The Super Seven is a component car, originally the seventh design by Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus. It was designed in the late 1950s but is still being manufactured today. Mine weighs 1200 pounds and has about 130 horse power. With autocross tires, it generates 1.25 gees lateral cornering force. One variant held the world record for 0-60 mph for a production car in 3.48 seconds. It is a street legal race car.
The kids like it because they can see over the sills. It is light, nimble and quick, just like the NSX and the Elise.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Caterham Super Seven
Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise is a modern sports car. It achieves its performance through light weight. It corners and brakes as well as any other car, communicates its intentions better than any other car, and accelerations faster than most other cars. It is a "minimal" car, simple but elegant, like the Seven. This car is fun to drive!
The kids know what it is because I talk about it constantly. Now that we have one, the kids like it because it is light, nimble and quick. It also gets a lot of attention when I take them to school
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Alcoa Forged Specialty Wheels Announces New Dura-Bright® Surface Treatment for Aftermarket Truck and SUV Wheels
CLEVELAND--Alcoa Forged Specialty Wheels, a Cleveland-based business unit of Alcoa Inc. , today unveiled Dura-Bright® technology, a revolutionary new wheel surface treatment available on aftermarket truck and SUV wheels that offers a premium appearance combined with unmatched ease of maintenance.
Alcoa’s new Dura-Bright® technology is a patented wheel surface treatment that provides sophisticated style that is easy to maintain. It is not a coating or a finish, but a proprietary surface treatment that penetrates and reacts with the aluminum thus becoming an integral part of the wheel. The revolutionary process resists peeling, cracking and corrosion. Automotive News recently nominated Alcoa Dura-Bright® technology with a Finalist nomination in the prestigious 2007 PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers Contribution to Excellence) Award competition.
“We are proud to announce Dura-Bright® technology as an innovative new surface treatment option for our one-half ton truck and SUV aftermarket wheels,” said Doug Dietrich, Vice President and General Manager Alcoa Wheel Products. “Dura-Bright® technology allows us to expand our product portfolio and offer an innovative new wheel surface treatment that addresses the appearance and ease of maintenance needs of our customers.”
Truck and SUV fitments were selected for the initial launch of Dura-Bright® technology since they require extensive maintenance and many owners have requested new finish appearance and maintenance options. Alcoa has found that trucks and SUVs with large brake packages generate high amounts of brake dust along with dirt and road grime accumulated in daily driving. Dura-Bright® technology continually resists brake dust, dirt and road grime allowing drivers to maintain their vehicle’s appearance with minimal maintenance – just with a little soap and water.
Launch fitments for Dura-Bright® technology include twenty-inch forged Alcoa Adventure Series wheels currently only offered in polished clear coat and chrome finish options. Dura-Bright® technology allows Alcoa to offer a new finish option with unique features not currently available to truck and SUV owners. Five and six-spoke design options are planned for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Lincoln, Nissan and Toyota fitments. Adventure Series wheels with Dura-Bright® technology will be available for purchase in second quarter 2007. Other styles and options will follow.
“Dura-Bright® technology allows Alcoa to offer a premium new platinum appearance with our wheels,” said Brandon Stotsenburg, Director of Automotive Aftermarket, Alcoa Forged Specialty Wheels. “A unique appearance coupled with ease of maintenance is a combination that is not currently available in the aftermarket wheel category.”
Each wheel is engraved with an icon to identify the wheel as being treated with Alcoa’s new innovative surface treatment allowing consumers to identify the benefits of the product.
As with all Alcoa one-piece forged aluminum wheels, Dura-Bright® technology wheels are backed with a lifetime limited structural warranty. A three-year limited warranty is offered on the Dura-Bright® technology surface treatment. Visit www.alcoawheels.com or www.strongwheels.com for more details.
About Alcoa Wheel Products
Alcoa Wheel Products is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and employs more than 3,000 associates in seven locations globally. The Alcoa business unit manufactures cast and forged aluminum wheels for the heavy truck, automotive, and motorcycle industries.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 123,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.
BRIEFING: Auto headlines
Potential buyers of the Chrysler Group want to set up a special $10-billion health care fund run by the UAW as a way to mitigate financial risks, according to a report Monday by Automotive News.
DaimlerChrysler AG has been mulling options, including a sale, of the Chrysler Group since February. Analysts have cited pension and health care liabilities as a major obstacle for any deal.
A special fund administered by the UAW could reduce the risks by shifting the obligation of paying for retiree health care costs to the union. The idea is modeled after a program used by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. The UAW has declined to talk about specific bidders or whether it would agree to certain proposals by those bidders.
GM Russian sales up
General Motors Corp.'s joint venture with Volga in Russia reported Monday that it sold 28% more vehicles in the first three months of the year compared with the same period last year.
The five-year-old GM-Avtovaz sold 12,400 vehicles in the first quarter of the year, it reported Monday.
GM announced last month that it would double to 70,000 the originally planned production capacity of a new assembly plant it is building near St. Petersburg.
Drive shafts investigated
Ford Motor Co.'s Land Rover SUVs are under investigation by U.S. safety regulators because the drive shaft or a front axle part may fail while the SUVs are being driven.
The inquiry covers 2002 through 2004 Range Rover and New Range Rover models, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site. As many as 33,000 vehicles may be affected, the Washington-based agency said.
Of 38 complaints received, 17 involved failure of the drive shaft or front-axle differential while the vehicles were traveling faster than 40 miles per hour, the agency said. No accidents or injuries were reported, NHTSA said. The problem may cause the vehicle to come to a halt, the agency said.
DCX Truck sets regions
DaimlerChrysler AG, the world's largest truckmaker, said its U.S. truck-financing operations are being split into four regions to improve service to Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star dealers.
DaimlerChrysler Truck Financial disclosed the plan in a statement Monday. The Lisle, Ill.-based financing unit will have Eastern, Central, Southern and Western regions.
CarMax chairman retires
CarMax Inc., the largest U.S. used car dealer, said board Chairman Richard Sharp is retiring and will be succeeded by board member William Tiefel.
Sharp, 60, will step down effective June 26, when CarMax will hold its annual shareholder meeting, the company said in a statement Monday. Sharp has been chairman since 2002, when CarMax was spun off from Circuit City Stores Inc., where he was chief executive officer from 1986 to 2000.
Ford Edge sales gain momentum
To many, the 2007 Ford Edge represents the best Ford has to offer in its current lineup, and sales of the stylish crossover are starting to fulfill the vehicle's promise. The Edge has only been on the market for four months, and it's already within 1,000 monthly units of the segment leaders Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano.
Even better, according to JD Powers' Power Information Network, the Edge is only staying on the dealer lot for about 20 days, which is far less than the 48 days it takes to move a mid size CUV industry-wide. Dealers are also finding it easier to sell higher-content models, as Edmunds.com reports an average March transaction price of $29,699. Ford is also using the Edge to help stop Explorer, Expedition, and Escape owners from leaving the Ford brand, with 25% of its sales coming from its own SUVs.
The Detroit Free Press quotes Ford spokesman Jim Cain as saying that a second wave of marketing is coming soon for the Edge, and production at the company's Oakville, Ontario plant is scheduled to increase.
We had a feeling the Edge's good looks would make for a hit for Ford, and early numbers are showing that the company's newest CUV is more than holding its own in the industry's hottest segment. Now if they could just work on that cheap-o interior.
[Source: Detroit Free Press]
Tata iKS Offers SAE CAD Automotive Diploma Program
DENVER, Colorado, April 9, 2007 - Tata Technologies iKS today announced that it has collaborated with SAE International (the Society of Automotive Engineers) to develop a SAE CAD Automotive Diploma program that is 100% delivered online through i get it. Powered by Google, i get it is the leading knowledge transfer solution used by 55,000 engineers in 25 countries.
Existing i get it Engineer subscribers will have free access to the Automotive Essentials content for both CATIA and NX. Individuals interested in receiving the SAE Diploma can complete the 60-hour Automotive Essentials course and earn SAE recognition for $49 USD. Specialty diplomas in structures, interior trim, powertrain, and chassis can be earned for $79.
Commenting on the new program, Kevin Perry, SAE’s Manager of Professional Development, stated: “We are excited about this new program because it eliminates any potential cost barriers for engineers wanting to learn and qualify their skills. The Diploma program is easy to access and enables engineers to learn at their own pace.”
David Fedler, vice president for TATA Technologies iKS said: “The new online program is accessible at www.myigetit.com and does not require membership or pre-requisites. Engineers can select which Diploma program they want and purchase through a simple online transaction. Diploma program options include:
* SAE CAD Automotive Essentials Diploma [UG/NX] $49 USD
* SAE CAD Automotive Essentials Diploma [CATIA] $49 USD
* SAE CAD Automotive Structures Diploma [UG/NX] $79 USD
* SAE CAD Automotive Interior Trim Diploma [UG/NX] $79 USD
* SAE CAD Automotive Powertrain Diploma [UG/NX] $79 USD
* SAE CAD Automotive Chassis Diploma [UG/NX] $79 USD
Upon completing the transaction, the Engineer will receive 90-day access to the course materials and an assessment. Upon successful completion of the assessment [score of 70% or higher], the diploma candidate will electronically receive an official SAE color certificate indicating completion of the Diploma course with the candidate’s name and a unique serial number.
Individuals interested in registering for an SAE CAD Diploma program go to www.myigetit.com and click on the SAE Diploma announcement. Companies interested in implementing the SAE CAD Diploma program for design groups/teams, can contact David Fedler at +1303-252-8485 or fedler@myigetit.com.
About Tata Technologies iKS
Tata Technologies iKS (iKS) a global leader in engineering knowledge transformation technology is a part of the $22B Tata Group. For over 15 years, iKS has enabled engineering knowledge transformation through i get it and iCHECK applications. The flagship product, i get it is the only web application in the world that offering engineering knowledge delivery for AutoCAD, INVENTOR, Solid Works, Solid Edge, UG/NX, Teamcenter, COSMOS Works, and CATIA on a single delivery platform. iCHECK is the industry leading application for managing engineering knowledge validation, and digital design methods/best practices. Over 55,000 engineers use iKS applications.
About SAE International
SAE International is a non-profit engineering and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of mobility technology to better serve humanity. Nearly 93,000 engineers and scientists who are SAE members develop technical information on all forms of self-propelled vehicles, including automobiles, aircraft, aerospace craft, trucks, buses, marine, rail and transit machinery. This information is disseminated through SAE meetings, books, electronic products and databases, technical papers, standards, reports, and professional development programs. For more on SAE, visit www.sae.org.
About Tata Technologies
The Tata Technologies Group helps great manufacturers create great products. Through its operating companies, INCAT and iKnowledge Solutions, the Tata Technologies Group is an emerging world leader in the provision of specialized Engineering & Design (E&D), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and product-centric IT services to leading manufacturers. It responds to customers’ needs through its operations in 45 cities across 12 countries on three continents and through its delivery centers in India and Thailand. The Group’s customers are among the world’s premier automotive, aerospace and durable goods manufacturers.
For Tata Technologies on the Web, visit: www.tatatechnologies.com.
A car gives freedom; don't let a bad deal slow you down
If you're ready to buy a car for the first time, you don't want to be taken for a ride on this significant purchase. To make sure you don't overextend your budget and come to regret your decision, avoid these new-buyer mistakes:
Focusing on the monthly payment. When you're just getting started, you may not have a lot of room in your budget for auto expenses after rent, utilities and food. So nabbing a low monthly car payment seems critical.
But that figure shouldn't be the starting point in your negotiations on the car lot. Doing so only opens the opportunity for a dealer to finesse the interest rate or other loan terms to meet your monthly price.
''The figure essentially doesn't have anything to do with the car,'' said Philip Reed, editor for Edmunds.com and co-author of ''Strategies for Smart Car Buyers.''
''The dealer looks not at the price of the car but what you can pay.''
Instead, get approved for a loan from your bank or credit union before going to a dealership.
''With that one step you take away the strongest negotiating tool the dealer has,'' Reed said.
It may even entice the dealer to offer a loan with a lower interest rate, he said.
Leasing to get a "cool" car. Leasing offers another way to get caught in the monthly payment trap.
With a lease, you essentially rent the car from the dealer for a set period of time, typically three years.
Because you're not buying the car, leases often carry a lower monthly payment. In addition, you drive a new car that's under warranty, generally hassle-free and dependable.
But it's often tempting for drivers to lease a car that they otherwise couldn't afford. Good for your ego, bad for your wallet: You're still paying a sizable monthly payment, but when the lease is up, you don't own the keys. You have to buy or lease again.
''Your car is never worth more to you than when it's paid off,'' said Joe Wiesenfelder, senior editor for Cars.com (of which Tribune Co., publisher of this newspaper, is a part owner).
Plus, leases come with strict rules about mileage and the car's condition. Take one too many road trips or get into a fender bender, and you could owe the dealer.
Buying used without considering repair costs. Upfront, buying a used car will be more affordable. A car generally loses some 20 percent of its value the moment it is driven off the car lot, Wiesenfelder said. The value drops further once the manufacturer's warranty expires.
As a result, you'll pay a lower sticker price by buying used, and possibly receive more value for the dollar.
But you could spend more in repair costs.
So ask if the original warranty transfers to another owner, Wiesenfelder said. Check quality ratings for specific makes and models on automotive Web sites such as JDPower.com.
And most important, try to build cash savings so you can afford a trip to the mechanic.
Forgetting to call the insurance agent first. Another cost that young buyers often fail to consider is insurance.
Besides your age and driving record, insurance agencies calculate your premium based on the type of car you drive.
Cars that cost more to repair could be more expensive to insure. And even though traditional thinking says used cars are cheaper to insure -- especially because you may not need to shell out for collision coverage on a car worth only a few thousand dollars -- some insurers give discounts for cars less than 3 years old.
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