Change to green.

Gone are the days of surfing Formula 1 sites, and taking in the latest developments, forming dream teams, hoping for the entry of other manufacturers (specifically Porsche) and getting excited at the idea of new drivers joining the ranks. Hell, even watching the races on TV is not something I give priority to anymore. The 2010 Spanish GP was the only race I missed since the 2001 San Marino GP. I'm surprised at myself for not realising this sooner. But then, F1 was so goddamn interesting back then. The highlight was 2004, the streak of red across the racing seasons for the past 5 years. And then it collapsed. Full credit to Alonso, behind that cranky, cribby exterior, he's probably the only guy to take the fight to Schumi and hold back the multiple time F1 world champion, apart from being probably the only driver on the grid who grabs any car by the scruff of the neck and drags it 10 places ahead of his teammate (ala Renault 08 and 09). Right, I got carried away.

My point is, I've had enough of seeing fast cars and cutting-edge technology going around a closed circuit. I've also had enough of scouring he internet for more information of the said technologies, not just for the track, but for the road; though that hasn't past me by yet. I now am more keen on delving deep into technologies that can be used in automobiles - that actually make a difference in the real world. And I find myself fascinated even more than I imagined. Technologies like FIAT's MultiAir, VW's TSI and BMW adoption of twin-scroll turbos - single words I'm familiar with, but when put together, get my eyes and ears to open wide.

A group of German and Swiss scientists once stated that there isn't any such phenomenon as global warming - well, the globe is getting warmer without a doubt, but the term is quite misleading from the factors that have been put behind it. They say, and I strongly believe as well, that any source of heat and light will burn brightest and be at it's hottest, before actually dying. The sun, with it's multi-billion year lifespan too, is approaching it's end. True, it will be at least a few million years before it turns into a white dwarf, but the dying process has begun, and it is expected to only get hotter still. And no, choosing a Prius over a Range Rover won't help in any way, it will only make things worse, for you I mean - for having chosen a plastic battery car with two balloons up front, over a rigid home on wheels with it's own multi-camera security system.

Anyway, now I want to push for, create and spread the awareness of simple alternative fuels to anyone who is prepared to listen. It kills me inside to think that Europe's on E85 and we're happily accepting E10, NOW. Ethanol-blended petrol and biodiesel are fossil-fuel savers, while hydrogen fuel cells are only expensive now, because of unthinkably low volumes. Once economies-of-scale kick in, the ball will really start rolling. So all I'm saying is manufacturers need to step-up and kick the ball. There are so many possibilities in just combining simple existing technologies into one complex technology that works just as well, if not better, while at the same time reducing consumption, emissions and operating costs, and delivering a much better power output, and greater levels of refinement. Simple example - Mercedes-Benz. Their current Indian model range features the S350 CDI and the E250 CDI. The S features the 3.0L V6 CRDi diesel making 210bhp and 490Nm (detuned from the global standard of 228bhp/540Nm - which the E350 CDI in India has, surprisingly.) The E250 CDI is equipped with the BiTurbo 2.2L Inline 4, which though a tad too rough, makes 201bhp and 500Nm - more than the 3.0L. My point is this - if we replace massive 4.0L V8 petrols and 3.0L V6 diesels with a Twin-Turbo V4, or Inline 4 for that matter, it works out just fine. You want smoothness - adopt a few more cylinders. No capacity is too less - remember Ferrari's 2.9L V8 in the F40?? Was a hit, right? Audi, as always, has taken the initiative of replacing their big, trademark 4.2 V8 FSi motor with a new 3.0L V6 TFSI motor - that is available in two tunes - 270bhp (replacing the old 3.0 TFSI) and 333bhp - to replace the 345bhp 4.2L V8. Forward? I think so.

The Germans, however, are definitely leading the way for forced induction now, but I don't expect them to downsize their engines too much. Yes, 4.2L to 3.0L (Audi) or 5.0L/4.8L to 4.4L (BMW) is as much I will expect for now. The new M5 won't be a looker, but it will be a performer. However, I expect the Koreans or the Japanese to adopt that magical 1.2L 4-inline 4-turbo layout that redefines specific output. I have in my head an engine design, that isn't adopted as yet, but it is possible that some Jap or German has already thought up. Implementation - that's what I'm waiting for. A concept is only as good.

With a majority of delusional freak shows occupying our roads, I must agree with Volvo, and the Germans' views - let the car do the driving, unless you really like driving. That's why there's the "M" button, right Sir Jeremy?

All Stepped Out

Dreams shattered...

Smoke's cleared...

Vision's blurred...

Path's disappeared...

No other way to go,
I keep walking forward..

Glance left, glance right,
I walk on alone, into the night.
I thought they shone for me, I said,
looking at the stars and their light..

Blinded by the darkness..
Even more by the light..
I can't see myself anymore,
Only hope I win this fight.

Arz kiya hai..

Here's the work of a budding shayar who should've been nipped in the bud before he got this bad... :P

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Arz kiya hai..

Itni pyar thi mujhe gaadiyon se,
roz sapne mein aati thi ek Pagani Zonda..

Itni pyar thi mujhe gaadiyon se,
roz sapne mein aati thi ek Pagani Zonda..


Paise jhaad pe nahi ugta,
le liya maine ek chotisi Honda..

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Pyaar aur bewafai ki yaadein hum bhul paate nahi...

Pyaar aur bewafai ki yaadein hum bhul paate nahi...


Fevicol ka mazbut jod hai, tootega nahi...

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Kaash tum iss waqt the mere paas..

Kaash tum iss waqt the mere paas..


Sprite, bujhaye only pyaas, baaki all bakwaas..

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Sirf tumne life ko bana di wonderful...

Sirf tumne life ko bana di wonderful...


Amul doodh. Piyo glassful!

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Un dono ko saath dekhkar,
meri saari duniya ho gayi khatam...

Un dono ko saath dekhkar,
meri saari duniya ho gayi khatam...


Rock bottom! Rock bottom!!

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Is umar mein hume yaad aati hai school...

Is umar mein hume yaad aati hai school...


Navratna tel. Thanda. Thanda. Cool. Cool!
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Dosti mein tum jo kuch bhi karo,
sab chal jaayega..

Dosti mein tum jo kuch bhi karo,
sab chal jaayega..

Chahe order kuch bhi karo,
Paila kabab aayega!

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Is duniya mein,
life ban gayee hai ek game...

Is duniya mein,
life ban gayee hai ek game...


Shame, shame,
puppy shame...


WAH! WAH!! More on Facebook. :)

Post #2

THE TIMES OF DREAMLAND

Fueling a green revolution

Pune, India

April 19th, 2010

With spiralling fuel prices, and inevitable exhaustion of natural gas, this was only waiting to happen. With the arrival of HUMMER in India, the company's corporate headquarters have implemented a massive cultivation drive just beyond the assembly facility in Chakan, on the outskirts of Pune.

The cultivation project, called "E100" by the company, aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels altogether. The entire process has commenced on newly acquired agricultural land spread over 500 acres. The produce type is simple - sugarcane and jatropha - the key blends for petrol and diesel powered vehicles. The aim of this project is simply to produce as large reserves of ethanol and biodiesel as physically possible.

Bio-ethanol, or E85, currently supported by HUMMER's gasoline engines is basically a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. The aim is to develop a successful blend - successful in the sense that it can be used without any petrol blend in the very near future, eliminating the need for petrol all together. Emission control devices can more successfully deal with these blends rather than regular petroleum products. Similarly, with bio-diesel, or simply put, blended vegetable oil, a diesel engine can run to it's full performance level while adequately processing the changed fuel qualities.

The cost factor involved is startling, to say the least. The initial phase will seem heavy for the promoters, but as the volumes pick up, things will all just settle themselves out.

You may ask how this makes sense. But then consider the carbon footprint. It is less than half, or probably more, of the carbon footprint of battery-powered cars. This may seem a small-scale project overall, but with all major automakers adopting these techniques globally, we aren't too far from a cleaner, and greener tomorrow.

Morning News

THE TIMES OF DREAMLAND

HUMMER barges into India
Mumbai, India
April 19th, 2010

Uber-SUV manufacturer HUMMER has made a foray into the Indian market with their lineup of ultra-large SUVs. The company spokesperson said at the company mega launch event here at the Bandra-Kurla Complex, that the entire portfolio, ranging from their tamed baby H3 model, to the wild, all-conquering H1 Alpha, have been offered.

After recent tensions over the sale of the brand, it's still unpublicised new owners will make sure that they never again have to deal with issues relating to efficiency, environmental impact and, most of all, brand security. They have cemented their words with the launch of new engines as well as major modifications to the existing lineup to ensure compatibility with the most stringent emission norms and NVH restrictions.

The H1 - the one that started it all, is back with a bang, intact with that powerhouse 6.6L V8 engine, now featuring common-rail direct injection and twin turbochargers - one turbo for each cylinder bank. The head of engineering said, "A sequential turbo setup was not required as the engine peaks at very low speeds, and turbo lag is not an issue." Not an issue is right, for the new engine makes 440bhp at just 3000rpm - a huge improvement from the earlier 300bhp. Torque is truly gargantuan, with 1032Nm available all the way from 1250rpm until 2500rpm. Of this, 40% is available from idle - which is still 412Nm! Power is transferred via a 6-speed manual transmission with their renowned range-selectable all-time four-wheel-drive with throttle-brake modulation, which is now even more effective. Also on offer is a newly-developed 8-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) Automatic option mated to the newly-introduced dual clutch system with automatically controlled torque distribution. The equipment list doesn't end there as this engine is also fitted as standard with a Diesel Particulate Filter and eight (8!) catalytic converters that make this engine Euro 5 compliant apart from making it near-zero emission.

Also on offer is a new tri-turbo V8 engined petrol option. This newly developed 5-litre V8 features direct injection, and three turbo chargers - one small turbo per bank for bottom and mid range boost, and one large turbo for higher engine speeds for top-end boost. All these put together mean a power output of 526bhp at 5000rpm and torque output of 710Nm from 2000rpm until 3800rpm. This engine is fully E85 capable and can run regular unleaded as well. Transmission options are the same as the diesel variant, and this is a good thing as the system remains relatively unstressed as the torque output of the petrol unit is a good 31% lower than the mad diesel motor. This engine too, is Euro 5 compliant with a truly unbelievable 198gm/km of CO2.


The H2 is launched in a new avatar. And for the very first time, comes with a diesel engine. This slightly tamed HUMMER now features a 4.0-litre V8 common-rail direct injection with a tri-turbo setup and hence delivers a shove like nothing else. (Apart from the H1 of course..) 280 huge horses come charging at 4000rpm, while 660Nm of turning force begins the tarmac shoveling process at 1800rpm, up until 2500rpm. This one too, is equipped with a DPF and 8 catalytic converters. Needless to say, it is Euro 5 compliant and an almost zero-emission vehicle.

The petrol variant borrows the V8 engine, but without the tri-turbo setup, instead opting for just the large unit. No disappointment as this version has an output of 476bhp at 5000rpm and makes 643Nm between 2700 and 3800rpm. Again, the 6-speed manual option and the 8-speed CVT Automatic with the smart all-wheel-drive system find their place here - on both, the petrol and diesel models. This is the H2 the world was waiting for.


The H3, the baby of the group, is now positioned as the green HUMMER that is part of the life of the active family, the ride of choice for every family member and the one whose keys are always snatched if ever found. And it truly is.. The new H3 is a hugely practical vehicle for every need imaginable. Yes, it still is much bigger than the largest of the large family SUVs out there, but it makes good use of it's size with some finer details that make it worth every penny, and at the same time, justify every mm of it's hugeness. Loaded with all the entertainment features, and three proper full size rows, this is one good bargain. Engine options feature an all new 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 petrol making 285bhp at 5200rpm and 385Nm of torque between 3000 and 4000rpm. There's also a very unique 2.9L tri-turbo common-rail direct injection diesel engine with 250bhp at 4000rpm and a more-than-ample 562Nm of torque from 1600-2800rpm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, or the 8-speed CVT Automatic. All variants feature the smart all-wheel-drive system.

So there you have it, the entire portfolio of the long-awaited HUMMER brand are now available in India through a 6 dealer network which is ever-increasing. Bookings have already commenced. The cars will come in as CKD kits and will be assembled at the HUMMER facility at Chakan, on the outskirts of Pune. This means that the pricing is very competitive, to say the least, as the competition offers all models which are CBU. The basic model of the H3, with manual transmission is available for Rs. 28.5 lakhs ex-showroom Pune, with the brand flagship, the H1 Alpha model available for Rs. 90 lakhs ex-showroom Pune.

The future is now...

The future isn't coming anymore.. It's here already. Hybrid cars, emission standards, biofuels and the like are growing exponentially. Yet, here, our country lags behind in it's views. Not everyone mind you, just those who have the power to change things.

How hard is it to have a dedicated area of production for jatropha, sugarcane and other vegetable oil. Bio diesel is the one of the best future fuels, or rather, alternative fuels. Forget cars running on water and air, the concept is not new, yes, but it isn't feasible for mass production, yet. That could be a distant memory very soon, or they could be seen within every distance.

In a recent interview with a reputed magazine, the CEO of a reputed Japanese automobile manufacturer stated, "In India, the government does not see any advancements in technology as the main criteria. They only care about the size of the engine (1.5L diesel) even if the technology is 20 years old." From the horses mouth I would say.

It is a well known fact that 1.6L diesels are the rage in Europe - they are super-efficient and extremely clean, not to mention quite powerful. Ford, Hyundai, Volvo and many more manufacturers have fantastic 1.6L diesel engines and quite a few practical small car options, which they cannot bring here because our norms state a small car is "defined" as any automobile under 4000mm in length with an engine capacity of 1.2L petrol and 1.5L diesel. Screw that I say. Might I remind you that those 1.6L diesel in European cars are waaay more efficient and powerful than these piddly 1.2L petrols on offer in India. Put all the variable valve timing and variable intake systems you want, they're still horribly underpowered. Now if they can only strap on a turbo or two. What do the norms say about that? 1.2L petrol - quad turboed to 140bhp - not bad IMHO. Staring at the sun does not mean your seeing the light. Seeing the light actually means looking away from the sun, doofuses all.

PUCs are a joke. You give a guy on a 2002 Bajaj Caliber a 3 month pass cos his emissions are 2.5% over the limit prescribed. As the fool writes the numbers and signs it before he staples it in it's "plastic" protection cover - there have probably been 4 BSII PMT buses having passed by belching soot particles from their poorly processed diesel fuel as it passed through an indirect injection compression ignition internal combustion engine that needed service a decade ago. No, he didn't even look up, as he coughed while he stapled the little yellow paper into a plastic shroud, to notice the relative irony in all of it.

Traffic sense has gone to the dogs, and donkey and cattle. I have seen, with my own eyes, dogs, donkeys, cattle and all sorts of other animals look both ways before they cross the street. People have no traffic sense anymore. I, at times, picture barbed wire fences or Contra/Doom/Quake style spikes shoot up from the ground forming a barricade after the red light has showed face. But no, no one even considers another person. You're not the only person on the face of the earth. How I wish I could run down all those fools goin "trips" on a Splendor, at night, headlights off, the wrong way, on a one way street.. No, cos I'd be in trouble for following the rules as the guy we hit has an uncle who knows the friend of the brother of the cousin of the traffic cop who just stopped me for questioning.

It's come to a state where money doesn't make the world go round anymore. The world is slowing down. And when it does come to a stop, my dear Autocar, no number of Bentley Arnages will be enough to make it spin again.

I'd like to say "the future I feared, is the past I've forgotten", but the present just past reminds me there's more to come...

Untitled

Just words. I decided to start writing this because I haven't done anything on this blog for a while. Hopefully this will turn out into something worthwhile, something more than words. Because words are only one tiny bit of expression. How many time have we felt things that we couldn't find words to express.

Everyday is a learning experience. I always think of something I learnt today, call it a South Park thing like Stan and Kyle do, or just accept the fact that it can be true - not for everyone though. Some people never learn. But those that do, will know exactly what I'm talking about. For those who care enough to be aware of how their time is spent, will surely discover something they never have before. It may be something as minute as knowing that a tiny bolt holds up a major component, which is in turn the single most important part which maintains integrity. It can be realising something substantial, from something that seems inconsequential. It may also be simply huge.

I pay attention to detail. I believe what they say - God is in the details. Sure the big things matter - but only so much. Again, everyone has their own opinon, and they're entitled to express it. Let it also be clear that expression doesn't necessarily lead to acceptance. I pity those who refuse to see the other side of the coin - and pity even more, those who think it is JUST a coin. It so could be a square. Two more sides the little fool is unaware of only because the corner is right in front of him - and all he can see is the two sides - maybe they're not the two sides that he wants to see, but nonetheless, that's the only view he has - well, views. The other two are still there, even though they can't be seen. Seeing what's around the corner means venturing far enough to reach the limit of one side, and then realise there's another corner. The same for the other side.

And when you think of a square, it's only fitting to consider a cube. Drop to your knees, crouch, and you may see the fifth plane. Once you have, jump. Jump as high as you can, and you may see the sixth. That's the brilliance of being open to perspectives - they're always there, you just need to consider them - and not necessarily accept them.

All this has made me realise an important thing for me. You see, I learnt something today. (Maybe more than just one something) I learnt that if you stand still, you're bound to see what you see. But if you make a move, and decide you want to go somewhere, anywhere, something out of the way is bound to happen. It's only natural. I'm happy this turned out to be more than just a bunch of words. If you read it, and it meant something, my effort was worth it. If it didn't mean anything to you, it's still worth it, cos it sure means something to me that it could mean something for someone else.

Random quote from The Mask (episode featuring Chronos): "It's 13 o'clock, do you know where you're kids are?" Makes sense? To me, it does. If it doesn't, try another perspective.. :P

And, I just thought of a title..