Aston Martin in the Racing World
Posted by in Aston Martin on June 30, 2011
Manufacturers of luxury or sports cars sell their cars almost entirely based on one factor: image. They have plenty of ways of promoting this, but one of the best ones is to pit their cars, engines and teams against the car, engine and team of another manufacturer. This is why you find so many of the luxury car manufacturers creating racing models as well, be they F1, LeMan, Autosport or whichever other competitions happen to take their fancy.
Aston Martin have a history of engaging in racing as their founder co-created versions of their cars to compete in the French Grand Prix as early as 1922, setting speed and endurance records on the track. It’s not surprising that such successes bore them on to competing in more races whilst also making people aware of, and interested in, their cars.
When people saw them winning races they wanted one themselves, which was one of the first instances of a car creating an image for itself that people wanted to buy in to. Who wouldn’t want one of the fastest cars available at the time?
This racing streak was continued after World War II when David Brown Limited bought the company in 1947. The models produced during this period, the world famous DBs, all won plenty of races for the company, bringing in prize money but, more importantly, demonstrating just how fast, slick and cool the cars really were.
By the time the 80s hit, not only were they doing just fine in the races but they were entering but the company was sponsoring All Aston Martin Owners racing events too, making sure that anybody who had bought one of their cars because of its speed had plenty of chances to put it to good use. Unfortunately, financial troubles saw the mid-eighties losing Aston Martins on the racing circuit, returning briefly and with limited success towards the end of the decade. This sad state of affairs continued through the nineties and early 2000s.
Until 2005.
Under the management of Ford it was announced that a new division was to be created, Aston Martin Racing, which would oversee Aston martin’s return to motor racing. They’ve enjoyed success since then, entering heavily modified versions of their standard cars into various touring races. There are even plans to enter Formula 1, something which is sure to kick up more interest in the brand. There were two previous attempts by Aston Martin to enter F1, but both ended with the company failing to score any points in any races. Read the rest of this entry »
2012 Buick Regal Review
Posted by in Aston Martin on June 30, 2011
As the 2012 Buick Regal is expected to hit local retailers in 2011, fans of the series can expect some notable changes to this brand new model to keep things fresh and to respond to the changing needs of the market. Already, the Buick Regal 2012 model is already getting a lot of comparison with the earlier model releases. It is therefore important to look specifically into what are the features incorporated here that will differentiate it from other mid-size sedans currently out in the market.
The use of chrome grille on the body of the 2012 Regal is one of its most striking features right off the bat. However, it still exhibits that same style inspired by the GS and Gran Sport models of the past. The 19-inch alloy wheels will also come with spare tires and all season tires to ensure that this vehicle can handle wear and tear. Meanwhile, the new body dimension for this model currently measures at 73.1 inches in width, 190.2 inches in length, and about 107.8 inches for its wheelbase. There are also a few more helpful features included in the vehicle such as variable intermittent wipers, power glass sunroof, and a rear defogger.
The Buick Regal 2012, as expected, is a high performance vehicle because of its 455 cubic inch V8 engine. It is therefore comparable in terms of power with that of the old school models. But nonetheless, you will be pleased with the default engine option, which is a 2.0-liter I-4 engine. The previous engine option of seven-and-a-half liter was already phased out by the manufacturers. The new engine that is available for the 2012 Regal is turbocharged; hence it has the ability to produce a maximum of 255 horsepower that is able to accelerate to as much as 60 mph within approximately 7seconds.
The Buick Regal 2012 engine takes its cues from the 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec inline four engines that combine variable valve timing and direct injection for a more efficient driving experience. The 3-inch exhaust system is also available for this engine to reduce the amount of back pressure exerted while driving. If you want more driving power, then there is no need to worry since this model can deliver just that with up to 295 lb-ft torque to ensure optimum acceleration capacity. It is no wonder why this sedan is being dubbed as one of the most powerful of its kind.
Consumers will also be pleased with the improved handling system in the 2012 Buick Regal. Its use of four-wheel independent suspension along with an electronically adjustable Interactive Drive Control system delivers more efficiency when driving, regardless of the surface or driving condition. Other notable features that contribute to better handling include the highly responsive steering wheel, tight suspension, and dynamic driving technology. Read the rest of this entry »