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WHAT THE RS?
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MERCEDES HAD CLASS
LAUNCH APRIL 22ND
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April 22, 2013
EDITOR’S COMMENTS
Up in yah
T
grill
he fourth time is a charm, or is it the third. Regardless, welcome to another packed issue of Ignition Weekly. If you are not getting our little slice of digital automotive nirvana then here is how. We are available in three formats, technically two, but that is a different story. Ignition Weekly is uploaded hot and fresh every Monday via Issuu.
INSIDE
Audi cements location -
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Baby Benz -
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Red Bull Escort -
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Through Issuu, you can read our publication in Adobe PDF form using their online, in-browser application/interface. All you have to do is click on the link if you are on our mailing list. That link is also on our Facebook page. It is self-explanatory and user friendly. This method is preferred for those who do not want to, or cannot download a PDF. The great thing about Issuu is that you can access it from any Internet browser. It is fast and you can subscribe, receiving email alerts whenever a new issue is published. Ignition is also available as a downloadable PDF that is emailed to those on our mailing list. This differs from the Issuu version, as the interactive features of a PDF are operational. It may take a while to download, but those reading the publication this way can use the bookmarks, links, and button functions built into the document for easy navigation. You also are not limited to having an internet connection to read since the PDF would be on whatever device you use. Then there is our Facebook page. The links to the each publication on Issuu are posted there and soon permanent links to download the interactive PDFs as well. The PDF retains our 16-page layout in all its glory, but main stories are put up on our Facebook page in the notes section. You still get the amazing pictures and the awesome stories in a quick and easy to digest format. All these methods have something in common. They are free and can be shared. Forward the links and the PDFs all you want. Like the stories and pictures on Facebook. Interact with us by posting there and using the email address below. Copy and paste, or if you are reading the interactive PDF file, just click below. The link in the advertisement on page 16 is also active. There is a lot to read this week, plus our powerful photography. Until next week again, look, like, and share. ignitionweeklyja@gmail.com
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Classic Cars in Mandeville - 11 INTERNATIONAL
Veyron fastest ever -
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April 22, 2013
LOCAL
L
ast Friday witnessed the confirmation that ATL Automotive is here to stay with its Audi and VW brands as the multi-million dollar showrooms on Oxford Road, New Kingston were officially opened by a host of dignitaries led by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the most honourable Portia Simpson-Miller. Dubbed the Volkswagen Modular Showroom and the Audi Terminal, both buildings were officially blessed by the Rt. Rev Dr Howard Gregory
Terminalachievement in the late evening after being preceded by a 4:30pm ceremony, at which the PM was the keynote speaker. After being welcomed by David Rosen, President of ATL Automotive, other important figures present to speak were regional representatives from Volkswagen and Audi, Dirk Goetz and Gabriel Mantilla respectively. Adam Stewart, CEO of ATL Automotive, and his father the Hon. Gordon Stewart, Chairman of the ATL Group, also addressed their commitment to Jamaica and the products ATL Automotive sell. After several ribbon cuttings, invited guests were allowed to tour both facilities to their hearts content and sample the world-class design put into either building.
The cut ribbon to signify the opening of a new chapter of the Audi brand in Jamaica.
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April 22, 2013
LOCAL
The stylish Audi Terminal, designed in Germany and brought to life by local craftsmen.
On the VW side, customers will enjoy the open plan layout that keeps them in constant contact with the vehicles on display and sales persons. They won’t be limited to brochures as there is a Configuration Wall that allows customization. The Audi Terminal features a similar system, but has video and computer terminals on top of that. The screens are connected to Audi’s own online video service, AudiTV, and the web terminals offer up-to-date information on various products in addition to doing car configuration. The upscale nature of the two showrooms is displayed in how they handle vehicle servicing. Rather than have a car disappear around back to some innocuous garage they have a designated ramp area where the customer can just drive their vehicle on and interact directly with technicians if they so choose. If not, they can sit comfortably on the Germansourced furniture while the vehicle is diagnosed. In the Audi Terminal vehicle sales isn’t a wham bam thank you mam affair, buyers take home their new car or SUV after a detailed information session in the superbly lit delivery room. A dealership isn’t just about the showroom, and as a pioneer of aluminum it was of significance that over US$300,000 was spent on ensuring repair services for the many Audis using the lightweight, but notoriously difficult to fix material. With the new base, ATL Automotive hopes to make even further in-roads into the premium market, as they already enjoyed a record-breaking 2012. 4
The interior features world-class touches, with an open floor plan, high quality fixtures, and interactive displays for the customer.
April 22, 2013
LOCAL
Merceces-Benz has repositioned the A-Class as a first step into the brand for young buyers seeking a premium performance hatchback.
T
A
class launch
here’s something brand new at Silver Star Motors, local dealers for German luxury brand Mercedes-Benz. On March 12 they unveiled the latest model, the 2013 A-Class, at their South Camp Road headquarters. The A-Class represents several major changes at the company. MB claims than the last time they offered a vehicle of this type was over 45 years ago. So, what exactly are these changes? For its third generation the A-Class has moved away from its city car roots. Gone is the upright, narrow mini-SUV like styling, now replaced by something similar to its rivals, the BMW 1Series and the Audi A3. The new car takes on a very pleasing hatchback form. To draw from the design blurbs, the A-Class exterior is a constant interplay between concave and convex surfaces which contributes to its unique appearance. It retains the front-wheel drive layout of its predecessors. All the marketing jargon can’t hide the plain truth behind the new A-Class. >>P7
Hatch space is functional.
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April 22, 2013
LOCAL
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April 22, 2013
LOCAL
The interior is filled with leather, carbonfibre, and chrome when the AMG package is ticked on the options box.
<<P5 MB has flipped the script on its rivals, and I don’t mean the other Germans. The concept of a luxury brand like MercedesBenz selling a front-wheel drive compact car, the realm of the Japanese, would have been blasphemy a few years ago. Audi has proven it can be done, while BMW simply circumvented their long time stance of rear-wheel drive only, by purchasing MINI. The 2013 A-Class moves from a quirky car with limited appeal to a potential global seller, just on looks alone and the premium hatchback market segment welcomes it whole-heartedly. The two cars for viewing, one in pearl white and the other in metallic silver, at the Friday evening launch party were lifted visually by the addition of the AMG Sport package. On top of the very rakish lines that hide the rear doors, they had subtle bodykits and radiated performance on massive 18-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels behind
which cross-drilled rotors with matching AMG branded calipers were clear to see. The package lowers the A-Class on sport comfort suspension, but the indoor venue meant attendees weren’t able to sample the growl from the twin exhaust system’s stainless steel tips. And growl it should as Mercedes-Benz has embraced the current European trend of small displacement turbocharged motors. The A-Class comes to the game armed to do battle with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder running enough boost pressure to generate 156bhp. An even more impressive 185lb/ft is produced between 1500RPM to 4000RPM and pushed through MB’s own Dual Clutch seven- speed Transmission (DCT). All this is enough to push the 1,920kg hatch to 60mph in 8.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 224km/h. Given that Formula One will soon move to these types of engines, the AMG division should have some goodies in store. If you can’t wait there is the obligatory AMG
The A-Class is driven by the front wheels, backed up by upgraded AMG running gear.
Power comes from a 156bhp turbocharged fourcylinder mated with a 7-speed DCT gearbox.
version with a 2-litre turbo. Lewis Hamilton edition anyone? Inside the A-Class A200 is a similar treat. Everything that can be wrapped in leather and red stitching has been done so. If not, then it’s made from Carbonfibre, or has chrome accents. Of course, nothing says luxury than having the name of the car lit up at night at the bottom door sills. To handle the breaks in the driving entertainment, the factory stereo does the expected range of multimedia with a 6-CD system that interfaces with electronics, like smartphones or tablets. The control screen pulls double duty for the reverse camera. As with all Mercedes, the toys can add up, but the A-Class jumps right into a very competitive market starting at JA$4.8 million, with the display cars as optioned stickered at JA$5.9 million. 7
April 22, 2013
April 22, 2013
LOCAL
Red Bull
Ford Escort RS Cosworth
T
he Ford Escort RS Cowsorth is the last of a generation of rally homologation specials. The fourth generation of Escort followed its predecessors into World Rally competition. Unlike its rivals, Ford made sure it wasn’t just a performance car, but a car in every sense of the word.
Easily one of the finest examples of a Ford Escort RS Cosworth in the world.
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“There isn’t anything else in the world like this and this package has never been seen again,” said the happy owner of this pristine 1994 example, Jamaican racing celebrity Peter ‘Bull’ Thompson. To him the Escort RS Cosworth, or ‘Cossie’ as it’s popularly known, brings together German engineering, English performance, and European style. In a time 9
April 22, 2013
LOCAL
No longer stock, this Escort RS has been modified to suit its owner’s, Peter Bull Thompson, tastes. It now makes 350 horsepower at the wheels.
Inside, the leather Recaro interior looks showroom new.
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when most homologation cars little more than race cars with the minimum to make it roadworthy, the RS Cosworth took a different path. The turbocharged 2-litre fourcylinder four-wheel drive powertrain came from the proven out-going bigger brother Sierra Cosworth, the body built by Germany’s Karmann, and the interior given all the luxury one could want between both country’s specialists. Making it even more special is the fact that only 7,145 examples were built during its production run between 1992 and 1996. Thompson’s petrolhead urges were sparked in 1994 when he flew to England and purchased his car as a birthday present. The sale year means it’s the infamous big turbo first generation model adding to its rarity as only 2,500 of those were made. Owning it from new, it’s a treasured machine given nothing but the best and driven only on special occasions. At 19 years old, it looks like it was just pulled right off the showroom floor yesterday. With only 26,000 miles showing on the odometer, the Escort RS Cosworth might as well be dealer fresh. While the car is a keeper to quote Thompson, he didn’t resist the urge to dig deep into the massive aftermarket that exists for the Cosworth. The 1993cc YBT turbocharged engine has seen its power output increased from the original 225bhp to a racecar driver, smile inducing, 350 wheel horsepower. To achieve those figures modifications were made to the cylinder heads, pistons, turbocharger, and injectors. All that power gets handled by the stock four-wheel drive system, but extra traction insurance comes from nice big brakes clearly visible behind the larger Compomotive rims wrapped in sticky low-profile rubber. Minor suspension upgrades keep them in contact with the ground.
April 22, 2013
LOCAL
The Vineyards, Mandeville Manchester.
Classics take over Mandevil l e T This 2008 Lotus Elise proved not all the classics were old
he Vineyards continues to be the hot spot for the Jamaica Classic Car Club as the venue nestled in the cool hills of Mandeville, Manchester drew a multitude of cars and fans for the club’s April 14 meet.
JCCC president, Nigel McFarlane was more than pleased by the turnout of over 40 classic car collectors from around the island. “People brought out some cars I haven’t seen in a while, most importantly there were members who came without their cars, just to enjoy the day out,” McFarlane told Ignition. As fans milled around the lush venue, they were able to sample a wide range
of classic machines, of which famed collector and Mandeville resident Victor Dixon dominated, not just by number, but by sheer depth. From his 1926 Chevrolet truck to a ‘dubbed-out’ 1976 Ford Granada, his stable of vintage machines is one of the best around. It wasn’t all four-wheels, and a few bikes made the display with Paul Gammond’s Harley Davidson gaining the most attention with its signature engine note. Notable attendees were Police Commissioner Owen Ellington with his 1970 Rover, and Race car driver Peter ‘Bull’ Thompson and his immaculate 1994 Ford Escort RS Cosworth. McFarlane hopes the next meet, scheduled for May 19 will produce similar numbers of both cars and crowd alike. 11
April 22, 2013
LOCAL Nothing beats and old school drop top.
This 1976 Ford Granada was done up modern American style.
This 1959 Jaguar is about to get a new lease on life with a modern Toyota engine.
There are even two-wheeled classics.
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Decades apart in age, but still bound by style.
April 22, 2013
DO-IT-YOURSELF
The
weight
of the issue:
Oily bits II
J
ust like blood can turn against a body, so can motor oil work against an engine. As we have already discussed what the ‘weight’ is and how it works, now we can go on to how it negatively affects a motor. All oils have weight, this is in layman’s terms, how thick the fluid is at a specific temperature. The common thought is that thicker oil protects more, but that’s not the case. If the wrong weight is chosen it could have serious long lasting effects. Thicker oils tend not to flow as fast. Therefore on start-up, when the engine needs the most protection, there isn’t enough heat to make the oil circulate to all the important parts of the motor. This precious fluid is moved around the engine through various passages and is used in other ways to trigger certain technologies such as Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system. Not having the required oil pressure or volume can impact engine performance. The passages themselves can become blocked by the thicker oil, as the speed keeps it in them longer than normal thus not allowing it shed the excess heat it may be carrying. In that case it breaks down and bakes itself into these passages, just like how fat would eventually block an artery. On the opposite front, while motor oil is there to reduce friction between the metal engine parts, there still is friction between it and whatever part it comes in contact with. Here again, too thick a grade can wear away the important clearances in places like the cylinder walls and important bearings. The first solution is to use a multi-grade oil which will give protection at cold start-up temperatures and well as at operational heat. The second solution is to make sure the temperature range matches what you believe the vehicle experiences climatically, and what you do with it. Using the wrong engine oil can lead to increased wear and tear on the vehicle so be sure to take these things into consideration with the owner’s manual at the next service, even if it is at a dealer or professional establishment.
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April 22, 2013
INTERNATIONAL Additionally, the survey also showed that while consumers are not set on getting the latest design, nearly half (47 percent) feel that it is important to be aware of upcoming redesigns, and 56 percent actively research upcoming designs. However, they are likely using this information to get a good deal on the current model. “People spend more than 19 hours shopping for a vehicle and typically have a wide consideration set, giving OEMs ample opportunity to influence shoppers,” Wainschel continued. “However, automakers will have to tell a holistic and compelling story about what is new and improved in order to have the best chance of convincing shoppers that the new design is truly worth waiting for.”
Fastest production car confirmed by Guinness World Records Indicating Kia’s upward move in the automotive market the Forte captured the title of one of the best interiors for 2013.
Kia Forte in WardsAuto 10 Best Interiors Of 2013
The 2013 “Ward’s 10 Best Interiors” list was announced today, and it features a wide range of automobile types and sticker prices, including several models that prove a buyer doesn’t have to break the bank to drive in luxury and style. WardsAuto editors selected the top passenger compartments after spending February and March evaluating 46 vehicles that were all-new or sported interiors that have been significantly upgraded. The winners will be recognized during a special ceremony at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference being held today at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, MI. To determine the winners, editors drive the vehicles during their routine commutes and submit score sheets ranking each auto interior based on several criteria, including materials, ergonomics, comfort, safety, value, fit-and-finish and overall design. Scores also are applied based on the user-friendliness of the human-machine interface and the ability to link mobile phones and access vehicle information. Video reviews and photo galleries of evaluated vehicles may be found at http://wardsauto.com, and full write-ups on each winner will post on April 29. “This year’s batch of winners really drives home the point that auto interiors are vital in the battle for consumers’ hearts and minds,” says WardsAuto World Editor-in-Chief, Drew Winter. “It wasn’t uncommon all that long ago for auto makers to view interiors as the best place to take cost out of a vehicle program. They eventually figured out that’s a big mistake because people spend a lot more time looking at the inside of their car than the outside.” This year’s winners: Acura RDX (Honda Motor Co. Ltd.) Cadillac XTS (General Motors Co.) Chevrolet Spark (General Motors Co.) Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.) Kia Forte (Kia Motors Corp.) Lexus GS 450h (Toyota Motor Corp.) Mazda6 (Mazda Motor Corp.) Nissan Pathfinder (Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.) Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn (Chrysler Group LLC) Toyota Avalon (Toyota Motor Corp.)
New car shoppers would rather get a better deal on a current model than delay purchase for a redesign
An online survey conducted by AutoTrader.com revealed that 57 percent of shoppers do not feel that it is important to have the latest redesign, and an even larger majority (79 percent) would rather take advantage of a good deal on the current model instead of delaying their purchase for the newest design. 14
Following a thorough review conducted with a number of external experts, Guinness World Records is pleased to announce the confirmation of Bugatti’s record of Fastest production car achieved by the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. The focus of the review was with respect to what may constitute a modification to It’s official, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is the world’s fastest production car.
a car’s standard specification. Having evaluated all the necessary information, Guinness World Records is now satisfied that a change to the speed limiter does not alter the fundamental design of the car or its engine.
Subcompact car sales in a funk despite high gas prices
Ward’s Auto reports that sales of subcompact car sales in America are off despite fuel prices pushing and holding at US$3.50 to US$4.00 a gallon across the country. According to the report, the “Lower Small” segment has seen a 2.6-percent sales decline since October, while fuel prices have been on the rise. Despite their comparatively thirsty appetite for fuel, the industry publication notes that sales of large crossovers are up a whopping 61 percent over the same time period. Part of the sales stories may center on the boom/bust cycle that comes as a result of new or aging models in each segment – the full-size CUV segment has received a raft of new models, including the refreshed Lambda triplets from General Motors, the Nissan Pathfinder and even derivatives like the new Sport model in the Ford Explorer family. Sales losers in the first quarter of the year include the Mazda2 (- 51.9 percent), Toyota Yaris (-27.9 percent) and Hyundai Accent (-24.7). Conversely, the Nissan Versa and Ford Fiesta held their own, registering sales up 11.6 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively. Part of subcompacts’ sales problem may be due to the fact that those same automakers offer larger compact models whose fuel economy figures are comparable to that of their smaller counterparts. Further, pricing differences may not amount to all that much between the models – particularly in leasing situations where compact cars’ typically command higher residual values. High gas prices have not been forcing Americans into smaller more fuel efficient cars like the Toyota Yaris
April 22, 2013
INTERNATIONAL
Loeb and Peugeot aim for the clouds in America with 208 T16 Pikes Peak edition
The Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak was tailor made to run in the ‘Unlimited’ class of the famous American event.
Nine-time world rally champion Sébastien Loeb and Peugeot Sport will contest the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30. The Frenchman will tackle the world’s highest hill climb – which culminates at an altitude of 4,301 metres – at the wheel of the 208 T16 Pikes Peak which was specially engineered and built by Peugeot Sport. The event marks the French team’s return to the classic American event after its memorable victories there in 1988 and 1989. The announcement of this ambitious project four weeks ago caused something of a buzz in motorsport circles, and the time has now come for the next phase of this exciting adventure: the unveiling of the machine with which Sébastien Loeb will target Rhys Millen’s time of 9m46.164s set by his Hyundai Genesis Coupé in 2012. The Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak was tailor engineered and designed to meet the specific needs of the famous American event. It will compete in the event’s premier ‘Unlimited’ class, a category that allows plenty of freedom on the technical front. Peugeot can count on the considerable experience it gained of the so-called ‘Race to the Clouds’ with the 405 T16 which claimed back-to-back victories in 1988 and 1989, in the hands of Ari Vatanen and Robby Unser respectively. Sébastien Loeb counts among those who were struck by the film ‘Climb Dance’ which was produced to commemorate Vatanen’s resounding success. Sébastien Loeb is keen to turn his attention to new challenges. In addition to his involvement in this year’s GT World
Series, he snapped up the opportunity to contest the celebrated Pikes Peak Hill Climb and discover its 156 corners which he will tackle without the help of a co-driver. The Frenchman will also have to cope with a strength-sapping altitude difference of some 1,500 metres in less than 20 kilometres, with the finish line situated at an altitude of 4,301 metres! 2013 programme: • June 25 (5:30am-8:30am): official practice • June 26 (5:30am9:00am): official practice • June 27 (5:30am9:00am): official practice • June 28 5:30am9:00am): official practice • June 30 (8:00am): race.
Stirling Moss questions women aiming for F1
Sir Stirling Moss has been quoted as saying that he believes women lack the mental fortitude to compete in Formula One. “I think they have the strength, but I don’t know if they’ve got the mental aptitude to race hard, wheel-to-wheel,” Moss said during a BBC Radio 5 special on women in F1. He went on to say that F1 drivers needed tremendous concentration in his day. He continued by saying, “The mental stress I think would be pretty difficult for a lady to deal with in a practical fashion. I just don’t think they have aptitude to win a Formula 1 race.” Susie Wolf, who is currently in her second season as a test driver with Williams, disagreed with Moss’s statements. “It makes me cringe hearing that,” she said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Sir Stirling and what he achieved, but I think we’re in a different generation. For Moss, it’s unbelievable that a female would drive a Formula One car, which is enough.” 15
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