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Contents Zorce9: Contents Zorce Issue #9
•January 2007
Fastest Street Car in T&T!
Who we Are
This Dodge Charger, owned and run by Andre Lewis is driven to the Drag Racing track then fitted with slick tires. To date, it holds the record for fastest street-class car at Wallerfield with a quarter-mile e.t. of 10.2 seconds. Keep checking zorce.com to see who else comes close!
Editor-in-Chief: Contributing Editors / Photographers: Engineering / Technical Editors: International Editor: Photographic Editor: Editorial Consultant: Video Consultant: Business Planning Consultant: Production Consultant: Produced by:
Narend Sooknarine Kendrick Sooknarine Nebert Marin Gary Yeo Jean Marc Patrick Nanton Cindy Lau Kevin Singh Ryan Ramsaran Gerard Wilson Fadil Rahaman Paul Adam Aaron Achan Carl Christian Cozier André Crichlow Calil Sooknarine Victor Sooknarine Kavita Sooknarine Sabrina Vailloo Roger Edwards-Barran Ved Lackhan Tracy Alonzo-Harper Zorce Publications Ltd.
Contact
Advertising & Features: Narend Sooknarine: Tel: (868) 358-3741 / 727-7248 / 669-4464 Email: narend@zorce.com • narendzorce@gmail.com
Distribution: Terrence Joseph Periodicals Automotive Art International
Tel: (868) 683-3478 Tel: (868) 623-8752 Tel: (246) 426-1800
Photographers / Photographic Prints & Posters: Devendra (Devi) Nath Joe Cool Christian Cozier Gerard Wilson Bruce Anton
Tel: (868) 680-6747 Tel: (868) 689-9387 Tel: (868) 464-8490 Tel: (868) 784-0171 Tel: (868) 367-1924
04 Test Drive 15 MotorSport 27 Z-Scene 46 AudioZorce 58 62 ZorceOlogy
Zorcerazzi News Rumours, lies, iSpies and otherwise... Automotive and Motorsport News in T&T and the region: Miss Universe T&T– Kenisha Thom and Suzuki! • Kendall Oil turns 125 • Red Bull brings F1 to Trini racers • Lewis Hamilton signs on with Mercedes-McLaren F1.
We stomp around the Queen’s Park Savannah in the Range Rover Sport and compare it to the Volkswagen Touareg and BMW X5 while our new Car Catologue makes another revised appearance.
Rally Barbados 2006 • Trinis put pressure in the Race of Champions Guyana 2006 • Formula1 Ferraris take a drive in Barbados to test Shell V-Power® Fuel • We are driven at speed in Barry Gale’s Dentyne Ice sponsored Lancer Evo VI.
The new Subaru Car Club & TriniMini Mini Club • Go Trailblazing in the mud • HOT 300hp Peugeot 306 • Caribbean-powered Lexus club in New York • The Chinese celebrate 200 years!
Shazad Rahaman turns up the volume on how to build a winning competition sound system and we take a look at a few star performers of the 100% IASCA series in T&T.
In this installment of ZorceOlogy we examine some of the “needto-know” terms of the power boating world, then we examine the strange new experience of starting a car that actually works.
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ow safely under the wings of it’s own independent, newly incorporated parent company– Zorce Publications Limited, Zorce Magazine is set to become the best automotive and motorsport quarterly in the Caribbean. We would like to specially thank all our advertisers for their support during this growth and transition period and we look forward to serving you in future.
Red Bull and Fruta Cran-Raspberry disposal unit Narend Sooknarine mimics Editorial behaviour, says Vodka is optional except behind the wheel.
Mini CONTENTS: • Kenisha & Suzuki 4 • Porsche Cayman 5 • Red Bull F1 Q&A 7 • Nissan TIIDA 8 • BMW Expo 11 • Lewis Hamilton 12 • Range Rover Sport 15 • Toyota Hilux 18 • Lay-Z-man Corner 19 • New Car Directory 21 • Rally Barbados 06 27 • Dentyne Ice Evo6 31 • Formula 1 Ferraris 34 • Guyana Circuit Racing 38 • Solodex 2006 43 • Suby & Mini Car Clubs 46 • Off-Roading 47 • Chinese Dragon Boats 48 • 300hp Peugeot 306 50 • Lexotica NY 54 • AudioZORCE 58 • ZORCEology 62 • Pardon my English 64
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To our readers, the most important part of our equation, we look forward to your support and enthusiasm in 2007 and beyond. Please, share your thoughts with us by writing in or using our web site Zorce.com where you can become a member of the Zorce community. We have gots lots to involve you in there. You can join Peugeot or Mitsubishi car clubs or get free photograpy training/feedback and the latest digital camera reviews. Sections for tech, audio and each discipline of motorsport ensure that you can easily access what you’re looking for or interested in. We will also be using the Zorce.com Forums to bring you new ZorceWear! We’ve got polos so far, but look out for Zorce T’s and caps! Our online counterpart Zorce.com has been steadily growing and is now home to over 500 manic car and racing buffs. Zorce.com is being pushed in a more international direction. Our mission is to seek out brave new performers on the world stage, with of course, the usual soft spot for anything or anyone with Caribbean roots or connections.
Zorce Publications Ltd. has been developing media relations with various companies including: Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Nissan, Renault, Honda, Toyota, Lotus, Red Bull and many others. This allows us access to premium photography and media-specific content that allows us to bring you the latest news from around the automotive world. Another frequent request has been for updates on Wallerfield and the future of motorsport in T&T. Whether or not the Wallerfield complex remains intact and accessible, T&T needs a new facility. There have been rumours of karting tracks, drag strips and land possibilities in central and south Trinidad. Whatever pans out, rest assured that motorsport in Trinidad and Tobago will always be alive! Solodex, Rally and Karting all operate without a permanent home. Our Caribbean neighbours in Grenada, Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua and Guyana have facilities for Drag Racing, Rally, Karting and Circuit Racing. In Trinidad & Tobago, motorsport has virtually no boundaries (save for budget) in terms of race, creed, colour or class. As long as a car meets the regulations and the driver remains a good sport, car and driver will be welcomed. The cross-section can easily observed in the spectator stands where any and everyone is allowed and included. A home for motorsport can easily open new public opportunities like advanced licensing for advanced driving techniques, vehicle testing, inspection, driver screenings and the regular motorsport activities. A
200-acre area of land (roughly 2/3mi x 1/2mi) can be made to work for Drag Racing, Circuit Racing, Drifting, Karting and Solodex. An integrated media centre would ensure that wehave instant coverage to market motorsport tourism. There is definitely a lot of marketable talent in our region. Gerard Carrington, Christian Bourne, Ravi Singh, Tanko Baboolal, Mark Vieira, Andrew King and others made the Guyana Race of Champions meet an event to behold! In the issues to come, we can look forward to meeting some of the stars of each discipline of motorsport. We’ve also been working on Project Rx7, which was driven to take the Rookie of the Year Award for Solodex 2006. As we continue to complete this rolling (billboard? ha!) work-inprogress we’ll keep you updated. You can check the website for the latest updates on all the projects in the Zorce forums. You’ll need to register to access that area. We will also be taking a much closer look at Karting and young hopefuls, Ryan Peyrau, Ryan Gonsalves and Brandon Steele. This long awaited issue is packed with the latest news and action. The mechanics directory has been expanded, the new car directory has regained its proper size, we’ve got West Indians in NY showing off their IS300s, a wicked Pug 306, Guyana Circuit Racing action, Barbados Rally coverage (with photo directory) and Ferrari Formula1 cars!
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Zorcerazzi
The new face of Suzuki
Miss Universe T&T 2006, Kenisha Thom stands ready to drive her new Suzuki Swift. Right (top to bottom): Kenisha Thom, Stanley Mc Millan, Kishore Angard hands over the keys, Peter Elias and Adrian Raymond of the Trinidad & Tobago Pageant Company Article and Photos by: Narend Sooknarine
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obago-born Kenisha Thom is a very accomplished young woman. She returned from the July 2006 Miss Universe Pageant at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, and was inspired to follow the footsteps of Penny Commissiong (Miss Universe 1977) and Wendy Fitzwilliam (Miss Universe 1998). Having been an ambassador for T&T, Kenisha for the next eighteen months will do the same for the Suzuki brand of Lifestyle Motors, Trinidad & Tobago. An ACCA student, Kenisha is a stickler for details as she was able to tell us quite a bit about her brand new red Suzuki Swift– which she describes as adorable, spacious and chic. With her supermodel frame, earned through daily double stints at the gym, a rigid diet that kept her away from her favourite salted peanuts and other snacks, we can understand why. Perhaps 10 Kenishas could fit in one Swift, but of course this car is reserved for the one and only. Kenisha says she is not fussy when it comes to cars and of course the Swift, as appealing as it looks, remains adept and unfussed in a world where sometimes high style can mean high maintenance. The Swift has the premium car look that can make anyone smile but we think that for this parallel, Kenisha has the edge.
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Kenisha grew up as a tomboy, yet she dismisses technical discussion on cars as “boy talk.” She says this is because girls’ priorities are different from boys’ when it comes to cars. Imagine if we were talking about shoes! Girls go for good looks and reliability, but maybe Kenisha is being modest and we expect to see her safely using the passing lane. Kenisha says the Suzuki Swift matches her personality. The bold red colour is as outgoing as she is and the car packs more style than the price suggests. To this end, Kenisha is certainly the proverbial “diamond in the rough.” We bet you didn’t know that Kenisha likes rock music and of course enjoys her share of soca, which she can appreciate with the Swift’s 6speaker AM/FM/MP3/CD factory sound system. In 2002, Suzuki was busy developing its new entry level sport compact car, Kenisha began to harbour thoughts of becoming a model. She was being encouraged by young designer Linhurst Cole around the same time Suzuki unveiled its Concept S2 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. By the time the all new Swift was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2004, Kenisha embarked on her journey into the world of fashion and beauty where Peter Elias and the Trinidad & Tobago Pageant Company would take her to new heights. When asked about her plans for the future, Kenisha says she is keeping her options open.
The parallel continues as Suzuki readies the Swift Sport due to arrive in T&T soon, while the hot-hatch GTi awaits the evolution of Kenisha’s eminence. In the meantime she will no doubt enjoy the comfort of her complimentary throne, bright red and all. According to Lifestyle Motors’ Stanley McMillan: “Kenisha has the right personality; she attracts attention and we are proud to recognise her achievements for T&T. The Soca Warriors did not win the World Cup but they did extremely well. Kenisha has also done well and we look forward to her becoming the new face of Suzuki.” The 18-month alliance is a strategic move by Lifestyle Motors to align themselves with an attractive, young role model at a time when Trinidad & Tobago needs such. The association with Peter Elias, Adrian Raymond and the T&T Pageant Co. couldn’t hurt either as Suzuki charts it course into “new” territory– Tobago, Kenisha’s home island. It’s a win-win-win situation for all involved. So it is in fact, a perfect match– the all-new Suzuki Swift and Kenisha Thom. Regarding Suzuki’s decision to work with the beauty queen, we think it is absolutely great, even exemplary, that the efforts of our deserving nationals are so well rewarded.
Cayman snaps in
At a glance – Specifications: Price: $900,000 • Engine: 2.7-litre boxer 6-cylinder • Weight: -- • Aspiration: natural • Torque: 201lb-ft@4600-6000rpm • Horsepower: 245hp •HP/Liter: 90.7hp per litre • 1/4 mile: not tested • 0-62 mph: 6.1 seconds •Top Speed160mph / 258km/h
Article and Photos by: Narend Sooknarine • Additional Information supplied by Porsche
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he Cayman is the newest member of the Porsche family. Essentially, the 2-seater coupé is a hardtop version of the Porsche Boxter but the driving experience is said to be vastly different. The name is inspired by the caiman, a relative of the alligator. The Cayman S was launched in September 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the base Cayman was released in July 2006 and remarkably, this car arrived in Trinidad in August. The Cayman packs a six-cylinder boxer 2.7 litre engine that makes 245hp (180KW) and 201lb.-ft. (273Nm) of torque from 4,600-6,000 rpm, thanks to the Porsche VarioCam® Plus system. The standard 5-speed manual gearbox allows a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds and the car will accelerate to a top speed of 160mph or 258km/h. The suspension is similar to the Boxster’s but features uprated tuning to exploit the Cayman’s stiffer chassis. During testing, rally legend Walter Röhrl driving the prototype Cayman S ran lap times that were actually faster than those of the latest 911 at the Nürburgring in Germany. The Cayman has a glass hatchback for added practicality and different radiator vents from the Boxter. Inside we marvelled at the factory amplified Bose
sound system with integrated subwoofer and the equally cool mesh instrument hood over the dash, black-faced instrument dials and door entry trims with the Cayman logo. The instrument panel has a large centre-mounted rev counter flanked by the 175mph speedometer on the left and fuel and fluid temperature meters on the right. Inside, everything in this car feels and looks impressive. The controls are easy to reach and require minimal attention to operate and the powered seats are covered in luxurious Alcantara leather. A Sport Chrono Package including PASM and ceramic composite brakes is optional as well as a five-speed Tiptronic automatic and a six-speed manual (packaged with Porsche Active Suspension Management). The PASM system seamlessly adapts the shock-absorber settings to match any driving situation and is capable of lowering the body by ten millimetres. The driver can choose between “Normal” and “Sport” programmes at the touch of a centre console button. The Cayman’s brilliant chassis has potential for a lot more even though power levels have been kept moderate. We found ourselves tinkering with its electrically deployable wing which raises on its own at a particular speed to improve aerodynamic stability.
The base Cayman rides on 17-inch light-alloy wheels. Front tires are 205/55-17’s fitted on 6.5-inch wide rims and 235/50-17 tires ride on 8-inch-wide rims at the back. Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system is standard equipment. The PSM has been called a “driver’s” traction and stability control system. It allows a certain level of wheelspin and steering angles before intervening and is said to be highly entertaining, yet safe. In addition to standard driver and passenger front airbags, the Cayman features unique additional side airbags. This is called the Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP), which features a chest and head airbag on each side of the vehicle, and also provides excellent protection in side-on collisions. There is one other extremely cool thing about the Porsche. Thanks to the mid-engine concept, the Cayman boasts two trunks, with a combined volume of 14.5 cubic feet (410 litres), making it wonderfully practical. Fuel consumption is expected to be good, too– 23/32mpg city/highway. Stock up on the valid arguments since the “affordable” Cayman starts at around TT$900,000 while the “baby” Boxter begins at $750,000.
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he redesigned and re-engineered eighth generation Honda Civic was officially revealed to the public of Trinidad & Tobago with a gala event at the Classic Motors, Richmond Street showroom. With a sale price of approximately TT$185K, this fully loaded sedan will set a new benchmark in quality and performance for our market.
the international automotive industry. The new Civic has managed to cop the 2006 Motor Trend Car of the Year and the North American Car of the year awards for 2006. This is no small feat. Winning vehicles are selected based on factors such as innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. To be eligible, vehicles must be “all new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model.
Mr. Ronald Elcock, general manager of Classic Motors, the sole Honda Motors dealership in T&T, had this to say about the popular sedan:“The Honda Civic is the cornerstone of Honda and its automotive heritage, earning recognition and acclaim as an icon in the automotive industry since its introduction in 1973.” He says “As the Civic has been reinvented throughout its previous seven generations, each new model has consistently set new standards in the automotive industry with its innovative packaging, attractive styling, high fuel economy, fun-to-drive performance, reliability and safety. The pioneering eighth generation 2006 model amplifies the defining character of the Civic with a long list of technology and engineering innovations. This has resulted in a vehicle that is pure Honda, exclusively Civic and outside the boundaries of traditional small car thinking.” “The 2006 Civic represents an extreme transformation of design and dynamics. An impressive and futuristic design with exciting performance and dedication to providing advanced safety technology has set the Civic apart from the competition.” The 2006 Civic enters our market here in T&T with the most prestigious acclamations and awards in
Honda Civic Si Concept Car (Photo by Honda)
We test drove the 2006 Civic and found that the build quality of both interior and exterior was exceptional. Details of the interior prove that Honda has upped the ante with aesthetics and features that are not usually expected in a small sedan. We will refer to it as ‘upscale ambience’ as it really impressed us. The forward thinking two-tiered instrument cluster is a real eye-catcher with its ‘indiglo’ blue ambient light. The handling was commendable and especially soft. The 1.8 iVTEC engine with CVT pulled willingly through the powerband, though the CVT never let us feel any gear ratio changes. We were not able to test drive a unit with manual transmission but we are sure that it would carry the rewarding feel of previous Honda gearboxes when mated to this
140hp 1800cc direct ignition engine. We assume the suspension will be stiffer on the new Si coupé model which should arrive soon with an estimated price of TT$250K. From a tuning perspective (the Civic is probably the most tuned and modified modern car in the world) the 2006 Civic has some issues that had us thinking. The throttle control is now a drive-bywire, electronic system. The catalytic converter is mounted directly on the exhaust manifold with its O2 sensor. In fact, it would seem there is barely an exhaust manifold. This should make setting up for AFR (air:fuel ratio) tuning simpler and we should see some interesting header designs in the future. Also, the engine bay is very short so the front shock mounts are under the windshield but still accessible through removable plastic panels finishing the cowl. We wondered what interesting strut tower braces and pillow ball strut mounts the aftermarket industry would have to devise to facilitate this radical cab forward design. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on top models and the factory wheels are five-lug. The trunk is huge and the sound system is good, with options for MP3 and steering wheel controls. Seems like someone at Honda has been listening to customers. The new 2006 Civic is set to take the industry by storm. Its target market will be happy with their new, larger, more luxurious car and it still exudes appeal to executives, casual drivers and the many track-day zorcers who will be inventing new ways of wielding their zorceology.
Article and Photos by: Duane Boodasingh and Narend Sooknarine @ Classic Motors New Civic Launch - January 26, 2006
2006 Civic Sedan
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At a glance – specifications: Price: $185,000-$215,000 • Engine: 1.8-litre inline 4-cylinder SOHC • Aspiration: natural • Torque: 128lb-ft@4300rpm • Horsepower: 140hp@6300rpm • hp/Litre: 77.7hp per litre • Fuel Economy (mpg): 30 City/40 Hwy • 0-62 mph: 8.1s (manual) • 1/4 mile: 16.3@85mph (manual) • Top Speed: 127mph/204km/h.
Formula 1 Q&A Session@ 51˚
Article by Narend Sooknarine • Photos by: Christian Cozier, Graciela Garcia, Tricia Gopaulsingh, Wes Nandoo, Narend Sooknarine
F1
team mechanic Steve Nevey is a vital member of Red Bull Racing. He visited T&T on May 24, 2006 at Club 51 Degrees in Port-of-Spain for a technical Q&A session on Formula 1 and both Red Bull teams. Red Bull Racing (formerly Jaguar Racing) and Scuderia Toro Rosso (formerly Minardi) are now the new forces in Formula 1. After an amazing compilation of Formula 1 facts and insights, Steve shared some of his experiences and knowledge with the local racing fraternity. Of course, the local enthusiasts wanted to see Red Bull’s driver search and F1 in Schools programmes expanded to include the Caribbean. Steve graciously acknowledged our requests and responded in depth to our questions about everything Formula 1. It seems the transition of ownership from Jaguar to Red Bull Racing has gone smoothly. Steve tells
us that for their team it was like “having the coolest parents in the world” since entertainment and fun seem to have come back to Formula 1. Regarding the relationship between the two Red Bull teams, there is considerable sharing of technical information and resources. However, according to Steve, when it comes down to actual competition everyone gets serious and it’s Red Bull Racing vs. Scuderia Toro Rosso vs. the rest. On another note, Steve prefers the Cosworth V8 engine over the previous V10; he likes wine over hard liquor; he and his family play musical instruments and are keen on jazz. For our local motor racing community, the experience of having this much F1, up close and personal was just priceless– not just for the experience but for bringing the sponsors, enthusiasts and motorsport factions together. The stepping stone to F1 is karting and there were a number of actual racing karts on display thanks to some of our local
drivers– Ryan Perau, Gerard Carrington and David Coelho. Also present were Ravi Singh, Ryan Garcia, Gary Hunt and our youngest karting champ, Brandon Steele, among many others. Representing circuit racing was Jameer Ali, rookies Vinda Ramsingh Jr., endurance-meister Keeva Seegobin and most of TTASA’s executive. Drivers and officials from each motorsport faction including Drag Racing, Solodex , Rally and the off-road clubs were also in the house. We were all fascinated by the actual F1 car steering wheel, ultralight carbon fibre suspension arms, driver suits, intricate mechanical parts that we were privileged to carefully examine. When holding about US$40,000 worth of steering wheel you can’t help but make F1 noises. Just for you to imagine, we managed to get hold of an actual F1 soundclip from the Red Bull Racing camp– it is currently available for download on zorce.com.
Ford Focus ST is here!
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ord’s Evo hunter is finally in the showrooms of T&T! This rally-bred Euro-spec ST comes ready for battle with a 6-speed manual transmission, a turbocharged 2.5-litre inline 5-cylinder (from Ford’s Volvo connections), massive brakes and gorgeously huge wheels and tires. We can’t wait to get our hands on one to tell you more! The big question– is anyone is willing to pay upwards of $300k for a Ford? 7 • Zorce9
Rolling Tide Article & Photos by: Duane Boodasingh and Narend Sooknarine
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ith a simultaneous launch at both their Morvant and San Fernando showrooms, Neal & Massy Motors introduced T&T to the all new Nissan Tiida on the13th, June 2006. “ Nissan intends to add more value to its vehicles and increase its brand equity in the Nissan Value Up period of its business plan. The Tiida is the first model to be released as an emblem of this Value Up phase– The Tiida is meant to SHIFT_ expectations!” - Sales brochure.
289 litres for the sedan and rear legroom is 650mm as compared to 526mm of the current Almera. You can even slide the rear seat forward in the hatchback, leaving ample room for speakers– the Tiida is unusually roomy for such a presumably small car.
At first glance, the Tiida is different and many may be alarmed by some of the radical lines and angles of this car. The hatchback model is reminiscent of the Peugeot 307, especially the rear quarter and hatch. There is a high level of design put into the Tiida, usually reserved for upmarket models.
On to the business of making power... The new all-aluminium 110hp HR16DE 1600cc, 4-cylinder, engine is standard. This engine was co-developed by Nissan with Renault and features Nissan’s CVTC (Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control) that provides more mid-range torque. While 1.8-litre engines (MR18DE) are not yet available in T&T, maybe a special order can be arranged. There is also an option for e-4WD and for a 5- and 6-speed manual gearbox. However, most Tiidas brought to T&T will be FWD and carry a 4-speed automatic tranny in the 1300kg compact car.
Although the hatchback model will appeal to a younger, more energetic crowd, the car may be ahead of its time. Car buffs must already be conceptualising ways of customising this into a hot hatch with over-sized wheels, lowered stance and lots of in-car entertainment gadgets. There is room for it, too. The cabin space in the Tiida is comparable to that of the new Cefiro. The trunk capacity is
An interesting feature of the new TIIDA is its front intake/rear exhaust orientation in the engine bay. Setting the exhaust manifold to the back allows for easier exhaust flow and less heat in the engine compartment. Placed in front, the intake manifold draws cooler, denser air. In addition, it is wrapped over the valve cover thereby increasing its exterior surface area allowing even more cooling, like an
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intercooler or perhaps, the ears of a fennec fox. The suspension is conceptually, nothing new, with a strut system used at the front, and an H-shaped torsion beam adopted at the rear. Interestingly though, the suspension strut system incorporates internal rebound springs and ripple-control shock absorbers. The ride is noticeably smoother than similar setups and offers less body roll for a car that rides high in stock form. The Tiida’s name evolved from the Japanese attempt to pronounce the English word ‘tide’. The ride is not like floating on water but is good enough. The interior is really where the Tiida excels. From the roomy cabin to the arm-rests, every part of the car that your body may come in contact with while sitting is padded– even the steering column cover. And there is a lot of fine stitching usually reserved for more expensive cars. There is an option for brushed silver or woodgrain trim, but does wood have any business being in a modern car? Starting at TT$129k and TT$140k fully loaded, this compact sedan is set to replace the higher end SG-L Almera and is planned as the next ‘big seller’ for N&M Motors in the coming years.
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Sirion
Yaris
Marc
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Hatchback 1-2-1-2!
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atchbacks are making a comeback with their practicality, excellent gas mileage and stylish looks. Toyota T&T and Neal & Massy are packing the Hot Hatch 1-2 Punch. Punch one is $105k-$125k, while punch two is around $130k$145k loaded. The new value leading Daihatsu Sirion uses Toyota technology leaving spare cash for RIMS! The Yaris hatch ‘sipper’ moves away from its sedan sibling with its Star-Trek cabin. Nissan’s recently launched Tiida (also see Zorce.com) is the priciest, but has a premium interior and a grand feature list, including an new a/c filter that’s great for your allergies! And the new Nissan March? It’s just retro-gorgeous! N.S.
TIIDA
Blurb & Pix : NS, CC, Nissan
All-Natural Goodness
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ubaru started in T&T with the 200hp WRX and 300hp STi Imprezas. Then came the economy model– the 1.6 TS. With the front-end totally restyled, the four wheel drive 1.6 is still available for anyone who is sensibly crawling in traffic. But now, for the weekends, there is a new alternative... It is the TT$203k, 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated, 4WD Subaru Impreza 2.0-R. With its 11:1 compression ratio, the 4 cylinder boxer churns out 158hp and 137lb-ft. Top speed is said to be around 210km/h. And guess what? It’s also available as an automatic wagon! Want more? The new 2.5-litre WRX makes 228hp/236lb-ft and sells for around TT$326k. Contact Damian or Fabien at N&M for more information. N.S.
BMW Expo 2006
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avarian Motors Limited held their weekend 2006 BMW Expo at the Chaguaramas Golf Club Clubhouse from January 6-8, 2006. Guests admired the display of BMW models– the 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 Series, X3, X5 and Mini. VIP’s were serenaded on Friday night and driven to the show area, each with one of Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors along with George Bovel III on board. On Saturday and Sunday, attendees were allowed test drives. The big bonus was an exhibition drive in a BMW X5 3.0 with Mr. Philippe Cornut, a precision driver from the French firm, Sagaro. Mr. Cornut took passengers on a quick trip from the golf clubhouse to Pier 2 where a dexterity course had been laid out. Here he demonstrated the benefits of dynamic stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking and BMW’s X drive features by performing some evasive and emergency maneuvers. C.C. See more on zorce.com. 11 • Zorce9
Gr8 Transmission
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The big 1-2-5
he new Lexus LS is equipped with the world’s first eightspeed automatic transmission, offering the perfect blend of acceleration, smooth shifting and fuel efficiency. The Lexus ECT-i or Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence uses electronic controls to adjust hydraulic pressure gradually for even smoother shifting. The
ECT-i computer can also adjust for wear in the transmission, and even learn and respond to a person’s driving behaviour. Score eight for Lexus!
Lewis to drive in F1!
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ong-term McLaren and Mercedes-Benz protégé Lewis Hamilton (of Caribbean lineage) has been confirmed as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes racing driver and will make his debut at the opening round of the 2007 Formula 1 World Championship in Australia. 21-year-old Lewis will join World Champion Fernando Alonso racing the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 during the 2007 season with both Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett continuing as test drivers. “It’s a dream come true,” said Lewis. “To be racing in Formula 1 with McLaren has been the ultimate goal for me since I was very young and this opportu-
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he year 2006 marks the 125th birthday of Kendall Motor Oil! In 1881, the Kendall Refining Company opened for business. Happy Birthday Kendall! Project Rx7 uses Kendall GT-1 High Performance Mineral Oil with
nity is a fantastic way to end what has been the best year for me. I have grown up with McLaren and Mercedes and wouldn’t be where I am today without their continued support and guidance. However I’m aware that this will be a challenge and I know that there will be a lot of attention on me. However the team has told me just to relax, do the best I can and enjoy the opportunity. I will work hard to get good results.” Lewis has been involved with the McLaren and MercedesBenz Young Driver Support Programme since its inception in 1998. He moved through the ranks of karting winning various Championships including the ‘McLaren Mercedes
excellent results. Because rotary engines use an oil metering system that lubricates their internal seals, it was important that we had an oil that could bear the most heat before burning off... Specs available here: www.kendallmotoroil.com
Champions of the Future’ karting series in 1998. Lewis dominated the 2003 British Formula Renault Championship winning 10 out of 15 races. In 2004 Lewis competed in the Formula 3 Euro series with Manor Motorsport, powered by Mercedes-Benz engines. In 2005, he dominated the F3 Euro Series Championship, in a car powered by Mercedes-Benz. In September 2006 Lewis won the GP2 Series Championship with the ART team at Monza in Italy, winning five out of 22 rounds. On September 13, 2006 Lewis tested the Team McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car for the first time at the Silverstone circuit in the UK. Source: Daimler Chrysler
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hite Zombie is curently, the world’s quickest street legal electric door slammer (per NEDRA) and holds both the class SC/B record and the class SC/A record. The car is run by Tim Brehm and John Wayland.
12 sec Zap!
Powered by 20 Exide Orbitals at 240V, it ran the quarter mile in 12.99 @ 101.18 mph. Powered at 348V courtesy of 29 Hawker Aerobatteries and with an updated Zilla Z2K 2000 amp controller, it ran its best ET of 12.151 @ 106.25 mph on BF Goodrich DOT Drag Radials. The current version now runs at 360V with 30 Aerobatteries. It is direct drive (no flywheel, clutch, or tranny) and connects to an aluminium driveshaft that goes into a Ford 9-inch rear axle fitted with 4:57 gears.
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www.plasmaboyracing.com
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O
nce upon a time, in the legendary world of Land Rover, a warrior was born. An athletic, expressive, muscular and powerful warrior the world would come to know as the Range Rover Sport. The Range Rover Sport is a masterful execution of contemporary design, opulent luxury and brilliant craftsmanship. This is the vehicle of champions, winners, leaders not your average SUV owner. This machine commands an air of sophistication, prestige and aloofness that’s consistent with its remarkable pedigree. The Range Rover Sport is the fifth and newest Land Rover nameplate, yet even to the casual observer, this vehicle is instantly recognisable as a Range Rover. Besides the telltale and iconic Range Rover bonnet badge, there’s the classic clamshell bonnet and floating roof design, both with a modern edge. Flared fenders and curvacious front end soften the boxed SUV image of previous Range Rover models. The vehicle looks purposeful, proud and strong.
Test Drive
Range Rover Sport
Walking up and unlocking your very own Range Rover Sport outside a nightclub or crowded shopping mall can sometimes evoke the sort of pride and privilege known only to those knighted by the Queen. In fact, Land Rover has been awarded the Seal of Appointment to HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and HRH The Prince of Wales. With such outstanding credentials it should come as no surprise that Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles have exceptionally high build quality and are often kept by their owners for upwards of fifteen years.
When the Jaguar/Land Rover Division of Ansa Automotive invited us to borrow their one and only 4.2 Sport Supercharged, we dropped everything to take up the offer. This vehicle is full of technological advances that we will get to as this story progresses. Let’s stop for a minute to appreciate the futuristic appeal of the keyless entry remote control that requires no battery replacement. The remote’s electric charge is constantly topped up while the key is in the ignition. With clever innovations like this in something as basic as a remote you begin to realise that when Land Rover set out to build the Sport, they left nothing to chance. After driving the Range Rover Sport, it is clear that although its competitors can run with the crowd, its 390hp 4.2 supercharged quad-cam 32 valve V8 petrol will outrun most vehicles. This is the Apache Helicopter of SUVs. The engine delivered explosive power way beyond our expectations. This thing is fast... VERY FAST and is electronically restricted to just 225km/h (140mph). This SUV is more capable than most massaged sport compacts– the benchmark of today’s youth. The supercharged V8 is just one of four engines available. The others include a naturally aspirated 4.4 litre V8 good for 300hp, a very capable Diesel 2.7 litre V6 and Diesel 3.6 litre V8 that produces a staggering 640Nm (472lb-ft) of torque at just 2000rpm. WOW! Where are the invitations to drive that? Land Rover engines are built to survive brutally hot deserts, wade across rivers, and rugged off-road terrain– yet, the fluidity and serenity of these engines exude luxury car quality.
15 • Zorce9
Articles and Photography by: Nebert Marin & Narend Sooknarine
Electronic ride height adjustability is more than just upper class bling. The fully independent air suspension is a computer-controlled air spring system that automatically adjusts to ensure proper ride height in accordance with vehicle load. The driver can take charge using one of three factory preset heights in the form of Access Mode, Standard and Off-Road setting. Access Mode lowers the vehicle 50mm below standard ride height for easier ingress and egress while Off-Road raises the vehicle 55mm above standard ride height for increased ground clearance. In Access Mode, the driver can cause the vehicle to squat sufficiently to make it comfortable for ladies in formal length apparel to get in– sort of like a built-in gentleman’s feature. Given the many creature comforts of the interior, one might forget that 55 years of 4x4 experience has gone into the construction of this capable offroader. The closest most of us will ever get to taking our Range Rover off road is climbing up a city sidewalk to park closer to a venue but its nice to know that if needed, the ingenious Terrain Response system is vigilant and always armed and Zorce9 • 16
ready to tackle every driving scenario from rock crawling to grass, mud, sand or gravel. Four Wheel Electronic Traction Control is there to aid those of us that might tempt the laws of physics just for the fun of it. Riding shotgun with (4ETC) is the sophisticated suspension control system called Dynamic Response which controls body roll through electronically controlled, hydraulically powered actuators that actively manipulate front and rear anti-roll bars during cornering. By keeping the vehicle as flat as possible during turns, all wheels remain planted to the road to generate better grip from all tires, while at the same time keeping occupants comfortable as the driver powers round corner after corner. This predator is a sports car in SUV double-sided zinc-coated steel and aluminium alloy clothing. But there is only one way to experience the Land Rover’s “Command” driving position and that is to drive it. You will realise that your view of the road is better than it has ever been. It is from this view that you can look out and take stock of why you work so hard to be able to afford the only vehicle on the planet that allows you to “Go Beyond.” N.M.
C
onsider however, that the Range Rover Sport costs just as much as THREE Volkswagen R5 TDI Touaregs! This is not to say that the Range Rover Sport isn’t worth the money but rather that you can have your share of SUV goodness at a lower cost, especially if you don’t care to embarass sports cars or even to go off-road. The R5 TDI Touareg starts well below $600k making it the value leader in the luxury SUV business. It comes laden with many impressive features such as individual, digitally-controlled air-conditioning for each quadrant of the vehicle, i.e. front left and right and rear, left and right. The powerplant is a five cylinder diesel that makes 174hp and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque from just 2000 rpm that allows a 0-100kph time of 12.4 seconds– that is downright slow! There are a range of engine choices that will of course, put a bigger dent in your wallet. The Touareg V6 petrol comes with 240hp and produces 305Nm (225lb-ft) of torque. It’s nowhere near the Range Rover with a top speed of only 205kph (127mph) and 0-100kph (0-62mph) time of 9.9 seconds. The 4.2 -litre V8 however, comes closer with 310hp / 410Nm (302lb-ft), a 0-100kph time of
8.1 seconds and a top speed of 225kph (140mph). The real monster is the Touareg V10 TDI. There is one in Barbados that has already developed a reputation for torque in a tug-o-war contest. It produces a whopping 750Nm (553lb-ft) of torque and 313hp will let it clock the 0-100kph in 7.8 seconds and go on to a top speed of 225kph. Clearly, the Touareg is a pretty heavy vehicle. BMW prefers to call their X5 a SAV or Sport Activity Vehicle rather than an SUV or Sport Utility Vehicle. Perhaps they are doubtful that their customers will be lugging around any lumber or wheelbarrows in them. Since BMW was once the parent company of Land Rover, it is common knowledge that the X5 benefitted from part of the shared R&D. At BMW’s Expo in Chaguaramas, Trinidad, Philippe Cornut of the French firm Sagaro, eagerly demonstrated the X5’s abilities. It’s no Range Rover, but it is very capable. In fact, Sagaro International also eveluates and demonstrates vehicles for Land Rover. BMW’s 4.8-litre petrol engined X5 4.8is with its 355hp and the six-speed automatic will do 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds. The 3.0-litre six cylinder generates 272hp and 315Nm (232lb-ft). The 3.0-litre turbo-
diesel is a real star (we drove this one at the BMW expo) using its 173hp and prodigious torque to run from standstill to 60mph in just 8.3 seconds. all while getting 27mpg! There is only one drawback with the BMW X5– everybody has one. But popular vehicles usually reflect happy owners. Perhaps the most direct competitor for the Range Rover Sport is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. It’s 4.5-litre bi-turbo V8 pumps out a healthy 520hp and 530 ft-lb of torque allowing it to run 0-60 in a very Porsche-like 4.8 seconds. When driven off-road the RRS will secure top honours, the Cayenne’s on-road capabilities are astounding for such a large vehicle and so is the price. Land Rover can power upgrade your RRS– although this is not a catalogue option. Considering that there are no autobahns in the Caribbean and the ever-increasing road congestion in our islands, top speed becomes practically irrelevant. Also, many SUV owners today are reluctant to truly go off-road. The real advantage besides supreme 4x4 capability and outright speed is the exclusivity. The fact that there aren’t very many people who CAN own a Range Rover Sport is quite a strong selling point to its target market. N.S.
17 • Zorce9
Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4x4 Article by: Narend Sooknarine • Pictures by: Christian Cozier, Narend Sooknarine
T
he new Toyota Hilux 4x4 is no poser. We took one out for a spin up the Lady Young Road, Morvant and found a lovely little detour as pictured above. On the way out of the dealership, we slowed down next to an older model Nissan Frontier and realised that the Hilux really was higher. Developed under Toyota’s IMV system, this new Hilux excels at more roles than the traditional pickup truck. With superior headroom and legroom front and rear, we were able to accomodate the driver and four passengers easily. For families and friends on the go, rear seats are now more comfortable than ever, drink holders are everywhere and leather is an option.
Zorce9 • 18
Available engines include the 160hp 2.7-litre gasoline, 120hp 2.5-litre (191lb-ft) and 163hp 3-litre (253lb-ft) turbodiesel engines. For our test drive the 2.5-litre seemed more than up to the task as we headed up the Lady Young Road with a full trip. As we headed into the quarry test area, I was instructed to stop and switch over into four wheel drive mode– accomplished by shifting the smaller of the two manual gear levers. The Hilux climbed through the loose gravel and mushy dirt with aplomb. Not once did it get stuck, even when we tried. In 4x4 mode it allows the driver to discover pleasurably that it can actually cover terrain you normally wouldn’t with any car.
The many available configurations make the Hilux the ideal choice for a very broad spectrum of people. The 4x2 single cab starts at around TT$125k and the price ranges up through TT$148k, $165k, $175k and $207 for a fully-loaded double cab 4x4 SR5. They look great with big bling-style rims and high-performance tires. The serious off-roader however, will be installing mudflaps, rollbars, auxiliary lights, step rails, trayliners, storage bins, front and rear brush guards and more. A host of accessories are now available as aftermarket items. With its towering view, modern styling, diesel fuel economy and completely re-engineered interior– you won’t miss your regular car.
Lay-Z-man Corner! So yuh have a flat and the jack sinking in the dirt... What do you do?
Pull out the trusty pouch– it weighs less than 20 lbs and comes packed with...
a smart looking yellow bag with a hole...
and some hose...
and rubber mats...
to make a rubber sandwich with the ol’ yellow bag.
It’s easy, just push one end of the hose in the bag...
and the other into your exhaust! You see where this is going? Next Step? Start the car...
and mash the X!
James Jr. (868) 685-0856 / 636-0811 19 • Zorce9
Zorce9 • 20
With this catalogue you will be able to examine a few basic specifications including engine and transmission options, performance data and compare base prices. Create your shortlist without getting stuck in traffic or spending precious minutes on hold. After that, you can head to the nearest dealership, take a test drive and get yourself a brand new vehicle just the way you like it.
Digesting the Data
NEW CAR CATALOGUE 2006
T
here’s something special about a brand new car. Peace of mind. Accomplishment. The smell of leather. Untouched paint. Tight suspension. Perfect automotive silence. The engine’s first notes. Whatever turns you on, we’ve got the facts together to help you decide on your next vehicle purchase. The range includes economy, family, performance and luxury cars; SUVs, 4x4s and pickups.
Decisions, decisions....
Type:– Depending on the manufacturer, some vehicle models carry only one bodystyle. In most cases there is a unique model that is manufactured in a few different, sometimes market-specific bodystyles, options and configurations. 0-60:– The amount of time it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from rest to 60mph. HP:– Manufacturer’s claimed rating of engine horsepower at specified engine rpm or rpm range. Exact figures may vary by specification and from market to market. Base Price:– This is the least you will spend for a particular vehicle model in Trinidad & Tobago ‘on the road’ inclusive of taxes. This does not pertain to pricing for sales, special offers or financing deals. Bear in mind that prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Exchange rate fluctuations, supply and demand changes, taxes and market conditions generally dictate pricing. Prices are quoted in TT dollars. Model:– The name or brand of the vehicle made by the manufacturer. This refers collectively to all bodystyles, e.g. sedan, hatchback, coupé etc. within the model range. Make/Manufacturer Brand:– This refers to the company or brand name of the company that makes the vehicle. Some manufacturers carry multiple brands even though they share the same manufacturing and assembly facilities, e.g. Toyota and Lexus.
Torque:– Manufacturer’s claimed rating of engine torque at specified engine rpm or rpm range. Exact figures may vary by specification and from market to market. Engine:– Size (displacement) of engine in litres and configuration e.g. I-4 = inline four cylinder, F-4= flat or boxer four cylinder, R2= two-rotor rotary, V6= six cylinder in Vee configuration, T= Turbo, TT=Twin Turbo, S= Supercharged, D= diesel. Trans:– Indicates transmission type and amount of available gears. e.g. 5-M = 5-speed manual, 4-A= 4-speed automatic, 6-S= 6-speed sequential, 5-Tip= 5-speed tiptronic, CVT= continuously variable transmission mpg:– Indicates fuel economy as a rating of average miles per gallon. In cases where there is a highway and city rating an average of both ratings is used. Top kph:– Manufacturer’s claimed top speed rated in kilometres per hour.
Choose Wisely... Wrangler RT/S
Eagle NCT 5
Eagle F1 GS-D3
(868)646-4172 • www.acl-tt.com
Available at:
Automotive Components Limited Member NEAL
Laventille: Tel: 623-6323, 623-6276 Chagunas: Tel: 665-7905, 665-2460 San Fernando: Tel: 657-2085, 657-9283 Couva: Tel: 636-3646 Website: www.masterservonline.com
& MASSY Group
Service Centre– Arima: Tel: 642-0673, 642-3484 Wholesale– Arima: Tel: 642-4236, 646-7510 Truck Services– La Romain: Tel: 657-5893, 653-9274 Website: www.acl-tt.com
and dealerships nationwide....
Automotive Components Limited O’Meara Rd., Arima, Trinidad & Tobago W.I. Member NEAL & MASSY Group
M a d e i n Tr i n i d a d & To b a g o • I S O 9 0 0 1 : 2 0 0 0 R e g i s t e r e d 21 • Zorce9
A3 A3 Sportback
Base Price: $208,000 Type 1.6 2.0 FSI 2.0 FSI
0-60 13.2 9.1 9.7
Horsepower 102@5600 150@6000 150@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 109@3800 148@3500 148@3500
Engine 1.6 I-4 2.0 I-4 2.0 I-4
Trans 6-A 6-M 6-A
mpg 31 34 30
Type 730d 740i Sedan 740Li Sedan 745d 750i Sedan 750Li Sedan 760i Sedan 760Li Sedan
0-60 7.8 6.8 6.9 6.8 5.9 6.0 5.5 5.6
Horsepower 228@4000 302@6300 302@6300 296@4000 362@6300 362@6300 439@6000 439@6000
Top kph 183 214 209
Engine 1.8t I-4 1.8t I-4
Trans mpg Top kph 7-CVT 29 224 7-CVT 28 220
Type X3 2.0d X3 2.5i X3 2.5i X3 3.0i X3 3.0i X3 3.0d X3 3.0d
0-60 10.2 8.9 9.8 7.8 8.1 7.9 8.2
Horsepower 148@4000 189@6000 189@6000 228@5900 228@5900 150@4000 150@4000
A6
0-60 8.9 6.9 6.1
Horsepower 165@6000 220@6500 330@6600
Torque (lb-ft) 170@3000-5000 243@3250 310@3500
Engine 2.4 I-4 3.0V6 4.2 V8
Trans 7-CVT 7-CVT 7-CVT
mpg 25 24 21
Top kph 230 250 270
A8 0-60 Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) 6.3 335@6500 317@3500
Engine 4.2V8
Type X5 3.0i X5 3.0i X5 3.0d X5 3.0d X5 4.4i X5 4.8is
0-60 8.3 8.8 8.3 8.3 7.0 6.1
Horsepower 231@5900 231@5900 218@4000 218@4000 320@6100 360@6100
Base Price: $237,000 0-60 10.9 9.4 10.1 8.7 9.2 6.1 7.9 8.2
Horsepower 115@6000 129@5750 129@5750 150@6200 150@6200 265@6600 163@4000 163@4000
Torque (lb-ft) 111@4300 133@3250 133@3250 148@3600 148@3600 232@2500 251@2000 251@2000
Engine 1.6 I-4 2.0 I-6 2.0 I-6 2.0 I-6 2.0 I-6 3.0 I-6 2.0 I-4TD 2.0 I-4TD
Trans 5-M 5-M 5-A 6-M 5-A 6-M 6-M 5-A
mpg 31 32 30 31 30 26 41 36
Top kph 200 208 204 217 213 250(e) 220 217
3 Series
Torque (lb-ft) 243@2000 181@3500 181@3500 221@3500 221@3500 302@1500-3250 302@1500-3250
Engine 2.5 I-6TD 2.5 I-6 2.5 I-6 3.0 I-6 3.0 I-6 3.0 I-6TD 3.0 I-6TD
Trans 6-M 6-M 5-A 6-M 5-A 6-M 5-A
mpg 33 21 20 21 19 21 21
Top kph 198 208 208 210 210 210 210
Torque (lb-ft) 221@3500 221@3500 369@2000-2750 369@2000-2750 324@3600 369@3500
Engine 3.0 I-6 3.0 I-6 3.0 I-6TD 3.0 I-6TD 4.4 V8 4.8 V8
Trans 6-M 5-A 6-M 5-A 5-A 5-A
mpg 19 18 27 25 18 17
Top mph 130 130 131 131 149 153
Base Price: $465,000 Type Z4 2.0i Roadster Z4 2.2i Roadster Z4 2.5i Roadster Z4 3.0i Roadster Z4 M Roadster
0-60 8.2 7.7 7.0 5.9 5.0
Horsepower 148@6250 170@6100 192@6000 231@5900 343@7900
Torque (lb-ft) 148@3750 155@3500 181@3500 221@3500 269@4900
Engine 2.0 I-4 2.2 I-6 2.5 I-6 3.0 I-6 3.0 I-6
Trans 5-M 5-M 5-M 6-M 6-M
mpg 31 27 26 26 19
0-60 Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) 9.0 150@6200 147@3600 218@6500 184@2750-4250 6.3 258@6600 221@2500-4000 8.3 163@4000 251@2000 5.2 343@7900 273@4900 5.5 343@7900 273@4900
Aveo Type LS LT
0-60 11.9 12.8 11.9 12.8
Horsepower 83@5600 83@5600 83@5600 83@5600
Torque (lb-ft) 94@4200 94@4200 94@4200 94@4200
Engine 2.0 I-4 2.5 I-6 3.0 I-6 2.0 I-4TD 3.2 I-6 3.2 I-6
Trans 6-M 6-M 6-M 6-M 6-M 6-M
Trans 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A
mpg 29 28 29 28
250 225 250(e) 250(e)
Horsepower 177@5800 177@5800 218@6500 218@6000 258@6600 258@6600 306@6300 306@6300 367@6300 367@6300 163@4000 163@4000 232@4000 232@4000 272@4000 500@7750
Torque (lb-ft) 170@3500 170@3500 184@2750 184@2750 221@2500 221@2500 288@3500 288@3500 361@3400 361@3400 251@2000 251@2000 369@1750 369@1750 413@2000 384@6100
Engine 2.5 I-6 2.5 I-6 2.5 I-6 2.5 I-6 3.0 I-6 3.0 I-6 4.0 V8 4.0 V8 4.8 V8 4.8 V8 2.0 I-4TD 2.0 I-4TD 3.0 I-6TD 3.0 I-6TD 3.0 I-6TD 5.0V10
0-60 Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) 9.1 110@5800 110@4000
Engine 1.6 I-4
mpg 28 25 27 25 27 25 21 23 21 22 40 34 35 31 29 16
Top kph 235 232 245 242 250(e) 250(e) 250(e) 250(e) 250(e) 250(e) 223 223 250 (e) 248 250 (e) 250(e)
6 Series
Base Price: $900,000 Type 645Ci Coupe M6
0-60 Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) 5.6 333@6100 333@3600 4.6 500@7750 384@6100
Engine 4.4 V8 5.0V10
Trans mpg Top kph 6-M 20 250 (e) 7-SMG 16 250(e)
Sedan 5dr Hatchback 5dr Wagon
Zorce9 • 22 Zorce9 • 22
Engine 3.0 I-6 3.0 I-6
Horsepower 113@6000 113@6000 99@5500 99@5500 99@5500 99@5500 99@5500 99@5500
Torque (lb-ft) 114@4150 114@4150 111@4000 111@4000 111@4000 111@4000 111@4000 111@4000
Engine 1.6L I-4 1.6L I-4 1.6L I-4 1.6L I-4 1.6L I-4 1.6L I-4 1.6L I-4 1.6L I-4
Type 0-60 Horsepower 4x2 single 80 @4100 4x2 Double 88@4000 4x2 Double XL 88@4000 4x2 Dbl.XLT Auto 121@3500 4x4 Double 88@4000 4x4 Double XL 88@4000 4x4 Double XLT 121@3500 4x4 Double Ltd. 121@3500 4x4 Dbl.XLT Auto 121@3500
mpg 37 35 35 35 35 35 34 34
Top kph 190 187 182 180 182 180 180 179
Base Price: $215,000 Type Sedan 2.0 Sedan 2.5 Sedan 3.0
0-60 9.6 11.2 8.3 10.1 7.2 9.0
Horsepower 143@6000 143@6000 168@6000 168@6000 223@6150 223@6150
Torque (lb-ft) 140@4500 140@4500 162@4250 162@4250 207@4900 207@4900
Engine 2.0L I4 2.0L I4 2.5V6 2.5V6 3.0V6 3.0V6
Trans 5-M 5-A 6-M 5-A 6-M 5-A
mpg 36 31 27 27 27 27
Top kph 216 190 225 225 243 243
Torque (lb-ft) 176@2500 196@2500 196@2500 193@2000 196@2500 196@2500 193@2000 193@2000 193@2000
Engine 2.5 I-4D 2.9 I-4D 2.9 I-4D 2.5 I-4TD 2.9 I-4D 2.9 I-4D 2.5 I-4TD 2.5 I-4TD 2.5 I-4TD
Trans 5-M 5-M 5-M 4-A 5-M 5-M 5-M 5-M 4-A
mpg 36 38 38 32 38 38 32 32 32
Top kph 148 est. 156 est. 156 est. 160 est. 153 est. 153 est. 164 est. 164 est. 160 est.
Civic
Base Price: $152,000 0-60 11.9 12.5 9.4 10.2 10.0
HP 105@5800 105@5800 130@6300 130@6300 130@6300
Torque 100lbft@4200 100lbft@4200 114lbft@4800 114lbft@4800 114lbft@4800
Engine 1.5L I-4 1.5L I-4 1.7L I-4 1.7L I-4 1.7L I-4
Trans 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A CVT
mpg 37 36 35 33 37
Top k ph 174 174 206 204 204
Accord
Base Price: $265,000 0-60 HP 9.8 150@6000 7.3 240@6250
Torque 137lbft@4500 212lbft@5000
Engine 2.0L I4 3.0L V6
Trans mpg Top kph 5-A 32 217 5-A 22 241
Fit
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 27 180
Trans 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A 5-M 5-M
Engine Trans mpg Top kph 2.5 I-4TD 4-A 30 160 est.
Base Price: $115,000
Type 2.0 Vtec 3.0 Vtec Si-R
Mondeo (ST220 Model Pictured)
Base Price: $130,000 0-60 HP 12.4 85@5700
Torque 88 @2800
Engine 1.3L I4
Trans mpg Top kph CVT 41.3 161
Odyssey
Base Price: $350,000 Type 2.4 iVtec
0-60 HP 10.0 160@5500
Torque 161@ 4000
Engine 2.4L I4
Trans mpg Top kph 5-A n/a 204
CR-V
Base Price: $265,000 Type 5 dr.SUV
0-60 HP Torque (lb-ft) 10.3 148@6500 140@4000
Engine 2.0 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4- A 24 177
Accent
Base Price: $85,500 Type Sedan 5dr Hatch
0-60 HP 11.5 92@5500 11.5 92@5500
Torque (lb-ft) 97@3000 97@3000
Engine 1.5 I4 1.5 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 32 172 4-A 32 172
Escape
Trans mpg Top kph 6-A 23 243 6-A 23 243
Elantra
Base Price: $320,000
Base Price: $1,030,000 0-60 Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) 7.8 254@6600 221@2500 7.9 254@6600 221@2500
0-60 10.6 11.4 11.8 11.9 11.8 11.9 12.0 12.1
Trans mpg Top kph 5-A 18 180 est.
Ranger
Base Price: $140,000
7 Series Type 730i Sedan 730Li Sedan
0-60 Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) 121@3500 193@2000
Focus
Type 3dr Hatchback
Engine 4.0L V6
Base Price: $385,000
Base Price: $110,000 Type LS
Trans mpg Top kph 5-A 18 180 est.
Everest
Type 1.4 i DSi
Trans 6-M 6-A 6-M 6-A 6-M 6-A 6-M 6-A 6-M 6-A 6-M 6-A 6-M 6-A 6-A 7-SMG
0-60 Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) 8.3 210@5100 254@ 3700
Top kph 169 166 169 166
Optra
mpg Top kph 32 220 37 52 24 23
Type 4dr SUT - V6
1.7Vtec
Engine 1.5 I-4 1.5 I-4 1.5 I-4 1.5 I-4
Engine 4.0L V6
Base Price: $650,000
Base Price: $95,000
Base Price: $605,000 0-60 8.5 9.3 7.5 7.9 6.5 6.7 6.2 6.3 5.5 5.6 8.6 8.7 6.8 6.8 6.5 4.7
0-60 Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) 8.4 210@5100 254@ 3700
Explorer Sport Trac
Type EXi
5 Series
Type 523i 523i 525i 525i 530i 530i 540i 540i 550i 550i 520d 520d 530d 530d 535d M5
Type 5dr SUV
Top kph 220 225 235 250 (e) 250 (e)
Base Price: $360,000 Type 320i 325i 330i 320d M3 M3 Conv.
Base Price: $600,000
Type 7seater SUV
Z4 (2006 Z4 M Roadster Pictured)
Trans mpg Top kph 7-CVT 20 280
1 Series
Type 116i 118i 118i 120i 120i 130i 120d 120d
Explorer
Base Price: $723,000
Base Price: $970,000 Type 4.2 Quattro
Top kph 238 250(e) 250(e) 250(e) 250(e) 250(e) 250(e) 250(e)
X5
Base Price: $493,000 Type 2.4 L 3.0 L 4.2 L
mpg 29 21 21 25 21 21 18 17
Base Price: $490,000
Base Price: $282,000 0-60 Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) 8.6 163@5900 166@1950-5000 8.9 163@5900 166@1950-5000
Engine Trans 3.0 I-6TD 6-A 4.0 V8 6-A 4.0 V8 6-A 4.4 V8TD 6-A 4.8 V8 6-A 4.8 V8 6-A 6.0 V12 6-A 6.0 V12 6-A
X3
A4
Type 1.8t Sport 1.8t Avant
Torque (lb-ft) 384@2000 288@3500 288@3500 516@1750 361@3400 361@3400 443@3950 443@3950
Base Price: $133,000 Type 5dr SUV
0-60 Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) 8.9 201@5900 196 @4700
Engine 3.0L V6
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 18 177 est.
Type Sedan
0-60 HP 13.0 104@5800
Torque (lb-ft) 105@3000
Engine 1.6 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 38 172
Type Coupé
0-60 HP 10.5 138@6000
Tiburon
Sportage
Mazda5
Base Price: $188,000
Base Price: $185,000
Base Price: $218,000
Torque (lb-ft) 136lbft@4500
Engine 2.0 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 27 200
Type 2.0 2.0 Td 2.0 Td
0-60 11.0 13.5 15.8
HP 138@6000 111@4000 111@4000
Torque (lb-ft) 136@4500 181@2000 181@2000
Engine 2.0 I4 2.0 I4 TD 2.0 I4 TD
Trans 5-M 5-M 4-A
mpg 29 33 29
Top kph 174 167 161
Type 2.0i
0-60 HP 11.8 139@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 131@4500
Engine 2.0 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 27 178
Matrix Sorento
Base Price: $98,000 Type 5dr Hatchback
0-60 HP 12.7 102@5800
Torque (lb-ft) 104@4500
Engine 1.6 I4
Type 2.5
Trajet
3.5
0-60 14.3 14.2 9.9
HP 138@3800 138@3800 192@5500
Torque (lb-ft) 314 @1850-2500 314 @1850-2500 294@3000
Engine 2.5 I4D 2.5 I4D 3.5 V6
Trans 5-M 4-A 5-A
mpg 28 26 19
Top mph 106 104 119
Base Price: $215,000 Type MPV
0-60 HP 14.0 138@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 136@4500
Engine 2.0 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 21 179
Defender
Base Price: $165,000 0-60 HP 12.0 138@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 136@4500
Engine 2.0 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 24 175
Type Tdi Td5
0-60 HP 111@4000 15.5 122@4200
Torque (lb-ft) 195@1800 221@1950
Engine Trans mpg Top kph 2.5 I4-D 5-M 25 2.5 I5-D 5-M 24 140
Freelander Santa Fé
Base Price: $243,500 Type 5drSUV
0-60 HP 15.5 115@4000
Torque (lb-ft) 192@2000
Engine Trans mpg Top kph 2.0 I4 TD 4-A 31 166
Base Price: $400,000 Type K 1.8 Td4 Td4 V6
0-60 HP 11.8 174@6250 13.2 14.3 10.1 174@6250
HP 157@6800 157@6800 194@6800 194@6800 231@6800 231@6800
Torque (lb-ft) 148@4100 148@4100 180@3000 180@3000 209@3000 209@3000
Engine 2.0L V6 2.0L V6 2.5L V6 2.5L V6 3.0l V6 3.0l V6
Trans 5-M 5-A 5-M 5-A 5-M 5-A
mpg 31 28 30 28 28 27
Top kph 209 204 225 220 235 230
Type TDV6 TDV6 V6 V8
0-60 11.7 11.7 11.3 9.3
HP 189 @4000 189 @4000 215@4500 295@5500
S-Type R
HP 201@6800 201@6800 240@6800 240@6800 300@6000 400@6100
Torque (lb-ft) 184@4000 184@4000 221@4100 221@4100 310@4100 408@3500
177@4000
Engine 1.8 I4 2.0 2.0 2.5 V6
Trans 5-M 5-M 5-A 5-A
mpg 27 37 33 23
Top kph 170 164 161 182
Torque (lb-ft) 325@1900 325@1900 266@3000 314@4000
Engine 2.7 V6TD 2.7 V6TD 4.0 V6 4.4 V8
Trans 6-A 6-M 6-A 6-A
mpg 27 30 19 19
Top kph 180 180 180 195
Base Price: $960,000
Base Price: $550,000 0-60 8.2 9.4 7.3 7.5 6.2 5.3
Torque (lb-ft) 177@4000
Range Rover
S-Type Type Saloon
Engine 2.5 V6 2.5 V6 3.0 V6 3.0 V6 4.2 V8 4.2 V8 S
Trans 5-M 6-A 5-M 6-A 6-A 6-A
mpg 30 27 27 26 25 23
Top kph 229 225 235 233 250(e) 250(e)
Type TD6 V8i V8 S/C
0-60 12.7 8.3 7.1
HP 177@4000 304@5750 394@5750
Torque (lb-ft) 289@2000 326@4000 414@3500
Engine 3.0 I6 TD 4.4 V8 4.2 V8 S
Trans 6-A 6-A 6-A
mpg 25 19 18
Top kph 179 200 210
0-60 11.9 8.2 7.1
HP 189@4000 297@5500 394@5750
Torque (lb-ft) 335@1900 315@4000 414@3500
Engine 2.7 I6 TD 4.4 V8 4.2 V8 S
Trans 6-A 6-A 6-A
mpg 28 19 18
Top kph 193 209 225
Base Price: $83,000 Torque (lb-ft) 100@4500 100@4500
Engine 1.5 I4 1.5 I4
Cerato
Base Price: $120,000 Type Sedan 1.6
0-60 HP 12.7 104@5800
Torque (lb-ft) 106@4500
Engine 1.6 I4
Base Price: $165,000 0-60 HP 14.7 124@6000 13.7 111@4000
Torque (lb-ft) 119@4900 181@2000
Type 1.6i 1.6i Auto
0-60 HP 10.7 105@6000 12.1 105@6000
2.5 V6 7-seater
HP 125@3800 125@3800 177@6000 177@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 228@2000 228@2000 162@4000 162@4000
Engine 2.9 I4 D 2.9 I4 D 2.5 V6 2.5 V6
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 33 182 4-A 29 172
Base Price: $220,000 Type 2.0i 2.0i 2.3i
0-60 9.3 11.1 8.9
HP 139@ 6000 139@ 6000 164@6500
Engine Trans mpg Top kph 1.8 I4 4-A 26 190 2.0 I4 TD 4-A 31 170
Torque (lb-ft) 131@4500 131@4500 153@4000
Engine 2.0 I4 2.0 I4 2.3 I4
Trans 5-M 4-A 5-M
mpg 29 27 26
Type C200 CDI C220 CDI C320 CDI C180 Komp. C200 Komp. C200 CGI C230 C280 C280 4Matic C350 C350 4Matic C55 AMG
0-60 HP 11.7 121@4200 10.1 149@4200 223@3800 9.7 142@5200 9.1 162@5500 8.1 169@5300 203@6100 230@6000 230@6000 271@6000 271@6000 5.4 362@5750
Trans 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A
mpg 29 28 22 21
Top kph 174 172 169 167
HP 115@3500 115@3500 115@3500 115@3500 115@3500 115@3500 123@4600
Torque (lb-ft) 207@2000 207@2000 207@2000 207@2000 207@2000 207@2000 152@3500
Engine 2.5 I4 TD 2.5 I4 TD 2.5 I4 TD 2.5 I4 TD 2.5 I4 TD 2.5 I4 TD 2.6 I4
Trans 5-M 5-M 5-M 5-M 5-M 5-M 4-A
mpg 33 33 32 32 32 32 30
mpg 52.3 52.3 49.6 42.8 42.8 39.2
Top kph 170 186 201 175 188 200
Torque (lb-ft) 173@1500 250@1800
Engine Trans 2.1 I4 TD 5-A 2.1 I4 TD 5-A 3.0 V6 TD 5-A 1.8 I4 S 5-A 163@3500 1.8 I4 S 5-A 185@3000-4500 1.8 I4 S 5-A 2.5 V6 5-A 3.0 V6 5-A 3.0 V6 5-A 3.5 V6 5-A 3.5 V6 5-A 332 @ 4400 5.5 V8 5-A
mpg Top kph 39 208 39 224 246 30 223 27 234 30 235 245 250(e) 250(e) 20
250(e)
E-Class
Base Price: $385,000 Type E200 CDI E220 CDI E270 CDI E280 CDI E320 CDI E400 CDI E200 Komp. E240 E240 4Matic E350 E350 4Matic E500 E500 4Matic E55 AMG
0-60 11.3 10.3 8.9 6.8 6.7 9.6 8.8 9.0 5.8 5.9 4.7
HP 122@4200 149@4200 176@4200 176@4200 203@4200 258@4000 162@5500 176@5700 176@5700 271@6000 271@6000 304@5600 304@5600 474@6100
Torque (lb-ft) 173@1500 251@2000 295@1800-2600 313 369@1800 413@1700-2600 177@2500-4800 177@4500 177@4500
Engine Trans 2.1 I4 TD 5-A 2.1 I4 TD 5-A 2.7 I5 TD 5-A 3.2 V6TD 5-A 3.2 V6TD 5-A 4.0 V8TTD 5-A 1.8 I4 S 5-A 2.6 V6 5-A 2.6 V6 5-A 3.5 V6 5-A 3.5 V6 5-A 339@2700-4250 5.0 V8 7-A 339@2700-4250 5.0 V8 7-A 516@2650-4000 5.5 V8 S 5-A
mpg 39 39 35 31 33 24 27 21 21 21 19 17
Top kph 203 216 230 228 240 250(e) 230 236 223 250(e) 250(e) 250(e) 250(e) 250(e)
S-Class Type S320 CDI (swb) S400 CDI S350 S350 4Matic S430 S430 4Matic S500 S500 4Matic S600 (lwb) S55 AMG
0-60 7.9 7.5 7.3 7.4 6.9 7.0 6.1 6.3 4.2 3.9
HP 203@4200 258@4000 244@5700 244@5700 277@5750 277@5750 304@5600 304@5600 498@5000 498@6100
Top kph 208 195 214
Top kph est.153 est.153 est.150 est.150 est.150 est.150 est.172
Torque (lb-ft) 369@1800-2600 413@1700-2600 258@3000-4500 258@3000-4500 295@3000-4400 295@3000-4400 339@2700-4250 339@2700 590@3500 516@2750
Engine Trans 3.2 V6TD 5-A 4.0 V8TTD 5-A 3.8 V6 5-A 3.8 V6 5-A 4.3 V8 7-A 4.3 V8 7-A 5.0 V8 7-A 5.0 V8 7-A 5.5 V12TT 7-A 5.5 V8 S 7-A
mpg 28 24 20 19 21 18 20 17 16 18
Top kph 235 250 (e) 246 241 250 (e) 250 (e) 250 (e) 250 (e) 250 (e) 250 (e)
CLK-Class
Base Price: $400,000 Type CLK270 CDI CLK200 CGI CLK200 Komp. CLK240 CLK320 CLK500 CLK55 AMG CLK200 K.Cabrio. CLK240 Cabriolet CLK320 Cabriolet CLK500 Cabriolet CLK55 AMG Cabr.
0-60 9.4 9.8 9.9 9.5 7.9 5.6 5.1 10.2 9.9 7.9 5.9 5.1
HP 169@4200 169@5300 162@5500 169@5700 216@5600 304@5600 365@5750 162@5500 169@5700 216@5600 304@5600 365@5750
B-Series Type 0-60 2500 4x2 s/cab 2500 4x2crew 2500 4x4 s/cab 2500 4x4 crew 2500 4x4 crew SDX 2500 4x4 crew Full 2600 Automatic
Trans CVT CVT CVT CVT CVT CVT
Base Price: $290,000
Torque (lb-ft) 295@1800-2600 185@3000-4500 177@2500-4800 177@4500 232@3000-4800 339@2700-4250 376@4000 177@2500-4800 177@4500 232@3000-4800 339@2700-4250 376@4000
Engine 2.7 I5 TD 1.8 I4 S 1.8 I4 S 2.6 V6 3.2 V6 5.0 V8 5.5 V8 S 1.8 I4 S 2.6 V6 3.2 V6 5.0 V8 5.5 V8 S
Trans 5-A 5-A 5-A 5-A 5-A 7-A 5-A 5-A 5-A 5-A 7-A 5-A
mpg 35 29 27 21 22 21 17 26 21 21 20 18
Top kph 230 231 230 236 244 250 (e) 250 (e) 225 232 240 250 (e) 250 (e)
SL-Class
Base Price: $113,000
Base Price: $300,000 0-60 15.0 16.4 12.2 13.8
Engine 1.6 I4 1.6 I4
Mazda6
Carnival Type 2.9 TCi 7-seater
Torque (lb-ft) 108@4000 108@4000
Engine 2.0 I4 TD 2.0 I4 TD 2.0 I4 TD 1.5 I4 1.7 I4 2.0 I4
C-Class
Base Price: $155,000
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 36 172
Carens Type 1.8 2.0
Mazda3
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 28 158 4-A 27 158
Torque (lb-ft) 133 @1400-2600 184 @1600-2600 221@1600-2600 103 @3500-4000 114 @3500-4000 136 @3500-4000
Base Price: $870,000
Base Price: $900,000
Rio 0-60 HP 13.8 97@5800 14.0 97@5800
HP 81@4200 108@4200 139@4200 95@5200 115@5500 135@5750
Range Rover Sport Type TDV6 V8i V8 S/C
Type Sedan Wagon
0-60 15.0 10.8 9.3 13.2 11.2 9.6
Base Price: $750,000
Base Price: $400,000 0-60 8.9 10.4 7.9 8.5 6.6 7.1
Type A160 CDI A180 CDI A200 CDI A150 A170 A200
Discovery 3/ LR3
X-Type Type Saloon
Base Price: $175,000
Base Price: $249,000
Tuscon Type 5drSUV
A-Class
Base Price: $275,000
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 29 171
Base Price: $950,000 Type SL 350 SL 500 SL 600 SL 55 AMG SLR McLaren
0-60 7.1 6.1 3.6 4.4
HP 244@6000 304@5600 498@5000 498@6100 622@6500
Torque (lb-ft) 258@2400 339@2700-4250 590@3500 516@2750
Engine 3.5 V6 5.0 V8 5.5 V12TT 5.5 V8 S 5.5 V8
Trans 5-A 7-A 7-A 7-A 7-A
mpg 22 20 16 18
Top mph 250 (e) 250 (e) 250(e) 250 (e) 334
23 • Zorce9 23 • Zorce9
Type SLK200 Komp. SLK350 SLK55 AMG
0-60 8.3 5.5 4.9
HP 162@5500 271@6000 359@5750
SLK-Class
Pajero
307
Base Price: $435,000
Base Price: $450,000
Base Price: $145,000
Torque (lb-ft) 177@2500-4800 258@2400 376@4000
Engine 1.8 I4 S 3.5 V6 5.5 V8 S
Trans 5-A 7-A 7-A
mpg 27 22 17
Top kph 230 250 (e) 250(e)
Type 5-dr SUV 5-dr SUV-V6
0-60 HP 125@4000 204@5000
HP 268@6000 302@5600 469@6100
Torque (lb-ft) 258@2400 339@2700-4250 516@2750
Engine 3.5 V6 5.0 V8 5.5 V8 S
Trans 7-A 7-A 7-A
mpg 22 21 18
Top kph 250 (e) 250 (e) 250 (e)
Type 0-60 HP Torque (lb-ft) 4wd d/cab GLX Turbo 100@4200 177@2000 4wd double cab GLX 77@4200 116@2500 4wd single cab GLS 77@4200 116@2500 2wd single cab GLX 97 @4000 146@2000 2wd double cab GLX 97 @4000 146@2000
Engine 2.5 I4 TD 2.5 I4 D 2.5 I4 D 2.8 I4 D 2.8 I4 D
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 158 5-M 140 5-M 140 5-M 142 5-M 143
CL-Class
Base Price: $1,300,000 Type CL 500 CL 600 CL 55 AMG
0-60 5.6 4.2 3.9
HP 302@5600 493@5000 493@6100
Torque (lb-ft) 339@2700-4250 590@3500 516@2750
Engine 5.0 V8 5.5 V12TT 5.5 V8 S
Trans 7-A 7-A 7-A
mpg 21 16 18
0-60 10.1 8.3 8.1 6.3
HP 188@4000 221@3800 268@6000 302@5600
Torque (lb-ft) 325@1400-2800 376@1600-2800 258@2200-5000 339@2700-4750
Type 4dr Sedan 4dr Sedan
Engine 3.0 V6 TD 3.0 V6 TD 3.5 V6 5.0 V8
Trans 7-A 7-A 7-A 7-A
mpg 25 25 20 18
Top kph 200 210 215 235
0-60 HP 86@6000 11.0 108@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 83@4400 138@4400
Engine 1.3 I4 1.6 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 4-A 25 180
Primera
0-60 HP 10.9 90@5500 12.7 90@5500
Torque (lb-ft) 103@3000 103@3000
Engine 1.6 L I4 1.6L I4
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 44 180 CVT 37 171
Type Sedan 2.0
0-60 HP 10.5 150@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 148@4000
Engine 2.0 I4
Type Cooper
0-60 HP 9.2 115@6000 10.4 115@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 110@4500 110@4500
Engine 1.6L I4 1.6L I4
0-60 HP 143 @6000 10.4 170@6000 7.9 227@5600
0-60 HP 7.4 163@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 155lbft@4000
Torque (lb-ft) 144@4000 166@4400 246@2800
Engine 2.0 I4 2.3 V6 3.5 V6
Type 5dr S/Wagon
0-60 HP 103@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 100@4400
Engine 1.5 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A
Type 1600 GLX 1300 GLX 1300 GL
0-60 HP 103@6000 106 @6000 87@6000 87@6000 87@6000 87@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 102@4500 105@2750 83@4500 83@4500 83@4500 83@4500
Engine 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 1.3 I4 1.3 I4 1.3 I4 1.3 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 180 CVT 175 5-M 175 4-A 166 5-M 175 4-A 166
Lancer Evolution IX
Base Price: $400,000 Type 2.0 Sedan
0-60 HP 4.8 277@6500
Torque (lb-ft) 262@3500
Engine 2.0 I4 T
Type Track Touring
0-60 HP 5.2 287@6200 6.3 287@6200
Torque (lb-ft) 274@4800 274@4800
Engine 3.5 V6 3.5 V6
Torque (lb-ft) 162@2500
Engine 2.4 I4
0-60 HP
Zorce9 • 11.7 24 161@5000 Zorce9 • 24
Type 5dr SUV 5dr SUV
0-60 HP 11.0 138@6000 177@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 142@4000 181@4000
Engine 2.0 I4 2.5 I4
Frontier
Base Price: $169,000 Type 0-60 HP 2wd single cab 83@4300 2wd double cab 83@4300 4wd single cab 102@3600 4wd double cab 102@3600 2wd double cab 131@4000 4wd double cab 148@3400
Torque (lb-ft) 130@2200 130@2200 159@2000 159@2000 224@2000 232@2000
Engine 2.7 I4D 2.7 I4D 3.2 I4D 3.2 I4D 2.5 I4 TD 3.0 I4 TD
HP 228@6300 228@6300 260@6200 260@6200
Type 997
0-60 5.0 5.5 4.8 5.3
HP 325@6800 325@6800 355@6600 355@6600
Torque (lb-ft) 192@4700 192@4700 288@4600 288@4600
Engine 2.7 F6 2.7 F6 3.2 F6 3.2 F6
Trans 5-M 5-Tip 6-M 5-Tip
mpg 25 24 22 21
Top kph 253 248 264 258
Torque (lb-ft) 273@4250 273@4250 295@4600 295@4600
Engine 3.6 F6 3.6 F6 3.8 F6 3.8 F6
Trans 6-M 5-Tip 6-M 5-Tip
mpg 22 21 22 21
Top kph 285 280 293 285
Cayenne
Base Price: $950,000 Type Base S Turbo
0-60 9.1 9.7 6.8 7.2 5.4
HP 250@6000 250@6000 340@6300 340@6300 450@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 229@2500 229@2500 309@2500 309@2500 458@2250
Engine 3.2 V6 3.2 V6 4.5 V8 4.5 V8 4.5 V8 TT
Trans 6-M 6-Tip 6-M 6-Tip 6-Tip
mpg 18 18 16 16 15
Top kph 212 201 241 241 266
Megane II
Base Price: $131,000 Sedan
0-60 12.9 10.9 13.1 11.1
Wagon
HP 115@6000 115@6000 115@6000 115@6000 115@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 112@4200 112@4200 112@4200 112@4200 112@4200
Engine 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 1.6 I4
Trans 4-A 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A
mpg 32 35 31 35
Top kph 192 192 193 195 190
Scenic II Type MPV
0-60 HP 11.5 160@5650 9.9 210@6000
0-60 HP 11.9 136@6600
Engine 1.6 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 32 185
Base Price: $240,000 0-60 HP 10.9 148@5700
Torque (lb-ft) 154 @1750-4600
Engine 1.8 I4 T
Trans mpg Top kph 5-A 25 212
607
Octavia
Base Price: $400,000
Base Price: $133,000
Torque (lb-ft) 160@3900 210@3750
Engine 2.2 I4 3.0 V6
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 26 212 4-A 24 232
Base Price: $255,000 Type SR/Exec/ST 2.0
Torque (lb-ft) 112@4200
Superb Type 1.8t
Type 2.2 SE 3.0 V6
0-60 HP 115@6000
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 5-M 5-M 5-M 5-M 5-M est.177
Base Price: $300,000 Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 25 190
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 169 4-A 179 4-A 177 5-M 209 5-M 27 220
Base Price: $157,500
Grandis Engine 2.4 I4
0-60 6.4 7.3 5.7 6.4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 25 177 4-A
407
Torque (lb-ft) 162@2500
Engine 1.4 I4 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 2.0 I4 2.0 I4
Base Price: $1,200,000
Type 1.6 1.8T
Type MPV Mivec
Torque (lb-ft) 82@3400 100@3000 100@3000 140@4100 149@4750
911
Type Hatchback
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 22 260
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 23 192
Type Boxter
Trans mpg Top kph 6-M 24 251 5-A 22 249
X-Trail
Base Price: $285,000 0-60 HP 10.7 161@5000
HP 75@5500 90@5600 90@5600 136@6100 174@7000
Base Price: $400,000
Outlander Type 5drSUV Mivec
Top kph 187 180 204 180 196
350Z Coupe
Base Price: $233,000 Base Price: $111,000
mpg 30 30 28 28 27
Base Price: $750,000
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 4-A 211 CVT
Base Price: $125,000
Engine Trans mpg Top kph 1.6L I4 S 6-M 34 217
Lancer
0-60 14.6 11.6 11.8 8.4 7.4
Wingroad
Mini Cooper S Type Cooper S
Trans 4-A 4-A 5-M 4-A 4-A
Boxter
S Type 200JK 230JM 350JM
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 42 201 CVT 37 185
Base Price: $275,000
Type XL Hatchback CC Convertible SW Wagon 2.0 GTi 2.0 RC
Trans mpg Top kph CVT 27 187
Base Price: $235,000
Mini Cooper
Base Price: $222,000
Engine 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 2.0 I4 1.6 I4 2.0 I4
Base Price: $98,000
Base Price: $215,000
Mini One Type One
Torque (lb-ft) 108@4000 108@4000 140@4100 108@4000 140@4100
206
Boxter S
Cefiro
Base Price: $176,000
HP 110@5800 110@5800 138@6000 108@5750 136@6100
Base Price: $90,000
Base Price: $580,000 Type ML 280 CDI ML 320 CDI ML 350 ML 500
0-60 14.0 14.9 9.2 14.9 11.8
TIIDA
Top mph 250(e) 250(e) 250 (e)
M-Class
Type XT Hatchback XT Wagon XSi 2.0 SW Wagon 1.6 SW Wagon 2.0
Base Price: $115,000
Base Price: $700,000 0-60 7.0 6.1 4.7
Engine Trans mpg Top kph 2.8 I4TD 5-A 42 160 3.8 V6 5-A 19 180
L200/Triton
CLS-Class Type CLS 350 CLS 500 CLS 55 AMG
Torque (lb-ft) 217@2000 232@3200
Torque (lb-ft) 140@1800
RS
Engine 2.0 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 33 204
0-60 11.9 13.1 7.8 8.5 6.7
HP 101 @5600 101 @5600 148@5700 148@5700 177@5500
Torque (lb-ft) 109@3800 109@3800 154@1750-4600 154@1750-4600 173@1950-5000
Engine 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 1.8 I4T 1.8 I4T 1.8 I4T
Trans 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A 5-M
mpg 33 29 30 26 27
Top kph 190 187 220 217 232
Note:– Is cases where manufacturer data is unavailable, data is not shown. Zorce Magazine is not responsible for specification differences between markets.
Bora Impreza
Musso Sports Pickup
(WRX STi Model Shown)
Base Price: $133,000 Type TS Sedan TS Wagon WRX Sedan WRX STi
0-60 11.9 13.2 12.8 14.0 5.7 6.9 4.6
HP 99@5200 99@5200 99@5200 99@5200 227@6000 227@6000 300@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 143@3200 143@3200 143@3200 143@3200 217@4000 217@4000 300@4000
Engine 1.6 F4 1.6 F4 1.6 F4 1.6 F4 2.0 F4 T 2.0 F4 T 2.0 F4 T
Trans 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A 6-M
mpg 30 30 29 29 25 24 21
Top kph 175 174 172 171 237 235 251
Base Price: $170,000 Type 4x2 4x4
0-60 HP 16.2 118@4100 16.4 118@4100
Torque (lb-ft) 181@2400 181@2400
Engine Trans mpg Top kph 2.9L TD 4-A 27 156 2.9L TD 4-A 26 156
Legacy Type 2.0GT
0-60 HP 7.6 256@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 253@4000
Engine 2.0 F4T
Trans mpg Top kph 5-A 241
Torque (lb-ft) 137@3600 180@3200
Engine Trans mpg Top kph 2.0L F4 4-A 28 167 2.0L F4 T 4-A 24 198
Type 3dr.1.6 5dr.1.6
Type 1.3 H/B 1.5 Sedan 1.8 TS H/B
0-60 11.1 9.8 9.3
HP 87@6000 106@6000 130@6000
HP 103@5700 100@5600 114@5400 114@5400
Torque (lb-ft) 79@4200 103@4200 128@4400
Engine 1.3L I4 1.5L I4 1.8L I4
Trans 5-M 4-A 5-M
mpg 39 38 38
Top kph 170 182 (e) 194 (e)
3dr.GTi
0-60 11.4 12.6 11.6 12.8 7.3
HP 100@5600 100@5600 100@5600 100@5600 197@5100
Type 1.6 Auto 1.6
0-60 HP 11.5 109@6000 10.2 109@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 108@4400 108@4400
Engine 1.6L I4 1.6L I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 33 175 5-M 30 185
Type R5 TDI V6 V8 V10 TDI
0-60 12.9 9.2 8.0 7.7
HP 174@3500 240@6000 310@6200 308@3750
Avensis
Type 1.3 Auto 1.3 1.5 Auto 1.5 Sport
0-60 12.7 11.0 11.7 10.0 8.8
HP 91@5800 91@5800 100@5900 100@5900 125@6800
Torque (lb-ft) 86@4200 86@4200 98@4000 98@4000 109@4800
Engine 1.3L I4 1.3L I4 1.5L I4 1.5L I4 1.6L I4
mpg 39 39 34 36 32
Base Price: $108,000 Type 5dr Hatchback GS1.8 Hatch 4dr Sedan GS1.8 Sedan
0-60 11.7 13.0 10.0 11.3 11.7 13.0 10.0 11.3
HP 104@5500 104@5500 123@5500 123@5500 104@5500 104@5500 123@5500 123@5500
Torque (lb-ft) 106@4000 106@4000 125@4200 125@4200 106@4000 106@4000 125@4200 125@4200
Engine 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 1.8 I4 1.8 I4 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 1.8 I4 1.8 I4
Trans 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A
mpg 34 31 32 28 34 31 32 28
Type 2.0 Sedan
Top kph 175 175 180 185 200
Liana Top kph 175 171 185 175 175 171 185 175
0-60 HP 10.5 135@5600 11.8 135@5600
Type 2.4 2.4 Auto 3.0 v6
0-60 HP 150@5600 150@5600 9.5 184 @5300
Engine 1.3 I4
Base Price: $150,000 Type 8 Seater
0-60 HP 92@5750
Torque (lb-ft) 94@4500
Engine 1.6 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A
Type 3dr
0-60 HP 137@5600 137@5600 137@5600 137@5600
HP 98@5600 138@6000 138@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 103@4100 135@4000 135@4000
Engine 1.6 I4 2.0 I4 2.0 I4
Type 4x2 2dr DX 4x2 2dr DLX 4x2 2dr DLX 4x4 2dr DX 4x4 4dr DLX 4x4 4dr SR-5 4x4 4dr
0-60 HP 101@3600 101@3600 101@3600 101@3600 101@3600 101@3600 158@4800
Torque (lb-ft) 102@7000
Engine 1.3 I4
Engine 2.0L I4 2.0L I4 2.0L I4 2.0L I4
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 4-A 5-M 4-A
Torque (lb-ft) 148@1400-3200 148@1400-3200 148@1400-3200 192@1600-2400 148@1400-3200 192@1600-2400 178@2800
Engine 2.5 I4TD 2.5 I4TD 2.5 I4TD 2.5 I4TD 2.5 I4TD 2.5 I4TD 2.7 I4
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 5-M 5-M 5-M 5-M 5-M 4-A 170
Type 7 seater 4x4 7 seater 4x4 D4
0-60 HP 158@4800 161@3400
Torque (lb-ft) 178@2800 253@1400-3200
Engine Trans mpg Top kph 2.7 I4 4-A 3.0 I4TD 4-A
Prado
Base Price: $505,000
Base Price: $130,000 0-60 HP 173@9500
Torque (lb-ft) 140@4000 140@4000 140@4000 140@4000
Base Price: $405,000
Hayabusa Type Hayabusa
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 4-A 4-A
Fortuner
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 27 159 5-M 175 4-A 171
Type VX
Trans mpg Top kph 6-SMG 313
0-60 HP 150@4800 150@4800 99 @4000 128@3600 128@3600
Torque (lb-ft) 177@4000 177@4000 145@2400 253@2200 253@2200
Engine 2.7 I4 2.7 I4 3.0 I4D 3.0 I4 TD 3.0 I4 TD
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 4-A 5-M 5-M 4-A
GSX-R Series
Base Price: $80,000 Type 600 750 1000
0-60 HP 126@13000 146@12800 176@11000
Torque (lb-ft) 52@10800 64@10800 89@9000
Engine 0.6 I4 0.75 I4 1.0 I4
Trans mpg 6-SMG 6-SMG 6-SMG
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 192 4-A 190 5-M 188 4-A 187 6-M 29 235
Torque (lb-ft) 295@2000 229@3200 302 553@2000
Engine 2.5L I5 TD 3.2L V6 4.2L V8 5.0L V10TTD
Trans 6-Tip 6-Tip 6-Tip 6-Tip
mpg Top kph 21 183 19 206 225 16 225
Base Price: $150,000 Type 5dr SUV
0-60 HP 103@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 103@4400
Engine 1.5L I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 30
Sirion
Base Price: $125,000
Base Price: $144,000 0-60 13.4 12.4 13.6
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 196 4-A 195
Hilux
Vitara Type 3dr 1.6 5dr 2.0
Engine 2.4 I4 2.4 I4 3.0 V6
Engine 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 1.8 I4T
Base Price: $106,000 Type 5dr hatchback
0-60 HP 86@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 89@3200
Engine 1.3L I4
Trans mpg Top kph 4-A 37
Base Price: $240,000
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 34 est.145
APV
Torque (lb-ft) 160 @3800-4200 160 @3800-4200 201 @4300rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 109@3800 109@3800 109@3800 109@3800 207@1800
Rav4
Base Price: $108,300 Torque (lb-ft) 81@4500
Engine 2.0L I4 2.0L I4
Base Price: $338,000
5dr
0-60 HP 80@5500
Torque (lb-ft) 140 @4000 140 @4000
Camry
Jimny Type 3dr.4x4
Trans mpg Top kph 5-M 192 4-A 190 5-M 195 4-A 192
Terios
Base Price: $225,000 Trans 4-A 5-M 4-A 5-M 5-M
Engine 1.6 I4 1.6 I4 2.0 I4 2.0 I4
Base Price: $500,000
Base Price: $125,000
Swift
Base Price: $105,000
Torque (lb-ft) 109@4500 109@3800 127@3200 127@3200
Touareg
Corolla
Base Price: $269,000 0-60 HP 12.9 137@5600 8.3 177@6000
0-60 12.8 13.5 11.0 12.3
Base Price: $155,000
Base Price: $115,000
Forester Type 2.0 S-Turbo
Type 1.6 1.6 2.0 2.0
Golf Yaris
Base Price: $214,000
Base Price: $170,000
Passat
Top kph 250 275 300
Base Price: $300,000 Type 1.8t
0-60 HP 8.6 170@5900
Torque (lb-ft) 166@1950
Engine 1.8 I4 T
Trans mpg Top kph 5-A 25 224
Call 727-7248 / Email: narend@zorce.com for paid listings
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Zorce9 • 26
MotorSport
Rally Barbados 2006
1
Article by Narend Sooknarine • Photos by: Devi Nath, Narend Sooknarine, Duane Boodasingh, Ryan Ramsaran, Christian Cozier, Christian Scherr and Genevieve Singh-Nath
“W
elcome to the island of tarmac rally stages”. This should be the greeting at the Grantley Adams airport because Barbados has become the best at this kind of rallying throughout the Caribbean. Trinidad is known for its gravel stages; Jamaica, for it’s gruelling mix of both, and now, for it’s rally talent. Gary Gregg upset Bajan hotshoes Paul ‘Surfer’ Bourne, Trevor ‘Micey’ Manning, Roger Mayers and Roger Hill despite experiencing damage to his right front door– thank goodness for side impact beams. He even held off Spaniard Steve Perez in his ex-Markko Martin Ford Focus WRC. Rally Barbados draws alot of competitors from the UK and Europe and of course, from the Caribbean. In a bid to show the world their driving prowess, (measured in their ability to eat flying fish) locals like the Ullyet brothers with their sideways drifting antics make coming to Barbados a worthwhile experience. Of course, one cannot help but pick up a few relevent Bajan phrases and terms such as “sending it broad”. This year three ex-factory WRC cars competed among the various groups– two Ford Focus WRCs driven by Gary Gregg and Steve Perez and one Subaru WRC driven by Harold Morely. Even
for these top machines the rate of attrition in Rally Barbados is relatively high as Harold Morely found out in the most spectacular (and hard) way at Malvern. Thankfully, Harold, the oldest competitor (well into his 70s) and co-driver Geoffery Goddard walked away. The lightpole they hit however was not so lucky. The lead position was traded by Bourne, Manning and Gregg throughout the rally. The cancellation of a few stages due to crashes and delays meant that times did not count for those stages, including the exciting Vaucluse Super Special Stage. After tabulations it was decided that Gary Gregg and co-driver Hugh Hutchinson of Jamaica were the overall winning team out of 70 cars that started the rally. Overall, just 30 cars finished Rally Barbados 2006. The highest placed foreign team (third overall) was the Vodka Kick Ford Focus run by Steve Perez and co-driver Neil Dashfield while the highest placed two-wheel drive team was Jonathan ‘Stilo’ Still and Heath Hazel in the howling black BMW M3 (fifth overall) showed many 4WD vehicles how to run a rally. www.barbadosrallycarnival.com
6/7/2006 - RALLY BARBADOS 2006 RESULTS Key to nationalities (competitor from Barbados unless shown): ENG - England; IoM - Isle of Man; JAM - Jamaica; SCO - Scotland; SVG - St Vincent & The Grenadines; TDAD - Trinidad & Tobago Overall 1st Gary Gregg - JAM/Hugh Hutchinson - JAM (M9 BD Gregg Bros/McEnearney Quality Inc Ford Focus WRC), 51m 57.89s 2nd Paul Bourne/Louis Venezia (M9 Warrens Motors Subaru/Plus Impreza WRC), 52m 02.80s 3rd Trevor Manning/James Betts (M9 Simpson Motors/Shell Helix/Automotive Art/VISA/Garbage Master Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII), 52m 05.11s 4th Steve Perez - ENG/Neil Dashfield - ENG (M9 VK Vodka Kick Ford Focus WRC), 53m 21.63s 5th Jonathan Still/Heath Hazell (S13 Hitachi Power Tools/Philips Lighting/Warrens Motors/Crane & Equipment/VP Racing BMW M3), 55m 27.65s 6th Roger Hill/Graham Gittens (M8 Mobil 1/Nassco Ltd/Motormac/PPG Toyota Celica GT4), 56m 44.21s 7th Ian Warren/Matthew Staffner (M6 Subzero/ Details Car Valet Inc/McEnearney Quality Collision Repair Centre/Aqua Pur Peugeot 206GTi), 56m 23.07s
27 • Zorce9
8th Steve Ollivierre - SVG/Dominic Ollivierre - SVG (P4 ECMIL/Empire Cigarettes Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII), 56m 39.31s 9th Adrian Linton/Jonathan Linton (M7 Ravensden/Crane & Equipment/Garbage Gobbler/West Coast Garden Centre/Edwin Clarke Furniture Vauxhall Astra GSi), 56m 54.00s 10th Barry Gale/Ryan Rodriguez (M8 Dentyne Ice/Simpson Motors/Nishikoi Fish Foods Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI), 57m 02.46s 11th Kirk Watkins/Ryan Wood (M8 Abacus Builders Inc/Planned Maintenance/Aqua Pur Mitsubishi Evo V), 57m 14.99s 12th Mark Hamilton/Clive Howell (S12 Consolidated Finance/McEnearney Quality Inc Ford Escort MkII), 57m 19.38s 13th Josh Read/Mark Jordan (S11 Automotive Art/Baram Services/Forever Flowers/D Blades Trophies Ltd Toyota Starlet), 59m 40.58s 14th Rajendra Jadusingh - JAM/David Anderson - JAM (M6 Jamaica Electrical Technologies/Hilton Kingston Hotel Mitsubishi Colt Mivec), 1h 00m 01.25s 15th Tarik Minott - JAM/Jason Cozier - BAR (M6 Simpson Motors/Mi-Phone/Kirdex Transportation Services/Oxford Service Centre Suzuki Ignis JWRC), 1h 00m 42.21s 16th Rhett Watson/Logan Watson (M7 The Unknown Entity/New Media Advertising/Makita Power Tools/NF Nitrous Booster/Kumho Tyres Ford Escort MkI), 1h 00m 51.94s 17th Fred Davidson - ENG/Richard Pulleyn - ENG (M8 Deansbury Homes Ltd Ford Escort Cosworth), 1h 01m 08.90s 18th Freddie Gale/Kyle Proverbs (M7 Gale’s Hatcheries/ NASSCO/Nitrous Formula Octane Booster/Nishikoi Fish Foods Toyota Corolla RunX), 1h 01m 32.99s 19th Andrew Johnson - ENG/Tony Walker - ENG (P4 Subaru Impreza WRX), 1h 01m 47.07s 20th Neil Corbin/Jeremy Roach (S11 Nassco/CAC Enterprises Toyota Starlet), 1h 01m 49.39s 21st Winston Thompson/Brian Gibson (S11 VP Racing/ SDRR/Tropic Ice Unlimited Inc/Precision Packaging Inc Toyota Starlet), 1h 02m 20.07s 22nd Reggie Gill/Lyncoln Gill (S12 SDRR Vauxhall Chevette), 1h 02m 43.86s 23rd Paul McMullan - ENG/Jane Cowling - ENG (M5 Plaice T & R Insurance/Motoscope/Hardrock Flooring Proton
3
Satria), 1h 03m 58.91s 24th Neil Barnard/Kevin Massiah (P2 Simpson Motors/ Shell Helix/Automotive Art Suzuki Ignis Sport), 1h 04m 06.60s 25th Keith Bernard - IoM/Gary Miller - IoM (P3 Vauxhall Astra GSi), 1h 05m 11.95s 26th Ryan Corbin/Christian Sampson (P3 Caribtrans/Suntraders Peugeot 106), 1h 05m 58.45s 27th Geoffrey Ullyett/Jamie Marsh (M7 Ullyett’s Machine Shop Service Nissan 200Y), 1h 05m 59.37s 28th Ron Layne/Giselle Layne (M7 SDRR Hydraulic & Industrial Spares Inc/General Welding Workshop/Pavements & Foundations Inc/L & N Workshop Nissan Sunny), 1h 06m 00.72s 29th Stuart McChlery/Martin Goddard (S12 Trivial Pursuit/ Lubriguard/Undercover Ford Escort MkI), 1h 07m 20.85s 30th Nigel Browne/Kirk Phillips (M6 West’N’Motors/Motoring News Nissan Sunny), 1h 24m 38.26s Highest-placed regional crew Gregg - JAM/Hutchinson - JAM, 1st overall Highest-placed European crew Perez - ENG/Dashfield - ENG, 4th overall Highest-placed two-wheel-drive car Still/Hazell, 45th overall Highest-placed female competitor Cowling - ENG, 27th overall (co-driver for McMullan) Starters 70 (Barbados 55, Europe 10, Regional 5) Overall finishers 30 (Barbados 21, Europe 5, Regional 4) Texaco Sunday Cup 1st Mark Maloney/Dirk Grey (M9 Guinness Nissan Pulsar GtiR), 25m 10.37s 2nd Geoffrey Noel/Kreigg Yearwood (M9 Globe Finance/ Café Blue/Automotive Art/Sunbeach Communications Inc/Essco Subaru Impreza WRC), 25m 10.88s 3rd Brett Clarke/Garry Clarke (M5 Simpson Motors/Automotive Art/Plus Suzuki Swift GTi), 26m 08.67s Group results Modified 9 1st Gregg/Hutchinson; 2nd Bourne/Venezia; 3rd Manning/Betts Modified 8 1st Hill/Gittens; 2nd Gale/Rodriguez; 3rd
Watkins/Wood Production 4 1st Ollivierre/Ollivierre; 2nd Johnson/Walker SuperModified 13 1st Still/Hazell; 2nd Nicholas Gill/Tony Pile (S13 McEnearney Quality Inc Mazda 3), 1h 01m 43.20s; 3rd Martin Stockdale - ENG/Mark Swallow - ENG (S13 Plasterland/Drive-a-Matic BMW M3 GTR), 1h 02m 10.36s SuperModified 12 1st Hamilton/Howell; 2nd Gill/Gill; 3rd McChlery/Goddard SuperModified 11 1st Read/Jordan; 2nd Corbin/Roach; 3rd Thompson/Gibson Modified 7 1st Linton/Linton; 2nd Watson/Watson; 3rd Gale/Proverbs Modified 6 1st Warren/Staffner; 2nd Jadusingh/Anderson; 3rd Minott/Cozier Modified 5 1st Brett Clarke/Garry Clarke (M5 Simpson Motors/Automotive Art/Plus Suzuki Swift GTi), 58m 46.21s; 2nd McMullan/Cowling; 3rd Karl Waterman/Bud McKenzie (M5 Hyundai Commercial & Industrial Toyota Starlet), 1h 10m 23.99s Production 2 & 3 merged 1st Barnard/Massiah; 2nd Bernard/Miller; 3rd Corbin/Sampson Production 1 1st Gary Mendes/Matthew Robinson (P1 Slam Condoms/Dupont Paints/G & G Sales & Service Inc/Friendly Signs/ACT Sandblasting/Muffler Centre/Fast Lane Model Car Racing Toyota Starlet), 1h 14m 27.56s; 2nd Carlos Humphrey/Jonathan Foster (P1 Castrol/Bridgestone/Business Interiors International/Nomis Ltd/Regional Fire & Safety/Promotech Inc/Secure RM Toyota Starlet), 1h 16m 01.10s DMS Distributors.com SuperSprint - Vaucluse Raceway Group winners Modified 9 Bourne/Venezia Modified 8 Hill/Gittens Production 4 Ollivierre/Ollivierre SuperModified 13 Still/Hazell SuperModified 12 Hamilton/Howell SuperModified 11 Read/Jordan Modified 7 Linton/Linton Modified 6 Warren/Staffner Modified 5 Clarke/Clarke Production 2 & 3 merged Corbin/Sampson Production 1 Humphrey/Foster
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Zorce9 • 30
ICEMAN
Gale Force Evo6 @ Vaucluse Raceway– a different kind of chill...
Article by: Narend Sooknarine • Pictures by: Devi Nath, Ryan Ramsaran, Duane Boodasingh, Christian Cozier, Christian Scherr, Narend Sooknarine
A
s we readied the camera rigging inside the car, I tugged on the strap release buckles to loosen them. Barry Gale had already fuelled his Dentyne Ice Lancer Evolution 6 rally car and was warming up the engine. I was sitting where Barry’s co-driver Ryan Rodriguez normally does and the belts were set for his small frame. The Sparco racing seat hugged tight but I figured it would do a great job of holding me in place. We were at the Vaucluse Raceway in Barbados. The Dentyne Ice Lancer Evolution 6 is no ordinary car– not that any Lancer Evolution is. But even among rally machinery this car is special. Its steel chassis was constructed by RalliArt and shipped to Barbados for full assembly at the Auto-Link garage run by Sean Lashley, with all the parts from Barry’s old rally car along with a few upgrades. In a matter of 10 days, the RalliArt chassis became an overdone, ready-to-race vehicle. One of the most special things about this car is its agility. In fact, the car was the first rally-spec Lancer Evolution in Barbados to weigh in at less than 1230kg. Thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials like carbon fibre for inner door panels, interior trim, rear splitter, intake box, hood air scoop, radiator finisher, door mirrors, aluminium for the bonnet, front fenders, radiator and kevlar for the wheel arch guards, the car tips the scales at 1215kg. Race-ready, the car weighs 1275kg with a full tank of fuel. At the corners are Proflex springs and shocks with RalliArt shock mounts. Torsion bars are stan-
dard. The brakes are fine-tuned via a biased pedal box assembly and tail out antics can be had at will, using the hydraulic hand brake. Aeroquip steel braided brake lines keep the pedal firm. A nine-point racing roll cage was made for the car by Custom Cages in the UK to stiffen the chassis and protect occupants in the event of a rollover. Special vents in the rear window allow the release of cabin pressure, thus making the car more aerodynamic and keeping Barry and Ryan cooler while they communicate via their Peltor Intercom System.
The intake manifold, head, crankshaft and bearings are all standard, however forged pistons are used for increased durability. The engine is secured with RalliArt engine mounts and runs exclusively with AMSOIL lubricants. Exhaust gases are sent through a 3-inch diameter straight pipe without catalytic converters. Power is transferred via an English-made R&D 5speed “dogbox” (gearbox) with custom high-rise shifter mount. RalliArt mechanical differentials decide how the torque is distributed to each of the four wheels and they have been installed with full RalliArt mounting systems and bushings. On the gravel setup, the car is outfitted with dirt-specific brakes, wheels and tires. While rear brakes remain standard, the front brakes are 12” AP Racing Calipers for gravel and Brembo 355mm calipers for tarmac. For dirt and gravel, the car runs on Compomotive Motorsports 6.5”x15” wheels and Yokohama Advan AO35 205/65R15 94Q Mud & Snow tires. The last wheel– the one used to steer the car– is made by Sparco.
Fed by a K&N air filter, the 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder DOHC 4G63 engine races on VP Racing fuel delivered by a Bosch fuel pump and standard Evo 6 fuel injectors. The engine is managed by an Autronics ECU (anti-lag active) with custom mapping to match the HKS (secret spec) cams and 9:1 compression ratio. A ball bearing turbocharger and Mitsubishi intercooler provide 20-25psi of boost pressure while Autometer oil pressure and boost gauges keep things in check.
Holding two video cameras in hand, I braced myself. My objective was to record a slow lap of the Vaucluse Raceway so that drivers could have an idea of what to expect. Besides the harsh ride, the first thing I noticed was the sound of gravel hitting the undercarriage. Seeing rally cars run doesn’t prepare you for all the racket you hear when you’re actually strapped into one. To the average person, it sounds like the car is being brutalised but it’s really due to the lack of sounddeadening material in most race cars.
31 • Zorce9
Barry came to the end of his warm-up lap and decided to give it a proper go. Instantly the dogbox and differential whine soundtrack became louder as we drove off the main straight and into the gravel. Even though we were sliding in the dirt around the next corner the G-forces were very present. Barry shifted gears as easily as someone changing the channel on their remote– effortlessly. Even though the car is a four wheel drive it still required quick jabs of steering input to keep it pointed in the right direction.
corner and elevation changes make it a spectacular representation of the trickiest bits of any rally. Additionally, the challenge becomes psychological as two cars run the entire double loop starting side by side. This really allows the crowd to get involved and forces the drivers to push beyond their Sunday best.
at home on the course. In fact, it would hardly be surprising if he brushed his teeth and had his morning coffee in his Dentyne Ice Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6 Rally Car. Barry Gale and codriver Ryan Rodriguez placed sixth overall despite boost problems in Rally Barbados 2006– a testament to his driving ability.
Vaucluse Raceway is the secret weapon of Bajan rally drivers, even though some argue that it’s really the flying fish. Designed by Greg Cozier with the input and approval of local and foreign drivers, this course compresses 10 years of rally experience into three years of practice. As a result, Barbados now has more new and talented rally drivers than ever before. As we negotiated the next few turns I began to understand what Greg meant.
Barry was clearly into his zone as we got into a tight right hander/slight downhill that required his use of the hydraulic handbrake (e-brake). Now this was pure poetry in motion! Late into the corner, Barry flicked the car and used the e-brake to swing the back out. Then, instantly, he shifted into a lower gear and powered through the corner exit. His ability to repeat the process was amplified as we came uphill into the outer turn. Just at corner entry, Barry did it again and held the car in a fourwheel slide through third and fourth gear! While I was looking at the wall of tires whizz by, Barry was comfortably driving looking through my window.
For the most part, the Dentyne Ice Lancer Evolution felt controllable as Barry’s inputs were fairly minimal. The suspension was rough but provided needed travel on the imperfect and combination surfaces. The car rotated easily once the surface was loose or rutty using the e-brake. Acceleration and mid-range torque were outstanding as the car was able to sustain high-speed drifts. The temperature needle stayed rock solid at half throughout the entire exercise– a testament to good preparation.
The Vaucluse Raceway sits on about 50 acres of land with another 20 for spectator parking. The varied track surfaces of gravel, dirt, watersplash and tarmac combined with almost every kind of
As the corner ended, I felt the hook as the tires grabbed the tarmac once more– that’s something you just have to be ready for. Barry’s car-control skills are clearly well-developed and he feels right
Zorce9 • 32
According to mechanic Sean Lashley of Auto-Link, common checks after Vaucluse include wheel studs, tires, hoses, temperatures and pressures. “Occasionally, a back bumper can go missing– when the drivers get a bit too exuberant.“
In fact, it would hardly be surprising if he brushed his teeth and had his morning coffee in his Dentyne Ice Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6 Rally Car.
33 • Zorce9
Formula 1
Ferrari comes to Barbados to road test new V-Power®
A
s we got out of the taxi in Warrens, Barbados, the air was fresh with excitement. Roughly 20,000 fans had already crammed the area, pressing against the fences and finding their way onto rooftops, walls and on friendly shoulders to grab a photo or zoom in with their camcorders. Marshals were also positioned at control points all along the road course. There was so much red we thought it might have been a Trini football match. Although it was not, we were glad for what it signified. Red is the characteristic colour of the most dominant force in Formula 1– Ferrari. Together with Shell, who partners with Barbadian company SOL Petroleum in the Caribbean region, the blitz and buzz was all about their new SOL/Shell developed V-Power® fuel and its ability to power a Ferrari Formula 1 car. Our timing was exact, as we walked into the heavily restricted makeshift pit/refuelling area, more popularly known as Shell Warrens Gas Station at precisely 10:10am. We were officially ten minutes late but thanks to accreditation made possible by Barry Gale, Antonio DaSilva, Robin Bradford and Christian Scherr, we were allowed into the pit area by the Police forces. Immediately after using our Jedi powers (the Zorce), instructions were issued that no other media was to be allowed in. Martin Sharp was present with his media team as well as members of Zhaust.com, our Bajan counterparts. From the moment we were in, the camera was put to solid work and within 10 minutes, over 400 shots were taken– one every 1.5 seconds. Interestingly enough, SOL (Simpson Oil Limited) Petroleum acquired the local and regional assets of and teamed up with Shell Branding International to market and sell the Shell brand of products. This was shortly after the United Nations arbitrators ruled in a 116-page document to settle a fishing dispute between both islands. In the end, both sides claimed victory, however, with the clearer definition of the maritime boundary, Trinidad & Tobago has given up major oil exploration/expansion potential to Barbados, now making petrochemical products a viable option for the Bajans. We hear that a mutually beneficial arrangement between the islands is in the pipeline. With all that in mind, if this kind of event is the result of SOL digging deeper into oil, then we’re all for it! Clearly, SOL, Shell and Ferrari know a thing or three about marketing. Back in the pit area, about 15 Ferrari engineers were around the car, making final checks and adjustments while Ferrari test driver Marc Gené calmly waited for the 10:30 start. This particular F1 car is a 2005 model that weighs around 700kg and packs a 3-litre V-10 making 900hp at around 19,000rpm. For this particular test however, the car would be run to 18,000rpm, running on the new V-Power® fuel, straight out of the gas pump at the Shell Warrens Gas Station. Zorce9 • 34
Article & Photos by Narend Sooknarine
The car was then lowered and manually rolled out to the freshly painted red start line just outside of the Shell Warrens Gas Station.
This is the latest fuel that will now be sold to consumers in the Caribbean region. It is said to be safe at up to 20,000rpm. According to Ferrari, no ECU remapping was done to make the fuel more compatible. This is highly possible in our opinion since the existing fuel maps are driver-selectable using a simple dial on the steering wheel. As in many F1 cars, other things such as traction control and differential control can also be adjusted in this way by the driver during a race. At precisely 10:30am test driver Marc Gené donned his full-face helmet, fire-retardent facial sock, neck brace and gloves and clambered into the tight quarters of the 900hp Ferrari. The steering wheel had been removed by one of the pit crew to facilitate his ingress. As he strapped himself in, we managed to get a signature “thumbs up” photo– our first attempt at communication– we were utterly awestruck. Normally at F1 meets certain parts of the car are concealed to prevent other teams from copying Ferrari technology. The airport fire truck and ambulance were ready for rescue along with a professional medical team in case of any emergency. The biggest concern of the Ferrari team
earlier in the day was not rain or traction, those were things they were used to and had prepared for... It was in fact, getting their coffee. There was also a spare car, which was a 2004 model kept in the tent at the Warrens Shell Station, along with the bulk of all the team’s tools. Well before starting however, there were issues that were managed by the marshals, officials and Team Ferrari engineers. One was loose concrete on the road which was removed by marshals and the airport vacuum truck. With just 25mm of ground clearance, one can understand why this had to be done in advance. By now, it was time to crank up the ignition. The engine is spun using an external electrically powered crank starter hooked up to a powerful, portable battery rack. At this level of racing, there is no point in carrying a heavy full-sized battery when every ounce of advantage counts. With the 2005 F1 car still on its two portable, manually operated perches, the engine was fired up. Marc gave it a few sharp burst of throttle, prompting the resident shutterbugs to fire even faster despite our inability to capture the sound. A camcorder would have been great at this point.
Still containing race gas, Marc would drive the car and make a few laps from Warrens roundabout to Automotive Art and back. According to a Bajan national, this two-way journey should take on average 20 minutes under regular road conditions with standard traffic. As the car revved for warmup, some typically sensible Bajans were already putting on their earplugs while others preferred the raw unedited Ferrari V-10 soundtrack. The exhaust pipes even look like the famous Australian Opera House! There are many ways to make 900hp but nothing else sounds as heavenly as the Ferrari mechanical cacophony... or as loud. As the car crept forward, the high idle turned into a dramatic tone that defined potential and anticipation as the Ferrari made the roundabout slowly for tire warmup. As it came off the circle, the power was turned on gradually with a jet aircraft-like blast for the first two gears which sounded like they were being short shifted. The car was already moving with unnatural speed as third came on and the Ferrari was at full song cheered on with proper crowd roar as locals and visitors alike jumped, shouted and waved!
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The F1 scampered up the hill as fourth, fifth and sixth were found regardless of the fact that the road had slight corners. It might as well have been straight, judging by the sound. Downforce was clearly in effect. By now, the car was out of sight and we were waiting for just a short time. Everyone was basking in the afterglow... each with an ear-to-ear grin. The Caribbean people have long dreamt about experiencing the sight and sound of Formula 1– what else could bring such mass pleasure? In just under two minutes Marc was back once more at the roundabout in his Ferrari. And he completely shattered the 20-minute round trip e.t.a. Radar guns indicated 157mph or 252kph but the car’s telemetry gave the true top speed of 270kph or 168mph on the public road course. Given that the course was 3km from Warrens to the Redmans area, this means that the average speed was around 90-100mph. The Spaniard would make four to six laps and then return to the Shell Warrens Gas Station for refuelling with the Shell V-Power® gasoline supplied directly from the pumps. Fuel calculations were apparently very exact as the Ferrari stopped on the straight just before the Shell Warrens Gas Station and had to be restarted. The team of Ferrari engineers was immediately mobilised via radio and soon the car was running again but this time pulled straight into the Shell
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Warrens Gas Station for refuelling with Shell V-Power® gasoline. As Marc discussed handling characteristics with his counterparts, engineers lifted the car once more and with the help of one very lucky Shell Warrens Gas Station attendant, began the refuelling process. In today’s modern vehicles, knock sensors will immediately detect high grade fuel and allow slightly better performance. Shell V-Power® is rated at 99RON/86MON and uses Friction Modification Technology, as used in race fuel by Ferrari for 2006. For those involved in racing, this means a bigger margin (apart from octane) for making power safely, before adding octane booster, combustion catalysts, fuel injector cleaner, race gas, aviation fuel, toluene and whatever else is rumoured to give a performance edge over the competition. As the gas pump ran, media surrounded the refilling team to capture standard V-Power® fuel going into the tank of the F1 car. There was no doubt that the public wanted proof that this actually took place. The pump ran to a grand total of BDS$32.83 filling just under 15 litres of fuel at BDS$2.21 per litre. V-Power® also contains cleaning agents to remove and prevent power-robbing engine deposits and Shell claims the average car will feel different from the first fill.
Now that the filling was complete is was time to test it. Once more, Marc Gené suited up to pilot his amazing 900hp machine. With the new VPower® his rev limit would be a milder 18,000rpm. The startup procedure was repeated– driver got in, the steering wheel was installed, the engine started then the car was lowered off the jackstands. The team of Ferrari engineers pushed the car to the start line then the seasoned test driver took off. Strictly speaking, these cars could well be classified as aircraft since they do have wings. While we contemplated whether Team Ferrari paid landing taxes for this low altitude flying machine, Marc was already light years away. This time the car actually sounded fiercer. Now that Marc was familiar with the road course, he was running the full 18,000 rpm as if he wasn’t fast enough before! A few laps later he came to a suspicious crawl. Was something wrong with the car? Did he run out of fuel once more? Was the engine ok? What would happen a few moments later was not unexpected but totally exhilarating! Marc flicked the car and gave it one sharp blast of throttle causing it to spin and face the other direction at which point he caught it, locked over and
Additional photo by www.zhaust.com
feathered the throttle to slide all the way around (180?) once more and then into a complete circle, clipping some of the lawn to excite the VIP stands as smoke billowed and poured perfectly from each of the rear tires with each dab of throttle. As he pulled out of the slide, he held the car at an angle and powered out towards the roundabout, roasting the tires all the way and leaving a wonderful smoke trail that shadowed the rubber left on the Bajan roads. The soundtrack for this display of drifting dexerity was simply astounding. It begs be bottled and sold with a designer label. Although Ferrari does have a cologne/perfume line and a branded laptop computer available to the public, nothing is as electrifyingly hair-raising as this kind of action, up close and personal. After this stunning climax, Marc brought the car in for a pitstop and was congratulated by his team for such a scintillating display. Robin Bradford was on the scene to conduct a live interview supplied Ferrari fanatics with the most interesting facts. It was evident that Team Ferrari was happy with their display and the response of the Bajan people as Marc said publicly that the team wanted to return to Barbados and the Caribbean next year for further testing. Everyone was basking in the afterglow. Years of F1 on television and in the movies had finally come to life. Everyone who was exposed to this event had their minds forever opened to something new– Ferrari Formula 1.
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Guyana!
Trini underdogs prove to be a Champion Breed
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rinidad & Tobago proved they had the mettle to compete against the Caribbean’s big guns. In Guyana’s Group 2 Fast and the mighty Group 3, four out of the six cars copped no less than 1st, 2nd and 3rd places as well as the most improved driver award. Spectators were in “shock and awe”.They tried to figure out exactly how Christian Bourne’s 1600 Turbo Civic Type R could be so quick against Guyanese Ryan Rahaman’s Escort. They were also astounded at the way Gerrard Carrington’s 2000 Turbo Mivec Hatch drifted while accelerating away from Guyanese champion Mark Vieira and Jamaican hotshoe David Summerbell. Both these Peak Performance-tuned Trini cars collected the checkered flag in one race. The other Trini drivers Ravi Singh and Tanko Baboolal took third place finishes. Mooti Maharaj and Link Sampath of Trinidad had mechanical problems all day, but still managed to hold off some of the competition in their races. TTASA President Jameer Ali, along with Team Manager and Competition Chairman Nizam Mohammed, accompanied these six cars and drivers from Trinidad & Tobago to compete in the Caribbean Race of Champions at the South Dakota Circuit track in Guyana. A contingent of over 80 Trinis flew over to the South American Republic to support
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their team. Participating countries included Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname, USA, Canada and Trinidad & Tobago. The delays started at Piarco International on October 27 that morning. Two flights to Cheddi Jagan International were grounded for 12 hours due to mechanical problems with the aircraft. Forty-seven Trinis including drivers, mechanics, media and supporters stayed at the airport hoping to get a flight out. But, true to form, give a Trini some friends and some time to waste and you have a big lime! BWIA arranged another flight out and they landed in Guyana at around 10pm. Six Trini cars arrived on the South Dakota race track on Saturday at 2pm after several customs and shipping delays in Trinidad resulting in very little practice and preparation time in Guyana. Imagine having to practice and qualify on the same laps! On race day though, (Sunday) everything went like clockwork. The Guyanese race director was remarkably stern and efficient and even spectators got to the track at around 7am. After a visit from Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and President Jagdeo Bharrat, the races were off and no more than 10 minutes elapsed between events. During this time spectators were allowed to enter the fenced infield vantage points, effectively doubling the spectator capacity at the South Dakota Raceway. The number of competitors at this event was
astounding. Just imagine 22 cars racing in Group 2 Fast alone! Could Wallerfield ever see such a packed starting lineup? The run groups included Rookie class, Group 2A (Slow), Group 2B (Fast), Group 3, Motocross bikes, 600cc superbikes (yes, superbikes!) and shifter karts. A sea of over 15,000 spectators cheered on the non-stop action. Even the Guyanese remarked that they had never seen such a massive turnout. The Trini car and driver combinations performed exceptionally well. In fact, the Trinis were dubbed one of the best foreign teams ever to compete in Guyana. After a 16-year Trini Group 3 drought at this event, Gerard (2000 AWD Turbo Mivec Hatch) broke the domination of the Caribbean’s best, namely Mark Vieira (2nd Gen RX7), Andrew King (Mazda RX3) of Guyana, David Summerbell (Mitsu Evo6) and Peter Rae (tube frame RX7) of Jamaica. Gerard, in fine form, used his rally driving style to take the checkered flag on the second Group 3 race from a field of 11 top competitors. The Trini supporters went wild! Carrington had to retire into the pits on the third race due to rear axle damage which occurred on the race he won. This kind of force had not been seen from Trinidad since the reign of Frankie Boodram. In the first Group 3 race, Mark spun out early just after turn two. Gerard was held up by lap traffic as Andrew King in his blue and yellow Mazda RX3 surged ahead. Mark regained his composure and continued the race as Gerard drifted into second place, practically shadowed by Jamaican champ David Summerbell. Andrew King would live up to his name as the former monarch of South Dakota
with three podium spots– first, second and third in four races to take the Champion Driver of the Day prize of US$5,000 sponsored by Skyline Mortgage. Vieira, the South Dakota lap record holder (35.62s), would have a challenging day as he spun out in one race, ran out of fuel in another, took second place. Gerard was forced to resort to low-grip tires and Mark managed to beat his Evo6/Mivec Hatch hybrid in the final race. Throughout the day, Mark showed amazing form and although Gerard was able to out accelerate the RX7 at corner exit, Mark’s amazing ability to balance drift and grip allowed him to keep up and press for the lead through the famous gooseneck. Where other racers slow down at corner entry and wait for grip as they negotiate the turn to exit under power, Mark’s style is more akin to that of a superbike rider. He approaches the corner at the limit of front grip on the brakes and well before the apex. He gets on the gas and balances grip and drift to go through the corner in a higher gear allowing tremendous exit speed. There is perhaps no other way to keep up with the amazing power of Gerard’s 4WD turbocharged creation. That being said, Andrew King was never far behind in a few of the most exciting three-way battles we have ever seen. David Summerbell dominated at the very wet Wallerfield International Circuit Racing meet in Trinidad & Tobago in Group 3 with Gerard out with a broken axle. However, during practice, his ex-Puma Cup Evo6 blew its engine and with the help of Trinidadian Mitsubishi tuner Anil, he was able to race on Sunday there. This time around in Guyana, with the engine making great power, suspension problems would keep David out of
the action, and he would take just one third place. Ravi Singh also performed admirably with two third places in three races despite having technical difficulties. It was apparent how much the late arrival of the cars affected team Trinidad’s performance. Ravi later confirmed that he didn’t realise he ran a qualifying lap during practice late Saturday evening. The resulting bad grid position put Ravi at a disadvantage. On the second race, a collision on turn one, which seems to be de rigeur at South Dakota Raceway, caused Ravi to spin into the sand trap. With a broken oil cooler he couldn’t restart the rotary and had to settle for a frustrating DNF. Christian Bourne, champion T&T dexterity driver led the field of 22 cars in Group 2 Fast (2B). This was Christian’s third circuit racing event ever and third time racing this car. In his Civic 1600 Turbo, he amazed supporters and detractors alike as he stormed past Guyanese favourite Ryan Rahaman’s 2500cc featherweight Escort Cosworth to take the checkered flag in race two. Christian took second place in his other two races. He was disqualified after race three for supposedly not completing turn one after finishing and collecting the checkered flag but this was revoked and he collected the second place trophy. Christian Bourne garnered one first and two second places against a field of 22 on foreign soil. With no practice and very little circuit racing experience, he is one to watch. Ryan Rahaman secured two victories in Group 2B and was declared the 2B Champ in his controversial 2600cc Escort. Kemal Rahaman managed two third place finishes in his red 1st-generation RX7 in Group 2B and in the handicap race.
Kelvin ‘Tanko’ Baboolal pushed through the field of 22 racers in Group 2 Fast in hopes of maintaining his championship, which he attained at this same event in 2005. But Christian and Ryan Rahaman ran away as Tanko got caught up in traffic– the battle scars showed the intensity of the fight. Tanko collected third place in race three and persisted to compete in the handicap race which continued into the fading sunset. Tanko, Mark, Andrew, Peter Rae, Kamal Seebarran and the onehanded wonder, Kemal Rahaman, all in their firebreathing rotaries lit up the track. It was a sight to behold. Peter later admitted that every time his exhaust lit up the side of his car, he thought it was another racer’s headlights coming up on him! The other two Trinidadian competitors, Mooti Maharaj in his Group 2A 1600 Honda Civic Vtec and Link Sampath in his Group 2 Fast Datsun 120Y SR20DET would have performed better but suffered from a slew of mechanical and technical problems. Link bore much frustration as he was the only competitor without a paddock shelter for his car and had to use a plastic bag to cover his air filter in the pits during heavy rain showers. Nonetheless, they both drove well when their cars allowed it. Jad Rahaman won the first of the 2A races and recently copped the Group 2B 2006 Championship in Barbados at Bushy Park Raceway. Chet Singh of Guyana and Dwayne Rodriguez of the USA also took to the podium. In the end, Chet was declared the 2A Champion of the day. Cars were not the only machines on track at this amazing event as three rounds of 600cc superbike racing stunned the crowd with their Formula 1like engine sounds. These daredevils added a different kind of pace to the South Dakota Raceway
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as they came within inches of each other leaning into the coners. Canadian Kevin Graham managed three victories while Craig Atkinson took three seconds and Gregory Lopes placed third three times in the 600cc superbike races. In the 125cc motorcycle races, Andy Rajkarran won with Steven Vieira placing second in both rounds. Vassy Barry and Ravi Singh managed one third place each. Although we hoped otherwise, there were no 50cc “chappy” bike races at this international event. Juliana Chiovitti, the Formula 1 hopeful from Canada is the new 125cc shifter kart Champion of Guyana with two tremendous victories. Juliana is a truly impressive driver with Italian heritage and is a good sport too– we understand that she held back a bit to keep the racing exciting. Her dad Enzo, gave her all the support she needed to stay focused and kept her kart at the peak of its
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potential. This experience has given the Guyanese karters invaluable insight into the “real” world of karting. Having raced against stars like Danica Patrick, it would be equally as amazing to see her drive in Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, see www. zorce.com for more on Juliana. Kristian Jeffery won the first of the 125cc shifter kart races while Robert Hiscock, Shane Ally and Stefan Jeffery took second places in the three rounds. Marcus Fiedtkou, Stanley Ming and Robert ran third in the three 125cc shifter kart races. The presentation ceremony was held at the Georgetown Club on Monday night. Ryan Rahaman (2B) and Ryan Gayadin (Rookie) were declared joint Champion drivers for the Skyline International race meet of October 29, 2006. Ryan Rahaman’s name was placed on the Gavin Naraine memorial challenge trophy for his performance
in Group 2B. Andy Rajkaran picked up the 125cc motorcycle Champion rider trophy as well as the most improved rider award. Gerard Carrington, a regular competitor in Guyana was named the most improved driver of the year, while Shane Ally copped the most improved karter award. The overall Championship for the GMR&SC 2006 karting series went to Kristian Jeffery. Andrew King was crowned the Group 3 Champion and Chet Singh was the Group 2A Champion. The Trini underdogs followed through on Monday night to make sure the prize-giving ceremony was lively. The large T&T contingent cheered on their boys (and Juliana) as they collected their trophies. During their very brief speeches, they invited the Vincentians, Jamaicans, Bajans and especially the Guyanese Mark Vieira and Ryan Rahaman to Trinidad & Tobago for the next International Circuit Racing meet at the Wallerfield Raceway.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Rookies Group1 Race 1 sponsored by Marics & Company Ltd: 1st Ryan Gayadin, 2nd Gavin Gouveia, 3rd Syed Hassan Race 2 sponsored by Swiss House Cambio: 1st R. Gayadin, 2nd Danny Persaud, 3rd Afraz Ali Race 3 sponsored by Sanjay’s Jewellery: 1st . Persaud, 2nd R. Gayadin, 3rd Rameez Mohamed Group 2A Race 1 sponsored by Sea Freight Ltd: 1st Jad Rahaman, 2nd Vishal Sawh, 3rd Dwayne Rodrigues Race 2 sponsored by GuyOil: 1st Dwayne Rodrigues, 2nd Chet Singh, 3rd Kenrick Husbands Race 3 sponsored by Kojac Marketing:
1st Chet Singh, 2nd Dwayne Rodrigues, 3rd Kenrick Husbands Group 2B Race 1 sponsored by E.C. Vieira Investments: 1st Ryan Rahaman, 2nd Christian Bourne, 3rd Mohamed Roshandin Race 2 sponsored by Mines Services Ltd: 1st Christian Bourne, 2nd Ryan Rahaman, 3rd Kemal Rahaman Race 3 sponsored by Ray’s One Stop Auto parts: 1st Ryan Rahaman, 2nd Christian Bourne, 3rd Tanko Baboolal Group 3 Race 1 sponsored by Beharry Automotive Ltd: 1st Andrew King, 2nd Gerard Carrington, 3rd David Summerbell Race 2 sponsored by Clarkson Air: 1st Gerard Carrington, 2nd Mark Vieira, 3rd Andrew King
Race 3 sponsored by CarTronics of Miami: 1st Mark Vieira, 2nd Andrew King, 3rd Shawn King 125cc Shifter Karts Race 1 sponsored by King’s Jewellery: 1st Kristian Jeffrey, 2nd Robert Hiscock, 3rd Marcus Fiedtkou Race 2 Sponsored by Total Protection Services: 1st Juliana Chiovitti, 2nd Shane Ally, 3rd Stanley Ming Race 3 sponsored by Steve’s Jewellery: 1st Juliana Chiovitti, 2nd Stefan Jeffrey, 3rd Robert Hiscock 125cc Motorcycles Race 1 sponsored by Ray’s Motor Spares & Auto Sales: 1st A. Rajkaran, 2nd Steven Vieira, 3rd Ravi Singh
Vieira, 3rd Vassy Barry 600/750cc Motorcycles Race 1 sponsored by Rose Ramdehol Auto Sales: 1st Kevin Graham, 2nd Craig Atkinson, 3rd Gregory Lopes Race 2 sponsored by Kojac Marketing: 600/750cc Motorcycles: 1st Kevin Graham, 2nd Craig Atkinson, 3rd Gregory Lopes Race 3 sponsored by Beharry Automotive Ltd: 600/750cc Motorcycles: 1st Kevin Graham, 2nd Craig Atkinson, 3rd Gregory Lopes Handicap Event 1st John Joseph, 2nd Ryan Gayadin, 3rd Kemal Rahaman
Race 2 sponsored by Ready Mix Concrete: 1st Andy Rajkaran, 2nd Stephen
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SOLODEX
Loads of autocross fun in 2006!
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rinidad and Tobago’s CARS Solodex 2006 competition season came to a close on November 12, 2006. The championship was now sealed, but during the year there were those drivers who made their claim on the leadership in each class early on. There were others who were battling for bragging rights, with SoloDex 6 being the clincher. The year started early with Solodex 1 on January 15. Ryan Pinheiro set his mark for the year by giving the fastest time of the day in his VW Golf GTi running in the ESP class. Some of the 2005 novice drivers had completed their six Solodex competitions as novices and now had to compete in their respective classes. Those in ES had it hardest coming up against veteran drivers Ryan “Mad Crix” Ramsaran and Amir Hosein. In this event while “Crix” took first place in ES, his time was just 0.573 seconds off Ryan P.’s time, beating Amir into second place in ES by 2.865 seconds. Crix clearly meant business this year and showed how much he had improved as a driver and how well his car was setup. There’s always something new to see at Solodex, and SD2 was no exception. The faces were familiar, but some of the machinery was new and some of it was downright scary. The mechanical wizards of the Waddell family had installed a motorcycle engine in their lightweight monster – their ‘Locost’ Lotus Super7 replica. Tim Kimpton introduced the ’Dexers to his shiny new toy,
a John Cooper Works Mini Cooper S and Kirk Ho Hing’s “Casper the friendly Corolla” station wagon was now turbo charged. Together they established the SS class with Tim beating Kirk into second place by 0.729 seconds while clocking the fastest time of the day. Amir also beat Ryan P. into second place by 0.251 seconds and made it clear he was going to be a force to be reckoned with in the race for the class championship. In the Novice class, Narend Sooknarine in his RX 7 2nd Gen took first place over newcomer Anthony Farah in his left-hand drive Civic powered by an 1800cc engine. In HS, the wagon boys Karl Winchester and Kerwyn Charles also established the competition in this class with Kerwyn placing first this time beating Karl who won SD-1 by 2.756 sec. And in GS, Alan Rajkumar Maharaj (1.4 RWD Lancer) also beat the SD-1 GS winner, Kevin Singh, into second place. The stage was set for an exciting 2006 season.
talents that could earn them footage in the special features section of a Fast and Furious sequel. Ryan P. and Barry showed that Dexers can also do it backwards by reversing into the finish box. By the end of SoloDex 4, the race for the class championship was well under way with Ryan P. and Crix each having three wins in EP and ES, respectively. Zak and Tim each had one win in SS, as did Karl, Kerwyn and Scott Dopson in HS. Narend and Vaughn Callender in NE also achieved a win each. Kevin was slightly ahead in GS with two wins while Alan and Sanjay Singh in his Nissan Sunny each had one. SoloDex4 also saw the introduction of the AutoNation-sponsored Honda Challenge Mini Series, which was going to run for the balance of the year with Honda drivers competing in three classes based on engine size.
’Dex 3 saw many changes with Kirk moving down to HS class driving “Mummy’s Almera” and upsetting the wagon boys. Amir borrowed a B13 Sentra but had to settle for third place behind Crix and Mikhail Ramadhar in his Civic sedan. Devi Nath, driving his SS class “Mirage Monster” and Ryan Pinheiro in his ESP Golf GTI, elected to run in EP for the rest of the year against the much more powerful Evo6 driven by Barry Mykoo.
SoloDex5 saw some of the closest finish times since CARS introduced the sport in 2000. For instance, the time difference between first and fifth place in the Novice class was just 0.739 seconds, with Sherwyn LeePoy in his Civic SiR clipping Vaughn in his Rover 216i into second place by just 0.001 seconds. Many drivers won in borrowed cars with Ryan P. winning EP in a borrowed Subaru STi, and Kirk driving the LHD Civic to an SS win. Scott took HS in Casper – minus the turbo. Crix continued his dominance in ES and Sanjay recorded another win in GS.
The event also saw memorable sideways and backwards action with Narend and Alan showing
At SoloDex 6 in EP class the battle was on for second and third place between Devi and Barry, 43 • Zorce9
as Ryan P. had already shown what an excellent driver he was, posting the fastest times of the day while winning the class at five of the six events. Kirk showed consistency placing first in SS by 0.139 seconds over James Harris in his B13 Rally car and Crix came out ahead of Amir in ES. HS and GS classes were the ones to watch with the class champion decided at the last event of the year. In both cases, the placings in the day’s competition matched the final competition placings with Karl taking the top spot, followed by Kerwyn and Scott. Meanwhile, in GS Kevin beat out Sanjay and Alan. The Novice class is ready to advance Narend and Vaughn to their respective classes, giving drivers behind them a chance to move up in their placings. Narend in particular, has clearly shown how capable he is of handling his own at many
events by turning up fashionably late, missing the walk-through and drive-through for most events, and still coming out on top of Novice class for 2006, followed by Vaughn, Anthony and Porsche Waddell. For the second year running, Karen Pinheiro took the female champion title; however newcomers Alana Ramjattan and Genevieve Singh-Nath have plans to upset the title in 2007. The Honda Challenge also ended with Crix being the overall winner with a perfect score from every event in the mini series. At the end of Solodex 6, CARS staged a showdown to determine the best of the best with everyone driving the same cars (a Nissan Almera and an SR20 powered B13 racecar) in turn. The winner was eventually determined by the fastest combined times.
Championship Shootout Position 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Competitor Name Ryan Ramsaran Kerwyn Charles Amir Hosein Ryan Pinheiro Karl Winchester Kevin Singh Kirk Ho Hing
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Total Time 188.264 188.345 191.310 193.364 195.965 196.738 DNF
Unfortunately, Kirk missed a gate in the Almera giving him a DNF and costing him the overall championship. With Kirk’s sharp driving skills, he’s the one to beat in 2007. When the dust settled, the placings were Crix over Kerwyn followed by Amir, Ryan P., Karl, Kevin and Kirk. CARS congratulates its fellow ’Dexers on their excellent performance over the past year and looks forward to more excitement in 2007. Solodex competitors are classified by either the quarter-mile times or the power-to-weight ratios of their cars. The categories is order of speed and experience are Novice (NE), GS, HS, ES, SS and EP. Cars are timed on a closed course defined by gates and pointers using traffic cones. The driver that runs the course in the best time without hitting any cones (a 2-sec. penalty) wins. To join CARS and become a better, safer, and more capable defensive driver visit www.carstt.com.
CARS Solodex 2006 Year End Points Standings Class EP 1st 2nd 3rd SS 1st 2nd 3rd ES 1st 2nd 3rd
Competitor Name Ryan Pinheiro Barry Mykoo Devendra Nath Kirk Ho Hing Zak Waddell Tim Kimpton Ryan Ramsaran Amir Hosein Mikhail Ramadhar
Points 490.0 382.26 374.91 467.72 318.29 217.54 500.00 494.39 492.78
Class HS 1st 2nd 3rd GS 1st 2nd 3rd NE 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Competitor Name Karl Winchester Kerwyn Charles Scott Dopson Kevin Singh Sanjay Singh Alan Maharaj Narend Sooknarine Vaughn Callender Anthony Farah Porsche Wadell
Points 495.11 495.10 487.85 498.36 498.29 466.80 488.91 446.90 441.80 312.55
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S
ubaru owners the world over enjoy an undefined close-knit sense of community. Perhaps the uncommon flat-4 engine, the high standard of features, handling, safety, rally-bred toughness and the unmistakable boxer exhaust burble all bring enthusiasm so great that it must be shared with others. T&T is no different. And bringing together scattered groups of Subaru enthusiasts is the TRINidad and ToBAGO SUBARU OWNERS CLUB (TSOC). Early efforts to establish a meeting of prospective members took root in the online user forum of Trinituner.com, where desires and ideas for a Subaru club were expressed. This bloomed into our new website and forum dedicated to the effort fuelled by club president Michael Abraham. Phone numbers were exchanged, emails were databased and the first meeting took place at Price Plaza in Chaguanas on July 16, 2006. This initial meeting of six members has grown considerably as of its fourth meeting. The online forum membership now stands at over 80.
Z-Scene Subaru Owners Rally Together
The aim of TSOC is primarily to share
Article and Photos supplied by TOSC
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he Mini Club of Trinidad and Tobago, TriniMini, was started by Ravi Ramdeo and Ramon Rabathally, in March 2005.
Stemming from a mutual interest in the Mini and having owned these cars for a number of years, Ravi and Ramon instantly saw the need to create a club and unite fellow Mini owners. The club has a 50-strong membership. In May 2005, TriniMini had their first event with ten Minis showing up for a drive from Grand Bazaar to the Wallerfield Circuit for some exhibition laps. Since then, bi-monthly events have included drives to different parts of the country, participation in motorsport events like Circuit racing and Solodex. One of their recent events was a run from San Juan to Mayaro and prior to that, a drive from Aranjuez to Granville beach. Picture twentythree Minis lining up on the beach. TriniMini’s presence was so well received by the Cedros community, that it was even featured on their website: www.therepublicofcedros.org/trinimini.html. TriniMini community events include participation in the Couva Chamber of Industry and Commerce family day,The Sugar and Energy Festival 2006, Gayelle the Channel’s family day
TriniMinis Unite! Zorce9 • 46
and a motorcade from the National Stadium to Chaguanas in support of the Soca Warriors. Ten green Minis drove cross-country for a corporate event that was partnered with bmobile/TSTT who gave free cell phones and promotional items. Minis also made an appearance in the Express Children’s Fund Car rally as a corporate team. Over 50 members driving 45 minis comprise TriniMini. Enthusiasts who once owned Minis or are in the process of rebuilding Minis or just have an affinity for the small British icon, all gather around their events. Their recruitment drive often leads to chasing after other Minis on the highway; harassing people to get their parked Minis out of their yards; and generally persuing rumours of Minis with the hope of inspiring their owners to join the club. Updated regularly, Trinimini.com features technical content, pictures of events and members’ photo galleries. Owners of the new Mini can also rejoice as three have already joined. Minis are their passion and members gather in garages to talk about cars, racing, engine builds, tuning tips and engine conversions. All in all, TriniMini club members enjoy the company, the smiles, the stares and the thumbs-up when they drive their cars together. www.trinimini.com
among members the knowledge and enthusiasm of all things Subaru. Far from being limited to motorsport participation, TSOC delivers information on servicing, modifications, general care and maintenance of all Subaru models. Although the flagship of Subaru’s many performance-capable vehicles is the Impreza WRX STI, TSOC’s members are happy owners of all models, including Foresters and Legacys. Members are grouped into two categories– Owners and Enthusiasts. TSOC Owner members will be comprised of owners of Subaru vehicles. They are eligible to participate in TSOC organised group buys, periodic bulk sales of discounted performance and/or maintenance parts and benefit from TSOC membership discounts on Subaru parts at Club affiliated retailers across T&T. TSOC Enthusiast members are those who aspire to own a Subaru and thirst for knowledge beyond the typical review. TSOC’s online forum is the place for owners and fellow Subaru lovers to interact as an online community. www.scoobytnt.com
Trail-Blazing Adventures Article and Photos by Kendrick Sooknarine
I
t was meant to be another club run– and for the Trailblazer guys, I guess it was. For me, it was a learning experience on how to crucify a 4x4. These little Suzuki off-roaders are mad and rugged. It’s as if they are just prepared to take into the hills and see how far they can be pushed before they break. Well, break they did. They broke axles, cross (yuh understand crucifixion now?), engine mounts, gearbox mounts and more. It was a constant during the day– stop and fix somebody, stop and tow somebody, exit from the forest towing about four jeeps. I would have hardly imagined the trip. This crew is extreme. They do the most amazing things. They cross streams, climb impossible hills and follow what would really be tracks for animals towing logs. Of course, if there is no track... well they just make one by winding the Suzuki around a tree or over a hill.
The Suzuki Samurai’s size is great for our forested hills since there are very tight corners and very small trails. You also need a light 4x4 so that if it is toppling over, then the whole team can tie on a rope and hold the strain. Talk ‘bout hold strain! It was thrilling, demanding and we had many brushes with danger and disaster. Firstly, not all the vehicles were stock. Some were highly modified to give more power, or more off-road stability. Some had increased the vehicle’s ride height to be able to ride deeper drains without touching the drivetrain (the differential in particular). Yet, the stockers did quite well and the three-cylinder turbo was a serious performer. Secondly, they are prepared for all kind of jamming. You could jam one jeep to another while pushing or pulling it out of mud. You could also jam a jeep or bank it if you can’t make the corner otherwise. If you want to understand this fully, then you have to go on the trails and learn about
4x4 cornering... it is a whole new skill! Thirdly, there is a whole science of tires that the pro trailblazer learns. Not all 4x4 tires can dig deep mud or climb wet slopes. Some tires are really just road warriors. Some are called tractor tires because they plough well in mud or wet terrain. The teamwork was quite admirable. The guys did not leave anyone stranded. Maybe that’s because both experts and novices were getting stuck in deep mud, unable to climb the hill or breaking parts. That also meant that every quarter-mile the drinks came out and the ‘smack-talk’ started. That made it hard to tell the asses from the ‘Zukis. Well folks, check out the pictures. See the wild side of nature... An’ if allyuh amateurs wid allyuh Prado, Beemers and Frontier tink yuh ever want ah real 4x4 ride, leave the cosmetics home and jump on the ‘Zuki for a real off-road ride. 47 • Zorce9
200 years! T Dragons celebrate the Chinese bicentennial Article by: Cindy Lau • Photography by: Devi Nath & Narend Sooknarine
he Chinese community in Trinidad and Tobago celebrated two hundred years of arrival onto local soil on October 12, 2006. In commemoration of the bicentennial, Dragon Boat celebrations were held at Williams Bay, Chaguaramas. According to legend, the Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the death of a Chinese national hero, Chu Yuan, who protested against the corruption of rulers at the time by drowning himself in the Mi Luo River. Chu Yuan’s greatest desire was to be a poet in an era dominated by widespread corruption that extended as far back as the king. His qualities made him a fine example of integrity and after futile attempts of persuading the king to change his ways, Chu Yuan tied a heavy rock around himself and jumped into the Mi Luo River in the Hunan Province. After many attempts, Chu Yuan’s body was never found. The common people beat drums and splashed the water with their paddles in order to keep the fish and evil spirits from reaching his body. Rice was later scattered into the water to prevent him suffering from hunger. The dragon boats competition today honours the distant memory of a loyal and sincere statesman and is held annually on the day of his death, traditionally coinciding with the fifth day of the fifth Chinese lunar month (varies from late May to June). The standard team comprises 22 crew members, of which 20 are paddlers, one steersman at the stern and one drummer at the bow. Traditionally, 50 paddlers plus drummer and steerer were used. Paddlers sit facing forward and use a specific type of paddle. The drummer or caller may be considered the “heartbeat” of the dragon boat, and leads the crew throughout a race with the rhythmic beating of a drum, indicating the timing and frequency of paddling strokes. The steerer, also referred to as the coxswain, helm, steersman, sweep or tiller controls the dragon boat with a steering oar, which is mounted at the rear of the boat. Responses of the oar are in opposition to the direction they take– if the steerer pulls the oar right, the boat will turn left and when pushed out or left, the boat will turn right. Paddlers typically paddle several hundred metres enduring the blistering sun and unpredictable waters. The roar of the enthusiastic crowds encourages the display of strength in unison and rhythmic repertoire within the teams.
OFFICIAL RESULTS OF DRAGON BOAT CELEBRATIONS HELD AT WILLIAMS BAY, CHAGUARAMAS. FASTEST OVERALL TIMES 1st place: Scotiabank Fire Dragons 2nd place: Signwave Sharkfin Dumplins 3rd place: Lisa Communications-DB Fortitude
1:59.8 2:03.0 2:03.8
FEATURE RACE: Chinese District Association 1st place: Team Sun Wai 2nd place: Chung Shan Oar- Sum Dim Sum 3rd place: Team Fui Toong On
2:06.7 2:11.2 2:11.7
FINAL RACE OF THE DAY 1st place: Gillette- Spee-Fah-Sooo!!! 2nd place: Signwave Sharkfin Dumplins 3rd place: Excellent Titans
2:01.2 2:12.2 2:17.1
FASTEST TIMES OF THE DAY 1st place: Scotiabank Fire Dragons 2nd place: Gillette Spee-Fah-Sooo!!! 3rd place: RBTT Paddlewhackers
1:49.8 1:53.6 1:54.5
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49 • Zorce9
306
Taming the Lion
T
he brand of the lion has been the symbol of Peugeot for decades now but to this zorcer, it is much more than an automotive symbol. Robert Honoré cherishes his creation because it is something different. His last name is, in fact, French and the lion symbol suits his personal image. This particular ride was special to begin with because it was one of the few that were originally imported from the factory in black. The standard models came with the economical 1.4-litre four cylinder, this one came with the 1.8 and leather seats. The extra displacement was good for 103hp and enough low-end torque to give the car adequate punch– fine for a person with average needs. Of course, this description is far from Robert’s profile. And thus, his journey into the world of Peugeot performance began... From the pages of many a Euro magazine, Robert drew inspiration from almost anywhere, but his vision was clear– this
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would be a Peugeot that would surprise anyone on the street. Off came the stock pieces and a hi-flow air filter and exhaust system were bolted in to prepare for performance, but neither of these provided any real power gains, in Robert’s opinion. Then came the nitrous. A ZEX dry manifold system supplying a 50-shot of nitrous became a 24-hour addiction for Robert. We have to assume that he had been inhaling some of the laughing gas and forgetting about how long he should sustain a nitrous burst for. He got wild and it went boom! It was back to the drawing board for Project 306. The Lion was proving to be fiercer than Robert imagined but he was determined to tame his 306 beast. Robert’s engine tuner, Prentice Ali gave him two alternatives– go back to stock or upgrade to some performance cams coupled with a port and polish job on the head. After this was done, the performance proved to be insufficient. Robert needed real power. The correct combination had to be re-
searched and found, apart from which, parts were expensive and took long to ship. For the next year, or so, the car would remain at the shop. Although the shop has now been rebranded as “Peak Performance”, the 306 still carries the original “Tuned by Prentice” sticker. Custom made JE pistons, new intake and exhaust manifolds, new fuel rail, throttle body, turbo, larger injectors and other goodies found their way into the shop during this time. The build was carefully done, paying attention to the neatness and appearance of the upgrades. This was important, since the vision for this car was not to be an all-out drag racing machine but to garner attention on the streets. It needed to be fast AND look damned good! The next stop was to the dyno where the car would have its first dyno session. The 8-valve, single cam, 1.8-litre engine started on the dyno with around 230hp@6400rpm at 15lbs of boost, which was Robert’s street/pump gas setting.
With careful tuning and by increasing the boost level to 23lbs, the end result was a massive 300hp@6200rpm and 247lb-ft of torque @ 5800rpm on C16 race gas. On the way back from the dyno, a visiting Bajan rally driver took the wheel and remarked that the 306 would destroy his 206 rally car on the low boost (15lbs) setting. Even though the rally driver was impressed, Robert still found that the large front mount intercooler and the characteristics of the turbo (which is happiest at 15-30psi) made for amazing topend power but was too laggy for street use. After his last experience, Robert is unwilling to use NOS and instead, prefers to tailor the setup to run without refillable bottles of laughing gas. The turbo is currently being upgraded to a dual ball-bearing type unit that will spool more quickly. He has also built a 2.0-litre block for additional strength, torque and displacement– another way to cut the big lag time. Incidentally, the heavily built 1.8-litre bottom end is for sale. The 1.8 block featured JE Forged pistons with 8.5.1 compression ratio, Total Seal gapless racing rings, race-prepped connecting rod bearings, ARP connecting rod bolts, oil pump and proven original connecting rods. The new setup, of course, is still in progress but it is a “Frankenstein build” similar to the B20B with B18C head conversion that is popular with Hondas. The 1.8litre 8-valve head will be mated to the 2.0-litre bottom end. All the power created a new problem: stopping. The factory brakes were also thrown out for some 11” rotors with 4-piston front calipers from a Mitsubishi FTO. These are now up for sale for anyone looking to
upgrade their factory 306 setup. The new brakes will be a Japanese 8-piston performance set with new 13” slotted rotors for the front. The advantages to this upgrade include more even brake pad wear, less stress on the caliper itself, cooler pads, more clamping action/braking force and a firmer pedal. The standard Peugeot suspension is quite good and is arguably superior to the factory Japanese setups. The ride is typically smooth, yet firm and suspension travel is progressive. Peugeots and French cars, in general, are well known for their ability to handle imperfect roads, typical of our Caribbean landscape. With all this in mind, Robert stepped up to a 28-way fully adjustable coilover suspension setup that allows him to tune the suspension for track or street use by adjusting ride height, stiffness and travel progression. Robert says that steering feel is very stable at high speeds. To enhance the driving experience Robert selected the easy fitting, high quality Boston Acoustics 5-1/4” speakers and a single Pioneer Premier 12” dual voicecoil subwoofer to handle the bass. The ICE is controlled by a Pioneer DVD touch-screen head unit, on which Robert listens to mostly reggae, soca, hip-hip and R&B music, opting to bypass what he calls the “rey-rey” of “parlour dub”. When he’s not working as a print engineer and certified Apple Mac technician, Robert flies light aircraft and is co-planning the upcoming Hot Euro Nights Series of shows in Trinidad and Tobago. Perhaps this could explain some of the vision behind his tamed Peugeot 306 Lion. (Zorce.com>Forums>The Lion’s Den)
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SpecBox: Engine
Peugeot 2.0 bottom end with 1.8 head (Frankenstien build): • JE forged pistons with 8.5.1 compression ratio • Race prepped connecting rod bearings • Total Seal rings • Original connecting rods & crank • Head ported & polished with 3 angle valve job (gas flowed) • COMETEC custom racing head gasket • Teflon valve seals with polished valves • Dual racing valve springs from Richard Longman Racing • Original cam • Piper cam belt & rockers • Larger 70mm throttle body & custom intake manifold • T3/T4 dual ballbearing hybrid turbo from Innovative Turbos • Turbonetics wastegate (with 9lb spring) • Griffin all-aluminium race radiator with overflow tank • Blitz stainless steel air filter • Blitz custom front mount intercooler all intercooler piping 2-1/2 inch wide and fully polished • Blitz full auto turbo timer • Turbo XS blow off valve • Turbo XS Dual stage boost controller • 800cc - 1000cc fuel injectors • Haltech fuel rail • Haltech E6K standalone engine management system • Haltech map sensor • Full 3-inch exhaust straight through with Arospeed back box • Mallory adjustable fuel pressure regulator • Holley intank high flow fuel pump (255 litres per gallon) • Electronic water pump • EGT guage (exhaust gas temp) • VDO Fuel pressure gauge (under bonnet) • ARP head stud conversion kit • ARP connecting rod bolts
Drivetrain
• ACT stage 3 competition clutch and pressure plate & release bearing (in original gearbox) • Griffiths engineering quick shift kit
Interior
• Simota racing seats • Sparco race steering • Autometer gauges (monster tach with pencil shiftlight/boost/air fuel/oil pressure gauges on pillar)
Handling
• B2 Racing 8-piston big brake kit with 13-inch brake rotors • SPAX PSX Sprint suspension (front & rear) lowered 40mm • ADVAN 17” rims with Dunlop 901 series 205/40/17 rubber
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LEXOTICA Checkin’ out the Lexus club rides in NY
R
ichard Arjoon, 30, is an IT Engineer for JetBlue Airways and the president and co-founder of Lexotic Concepts, an IS300/ Lexus enthusiasts’ club in the USA. Richard, originally from Trinidad, says his older relatives were into auto-mechanical repair and he developed a passion for tuning at a young age. His first project car was an FC RX7, which gave way to the Lexus when running a two-seater was no longer practical.
Richard’s 2001 Lexus IS300 automatic sedan was chosen and pre-ordered for its four-door versatility, sport-sedan appeal and Lexus reliability. As time progressed, his standard exhaust and intake upgrades became lacklustre and the need for impressive performance grew stronger. Richard decided to build a custom turbo setup since few companies sold kits for the IS300. The kits were basic, expensive and required too much downtime for a complete installation (6-9 months). With the help of fellow enthusiasts at Lexotic Concepts, a rigorous research programme was undertaken. They compared JDM parts vs US parts, acquired shop manuals and wiring diagrams and basically reinvented the wheel. They knew that this project would bring knowledge and experience that could not be had by picking up a car from a tuner shop and driving home. The importance of learning things like maintenance schedules, key points of failures, loopholes and troubleshooting became readily apparent. This entire process of modifying and gaining knowledge has given the club a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, even though it cost more than going to a tuner shop. The car has gone through several stages, wheels, body kits, and exhausts and most of the parts are authentic JDM pieces shipped directly from Japan. Under the hood lies a factory installed 215hp Toyota 2JZ-GE 3.0L motor, which is durable but not as strong as the 2JZ-GTE in the Twin Turbo MK4 Supra, so the guys decided to modify for more reliability. To lower the compression to a boost-friendly 9:1 ratio, Richard installed a GReddy 2mm metal head gasket along with ARP head studs. While the head was off, the intake and exhaust ports were cleaned and mildly ported
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Article by: Gary Yeo • Photography by: Patrick Nanton & Jean Marc
for better airflow. An HKS adjustable exhaust cam gear and a Walbro 255 high flow fuel pump with RC 440cc injectors were also added. Controlling all of this was the factory ECU along with a GReddy E-manage piggyback computer and a Split Second ESC-1 open loop conditioner. Intake air is subjected to the wrath of an HKS SuperMega flow intake system, a PrecisionTurbo PT61 turbocharger with an HKS SSQ blow off valve and high flow front mount intercooler with polished piping. The turbo is mated to a Boost Logic tubular manifold housing an HKS wastegate. Burnt gases flow through a 3” unrestricted exhaust pipe leading back to an HKS Carbon Titanium Muffler. On the inside, the boost level and vitals are monitored by Defi D-series gauges that match the colour of the IS300 instrument cluster perfectly. A Techedge wideband O2 sensor with LCD display allows self tuning. A Blitz SBC Spec-R boost controller manages turbo behaviour and shutdown is controlled by a Blitz FATT turbo timer. Data is logged using an Autotap OBD2 scanner and code reader, as well as GReddy E-manage software. With all these extra gadgets, an Optima Red Top Battery was installed for power supply reliability. Schroth 4-point rally harnesses keep the driver and passenger in place. A Pioneer SYS610T touchscreen DVD navigation system keeps Richard on the right path, mounted in the carbon fibre dash. The factory Lexus stereo was deemed to be more than adequate. On the outside, the car retains its factory Solar Yellow paint but the car was treated to a MAX Racing (Japan) Altezza body kit and TRD trunk spoiler. PIAA foglights accompany black headlights and JDM smoked taillights. Carbon fibre hoods have come and gone from the car but currently there is a regular hood. On the road, the TEIN HA height and damper adjustable coilovers have been stellar. Area51 swaybars and TRD Strut Tower braces keep the suspension tight. Rolling stock consists of 18x8
and 18x9 SSR Competition wheels wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Race track tires. For stopping power, StopTech cross-drilled rotors and Axxis Ultimate brake pads have been installed. The car was under development for over two years swapping parts back and forth. It had been through two turbo kits until Richard was finally satisfied. The car has been built as a great street car and an enjoyable (340hp@10psi) daily driver. Fifteen psi should bring the car to around 400whp, based on similar IS300 setups. Richard says he built this turbo IS300 not for a 1⁄4-mile record or highest hp record but for the love of his hobby– working on cars. When little kids, Honda or Harley owners point, smile or give a thumbs up, Richard says it is all worthwhile to him. He enjoys answering questions about the car and helping his fellow Lexotic Concepts club members achieve their goals. Future modifications include the Supra Turbo big brake conversion, engine oil cooler, tranny oil cooler, custom stereo, carbon fibre hood (again), fender flares and wider 18x10 wheels in the rear!
A
vi, 25, bought his car in December of 2000. He previously owned a 7M-GTE Supra. His IS300 has been a 4-year project and he plans to improve on it over the next year. He has already managed to secure sponsorship from Valvoline Team SynPower and Next Level Mobile. Avi’s Supra was wrecked in a major accident, prompting the purchase of the sensible IS300. His first two years with the car were spent finishing college in Rochester. Once he settled down, work began– a very slow but fulfilling process. The first round of naturally aspirated mods produced negligable power gains, so Avi focused on suspension and braking. Once that was complete the car was turbocharged and has been his pet project ever since.
Avi says that with his car he has learnt that “there will always be the occasional hardship. Working on a car takes time, and is filled with challenges but in the end it is all worth it.” Examples of things gone wrong include a broken sway bar linkage during sway bar installation, O2 sensor broken during turbo installation, interior pipe weldings broke loose and got caught in the
wastegate– keeping it open, pulled off fender using inappropriate tire width/rim offset, pulled off bumper by using wrong fastening bolts, burnt rear bumper because of improper exhaust fit, detached fuel pressure regulator hose dumping all the fuel onto the highway and countless incidents of body and rim damage.
Engine: • Precision Turbo & Engine PT61 Turbo • Precision Turbo & Engine High Flow Front Mount Intercooler • High Polished aluminum intercooler piping • Boost Logic Tubular turbo manifold • HKS SSQ Blow off Valve • HKS Standard Wastegate • HKS SuperMega Flow Air filter • HKS Carbon Fibre Titanium Muffler • HKS Adjustable exhaust Cam gear • Stainless Steel oil feed and return lines • 3” turbo-back mandrel bent exhaust system • Walbro 255 Fuel Pump • RC 440cc Injectors
SpecBox:
Richard’s Lexus IS300
Inside: • GReddy E-manage Piggyback Air/Fuel Computer • Split Second ESC1 open loop conditioner • Tech Edge Wideband Lambda O2 sensor w/LCD display • Defi Boost gauge • Defi Fuel Pressure gauge • Defi EGT gauge • Blitz SBC Spec-R Electronic Boost Controller
V
eli, 29, of Jamaican descent, born in London, raised in New York says that he has been into cars for as long as he can remember. His first car was an ‘89 Celica GTS 5-speed, which he loved but for which there was little aftermarket support. After marginal success at autocross, he decided to buy something faster that could out-handle anything on the street.
• Schroth 4 point rally harness • Pioneer SYS610T DVD Touch screen GPS Navigation system • JDM Carbon Fibre Dash Kit Suspension: • TEIN HA adjustable height and dampening coilovers • Area 51 Fabrications Sway Bars • TRD Rear Strut Tower brace • StopTech cross drilled brake rotors • Axxis Ultimate Brake pads • SSR Competition Wheels 18x8 (front) w/ Dunlop SP SportRace Tires 225/40R18 • SSR Competition Wheels 18x9 (rear) w/ Dunlop SP SportRace Tires 255/35R18 Outside: • MAX Racing JDM Altezza Body kit • Black headlights • JDM smoked tail lights • JDM front license bracket • JDM Altezza headlight eyelids • PIAA fog lights • TRD rear trunk spoiler 55 • Zorce9
Suspension: • HKS Hipermax II coilovers • Hotchkiss sway bars • Cusco Struts bar Brakes: • Bradi rotors • Stoptech stainless steel brake lines • Akeebono brake pads
SpecBox:
Avi’s Lexus IS300
Engine: • TE Garrett T04E 60 Trim spec Turbocharger • Large TE 24x8x3 Front Mount Intercooler (Core 17x9x3) • Tial 38mm Wastegate • TE Tubular Stainless Steel Manifold • TE Stainless Steel Downpipe • TE Tuned GReddy E-Manage w/ pressure sensor and harness • TE 3” Racepipe • 6 440cc Injectors • 255lph Fuel Pump • TE Piggyback Conditioner ECU • TurboXS Blow-Off Valve • NGK 3330 Spark Plugs
The first attempt at a tuner car was a red V6 2000 Accord Coupé but the brittle nature of all Honda V6 transmissions offered little hope to add any true power. Around this time rumours circulated of a new RWD car with a true sports car background coming from Japan. Determined to realise his mission, Veli waited patiently for the 5-speed IS300 to be released, with its shared parts from the MKIV Supra and its larger tuner following in Japan. There was already a healthy aftermarket established for the car. It was an awesome stocker, with butter-smooth helpings of torque and was much faster than most people expected as the IS300 was never a 0-60 car on paper– second gear only reaches 58mph. Unlike many others, Veli bought the IS300 with every intention of turning it into an all-out selfprepared and tuned beast with little concern to aesthetics like body kits and stickers. However, Zorce9 • 56
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TE Open Element Air Filter HKS 3” Carbon Ti Exhaust HKS EVC V Boost Controller HKS Boost Gauge HKS EGT Gauge Valve Body Upgrade
Body: • CWest custom bodykit • VIS Carbon Fibre hood • Carbon Fibre Eyelids • Volk 18x7.5 18x9 GT-C rims • 235/40/18 (front) 265/35/18 (rear) Toyo T1-S tires • Carbon Fibre dash kit • Custom painted headlights and taillights Audio: • Custom Fibreglass trunk wrapped in matching solar yellow vinyl • Alpine IVA-D900 headunit • (2)Alpine MRD-1005 amps • Alpine MRV-545 amp • Alpine 12” Type-X subs • Alpine Type-R interior speakers • PS2 in glovebox
after hooking up with Lexotic Concepts, Veli found himself at car shows with a full JDM IS300 body kit complete with carbon fibre hood and wing. The roads and driveways in New York are not body kit friendly and after many repairs and growing tired of using ramps to get in and out of his driveway, Veli removed his body kit, which he says may return one day.
After a fourth gear syncro failure on the stock gearbox, a 6-speed from the MKIV Supra was chosen to handle the power. Beyond that, everything else needed upgrading too– fuel delivery, suspension, rims and tires etc. Also, the factory ECU is so well integrated into all the car’s systems that it cannot be removed and had to be circumvented.
In the early days of the IS300 many people sold unreliable turbo kits for the car and the probability of blowing the engine was high. Veli’s pet peeve in life is paying someone to do shoddy work, so he opted for a custom setup using a local fabrication shop, VRP (Vickers Racing Products), who would prepare his IS300 to his specs at moderate expense but with care and attention to detail. This process turned out to be a lot more expensive than planned, since the weakest link was now the transmission.
While not as aftermarket-friendly as the 3SGE Beams engine of the J-spec Altezza, the 2JZ-GE in the IS300 shares the same block as the Supra MKIV but with weaker internals. The compression ratio was dropped from the stock 10.5:1 to a boost-friendly 8.7:1 using a PHR 3mm head gasket and held together with ARP head studs. After some research, the T304 46 Trim and the T3 Super 60 turbos were perfect for meeting the project’s boost goals. The T304s refused to fit so Veli had no choice but to use the latter.
To continue the need to be different and for minimal lag in autocross competition, Veli decided on a water-to-air intercooler. While lacking the super cool look of a front mount intercooler, the shorter piping and lower pressure drop in this intercooler over an air-to-air setup up allows the car to be super responsive– until heat soak sets in. The intercooler piping was hand-welded by Veli out of 2.5” and 2” mild steel ‘U’ bends. The coolant for the water-to-air system is stored in the trunk, using a BMW tank designed to fit inside the spare wheel. It is connected to the front of the car via 10-AN braided lines and features quick disconnects that allow removal of the tank with minimal liquid spilled and easy loading with ice to achieve lower ambient intake temperatures. The fuel system has been upgraded to 440cc injectors from the stock 260cc. A custom return line has been added with an Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator. To help the car breathe, a custom dual exhaust was fabricated by RJ tubing in Queens. Each turbo has its own 2.5” downpipe running to a 3” exhaust with a Borla muffler. The car rumbles nicely and is quieter than many of the naturally aspirated IS300s in the club. A Split Second ESC-1 has been used to stop the car leaning under boost and Toyomoto O2 simulators to prevent any check engine lights due to the removal of all of the stock cats. Fuel is controlled by a GReddy E-manage using the
injector harness. A TechEdge wideband has been wired to log air:fuel ratio with rpm, boost levels and throttle position.
body roll. Numerous TOM’s braces have been added to the lower suspension to reduce flex as well as a CUSCO rear strut bar.
The TEWBLOG software allows warnings based on A/F, RPM, TPS, and boost or any combination of the three and to add custom sounds to each warning. This allows Veli to listen for warnings while focusing on the road and not blowing the engine in the process. A custom made Excel spreadsheet allows Veli to interpret hours of log data and see exactly what alterations need to be made to the fuel maps.
Lexus provided the IS300 with impressive stopping power from the factory. Cross-drilled and slotted rotors, braided lines and AXXIS brake pads front and rear improve the factory braking system.
To monitor the system, Defi Vlink 52mm gauges for boost, EGT, fuel pressure, and oil pressure (sensor only) are used. The unique part of this system is the Defi VSD Concept head up display. This allows you to project any data from the gauges onto the windshield (except boost) so eyes seldom leave the road. One can even just buy the sensors and not the gauges to save money. Each sensor can be assigned a warning state and it comes with a two-stage shift light built in. A TechEdge wideband display was recently added for when the laptop is not connected. Externally, this car is back to stock, even back on stock rims while the BBS LMS (18x8 and 18x9.5) are being repainted– again. The car’s suspension inludes Tein RM 16-way adjustable coilovers with the EDFC controller that allows shock adjustments while driving. TRD Racing Yellow sway bars front and rear have been added to reduce
Engine: • Dual Garrett T3 Super 60 Turbos • Stainless Steel oil feed and return lines • Spearco A/W intercooler Core • GReddy Type S blow off valve • VRP Twin turbo Manifold & Down Pipes • HKS GT II 60mm wastegate • K&N XStream Air Filters • Custom Dual 3 inch Exhaust W/ Borla Mufflers • V160 Getrag Tranny • Walbro 255 Hi Flow Fuel Pump • RC 440cc Injectors • Aeromotive FPR with custom return line
SpecBox:
Veli’s Lexus IS300
Management: • GReddy E-manage Piggyback Air/Fuel Computer • Split Second ESC1 open loop conditioner • Tech Edge Wideband Lambda O2 sensor w/LCD display • DEFI VSD CONCEPT (Heads up Display) • DEFI V2 BOOST • DEFI V2 EGT • DEFI V2 Fuel Pressure
The next phase of modification will involve upgraded 3” aluminium intercooler piping being rerouted lower in the engine bay to reduce heat soak and improve turbo response. To reduce underhood temperatures, air vents will be added. Jet ceramic coating may also be added to the downpipe and turbo exhaust housings. The throttle body of a GS400 will be used to flow additional air into the engine. The piggyback computers will be tossed in favour of a HALTECH E6X standalone system and the fuel injectors will be upgraded to 760cc. A big brake system will provide better pad wear and big aesthetic impact. Not wanting to go back to body kits, Veli thinks a carbon fibre hood and trunk look racy enough and will save weight. It’s not just good, it’s Veli-good! Lexotic Concepts provides the ideal forum for people like Avi, Veli and Richard to share their knowledge and experiences in the quest to create their ultimate Lexus all-round performance machines. See their website for more IS300 and Lexus cars: http://www.lexoticconcepts.com/
• APEXi AVCR Boost Controller • APEXi RSM Suspension: • TEIN RM adjustable height and dampening coilovers • TEIN EDFC • TRD YELLOW Sway Bars • CUSCO Rear Strut Bar • TOMs Rear Rod • TOMs Centre Rod Brakes: • Stoptech Braided Brake Lines • MOTUL Racing/Street Brake Fluid • IROTOR Slotted/Drilled Rotors • Axxis Ultimate Brake pads Lighting: • 8000K Custom Fog Lights
57 • Zorce9
Audio
W
ith the car audio competition season getting underway, I thought it would be a good time to cover the basics of what it takes to have a winning vehicle. Even if you don’t compete, this advice will help make your system “competition quality”.
Planning
Winning vehicles don’t happen by accident. You need to sit down and decide what you want to accomplish, how much money you have to accomplish it and how you’re going to pull it off. A big decision is the power class and organisation you’ll be competing in. Get the rulebook and study it. Some are available for online viewing. You don’t want to be giving up points because you didn’t do something or did something wrong. Do you work for a car audio shop or did you receive some equipment as a sponsorship? Welcome to the Pro Class. Do not pass Go and do not collect $200. Are you a member of the competition organisation? No? Then, minus five points. No sticker from the competition organisation on your vehicle? Minus five. Plan ahead and work with someone who knows the organisation you’re competing in.
Execution
Out of sight, out of mind won’t fly here. You need to work with a professional installer (or have professional skills) so everything is connected, secured and protected properly. Ideally, your competition consultant will be your installer, too. Picking an installer with competition experience will help ensure you don’t miss any easy points or get dinged for obvious rule violations. Because this is a competition installation you want to pay attention to detail. It is really disappointing to see show quality vehicles with megadollar sound systems and poor installation. This kind of work is good from afar, but far from good. Gaps between installation panels and vehicle panels are the biggest offenders. If your installer can’t figure out how to mate two panels together, then you need a new installer. You shouldn’t see seams or the backside of unfinished pieces. Any necessary gaps, such as those around trunk bars should be equal on both sides.
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Documentation
Another important factor is the photo documentation of the installation. The judges need to see what they can’t see. Show them how the head unit was installed with a proper bracket, wiring harness and soldering. Photograph the amplifier mounting board being held in place with bolts and not duct tape. Installation integrity is a big factor and if they can’t see what you’ve done behind the scenes, then you’ll lose points. It’s best to photograph everything (digital cameras are great) and then put it into a three ring binder. Pretend you’re working on a school project and you need an A. Arrange the photos neatly and label each one. Be sure to highlight the sections you can gain or lose points on, as well as those that are unique. Creativity gets you points, so show why your installation is different.
Presentation
It is said that the only thing people fear more than death is public speaking. Unfortunately you’re going to have to talk about your vehicle to the judges as part of the competition. The good news is it’s about your system and not about some book you had to read for class. And, you get to walk around and point things out rather than standing dead centre in a room with thirty pairs of eyes on you. This is where your preparation pays off. Bring out your photo book and have the car clean and ready to go. Talk to other competitors and see if you can get within earshot of the winners when they give their presentations. Stay calm and remember to practice ahead of time. You’re less likely to blank out if you’ve already given the presentation fifty times before to the person in your bathroom mirror. To find out more about the major competition organisations go to these sites: International AutoSound Challenge Assoc.: http://www.iasca.com/ US AutoSound Competition International: http://www.soundoff.org/ Decibel Drag Racing – TermPro: http://www.dbdragracing.com/dbdrag/ Mobile Electronics Competition Association: http://www.mecacaraudio.com/
Rising Stars of 100% IASCA 2006
Darren Narine’s consistent and very potent “Puzzle 323” is the Overall BassBoxing Champ 2006.
Narinedath “Jan” Sookhoo’s Hillman Hunter has the loudest SPL (Sound Pressure Level) in T&T (Advanced 2 Class) 160.4 SPL and would rank 7th Worldwide for 2006.
Dinelle Mangalsingh - Pro Street Class Winner
Sacha “Sully” Perai took the Amateur Street Class with his clean Toyota Levin.
Anand “Smalls” Ramsaroop’s B11 Nissan Sunny scored a 158.1 SPL. This car is one of the loudest “playing” SPL vehicles in the world and would rank 4th overall in IASCA (Advanced 3) internationally.
These fellas know how to turn up the heat in the Open Class and are ready to roast any contender.
Paul “Smurf” Adam received an invitation to compete at IASCA World Finals 2006. His last score in T&T was 366.5 and the rookie winner at World Finals (NOPI Nats., Atlanta GA, Sept 06) was 353.3. Paul is the Rookie of the Year 2006 in T&T.
This vehicle is worthy of mention for his outstanding performance throughout 2006 in the Open Class/Soundclash. Their main rivals are “the Bar-B-Que Boys”.
The best customizing Team for 2006 59 • Zorce9
Were YOU at 100% IASCA ‘06?
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MK Promotions@Skinner Park 16Jul06
61 • Zorce9
W
hat is a chine? What is a keel? Where is the stern? Is freeboard something you give away? All these questions are common to the average listener in a “boat talk” conversation. A different language is spoken nowadays among the power boaters and sometimes confuses even the experienced yacht-man. For the average fan, this can be a barrier between them and their heroes. My attempt to build a skeletal bridge between these two should be developed by personal interaction and use of this strange new lingo. Much of the communication at the power boater’s level of conversation describes physical areas and phenomena usually encountered during race conditions. Some of the more popular and important boat behaviour will be explored. The most outstanding and important is the infamous chine walk. This is experienced with mono hulls/deep vee hulls. This happens at higher speeds where the running surface of the boat becomes limited to the apex of the vee, known as the keel. The keel is commonly the lowest point of the boat– that part that would touch the ground first if it were to run aground. The faster a mono hull travels, the higher it tends to run out of the water. If you’ve ever played with a stone by trying to make it skip over the water, then you’ve simulated the effect of moving fast on the water. The faster you travel, the greater the lift generated. So, the boat is now running at high speeds and its tendency to ride on the thin region known as the keel, creates a dynamic balancing act. Picture a triangular wedge trying to balance on its point. There would be a tendency to roll over to the flat surface. There are two lines that run the length of the boat that define the flat surface described. These lines are called the keel, and the chines (one on either side). The boat rolls from chine to chine pivoting about the keel region very much like a pendulum on a grandfather clock. Unfortunately, it usually doesn’t stop there. In a power boat it rolls over from side to side, as if to mock an old man walking. This action, coupled with the imagery of a walking man, has spawned Zorce9 • 62
the term chine walk. This boat behaviour can and will graduate to the next phenomenon known as the dreaded hook. The hook is a term used to describe a drastic and abrupt turn usually within the boat’s length. This doesn’t seem too bad, right? Well, picture, if you can, a boat travelling at 60 mph in a straight line, when it is decided, unbeknownst to the passengers that the boat would suddenly turn. When driving over the Lady Young Road, or to Maracas Bay for a bake and shark, and your cell phone is on the dashboard of your car, the first corner doing 30 mph sends the phone skating across the dash and eventually outside. This is the same thing that happens to passengers in a powerboat when experiencing a hook. The mysterious forces at work are momentum and inertia. These forces can easily pelt occupants from their comfort zone inside the vessel. The speeds may not seem like racing speeds, but the distance travelled in one second while going at a mere 60 mph is the same as two 40 foot containers lined up edge to edge. That’s a total distance of 88 feet in one second. Try to visualise travelling past two “Sea Land” containers in one second. That’s the distance travelled. If you can now imagine changing direction – that is, doing a 90-degree corner at that speed – well, it can only be experienced in a powerboat at racing speeds, which can vary greatly. Remember, too, that this all takes place on water, a platform that is constantly in motion. The term to describe the highest speed attainable is called top out and the range of speed just before that limit is called the top end of the boat. These speeds vary from class to class. The top speed figure is usually used to intimidate and mislead the competition. One method of misleading the competition involves a throttling technique known as holding throttle. This is a conservative method of throttling the boat. Throttling is the method of governing the speed of the boat. It also incorporates trimming the boat. Trimming determines the running attitude or angle of the boat. This is accomplished through the use of trim tabs. These are little flaps attached to the stern of the boat. The
stern is the name used to describe the back area of the boat. The front area is called the bow. When standing in the boat looking to the bow (forward), the left side is called the port and the right side is the starboard. The last four terms are naval jargon commonly used by sailors to maintain a common orientation while on board any ship. This lingo has been handed down to our miniature replicas of these majestic marvels of the oceans, like many other sailors’ traditions. The sport of powerboat racing has inherited many traditions. The stereotypical notion that sailors can party and enjoy life with passion has also been the profile of many racers. The conservative people in this sport transform into aggressive performanceoriented animals, which prey on the weaker performance machines. In this arena, the one common trait among the racers is the party factor usually associated with post-race activity. Racers’ crews lime even during races and the racers all lime afterward with each other. Picong (the way Trinis heckle and mock each other in a friendly manner) is a natural part of the conversation with these racers, who promise that the next time will be different. Genuine laughs of appreciation for what each other has gone through during the race, the preparation leading up to the race and, of course, the hype that circulates prior to the race. Racers have all made promises of winning. Some have declared that only an act of God would cause them not to win. Others have blamed weather, rigging and even mechanical complications. Rigging is the process that describes the preparation of the boat to handle racing. Installing a radio can be a type of rigging. Installing equipment and hardware is considered rigging. This skill can be, and should be a personal procedure. Each rigging of a boat should ensure the proper ergonomics and efficient operation. This process ensures the maximum user comfort while the boat is in operation. There are personal rigging standards that are applied to provide a custom fit between boat and crew. To fully appreciate the boat talk you have to live in the boat world, if not, just visit often. Hope to see you there. A.C.
63 • Zorce9
Pardon my
English
Round 2: It all begins with a start...
A
A few years ago, I was given my first ‘modern’ car. It came with a new job, and meant I did not need to use my MGB as my everyday car anymore. Naturally, I was upset. After two years of leaking door seals and crawling traffic with no a/c, I now had to deal with a smooth automatic transmission, CD player and power windows. The indignity of it all. A strange thing happened during my first week with the Sentra. I was getting to work earlier. I could not understand it. I was in the same crawling traffic, I was rolling off the bed at the same time, the only thing different was the car. I spent a few afternoon drives contemplating the situation, while playing with the silly tranny shifter. The answer came to me one morning as I started the car. It seems this car did not require an early morning starting ritual. I no longer had to spend twenty minutes getting my car started. I always felt something was odd each morning, but never paid much thought to it until that moment. For the first time, starting a car meant unlocking it (remotely), getting in, turning the key and driving off. What an odd way to start a car. For those of you unlucky enough to drive a modern, convenient, comfortable car, I will shed some light on the proper starting experience. First of all, you use a key to unlock your car. You do not sit down immediately. You reach across and unlock the passenger door, then put the key in the ignition so you don’t misplace it when you open the bonnet. The opening stage is almost complete. The final step is to walk around the car to the passenger side, open the door, and pull the bonnet release. You close the door and walk to the back of the car and unlock the boot. Stage two is the engine check. This commences with the opening of the tailgate and rummaging for the quart of oil, bottle of brake fluid (just in case), bottle of water and a syringe. There are certain basics that you must check once you fiddle with the bonnet and get it open. The obvious ones are coolant and oil. Oil, of course, is not found only at the end of the dipstick. It is also found in the carburettor dashpots and the level in each carb must also be checked. This is where the syringe comes in handy. Next are the brake and clutch fluid levels, followed finally by the coolant, which always needs topping up. A final check to make sure all caps are in place must be done, before fiddling with the bonnet to close it. A quick tug to make sure it’s secure, and you’re almost ready. Repack the rear hatch and you’re ready to start! You then get in, click the door shut, pull the seatbelt out from under you, make sure the car is in neutral and turn on the ignition. Listen for the ticking of the fuel pump to slow down and pump the gas pedal five times and a little bit. Turn the key and
Is
in there? that a nitrous bottle
Zorce9 • 64
Can you se
tumble for four seconds. Wait and tumble again and listen for the cylinders to fire. Try again, and blip the throttle in synch with the cylinders firing and if the air temperature is just right, you will be smiling as the engine hits 2200 rpm and the neighbour’s car alarm goes off. The next five minutes are spent bringing the car up to temperature. This involves carefully revving the engine, while listening to every rumble, rattle and pop, to make sure there are no new or unusual noises. This is also the time you pay attention to your oil pressure gauge. As the temperature gauge responds to the engine, you can finally untangle the seatbelt and buckle up. A quick shift through the gears to make sure all have survived the night and you are now ready to roll…as soon as you drop the parking brake. Even now, I miss the old-car starting ritual. It makes you become more involved in the ownership experience. Some people only relate to the driving experience but having a car that demands mechanical sympathy makes it into an ownership experience. I still find it odd, amazing even, that you can just get into a modern car, start and drive off. Somehow, it just seems to add to the blandness of the experience. Maybe next time, I will describe the experience of waiting for the engine to shut off after you have switched off and removed the key…and no, its not a turbo timer…
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take the Jag or the
Jag?
3 • Zorce9
Zorce9 • 4