Tramontana, a Spanish race car for the road

Source: wallpaperscraft.com

Imagine walking down the sidewalk minding your own business, only to be met by a car that resembles the idea of a fighter jet seating position fusing with open cockpit race car-esque bodywork. You gawk at it like as if it is from a different planet. The car from the above picture is manufactured by a Spanish manufacturer called Tramontana.

Open the fighter jet style canopy and you will be met by the fighter jet style seating, with the passenger seat smack dab behind the driver seat, if you option the 2 seat version that is. The car even sports the sidepod that you will typically find on open cockpit race cars like Formula One, GP2 Series, GP3 Series and Formula Renault 3.5. Of course, what sets Tramontana aside from the just mentioned racing series is the front spoiler-mounted headlights, the absence of air intake that sits above the cockpit and the wheel fenders.

Source: dieselstation.com

Onto the rear, you can see another stand-out features that make it distinct from open cockpit race cars, which are the rear tail lamps. Don't see any of these on say F1 cars for instance.

This beauty is powered by a 5.5L twin turbo Mercedes V12 that churns out 720 hp. All those grunt is conveyed to the rear wheels via a 6 speed sequential gearbox that enables it to sprint from 0-62 mph in 3.6s. The chassis is built on a hybrid between aluminium and carbon fibre that endow it with 1268 kg worth of weight. Double wishbone on all 4 corners ensure that all those grunts are not wasted in a cloud of smoke.

What does this writer think of this car? Well, it is rather an interesting idea to let drivers the privilege of an unadulterated driving pleasure with the fighter jet like cockpit as if the driver is piloting a fighter jet rather than driving a monster of a car. I wonder if there would be more manufacturers adopting this style in the near future.   

Borgward, back from the dead with BX7

Source: jalopnik.com

After more than 50 years hiatus, a dormant German marque has been resurrected after decades of inoperation. Borgward is finally back in business and set to launch their SUV model, christened the BX7. 

Borgward was found in 1929 by Carl F.W. Borgward. As a result of financial problem, the marque was liquidated in 1961. Fast forward to 2015, the founder's grandson, Christian Borgward, announced the revival of the marque and will be financially backed by Foton, a Chinese truck manufacturer.

Now onto the new BX7. The BX7's front fascia is decked out by 16 slats vertical chrome grille with the marque's insignia smack dab at the centre of the grille, LED headlights flanking the upper corner of the grille and the horizontal, narrow lower air intake with fog lights flanking the latter.

Source: topspeed.com

The rear fascia sports a horizontal tail lamp with dual exhaust pipe, one on each side. There is also a roof mounted spoiler awning the rear windshield and of course, the marque's name printed between the tail lamps. 

   

The newly restored marque will offer two drivetrain trims: petrol-powered 2.0L turbocharged four cylinders that churns out 225 hp, mated to a 7 speed dual clutch transmission and all wheel drive. Also, a plug-in hybrid version that churns out 401 hp will follow suit. 

Borgward's revival after more than half a decade made this writer wonder; does being defunct after a particular period of time means it is the end of the world for the marque in question? As proven by the likes of Maybach (initially ceased production in December 2012; then revived by Daimler, the parent company, in November 2014 as a sub-brand to the Mercedes S-Class) and TVR (set to launch new models by 2017 with partnership from Gordon Murray and Cosworth), all hope is not lost. Fingers cross for the revival of marques like Pontiac for instance which has been defunct since 2010. 

Unleash the Civic FK2 Type R!

Source: motorstown.com

Race cars, a unique entity that rouses the boy racer deep within our conscience. The thought of slinging them around at insane G's is akin to being a hero taming a wild beast that threatens to rip you apart, and the reward is close to being....a superhero. Throw in a race car on license plate, like the Honda Civic Type R, you have yourself a recipe for hooliganism. Alright enough exaggeration so let's cut to the chase, folks.

Honda has potentially delighted the Type R fans around the world with the introduction of the fourth generation FK2 Civic Type R. As designated by the Type R designation, it may be Honda's way of saying 'more smiles per miles'.

Source: 9carthai.com

So what are the technical changes from the previous generation FD2? Well, unlike the previous generation FD2, the FK2 2.0L i-VTEC four pot engine is boosted by a turbo, upping it's output to 306 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 295 lb ft of torque at 2500 rpm. The new generation Civic Type R revs to maximum 7000 revs compared to it's predecessor's 8500 revs.

If you crave the tactility of 3 pedals, then rejoice as all the grunt from the 2.0L engine will be fed to the front wheels via a 6 speed manual only as Honda believes it gives the drivers more control over the engine's powerband (hat's off to Honda).

The front suspension features a unique Dual Axis Strut that helps counter the dreaded torque steer (similar concept to Renault's PerfoHub, Ford's RevoKnuckle and GM's HiPerStrut suspension), while adaptive damper enables the Type R to feel cushy over bumps and sharper when driving spiritedly.

If you're in the mood for more 'smiles per miles', pressing a '+R' button will unleash what the Type R badge implies.

Source: gearheads.org

So hoping this car will reach Malaysia. It's gonna be a hoot to drive!



                             

To be or not to be: Will Manual stay alive?

Source: elitetransmissionservice.com

Back in the days of distant yore, when people spoke of going fast, manual were king. The thought of fitting a slushbox automatic especially on sports car would be met with derision in yesteryear. But fast forward to present day, all arguments in favour of manual, from performance to fuel efficiency, have gone out the window.

Thanks to advancement in technology, automatics are on par, or even outperformed the same car, same brand, same model, same everything except for its transmission. Just look at all modern supercars nowadays. Majority of them are almost always automatics, though not all of them are torque converter automatics. Rather it is an advanced automated manual transmission spearheaded by the highly popular dual clutch transmission that preselects next higher or lower gears for lightning fast gear change that cannot be rivalled even by the pros.

Furthermore, modern automatics are not just faster but also more fuel efficient. For example, the Porsche Cayman S manual accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.7s and return 20/28 mpg (city/highway). Outfit it with Porsche's PDK dual clutch transmission, 0-62 takes 4.6s (down to 4.4s if you opt for Sports Chrono Package with Launch Control) and return 21/30 mpg (city/highway). Even modern torque converter automatics are outperforming manual. For instance, the BMW 435i coupe with 6 speed manual transmission accelerate from 0-62 mph in 5.3s and return 20/30 mpg (city/highway); outfit it with the advanced 8 speed automatic 62 mph arrived in just 5.0s and return 21/32 mpg (city/highway).

Source: namu.wiki

In light with the advancement in modern automatics, it is no surprise that automatics dominate the showroom floor; while the manual is consigned to small economy cars and niche market that caters to 'driver's car' moniker.

With automatics getting better and better, will this spell the end of shift-yourself transmission? Well, automatics haven't fully supplanted manual yet. There are sizeable number of marque that offers only manual on certain models such as Honda Civic Type R, Renault Megane RS, Ford Fiesta ST, Porsche Cayman GT4, Porsche Boxster Spyder and Peugeot 208 GTi to name a few.

Clearly, there are still those who clamour for the tactile engagement (including this writer) of dropping the clutch, feeling the cogs meshing under one's palm and of course the satisfaction of nailing rapid fire heel toe downshift. However, the questions on whether manual will soldier on raises question mark as automatics are getting more and more efficient that automakers see no point in offering manual transmission.

To conclude this post, this writer believes that the future of do-it-yourself transmission is hanging by the thread as more and more cars are build with automatics and the demand for manual continues to drop as the world shifts their attention to improving fuel efficiency and minimising carbon footprint to meet the ever tough emission regulations, and (within the performance realm) enable automakers to meet performance milestone.

A look into Regera's radical hybrid drivetrain

Source: Norbert Aepli via Wikimedia Commons CC BY 4.0

Hybrids. With the world shifting their attention to fuel efficiency, automakers look at every nooks and cranny to meet the demands of fuel-conscious consumers. One of the alternatives is the hybrid technology, where electric power join forces with fossil fuel.

How does hybrid improve fuel efficiency? Well, hybrid cars can run on electric power only at low speed, with the internal combustion engine (ICE) kicking in at high speed, a boon for those whose life is made up of exhausting bumper-to-bumper traffic. Such is the benefit of hybrid tech that even the likes of Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 Spyder, BMW i8 and McLaren P1 are going hybrid. Thanks to hybrid tech, Porsche claims their 887 bhp 918 Spyder can do 3L/100km.

Despite that, one marque express their doubts on hybrids. The marque in question is Koenigsegg, a Swedish supercar brand.

Hybrids add weight, which makes sense due to the extra weight from the electric motor and battery pack. Koenigsegg's policy is weight reduction.

Obviously getting rid of electric motor and battery pack will not make a hybrid, so in the marque's latest hybrid model, christened the Regera, the gearbox is omitted. Yes, you heard it right, there is no multi-speed gearbox to speak off. Rather, the Regera's 5L twin turbo V8 is connected to a final drive with a roughly 2.85:1 ratio via hydraulic coupling, dubbed as Koenigsegg Direct Drive (KDD). According to Koenigsegg, the powertrain minus the gearbox only adds 88 kg. That is impressive. How does it work I heard you ask? 

Source: http://koenigsegg.com/regera/

The engine is supplemented by three electric motors, one on the crankshaft which acts as a generator and starter motor, and two on the driveshaft with one on each side. As illustrated by the above diagram, the electric power is fed by a 9kWh Liquid Cooled battery to the three electric motors. At speed below 30 mph the Regera runs on electric power alone; above 30 mph the V8 beast comes to life channelling a combined power output of roughly 1489 bhp to the rear wheels all the way up to it's 8250 rpm limit. The hydraulic coupling that sits between the engine and final drive directly connects the drive wheel and engine once above the stipulated speed. The three electric motors can fill up the 'torque gap' in the V8's rpm range where it makes less power to ensure an uninterrupted, unadulterated experience around your favourite B-roads.

Well, that's the basic overview on the Regera's innovative hybrid powertrain. Now, what does this writer think of Koenigsegg's ingenious approach? Well, part of the fun of driving is to feel the gear change. It is just natural to feel a bump signalling a change in gears. Speaking from a driving enthusiast perspective, the absence of mechanical tactility stemming from cog swapping may subjectively dilute the visceral pleasure of feeling the cogs meshing, or hearing the throttle blip on downshift. From the technological perspective though, I believe this may present an avenue for manufacturers who are head over heels on hybrid technology but wish to keep weight down to pursue alternatives on implementing hybrid technology without incurring weight penalty that may adversely compromise on the aspect of handling dynamic.

Porsche Cayman GT4

Source: autocar

The 911 has for a long time cast its shadow over the Cayman when it comes to power output. Not a single Cayman managed to breach the 350 mark, which is the lowest figure for the 911s. The base Cayman makes 275 horsepower; Cayman S makes 325 horsepower; Cayman GTS makes 340 horsepower. 

That is set to change thanks to the most powerful Cayman model ever coming out from Stuttgart, christened the Cayman GT4. This signals the Cayman's penetration into the 911 territory, where Porsche has been imposing an invisible barrier preventing any previous Cayman models from overpowering any 911s output wise. Check out Porsche's website and you will see what I mean. But, with the arrival of the Cayman GT4, it is set to change except for a number of 911 models. 

Let's see...the Cayman GTS makes 340 horsepower, 10 less than the 350 horsepower 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera Black Edition, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera Cabriolet Black Edition, 911 Carrera 4, 911 Carrera 4 Black Edition, 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet Black Edition and 911 Targa 4. Then, out came the Cayman GT4 with its 385 horsepower 3.8L flat-six, blowing away the 911 models I just list down (bear in mind the GT4 engine is derived from the 400 horsepower 3.8L flat-six 911 Carrera S).

Source: autocar

If you're interested in specifics, the flat-six engine is outfitted with direct fuel injection, VarioCam Plus and integrated dry sump lubrication. The power of the 3.8L flat-six is further augmented by a variable length intake manifold made possible by a resonance valve that opens or closes depending on engine load, rpm, etc. As a result, the flat-six makes a staggering 385 horsepower at 7400 rpm and 420 Nm of torque from 4750 until 6000 rpm.

Purist should be delighted due to the fact that unlike the newfangled 911 GT3 RS and 911 GT3, power is channelled to the rear wheels through a conventional six speed manual rather than Porsche's brilliant PDK dual clutch transmission. Most impressive is the auto-throttle blip function accessible by pressing the Sport Plus button to make you look like a heel toe downshift expert. Complementing the drivetrain is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and a locking differential to ensure none of the raw power figure is lost in a cloud of smoke.

As for the brakes, it is directly derived from the 911 GT3 along with the front suspension. The rear suspension, on the other hand, is specifically a GT4 spec. Outfitted along with the suspension is Porsche's own Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) that varies the damping rate in response to changes in driving style and road condition to deliver a comfortable ride and balls-out handling prowess.

As you can see from the above photo, the GT4 sports a fixed rear wing, a feature absent from the previous Caymans, and the diffuser is decked out with dual central exhaust.

With the most powerful Cayman ever in production, this writer reckons that the Cayman GT4 can offer purists with unadulterated, sporty experience that makes purists clamouring for more 'smiles per miles'.

 

Ferrari 488 GTB

      

Source: roadandtrack.com

Listening to the Prancing Horse roaring past with atmospheric pressure, only to be met with different tone, a tone that may cringe the naturally aspirated engine enthusiasts. Yes folks, The Prancing Horse has gone the route that the world is currently heading to: the trend of downsizing engine and slapping on a (gasp!) turbocharger. Newer models such as the California T has gone the turbocharging route, making it the first turbocharged Ferrari since the scintillating 2.9L twin turbo V8 F40. Next to follow California T in the realm of force induction is the 458 replacement, the 488 GTB.

Yep, you heard it right. Ferrari essentially took the F136 4.5L V8 from the 458 and reduced its displacement to 3.9L, adding on twin turbo to claw back the power deficit. Hence you have the F154 3.9L twin turbo V8 that makes 661 horsepower and 760 Nm of torque. Its predecessor made 562 horsepower on the Italia and 597 horsepower on the Speciale, and 540 Nm of torque, an increase in 99 horsepower (up by 64 horsepower from the Speciale) and 220 Nm of torque! 

The trend of using a small displacement engine and slapping on a turbo has enabled manufacturers to meet tough emission requirement while sustaining respectable power output. Top Gear compared the fuel economy and CO2 emission figure between the 488 GTB and the 2004 Ferrari 430. The former net 25 mpg and emit 260 g/km of CO2, while the latter net 18 mpg and 345 g/km of CO2. The effect of turbocharging on power is obvious but how does it contribute to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emission? 

In general, smaller engines are more efficient than larger engines due to lower internal friction from lower cylinder count and less inertial forces (shorter piston stroke and smaller piston). With that in mind, more of the power extracted from the burned air-fuel mixture is converted into useful energy to get the car down the road instead of being wasted as heat. Therefore, less fuel can be theoretically burned to make the same power. Also with less fuel burned, less CO2 is ejected down the exhaust pipe. In light of tighter emission, automakers are forced to downsize the engine which in general comes at the expense of power. In response, manufacturers slap on turbochargers to bring up the power figure.

Source: carscoops.com

Source: carscoops.com

Now, if you're interested in the specifics, the 488 GTB is powered by Ferrari's F154 3.9L twin turbo direct injected flat-plane V8 mid-mounted engine, channeling its raw power to the rear wheels. The turbo is a twin scroll type from IHI to ensure smooth exhaust flow and cut turbo lag. Also, the turbo's compressor wheel is made of titanium-aluminium alloy to further cut lag, and spins on ball bearing shaft to further cut lag and reduce friction. Lubrication will be taken care of by an all-aluminium dry sump, while keeping the turbocharged air cool are 2 air-to-air intercooler. 

Paired up to the V8 is a 7 speed dual clutch transmission sourced from Getrag. 

Stopping task is taken care of by carbon ceramic brakes with 398mm front disc and 360mm rear disc, surrounded by 5-spoke 20" alloy wheels with 245/35 tyres up front and 305/30 tyres at the rear. 

Handling also receives further boost, thanks to SSC2 (Side Slipangle Control 2), an enhanced version of the clever SSC introduced on the 458 Speciale, that combines F1-Trac (Traction Control) and E-Diff (Electronic Differential) with the adaptive magnetic damper to make a drift hero out of Joe Schmoe. 

Further boosting its handling is the aerodynamics. In between the 2 large lower air intakes (see the top picture) are Ferrari's so-called 'Aero Pillar' that directs air underneath the car to lower the pressure underneath, which helps boost downforce. At the rear, downforce is further increased thanks to the diffuser with active flaps that precisely adapt the diffuser's ramp angle in response to changes in speed.

In case if you are interested in buying this beast, Naza Italia, Ferrari's distributor in Malaysia, has launched it since last month at a base price of RM1,068,800 (excluding taxes and optional features).