AUTO MANIA: by Dr. Iain Corness [email protected]

What did we learn from the Monaco GP?

What did we learn from the Monaco Grand Prix? Lots, actually, but very little positive. The circuit round the houses of Monaco is an anachronism. Fine for 1923 with Bugatti ‘voiturettes’ reaching blistering speeds close to 60 mph, but totally ridiculous 90 years later with F1 vehicles doing 180 mph where possible (and often where not possible). All that can happen is processional races, livened up with spectacular crashes, safety car periods while they sweep up the debris and finally a red flag when there is too much debris for ten men and ten brooms. At one stage I thought I was watching the Fast and Furious 6 movie, half expecting Vin Diesel to appear climbing out of the debris in a sweaty singlet.
There were some positives, and the most obvious one was the performance of Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) who was in control all the way, seemingly pulling away from Vettel and Webber (Red Bulls) with ease after each restart. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) is in danger of losing the ‘Golden Boy’ mantle.
Adrian Sutil (FIndia) finished fifth after a well controlled drive featuring some clean passes, though that of his team mate Paul Di Resta was more impressive coming from 17th after fumbling from the pit wall in Qualifying, and finally getting up to ninth without hitting anyone or anything.
Jenson Button (6th) is turning out to be a bit of a whinger, especially when he gets passed by his team mate ‘Checo’ Perez, something that he will have to expect more often. Perez must wear special jocks, as he certainly has the big cojones!
Not a good weekend for Alonso (Ferrari), ending up seventh, but still a better weekend than that of his stable mate Massa.
The ‘Big Hitters’ at the weekend included Massa (Ferrari) who managed to destroy the barriers at St. Devote (twice), Maldonado (Williams) who tried the low flying approach after being launched by Chilton (Marussia) and Grosjean (“Lotus”) who tried mounting Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) from the rear, earning him a 10 place grid penalty for unseemly behavior in public for the next Grand Prix.
The Cheeky Award has to go to ‘Checo’ Perez (McLaren) with some fairly audacious overtaking maneuvers. This requires the driver to put his car in such a position that the car being passed has either to yield or crash. Alonso and Button yielded - Raikkonen (“Lotus”) did not! Alonso, after the race saying, “He was lucky this year in two or three incidents. In Bahrain nearly contact with Jenson, with me I was off the track avoiding contact. Here at the chicane I avoided contact again, but Kimi was not lucky because he didn’t avoid the contact. But only McLaren has to be happy with him.” Raikkonen complained, “He seems to expect people to be always looking at what he might do, then move over or go straight on if he comes into the corner too quick and isn’t going to make it without running into someone.” (And that is one very long sentence from KR, so he must be hopping mad!) One thing is also certain, Jenson Button isn’t happy with him either, complaining to his team during the race.
The next race is in Canada, with the telecast starting at 1 a.m. Have a nap in the afternoon, as I think this race will be spectacular, an adjective that could not be used about the Monaco GP, which was soporific for the majority of the two and a bit hours duration!

Eleanor sold in the US for 1 million USD

Eleanor.

A 1967 Ford Mustang used in the 2000 film Gone in 60 Seconds has sold for a staggering US$1 million. This Mustang was one with a movie history, being the famous ‘Eleanor’ Mustang driven by actor Nicolas Cage in the movie’s closing stages.
As is common with shooting movies, several models looking the same were commissioned. Eleven of the fictional Eleanor Mustangs were created for the movie, although only three of these were working cars, and two of those were destroyed during filming. This one was Cage’s primary ‘beauty’ car, used mostly for close ups as well as promotional efforts.
The car was sold during the Dana Mecum 26th Original Spring Classic Auction in Indianapolis last week. No details about the auction’s winner were announced, though the price paid is not at all unexpected given the car’s fame as well as its pedigree.
Though not an original Shelby, the Eleanor Mustang was based on a 1967 Ford Mustang fastback and was built by Cinema Vehicle Services with the help of legendary coachbuilder Chip Foose. Key features of the car are its central-mounted driving lights, pumped fender flares, and unique hood and trunk. Power comes from a 351 Ford V-8 crate engine, rated at 400 horsepower.
Other specifications include a four-speed manual transmission, lowered suspension with coil-overs, 17 inch wheels shod with Goodyear F1 tires and a faux nitrous kit.
Included in the sale was certification of the vehicle’s authenticity from the company responsible for building it as well as a special plaque that includes the VIN.
Interestingly, this is the second time in five years that this particular Eleanor Mustang has come up for sale.

News from the Automotive Focus Group

Tata has decided to postpone the development of the new facility in Thailand. Previously, Tata had announced it will enter the passenger car market in Thailand during the third quarter, when it will introduce the Nano budget vehicle.
This news does not surprise me at all. Tata Xenon pickups have been selling steadily, but not setting the world on fire. The Nano received world-wide publicity as being the cheapest car on the planet, but some reliability problems have left the Nano with a less than stellar reputation. Until sales pick up in India, I do not think there will be any rush to sell this vehicle here in Thailand, to a customer base which is more sophisticated than their Indian one.

Honda returning to F1

Honda has announced its decision to participate in the FIA Formula One World Championship from the 2015 season under a joint project with McLaren, the UK-based F1 corporation.

(From left) Whitmarsh and Ito.

Honda will be in charge of the development, manufacture and supply of the power unit, including the engine and energy recovery system, while McLaren will be in charge of the development and manufacture of the chassis, as well as the management of the new team, McLaren Honda.
From 2014, new F1 regulations require the introduction of a 1.6 liter direct injection turbocharged V6 engine with energy recovery systems. The opportunity to further develop these powertrain technologies through the challenge of racing is central to Honda’s decision to participate in F1. Throughout its history, Honda has passionately pursued improvements in the efficiency of the internal combustion engine and in more recent years, the development of pioneering energy management technologies such as hybrid systems. Participation in Formula 1 under these new regulations will encourage even further technological progress in both these areas. Furthermore, a new generation of Honda engineers can experience the challenges and the thrills of operating at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Commenting on this development, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda said, “Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing. Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile racing series. The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1. We have the greatest respect for the FIA’s decision to introduce these new regulations that are both highly challenging but also attractive to manufacturers that pursue environmental technologies which has developed F1 into a high value, top car racing category supported by enthusiastic fans. The corporate slogan of Honda is “The Power of Dreams”. This slogan represents our strong desire to pursue and realise our dreams together with our customers and fans. Together with McLaren, one of the most distinguished F1 constructors, Honda will mark a new beginning in our challenges in F1.”
Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren Group Limited said, “The names of McLaren and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula 1, and, for everyone who works for both companies, the weight of our past achievements together lies heavily on our shoulders. But it’s a mark of the ambition and resolve we both share that we want once again to take McLaren Honda to the very pinnacle of Formula 1 success. Together we have a great legacy - and we’re utterly committed to maintaining it.”
Bernie Ecclestone said, “It is a great pleasure to see Honda back in Formula 1. Their engine technology and passion for motor sports make them a natural Formula 1 contender.”
Of course, the following day our Bernie, the patron saint of pit stops, was intimating that BMW would be coming back in, a notion that was strongly denied by BMW headquarters.

Thai Automotive Sales Statistics April 2013

Vehicle output in April stood at 170,438 units, up 17 percent on April 2012, but down 33 percent on March (this was due to fewer working days in the month).
Domestic car sales over the month were 109,658 units, an increase of 24 percent over April 2012, but a decline of 30 percent on March. However, sales over Q1 this year stood at 522,914 units, up 42 percent on the same period last year.
The export market showed the same basic trends, with a total of 67,641 vehicles exported in April, up 22 percent on April 2012, but down 34 percent on March this year.
Despite poor sales figures for most manufacturers in Europe, Thailand appears to be sheltered from that downturn, and the future is looking good locally.

Slick and small - the way to haul?

Mazda CX-5.

The world is heading towards small efficient four cylinder engines, such as Ford’s eco-boost range. The body most wanted is now small SUV’s such as Ford’s Kluga, for example.
Mazda has a replacement for the Tribute, called the CX-5, which has had good reviews in the foreign press. The engines will be a choice of 2 liter petrol (155 BHP) or 2.2 liter diesel (175 BHP).
The new CK-5 is part of Mazda’s SkyActiv range and will return between 16 (petrol) and 18 kilometers (diesel) per liter. Fuel saving ideas include the Stop-Start systems as well as the use of lightweight materials in the body/chassis.
The CX-5 will be released in October and cost between 1.2 and 1.7 million baht.

Autotrivia Quiz

Last week, I asked which record breaking drivers towed a portable petrol bowser, so they could refuel on the run? It was the Hon Mrs Victor Bruce and her husband in a Jowett!
So to this week. Which famous rally driver rallied four different “works” cars that were available to him at the same time?
For the Automania free beer this week, be the first correct answer to email [email protected].