March 30, 2010

AMG Motorenbau und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH

I know I have posted quite a few AMG cars in action, but we can't get bored of those grunty V8 roaring down the autobahn. How on earth did they manage to achieve such symphony.



March 28, 2010

Instrument clusters

As cars are getting more advance nowadays, engineers have to wreck their brains to come up with exciting offerings to set their product apart from rival manufacturers.

Engine start stop, auto windows for all 4 doors, signal light indicators which blink a few times when not fully flicked, cruise control, reverse cameras etc are all gadgets which make the driver's time on the road more enjoyable.

One of the recent additions would be the digital display of the speedometer (found in the Civics), which replaces the conventional needle-like reading.








I do not really fancy digital readings, as they don't give you that sense of satisfaction when the numbers increase. Its a different story altogether when the needle swipes clockwise, giving you that extra punch and motivation to depress the throttle just a little more before you reach illegal speeds and slow down.

In this stock GTI blue display, it shows you what you need to know, not what you want to know. It does the job well. Simplicity is key when you need to look at it while driving.




However, after doing a custom tune more than 1 month ago, monitoring the turbo boost pressure is crucial. In stock form, peak boost is at 0.8 bar. After the tune, I'm getting a peak of around 1.5 bar ( I seldom venture into this zone) and it holds at 1.1 to 1.2 bar. Without this Defi blue Racer gauge, I'm unable to detect when, if any, there is any boost leak.

This small gauge was quite costly at S$335 (inclusive of S$40 installation fee at Autobacs) but you can be assured of accurate readings.

2 other important gauges for tuned/performance cars are water temperature and oil temperature.

I do not do long spirited sprints, so these tempearatures will not exceed the optimum level. BUT of course it looks stunning.



These 60mm Defi gauges indicate the Boost, oil temperature and oil pressure. Extremely costly at close to S$1k after installation. But what you pay is what you get: a quality Japanese product.






March 27, 2010

Music to my ears



This is the reason why i need to drive and the further, the better.

March 23, 2010

Lets torque about diesels

















Diesel cars are known for their unstable idling and carbon emission. Their diesel clattering can sometimes get rather irritating due to the "less clean" components used to keep the engine running.

However, BMW took on the challenge a while ago to produce a performance diesel in the form of the 335d. German refinement goes in sync with BMW and they had to work out a formula to prevent cabin noise due to the clattering.

We can't doubt the Munich engineers and once they have settled this issue, its all about how much torque the inline 6 twin turbo can produce. 425 foot pounds of torque is way enough to overtake the gti from the left lane. 576 nm of torque is an insane statistic.

Will Performance bring this in? Diesel tax would be a huge barrier, but doubt people eyeing this car that potentially gives an M3 driver a good run for his money car even bother about this.

March 21, 2010

430 + 28 = 458

Is it worth 28 more than the already stunning F430?

If looks can kill, the 458 Italia doesn't have to leave Alcatraz.





Remember MP4-12C...


















... because these numbers might trickle your spine more than these 3 numbers: 458. Will it?

On paper, Mclaren's latest Supercar looks right on target to gun down fellow works of art from Italy, Germany and Japan (yes there's only one very strong contender.)

Reports claim that it is able to break the ultra magical " under 3 seconds " barrier.

Engineers try to shave as much weight as possible, by opting for a CARBON FIBRE CHASSIS and choosing to emboss the Mclaren logo on the dash instead of adding a 30 gram badge.

The question is, is it as fun to drive as its predecessor, the Mclaren F1?

It seems to be, just by looking at the expressions of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button in this video.

Unleashing a thoroughbred Supercar consisting of British soul with a tinge of German DNA.

March 20, 2010

Not your usual Lambo darting round the bends

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is not new on the motoring scene.

But it will be up there with other motoring phenomenons as one of the best driver cars.

The rear wheel drive layout not allow the driver to have precise steering feel and handling, unwanted weight is shaved off, mainly from opting for the rwd drivetrain as compared to the all wheel drive system.

A tribute to Lamborghini's former chief test driver of 40 years.




March 18, 2010

Top Gear: Evo vs Lamborghini

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AMIoQUCEvY&feature=youtube_gdata


Sent from my iPhone

My favourite video by a mile

Newer brother behind me



I've not been a fan of the mk6 gti due to it's conservative looks and eagerness to appeal to the masses, which means trying hard to catch the attention of the older audience.

The rear, in my opinion, looked like a toureg and the front feels too flat for my liking.

That was until a tornado red gti appeared right behind me.

Wasted no time to take a shot of my older brother. At some angles, it can really look rather fierce and intriguing.

It's not one of the cars u want to see at your rear view mirror when u want to have a relaxing drive back from a long day in office.

I'm beginning to have some feelings for the mk6, especially one in spicy chilli red.

K20: 220hp in stock form


GeoTagged, [N1.34737, W103.76472]

Type R in Singapore can be a rather common sight.

Some may wonder how drivers can live with a car with such high rigidity, resulting in bone shattering movements when going through an uneven surface at speed.

Enthusiasts who do not bother abt comfort and passengers' wellbeing will love this car. It's so raw and responsive, making each shift a worthwhile flex of every left forearm muscle.

It has always been my dream to test one of these vtec monsters.

2.0l engine can put bigger brothers to shame.

That's what I love abt the K20.

March 17, 2010

SV...... SuperFast

How often do you see a V10 monster being smoked? Not very often.

Lambo's Murcielago LP-670 - 4 Super Veloce (what a long name) shows you how to fully utilise this abandoned airbase's long drag strip.

March 15, 2010

March 13, 2010













This is my very very oem car. Nothing to shout about.













This 3Dr Pirelli GTI can really turn heads.

R32 tail lights, painted rear valence, 18" Pirelli rims, K04 turbo to top it off.














A simple stage 1 tune can take this Pirelli version to the 300hp range. Should be good for a low 5 sec sprint. I foresee wheelspin for the driver during spirited runs.

March 12, 2010

Defining speed

Sat in a Rhommel tuned stage 2 gti today.

ABT quads look and sound sweet.

3 dr version adds a touch of sexiness to the ride.

I've always felt a sense of adrenaline whenever i sit in a performance car.

The Elise, 645i, legacy GT, Evo 10 all gave me that "wow this car is quick" feeling, but just now i did not feel what i thought i would.

Its not that this stage 2 gti is slow.

Its because...


... of the GTR's surge i felt 3 weeks ago. Nothing will feel quicker than that. Ever.

Traffic

Dear traffic

I have seen u everyday on weekdays. U can't disappear. The more I avoid u, the more frequent u appear before me. Let me enjoy my ride in a clear n safe manner ok, traffic?

Regards

March 9, 2010

Blogging from the phone


GeoTagged, [N1.35884, W103.76235]

Using the phone to blog is so convenient. Hope to include more entries in future.

Symphony Orchestra

Fast forward to 40 sec and enjoy Ferrari's exhaust symphony. The way the exhaust flaps open to emit such a wonderful sound is engineering brilliance.

March 6, 2010

WTS: AVS model T5 17" rims (ITEM SOLD)










Slight kerb rash on 1 rim.
Used for around 2 years.

Letting go at $200 for all 4 rims.

Owner changing to stock Evo 8 rims.

Please sms 9 0 1 7 6 2 7 2 if interested. Thanks!










Rims are of silverish chrome finish.
PCD 114.3

Comes with centre bore.

Centre caps are a little rusty, thats why letting go at only $50 per rim.

March 3, 2010

Boxer rumble is nice.

But there's a thin line between being nice or irritating.

Please save me from that decatted straight pipe Rex nearby.