back. There is also a ton leg room space so if you are traveling alone in the car and you bought more than could fit in the back you could easily fit it in the front. I think the obvious caveat is that I would not recommend this car to make a big trip to Ikea or Home Depot for large items.

The car comes in a limited amount of colors white, grey, black, orange (they say red, I am not so sure though), yellow and blue. They also have a convertible version. There are million features you can add on to the car to like heated seats, 5 cd changer, mp3 plug in jack, bike or ski racks, safety plus package (emergency equipment), and lots of others.

So here is what you have been waiting for it is a gas car so what is its mileage... 33 city 40 highway. It has an 8.7 gallon tank so if gas is $4.00 a gallon it would cost $34.80 to fill up and drive anywhere from 287.1 - 348 miles.

Features:

• 4 Start Crash test rating
• Tight turning radius of 28.71 ft.
• Electronic Stability Program
• Anti-lock Brakes
• passive safety systems
• Full-size 2 stage front airbag, head and thorax side airbags, belt tensioners and belt force limiters (the steering column can also retract away when necessary)
• Hill Start assist (which will be helpful in a car this size)

Who is this car perfect for:The commuter (train or public transportation) who needs a ride to the station, someone who works close to home, a second car, or any single person or couple who just needs a car on occasion.

Cons of this car: It is still a completely gas run car so it does not help you get rid of your dependence on oil or gas. Cars are going to have to have equally competitive gas mileage soon anyway.

Environmental Info:Production of these cars takes place in 'smartville' where they use a process of painting the cars that uses 40% less energy than conventional painting methods and solvent emissions are low because they use water based lacquers. Their industrial waste water and sewage is purified which reduces waster water contamination to what a population of 50 people would produce rather than a population of 3,000. Some of the components of the car are also made with 100% recycled plastic. They even went so far as designing the car to be recyclable when you are done with it!!! Talk about innovation!!

For more information go to: http://www.smartusa.com

Taklukkan Tantangan Tanpa Melupakan Safety!

Jakarta, 10 Mei 2008 – Setelah sukses menyelenggarakan tiga acara yang serupa selama tiga tahun berturut-turut, PT. Ford Motor Indonesia kembali menggelar acara bertajuk ’Ford Escape Extreme Zone’ pada akhir pekan ini. Acara yang berlangsung selama dua hari di lapangan Parkir Timur Senayan ini memberikan kesempatan kepada para pengunjung untuk berpartisipasi dalam menaklukkan tantangan yang menegangkan sambil mendapatkan pelajaran dalam keamanan berkendara bersama the Real SUV New Ford Escape.

Will Angove, Presiden Direktur PT. Motor Indonesia berkomentar, ”New Ford Escape adalah contoh produk yang mampu menunjukkan atribut-atribut dari visi brand Ford, ’Make Every Day Exciting’. Ford Escape Extreme Zone tahun ini sedikit berbeda dengan tahun-tahun sebelumnya. Tak hanya tantangan ekstrim yang ditawarkan, tapi juga sesi edukatif tentang keamanan berkendara atau safety driving. Acara hari ini adalah perwujudan dari ’Make Every Day Exciting’ dan merupakan salah satu wadah yang tepat bagi para konsumen di Indonesia untuk merasakan langsung pengalaman berkendara bersama Ford,” ungkap Will Angove, Presiden Direktur PT. Ford Motor Indonesia.

Sebelum para pengunjung yang antusias dapat berada di belakang kemudi Ford Escape, tim instruktur bersertifikasi internasional dari Indonesia Defense Driving Center (IDDC) memberikan pertunjukkan simulasi dalam keamanan berkendara, dimana akan sangat berguna untuk menghadapi 11 rintangan yang telah disiapkan bagi para pecinta otomotif di Jakarta.

Petualangan dimulai dengan tantangan "8 Miles", putaran berbentuk angka delapan yang menguji kemampuan bermanuver sekaligus nyali para pecinta Ford Escape! Ada lagi tantangan Twister, rintangan sand drifiting untuk mengetahui kehandalan akselerasi dan kestabilan New Ford Escape. Kedua rintangan tersebut belum seberapa dibandingkan dengan apa yang telah dipersiapkan oleh Ford dan tim panitia pada hari ini, karena masih ada rintangan mendebarkan Hell Raiser dengan ketinggian 4 meter dan panjang 19 meter, dimana kehandalan tenaga mesin dan kemampuan menanjak New Ford Escape benar-benar diuji!

Ford Motor Indonesia telah dengan sukses meluncurkan the new Ford Escape VVT pada bulan April 2007, bersamaan dengan peluncuran dua produk unggulan lainnya, the new Ford Everest dan the new Ford Ranger. Baru-baru ini the New Ford Escape VVT mendapatkan penghargaan sebagai The Best 4x2 SUV dari majalah Mobil Motor dalam acara Indonesian Car of the Year 2007.

Davy Tuilan, Direktur Marketing PT. Ford Motor Indonesia memberikan komentarnya di sela-sela acara, ”The New Ford Escape merupakan sebuah SUV sejati atau Real SUV, dengan eksterior yang elegan dan sportif, serta desain interior yang modern dan berkelas didukung oleh mesin dengan performa tinggi Duratec 2.3L VVT berteknologi ETCS. Mesin yang tangguh ini membuat the new Ford Escape dapat melampaui batasan konvensional sebuah SUV, dan dibuktikan dengan ketangguhannya melewati sebelas rintangan yang dipersiapkan pada hari ini. Di luar itu, kami juga ada tantangan-tantangan lainnya yang patut dicoba seperti panjat tebing dan Flying Fox. Saya menantang anda semua untuk mencobanya!”

The New Ford Escape VVT memberikan pengalaman unik berkendara dalam kenyamanan dan kesempatan untuk mengekspresikan kebebasan dengan penuh percaya diri. Hadir dengan desain eksterior yang baru, dengan interior yang lebih mewah, serta peningkatan mesin dengan VVT (Variable Valve Timing) yang secara signifikan meningkatkan kualitas berkendara dengan penggunaan bahan bakar yang lebih hemat. The new Ford Escape VVT memiliki tiga atribut brand, REAL SUV, CAR-LIKE COMFORT, serta SAFE & ROBUST.

I can't help but think I'm back at the beginning of something again.

The beginning of October kicked off a fantastic string of experiences that have instilled many hard learned lessons in me, about who I am and what I can be capable of. If I have to say anything about the person who went onto Republic airport that October morning, is that he had a lack of focus and no idea what door had been opened to him. I say all this because I find myself once again stepping into a Bentley and driving off into an uncertain new start.

There was a good stretch of nothing going on at the office for a while. I'd been finalizing some details in my articles, the distribution of the magazine was underway, and I'd been waiting for some call backs. other than some minute tasks and side projects, I'd been pretty bored. I had nothing really to look forward to in the immediate future, so I was feeling a bit down about the languid workdays. Mercifully, Bentley of Long Island sent me an email saying that they'd had a track day set up at Pocono Raceway the following Wednesday.

Delighted, I grabbed a 2 hour nap and headed out to Pennsylvania in the truck, as forethought told me that coming back on a road trip from a track day in the Mustang was a recipe for a whopping great speeding ticket.

After a peaceful and quite enjoyable ride out, I arrived at the speedway and lingered about as I was a bit early. Two guys from Bentley named John and Anthony arrived early themselves and we hung out and ate breakfast as people began to trickle in.

The room, with buffet and such, filled up quickly with attendees and the instructors that would be taking them out. Among them, coincidentally, was Travis, the trainer who took me through my test of the GT speed. We talked about what we'd been up to since then ( he's a Huntington native, to further the coincidence) and he gave me a heads-up of the days proceedings: A drag strip, slalom setup, shuffle steering instruction, breaking and accident avoidance course, and a 3 lap auto cross course on one of the infield tracks, all this followed with a lunch buffet and a couple hot laps of the south road course with Derek Bell.

Who's Derek Bell? champion 5 time Le Mans winner is who he is. more on this later.

We were paired into groups of 3 for the activities, those who came with people were obviously together, and those who came by themselves were teamed with each other. This resulted in my spending the day with two gentlemen named Doug and Sean, both much keener on motorsport than I am, admittedly. we were taken out by our instructor, Nick, who loaded us into the back of a 4-door Flying Spur. Nice, but for track day? this would be interesting.

We were treated to the Auto cross section first, which was one of the short infield courses set up with cones on the apex of the turns for reference points. Nick took us through a couple of times while explaining what we should be focusing on as drivers, what the car will be doing, and what it's capable of. I absorbed as much as I could, because at this point I was reminded vividly that I don't make a good back seat passenger. with 4 cups of coffee and a banana sloshing around as we were thrown about the track, I was gripped with the worst nausea I've felt in a very long time. when Nick was done, Sean leaped into the drivers seat and eagerly attacked the track with full force. I'd normally appreciate this kind of enthusiasm, but at the time, I was short of breath and praying for him to finish. When he did I decided to sit out and "take a few pictures," although it was no secret to these men that I had changed several shades of green. At least I got to admire the Spur chew up the track for a bit.

Getting behind the wheel finally, I listened Nick's instruction as he talked me through the corners and encouraged a lot more throttle than I was letting on. I was not without mistakes here or there, but with helpful correction, each lap was smoother and faster than the last.

Next up was the braking and accident avoidance exercise. a cone oval was set up with two small chicanes where we would first learn to steer into a breaking stop, and then do a rapid lane change at the next section. You don't hear the words "go flat out and then brake when I tell you" a whole lot, but when you do, some hesitation is bound to effervesce. I stamped on the throttle, straight towards a wall of cones. the fraction of seconds past where I'd probably brake were long and spent urging Nick to say "brake" with my mind while staring at him in my periphery.

"brake!" screetch!!! dink. "ok, see what you did there?"

This was followed by the drag strip set up on the straightaway of the main track, the tri-oval used regularly in NASCAR and such. Finally letting loose the 12-cylinder beast under the hood, without the burden of corners, we had enough space and time to admire the ferocity of the car. at the end, we began the shuffle steering instruction. this was basically a very simple technique that showed the proper way to grasp and utilize the steering wheel. forget 10 and 2, you race at 3 and 9, and NEVER do hand over hand. you...shuffle up and down. It turns out I had more bad habits than I thought. this less than 5 mph exercise was the hardest test of the day. More cones suffered my wrath.

Speaking cones, the slalom was incredible fun and I didn't do half bad, considering I was driving a 4 door luxury sedan. I felt like I was evacuating a car full of diplomats.

At this point, we headed back to the meeting room and had a little break while waiting for our hot laps with Mr. Bell. Sean was the first one to head out, and I chatted with Doug while I stuffed my self with bagels in hopes that this would ease my well churned stomach that had gotten worse as the day went on. I didn't complain and I enjoyed my activities, but at this point, I was absolutely disgusted to the point where my body shook uncontrollably.

Derek Bell returned to the room. Doug, who I wanted to go first and buy me some more recovery time, conveniently recieved a phone call right before Mr. Bell entered. So Derek looks at him and then points to me saying "so, you ready?"

I wasn't, but that's not a moment you back out of. Mr. Bell and I climb into the cherry red GT speed he's been using for the past week. He begins to laud the performance and capabilities of the car while we cruise to the south course. He checks tire pressure and suspension settings and as we reach the main track, we set off.

I want to be very careful describing what happened next. Taking to a NASCAR rated track in a 200mph capable luxury coupe sitting shotgun to a true-blue, old school, motorsport champion race car driver was a euphoric phenomenon that shattered my perceptions of speed, skill, and performance.

I thought I was a good driver. I thought I knew people who were better. I spent the day privy to the driving of a race instructor and two very good race enthusiasts. I was wrong. We are all equals beneath the talents of those who are professionals and heroes in their trade for a reason. Step into the ring with Holyfield or play a pick-up game with Jordan and you'll realize instantly that these aren't just people who are simply very talented at what they do, there's a reason why they're winners.

"this track is designed to handle turns at 150, but I'm keeping it at 100 because I don't want to ruin the right tires" Bell says, as we fly to the outside of the corner towards the retaining wall. While he casually goes on about with his general sales pitch (lets not forget that he's been sent there to sell Bentleys, basically, not to revert 27-year-old writers to excited schoolboys), we turn onto the infield track impeccably maintaining the same momentum he's started with. the G-forces are constant and I feel like I'm sitting on the edge of a constantly banking roller coaster. we blaze into the second lap, and he switches off the ABS to show how it feels to go around without the sophisticated system on. He's still talking, speaking animatedly at times with a free hand as if this is a casual sunday drive, where as I am in an accelerated survival mode, eyes darting everywhere, and breathing lamaz-style and tightening my stomach to keep my insides still.

We stop, and he askes me something to the effect of "so what do you think?" I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. I was literally speechless. Given a moment to collect myself, I told him that I was gobsmacked which had him roar in amusement.

"steel yourself now, Doug", I said, as we traded places and he left for his hot laps. in the mean time, Sean and I convinced one of the instructors to take us back out to the autocross in the GT speed. when Doug returned, we went back out on the track. The instructor informs us that tagging along in the back seat wouldn't be too comfortable this time around, as we're in a 2 door coupe now, (the blue one I've been admiring all day )so D&S get out, and I take to the track first.

Getting to finish with what we started on was wonderful. I felt more than confidant in what I could do after a days worth of heavy instruction, application tests, and experiencing true racing first hand. In the lighter, nimbler GT speed, I shot off the line and into the first corner. this instructor's...instruction was more aggressive than Nicks. He did less instruction and did more of a running guide. Either way, I wasn't listening to him too much, as I lost myself in the freedom to put all my knowledge, old and new, to the test. hitting apexes, breaking later and later, I'm in heaven. second lap, a couple corners towards the end, I brake a bit too late and mess up a turn. I further apply what I've learned that day about the car and slam the breaks as I give the wheel a yank to the left, letting the ABS chug away, sticking the tail out a little, and exit the bend, smiling gleefully.

One more agressive lap, and my turn was up. Doug and Sean take their turns and they his the track harder than I did. Sean ended his run with breaks completely smoked and overheated.

We returned yet again to the meeting room, where lunch was being served and all three of us, strangers only a few hours ago, were in excited conversation about cars and the days events. chatting away like schoolboys, we're interrupted by Mr. Bell. " May I join you for lunch?" he says. the three of us exchange looks. At this point, it's as if John Wayne just asked us to hang with him. We of course invite him to sit, where we engage in conversation for 2 whole hours. There was this table of 4 and nothing else for those moments. We listened to stories of motorsport and car development, and so on for so long, we took a bathroom break, got more food, and then did it again.

At some point, we all had to leave, though I think none of us really wanted to. Sean left first, and I decided to leave then too. Doug stuck around and had a look that maybe he wanted to hang out just a bit more, but I really had a drive ahead of me.

Hesitantly, I said goodbye to Pocono Raceway and headed back to NY, struggling to stay awake as my lack of sleep and the days excitement caught up with me. The next few days after, I kind of basked in the afterglow of the experience. I wanted nothing more than to climb into a car and push it and myself to the limit on a track once more. everything I knew before was now made slightly more crisper and detailed, and I longed to further pursue this course of study. I wanted..no want, very much to go to racing school where I can eagerly absorb knowledge of corners, apexes, camber angles, limited-slip differentials, grip, tire temperature, everything.

Perhaps I'm just fantasizing about being a race car driver, or perhaps I'm the same and the experience just made me love cars and driving more. I can't explain it, I don't even want to write about it, I just want to go and drive.

-Alex-

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Galopa como el viento
Isaac Hernández prueba para Automundo el rápido y esperado “muscle car” de la nueva Chrysler.
Fotos: Isaac Hernández, Bill Delaney

La carrera de los “pony cars” estaba un poco aburrida hasta ahora, con el Ford Mustang como único purasangre. Las cosas han cambiado con la llegada del Challenger SRT8, y este otoño se pondrán más interesantes, cuando llegue el nuevo Chevy Camaro.
El Challenger tiene el moderno chasis del Dodge Charger (también del Chrysler 300) pero con la distancia entre ejes acortada en cuatro pulgadas, hasta las 116”. Al final, Challenger es dos pulgadas más corto, una pulgada más ancho y una pulgada más bajo que el Charger, y pesa 28 libras menos para un total de 4140 libras, 700 más que el Mustang GT; y es que el Challenger es bastante más grande y casi entra en otra categoría.

Aunque el modelo de serie se parece mucho al concepto presentado en Detroit 2006, la carrocería es completamente distinta. A simple vista, los cambios más llamativos son la parrilla, la tapa metálico para el depósito de gasolina y las luces traseras, que en ambos casos se parecen más al Challenger de 1970 y menos al concept. Dicha parrilla, al estar tan atrasada con respecto al resto de la carrocería, causó estragos en el túnel del viento. Los ingenieros tuvieron que trabajar horas extras, añadiendo un faldón delantero y un pequeño alerón trasero, ambos fundamentales para la aerodinámica del carro. Los rines de aleación de 20 pulgadas, diseñados por el grupo SRT y fabricados por Alcoa, le dan el toque final. El SRT8 que manejamos hoy calza además los neumáticos opcionales Goodyear F1 de tres temporadas que ofrecen más agarre en pista.

El interior tiene un buen acabado y algunos toques inspirados en el Challenger clásico, como los relojes con esferas blancas en un túnel trapezoidal, o la forma también trapezoidal de las puertas. El interior es principalmente de color negro, incluyendo el techo, dando al carro un aire del malo de las películas. Contra esa monotonía de color destacan las bandas naranjas sobre los asientos, que están recubiertos de cuero y ‘suede’.
Las plazas traseras tienen suficiente espacio para dos adultos en los espacios exteriores, sin que estos se golpeen la cabeza contra el cristal trasero, como ocurre en otros coupés; de hecho hay bastante espacio para los cocos. La plaza central es más indicada para un niño, ya que el espacio se ve reducido por la luz de freno trasera montada en el techo.
El SRT8 se arranca con un botón, como en el Dodge Viper SRT10, y en la versión del año que viene tendrá también disponible la transmisión manual Tremec de seis velocidades del Viper, adaptada al SRT8. Pero por ahora nos tenemos que conformar con el cambio automático de cinco marchas, que funciona suavemente, pero no es tan divertido.
Los 425 caballos del HEMI V8 6.1 se despiertan con ganas, enviando un rugido barítono a los tubos de escape rectangulares, que es música para los oídos de los amantes del HEMI (y para la testosterona).
En la pista de Willow Springs, el Challenger se comporta con una nobleza no esperada de un vehículo tan pesado. La aceleración de 0 a 60 mph es de tan sólo 4,9 segundos. Para divertirnos, apagamos el control de tracción y dejamos el ESP encendido. Este último sólo se entremete en el caso de que nos pasemos de la raya, pero antes podremos deslizar la trasera del vehículo con sólo soltar un poco el pie del acelerador en mitad de una curva.
Al Challenger le gusta ir alto de revoluciones para aprovechar el par del motor. Si bajamos de las 4000 rpm, la transmisión no siempre reacciona bajando de marcha con la rapidez deseada. El cambio semi-automático Auto-Stick no es en verdad un buen substituto para el cambio manual. Si quieres un Challenger SRT8 para llevar a los circuitos, mejor espera al modelo del 2009.
El volante, recubierto de cuero con tejido estilo fibra de carbono (a juego con las agarraderas de las puertas y la palanca de cambios) tiene un magnífico tacto. La dirección es muy precisa, aunque tiene un poquito de retraso antes de actuar.
Como el motor, la suspensión y los frenos son los mismos que en otros SRT8. En el caso de la suspensión, los ingenieros han querido programara los amortiguadores monotubo Bilstein para que sean un poco más blandos que en el Charger SRT8, pero más duros que en el 300 SRT8, pero manteniendo un nivel deportivo. El Challenger cuenta con la ventaja, sobre el Mustang, que la suspensión trasera es independiente, como la trasera, ofreciendo más comodidad de marcha.
Además, todos los modelos SRT8 reciben un nuevo programa de frenado que utiliza el ABS para acercar las zapatas al disco en el caso de que el carro detecte fuerzas laterales de más de 0,6 g´s. En el pasado, la excesiva inercia causaba falta de respuesta del freno, pero esto se ha solucionado. Los frenos Brembo se comportan de maravilla; Chrysler dice que el carro utiliza 110 pies para ir de 60 a 0 mph.
Hay quienes se quejarán de que el Challenger, al basarse en un cuatro puertas, es un poco pesado para un coupé. Yo personalmente estoy satisfecho con el compromiso, porque de no ser así esta bella máquina nunca se hubiera construido. Ahora sí, yo me conformaré con verla pasar por la calle y dejar que otros se gasten sus ahorros a la hora de llenar el combustible, ya que el consumo oficial es de 13/18mpg, y eso es sin pisar a fondo. Durante nuestra prueba deportiva, en carretera de curvas, autopista, circuito de carreras y un poco de ciudad, hicimos 12.5mpg, de acuerdo con la computadora de abordo.

La primera edición está limitada a 6400 unidades, empezando en $37,990, pero si quieres uno y no lo has r

eservado ya, seguramente tengas que pagar bastante más, no sólo porque seguramente venga cargado con opciones como el sistema de navegación y música con disco duro, MyGig o con techo solar, sino porque los distribuidores más que probablemente suban el precio por encima del anunciado, para aprovechar la gran demanda.

Más fotos en www.MercuryPress.com

Este artículo se publicará en Automundo.

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Brown goes down, down by...14 points ( It was hot out today! Sweating isn't pleasant)

pegi opish tapi takder idea nak wat design. otak berserabut. well, on normall days; my work attire would be jeans and tshirt or kadang kadang with kemeja. casual and senang. (however i ada spare slack and long sleeve kemeja kat opish- just in case). but most of the time, if there is no appointment upfront, i would turn in just jeans n tshirt jer lah.

so semalam its the same, old jeans with tshirt.

takder keja, i pinjam kancil my staff. told him klu u nak kuar, u take my car. i drove to Bangsar. pegi one of the Honda shop. it was the same kedai that i purchased the brand new CRV ivtec in yr 02.

nak test drive accord 08 nih

upon park the kancil kat depan kedai.... and i think the salesman inside could notice me thru the glass doors and walls tu.

masuk dalam.

salesman datang.. greet me.

he is young.

i mintak pamplet accord. he said tak ada. he flip out the price list...

mahal keta ni encik.. dekat 180k.

i just nod

tengok tengok the car.. nice though i could not quite understand about the bulging eye

inside- very nice. but it missed the sat nav screen seen in other models for other countries.

politely asked the salesman... boleh test drive tak ni.

he smiled and said NO

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miahahahahaha

mungkin dalam ati dia kata

cehhh mamat nih, bawak kancil. pakai jeans buruk and tshirt sempoi. nak test accord!!! pirrraaahh

hehehehe

i wasnt kecik ati. saja jer nak test market in those costumes and driving kancil

next two weeks, i'll come again; turn in in the same dress code tapi will drive the E class. dad ada keja and the car would be mine for one week.agak agak camana layanan dia ekk? hehehehe

aku bukan ada duit nak bli pong.. saja jer nak try.