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AUTO MANIA: by Dr. Iain Corness
 


The 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show

Mitsubishi Mirage.

The annual Bangkok International Motor Show is on now, closing on April 8, so go soon! This is the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show and runs from March 28 to April 8. Once again it is held at the Challenger Hall, Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani and the organizers are confident of a bigger, better show this year with some new vehicle launches. Last year the Impact Arena showed that it was more than capable of holding the largest motor show in Thailand, and this one is even better.

Motor Show “Pretties”.

The Grand Prix International Group, the organizers of the Bangkok International Motor Show said that last year’s event was an overwhelming success in the history of the Show. This year, exhibition space has been booked by BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Lexus, Lotus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi Motors (with their eco-car), Mitsuoka, Nissan, Peugeot, Rolls-Royce, SsangYong, Suzuki (another eco-car), Thairung, Toyota, Volkswagen (which is out to enter the main market, rather than just being a niche vehicle, and the new Beetle will be released) and Volvo.

The motorcycle ranks will feature Big Bull, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Modern Bike, Stallions, Suzuki, UDA, Vespa and Yamaha. 2012 is set to be a great year for new bikes and the BIMS is where you’ll be able to throw a leg over the latest and greatest. From bling cruisers to the latest hi-tech sports bikes, there’s something for everyone here. New are Ducati and Harley-Davidson.

Dr. Prachin.

Organizers have also prepared a special area for visitors who want to do a test drive. Last year’s show featured 20 of the leading automotive brands and between them more than 1,000 test drives were taken during the event by enthusiastic show visitors. Other attractions for the general public include a music corner, automotive auction, photography competition, and a variety of automotive-themed talk shows, and bring your camera to snap the simpering “Pretties” in their totally ridiculous outfits. Yes, you got it correct, I do not like the Pretties, I go to motor shows to see cars and talk to engineers who know what they are talking about, compared to some dizzy dame parroting off specifications while dressed like a Barbie doll. But then again, perhaps I am getting old - and Pattaya has more “Pretties” than the motor show, and some of them don’t have “outfits” at all!

Concept cars and production cars from Japan, Europe, America, Korea and China are presenting technology right up to the future, signifying that the automotive industry of Thailand is still relevant in the automotive world of SE Asia as well as being important in the world stage.

President of Grand Prix International and Chairman of the organizing committee, Dr Prachin Eamlumnow said, “I’m confident that this 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show will endeavour to overturn the fortunes of the Thai automotive industry again and be the gauge of the Thai economy.” With Thailand aiming to be in the top 10 vehicle producing nations in the world, backing from influential figures such as Dr. Prachin is important.

The BIMS runs to 8 April 2012, at the Challenger Hall 1-3, Impact Muang Thong Thani - Thailand’s biggest automotive showcase.


Has VW conquered the oil price problem?

VW XL1.

VW has said it is building some production examples of the XL1 coupe seen at the motor show in Qatar last year as a concept. The reason this has generated such a buzz is because Volkswagen is quoting fuel consumption figures of 0.9 L/ 100 km (313 mpg for those working on the old standards). That makes it the most frugal car on the planet.

Weighing in at only 795 kg, VW has used pioneering construction techniques, an advanced plug-in hybrid drive train and innovative packaging all play a part in allowing the XL1 to return that 313 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 24 g/km of CO2 to set a new benchmark for vehicle efficiency.

Powering the XL1 is a compact 800 cc TDI two-cylinder common rail diesel engine developing 35 kW of power and 121 Nm of torque with an electric motor adding another 20 kW and 100 Nm - a modest output yet more than enough when the low kerb weight of the vehicle is taken into account.

The TDI engine is linked to the electric motor and a seven-speed DSG gearbox with an automatic clutch mounted between each unit. The electric motor can either work independently of the TDI engine or in tandem when accelerating. In pure electric mode the XL1 can travel up to 35 km before the diesel engine cuts in. Accelerating from rest to 100 km/h takes 11.9 seconds; and the electronically limited top speed is 160 km/h. Neither is a staggering performance figure, but the car is designed for city use, and those figures are more than adequate.

In both its styling and packaging the XL1 draws on lessons learned from the 1-Liter car (2002) and the L1 concept (2009). The XL1 has evolved to feature staggered seating with the driver and passenger placed next to each other in a body structure made from advanced new materials providing immense strength yet weighing just 230 kg.

To make such weight savings possible, and yet viable for series production, Volkswagen developed and patented a new system for the manufacture of the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) parts on the car called the Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process. Further savings are made through the extensive use of lightweight materials including magnesium (wheels), ceramics (brake discs) and aluminium (dampers, steering system, brake calipers).

The styling of the XL1 is borne out of functional requirements - easy access to the interior is granted via a pair of scissor doors that hinge on the A-pillar while the profile of the car has been designed in the wind tunnel, the result being a remarkable coefficient of drag figure of 0.186. This makes it more aerodynamic than a Ferrari 458 Italia which has a co-efficient of drag of 0.32; (the lower the number the slipperier the car). The XL1’s overall length (3,970 mm) and width (1,682 mm) are similar to those of a Volkswagen Polo yet its height (1,184 mm) is more akin to that of a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder.


What did we learn from the Malaysian Grand Prix?

Well, we learned that it still rains in the rainy season in Malaysia, something the FIA hasn’t quite managed to get a handle on yet. Wake up rule-makers. Change the date!

We also learned that Sauber’s Sergio Perez, the speedy Mexican, is a huge talent. Second in the end, but within a gnat’s knee of overtaking Alonso (Ferrari). The best result for Sauber and very deserved. You will see him in Massa’s seat before half way through the season.

While still on Ferrari, Alonso drove a magnificently judged race and deserved his win. Some luck with timing of pit stops, but take nothing away from the Spaniard, and thankfully he seems to have given up his bird impersonations while standing in winner’s lane.

Another third for Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) but this time the psychotherapy seminars worked and he wasn’t standing on his bottom lip like he was in Australia. Disappointing, after doing so well in Qualifying, but pole position does not guarantee a win anywhere. Team mate Jenson Button had a Sunday to forget. Clobbering Narain Karthikeyan was a very rare mistake for Button, but he paid the price and consequently finished out of the points.

Red Bull were always running in the top half dozen, but were never going to challenge for the win. Mark Webber out qualified Vettel again and finished fourth (again). Vettel’s race finished when attacked by an HRT (see further in the story).

Mercedes looked to be in great shape after Qualifying, but they came away with only one point for 10th (Michael Schumacher). His race was compromised in the very beginning, being turned around by Grosjean (“Lotus”). The Frenchman appears to have problem in relating to time and space, claiming Schumacher hit him! The only way that could have happened was for Schumacher to select reverse! Rosberg, the second Mercedes driver (in all respects) went steadily down the order and will have to find some fire and determination before the next race.

The principal “Lotus” driver Kimi Raikkonen drove a sensible race and was rewarded with a fifth place. In many ways, Raikkonen has been a surprise package, very quickly regaining form and even uttering sentences with more than five words!

Like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes, Williams are back. Both Bruno Senna and Pastor Maldonado were right in the thick of things all the way through the race and Senna, in particular, impressed with his driving, and not just through using the family name. The new blood in the engineering department and a new engine supplier have changed Williams’ fortunes.

Finally, Force India with DiResta and Hulkenberg had two cars in the points, a great result.

Mention must be made of every Indian tailor’s favorite driver. Narain Karthikeyan in the HRT (Hispania Racing Team, not Hormone Replacement Therapy). He has made being a “mobile chicane” into an art form, eventually taking out Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) and receiving a penalty for it. However, his moment of glory (59 minutes actually) was his sitting on 10th place on lap eight when the race was suspended (for 59 minutes) after a lucky tyre selection at the start of the race, while the rest of the field were diving into the pits to change from intermediate to full wets. There is no truth in the rumor that Karthikeyan had been promised a new hand-made suit, two silk shirts and a tie all in 24 hours if he could take out the world champion.

Despite the suspended part of the Grand Prix, it was an exciting race, all the way down the field, so roll on China on April 15.


Autotrivia Quiz

Last week I asked which racing driver won a 10 mile scratch race, collected $1,000 and promptly retired, saying “Once is enough.”? It was Henry Ford I, who went on to found an eponymous dynasty, with the name Ford still well represented at board level.

So to this week. What did Steve McQueen, Enzo Ferrari, Marianne Faithfull, the four Beatles and Peter Sellars all have in common. Clue: think wicker side panels with Sellars.

For the Automania free beer this week, be the first correct answer to email [email protected]


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