Building and Maintaining Race Cars

Race cars are increasing in popularity. Events like NASCAR races are garnering the same pop culture status as conventionally "cool" scenes such as clubs or concerts, in many circles. Celebrities go to races, and regular people from mainstream society just naturally follow along.

Among car enthusiasts, the pull is even stronger. It seems that every amateur mechanic who owns a car that could conceivably be used to race wants to do so. Some people convert their cars to sports cars by changing the engines. DIY race car enthusiasts often say if it has an engine, someone will try to race it. Building and maintaining race cars is not exactly an easy task, as it involves a lot of things. Before you decide to build your own race car, you have to have a sufficient amount of knowledge regarding cars in general.

The following steps can be useful in building and maintaining race cars:
 

First, you have to set out a budget. For you to have an idea on how much it will cost you to build your own race car, you have to visit car show rooms as well as auto shops that sell engines and other things that you will need to build one.

If your goal is to compete in racing events, you have to find out the rules and regulations of the racing class you prefer. You have to know if the kind of car you choose will be accepted in the specific class.
 

If you don't have one yet, buy a basic car that runs properly. If your main purpose is to race, then it is not necessary for the car to pass the smog test. However, it would still be better if it did, as this greatly affects the environment.
 

Strip the car's interior, but make sure to abide by the rules of your racing class. Remember that a lighter car means a faster car.
 

Buy racing equipment. This includes racing seats, a roll cage, a five-point harness and other items of safety. Invest in good racing tires and a high-performing engine, if you can afford it.
 

Assemble the car and ask someone who has more experience to help you out to make sure that you do it properly.

Building and maintaining race cars is not exactly an easy job, but with the right equipment and the necessary knowledge, you can easily accomplish this task by yourself.

MINI Clubvan Concept

Mini has releases photos and details for the Clubvan concept, which will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Three variants will be offered with three different engine options: the Mini One Clubvan with the basic 72kW/153Nm 1.6-litre petrol engine, the more powerful 90kW/160Nm Mini Cooper Clubvan, and the Mini Cooper D Clubvan, which gets the 82kW/270Nm 1.6-litre diesel engine and promises combined cycle fuel economy of just 3.9 litres per 100km.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard in all three models while the MINI Cooper D Clubvan can be had with a six-speed automatic as an option. The Clubvan model will launch with four paint shades: Pepper White, Ice Blue, British Racing Green metallic, and Midnight Black metallic. Standard wheels are in a 15-inch sizing, but buyers can choose from larger 16- and 17-inch upgrades.

The dimensions of the Clubvan are identical to the 3961mm long, 1683mm wide and 1426mm high Clubman. It is the seventh member of the current Mini line-up but the first new-generation Mini to be classified as a commercial vehicle, meaning business buyers can claim back VAT.





Press Release

More space for style: The MINI Clubvan Concept. Compact lifestyle van for business and leisure – First concept of its kind in the premium segment – World premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012.

Munich/Geneva. Stand-out-from-the-crowd style can also be amazingly practical – and practicality surprisingly attractive. The MINI Clubvan Concept brings apparently conflicting profiles together into a single package, paving the way for an innovative vehicle concept without parallel in the premium small car segment. The MINI Clubman-based concept car, scheduled for its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012, combines the driving fun for which MINI is renowned with increased load-carrying capability. The MINI experience will therefore find its way into new areas of life, the brand’s distinctive character gaining new popularity among target groups not previously on the MINI radar.

The closed-off load area behind the front seats and the opaque rear side windows of the new concept set it apart most strikingly from the MINI Clubman. The MINI Clubvan Concept uses its broader skill-set to open up new usage possibilities – both business and leisure. Where a business’s customers, product range and operating environment demand a particular style for its vehicles, a premium model can make the perfect delivery solution. For example, a car in the mould of the MINI Clubvan Concept would fit excellently into the fleet of a fashion designer, art gallery owner or event caterer. And its abilities as an all-rounder also tick the right boxes for a photographer with a stack of camera, tripod and lighting equipment to ferry around during the week – and bulky sports and leisure gear to pile on board at the weekend.

The MINI Clubvan Concept pulls off the trick of blending enhanced practicality and a well-judged lifestyle focus with natural ease. This ability is based on the impressive adaptability that goes to the heart of the MINI brand’s heritage. Calls for maximising the load capacity of the classic Mini began as early as 1960, just a year after the car’s birth. And they were soon heeded. With its 10-centimetre-longer wheelbase, separate load compartment and split rear doors, the Morris Mini Van was perfectly equipped for commercial use. It also provided the basis for the fully glazed, four-seat Morris Mini Traveller, one of the precursors of today’s successful MINI Clubman. And so, more than 50 years on, the MINI Clubvan Concept sees history repeating itself – albeit in a slightly different order.

Two seats, five doors, endless usage potential.

Limiting the car to two seats creates the capacity its owners will need on a day-to-day basis, as well as opening up a whole new world of customisation potential. The load compartment of the MINI Clubvan Concept embodies the car’s fresh and rigorous interpretation of the principle used in the classic Mini – of providing the maximum amount of interior space on the smallest possible footprint. The load area reaches from the split rear doors right up to the partition grille behind the two seats. The totally level floor makes full use of the interior’s depth, and that allows the concept car’s load capacity to exceed the maximum achieved by the MINI Clubman.

Six attachment loops recessed into the load compartment floor use elasticated straps to hold items of varying lengths, heights and widths in place – without the risk of them sliding around. Added to which, the partition grille, which is fixed securely to the car body, ensures that items stowed in the load compartment cannot find their way into the front seats, even under extremely heavy braking. The lower section of the partition is made from solid aluminium, while the upper section consists of a silver-coloured stainless steel honeycomb grating. The side walls and floor of the load compartment are trimmed in high-quality anthracite-coloured cloth. The anthracite roof liner, meanwhile, extends along the full length of the interior. This uniform colour scheme emphasises the pure-bred, practicality-oriented character of the MINI Clubvan Concept.

Like the MINI Clubman, the MINI Clubvan Concept is a five-door car with a twist. Two front doors for the driver and front passenger, two side-hinged doors at the rear and the rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side create comfortable access to the interior. The Clubdoor gives owners the option of loading or unloading smaller items from the side of the car as well as the rear.

The generous levels of space on board the concept car can be exploited in a variety of ways. Commercial users will be particularly pleased to discover the scope for configuring the load compartment to personal requirements. For example, tools and goods can be stored neatly and securely in made-to-measure drawers or shelving units. 12-volt plug sockets in the rear area of the load compartment provide additional practicality.

Exterior design: shields from prying eyes, cuts a distinctive figure.

Impressive practicality and the brand’s time-honoured style lend the MINI Clubvan Concept its unmistakable character. Sharing the exterior dimensions of the MINI Clubman and boasting cleverly increased storage capacity, the concept car is the first premium model in the small car-based van segment. The exterior appearance of the MINI Clubvan Concept marks it out immediately as a MINI – and therefore as a premium product. The function-led design modifications have no impact on the car’s proportions and hallmark MINI design language, but they do give customers the opportunity to combine the demands of commercial use with an appreciation of individual style.

The MINI Clubvan Concept comes with British Racing Green exterior paintwork, which extends to the roof, C-pillars and exterior mirror caps. As is usual for vehicles charged with transportation tasks, the rear side windows of the MINI Clubvan Concept are opaque. Polycarbonate sections – their outer surfaces painted in the car’s body colour – and heavily tinted glass for the rear doors make it difficult to see into the load compartment.

The unbroken paintwork along the car’s flanks offers extensive scope for individualisation, which the MINI Clubvan Concept highlights to eye-catching effect. The sealed side windows bear the logo of a sign design company based in the MINI’s native Great Britain. The hand-applied graphics lend the vehicle a personal look. Indeed, the ultra-versatile MINI carries both its cargo and the company’s promotional message with a uniquely stylish verve. The MINI Clubvan Concept presented in Geneva lends this form of customisation a piquant authenticity – on two fronts. The British company that has literally left its stamp on the MINI Clubvan Concept creates similar vehicle graphics for its customers. And the MINI Clubvan Concept showcases how these might look when applied to a MINI van.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition

Jeep has released the 2012 Wrangler Freedom Edition. will be available in red, white, or blue.

Wrangler Freedom Edition is based on the Sport model, and is available as a two-door Wrangler or four-door Wrangler Unlimited model. Power comes from the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Freedom Jeep comes with 17-inch mineral gray wheels, a mineral gray grille, front and rear bumper inserts and body-color wheel arches and side steps. It also has black tail lamp guards, a Mopar fuel-filler door and a soft top with tinted windows.

On the inside, the Wrangler Freedom Edition features black seats with rugged tectonic fabric, an “Oscar Mike” logo embroidered on the seat backs, French Silver accent stitching throughout, and “Quick Silver” accents on the front grab handles, door pulls, and dash vent rings. The leather-wrapped steering wheel receives Satin Chrome spokes while Jeep will toss in a set of Mopar Slush Mats.

Two-door models start at $29,090 and four-door models start at $31,595.

Press Release

New 2012 Jeep® Wrangler Freedom Edition Debuts as Tribute to U.S. Military Members

• New Wrangler Freedom edition harkens back to Jeep brand's military roots

• Red, White and Blue Wrangler Freedom edition now available in Jeep showrooms

• All 2012 Jeep Wrangler models powered by 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 285 horsepower, with fuel economy up to 21 mpg

• $250 from each Wrangler Freedom edition sold to be donated to military charities

• Chrysler Group LLC offers a $500 cash allowance to eligible consumers through its ‘Military Bonus Consumer Cash' program

• Jeep Wrangler sales up 34 percent in 2012 with all-time record in May

June 29, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - More than 70 years ago, the U.S. government informed automakers that it was looking for a "light reconnaissance vehicle" for military use. Willys-Overland quickly created the Willys Quad - which became the Willys MA and MB - but the Army, and the world, came to know the vehicle that would help win a world war as the Jeep®.

As a tribute to U.S. military members past and present, the Jeep brand has created the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition. Available in red, white or blue, the new Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition features a military-inspired star decal on the hood and rear quarter panels, along with an "Oscar Mike" (military jargon for "on the move") fender badge.

Jeep will donate $250 from each Wrangler Freedom Edition it sells to charities that benefit U.S. military members. Specifically, funds will be split between the Fisher House Foundation and the I Support Foundation. Fisher House Foundation provides a "home away from home" for military families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury, while the I Support Foundation provides resources to troops returning home - such as jobs and various healthcare needs - and issues grants to 40 charities that provide valuable services to U.S. veterans.

"The Jeep brand has a long, renowned history that began with its significant presence and success within the U.S. military," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Jeep - and particularly the Wrangler - is the icon for capability and durability, and is a true symbol of American freedom. The new Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition is created in honor of Jeep's one-of-a-kind history, and as a tribute to all of the brave men and women who have and continue to serve in the U.S. military.

"It is with both pride in our history and gratitude to all those who have served that we have chosen to donate $250 from each Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition to be divided between these important charitable organizations that benefit current and returning military members," Manley added.

Chrysler Group LLC also offers a $500 cash allowance to military members that may be applied toward the retail purchase or lease of an eligible Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck or FIAT vehicle. Eligible consumers include active military, active military reserve, retired military (honorable discharge and 20 years of service required), and retired military reserve (honorable discharge and 20 years of service required).

The new 2012 Wrangler Freedom edition is now available in Jeep showrooms.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition

The new limited-edition 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom model is based on the best-selling Sport model, and is available as a two-door Wrangler or four-door Wrangler Unlimited model. It is offered in three colors only: Deep Cherry Red, Bright White, and new True Blue that for 2012 is exclusive to the Wrangler Freedom edition model.

Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition exterior features include unique Mineral Gray-painted 17-inch alloy wheels borrowed from the Wrangler Rubicon, Mineral Gray-painted grille and front and rear bumper inserts, body-color wheel arches and side steps, prominent "Oscar Mike" star-in-circle fender badges and decals on the hood and rear quarter panels, black sidesteps with matching black tail lamp guards and a Mopar fuel fill door, and a Sunrider soft top with deep-tint rear windows.

Interior treatments on the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition include black seats with rugged tectonic fabric, an "Oscar Mike" logo embroidered on the seat backs in silver stitching, French Silver accent stitching on the steering wheel, doors, seats and front arm rest, and "Quick Silver" accents on the front passenger grab handle, door pulls and dash vent rings. Finishing touches include Satin Chrome spokes on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and Mopar Slush Mats.

Other standard features include power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and UConnect® voice command and connectivity group.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition will be available at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail price of $28,165 for Wrangler two-door models and $30,670 for Wrangler Unlimited four-door models.

2012 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited

Jeep Wrangler - the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world - is even more capable both on- and off-road for 2012, courtesy of an all-new, more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine, and a new automatic transmission - both of which it shares with the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine - winner of the prestigious Ward's 10 Best Engines award - delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, while delivering up to 21 miles per gallon highway in the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The improvement, when compared to the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine, is 40 percent in horsepower and 10 percent in torque.

2012 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a recently redesigned instrument panel and storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are available, and drivers and passengers enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of large rear windows.

2013 Renault Espace

French carmaker Renault plans to extend the life of its fourth generation Espace MPV for at least a year or so with a minor update that brings its front-end styling in line with the rest of the brand while also improving the 7-seater model's environmental and fuel economy credentials.

New Renault Espace features Renault's new styling identity which reasserts the model's personality by ensuring an even more dynamic stance. As is the case with all the brand's new vehicles, the Renault logo is more prominent, more upright and stands out even more clearly against a broad black grille bar which is itself picked out by chrome strips.

Under the hood, two different engines are available. The 2.0-liter dCi has outputs of 130 PS (96 kW / 128 hp), 150 PS (110 kW / 148 hp) and 175 PS (129 kW / 173 hp). When connected to a manual transmission, the engine averages 5.7 L/100km (41.3 mpg US / 49.6 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 150 g/km. With the automatic gearbox, the figures drop to 6.4 L/100km (36.8 mpg US / 44.1 mpg UK) and 169 g/km.

Inside, the luxury Initiale Paris version has been updated with visible stitching for the dashboard and new leather and Alcantara upholstery for the rest of the cabin.





Press Release

New Renault Espace: continuing to define luxury...

Twenty-eight years after the launch of the original, New Renault Espace continues the model's success story which has seen sales exceed 1.2 million units.

New Renault Espace's front-end styling features Renault's new identity for even more dynamic and status-enhancing appeal.

More environmentally-respectful engines for significant fuel consumption and CO2 emissions savings, plus an appreciable reduction in the ‘eco-surtax' applicable in France.

The MPV's pioneer still stands out as the best travelling experience for seven occupants and the model continues to be perfected with the addition of even more technology, including a new reversing camera.
"It was important to restore Espace's appeal and CO2 credentials in what is a very competitive segment," says Laurent Bernard, the Espace Programme's Deputy Director. "The aim is to keep our customers loyal and prepare a smooth build-up to the introduction of the next-generation Espace."

A new styling identity which respects the Espace's inherent iconic appeal

New Renault Espace features Renault's new styling identity which reasserts the model's personality by ensuring an even more dynamic stance. As is the case with all the brand's new vehicles, the Renault logo is more prominent, more upright and stands out even more clearly against a broad black grille bar which is itself picked out by chrome strips.

Other details which accentuate New Espace's more dynamic, status-enhancing looks include new ‘Hurlingham' wheel trims and new ‘Monterey' and ‘Dark Eptius' alloy wheels.

Meanwhile, the elegantly-appointed cabin of the Initiale Paris version has been embellished with visible stitching for the model's hallmark dashboard. The sensation of comfort and wellbeing for all occupants is further emphasised by the leather and Alcantara® upholsteries.

Even greater respect for the environment: CO2 emissions reduced by 20g/km (equivalent to a fuel consumption saving of 0.8 litres/100km) for the diesel version, and by 6g/km (0.3 litres/100km) in the case of the petrol version.

Coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, the 130hp, 150hp and 175hp versions of the 2.0 dCi engine (M9R) emit just 150g of CO2/km* (a saving of 20g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.7 litres/100km* (down 0.8 litres/100km). The state ‘eco-surtax' applicable in France has come down accordingly by €550.

Mated to automatic transmission, the same engines emit 169g of CO2/km* (a saving of 20g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 6.4 litres/100km* (down 0.8 litres/100km). Here again, the ‘eco-surtax' applied by the French state has been reduced by €550.

The 175hp version with manual gearbox delivers the segment's lowest CO2 emissions for its power output.

With the 2.0 dCi engine under the bonnet, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have come down by 1.7 litres/100km and 27g/km respectively over a period of six years since this powerplant became available for Espace in 2006.

In the case of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (F4Rt), CO2 emissions have fallen to 198g/km* (a saving of 6g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 8.5 litres/100km* (down 0.3 litres/100km).

These results were achieved by the engineers' work on:

- Evolutions to the diesel engines: introduction of ESM technology (braking and deceleration energy recovery), a variable displacement oil pump, advanced cooling management and cold loop EGR (exhaust gas recirculation).

- Chassis and running gear improvements: a three-percent improvement in CdA thanks to revised underbody shielding, plus new low rolling resistance tyres and electro-hydraulic power steering.

The MPV's pioneer continues to be perfected

All the strengths that have helped forge Renault Espace's success have been carried over to the latest version, including vast cabin space and a modular layout, as well as a level of comfort and visibility that all occupants will appreciate.

New Renault Espace continues to propose the large seven-seat MPV segment's most occupant-friendly cabin, including seven real seats and a brightly lit interior thanks to a large opening sunroof.

New Renault Espace's upholstery features an innovative textile which repels water- and oil-based liquids. Renault is the first carmaker to propose Teflon® Automotive High Protection textile which protects individual fibres without affecting their appearance, comfort or feel. This innovation is particularly ideal for family vehicles since it prevents stains from becoming incrusted and facilitates the cleaning of upholsteries to ensure they maintain their ‘new' feel durably.

To facilitate manoeuvring and parking, New Renault Espace is available with a reversing camera. The driver benefits from precise indications thanks to a graphic overlay of the vehicle's volumes on the colour image displayed on the screen of the navigation system's screen which is positioned centrally and high up on the dashboard.

Also available for Espace, irrespective of equipment level, is a DVD player complete with two seven-inch screens built into the back of the front head rests. This multimedia feature will delight children and is a factory-fitment in order to ensure an irreproachable quality finish and less risk of theft.

New Renault Espace's equipment list continues with a range of technologies designed to take the stress out of motoring and make life easier for occupants. Standard features for all versions include connected Carminat TomTom Live® navigation system, a hands-free card, an electronic parking brake and comprehensive connectivity (Bluetooth® audio streaming, AUX and USB sockets).

Last but not least, New Renault Espace's cabin layout is as modular as ever thanks to seat rails which enable the seats to be positioned exactly according to the needs of the moment. New Renault Espace's interior can be rearranged at will to guarantee the highest level of comfort for up to seven occupants.

New Renault Espacd, which is manufactured at Renault's Sandouville factory (France), comes with the guarantee of Renault's design, build and dynamic quality, as well as carefully selected materials to maintain the model's status as a modern incarnation of French-made, high-end luxury.