2009 Ford GT Edo Competition
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Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car
2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car
BMW announces 2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car for the Moto GP event Panamera announced that 2011 Porsche Panamera Turbo Safety Car will be used as the safety car, but this time in the 2011 American Le Mans Series. The 2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car is obviously based on the most powerful version Turbo model powered by 4.8-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, which offers a total of 500 hp. 2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car expect a number of changes to the specifications that define the racing series to watch.
2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car
2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car used safety car, which will be specifically used for the 2011 American Le Mans Series (ALMS). The car is based on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo has a base 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with 500 hp (368 kW) and 700 nm (516 lb-ft) between 2250 and 4500rpm. All that power is needed to keep pace on the track. 2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car from 0 to 60 km in 3.3 seconds and 100 mph in just 8.2 seconds. Quarter mile in 11.7 seconds back down to 192 km / h (119 mph). The top speed is 303 km / h (188 mph), which is very good for large four-door coupe.
2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car
The 500-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, all-wheel drive Panamera Turbo provides Porsche performance and quality, as well as a level of comfort absent among true high-performance cars. All U.S. Panamera models feature a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox delivering a dynamic driving experience, ultrafast gearshifts without the slightest interruption of engine power, a very high level of comfort for four, and outstanding fuel efficiency when compared to a conventional automatic transmission.The Panamera is the first premium car with an automatically shifting double-clutch transmission to feature an engine start/stop system. It saves fuel and reduces emissions by turning the engine off when it is not needed, such as sitting at a stop light. All engines have advanced and fuel-efficient Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), as well.
2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car
"The Porsche Panamera gives us an official safety car unmatched in motorsports," Ed Triolo, ALMS VP of Marketing and Brand Development said. "This reinforces the commitment and partnership between the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón and Porsche, one of the world’s greatest sports cars that has had extraordinary success in the ALMS and IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama. It is a perfect fit."
Then not only the Panamera is a safety car, second car would be used of the Porsche Cayenne. That will always be ready as the Emergency Response vehicle, and will always stand-by to deal with any difficulties that occurred in Le mans series racing this year. As was stated by the organizers of racing series, when choosing a car, they proceeded from the fact that the Porsche Panamera – is one of the best sports cars in the world. Also, two ALMS Porsche Cayenne Emergency Response Vehicles are on standby in case there are no problems on any of the games this season. No further details of the specific vehicles, but the company release more details soon.
The History Of Helicopter Discovery
The helicopter is an aircraft that picked up and driven by one or more rotors (propeller) large horizontal. Helicopters are classified as-rotating wing aircraft to distinguish them from ordinary fixed-wing aircraft other. The word comes from the Greek helicopter helix (spiral) and pteron (wing). The helicopter operated by the machine invented by the inventor of Slovakia in January Bahyl.
Compared with other fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters are more complex and more expensive to buy and operate, rather slow, has a close distance and roaming charges are limited. While the advantage is its movement; helicopters capable of flying in space, backward, and take off and land vertically. Limited in the addition of fuel facilities and load / altitude, the helicopter can fly to any location, and land anywhere with a pitch of the rotor and a half in diameter. Called a helipad helipad.
The working principle Helicopters
Helicopters can fly because of lift generated by air flow generated by the blades of the propeller rotor. Propeller was a stream of air flow from top to bottom. Air flow in such a swift so that they can lift objects weighing dozens of tons. His theory is actually quite simple but practically complex.
Airfoil
In essence, the basic principles of flying fixed wing aircraft (fixed wing) with a helicopter which is also known rotary winged aircraft is essentially fixed. The key was on the two major forces that work integrated, produce lift and thrust are great.
On the strength of the first fixed wing aircraft produced by the air flow at the surface of the wings that form a certain angle with small wings that flap in the rear wing of the position upheld. So that the air flow flowing backwards could be directed back to the top. The air flowing at the bottom of the wing surface pressure is relatively flat surface of the wing was involved pressing upward causing the lift and cause the plane upward. At least 15 percent of the total force generated, used to lift the fuselage upward.
Another major strength is the thrust produced by the flow of air in the upper wing surface is relatively curved shape. When the air flow generated by the engine flows into the rear and through the main wing, the airflow is divided. Air stream flowing over the wing upper surface is more rapid than the flow of air that hit the bottom of the wing surface. But the pressure of air flowing over the wing upper surface, relatively small compared with the air pressure in the lower wing surface is precisely the flow is less heavy. This air pressure difference causes the wing upward. To imagine how much lift it, the theory states that the air pressure difference of 2.5 ounces per square inch to produce lift 20 pounds per square foot (1 foot = 20 cm). Can be calculated, if the wing area 1000 square feet, the lift force generated will reach 10 tons.
In the helicopter, the function of the wing was replaced by propeller blades though each smaller than a regular airplane wing, but when played, curvanya relatively similar to the wing. To get the lift, the rotor blades must be directed at a particular position so as to form a large angle. The principle is the same as fixed wing aircraft, the helicopter there are two major forces that influence each other. Air flow moving forward propeller blades so that the pressing blade propeller driven back to back results in a small lift. But when when the flow of air moving quickly over the top and bottom of the blades of the propeller, a large air pressure between the blades will automatically expand to the entire surface of the lower pressure, causing the propeller driven up and the helicopter were drawn. Remember, even though the blades of the propeller is just a few pieces, but in a state of racing, he will form a flat surface and the air is pressed onto the large pressure menimbukan which eventually resulted in a greater lift. This principle is equivalent to the propellers on the aircraft-engine turboprop and the same with "propeller" children's toys.
Some of the helicopters used in warfare, such as Mi-26 Hind for example equipped with small wings called the Canard, the first function to relieve the burden on the main rotor and the second to increase the rate and extend the reach cruising speed. Another function is as a hanger weapons, missiles and others. By adding this short wings, the functional differences between fixed plane with a helicopter to be vague. Fixed wing aircraft is also capable of flying-landing vertically (Vertical Take-off Landing / VTOL). Contonya, of a kind Sea Harrier AV-8 Harrier or Harrier.
Excess fixed wing aircraft, especially about the flight because the plane of this type have a wide platform that is relatively more stable during flight. Questions flew it, it matters set aileron on the wing and vertical stabilizer and the existing flat on the tail. But the helicopter is not the case. When the blades of the propeller rotornya rotornya own produce lift themselves working on it move the air down as much. While the weight of the displaced air thus reducing the heavy helicopter helicopter lifted. And if the helicopter was lifted, means there is a balance between the weight of air displaced from the top down with the weight of helicopter. To operate the helicopter was there the usual steering tool disebutcollective pitch and cyclic pitch of each function as a regulator and booster lift helicopters for moving forward. So simple how it works, but transforming in a technology job really very complicated.
Tail rotor
Similarly, the rotor configuration, not just to rotate and fly and float. Because the propeller rotated setap will always cause torque generally termed torque. To eliminate or counteract the power play that could cause the helicopter body is spinning, it needs to be installed antitorque.
This can be Antitorque tail rotor or tail rotor mounted on the tail of the aircraft that also serves as a rudder. This configuration can be seen in the general helicopter like the Bell-412, Bell-205 or UH-1 Huey, or NBO-105, and AS-330 Puma or Super Puma AS-335, AH-64 Apache or the Mi-24 Hind. Selin using the tail rotor, there are still some other Desai. For example, using a tandem system as used on helicopter Boeing CH-47 Chinook or CH-46 Sea Knight. Both the rotor, which together are large each placed in front of and behind the helicopter body. Both symmetrical but has a round in the opposite direction. That is to negate each other round effects arising from each other, intermesh in popular language. Another way is to configure egg-beater. This design configuration as used on helicopter Kamov Ka-25 Russian-made or Kaman HH-43 Husky. Both the blades of the same magnitude was placed in one axis, separated from each other where a single rotor mounted above the other. Both are rotating in opposite directions. That is to eliminate the effects of rotation or torque.
Other Ways Than the three above, Also made the configuration without a tail rotor. This helicopter is called NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) system has a Slightly different with the existing system of Nowhere the use of a blast of hot gas from the main engine is channeled through the tail tube. Examples are MD-902 Explorer helicopter
On or Tilt Rotor Rotor and Wing On or Tilt Wing
Takeoff and landing style characterized by helicopter but fly fixed wing aircraft types is a concept embraced by helicopter of this type. The easiest way is to incorporate the concept of working helicopters with fixed wing aircraft in a single form.
The principle works technically, when the main rotor is directed upward by the vertical movement can be done while helikoter when the rotor is directed forward or backward (as pursher or driving) then the characters fly like a plane can still be obtained. Rotor motion such as this do not need to involve the wings.
Actually the development of active rotor is still covered with uncertainty, the problem is the system that you want can be called a fixed wing aircraft because it has a large berlumayan wings, tail plane and also have a fixed wing aircraft configured with ordinary. Finally, this concept called the hybrid concept. Examples of this helicopter is the V-22 Osprey. In addition to the active rotor concepts, there is also an active wing concept, which is driven rotor as the rotor is not active but the wing plane. While the engine remained in his position. Examples of this helicopter is the TW-68 is designed by Ishida Corporation, Japan, this design was mentioned refer to as having a more compact design compared to the active rotor sustainability unfortunately just is not so sound.
Helicopter Jump Seats
Discovery Helicopters
Actually, the helicopter trip into a form that is known at the time this takes quite a long period of time. In the process, also involves the development of technology and also the inventor and developer helikoter.
The first helicopter flew the man is the Breguet-Richet helicopter, 1907. Heli is flying in Douai, France on September 29, 1907. Helicopters are still getting help from four people who hold all four feet. This effort did not get a good record as the first helicopter to fly free. However, this proves the success of the helicopter vertical flight theory that time was still considered a theory. This is the first machine that can fly by itself carry a pilot vertically as a result of wing lift swivel. Heli uses powerful 50 hp Antoinette engine.
Flying helicopters actually done by Paul Cutaneous using a twin-engine helicopters Antoinette 24 hp at Lisieux, France on November 13, 1907. The flight lasted 20 seconds to a height of 0.3 meter. While the first Gyroplane Helicopter type C4 achieved by artificial Autogiro Juan de la Cierva. Autogiro first flew on January 9, 1923. The secret of success in the adoption of a joint system of flapping hinges the blades to the rotor head. While the helicopter which first flew successfully carried out by type of Fock Wulf FW-61 double berotor designed by Professor Heinrich Focke in the year 1933-1934. The helicopter was doing flying debut on June 26, 1936 and powered by Siemens-Halske Sh 14A-powered 160 hp. Heli was flown by Ewald Rohlfs. Heli fly as far as this record 122.35 km and long flown one hour 20 minutes 49 seconds. At other times he flew to a height of 3427 meters and record the speed of 122 miles / hour.
Helicopter pioneer developer of technology
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Leonardo da Vinci actually developed the concept of vertical flight and was previously a children's toy from the plains of China, it is unclear exactly since when children's toys was developed there and who inisiatornya or discoverer. In 1483 Leonardo da Vinci developed the concept of the screw flight.
Sir George Cayley (1773-1857)
Sir George Cayley is known as an engineer and innovator in air navigation and aerodynamics. One of the introduction of the term angle of attack in the world of aviation. In history, he is a figure who develop fixed-wing aircraft and gliders or gliders however, he developed the rotary wing or helicopter. Helicopters are the introduction of a compilation of wood, fur, cork and wire.
In 1842, Cayley designed the helicopter better, especially when they know that spin the propeller can lead to disastrous and require antidotes. Deterrence theory is also presented by him. To be able to fly, this helikpter put two rotors which move in opposite directions. Although the design is not yet tangible helicopter with an airborne helicopter, the concept used by the Kamov helicopters from Russia and Focke of Germany.
Nikolai Egorovich Zhikovsky (1847-1921)
Zhukovsky aviation career began with pursue mathematics, hydrodynamics and aerodynamics. Zhukovsky then discovered the world's first wind tunnel to test the aerodynamic technology. Falls in the development of a helicopter in 1910 and in World War I developed a lot of airplanes and helicopters
Juan de la Cierva (1895-1936)
Cierva developed a helicopter after a homemade double-winged bomber fell in 1919, the reason is the stability of the helicopter sees higher. In developing the design helicopter, Cierva ignore the various theories developed previously, using the newly-made designs which are based on the theory he developed through various experiments. Autogiro which is resulting in a hodgepodge concept aircraft between aircraft flying generally so that it can perform a vertical landing, half helicopter and half airplane. Autogiro Cierva flew in 1923. Five years later Cierva do Autogiro flights around Europe with more than 5000 km as far as he promoted. His efforts were not in vain because Autogiro a number of industrial design is great demand in Europe. Autogiro Cierva died in an accident in Croydon in 1936.
Igor Ivanovich Sikorsky (1889-1972)
Sikorsky took an interest in flight by designing various aircraft models including a helicopter from an early age. At first he entered the Naval Academy in St. Petersburg who later resigned and went to Paris to explore the science of engineering and aviation. After Paris, he returned to Kiev, Ukraine and develop the helicopter but failed. Sikorsky Bolshevik Revolution forced to move to Paris and then settled in the United States.
In 1939 he flew his first helicopter VS-300 and during its development, has recorded several record helicopter flight. Until entering the 21st century there are about 40,000 man-made Sikorsky helicopters flying in various parts of the world.
Mikhail Mill (1909-1970)
As with Sikorsy, Mill took an interest in aviation early age. He won the competition model airplanes at age 12. He then entered the Aviation Institute in Novocherkassk and develop the first autogiro with supervision and guidance of Kamov and Skrzhinsky. After graduating in 1931, he entered the center of the Russian aerodynamics TsAGi, and it was here doing research on helicopter aerodynamics with an emphasis on stability and design of the rotor.
In 1947, Miles was appointed head of design of new helicopters and helicopters bring GM-1 is known to be a Mi-1 Hare. Success Hare guide further development of the most famous helicopters like Mi-4, Mil Mi-6 Hook Mi-8 and others.
BMW announces three two-car teams for 2012 DTM series
Touring car racing fans are eagerly anticipating the return of BMW to the DTM series. The Bavarian automaker last competed in DTM (or its progenitors, anyway) a whopping 18 years ago, but late last year announced it would return to the German touring car series in 2012. Now it has revealed the means to that end.
Rather than field its own entries, BMW will be supplying the vehicles and factory support for three independent teams: BMW Team RBM, BMW Team Schnitzer and Reinhold Motorsport GmbH. Both RBM and Schnitzer have a longstanding relationship with BMW Motorsport, while Reinhold is a completely new outfit. Each of the teams will be fielding two of the new M3 DTMs that are currently under development.
The move to DTM comes on the back of some big shakeups in BMW’s racing program. Although it pulled out of Formula One two years ago, and eliminated its works World Touring Car Championship effort at the end of last year, it has recently pitched the Mini division into the WRC with Prodrive and launched the DTM program to pick up where it left off in the WTCC.
[Source: BMW Motorsport]
PRESS RELEASE:
BMW Motorsport presents the teams for its DTM project.
BMW Motorsport heralds a new era on its way entering the DTM. Development of the car has been running at full speed in Munich for some months now, as has the central preparation for the logistics and assembly of the race cars. Three teams, each lining up with two BMW M3 DTM cars, will be responsible for the races themselves.
BMW Motorsport has enjoyed great success in production car racing in the past with both BMW Team RBM and BMW Team Schnitzer, and all those involved are hungry for more of the same. In Reinhold Motorsport GmbH they are joined by a new team still in its fledgling stage, but which boasts individual members with a vast wealth of motorsport experience.
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director, says: “In recent months we have worked very intensely on the DTM project. The agreement with the teams was of paramount importance. We were pleased with the high level of interest and numerous applications and presentations received from a number of professional teams. The concepts presented by BMW Team RBM, BMW Team Schnitzer and Reinhold Motorsport GmbH ultimately convinced us. This is an excellent team line-up for BMW. For us, it is important that all three teams have absolute equal rights. We are looking forward to cooperating over the coming years – and hope to enjoy great success together.”
Bart Mampaey, Team Manager of BMW Team RBM, says: “The DTM is one of the toughest and the most popular racing series in the world for production cars. From a sporting point of view this poses a great challenge – but an appetizing one. We are honoured to be able to continue our successful cooperation with BMW Motorsport, which has yielded many WTCC titles, in the DTM. We still have a lot of work ahead of us over the coming months, and are now looking forward to getting to grips with the project.”
Stefan Reinhold, founder of Reinhold Motorsport GmbH, says: “In April last year, BMW announced its intention to compete in the DTM. From this day on, we have always wanted to be a part of this project. Shortly after the announcement, we presented our concept to BMW in Munich, and started to work on meeting the prerequisites for any potential cooperation. We are very proud to have been given the nod. To be part of the BMW Motorsport family with immediate effect and to strive for DTM success together is simply fantastic. We can hardly wait to get started and to vindicate the huge amount of trust BMW has placed in us.”
Charly Lamm, Team Manager of BMW Team Schnitzer, adds: “We are really looking forward to tackling the DTM project together with BMW. Schnitzer Motorsport has enjoyed a successful past in the DTM and achieved many victories together with BMW. However, past success is no guarantee that we will also be victorious in the future. The bar is set really high in DTM, and our preparations will be intensive to meet this challenge. Every team is highly motivated and the anticipation is mounting every day as we get closer to the start of the 2012 DTM season.”
BMW Team Schnitzer will run two BMW M3 GT cars for BMW Motorsport at the major endurance races in Europe and Asia. BMW Team RBM is involved in BMW customer racing projects, including the development of the BMW 320 TC and the further development of the BMW Z4 GT3.
Mario Theissen says: “While the preparation for this year’s involvement on the endurance racing circuit with the BMW M3 GT is in its final phase, the DTM project has picked up pace over the past few months. In naming the teams, we have taken the next step. As well as developing the car, it is now a matter of assigning tasks and establishing structures and processes. The cooperation between BMW Motorsport and the teams, as well as that between the team bases and the race track, must be well established. Only then will we make a statement regarding the driving line-up.”
BMW Team RBM in profile.
In 2012, BMW Team RBM will compete in the DTM with three world championship titles to its name. Under the leadership of Team Manager Bart Mampaey, the team from Mechelen, Belgium, not only won the 2004 European Touring Car Championship with Andy Priaulx at the wheel, but also proved to be the team to beat in the World Championship…
BMW Team RBM in profile.
In 2005, 2006 and 2007 the celebrations after the final WTCC race in Macau all took place in front of the RBM garage. Bart Mampaey is now looking forward to the DTM. “Competing in the DTM will be a big challenge for our team,” he says. “We are delighted that BMW is putting its faith in us again. We will use the time leading up to the first race to prepare as well as possible. The whole team is extremely motivated and hungry to get on with the development work. It is fantastic to be on board right from the start when a manufacturer like BMW launches this kind of project. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, as the standards in the DTM are extremely high.”
Efficiency is an important factor in daily work for BMW Team RBM. Mampaey is constantly striving to use time and resources efficiently, in order to extract the full potential of the car. The team profits from the infrastructure of the BMW dealership, which the Mampaey family manages under the name JUMA. Synergies and allows RBM to concentrate on the basics: the performance on the race track.
JUMA stands for Julian Mampaey. Today’s RBM boss inherited his love of motor sport from his father. The JUMA team made a name for itself in the 1970s and 1980s, claiming three overall victories for BMW at the Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour race. Nine years after the final JUMA race, Bart Mampaey stepped into his father’s footsteps in 1995. At first, RBM was responsible for the cars in the BMW Compact Cup in Belgium. Soon after that, the Mampaey family celebrated a successful comeback at Spa: the Group N one-two in the 1997 24-hour race was followed by overall victory with the BMW 318i one year later. This was also the last overall victory for BMW to date at the “Ardennes Rollercoaster”.
RBM sent a BMW 320i to the European Touring Car Championship for BMW Belgium for the first time in 2002. One year later the team appeared for the first time in the colours of BMW Great Britain, and Priaulx was signed up to drive. After a year gaining experience in 2003, RBM caused a sensation in 2004 when Priaulx claimed the ETCC title in Dubai. Three World Championship titles show categorically that this victory was not a flash in the pan for Mampaey and his crew.
“A change of scenery will do us good, particularly when we have the prospect of lining up in a successful series like the DTM,” Mampaey says. “Having won three World Championship titles, everyone in the team is looking forward to seeing how we fair against the other teams in the DTM.”
Back to the future.
Back to the future: this could be the motto of BMW Team Schnitzer for the 2012 DTM season. Charly Lamm’s team sported BMW colours in this series back in the 1980s and 1990s – and with great success. A Schnitzer driver crossed the finish line in first place in a BMW M3 on 17 occasions, and the team also claimed eight pole positions and set 18 fastest laps.
BMW Team Schnitzer’s greatest success in the DTM came in its very first season, when Roberto Ravaglia won the 1989 drivers’ title for the team from Freilassing. BMW Team Schnitzer will make its DTM comeback in 2012, almost 20 years after its last victory in Hockenheim on 11th October 1992.
“We lined up with the BMW M3 in the DTM for the first time in 1989, and were able to win the title with Roberto Ravaglia at the first attempt,” Lamm recalls. “The four seasons up to 1992 were a great time, with spectacular and thrilling races, which will always have a special place in the history of Schnitzer. Even back then, the DTM was extremely popular in Germany. It is now almost 20 years since our last DTM race. We are well aware that the series has changed dramatically. The level of competition is extremely high and the series has a far more international flavour to it. As a result, rookies like us face a huge challenge. However, we will approach the task in hand with great verve.”
During the break from the DTM, the Schnitzer team continued to line up for BMW, adding many new chapters to the brand’s motorsport success story. In 1999 it claimed overall victory at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours (FR) with the BMW V12 LMR prototype. In 2001, BMW Team Schnitzer won the drivers’, team and manufacturers’ titles in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with the BMW M3 GTR.
The team also has a very special relationship with the legendary 24-hour race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (DE). BMW Team Schnitzer finished as overall winner in the “Green Hell” in 1989, 1990, 2004, 2005 and 2010, making it one of the most successful teams in the history of this classic race. Schnitzer also enjoyed success after success in the European Touring Car Championship between 2002 and 2004, as well as the World Touring Car Championship between 2005 and 2009. The team’s drivers crossed the finish line as winners on 45 occasions in the European and World Championships.
In the last 50 years, Schnitzer has won 16 championships with BMW – including the 1987 World Touring Car Championship, three European Touring Car Championships, and championships in Germany, England, Italy, Japan and South East Asia.
Lamm adds: “We will attempt to readapt to the DTM as quickly as possible. We have great respect for the current manufacturers and teams in the DTM. They have set the bar very high. From now on we will be working on equalling, or even surpassing, the standards they have set as soon as possible.”
“Our greatest asset is definitely the people in our team”.
Stefan Reinhold’s team, which will line up at BMW’s DTM comeback in 2012, may be a newcomer to the series – but its members are by no means lacking experience. The team’s great strengths are its individual know-how and the precise way in which it uses each member’s skills.
“The crew comes from all areas of professional motor racing,” Reinhold explains. “From GT racing and the World Rally Championship, as well as DTM and Formula One. Almost all the team members have experience gained in several fields of motorsport. They are used to working at the highest level. Clear communication and the optimal use of experience and resources, as well as uncompromising commitment, are fundamental attributes of the team. Our greatest asset is definitely the people in our team.”
The team structure started with a blank sheet of paper. Reinhold took the time to analyse the individual strengths of his crew and used this as a basis to assemble his team step by step. By the start of 2012, 25 engineers and technicians will be involved in the DTM project.
Reinhold himself has Formula One and GT racing experience to his name and has been toying with the idea of launching his own racing team for a long time. When BMW announced its return to DTM this idea took shape and work began on the conception. “In late summer 2010 we started with the concrete planning and then applied to BMW with our concept in the autumn,” Reinhold recalls. “The fact that we won BMW Motorsport over with our concept is the perfect reward for the hard work we put in during this phase.”
The team has moved into headquarters in Niederzissen. The proximity to the Nürburgring is not the only reason for motor racing being omnipresent on the team’s premises, as its former tenant was also a prominent name in motorsport: the Zakspeed team previously operated from this site and has now rented the facilities out to Reinhold.
Over the coming months, Reinhold and his team will work at full speed on the team structure in order to be ready for the first test drive with the BMW M3 DTM. “Everything from the washers to the semi-trailer will be new in our team,” says Reinhold. “However, I do not by any means see this as a disadvantage. We are very keen to take on the established DTM teams and, along with our partner BMW, to be competitive as soon as possible. “
First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
We usually see women behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. Who can blame them? It’s a cute little car. The original SLK debuted in 1996 with a four-cylinder powerplant and all of 136 ponies. What it lacked in the motivation department it made up for with its Vario-roof retractable hardtop. Not since the 1957 Ford Skyliner could a car stop so much traffic while parked.
The SLK gained some testosterone with its first facelift in 2000. While the exterior was still rather tame, the chick car jokes ceased in 2001 with the introduction of the 354-horsepower SLK 32 AMG.
Things continued to get better with the all-new 2004 edition and its sleeker styling that paid homage to Mercedes’ Formula One designs and the beastly McMerc SLR. The reality that AMG could stuff its hand-built 5.4-liter V8 under the hood made the second-generation SLK a serious performance car.
For 2012, the SLK officially begins its third generation, and you can see the difference from 100 yards. Especially from the front view, the roadster looks more mature and substantial. The split-grill design reconstitutes the 190 SL’s design from the late 1950s in a handsome, modern manner. The bolder aesthetics continue in the rear, which features large arches over the rear wheels and LED taillamps. And it keeps getting better on the inside…
Inside, the modernized retro theme continues, with our SLK350 tester’s circular vent outlets ported through the handsomely contoured dash covered in hand-stitched Nappa leather (like the SLS AMG). Round analog gauges flank a center digital display in the main binnacle, while a bright, seven-inch LCD handles navigation as well as manipulating the climate control and infotainment systems.
While the interior and exterior are mostly new, from an engineering standpoint, the third generation seems more like a Gen 2.5.5; a facelift of the 2008 facelift. The 2012 SLK rides on the same 95.7-inch wheelbase. It’s about an inch longer and an inch wider (overall width and track), and the tidy dimensions help this car stay true to what SLK stands for: Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light) and Kompakt (compact).
Engines are familiar to fans of the Three-Pointed Star. In the States, we will eventually get two of three available engines for the new SLK: the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6. Four-cylinder models will be called the SLK250, while V6 models gets the SLK350 badge. For 2012, both engines gain direct fuel injection in a nod to efficiency. Horsepower, torque and preliminary estimated miles per gallon figures are 201, 229 pound-feet, and 23/31 for the 1.8-liter engine and 302, 273 lb-ft., and 20/29 for the uprated V6. On this trip, only the six-cylinder SLK350 was available for us to drive, as it will be the only model offered when the SLK goes on sale in June. The SLK250 is scheduled for availability in the U.S. later in the model year.
Both engines run their torque through an updated seven-speed automatic modified to accommodate a new fuel-saving start/stop functionality. Unfortunately, cars coming to the USA won’t be getting the latter feature – at least for the moment. That’s too bad, given where fuel prices are trending and the system’s relative smoothness. Mercedes-Benz engineers use the crankshaft position sensor to know which cylinder has stopped closest to the optimum position for re-starting the engine. The engine control module then re-fires that cylinder first, an action that helps smooth out and quicken the re-start event.
To prepare for our drive, we needed to store two large duffle bags and wondered how much room our SLK350’s trunk provided. Mercedes-Benz literature claims 6.4 cubic feet with the roof lowered and 10.1 cubes with the roof raised. Since we would soon be driving from sea level through the clouds to the observatory at Teide National Park, some 7,800 feet above the Atlantic in Spain’s canary Islands, the top would be down and up depending on the precipitation (or a lack thereof). The trunk easily swallowed two large backpacks and a camera case with the roof stowed. Nifty.
The SLK’s hallmark retractable hardtop comes in three varieties: solid steel panels, a tinted roof section or with Benz’s trick new Magic Sky Control electrochromatic roof section. The later roof’s trick is that the transparent panel can shift its tint from almost clear to heavily darkened.
The glass section is a glass-matrix polymer-glass sandwich in which nearly microscopic rectangular particles are suspended in carrier-type fluid. When a small electrical charge is put through the polymer layer, the particles obediently arrange themselves in a vertical orientation, letting light pass through mostly unencumbered. When the juice is cut via a switch on the windshield header, the particles rotate 45-degrees, blocking most of the light (and heat) attempting to pass through. The shift requires nary a second. (Geek Note: Magic Sky Control uses a similar principle to Delphi’s Magnetic Ride Control dampers that control the flow path of damper fluid.)
When it came time to press the starter button and head for the observatory, temperatures were mild, and low clouds hung over our oceanfront starting point. With rain threatening, it neither felt nor looked like top-down driving weather, so the top stayed in place.
The imperfect roads on Tenerife presented a less-than-ideal surface that worked to shake and rattle the SLK. It accomplished neither. The roadster easily absorbed the punishment with the aplomb of a true fixed-roof coupe. Interior noise levels (engine, road and wind) were well subdued, and the exhaust note of the V6 sounded sportier than the same mill in the C-Class sedan. No surprise there, but still a welcome discovery.
Short-wheelbase cars can feel skittish, but the SLK simply doesn’t. Even at full throttle with every foot-pound of torque twisting the rear half shafts, the SLK350 felt unshakable and secure.
As we left the island’s primary roads for the twisties ascending the extinct volcano’s walls to the observatory, the SLK’s locked-down feeling continued. Our route took us into the clouds that were heavy with moisture and the narrow roads turned slick. It seemed that the entire ride up the mountain was a Falling Rock Zone, and plenty of rocks littered the asphalt – like we needed more excitement.
Even running uphill, the 302-hp six-cylinder had plenty of power in reserve. Thinking that leaving the electronic stability control in the ‘On’ position was a good idea, we’d often feel it working to keep the SLK in line. As expected, it immediately curbed any oversteer, but did so in a way that wasn’t retaliatory – it simply chided for being overexuberant.
What was unexpected was the so-called torque-vectoring function of the Electronic Stability Control. When diving into a corner under braking, we’re trained to expect a certain amount understeer – particular from Mercedes. The SLK senses the understeer and helps to mitigate it by adding a measured amount of braking to the inside rear wheel, helping to increase the car’s yaw rate and make it rotate more easily.
We’ll have to wait for the AMG-tuned version of the SLK to arrive before this chassis can be completely exploited, but indications are good thus far. Unfortunately, the ESC on the SLK350 cannot be completely disabled. When the dash switch is toggled off, the tires will spin to aid acceleration on snow or through mud, but any yaw immediately triggers a throttle intervention. When the AMG version arrives, expect an option to completely shut down the ESC.
Even with ESC on, the SLK remained a remarkably fun steer. The traditional hydraulic rack-and-pinion box had a natural on-center feel. Rolling off of center, starting at about 5 degrees, the box cranks the wheels with a constant ratio. At 100 degrees of steering angle – just beyond a quarter turn and just before your arms get crossed up – the ratio increases and the wheels turn more quickly. This is a huge help on roads that twist enough that you spend as much time looking out the side glass as the windshield. On the roads of Tenerife, we rarely had to shuffle the wheel or get our arms completely crossed-up.
Somewhere north of 6,000 feet we broke through the clouds and the top went down. It was chilly enough for us to turn on the Airscarf, a feature that blows warm air on your neck. We also put up the Airguide windstop. With the heater cranked up, we remained warm in the cabin, and buffeting was kept to a minimum.
After shooting some photos, we headed back down the mountain. This strained the brakes, as evidenced by the soft pedal and burning odor. However, the Continental SportContact5 tires (225/40R18 front and 245/35/R18 rear) – known for their ability to shed speed with authority – never faltered. The average SLK driver probably isn’t going to give their drop-top the same workout, so for daily duty, the standard stoppers should do nicely.
In all, the 2012 SLK’s driving experience was a good one. It did, however, leave us wondering about a few things. First, we’re looking forward to some time behind the wheel of the lighter SLK250. The tonnage is down by more than 100 pounds and weight distribution should be closer to 50/50. The SLK350’s smaller-engined sibling could end up being the better of the two offerings – that is, until the V8 AMG model enters the mix. We’ll let you know as soon as we get the chance to try them out.
[Source: autoblog]
Saab JAS 39 Gripen Aircraft
Design
in designing this aircraft Saab kanard choose a design that is not stable. Kanard provides pitch rate is high and low resistance to allow aircraft to fly faster, farther and more mengankut load.
The combination of delta wing and Gripen Kanard provide better performance in terms of character fly and take off and land. The total integrated avionics make the aircraft is capable of "program". The aircraft also has an internal electronic warfare devices, enabling him to carry the maximum load without compromising the ability of electronic war.
The desired capability for Gripen from scratch is able to take off from runway 800 meter.Pada original project, all flights conducted from Saab in Linköping basis using reference a "line of the box" measuring 9 m × 800 m runway, runway painted. Braking distance is also shortened by enlarging the air brake (use control surfaces to push the aircraft toward the bottom, making it more powerful brake pressed down and the next step is to rotate kanard forward, memngubah kanard into large air brakes, to push the aircraft down even worse.
One interesting capability of the Gripen is the ability to land on public roads, which is one of Sweden's defense strategy. Once landed, the plane can be filled with fuel and armed again in 10 minutes by 5 people ground crew operating out of a truck, then Gripen flying back to carry out its mission.
For long-term Saab consider using newer machines such as General Electric F414 or a thrust-vectoring version of the Eurofighter Typhoon's EJ200 engine and additional fuel tanks or a fuselage extension separately mileage even further.
Radar
The radar is capable of detecting, tracking the location, identify and automatically track multiple targets at the top or bottom of the aircraft, sea land and air, in all weather conditions.
Overview Saab Company
After World War II Saab also started producing cars through the company Saab Automobile. The company was then purchased half by General Motors in 1990, and then the remaining ten years later.
Saab also started a computer business in the late 1950s with the name Datasaab.
In 1969 Saab took the truck maker Scania AB, and between 1969 and 1995 the company was called the Saab-Scania.
Plane
In 1995, Saab Military Aircraft and BAE Systems formed a joint venture company Saab-BAe Gripen AB, with the aim of adapting, producing, marketing and supporting Gripen internationally.
BAE SYSTEMS designs and perfect wing. Saab Military Aircraft is responsible for the overall aircraft system, including basic aircraft development and production, and testing of delivery as well.
In 1998 BAE Systems to take over 35% of Saab Military Aircraft.
Nissan at Glance
Nissan, Nissan Motor Co. the full name., Ltd.. (Nissan Jidōsha Kabushiki-gaisha) (TYO: 7201, NASDAQ: NSANY)-is the second largest automotive company in Japan after Toyota and is one of Asia's three main contender in the United States.
Together with their alliance, Renault, Nissan became the fourth largest producer in the world
Nissan Car Model
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