Sunday, 27 November 2011

Awesome concept bikes

1. Honda CB750: This 2015 Honda CB 750 is a predecessor to the 1970s-80s CB. The frame and body is a unibody contstruction combining carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium. The concept is designed independantly from Honda by a talented 'Igor Chak'. This eco-ride is powered with a four-cylinder liquid hydrogen engine and has a six-speed dual-clutch transmission with electronic lurch and traction control. We might see the bike in production albeit with a Honda Petrol engine.





2. Yamaha Tesseract: Displayed at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, This bike actually has four wheels excluding it from the list of motorcycles even though its purely one. Recent patent filings indicate that Yamaha may actually intend to build something like this for production. Powered by an electric hybrid liquid-cooled V-twin, the Tesseract promises ample torque and a top speed that will be theoretical everywhere but a racetrack, and when at rest, the machine will remain upright without the need for a stand via a dual arm-lock system.



3. Moto Guzzi De Guisti: Hailing from the Olevano Romano, east of Rome, Italy, Paulo De Giusti has designed some of the most striking Moto Guzzi concept motorcycles that we've ever seen. Inspired by the old Moto Guzzi productions single cylinder bikes’ style, designer Paolo De Giusti has designed three Naked bikes that flaunt their extra good looks and green credentials. Designed to be romantic is the “900 SD Big Mono Naked” that uses diesel/electric engines and comes in the red and the black models. It uses a single cylinder 903 cc with direct injection and turbo diesel engine that makes it ideal for fast riding. This would be placed in a carbon fiber and aluminum frame that uses the motor and fuel tank as stressed members.


4.  Subaru Kickboxer: Subaru knows how the car industry is crowded and the company might be looking into alternatives including two wheelers.Designer Ian McElroy has envisioned a Subaru motorcycle that runs a horizontally-opposed boxer engine, something only few motorcycles currently run.  The Subaru Kickboxer Motorcycle Concept is a street beast with muscles on muscles, thanks to its uniquely set 4 cam, 16 valve engine.  The front and rear wheels feature single-side swingarms, giving the chassis a floating effect from the vehicle’s left side.  The design itself is futuristic, chromed to the nines and appearing like nothing else on the road today.  This Kickboxer looks more like a weapon than a motorcycle. The engine for the layman is sourced from Subaru's WRX series.


5. Kawasaki ZX-10R Vannesson Concept: If it aint raw and green, it ain't a Kawasaki. Imagined and illustrated by Jérôme Vannesson from MotoRevue, the bike is pure motorcycle design nirvana. The Kawasaki ZX-10 impression attached with the tail of a hornet, traces of an RC8 or YZF-M gives the bike an angular racer look that is very eye-catching.


6. KTM Stunt/ Race 125 : With a controlling stake owned by Bajaj Auto, A lot has begun to happen at KTM. The KTM 125 Project is said to be the start of a full series of new small-bore machines targeted at young riders. So far, KTM has introduced prototypes of a naked bike in Stunt and Race versions. KTM continues to expand its street lineup with attractive models for young riders – a smart move for creating life-long customers.





7.  Bimota SB9: The daredevil amongst all companies, Bimota has literally put out concepts on sale from time to time. The Tesi and 500V-due are the prime examples. But since emerging from Bankruptcy the company has not had that wild edge it was once known for. Here comes the SB9 motorcycle. It is ok to scream oohs!! and aahs!! coz Bimota is more of a boutique biker maker than a manufacturer. They source their parts from major bike companies around Europe.


8. Husqvarna Mille 3:  With that takeover by the guys at BMW, Husqvarna has got wings to fly high. This is proven with the Husqvarna Mille 3. The Mille 3 Concept is powered by a fuel-injected 933cc V-3 engine with the cylinders and heads taken from the Husky’s off-road bikes.The steel chassis brings back the classic Husqvarna central "tubone" design, a single-piece tubular form. The double rear beam with aluminium stays is fitted to the outside of the chassis uprights



9. Aprilia FV2 1200: Just like Husqvarna, Aprilia has also increased their level of daring. The Aprilia FV2 1200 is just proof enough. The heart of the FV2 1200 is Aprilia's mighty, 1200 cc, 90° V twin, a power plant that confirms Aprilia's determination to develop high capacity, high technology engines using in-house skills and competence. The minimalist bodywork of the FV2 1200 creates a stunning preponderance of volume towards the front of the bike. The result is a revolutionary, courageous and futuristic look that is destined to form the solid basis for the evolution of Aprilia motorcycle styling.


10 CR&S DUU: The CR&S DUU is a unique model around the world’s motorcycle context. For the first time two motorcyclist excellences are gathered: Italian sporty rolling chassis and design powered by a muscular American big-twin. The American big displacement engine’s attraction, and particularly its muscular torque, doesn’t have any equivalent at all. And for a lot of motorcycles fans, the air cooling system and the pushrod distribution are elements issued from a rich historical past. But it is not a model born only for the huge American open roads. The chassis and its handling performances are much more evolved than what can be thought. These parts have been engineered and designed to warrant a complete riding satisfaction on every kind of  routes, even on fast bends or mountain’s narrow roads. The DUU is an innovative motorcycle, "modular and muscular", with durable materials and components, equipped with a powerful, rugged and reliable engine. 



Special mentions


Moto Guzzi V12


BMW IMME 12

Hottest Female Racers in motorsport - Extra Long Anniversary Post

DANICA Patrick: Nobody really noticed femme car drivers until Danica Patrick came along. A few Bikini Shots later, her career might have gone down but you will be finding a lot of such lists coming up regularly.

Races: Nascar, Indycar
Age 30
Awards: 2005 Indycar Rookie of the year,
Status: Married





Chrissy Wallace: Daughter of Mike Wallace (Three time winner at Daytona) and related to Winston Cup champion Rusty Wallace and Rookie of the year Kenny Wallace, Chrissy comes with a great history. At 19, Chrissy became the first female driver to ever win at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina.

Races: Nascar
Age: 23
Awards: 2011 ASA Late Model SSeries track champion (Lebanon I-44 Speedway)
2011 ASA West Region champion
Status:Unknown


Leilani Munter: Environmentalists don't come so sexy and fast. A perfect example of how 'nice things are always committed or married to somebody else'. Beginning in Nascar, and graduating from Indycar, Leilani Munter currently races. She hasn't won much awards, but keeps the tracks sweating with her hotness all the time.

Races: Nascar(Ex), Indycar (Ex), ARCA stock car racing
Age: 35
Awards: None
Status: Married


Natacha Gachnang: Hotness is less American and more Swiss. Natacha Gachnang is a prime example of the same. She is the cousin of former Formula 1 driver Sebastien Buemi. Beginning her career in 2008, she has already raced in Formula2 and 24 Hour Le Mans.

Races: Formula2 and 24 Hour Le Mans.


Age:24
Awards: None
Status: Unknown

  
Cyndie Allemann: Its mostly the swiss chocolates. The lady racing drivers from Switzerland are smokin hot everytime. She is the daughter of Karting champion Kurt Allemann and sister of racing driver Ken Allemann. A bright future guranteed.


 Races: Indylights, GT1 and 24 Hour LeMans.
Age: 25
Awards: None
Status: Single


Susie Stoddart: The scotts are not good with their accent, but the same is not the case with Hot Racing drivers.

Races: Formula3, DTM
Age: 29
Awards: None
Status: Married


 Milka Duno: Venezuela doesnt only win Beauty contests. Milka Duno is live proof. She is best known for holding the record of highest finish for a female driver in the 24 hours of Daytona. She started racing late because she was into modelling.

Races: Indycar, LeMans
Age: 39
Awards: None
Status: Unknown


Ashley Force Hood: Ashley Force Hood is the daughter of 15 time champion John Force. Force was selected as the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series' Rookie of the Year (Funny Car division) in November 2007. On April 27, 2008, Force earned her first ever NHRA Professional-category win, defeating her father in the final round at the NHRA Summit.

Races: Drag Racing
Age: 29
Awards: Drag Racing Rookie of the year
Status: Married


Madalena Antas: Portuguese bombshell Madelana Antas doesn't mind getting dusty in the desert while racing tricked-out pickups on the rally circuit. When she is not destroying sand dunes and jumping trucks at 120 mph, she enjoys oil painting and flaunting her curvaceous assets in men's magazines.




Races: Dakar racing
Age: 35
Awards: None
Status: Single




Shannon McIntosh: This girl races cars? Really? Hard to believe, but it's true. Shannon is currently trying to climb her way up the IndyCar ladder by competing in the US F200 Championship for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing.



Races: Open Wheel Racing
Age: 22
Awards: None
Status: Single






Maryeve Dufault: Canadians have always been cool when it comes to Hotness. Maryeve Dufault is no exception. She has also continued to Model on 'The Price is Right', Maxim and Lingerie Bowl.

Races: Nascar
Age: 29
Awards:2011 Napa Parts 200
Status: Single






Amanda Stretton: Amanda Stretton (born Amanda Cohn on 24 July 1973 inLondon), is an English female racing driver and motoring journalist. Apart from her proffession, Amanda is also a good cook.

Races: Motocross, 24 Hours Le Mans,
Age: 38
Awards: None
Status: Single

Sabine Schmitz: A german racing driver, Sabine Schmitz is known for driving the BMW "Ring taxi" around the Nurburgring race track as well as being a television personality. It is rumoured that Sabine Schmitz will take on the role of Stig on Top gear.





Races: Test car driver,
Age: 42
Awards: None
Status: Married


Tiffany Chittenden: Tiffany Chittenden is back racing for VZ Racing in 2011. When she's not at the track she's working hard on maintaining her race fitness, when she gets the chance she loves to go Skiing, Jetskiing or play any competitive sport.
Races: Rotax DD2
Age: 21
Awards: None
Status: Single





Fiona Leggate: Leggate had been interested in motorsport since her childhood, influenced by her father Malcolm Leggate who had a 19-year career in saloon car racing. This led to her spending 2003 and 2004 contesting various championships including Britcar and the MG XPower trophy, and in July 2004 she set a world record for the most races contested in one day.




Races: British Touring Car Championship
Age: 31
Awards: None
Status: Single





Melanie Troxel: Named the Sportswoman of the Year by Billie Jean King's Women's Sports Foundation, Troxel won two Top Fuel events last season and led the POWERade Series point stands through the first 12 races. She was nominated for two ESPY awards in 2006 (best driver and best female athlete).

Age: 39
Races:  Drag Racing
Awards: Winner of  8 NHRA National Events/ She is 1 of only 14 drivers to win in both the Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car classes (and the only female)/ 
Status: Married




Jessica Barton: A Drag Racer, Model, TV Host, Nuff said.

Races: Drag racing
Age: 28
Awards: None
Status: Single


Catherina Felser: Catharina Felser (born October 2, 1982) is a German race car driver born in Siegburg, North Rhine-Westphalia. Catharina started her career in karting during 1997. She is Currently driving a KTM X-Bow at FIA GT4.

Races: GT4/ F3
Age30
Awards: None
Status: Married





Nicole  Lyons: It’s in their blood and in their heritage. In Drag Racing, a largely male dominated sport, it’s unusual though to find a woman who could be on the next cover of a glamour magazine and is also a professional car builder and race car driver.  Nicole Lyons is that woman and is truly a lady of Drag Racing from start to finish.

Races: Drag Racing
Age: Unknown
Awards: Unknown
Status: Unknown


Taylor Earnhardt : What better name to conclude the list than Taylor Earnhardt? Dale Earnhardt's daughter has started driving her fathers car.

Age: 23
Status: Single
Races: Nascar
Awards: None



Thursday, 24 November 2011

10 cars we need in India

1. Mazda RX-8- How many times have you driven a 1300cc naturally aspirated (non turboed or supercharged) engine that makes 280 horses? Especially one that has one numerous car of the year awards in 2600cc category? Yes, that is precisely why we need the RX-8. Also, the stringent regulations and the fact that Mazda is the only Wankel car maker has led to its death in 2012.

PS: Rx-8 is indeed a coupe sports car but comes with rear suicide doors for easy ingress and egress to the rear seats. It also comes with a 300w Bose sound system for the sound connoisseurs.




2. Mazda Mx-5: If aliens ever did provide us with technology for automobile evolution, this would be it. Famously called the 'Miata'. It meets the 4000 mm regulation for tax exemptions and to perfectly fit those jam packed cities. The car is as much fun to drive in the city as a Lamborghini Gallardo or Ferrari Scaglietti would be on the track. Other Japanese makers tried to compete with the Toyota MR2 and Honda S2000 but nothing has yet survived this car's smiley face onslaught. This topless car competes for attention at the beach too.

PS: Even in such tight and nimble clothing, the MX-5 got 4 star safety rating. The latest MX-5 concept 'Superlight' has been so true to the name, it also lacks a windshield.



3. Scion IQ-Before you notice the car which in itself is an eyeball magnet, it's the brand name. Toyota's answer for the North American burger fat bellied, IQ lacking, Beer thirsty youth. The IQ is small by US starndards but suits perfectly in India. I am not handing out Ferrero Rocher balls for guessing that the IQ here stands for Intelligent Quotient. The sub 3 metre car is something I would definitely purchase for my daily office commute over Tata Nano and Maruti Suzuki Alto and Hyundai Eon and also bigger cars like Maruti Suzuki A-Star, Hyundai i10, Chevrolet Beat, Maruti Suzuki WagonR, Nissan Micra and Ford Figo. The car also has numerous customization possibilities which Toyota is exploiting in the Japanese market.

PS: The car has nine airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic brake distribution.


 4. Cadillac SRX-  I am a fan of big cars. I drive Jap cars but still the lure of mammoth cars with mammoth engines wets my mouth. But SUV's are not my forte. But it is hard not to love the SRX with its 3.6 V6 engine and that Cadillac grille shouting 'I am the king of bling-bling'. Crossovers are the latest trend and SRX is the king of that trend whether it be style, features, interiors or plain sex appeal. Finally something Scarlett Johansson can use to look more deadly and American.

PS: GM had to cease production of a smaller engine option due to lack of sales. That's when the 3.6 V6 was launched to accompany the 3.0 naturally aspirated model option.


5. Cadillac CTS: If I have to glance at a BMW 6 series, Audi A5 or Mercedes-Benz E-class coupe, my eyeballs will stick at te CTS. We need the CTS because because we yawn everytime seeing the same old Audis, BMW's and mercedes- Benz's filling the road. Also, we need a car with so much bling it shines as bright as the sun and still manages to look like a thousand bucks.

PS: The CTS Coupe will be Cadillac's first coupe since the Eldorado, which was discontinued in 2002.



6. Dodge Challenger :  I have mentioned this before and I will mention it again and again. I love Mammoth cars with mammoth engines. No wonder Dodge Challenger tops my list of dream cars. But it is also here because its the last of the species of big cars with big engines and because Camaro and Mustang are already too modern for our liking. Also because it can win us a war against the aliens. Give me one and I promise to eradicate the Richshaw infestation in India.

PS: This is the one and only car I dare buy in Furious Fuchsia pink or Plum Crazy Purple.



7. Holden Commodore: I won't repeat how I like Mammoth cars with Mammoth engines coz they look like the Dodge Challenger pictured above and Dodge Charger pictured below. But Indian families are huge and live-in relationships are taboo (I hate this world). But worry not my wedding loving friends. GM has just the right car for you. They have taken a mammoth car, put in a mammoth engine and slapped four doors on it to carry the whole family in comfort and provide you with adrenaline when you sneak out on that wild Saturday night. The car gave sleepless nights to BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz in the guise of Pontiac G8 in the USA. Also, with four doors slapped on, the car looks ready to maul you if you try to sneak even a little further on the start line. No cheating!!!

PS: Holden Commodore is actually manufactured in Australia.


 7.  Dodge Charger: Since Dodge Charger ties with Holden Commodore I will have to repeat how I like Mammoth cars with Mammoth engines coz they look like the Dodge Challenger and Pontiac G8 aka Holden Commodore pictured above. You don't need a beer belly, small glasses and a huge mustache to scare children anymore. Park one of these and you are safe for life. My particular favorite is the Super Bee edition complete with the yellow paint and Black stripe and a matching Hemi engine to go with it. Imagine driving a yellow car on a hot summer day in Ahmedabad...

PS: If you see a black Dodge Charger, Slow down. It's that evil cops favouraite car these days.



8. I-miev: We only have one Harvinder Singh to slap all the corrupt politicians. So nothing can stop fuel quality to drop and prices to rise. At a time like this, our only hope is this car. The Mitsubishi I-MIEV. is sexy, small, sexy, electric and sexy. Did I say it looks sexy? The car is already sold in a dozen countries worldwide to keep the purchasing costs down and save the company's Indian operations. Famous editions include the 'Hello Kitty'(no pink for me this time please) and 'i-play'(ipod special edition).

PS:The U.S. version of the 'I-MIEV' has been enlarged to accomodate the fat American youth and the name has been shortened so the company officials do not waste time trying to explain the meaning of the moniker.


9. Citroen DS3: Thanks to our leaders like Sharad Pawar, the roads in our country resemble his face. Most cars due to this reason, are high on maintainence and the ride is bumpy. Enter Citroes DS3, the car that dons French Attire, French Etiquette, French poise and French performance. Citroen has perfected it after years of experience in the rally races. A perfect car for India

PS:  The car is named DS which is French for goddess.


 10. Alfa Romeo Brera: If you think the cars pictured above were beautiful, welcome to automotive porn. Here is a car which will wet every common man's pants with desire. Alfarotica will be inducted in the Oxford Dictionary soon. Alfa Romeo's are expensive to maintain they say. Well, Luxury can never be afffordable, I say. Period...

PS: Croation Car of the year 2006, Autocar best design award 2006, European Automotive design award 2006, Best Sports/Coupe - What Diesel Car?, European Car of the Year 2007 in Japan, 'Best of the show' at Geneva Motor Show 2005, Challenge Bibendum 2002 award, "the Most Fascinating Car" award at the Super Car Rally 2002. Nuff said. Now bow down and pay respect to the goddess of Alfarotica.



Monday, 7 November 2011

Best motorcycles of all times

1. Kawasaki H2 Mach III and Mach IV (1969-1980): Introduced in 1968, Kawasaki earned repute as the wild driver solely based on these bikes. t was the quickest production motorcycle at the time. When motorcycle journalists expressed disbelief, Kawasaki suggested they take a new H1 to the drag strip. Using a regular production model with only 7 miles on it, Tony Nicosia ran the quarter mile in 12.96 seconds at 100.7 mph (162.1 km/h) for the press to witness. The official figure was 12.4 secs by Mike Wenzel. Updated with more power and better front disc brakes, the H2 Mach IVbecame the undisputed king of the streets, even beating legendary muscle cars of the era such as the Plymouth Hemi Cuda. It was notoriously dangerous, being prone to up-and-over wheelies and speed wobbles. The dangerous handling characteristics arising from its mediocre frame design caused it to be nicknamed the "Widowmaker" by motorcycle enthusiasts of the 1970s.




2. Yamaha RZ/RD 350 (1973-1995): Released following the success enjoyed by the Kawasaki Mach machines, Yamaha launched the Yamaha RD350 (RZ350 in certain markets). The bike had several innovations for the two-stroke machine such as reed valve equipped intake system. The frame of the bike was derived from another Yamaha bike the TZ. Being lower in capacity Yamaha made less power than Kawasaki thus proving a better handler. Some 1979 models also had a larger bored 400cc engine and US dealers are also rumoured to have received 500cc models for a short duration. A liquid cooled model was also launched with the monikers 'LC' which set the Company sales charts on fire. The biked was launched in India under the name 'Rajdoot 350' but cult followers renamed it 'Yamdoot 350' on the lines of Kawasaki 'Widowmaker'.


3.  Honda NSR 500 (1984-2003): Honda was the last of the motorcycle makers to enter the 2-stroke performance segment learning from the drawbacks of the other bike makers. The Honda NSR500 debuted in 1984. The NSR 500 led to Honda winning ten 500cc grand prix races with six in a row from 1994-1999. A 250cc sibling also won six grand prix championships sealing Honda's name in the the racing world at the top. The NSR series was the last of the motorcycles to be retired due to emission restrictions and fuel polictics of the United States. Very few of the 500cc series were available for retail sale and only 250cc models survive.


4. MV Agusta F4 CC(1999-present): It costs an arm and a leg and possibly more to own one of these motorcycles. But the motorcycle that announced the rebirth of MV Agusta is nothing less than a technological and design marvel. Designed by Massimo Tamburini, The F4 is unique with its four pipe undertail exhaust. The engine was derived from the 1990–1992 Ferrari Formula One engine. MV (Cagiva at the time) quickly deviated from the Ferrari design, but they kept one important feature, the radial valves. The F4 engine is unique in the sense that it is the only radial valved motorcycle engine currently in production. With 200 bhp on tap, the bike is not only the most expensive but also the most powerful and most composed to drive on road as well as track. MV Agusts also holds the record for the highest number of limited edition variants. (18 till date). Priced at 100,000 pounds the bike has titanium engine parts.


 5. BMW S1000RR (2009-present)- BMW manufactured 1,000 production models in 2009 to satisfy World Superbike homologation requirements, but expanded production for commercial sale of the bike in 2010. In certain limited edition versions, the bike matches MV Agusta F4CC in performance numbers at a slightly lower price point. The bike has an uneven front fairing design which the German designers say is to facilitate aerodynamics at high speeds. The bike is already a holder of numerous awards and the viral ad for the bike has already crossed a record number on Youtube.


6. Norton Commando (1967-1977)(2006-Present): Winning the 'Machine of the Year' award for five years in a row (1968-1972), Norton was an immidiate rage upon its availability for sale. Based on an older design and engine, it was the surprise hit for the company.  The 750cc engine was borrowed from the Atlas. In 1975, Britain's reducing capital treasuries led to political upheavals leading to bankruptcy of the Original Norton. The company name has since seen many owners in US and the UK finally resting in the hands of Norton Racing UK.  The new machine was built on the basis of the original Commando, with upgraded components and a significantly modified engine.The Commando 961 SS combined traditional Norton cafe racer styling with new technology. This included carbon fibre wheels to reduce weight, a counterbalanced engine, and a chro-moly tubular steel frame.


7.Triumph Bonneville T100 (1959-1983)(1985-1988)(2001-present): The Bonneville from Triumph is one of the oldest surviving motorcycle name in the world. Named after the Bonneville Salt flats used by motorcycle companies for testing and speed record runs, the motorcycle has made a record for itself. The current version, produced since 2001 by the modern successor of the original company, is a completely redesigned and re-engineered evolution of the original design. Since the arrival of the current 'Hinckley Bonneville', produced in Hinckley, the earlier T120 and T140, produced in Meriden, have been referred to as 'Meriden Bonnevilles', to distinguish between the versions.


8. Ducati 999 (1987- Present): Ducati's signature sports bike made humble beginnings in the Ducati 851. The first bike under Cagiva ownership to use Desmodronic head provided this bike with the much needed punch. The 888 saw a bigger engine and electronic fuel injection. The subsequent ducati bikes have won numerous Motorcycle races. Ducati's supersport bike has also won design awards and being displayed regularly at numerous fashion shows.


9. Royal Enfield Interceptor (1960-1970): n 1960, Royal Enfield introduced the first motorcycle bearing the name Interceptor. It had a highly tuned version of the company's biggest engine, the 692cc vertical twin and was only sold in the USA and Canada. The newer 750cc bikes are known for their reliability and torque. The engine cases were beefed up to withstand the increased torque. What sets this engine apart from other contemporary British twins is that the crankshaft was dynamically balanced from the factory which made these bikes one of the smoothest British twin engines ever. The models were sold until the british Subsidiary went bankrupt.


10. Jawa 250/350 (1946-1996)- One of the rare jewels to come from the Russian countries, Jawa's 250cc and 350cc motorcycles were a worldwide success due to their reliability. These were the only models to be produced worldwide under different names even after the companies bankruptcy. Frantisek Janecek began manufacturing Wanderer motorcycles under licence in 1927 in order to diversify the interests of his arms factory. Having bought the tooling for a 500 cc model, in 1929 he rebranded the machine with the name JAWA, derived from the first two letters of the words "Janacek" and "Wanderer". Based on their reliability and capability to run on spirits, the bike was termed 'forever bike, forever value'.