Need for Speed - Malaysia Grand Prix

The 2007 Formula 1 Grand Prix season started off with a bang this year. The second racing event in the circuit was enjoyed in Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia hosted the 2007 Grand Prix at its Sepang International Circuit course during the first weekend in April.

Included in the Grand Prix Formula One Racing Championship in 1999, the Malaysia circuit, hosted at the Sepang racecourse near Kuala Lumpur, is fast becoming one of the most popular events in that part of Asia. Since their first year in the F1 racing circuit, the Malaysian course has offered drastic changes in weather to challenge F1 drivers, as well as a 56-lap, 5.54 km racecourse filled with hair-raising turns and straight-aways that beg for speed.


The Sepang racecourse, built in 1998, has become the guiding design of subsequent F1 racetracks around the world, and has led the way to offering a major global event that attracts thousands of visitors every year to this exotic country filled with charm, grace and history. Sepang is known to be one of the most technical circuits in the Grand Prix circuit, and its combinations of tight turns and straight-aways make it one of the most exciting courses for both drivers and spectators.

The racetrack, a mere 3.5 kilometers from the New Kuala Lumpur International Airport, is easily accessible by taxi and can be reached within a ten minute drive. Shuttle services also transport passengers back and forth as well, but most visitors opt to stay at least a few days to enjoy the atmosphere and amenities that Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia have to offer.

This year’s race saw Fernando Alonso crossing the finish line first for the McLaren-Mercedes racing team, and hot new rookie Lewis Hamilton, whose debut in the Australian Grand Prix in March 2007 saw him taking third, followed Alonso across the line to finish second in an exciting, heart-stopping race that had crowds at Sepang on their feet.


The roar of engines and the smell of hot rubber and warm asphalt drifted over the thousands who came to witness the exciting race, which saw Alonso maintaining an almost nine second lead over Hamilton the later half of the race as onlookers watched with wide-eyed excitement and cheered for the efforts of other racers, including Kimi Raikkonen, who finished third for Ferrari.

After Australia, the F1 site at Kuala Lumpur offered racing fans not only a drastic change in temperature, but sights as well. Malaysia, offering a quaint combination of modern amenities and architecture with simple Asian charm, provided domestic and global visitors with a different view of the world as seen by Malaysians. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur welcomed global visitors to the event with open arms and tasty treats that delights the palate.

Keep an eye on the McLaren-Mercedes racing team comprising of Alonso and the rookie fast making a name for himself in the F1 world, Lewis Hamilton, in upcomin Grand Prix as both give fellow racers a fast, exciting run for their money.

The Need for Speed and Car Loans

Cars have become a way of life these days. Even with global warming on the rise, the demand for cars does not seem to be falling. Instead, we are watching as eco-friendly cars come into the market. And people are still rushing to get loans and buy their very own set of wheels. The need for speed has become a necessity today. Snail mail is completely passe as email has taken over from it almost completely. The rise of the Internet has ensured that there is a need for speed. Nobody today would walk if he could fly off instead. The twenty-first century is the age of speed.

The need for speed makes it crucial for everyone to have a vehicle, or at least aspire towards one. Moreover, these days most of us can manage to buy a car. Auto loans have become very easy on the pocket. As a result, more and more potential car buyers are hoping to benefit from the current situation. If you own property or some other valuable asset that can act as collateral, you are fortunate. Secured car loans generally offer much lower interest rates than do unsecured car loans. Thus, if you can avail of a secured loan, your overall costs will be much lower.

Of course, unsecured car loans can be great options sometimes. These days, with the proliferation of loan providers on the Internet, it is certainly quite easy to find the best deals. Even people with a history of bad credit can avail of competitively priced auto loans. The loans that are offered to people with bad credit histories usually come with higher interest rates. But as a result of the great rivalry among loan providers these days, getting a cheap auto loan is fairly easy.

In fact, while purchasing a car, one must look out for the most inexpensive car loans possible. After all, a car will require a good deal of maintenance. You will have to fill fuel and send the car for regular servicing. Moreover, you cannot help but buy some good car insurance. As in the case of loans, cheap car insurance is not too tough to locate these days.

However, you cannot just sit around and expect cheap insurance (or loans for that matter) to drop in from nowhere. Instead, you must do your share of studying the markets before making the final decision on the insurance policy. All that effort will help you find the best one.

Balancing Speed With Safety In Sports Car Racing

Whether it be racing on the streets or racing on the track you should always know how to speed the right way while in a sports car which means driving fast safely. Even though you may know how to race already here are a few things you can do to better your time on the track.

If you are a rookie do not rev it all up at the start because you are probably just going to spin the tires off the line trying to get into 2nd gear. For a more advanced racer you should rev the motor where you like its RPM range at then when the signals come or the arms drop you let the clutch out and throttle it out of the pocket.

On straight- a ways you should be near top speed and should already know how to handle the car at these types of speeds. Starters should always use both hands when trying to reach a top speed or trying to top out a car.

A more advanced racer should know how to accelerate on the throttle and slow down on it around corners. Pulling more on the throttle will throw the car more towards the wall where as slowing down before a turn will allow you to get inside of the turn and maybe take the lead or win. You should only steer when turning. Not saying you shouldn’t have your hands on the wheel just try not to turn the vehicle as that will decrease speed.

There is more than 1 way to turning a corner. Gradual turns will put you to the outside of the track where as pulling inside will shoot you out faster. Starters should get used to this first when running on the track.

If you are trying for a tight turn you might be trying to drift the corner a little bit which could spin you out or put you ahead if you do it right. This kind of cornering is for the more advanced type of racer as it requires you to brake while keeping your foot on the throttle at the same time. Come to the corner slow then pull out of it as fast as you can without spinning the tires and that will get you out ahead of everyone.

Be focused and take note each race how you lost or how you won and how you are going to win next time or how you are going to focus on winning. This is how you become the racer on the track that you want to be.

You should be able to keep your cool at high speeds and not be scared if you get scared then this isn’t the sport or race for you. So you might want to get out of the race before you crash the car and have a really bad day.

2009 BMW X6

Just three months after the official debut of the X6 Concept, BMW has revealed the production version of the X6 coupe-crossover, which it calls a "Sport Activity Coupe." Along with the wild exterior comes an all-new twin-turbo V8 that will find its way into other new BMWs next year.

BMW is the first automaker to bring such an SUV to market, although other automakers are said to be planning similar coupe-like utility vehicles. Land Rover, for example, recently unveiled its LRX coupe-crossover concept.

Compared with the concept, very little has changed. In fact, you'll have a hard time noticing any differences at all. The only obvious design tweak was made to the crossover's side windows. On the concept, the B- and C-pillars are not visible, but on the production car they clearly divide up the glass.

Even the X6's complex front fender design made it to production. Each front quarter panel surrounds the entire headlamp, creating a very seamless appearance. The X6's aggressive front fascia is also carried over from the concept, with its large air intakes and stylish fog lamps.


Daring design

As the photos show, the X6 is anything but a conservative design.

The X6's roofline begins arching downward after the B-pillar and continues plunging right to the X6's rising waistline. As a result, second-row headroom and rear cargo volume are both compromised.

The new X6 will be longer and lower than the new X5, seating only four. But what the sporty X6 loses in seating and storage, it is expected gain in performance.

Compared to the X5, the X6 has almost an inch of additional wheelbase length, and two inches of added width. The overall height of the X6 is a whopping 3.3 inches lower than that of the X5.

All-new twin-turbocharged V8

The range-topping X6 xDrive50i is propelled by an all-new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 unit producing 407 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 446 pound-feet of torque between 1750 rpm and 4500 rpm. The sprint to 62 mph takes just 5.4 seconds and fuel economy is estimated at around 19 mpg (U.S. gallons).

The engine is designed as a replacement to the company's current 4.8-liter naturally-aspirated V8. It is expected to filter into other models like the 5-Series, 6-Series and 7-Series in the near future.

The engine seems to represent the second stage in a shift at BMW from high-displacement naturally-aspirated motors to slightly smaller turbocharged powerplants. BMW's twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine that powers the 335i and 135i has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, and it appears BMW is hoping for similar results with its new V8.

The X6's other engine is also a twin-turbo setup. The xDrive35i will come with the aforementioned 3.0-liter inline-six from the 335i, producing 306 horsepower.

A diesel model will be offered in Europe, but it is unlike to come to America.

X6 to be BMW's first hybrid?

BMW has comitted to delivering an X6 hybrid, but official details have not yet been released. Visually the hybrid is identical to the regular X6 but BMW claims that the model is 20 percent more fuel-efficient.

Various reports indicate the X6 will be BMW's first production car offered with the option of a hybrid powertrain.

Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe

2008 LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO COUPE: Available in Coupe and Spyder (convertible) forms, the '08 Gallardo is an exotic two-seat Italian super car, smaller and lighter than the V-12 Murciélago. High performance motoring comes by way of the 520 horsepower, 5.0-liter V-10 engine. The V-10 is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, or optional six-speed automatic, and permanent four-wheel drive with viscous traction. Optional robotized sequential shift paddles are located on the steering column. From a standing start, the Gallardo hits 62 mph in a mere 4.2-seconds, and achieves a top speed of 196 miles per hour. Fabrizo Giugiaro, son of legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, is credited with the car’s striking body shape.

BMW M3 ALMS Race Car

BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: "With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters."

BMW's 2009 entry into the American Le Mans Series will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America, LLC and Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal.
"We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3," states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "Sports car racing has been part of BMW of North America's history practically from day one. Just two weeks after the company was incorporated in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the Twelve Hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation M3 will continue the legacy of its two predecessors which combined to win six manufacturer's championships over nine seasons in US sports car racing. As it has been in the past we believe the ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3."

Echoing that sentiment Bobby Rahal adds, "BMW has an illustrious racing heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is eagerly anticipating, not only becoming part of that heritage, but helping to enhance it. Our dedication to this project will be without equal and we look forward to racing at the front of the grid with BMW in the years to come."

Martin Birkmann, Motorsports Manager, BMW of North America, adds: "We are very excited to announce our return to the American Le Mans Series with the 4th generation M3 at the same time as the road car hits the BMW showrooms. We are also excited about our partnership with Rahal Letterman Racing. The ALMS offers racing where we can compete against the finest and most renowned automotive brands from Europe and the US. Motorsport is deeply ingrained in the BMW DNA and we are pleased to partner with an organization which shares that same heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is the perfect partner to be behind the wheel of our new BMW M3 racing effort."

Lotus Elise

The 2008 Lotus Elise continues the tradition of refined motoring with a sublime sports car that handles and performs like a race car. The Elise has numerous improvements installed as standard equipment including a new Lotus Tire Pressure Monitoring System that provides instant warning if there is a puncture or if pressures fall below safe levels.

Other upgrades include a stylish new instrument display with a high-definition LCD message panel, clutter-reducing "hidden until lit" warning and shift lights and customizable display options. An alarm/immobilizer system is also incorporated with central locking functions into a new integrated ignition key design.

Specifications

USA MSRP $46,270 USD CANADA MSRP $54,500 CDN

CHASSIS

· Lotus Designed Lightweight Structure of Epoxy Bonded Aluminum Extrusions · Integral Steel Seatbelt Support Structure and Lightweight Steel Rear Sub-Frame

EXTERIOR

· RTM Composite Fiberglass Body · Black Soft-Top with Stowage Bag · LED Taillights with Integral Reflectors · Daytime Running Lights · Aerodynamic Rear Diffuser with Central Twin Exhaust · Solid Paint - Ardent Red or British Racing Green

SUSPENSION

· Fully Independent Suspension with Unequal Length Wishbones · Bilstein Mono-Tube Gas Damper, Eibach Coaxial Coil Spring · Front Anti-Sway Bar · Cast Alloy 8-Spoke Wheels in Silver Finish · Front Wheels: 5.5J x 16 - 175/50R16 · Rear Wheels: 7.5J x 17 - 225/45R17 · Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 LTS Sports Tires · 4-Wheel Ventilated/Cross-Drilled Disc Brakes · Lotus/AP Racing & Brembo Calipers with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

INTERIOR

· Black Cloth Seats with ProBax™ Anatomical Padding · Air Conditioning, Starter Button, Tinted Glass and Carpet Foot Mats · Airbags - Driver and Passenger (Passenger Airbag Cannot Be Deactivated) · Factory Anti-Theft Alarm System with Engine Immobilizer and Remote Locking · Aluminum Trim - Gear Knob and Handbrake Sleeve · Leather-Trimmed Momo Steering Wheel · Alpine 4-Speaker Stereo with In-Dash CD Player · Intermittent Windshield Wiper

ENGINE

· 189 Horsepower 1.8 Liter, Mid-Mounted 4-Cylinder with DOHC and VVTL-I (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Intelligence) · Multi-Point Fuel Injection System with Electronic Ignition and Throttle Control · Capacity: 1796 cm3 · Bore/Stroke 82.0 mm/85.0 mm · Maximum Power: 189 hp @7800 rpm · Maximum Torque: 133 lb ft @6800 rpm · Compression Ratio: 11.5:1 · Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 Gallons

TRANSMISSION

· 6-Speed Close Ratio

PERFORMANCE

· 0-60 mph 4.9 sec

· 0-100 mph 12.9 sec

· Top Speed 150 mph

· Fuel Consumption 21 City / 27 Highway

· Curb Weight 1984 lbs

WARRANTIES

· 3-YEAR/36,000 Mile Limited Warranty · 8-Year Chassis Corrosion Warranty