Last Dromo 1 Race : Indoor Go Karting

Our favorite local in door go kart track Dromo1 ,closed May 29,2010. 

Taken with a Contour HD camera mounted to my helmet.Check out the links below for some information on the Contour HD camera.

 

2010 New Lotus Sports Cars Exige S240

British performance sports car manufacturer Lotus has officially unveiled their 2010 Lotus Exige S240.  While Lotus fans will recognize this as a very subtle update, the grille and rear wing facelift is a step forward for the mark. The exciting new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 enters the United States and Canadian markets in the fall of 2009 with new front styling, a new rear wing and the same rare combination of exceptional performance and high efficiency.

2010 New Lotus Sports Cars Exige S240

The Lotus Exige S240 features a roof integrated air intake scoop feeds air through the air-to-air intercooled and supercharged 1.8 liter Lotus-tuned and Toyota-sourced 2ZZ-GE engine with Intelligent Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) to provide 240hp at 8,000 rpm and 170 ft.-lbs. of torque at 5,500.

The 2010 Lotus Exige S240 sprints to 60 mph in a blistering 4.1 seconds and the 100 mph barrier sails by in approximately 10 seconds with top speed is 150 mph. The Lotus Exige S240 is equipped with a 6-speed transaxle synchromesh transmission, traction control and launch control. New for 2010, the optional Track Package will include adjustable Ohlins dampers with threaded spring perches and remote oil reservoirs front and rear.

The Lotus Exige is a renowned high performance coupe that has a well earned reputation as the choice for drivers who demand uncompromised performance, both on the road and on the track. The 2010 Exige S240 introduces a few key enhancements to update the appearance and improve aerodynamic performance. A restyled front end and new larger, low drag rear wing, not only reduces drag, but also gives a more muscular stance enhancing the lightweight shrink-wrapped look of the whole car.

Passing along lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing program, Lotus Sport Cars has contributed another important technology – variable launch control combined with variable traction control. The launch control allows the driver to determine the number of revs they wish to use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, the driver then holds their foot down fully on the throttle pedal and sidesteps the clutch pedal for a very quick departure from the line. The clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch to transmission engagement to minimize the stresses to the drivetrain. The launch control also keeps wheel-spin at bay until 6 mph, after which the traction control assumes its duties.

Like all Lotus cars, the functional components of the car are also beautifully designed as Russell Carr, Chief of Lotus Design, explains, "For 2010 we have taken the already visually extreme Exige and given it even more visual drama. The changes we have integrated to the front and rear of the Exige signal an even clearer and purposeful intent. The functional rear wing is race-inspired, the new angular air intakes and full width splitter give a more hard-edged and aggressive look. Overall, the Exige appears more planted and gives the illusion that both the front and rear of the car are wider than they really are, yet without losing its agile and sleek character."

The new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 is scheduled to launch in the US and Canada in the Fall of 2009. This new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 goes on sale this fall with a starting price of $65,690 and will be available in an upgraded track package with added performance benefits. The 2010 Lotus Exige S240 will hit U.S. and Canadian markets this Autumn.

Dromo 1 : Second to Last Race

Our favorite local in door go kart track Dromo1 , is closing May 29,2010. My second to last race.

Recorded on a Contour HD camera mounted to my helmet.

2010 SpeedFactory Sports Cars SF600R Dodge Challenger

American tuners SpeedFactory have increased the output of the Dodge Challenger SRT8 from 425 hp to 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS) without the use of a supercharger.

2010 SpeedFactory Sports Cars SF600R Dodge Challenger

Starting with the standard 6.1-liter HEMI engine engineers increased the displacement to a full 7.0-liters (426 cu in). In addition to a higher volume air intake system matched with a stainless steel Corsa exhaust , SpeedFactory also used "a custom Comp hydraulic cam along with an 85mm throttle body with a CNC machined stock manifold that is port matched with a blended plenum to produce a dyno-proven 595-605 HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel," the company states in a press release.

Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, SpeedFactory also adds a Getrag IRS and Centerforce clutch, as well as a few other goodies. The engine is not the only thing to get an upgrade on the car.  The vehicle's handling is buffed up with performance-grade springs, added struts, and new sway bars.  20-inch BBS wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.

Leather seats, leather door inserts, custom floormats and various badging round out the package.  The 2010 SF600R Challenger is now available, and costs $73,900.

Press Release:

SpeedFactory Introduces the 2010 SF600R Challenger

Atlanta, April 20, 2010 – SpeedFactory, the leader in modern Mopar supercars, today announced the industry’s first 6spd manual, 600 HP ‘SF600R’ Challenger, as part of their complete line of 2010 Mopar supercars.

The ‘R’ designation in the SF600R Challenger denotes a SpeedFactory hi-performance, normally-aspirated, bored, stroked and balanced 6.1L Hemi block, increasing the displacement to 426 cu. in. (7 liters).

This modern 426 powerplant has an all-forged rotating assembly and features CNC ported aluminum heads with new valves, guides, seals, Bee Hive springs and titanium retainers. A custom Comp hydraulic cam along with an 85mm throttle body works with a CNC machined stock manifold that is port matched with a blended plenum to produce a dyno-proven 595-605 HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel.

Additional SpeedFactory performance modifications include a CARB- certified high volume air intake and Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system for better breathing. The increased power is managed with a Centerforce clutch and a Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts. Handling is improved with performance springs and sway bars as well as additional front and rear strut tower braces. The SF600R Challenger rides on premium Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires mounted on staggered 20? BBS Black Edition CH-R flow-formed wheels.

The SpeedFactory Signature package is also included on the SF600R and features a serial numbered plaque along with SpeedFactory exterior badging and graphics. Inside the SF600R features premium leather seats and door panels embossed with SpeedFactory branding as well as custom floor mats.

On the addition of the SF600R Challenger to the SpeedFactory line-up, Mike Brillanti, President, SpeedFactory Sports Cars stated “This car offers supercharged power in a normally-aspirated, 6spd manual package. It’s a true enthusiast’s sports ar and it enables us to widen the appeal of SpeedFactory products to now include a 600HP vehicle for those enthusiasts who prefer a ‘normally-aspirated’ powerplant. We offer the SF600R with either a 5spd automatic or the 6spd manual transmission. ”

Redline Time Attack : Live Coverage From Auto Club Speedway

Redline Time Attack has teamed up with OWLE TV on Live Coverage of the event at Fontana Auto Club Speedway. They have a dozen cameras out roaming the pits.

Day 1 Coverage – Redline Time Attack

Fast Time so far is the Cobb R35 with a 1:40.892 in Modified Class. Check out with the live streaming coverage below.

EPA Exempt Nissan Skyline GT-R : 21 Years Old

Well not yet.  I went into some more information on the 21 year EPA exemption in another post, and I decided to put up a video on Youtube.  Videos are always more fun than just words.  Subscribe to my videos for more vehicle import information.

Source : GT-R USA Blog

OWLE iPhone Camera Platform

I put up a few Youtube videos, something like 280 total videos as of today over the last few years.  Mostly car, mostly Nissan Skyline GT-R related. I can’t say I am very good at taking or editing videos, but its something I am working on.

While browsing the MotorMavens site yesterday I noticed this OWLE camera adaptor for the iPhone.

The OWLE Bubo's universal "Coldshoe" mount is great because it doesn't care what kind of light or microphone you attach to it. If you are like us and one light just isn't enough, then we have extra cold shoe's that thread into any of the Bubo's 4 tripod mounts.

THe OWLE Bubo comes Standard with 37mm lens threading, as well as a 0.45x Wide angle/macro combination lens. The ability to change filters and lenses will give you the freedom to choose what your audience sees.

Check out this side by side comparison. You can see how much clearer the OWLE video is compared to a standard iPhone video. Obviously the iPhone is not a dedicated video platform, but as an add on device, or something you already carry with you, its a cool new product.

Some in car footage in Arizona.

I am ordering mine today. It will give me a few more options on shooting videos on my iPhone. I will get some OWLE shot videos up soon.

Time Lapse Engine Build : Cobb Time Attack R35

Cobb Tuning has been competing in the Redline Time Attack with their R35 this year. The car runs in the Modified class and won the modified class, and overall at New Jersey Motorsports park, after losing an engine at Buttonwillow.  After Buttonwillow the team replaced the expired engine with one from a wrecked street car.  They had a few issues at New Jersey, but not enough for them not to take the overall win.

At Las Vegas some issues from the wrecked street car engine reared their head, and the team decided to build the engine.  The next round of Redline Time Attack is at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Ca this weekend, May 29-30th.

Source : Cobb Blog via GTRBlog

The Redline Time Attack is going to be covered Live Streaming in a partnership with the guys at Owle. I was browsing some sites yesterday, and saw this neat add on for the iPhone. Its a better lens/ holding system for the iPhone that will give you good quality video for only $129. They will have up to a dozen cameras streaming at the same time, with some of them inside or on cars. John Naderi and Kerryann De La Cruz will also be in the paddock doing live interviews.

2010 New Porsche Sports Cars 911 GT3 at The Geneva

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is adding yet another new model to the second generation of the 911 model series: the new GT3 even more powerful, faster, and refined than its predecessor. In developing the most sporting and dynamic road-going 911 with a normal-aspiration power unit, Porsche has applied a wide range of know-how gained in motorsport. Indeed, this is precisely why the 2010 new Porsche 911 GT3 is truly impressive not only on the road, but also on the race track.

2010 Porsche Sports Cars 911 GT3

The 2010 new Porsche 911 GT3 is the latest evolution of an iconic sports car. Embodying the essence of more than 23,000 Porsche racing victories, the 911 GT3 is the ultimate integration of driver and car and arrives in the UK this autumn. The new 911 GT3 is making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March, with Europe-wide sales starting in May.

The Porsche 911 GT3 offers an even higher standard above all in two key areas: performance and driving dynamics. The proven six-cylinder naturally aspirated power unit now develops a maximum output of 435 hp (320 kW), up 20 hp over its predecessor. This results first and foremost from an increase in engine capacity by 200 cc to 3.8-litres and from improved cylinder head gas flow: now not only the intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts, are adjusted by VarioCam.

A further important point is that, through its upgraded power and performance, the flat six 'boxer' engine also offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds, a benefit of particular significance in everyday motoring. Clearly, this also means a further improvement in performance; the new Porsche 911 GT3 accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds and reaches 99 mph (160 km/h) in 8.2 seconds. Top speed is 194 mph.

The second emphasis in developing the Porsche 911 GT3 to an even higher standard was to further improve the car's driving dynamics. For the first time, the Porsche 911 GT3 comes with a particularly sporting variant of Porsche Stability Management (PSM), offering the facility to deactivate both Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) in separate steps. And to give the driver unrestricted, individual control over the driving dynamics of his car, these functions are not reactivated automatically even under the most extreme driving conditions, but only at the touch of a button.

The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) fitted to the 911 GT3 has enabled Porsche engineers to make the springs and anti-roll bars stiffer yet again, thus ensuring even more precise handling in the PASM 'sports' mode. However, the PASM ensures appropriate ride comfort suitable for everyday use when in the 'normal' PASM mode. The Porsche 911 GT3 rides on new, lighter wheels in a racing-inspired design - with a centre locking nut - fitted with ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres. Tyre pressure monitoring is fitted as standard.

Making the car even more suitable for the race track, the new Porsche 911 GT3 will be available with the option of new and highly innovative Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount (PADM) engine mountings. These special engine mounts recognise a particularly sporting, race-like style of driving, making the normally 'elastic' engine mounts harder and particularly resistant. This retains all the motoring comfort of the GT3 in everyday traffic, while on the race track the effect of the mass forces coming from the engine is much reduced, particularly in fast bends and on winding tracks. Yet a further advantage is improved traction when accelerating from a standstill.

Another new feature is the optional lift system for the front axle which is able to increase the ground clearance of the car, at the touch of a button, for driving on bumpy surfaces or steep gradients - for example into an underground garage - by 30 millimetres (approx 1.2 inches).

The Euro base price of the new GT3 is Euro 98,100, in Germany the retail price including value-added tax and specific national features is Euro 116,947. In the USA the GT3 will be at the dealership in October at a price of USD 112,200 (MSRP without taxes).

Stillen IMSA Nissan 300ZX on the Dyno 2010

Steve Millens IMSA Nissan 300ZX on the dyno at the 2010 Stillen Open house. Sorry I did not get a dyno number off the car. It was spinning the tires quiet a bit on the dyno.

Josh from Stillen said :

It put down a whopping 65whp.. :)

Yes the turbos spool so fast it had issues getting traction to the dyno, even at lower RPMs in top gear.. just did burnouts..

FX Motorsports NSX – Redline Time Attack Las Vegas

This is a really good video hosted by the man himself – NADS. The video covers the NSX that FX Motorsports runs in Redline Time Attack, with this video taking place in their hometown of Las Vegas. All good things, strip club , Elvis impersonator , subtitles.

Matt Andrews drove the NSX for the event in Vegas and the car was quick.

2010 Porsche Sports Cars 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Known as the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, the model hints at new hybrid technology that Porsche Sports Cars will use in its motorsport ventures. According to Porsche, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be used as a study to gather information about how hybrid drive will behave under a racing environment and will also help the German automaker study how it can be applied to its road cars.

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

During Porsche's press conference here at the Geneva Motor Show, most of our attention was understandably on the 918 Spyder Concept, but the German automaker had several other significant debuts. One was the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, Porsche's first race car to feature electric power sourced from a duo of motors that send power to a generator attached the flywheel. Like many hybrid production cars, the motors are charged whenever the brakes are applied, and the driver can use the extra power for 6-8 seconds for overtaking.

Exactly 110 years after Ferdinand Porsche developed the world's first car with hybrid drive, the Lohner Porsche Semper Vivus, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is once again taking up this visionary drive concept in production-based GT racing: During the Geneva Motor Show, a Porsche Sports Cars 911 GT3 R with innovative hybrid drive is making its debut, opening up a new chapter in the history of Porsche with more than 20,000 wins in 45 years scored by the extremely successful Porsche 911 in racing trim.

Unlike a conventional battery-electric hybrid system the Porsche 911 GT3 R uses a flywheel system, which gathers kinetic energy under braking to power two electric-motors that are mounted in a single assembly and are connected to the front wheel. After each boost of charge, the two motors provide 6 to 8 second jolts of power. The extra power is engaged by pressing a button on the steering wheel, providing up to 161-hp to the front wheels, assisting the 911 GT3 R Hybrid’s 480-hp 4.0L inline-6 that powers the two rear-wheels.

The innovative hybrid technology featured in the car has been developed especially for racing, standing out significantly in its configuration and components from conventional hybrid systems. In this case, electrical front axle drive with two electric motors developing 60 kW each supplements the 480-bhp four-litre flat-six at the rear of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid. A further significant point is that instead of the usual batteries in a hybrid road car, an electrical flywheel power generator fitted in the interior next to the driver delivers energy to the electric motors.

The flywheel generator itself is an electric motor with its rotor spinning at speeds of up to 40,000 rpm, storing energy mechanically as rotation energy. The flywheel generator is charged whenever the driver applies the brakes, with the two electric motors reversing their function on the front axle and acting themselves as generators. Then, whenever necessary, that is when accelerating out of a bend or when overtaking, the driver is able to call up extra energy from the charged flywheel generator, the flywheel being slowed down electromagnetically in the generator mode and thus supplying up to 120 kW to the two electric motors at the front from its kinetic energy.

This additional power is available to the driver after each charge process for approximately 6 - 8 seconds. Energy formerly converted - and thus wasted - into heat upon every application of the brakes, is now highly efficiently converted into additional drive power.

Depending on racing conditions, hybrid drive is used in this case not only for extra power, but also to save fuel. This again increases the efficiency and, accordingly, the performance of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, for example by reducing the weight of the tank or making pitstops less frequent.

After its debut in Geneva the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be tested in long-distance races on the Nürburgring. The highlight of this test programme will be the 24 Hours on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring on May 15th and 16th. The focus is not on the 911 GT3 R Hybrid winning the race, but rather serving as a spearhead in technology and a 'racing laboratory' providing know-how on the subsequent use of hybrid technology in road-going sports cars.

The 911 GT3 R Hybrid is a perfect example of the Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy, a principle to be found in every Porsche: More power on less fuel, more efficiency and lower CO2 emissions - on the track and on the road.

People Are So Very Confused

Well it is legal.  The car comes with a NY State Title.  The vehicle was imported by the good old USA.  When a government official lives in a certain area for a certain amount of time they are allowed to purchase a vehicle.  When they return home, they have the option to bring their vehicle back with them and are given the needed paperwork.  This is what was told to me.  From other sources I have talked to, this seems to check out.  This particular car came from Japan on a Army plane, so I was told.

UPDATE :Something I did not notice, it shows a substitute for US VIN plate. The plate looks correct, but the chassis/VIN number does not show up in my records of cars.  Correct information, could actually help this guy out on a sale, rather than some weird reason.


Wow that's a new way to import.  I didn't know government officials were given a free pass. This is another classic case of people hearing bits and pieces of information, and then twisting those little bits of information to fit themselves.  Coming over on an ARMY plane, must make it legal.  Or, so he was told it came over on an ARMY plane.  I highly doubt this car has ever been on a plane, or an ARMY plane. Anything is possible, but it seems like to me, that if the military did move it, they would use something normal, like a ship.
As close as I can get to a “government official” being allowed a vehicle is as a temporary import, which is legal.
A non-resident of the US may import a car for a period not to exceed one year, however they can not sell the car in the US. Box 5 HS-7  So, that ones out.
A Diplomat or member of an organization designated under the international organizations immunities act can import a vehicle for personal use during the importers tour of duty. It has to be exported at the end of the tour of duty unless sold to another person who is eligible to import a vehicle under this exemption. Box 6 HS-7. So unless the guy selling it is a diplomat and selling it to another diplomat that one is out too.
There's more, member of the armed services of a FOREIGN country. That is someone from a country, that is not the US, importing a car for personal use while on duty in the US. It must be exported at the end of the importers tour of duty. Box 12, HS-7
So that about ends the temporary imports for government officials. Just because you write it, doesn’t mean that its legal, or that it was done legally.  This is so true in the car importing world. Most people are ignorant of the laws, and either intentionally or unintentionally violate importation laws.
The asking price of $110,000 is a little out there. With the current market, the current going ons in the Nissan Skyline world, the $32k bid doesn’t sound too bad or too far off for a state legal car like this.
Source : Freshalloy , and Ebay

EPA Kit Car Policy

This post is about the EPA’s stand on Kit Cars and the importation of vehicle parts, and assemblages of vehicle parts.There is also some information on what the NHTSA/DOT defines as vehicle parts. 

The following represents a clarification of EPA's policy concerning the regulation of imported and domestically produced kit cars and kit car packages. Kit vehicles are understood by EPA to typically involve new bodies, used drivetrains and new or used chassis. Used components may or may not be refurbished. This policy applies to kits or assembled kit cars only. This policy does not apply to regular production vehicles offered for importation into or produced in the United States.

This only applies to kits or assembled kits. The next part is important.

The production, sale and importation of vehicle parts (engines, transmissions, chassis, vehicle bodies, etc.) are not regulated by EPA because parts are not considered motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act. However if the parts constitute a disassembled vehicle or an approximate disassembled vehicle, the combination is considered a motor vehicle under the Clean Air Act. Any attempt to use this policy to circumvent the Clean Air Act or the Imports regulations will be considered a violation of the Clean Air Act and will be strictly enforced. An example of such circumvention is:

• A kit car maker who also provides the engine and transmission before or after production/importation of the body/chassis.

The next question is: what constitutes a disassembled vehicle or an approximate disassembled vehicle ?  Is a used fender an approximate disassembled vehicle ? Is a front clip an approximate disassembled vehicle ?  Is a transmission illegal to import because it can be used in a vehicle ?  There is no absolute definition, as the NHTSA/DOT has for importation.

The NHTSA /DOT is very clear on what they constitute as a motor vehicle under importation laws. http://vehicleimport.blogspot.com/2007/12/importation-and-certification-faq-all.html

If a vehicle is shipped without its engine and drive train, it would be treated, for importation purposes, not as a motor vehicle but instead as an assemblage of motor vehicle equipment items. In this instance, the vehicle would be entered under Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration form, which covers motor vehicle equipment not covered by a standard, or manufactured before the date that an applicable standard takes effect. Any items included in the assemblage that are subject to an FMVSS (brake hoses, brake fluid, glazing, lighting equipment, seat belt assemblies, tires, rims) that were not manufactured to comply with the applicable standard, and/or were not so certified by their original manufacturer, must be removed from the assemblage and exported or destroyed before entry.

No engine, no drive train, and any items with the parts meeting FMVSS, the parts are legal to import.

So the real questions get back to the EPA’s policy on what exactly is parts, and what exactly constitutes an approximate disassembled vehicle.

Importing a large group of parts, and then building a road vehicle from those parts, does not make the parts a “kit car” even though people like to defer to that term. Its used by a lot of people, and states to describe cars that people have home built, or specially constructed vehicles.

Individual states handle the titling of specialty constructed, or home built vehicles. It is out of the EPA’s hands by that point. The Clean Air Act requires some states and areas to have an emissions testing program, but not every state or area requires it. There are even areas in California that smog testing is not required annually.

 

Source :http://www.epa.gov/OMS/imports/kitcar.htm  and Vehicle Import Information