Saturday, March 19, 2011

1953 Chevrolet Corvette: King of All Corvettes

 
The Chevrolet Corvette C1 will always remain close to the hearts of Americans, as it was the first two-seater sports car in the nation. Since it was merely an experiment at first, only 300 cars were initially produced. The external body of the Corvette was made out of fiberglass, which was considered a new composite material back then. This fiberglass material made it possible for the radio antenna to be incorporated inside the trunk lid. All the 300 units produced had a Polo White exterior and a red interior. The first 15 units produced were built hand-made in Flint, Michigan. 225 of the first 300 manufactured units still exist up to the present. At that time, the Corvette was priced at $3,498.00 inclusive of federal excise tax. It made its debut appearance on January 17, 1953 at the GM Motorama in Waldorf Astoria. As of the moment, that display is now at the Kerbeck Corvette Museum in Atlantic City. 

The car had a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission and Chevrolet's standard drum brakes. The Corvette also featured the Blue Flame inline six-cylinder trunk engine, a standard component of Chevrolet. It wasn't what the engineering team wanted, but it was their only option because other GM brands were not willing to share their V8 motors that time. It wasn't the best engine, although it was reliable. The engineering team just upgraded some parts to make up for it which included a radical camshaft rubbing on solid lifters and higher compression ratio cylinder head from 7.5:1 to 8.0:1. The biggest upgrade to the induction system was in the form of the Three Carter type YH sidedraft carburetors with bullet air cleaners equipped with an aluminum manifold. The result was an increase in output from 150 bhp to 4,500 RPM. Even if the engines output was upgraded, it did not do much to improve the performance. Critics said that overall, the Corvette's performance was below average. 

It wasn't a good start for the Corvette. Sales were low in 1954. GM even thought of halting the production but thanks to Zora Arkus Dunto of GM's engineering department, the Corvette became one of the most legendary cars in history. He upgraded the V8 with a three-speed manual transmission. Thanks to that modification, the Corvette morphed into one of greatest cars ever built. In fact, the 1953 Corvette is considered the holy grail of the Corvette lovers. This innovation also earned Arkus-Duntov the title Father of the Corvette. The car even gained the National Corvette Homecoming Sapphire Award in 2007, cementing its legacy as one of the best. 

----------------------------------------------------
William Jason has admired classic cars ever since he was a young child and you can read his blog at: http://musclecarmonster.com/

Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming 2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) Passenger Cars Manufactured Prior to September 1, 2006 Are Eligible for Importation

Federal Register
March 15, 2011


[Federal Register: March 15, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 50)]
[Notices]               
[Page 14117-14119]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15mr11-165]                         

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. DOT-NHTSA-2011-0028, Notice 1]

 
Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming 
2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) Passenger Cars Manufactured Prior to 
September 1, 2006 Are Eligible for Importation

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of receipt of petition for decision that nonconforming 
2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior to 
September 1, 2006 are eligible for importation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document announces receipt by the National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that 
2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior to 
September 1, 2006, that were not originally manufactured to comply with 
all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) are 
eligible for importation into the United States because they are 
substantially similar to vehicles that were originally manufactured for 
sale in the United States and that were certified by their manufacturer 
as complying with the safety standards (the U.S.-certified version of 
the 2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior 
to September 1, 2006), and they are capable of being readily altered to 
conform to the standards.

DATES: The closing date for comments on the petition is April 14, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to the docket and notice numbers above 
and be submitted by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001
     Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Comments must be written in the English language, and 
be no greater than 15 pages in length, although there is no limit to 
the length of necessary attachments to the comments. If comments are 
submitted in hard copy form, please ensure that two copies are 
provided. If you wish to receive confirmation that your comments were 
received, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard with the 
comments. Note that all comments received will be posted without change 
to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below.
    Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all 
comments received into any of our dockets by the

[[Page 14118]]

name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, 
if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).
    How to Read Comments submitted to the Docket: You may read the 
comments received by Docket Management at the address and times given 
above. You may also view the documents from the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov.
    Follow the online instructions for accessing the dockets. The 
docket ID number and title of this notice are shown at the heading of 
this document notice. Please note that even after the comment closing 
date, we will continue to file relevant information in the Docket as it 
becomes available. Further, some people may submit late comments. 
Accordingly, we recommend that you periodically search the Docket for 
new material.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Coleman Sachs, Office of Vehicle 
Safety Compliance, NHTSA (202-366-3151).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A), a motor vehicle that was not 
originally manufactured to conform to all applicable FMVSS shall be 
refused admission into the United States unless NHTSA has decided that 
the motor vehicle is substantially similar to a motor vehicle 
originally manufactured for importation into and sale in the United 
States, certified under 49 U.S.C. 30115, and of the same model year as 
the model of the motor vehicle to be compared, and is capable of being 
readily altered to conform to all applicable FMVSS.
    Petitions for eligibility decisions may be submitted by either 
manufacturers or importers who have registered with NHTSA pursuant to 
49 CFR part 592. As specified in 49 CFR 593.7, NHTSA publishes notice 
in the Federal Register of each petition that it receives, and affords 
interested persons an opportunity to comment on the petition. At the 
close of the comment period, NHTSA decides, on the basis of the 
petition and any comments that it has received, whether the vehicle is 
eligible for importation. The agency then publishes this decision in 
the Federal Register.
    J.K. Technologies, LLC (``JK''), of Baltimore, Maryland (Registered 
Importer 90-006) has petitioned NHTSA to decide whether nonconforming 
2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior to 
September 1, 2006, are eligible for importation into the United States. 
The vehicles which JK believes are substantially similar are 2005-2006 
Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior to September 1, 
2006, that were manufactured for sale in the United States and 
certified by their manufacturer as conforming to all applicable FMVSS.
    The petitioner claims that it compared non-U.S. certified 2005-2006 
Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior to September 1, 
2006, to their U.S.-certified counterparts, and found the vehicles to 
be substantially similar with respect to compliance with most FMVSS.
    JK submitted information with its petition intended to demonstrate 
that non-U.S. certified 2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars 
manufactured prior to September 1, 2006, as originally manufactured, 
conform to many FMVSS in the same manner as their U.S. certified 
counterparts, or are capable of being readily altered to conform to 
those standards.
    Specifically, the petitioner claims that non-U.S. certified 2005-
2006 Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior to 
September 1, 2006 are identical to their U.S. certified counterparts 
with respect to compliance with Standard Nos. 102 Transmission Shift 
Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect, 103 
Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems, 104 Windshield Wiping and 
Washing Systems, 106 Brake Hoses, 109 New Pneumatic Tires, 113 Hood 
Latch System, 116 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluids, 124 Accelerator Control 
Systems, 135 Light Vehicle Brake Systems, 201 Occupant Protection in 
Interior Impact, 202 Head Restraints, 204 Steering Control Rearward 
Displacement, 205 Glazing Materials, 206 Door Locks and Door Retention 
Components, 207 Seating Systems, 210 Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages, 212 
Windshield Mounting, 214 Side Impact Protection, 216 Roof Crush 
Resistance, 219 Windshield Zone Intrusion, 301 Fuel System Integrity, 
and 302 Flammability of Interior Materials.
    The petitioner also contends that the vehicles are capable of being 
readily altered to meet the following standards, in the manner 
indicated:
    Standard No. 101 Controls Telltales, and Indicators: Installation 
of U.S. conforming instrument cluster and cruise control lever, and 
installation or activation of associated U.S.-version software in the 
vehicle's computer system.
    Standard No. 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated 
Equipment: Installation of the following U.S.-model components on 
vehicles not already so equipped: (a) Front sidemarker lamps with 
integral side reflex reflectors; (b) headlamps; (c) integral tail lamp 
housings that includes rear side marker, rear turn signal, and brake 
lamps, as well as rear and side reflex reflectors.
    Standard No. 110 Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles with a 
GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or Less: Installation of a tire 
information placard.
    Standard No. 111 Rearview Mirrors: Installation of a U.S.-model 
passenger side rearview mirror, or inscription of the required warning 
statement on the face of that mirror.
    Standard No. 114 Theft Protection: Installation of a supplemental 
key warning buzzer, or installation or activation of U.S.-version 
software to meet the requirements of this standard.
    Standard No. 118 Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel 
Systems: Installation or activation of U.S.-version software in the 
vehicle's computer system to meet the requirements of this standard.
    Standard No. 208 Occupant Crash Protection: Inspection of all 
vehicles and replacement of any non U.S.-conforming model seat belts, 
air bag control units, air bags, and sensors with U.S.-model components 
on vehicles that are not already so equipped; and (b) installation or 
activation of U.S.-version software to ensure that the seat belt 
warning system meets the requirements of this standard.
    Standard No. 209 Seat Belt Assemblies: Inspection of all vehicles 
and replacement of any non U.S.-certified model seat belts with U.S.-
model components.
    Standard No. 225 Child Restraint Anchorage Systems: Installation of 
U.S.-model child restraint anchorage systems components.
    Standard No. 401 Interior Trunk Release: Installation of U.S.-model 
interior trunk release components.
    The petitioner additionally states that a vehicle identification 
plate must be affixed to the vehicles near the left windshield post to 
meet the requirements of 49 CFR part 565.
    All comments received before the close of business on the closing 
date indicated above will be considered, and will be available for 
examination in the docket at the above addresses both before and after 
that date. To the extent possible, comments filed after the closing 
date will also be considered. Notice of final action on the petition 
will be published in the Federal

[[Page 14119]]

Register pursuant to the authority indicated below.

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A) and (b)(1); 49 CFR 593.8; 
delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.50 and 501.8.

    Issued on: March 9, 2011.
Claude H. Harris,
Acting Associate Administrator for Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 2011-5982 Filed 3-14-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P

Friday, February 11, 2011

Ferrari Backs Down to Ford Over Trademark Dispute

VOA Breaking News

Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari has agreed to use the full name of its new Formula One race car following a trademark dispute with American automaker Ford.

In a statement Thursday, Ferrari said it had not used the abbreviated F150 name commercially but would refer to the car in all areas of operation by its full name, the “Ferrari F150th Italia.” The race car's name celebrates the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification.

Ford sued Ferrari in Detroit federal court Wednesday contending the Italian carmaker had violated its trademark over the pickup truck name F-150. Ford has been using the F-150 name since 1975 and has had a trademark on it since 1995. The Ford F-150 truck is one of the company's most popular vehicles. 

A Ford spokesperson said that the motive behind the lawsuit was to prevent the Ford F-150 brand from being “diluted.” Ferrari said it was “very difficult to understand Ford's viewpoint on the matter,” believing its race car “cannot be confused with any other types of commercially available vehicle.”

The Formula One season starts March 13 at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sakhir.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

1978 Alfa Romeo Spider Niki Lauda F.1 Specifications

The following specifications are for the Niki Lauda F.1 special edition Alfa Romeo Spider.  The car was available only in red.

Chassis
Body Style2-passenger Roadster
Drivetrain
LayoutFront engine, rear drive
Exterior Dimensions
Length161.3"
Width64.4"
Height50.6"
Wheelbase88.7"
Track (F/R)52.3"/50.3"
Engine
TypeInline 4-cylinder
Displacement120 cu. in./1962cc
Bore & Stroke3.3" x 3.5"
84mm x 88.5mm
Compression Ratio9.0:1
ValvetrainDual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC)
MaterialsAluminum block, aluminum head
Construction5 main bearings
Fuel SystemMechanical fuel injection
Horsepower (SAE Net)110hp
Torque (SAE Net)121 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Oil Capacity7.1 quarts
Cooling System Capacity2.5 gallons
Transmission & Final Drive
Transmission5-speed manual
DifferentialLimited Slip
Final Drive Ratio4.5:1
Suspension & Steering
FrontIndepedent w/inclined A-arms, coil springs, double-action shocks, anti-roll bar
RearLive axle, coil springs, double-action shocks, anti-roll bar, torque tee
SteeringRecirculating ball
Turns, Lock-to-Lock3.5
Turning Circle, Curb-to-Curb34.5'
Brakes, Wheels & Tires
Front Brakes9.84" disc w/power assist
Rear Brakes9.84" disc w/power assist
Wheels5.5Jx14 cast magnesium
Tires165 HR14 steel belted radial
Tire Pressure (F/R)24 psi/24 psi
Weights & Capacities
Curb Weight2550 lbs.
Fuel Capacity12 gallons
Performance
0-30 mph5.1 seconds*
0-40 mph7.3 seconds*
0-50 mph10.4 seconds*
0-60 mph14.3 seconds*
0-70 mph19.3 seconds*
0-80 mph26.34 seconds*
Quarter Mile19.2 seconds @ 73.0 mph
30-0 mph37.9'*
60-0 mph166.0'*
Power to Weight Ratio23.2 lbs./horsepower
Economy
EPA Estimate18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
EPA Weighted Average21.0 mpg
Motor Trend 73-mile Test Loop23.2 mpg*
Price
Base Price$9,295
*=As tested by Motor Trend, July 1978

Source:  http://www.carsandracingstuff.com/library/s/spider.php

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Fires Force Ferrari Recall of 458 Italia Supercars

VOA News
September 2, 2010 at 1:50 pm

Legendary Italian carmaker Ferrari, which builds the quarter-million-dollar 458 Italia sports car, is recalling more than 1,200 of the fabled machines, after reports of the supercars bursting into flames. 

The recall, announced Thursday, affects all 1,248 owners of the sleek two-seater, which generates a top speed of 325 kilometers an hour. It was issued after pictures and video of several burned cars were posted on the Internet. 

Ferrari, based in the northern Italian town of Maranello, blames the fires on an adhesive holding the heat shield in place near the wheel arch assembly. The company says the adhesive ignited during what it called "extreme uses in very high temperature." 

Under the recall, the company says the glue will be replaced with metal fasteners. 

Ferrari says five fires have been reported in the United States, Switzerland, China and France. 

NHTSA Recall 10V389000
Vehicle Make / Model:          Model Year(s):
     FERRARI / 458        2010
Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA INC  Mfr's Report Date: AUG 31, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V389000  
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 303
Summary:
FERRARI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 458 ITALIA VEHICLES. THE HEAT
CREATED BY THE ENGINE COULD CAUSE POSSIBLE DEFORMATION OF THE REAR RIGHT HAND
AND LEFT HAND WHEELHOUSE AND HEAT SHIELD ASSEMBLIES. THE ASSEMBLY COULD COME
EXCESSIVELY CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAUSING THE BONDING ADHESIVE USED IN
THE ASSEMBLY TO OVERHEAT AND PRODUCE SMOKE.
Consequence:
UNDER PARTICULARLY HIGH AMBIENT OPERATING TEMPERATURE THIS COULD CAUSE THE
ADHESIVE TO IGNITE, RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND/OR RENDERING THE VEHICLE
INOPERABLE AND POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING HEAT SHIELDS AND BONDING ADHESIVE FROM THE
RIGHT HAND AND LEFT HAND REAR WHEELHOUSES, AND INSTALL NEW PROTECTIVE HEAT
SHIELDS ON THE RIGHT HAND AND LEFT HAND REAR WHEELHOUSES. THIS SERVICE WILL
BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING
SEPTEMBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FERRARI AT 201-816-2600.
Notes:
FERRARI SAFETY RECALL NO. 51. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY
TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236
(TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Monday, August 30, 2010

Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG: The Reincarnation Of The Red Sow

 
It has been almost forty years since the initial surprise debut of the 4-door AMG saloon. Today, history repeats itself. This time, it is with the "off track special" which is based on the wonderful 420kW S63 Red Sow. 

The four door 300SEL 6.8 was known as the Red Sow because of its colour, which was red. During the 1971 24 heures de Spa-Francorchamps race, it was the heaviest and fastest monster by a good margin, and it eventually finished in 2nd place. To commemorate the comeback of the Red Sow, Mercedes-Benz invited the prime car lovers and media to Bernie Ecclestone's Le Castellet circuit at the southern region of France. The main attraction of the pit were the re-engine 2011 S63 AMG that was liveried up to match up the 1971 racer, along with seasoned time travelers Hans Heyer and the driver of the first Red Sow, Clemens Schickentanz.
Even though the 2011 automobile basically uses a stock body, it also exhibits flared wings, a 20 inch wheel and tyre that is the widest pairing available, a fairly modified spoiler kit, and low-drag mirrors. Nice period splashes which are similar to the first Red Sow include rubber latches to hold the lids, sports a no bumber design, and a reasonably conditional roll-cage that boasts a huge single transverse column, which did wonders in strengthening a particularly inflexible four door design. 

As opposed to the first Red Sow which has 4 Bosch foot-ball sized auxiliary driving lights, the 2011 S63 AMG make do with rounded Bosh stickers that have no less than LEDs. Enough to accelerate the automobile that weighs a colossal 2.1 tons from -100km/h in 4.4 seconds, is its twin turbo 5.5-liter V8, which collects 420kW at 660 rounds each minute and 900Nm from 2500 to 3750 rpm. In addition, the Performance Kit has compound brakes, a 275/35 front and 325/30 sports suspension that involve 45mm flares all around. The same 7-speed AT transmission as the Mercedes-Benz SL63 is used in the S63. 

The theory is that, the new Red Sow may effortlessly break the 320 km/h or 200mph barriers with flying colours. Nevertheless, the significant weight that is put into the huge downforce would just possibly put plenty of strain the tires. 

Design wise, the new vehicle is really a chauffeur's car rather than a racer. Its gear selector is column-mounted, and the instrumentation can only be considered modern if we were in the design freeze of 2001. Dimensionally, the brand new Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG has obviously been subjected to a fattening diet program to say the least. On the other hand, once you have 420kW and 900Nm to handle, you truly can't complain.
----------------------------------------------------
In theory, the brand new Red Sow might effortlessly break the 320 km/h or 200mph boundaries with little effort. Nevertheless, the substantial weight which is put into the high downforce would likely place a lot of strain the front and back tires. Discover more facts about Mercedez-Benz cars at http://www.luxurycarssydney.com.au

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

2010-2011 Jaguar XK Recall

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm?rcl_id=10V332&searchtype=quicksearch&summary=true&refurl=email


NHTSA Campaign ID number : 10V332000

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
JAGUAR / XK 2010-2011
Manufacturer: JAGUAR LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr's Report Date: JUL 21, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V332000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 5048
Summary:
JAGUAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 JAGUAR XK AND MODEL YEAR 2010 XF V8 5.OL GASOLINE ENGINE VEHICLES. THE IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY NOT BE CORRECTLY ACTIVATED AS THE FUEL PUMP RELAY IS NOT ENERGIZED FOLLOWING A VEHICLE START UP CYCLE. AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE COULD RESULT.
Consequence:
FUEL STARVATION TO THE ENGINE LEADS TO ENGINE STUMBLE FOLLOWED BY ENGINE CUT OUT WITH MINIMAL WARNING AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL DOWNLOAD REVISED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-452-4827.
Notes:
JAGUAR SAFETY RECALL NO. J017. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .