DrivingEnthusiast.net

Prior Blog Posts by Date

DRIVING: that's what it's ALL ABOUT! A blog and website for automotive driving enthusiasts, featuring my interests as I see them: news and opinion about manufacturers of interest, significant enthusiast cars, and driving them hard and well.

November 2006
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
      1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30    
Oct   Dec


RSS Feed for DrivingEnthusiast.net
About DrivingEnthusiast.net
Index of prior posts by title

Use this calendar to navigate thru
prior blog postings by date.


Sunday, November 12, 2006  

 Early November in Buffalo... 25 years ago
 

Going back in time to Buffalo NY, 25 years ago. November in Buffalo is a time I remember well...

Being a car-nut, it meant that the summer racing season (autocross and Open Track events) was over and it was time to put the car away for the winter. Of course, I stretched it out for a few weeks from the first sub-zero day until the first snowfall, since I certainly preferred driving my nice summer car instead of my old winter car. But at some point the first snowfall comes and it's time to switch cars. My summer cars were Mustangs, and my winter cars over the years were a mix of German Mercury Capris and American Ford Escorts. The Capri will be the subject of an entire post in the near future... I believe I picked up the car just before the winter of 1981. I'd run 4 snow tires and get by ok; although obviously traction wasn't perfect in this rear-wheel drive car. At the time I was a college student, so money was in short supply and the tires weren't always in great condition. The Escorts came later and were much better winter cars - they could run all year with just all-season tires and of course front-wheel drive made for far better traction.

So the major downside was that I had to put the good car away and get out the old car. If there was an upside, it was that this time of year was also a really great time of year for TSD (time-speed-distance) car rallies. I was a member of the Southtown Rally Club (as I think it was named - if it exists anymore I can't find it) for a number of years, as well as another rally club. We ran rallies all year round, but the fall and winter were the best of times because the climates and roads got progressively more challenging.  

The object of a TSD rally, if you haven't been on one, if to match the time and mileage of the route setup by the rally master. A route you identify as you are driving it from the provided instructions. It isn't a speed event, but it is about maintaining an average speed on the public roads it was run on. You have to decipher instructions and follow the route the rallymaster created - solely with instructions such as "turn left at 3.2 miles past last turn". Periodic checkpoints would check your progress and time. Off-course checkpoints would catch you if your measurements were off - for example if you saw a turn at 3.1 miles and took it. Many participants found themselves completely lost if they didn't interpret the instructions correctly.

The fall rally season would start in the October timeframe with an all-day rally that ran over several counties south of Buffalo for a couple of hundred miles. This would start in the morning and run until dinner time, when the prizes for most accurate time and navigation would be handed out. The rally was named "Discover America", the rallymaster and event organizer was Tom Krajewski, and - incredibly - it's still running these days. I remember that my Ford dealer in Arcade NY was usually a sponsor. The owner, Les Halazi, enjoyed rallying a lot. The first time I met him, he was driving an untitled Ford Futura right off the showroom floor (it'd be sold with a couple of hundred miles on it).

The next big rally of the season was the annual Halloween rally, which besides navigational challenges included stopping by graveyards to pick out clues. Prizes were given for the most involved costume. In 1981 (or 1982?), my friend and I went as the the Bell Hoop Elves from the Wizard of Oz. Weird costumes, and it took a lot of nerve to wear them. But it was a purposely calculated risk (and also there weren't any other costumes to rent by the time we got around to picking out some) and we won the best costume award because of it. I've got a picture, but it will *never* be seen in public. I remember that we had to drape the back of the hoop over the back of the Recaro seats in my Mustang in order to drive. Furthermore, on the way home that evening after the rally party, some kids thru some rocks down on my car from an overpass. Once I got out of the car, I gave chase in the outfit - I can't imagine what they were thinking!

The winter rallies would get progressively tougher - the conditions would worsen, snow and ice would be the major problem. I remember that the driving was just as tough as following instructions. By the time the snow really piled up around the end of November and beginning of December, we were well tuned "winter drivers" and could handle anything as long as the road was passable at all. And sometimes it barely was... one rally post-Thanksgiving in approximately 1982 had us driving a Camaro with 2 old snow tires down roads in the southern counties that had walls of frozen snow and ice over 10 feet tall on each side of the road. It was literally driving down tunnels... it was outright hazardous... and the car was not at all prepared for it. Nonetheless, we tied for first place overall... and the jerks organizing the rally gave the prize to the other car solely because it's owner had prepared for rallies with a professional rally computer and 4 snow tires. We felt we should have gotten the first prize because we had a far tougher driving experience in a far more challenging car that obviously took a lot more skill to overcome. But our prize was a 20 pound turkey... and neither of us had any need for that.

So while the season was tough, and getting a lot tougher, all of us made the most of it and managed to continue in our motorsport hobby, such as it was. And that's how it worked in Buffalo - whatever your interests were it was important to dive right into them or else you ended up hibernating all winter and hating the climate even more. That's why you see Buffalo Bills fans sitting in their open stadium (under any conditions - even wind chill well below zero) and enjoying their game. And that's why we went out and drove challenging roads all year round, no matter the weather. Call it making lemonade out of lemons, it was good times.


View and add comments:
Trackback: Trackback Link and count:;[]
Permalink for this post: 
See similar posts in these categories: My Events | Mercury | Mercury - Capri | Rally
Search for similar posts on the web: Google It!
RSS Feed for DrivingEnthusiast.net
About DrivingEnthusiast.net

 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer to be introduced at NAIAS!
 
A picture named x08LancerSketch.jpg

The all-new 2007 Lancer wil be introduced at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January. The image to the right is the official Mitsubishi image. It is believed to depict a sport model of the Lancer that will be shown at the show - not the Evo. This sport model will be turbocharged and will be analogous to the WRX.

This will be our first real look at the platform which will form the basis for the 2008 Lancer Evo X in 2008.

Right-click and "save as" to download the full-size official image

Mitsubishi Press Release follows:


Ninety years after starting car production (with the 1917 Model-A), Mitsubishi has embarked upon its most ambitious automotive project ever through the launch of its first global platform.

Known as "Project Global", and already successfully previewed with the second generation Outlander, it will be showcased at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit by its highest volume variant: the all-new 4-door Lancer sports sedan.

Dynamic

Designed at Mitsubishi Motors studios in Europe and Japan, the Lancer sports sedan shares its stunning design language with the much-acclaimed Mitsubishi Design Europe-penned 2005 Concept-X and Concept-Sportback show cars.

Its low stance, long hood / short deck proportions, wide track, trademark "shark nose" and distinctively deep set "eyes", all bring a new meaning to the concept of sports sedans - very much in line with both Mitsubishi's "Japanese Modern" design philosophy and its peerless credentials within 45 years of racing.

To be launched progressively in world markets from Spring 2007 (North America), the Lancer sports sedan will form a full family of cars with dynamic qualities to match their looks all across the range: from entry models (1.5 litre 110 ps engine in Europe) right up to the all-new Lancer Evolution supercar, including diesel power (Europe), a high performance 2.0 litre turbo gasoline version and other variants.

Global

Representing a multi-million dollar investment, "Project Global" will support the launch of several new Mitsubishi vehicles over the next few years, designed from the outset for world markets, i.e.: with the built-in flexibility required to accommodate regional needs and regulations as well as market trends and new customer demands in markets as diverse as Japan, North America, Russia, Asia-Pacific and Europe.

As a further evidence of its adaptability, models from business partners DaimlerChrysler A.G. - with which it was co-developed - and P.S.A. Peugeot Citroen* are / will also be based on this global platform.

Along those lines, "Project Global" will also enable the introduction of the "World Engine" family of powerplants. Co-engineered with DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai Motor Company, the engines to be used in Mitsubishi vehicles have been modified by the company for individual market and model use.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing and research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, a mid-size pickup truck and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 540 dealers.

* Outlander-based SUVs.


View and add comments:
Trackback: Trackback Link and count:;[]
Permalink for this post: 
See similar posts in these categories: Mitsubishi Evo
Search for similar posts on the web: Google It!
RSS Feed for DrivingEnthusiast.net
About DrivingEnthusiast.net

 Auto Shows coming up in Texas
 

Of course, you'd be better off going up to Detroit for the North American International Auto Show in January... but if you don't like the cold try out these local shows instead (courtesy of Nissan):

11/16/2006 - 11/19/2006

San Antonio Intl AS

San Antonio

Texas

12/01/2006 - 12/03/2006

Austin AS

Austin

Texas

01/27/2007 - 02/04/2007

Houston AS

Houston

Texas

02/15/2007 - 02/18/2007

Tarrant Cnty New Car Show

Fort Worth

Texas

03/14/2007 - 03/18/2007

Dallas AS

Dallas

Texas


View and add comments:
Trackback: Trackback Link and count:;[]
Permalink for this post: 
See similar posts in these categories:
Search for similar posts on the web: Google It!
RSS Feed for DrivingEnthusiast.net
About DrivingEnthusiast.net

 HarrisHillRoad - new racetrack in Texas
 

home

Harris Hill Road announced on November 10th that it is taking memberships. Track construction is underway. 1.8 miles in length. I believe they are considerably further ahead in construction and membership than is Bergrennenring.

Here's another view of the track, courtesy of YouTube:

 



View and add comments:
Trackback: Trackback Link and count:;[]
Permalink for this post: 
See similar posts in these categories: High Performance Driver Education | Video Compendium
Search for similar posts on the web: Google It!
RSS Feed for DrivingEnthusiast.net
About DrivingEnthusiast.net

 Yet another new racetrack in Texas: Bergrennenring
 
Bergrennenring

Another new track is in the planning stags here in Texas: the Bergrennenring. IF DONE, this would be located near Johnson City, a short drive from Austin. The track owner has been going to club meetings around the state explaining what he plans to do.

This would make 6 racetracks in Texas... not counting the track on the Navy base in Corpus Christi - closed since 9/11 and likely to remain so since the base is closing.


View and add comments:
Trackback: Trackback Link and count:;[]
Permalink for this post: 
See similar posts in these categories: High Performance Driver Education
Search for similar posts on the web: Google It!
RSS Feed for DrivingEnthusiast.net
About DrivingEnthusiast.net

 Idiots trash new Mustang; no loss
 

Here's one of the better-known YouTube videos going around this week, in which a kid trashes a customized new Mustang with a godawful aftermarket paint job. Stupid to buy it, stupid to let his kid trash it, and now he has to go to the dealer and explain what he did. And the entire country gets to see it.

But, no big loss (after all, it's just a Mustang).



View and add comments:
Trackback: Trackback Link and count:;[]
Permalink for this post: 
See similar posts in these categories: Ford Motor Corporation | Ford - Mustang | Video Compendium
Search for similar posts on the web: Google It!
RSS Feed for DrivingEnthusiast.net
About DrivingEnthusiast.net

 The Truth About Cars: Mitsubishi Evo IX MR
 

The Truth About Cars Logo

The Truth About Cars - one of the best internet mags out there, has a nice piece on the Evo. Worth reading.

What's nice is that TTAC seems to be experimenting with some different writers...  Andrew Comrie-Picard a new writer to me and it certainly lookss like he knows what he is talking about (Evo owner), knows how to drive (rallyist - which make shim automatically on my A-list), *and* can write too. A rare combination.

Keep up the good work, TTAC!


View and add comments:
Trackback: Trackback Link and count:;[]
Permalink for this post: 
See similar posts in these categories: Mitsubishi Evo
Search for similar posts on the web: Google It!
RSS Feed for DrivingEnthusiast.net
About DrivingEnthusiast.net

 6-speed for future Solstice?
 
A picture named 30716210958.jpg Shown at SEMA in November 2006: a "GXP-R" Solstice with a 6-speed. This may preview a future option for the Solstice and Sky turbos.

See the other pictures of the GXP-R here: http://www.putfile.com/gobuick/images/45302

I think this is an important and overdue development... the transmission is one of the major flaws in this car as it currently stands. Now lets see when or even if it makes it into production. There is no excuse for not making this standard on all turbos.


View and add comments:
Trackback: Trackback Link and count:;[]
Permalink for this post: 
See similar posts in these categories: GM | GM - Solstice & Sky
Search for similar posts on the web: Google It!
RSS Feed for DrivingEnthusiast.net
About DrivingEnthusiast.net

 Got a spare $16,000? Buy some new wheels
 

Courtesy of the Corvette Forum, here are the latest aftermarket wheels to appear at Sema.

$4k apeice, with a 2" clear poly center.

For poseurs with more money than sense.


View and add comments:
Trackback: Trackback Link and count:;[]
Permalink for this post: 
See similar posts in these categories: Automotive Humor
Search for similar posts on the web: Google It!
RSS Feed for DrivingEnthusiast.net
About DrivingEnthusiast.net

 Lotus wrecked by Goodyear Dealer
 

Visit Elise Talk to see what happens when an idiot service tech at a Goodyear dealer doesn't read and understand the special jacking instructions required for this car.

The car ended up being totalled.


View and add comments:
Trackback: Trackback Link and count:;[]
Permalink for this post: 
See similar posts in these categories:
Search for similar posts on the web: Google It!
RSS Feed for DrivingEnthusiast.net
About DrivingEnthusiast.net

 Ford Atlanta Assembly plant visit
 
A picture named 0612311052_fordplant_atlanta230.jpg

I was in Atlanta on unrelated business last week and took an opportunity to drive past the idled Ford assembly plant. It's right next to the airport, so it's an easy drive.

The parking lots were entirely empty, except for one near the office building where a number of (ex?) employees were coming out with very sad looks on their faces. I assume they were getting the last word on relocation or lack of new positions available.

This was a sad visit for me too. And while I've already written about the end of the Taurus, I have to wonder again why this award-winning high-quality plant and skilled workforce wasn't used for new products - such as the Five Hundred or Fusion. 

Several years ago I met an Ford Atlanta employee at the SCCA Runoffs. He and I talked about the Taurus and it's future. At the time I was nearly all the way thru a short 2-year lease on my V-8 SHO Taurus and he was very interested in my experiences with it. He even asked me specifics about the transmission, previewing the exact same issue I ended up having with mine a few months later. He felt pride in the accomplishments of the plant, and he also felt ownership in the quality of the work. Just the kind of employee you'd want. He may well be on the unemployment line now... although I hope for the sake of Ford that he is working somewhere.

============= Ford Press description of plant:

PLANT INFORMATION
Plant Name:
City:
State:
Country: