[GoingTooFast]

[GoingTooFast]

Originally Posted by johanness

PS: What's the difference between Kobayashi and you? One has no place in F1, while the other has zero friends.

I think you are very wrong...

Kobayashi on track

Maranello, 28 June – While rain was the main feature of the first day of the British Grand Prix meeting, practically washing out the first free practice session, Kamui Kobayashi was pounding out the laps in Maranello. He had no wet track to contend with – even if the skies above Maranello were a similar hue to those in Silverstone – as he was hard at work in the Ferrari simulator. The Japanese driver is racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship in the AF Corse 458 GT and this was the first time he has sat in the cockpit of the so-called ‘spider’. So this first day was mainly a question of him getting used to the kit, helped by the group of engineers who usually work with the Scuderia drivers.

“It has been an interesting and demanding day,” Kamui told www.ferrari.com. “It was the first time that I’ve worked in a simulator of this type and it was helpful to get used to it in case the team needs me for its development programme in the near future. I was happy to get back into the cockpit of a Formula 1 car, even if it was just in front of a screen: I can’t wait to drive another one for real in Moscow in a few weeks!”

[GoingTooFast]

Good, good vibes...

[GoingTooFast]

ALFA ROMEO 4C MAKES DYNAMIC DEBUT AT 2013 GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED - Press - Fiat Group Automobiles Press

ALFA ROMEO 4C MAKES DYNAMIC DEBUT AT 2013 GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

• The Alfa Romeo 4C will make a dynamic UK debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed
• Members of the public to see the stunning compact supercar in action for the first time
  

Alfa Romeo UK is pleased to announce that the eagerly anticipated Alfa 4C will make its dynamic UK debut at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed (12-14 July). The exclusive ‘Launch Edition' of the compact supercar will be showcased at the prestigious festival's ‘First Glance Class' and will also be seen in action by the public for the very first time as it ascends the famous Hill Climb course.

The ‘Launch Edition' of the Alfa 4C was given its world première at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year where the model was met with critical acclaim. Made in Italy, the Alfa 4C represents the true essence of a sports car, embodying the authentic values of the Alfa Romeo brand: Italian style, performance and technical excellence, offering maximum driving satisfaction in total safety.

Just like its spiritual predecessor, the iconic 33 Stradale, the Alfa 4C is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive, compact sports coupé. Both cars - along with technical displays of the Alfa 4C chassis and gearbox - will feature on the Alfa Romeo Goodwood stand.

The Alfa 4C offers supreme agility with compact dimensions of just under 4m long, 2m wide and 118cm high; also making it incredibly aerodynamic and efficient. Powered by a new all-aluminium, direct-injection, 240hp 1750cc turbo petrol engine, developing 350Nm of torque, the implemented state-of-the-art technical and technological solutions push the Alfa 4C to reach real supercar performance, as demonstrated by a power to weight ratio of more than 250hp per ton.

Combining Launch Control and Alfa's TCT transmission, the Alfa 4C has a top speed in excess of 155mph, a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds, 1.1 of lateral g on corners and 1.25 g of maximum braking deceleration.A new version of the Alfa DNA selector fitted to the 4C will also feature a new Race mode alongside the original three options - Dynamic, Natural and All Weather.

Damien Dally, Head of Brand at Alfa Romeo UK said: "The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a spectacular celebration of motoring drawing automotive enthusiasts from all over the country and even Europe. What better event for the Alfa 4C to make a thrilling UK debut? We can't wait to see the crowd reaction as this fantastic car takes to the famous Hill Climb for the very first time. This will be a Festival of Speed to remember for Alfa Romeo."

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[GoingTooFast]

This is the engine that was used as the base for the Alfa 4C's new more powerful engine which has an aluminum block instead of cast iron:

UNDER THE BONNET - TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION

1750 TBi PETROL ENGINE

Scavenging

The enhanced performance of this continuously variable valve timing engine is the result of applying ‘scavenging technology', maximising torque at very low engine speeds.

This is achieved by monitoring and optimising engine parameters such as fuel measurement, injection timing and spark advance. Managed by a new ECU, it is possible to define the angle and times of valve overlap in order to generate airflow from the inlet manifold to the exhaust manifold and therefore activate the turbocharger very quickly.

This new process allows for maximum exploitation of the turbocharger compared to conventional turbocharged petrol engines.

The results are maximum torque at just 1500 rpm - 70% greater than that of a conventional turbo engine - and throttle response times slashed by half.

Direct Injection

Direct injection with an advanced double-injection strategy is essential to reduce emissions. Allowing direct control of fuel metering during the scavenging process, it is possible to prevent unburnt fuel ending up in the exhaust, which affects the catalytic converter. The secondary injection system has a new high-pressure pump and new 7-aperture injectors which guarantee perfect vaporisation.

This allows excellent performance to be achieved even in the presence of relatively high compression, and provides low consumption at cruising speeds.

Dual variable valve timing (VVT)

The two continuous phase variators on both inlet and exhaust camshafts optimise the valve timing at all speeds, minimizing consumption and emissions. In addition, by coupling the two variators to the turbocharger, the ‘scavenging' strategy is accurately controlled.

In response to a sudden torque request from the driver, it is therefore possible to significantly accelerate engine response, even from low RPM.

Turbocharger

This engine incorporates a new generation KKK fixed geometry turbocharger connected to an innovative pulse converter-type exhaust manifold which optimises the use of exhaust pressure waves to increment driving torque at low speeds. Both manifold and turbine are made of microcast steel so that they can withstand very high working temperatures (up to a maximum of 1020 °C). This is important for a reduction in fuel consumption while operating at medium/high speed.

Thermal fluid dynamics

The inlet ports have been designed using new technology allowing the optimal level of turbulence to be created. This results in the correct mixing of air and fuel. The combustion chambers have also been optimised by using ‘squish' areas, minimising the surface-to-volume ratio and therefore benefitting combustion efficiency.

Friction

The entire engine has been designed to reduce losses through friction. Pistons have ‘flexible' rings to limit tangential load and advanced materials have been used to reduce wear. In addition, the aluminium alloy cylinder head design incorporates roller rocker arms that help reduce losses through sliding contact by up to 65 % at 2000 rpm, compared to traditional cylinder heads with hydraulic tappets.

An optimised crankshaft design based on long connecting rods but a comparatively short stroke, has cut to a minimum the high speed vibration normally associated with four-cylinder engines, obviating the need for balancer shafts.

Performance

A new engine management system combined with a scavenging strategy has achieved new ‘benchmark' levels for engine performance.

[GoingTooFast]

These are the power and torque curves of the Alfa 4C's engine:

[GoingTooFast]

[GoingTooFast]

I already have mentioned before how I strongly believe that a diesel engine option makes every possible senses in combination with a sports car such as the Toyobaru or a race car like the Alfa Romeo 4C and how the lightweight Volkswagen Bluesport fully embodied that concept. Now you can hear for yourself - try to not listen to what the reviwer comments are - how beautiful the sound of a diesel engine can be made through the hands of a true car motorsport minded group of engineers. And, the fact that this diesel engine is built by Maserati after being co-developed with Ferrari and knowing that the Alfa Romeo 4C is also built in the Maserati factory in Modena, Italy we only can expect excellence in the future from both manufacturers Maserati and Alfa Romeo. Something more or less like this...







In all seriousness, just listen to that diesel engine both from outside and inside the cabinet of the Maserati Ghibli, which is only 20kg heavier than its petrol counterpart btw, in the second part of the review... WOW!!!

[GoingTooFast]

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013 – Historic Alfa Romeo

By Rudi Snyders
July 5, 2013

A superb line up of historic vehicles will add to the action brought by Alfa Romeo to this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013 (11-14 July).

Alongside the dynamic UK debut of the Alfa 4C, show-goers will be able to see six examples from the Alfa Romeo Museum including the stunning 33 Stradale, the spiritual predecessor of the Alfa 4C.

The full line-up of historic cars planned for the Goodwood Festival of Speed is as follows:

8C 2900B Speciale tipo “Le Mans” (1938)
Gran Premio Tipo 159 “Alfetta” (1951)
2000 Sportiva (1954)
33 Stradale prototipo (1967)
1750 GT Am (1970)
33 TT 12 (1975)



This year Alfa Romeo celebrates the 50th anniversary of Autodelta, its official racing division established in March 1963, and the 90th anniversary of the ‘Quadrifoglio Verde’, the legendary symbol that has identified some of Alfa Romeo’s sportiest models.


Bringing everything right up to date is the Alfa 4C, the ‘Launch Edition’ of which was given its world première at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Made in Italy, the Alfa 4C represents the true essence of a sports car, embodying the authentic values of the Alfa Romeo brand: Italian style, performance and technical excellence, offering maximum driving satisfaction in total safety.

Powered by a new all-aluminium, direct-injection, 240hp 1750cc turbo petrol engine, developing 350Nm of torque, the implemented state-of-the-art technical and technological solutions push the Alfa 4C to reach real supercar performance, as demonstrated by a weight/power ratio of less than 4kg per hp.

“We’re so excited to be showcasing Alfa Romeo’s future at Goodwood with the Alfa 4C, but it’s equally important to us that we give festival goers a taste of our history too. Alfa’s heritage is so valuable to the company – it’s part of our DNA. You only have to look at the 33 Stradale and the 4C to see that amazing lineage,’ said Damien Dally, Head of Brand at Alfa Romeo UK.

HISTORIC ALFA ROMEO AT GOODWOOD



8C 2900B Speciale tipo “Le Mans” (1938)

Engine:* in-line 8, 2905 cc, twin cam, double supercharger Power: 220 hp @ 5800 rpm (217 bhp) Top speed: 150 mph (240 kmph) Body: *Touring

Celebrating the 90th anniversary of Le Mans, this unique car was designed and engineered for the 1938 Le Mans 24 hour endurance race, driven by Biondetti and Sommer. The “8C 2900” led for a long time before retiring with a valve breakdown. This “8C” is one of the most outstanding Alfa Romeo cars ever made: the engine is the same of the “P3” single-seater, the beautiful design representing the pinnacle of Carrozzeria Touring.

Gran Premio Tipo 159 “Alfetta” (1951)

Engine:* in-line 8, 1479 cc, twin cam, two stage supercharger Power: 425 hp @ 9300 rpm (419 bhp) Top speed:*191 mph (305 kmph)

The “Alfetta” 159 was the winner of 1951 Formula 1 World Championship with Juan Manuel Fangio. Its gorgeous 425 hp in-line 8, 1.5 litre supercharged engine with “De Dion” rear suspension and a more efficient aerodynamic configuration were the main differences from the previous “158” (1950 F.1 World Champion with Giuseppe “Nino” Farina).

2000 Sportiva (1954) Engine:* in-line 4, 1997 cc, twin cam Power:* 138 hp @ 6500 rpm (136 bhp) Top speed:* 138 mph (220 kmph) Body: *Bertone

The 1954 “2000 Sportiva” is one of the most finest example of Italian design (by Franco Scaglione, signed as “Bertone” on the body): it’s a “gran turismo” based on “1900” engine, 5 speed gearbox, “De Dion” rear suspension. This technical solution anticipated the 1972 “Alfetta”.

33 Stradale prototipo (1967)************************** Engine:* V8-90°, 1995 cc, twin spark Power:****************** 230 hp @ 8800 rpm (227 bhp) Top speed:*********** 163 mph (260 kmph) Body:********************* Franco Scaglione

The “33 Stradale” is considered one of the “most-beautiful-design-ever” sportscars, with its superb 2 litre V8-90° engine, for dramatic performance. Its advanced magnesium frame weighs only 54 kg. The “Stradale” represented the return of the 8 cylinder engine for Alfa Romeo. Designed by Franco Scaglione, built by Autodelta, in the factory of Settimo Milanese.

1750 GT Am (1970)*************************** Engine:* in-line 4, 1985 cc, twin cam, twin spark, “Spica” indirect injection Power:****************** 220 hp @ 7500 rpm (217 bhp) Top speed:*********** 144 mph (230 kmph)

To celebrate “50 years of Autodelta”, the 1750 GT Am represents the latest evolution of the Bertone coupé prepared by Autodelta for the European Touring Car Challenge. This model is equipped with the twin cam in-line 4 engine from the US market version, with “Spica” indirect injection. For this reason the “Am” stands for “America”. The best race performer with “GT Am” was Toine Hezemans, the “flying Dutch”.

33 TT 12 (1975)****************** Engine:* flat-12, 2995 cc Power:****************** 500 hp @ 11000 rpm (493 bhp) Top speed:*********** 219 mph (350 kmph)

A new flat-12 engine and a tubular frame with the driver’s seat well forward were the main technical specifications that differentiated the “TT 12” from the previous V8 “33”s. With its mechanical philosophy – power and performance – it could be considered a Formula 1 car with covered wheels. The “33 TT 12” was the winner of the 1975 Manufacturers’ World Championship, driven by several top drivers: Merzario (the best performer), Andretti, Bell, Laffite, Mass, Pescarolo, Brambilla, Ickx, Facetti, Stommelen, Scheckter. Celebrating “50 years of Autodelta”, the “33 TT 12” World Title represents the pinnacle of the Autodelta wins in 1970s motorsports.

AUTODELTA Autodelta’s original goal was to manage Alfa Romeo’s official return to competitive sports after withdrawing from the F1 World Championship in 1951. It’s the reason why Alfa Romeo decided to create a special racing organisation physically detached from the production plant and having enough discretionary power to quickly take technical and sporting decisions. The most prominent figure of Autodelta’s fascinating history is without a doubt the charismatic engineer Carlo Chiti.

Carlo Chiti was in motorsport during one of its most romantic eras; he worked with Enzo Ferrari, helped to design cars that won hundreds of races, and guided drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio and Niki Lauda to many famous victories. Carlo Chiti was at the heart of Autodelta and he played a pivotal role in Alfa Romeo’s return to motorsport.

CLOVERLEAF The origin of the ‘Quadrifoglio Verde’ (Cloverleaf) badge has been lost in legend, but today the Cloverleaf is part of the Italian Air Force’s coat of arms and at the same time remains the symbol of Alfa Romeo’s philosophy, based on the constant pursuit of excellence applied to competitions, and transferred to production vehicles.

The Cloverleaf badge has also become a model name in its own right, appearing on the sportiest versions of cars such as the 33, 75, 164, 145, GT, and Spider 2.0

Now the Cloverleaf has returned to the Alfa Giulietta and Alfa MiTo, the new models which have assumed a place in the tradition of the best Alfa Romeos, drawing on the heritage of dynamic performance, without compromising on efficiency, respect for the environment and convenience in everyday use.

BRANDED MERCHANDISE Alfa Romeo’s stand at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013 will present, for the first time in the UK, the new range of Alfa Romeo 4C branded merchandise. A vintage range collection will also be available to view and buy.

Available for sale throughout the event, all merchandise and accessories bought at Goodwood from the Alfa Romeo stand will be offered with 20 per cent off the normal recommended retail price.

Any customer buying products from the Alfa Romeo stand who completes a contact card will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win an iPad.

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[GoingTooFast]

Once you have a car like the Alfa 4C which I call a 'race car' for the street, once you've reached that level there's only one step further you can take and make a statement both in the lightweight and fuel-efficiency departments for the street which they call a 'racing car' for the street... can you imagine how ridiculous this extreme can look like on the street despite the statement it underlines?! Can you realize how the Alfa Romeo 4C represents the absolute maximum compromise attainable that still makes sense on the street this side of a diesel engine?! Here's the answer for you... Oh, BTW if someone can point me out a single and reasonable disavantage in the use of paddle-shifts instead of this sequential gearbox with a stick I sware I'll shut up...

[GoingTooFast]

This is the kind of car that makes children dream... look at him!

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by GoingTooFast

This is the kind of car that makes children dream... look at him!

Are you going to buy the Alfa? If yes, get ready to be disappointed. Because while your mind might hate it, your heart will love it. Once you drive an Alfa, you get infected by virus Alfa. How many times I get angry about quite some things in the Alfa's I had and yet have, I just need to have an Alfa. Whatever car might be in my garage, and Alfa must always be there. You won't be able to live anymore without Alfa.

[GoingTooFast]

Originally Posted by Levi

Are you going to buy the Alfa? If yes, get ready to be disappointed. Because while your mind might hate it, your heart will love it.

Yes I want to buy the Alfa 4C. But you are wrong about the mind vs the heart thing...

While it's true that my heart was sold out immediately after I saw how beautiful the production version of the Alfa 4C was it is my mind that tells me to do what I can to buy this car simple because it ticks ALL the important boxes to me in a street car:

1. Driving Fun
2. Fuel-efficiency
3. Performance
4. Practicality
5. Looks
6. Price

In fact, the Alfa 4C represents the perfect 'petrol formula' for combining those 6 items where practicality ends up being the most penalized one but only to favor the FUNDAMENTAL aspect which is the base of the success of the formula as a whole - lightweight.

To better this 'petrol formula' you have to change it for a 'diesel formula' which is essentially the same formula except that this time you can choose between two paths: either you keep the low weight at such extreme sacrificing practicality to achieve SUPER fuel-efficiency OR you can have higher practicality and still be fuel-efficient. It's a no brainer!!!

My main issue with my 1M is fuel-efficiency and it's a BIG issue because for my driving style the price to pay is definitely TOO high for what you get in trade.

Finally, if reability is going to be an issue, which I doubt because the Alfa 1750 TBi is now a well proven engine after some years in the market, I won't tolerate it as this was the reason why I sold my Porsche Cayman and bought the 1M (more on that later) since the N54 engine was first introduced in the market in 2006.

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[BMW269]

Originally Posted by GoingTooFast

Yes I want to buy the Alfa 4C. But you are wrong about the mind vs the heart thing...

While it's true that my heart was sold out immediately after I saw how beautiful the production version of the Alfa 4C was it is my mind that tells me to do what I can to buy this car simple because it ticks ALL the important boxes to me in a street car:

1. Driving Fun
2. Fuel-efficiency
3. Performance
4. Practicality
5. Looks

In fact, the Alfa 4C represents the perfect 'petrol formula' for combining those 5 items where practicality ends up being the most penalized one but only to favor the FUNDAMENTAL aspect which is the base of the success of the formula as a whole - lightweight.

To better this 'petrol formula' you have to change it for a 'diesel formula' which is essentially the same formula except that this time you can choose between two paths: either you keep the low weight at such extreme sacrificing practicality OR you can have higher practicality and still be fuel-efficient. It's a no brainer!!!

My main issue with my 1M is fuel-efficiency and it's a BIG issue because for my driving style the price to pay is definitely TOO high for what you get in trade.

Finally, if reability is going to be an issue, which I doubt because the Alfa 1750 TBi is now a well proven engine after some years in the market, I won't tolerate it as this was the reason why I sold my Porsche Cayman and bought the 1M (more on that later) since the N54 engine was first introduced in the market in 2006.

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What I like about the 4C:
- CF chassis
- low weight
- engine/power
- RWD
- hard-core (no comfort, no assisted steering,...)
- design
- coupé (hardtop)

What I don't like about the 4C:
- engine configuration
- engine layout
- no manual

[ptack]

Somebody wake me up if this car ever makes it to the US and costs less than $75k.

[GoingTooFast]

Originally Posted by Levi

What I don't like about the 4C:
- engine configuration
- engine layout
- no manual

But that is all 'romantic' stuff that you read in car magazines...

Look at Le Mans, look at F1... the best F1 era of all times was with 1.5-liter turbocharged engines.

Choose your cars with your mind and drive with your heart (provided you have the necessary safety conditions!!!)...

That's the reason why I just love Kobayashi... such a BIG heart driver! Ferrari was made for drivers like this.

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[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by GoingTooFast

Choose your cars with your mind and drive with your heart (provided you have the necessary safety conditions!!!)...

My heart wants a manual in my sports car. I don't want a boring automatic.

I don't give a sh*t if the manual is slower. I want to shift gears, I want to be involved in my weekend canyon drives.

[GoingTooFast]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

My heart wants a manual in my sports car. I don't want a boring automatic.

I don't give a sh*t if the manual is slower. I want to shift gears, I want to be involved in my weekend canyon drives.

Man, it's your hands that make the gear shift only this time through paddle-shifts... it only can be boring if your mind is slow thinking.

[GoingTooFast]

Levi,

This was a 'merely' 1.5-liter, inline four, turbocharged engine which gave BMW their only F1 championship title:





I guess it wasn't very fuel-efficient...

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[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by GoingTooFast

Man, it's your hands that make the gear shift only this time through paddle-shifts... it only can be boring if your mind is slow thinking.

Third pedal my friend. You just don't understand.

[GoingTooFast]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Third pedal my friend. You just don't understand.

What about the 'third pedal'?! What is the importance of a 'third pedal' which is basically in either ON or OFF positions that you don't modulate like you have to do with the brake or throttle pedals when compared with the gains you get in terms of acceleration and fuel-efficiency from a double-clutch gearbox with paddle-shifts that you still control manually?! It's your call when to change a gear, you are not robbed from the necessary driving involvement, on the contrary, your left foot is now totally available to assist you in the far more demanding left-foot braking exercise because you have to modulate the pressure on the pedal and have the necessary sensitivity that will give you that extra control over the car.

So what is there to loose.... a 'stick' in your hand?!

[BMW269]

Why should everybody be of your opinion GTF?

Your opinion is scientific truth?