Giugiaro Strikes Again

[Bobb]

Hi everyone, On the F-1 race coverage today or last night, it was reported that Toyota has the largest budget in F-1. Which of course means the largest budget in racing in the world. So if you own a Toyota, a little bit of the new selling price went to Toyota F-1. Isn't it nice to spread a little bit of our cash around the world. Take care and see you in Reading, BOBB

[upnygimp]

Its both I think. There are other teams with a ton of experience but not as much money. If Toyota had all the data and knowledge of Ferrari, and the budget they have now, I would be scared to see what they would come up with.

[Mr. Pockets]

Originally posted by Bobb
Hi everyone, On the F-1 race coverage today or last night, it was reported that Toyota has the largest budget in F-1.

I don't think it was 'reported.' I think a better phrase might be, 'the rumor that Toyota has the largest budget in F1 was perpetuated.' To the best of my knowledge, Toyota has never publicly stated figures for their budget. I think that in the beginning they gave some rough figures to help get across the idea that they'd be around for some time. But I think that's as close to disclosing their budget as they've ever gotten.

[SVXphile]

I agree Pockets....Michael is in a class by himself.
If you caught the show before the Grand Prix, it was a replay of the Brazilian GP back in '94 I believe.
Schumacher was already showing the incredible skills that we have come to take for granted....in his Benneton. Beating Senna in the Williams. Some forget that he ever drove for anyone other than Ferrrari.

Does anyone remember the days, when it was MCLAREN that dominated almost every race?

I had to laugh though....when I thought about that article about Ron Dennis saying how boring Nascar was.

I wonder how he would describe the feeling of being one of his McLaren drivers....watching the Ferraris drive away into the sunset race after race.

Well, I guess it wouldn't be BORING.
Probably FRUSTRATED.
To spend all that money...design time....wind tunnel testing...etc.
Just to watch the Ferraris....even the Renault....pull away with ease.

After all, he has the excitement of waiting to find out whether his McLarens, or Williams, Renault, or even BAR....can secure second place.

Don

[Mr. Pockets]

I did watch the '94 Brazilian GP, yes. And you're right, Michael was already showing his talent. I'm wondering how they'll handle the broadcast of the race at Imola. I wasn't watching F1 at the time, so I don't know what a tape of that broadcast looks like.

How cool is it to have Steve Matchett's insight?

After four seasons totally dominated by Ferrari, can you blame people for forgetting when McLaren seemed so untouchable? Most people in the US only know about F1 because Michael is such a phenomenon.

Anyway, Ron's been very quiet lately. Usually he's whining up a storm over Ferrari, but I think being beaten so soundly for a couple years has shut him up. I mean, even grumpy Patrick Head said, 'Ferrari are just better.'

I was glad to see Button finish so high up. And Alonso's start...wow. What a gutsy move that was. Montoya was totally unprepared and just did not handle it well.

McLaren will be back on form someday. Next year's car will be the first built at their new Paragon facility. Of course, it sounds like the majority of their problems stem from that Mercedes engine.

[Noir]

Giugiaro Strikes Again...and so has NOIR...this thread has been NOIR'ed.

ok last post for the day

Does anyone else think that car is ugly?...i guess ugly isnt the word, just...too busy, trying too hard and drop the huge-ass toyota badges. Looks kinda like that Ferrari "Mythos" concept from like 15 years ago.

http://www.redline.co.zw/images/Supe...i_mythos-1.jpg

-Alex

[Darksied-X]

Okay, I have been able to keep up with this thread as I would have liked, due to a toasted monitor, but I'll try to catch up...and un-Noir it at the same time. First, I'm gonna rein it back onto topic: the Alessandro.

For Lwin and Harry: Better? Personally, I don't think the girl is all that bad lookin'. But you have to remember, I'm from Maine, a girl here is considered a sex symbol if she has all her teeth. Look at that picture closely, though, notice anything weird? A quasi bench seat with the driver in the middle! How sweet is that! I think that's a much better setup than the McLaren F1.

Now, as for what it may be if it hits production, it'll be a Supra, not an MR2. It's just too big and cool to be an MR2.

And, about it using a hybrid system, I say why not? Dodge had an Intrepid concept a few years back, HSV-6 I think it was called, that had a 300hp diesel engine for power, and an electrical hybrid piggybacked off it good for 80mpg while cruising. Granted, this system is far superior to anything you'd find on this streets today. But hey, every system needs to start somewhere.

Now, back off topic: Hybrids (gas/electric) and Alt-Fuels (hydrogen). The "greens" have been saying for years that hybrids are "too little, too late". I tend to agree. I think it's a good idea for companies to direct their resources into better technology, as opposed to modifying current technology for moderate gains. A small, gutless car with great mpg is nothing new, just look at the Metro, and that didn't have any electric power. But I think once the dust settles, ( and you guys are gonna nail me for this one ), GM is gonna come out on top, and it's friends and partners (Subaru, Toyota, BMW, Alfa, etc...) are gonna have a huuuuge lead on the competition. Just look at the facts: GM already has a functional hydrogen vehicle far superior to anything anyone else has, the Hy-Wire. As far as I know, they got seriously into hybrids and alt-fuels long before anyone else, with concept gas/electric and hydrogen Saturns in the early 90's. They simply decided to scrap the hybrids for the same reasons I already mentioned. And, don't forget, they already have plans to open a hydrogen fueling station and begin supplying the US Military with hydro-powered Silverados by '10. And the winner is...?

As for the Focus, I have no problem believeing they can make a Focus with better mpg than the hybrids (see: Metro). All you really need to do is put a riding mower engine in it. It'll move, have great mgp, and typical ford acceleration. But I think the hybrid Escape says everything that needs to be said about ford. They're too busy making all their cars look old, and changing their names to begin with either F or Ex, to worry about such trivial things as "clean fuel" and "future technologies".

Now, the hybrid RX-8. I must say, I'm curious. But honestly, I don't think it could be done. Just think about the engineering nightmare the fuel tanks in that thing would be, not to mection the engine itself.

And finally, I never said the Alessandro was better looking than the Brera. I just think if either of them get built, we have a much better chance of getting the Alessandro here in the States, at least for now.

Okay, I think thats it for now.

[Bobb]

Hi everyone, Upon careful examination I've determined the young lady is the riding mechanic, and her job is to keep up a good head of steam so that when the driver calls for electricity the steam turbo is ready to go. The trunk will hold a face cord of wood. In the winter you can use the ashes to improve traction and all year you can brush your teeth with them. Ah nothing like the smell of wood smoke when you floor it. Take care, BOBB

[Ron Mummert]

Originally posted by Bobb
Hi everyone, Upon careful examination I've determined the young lady is the riding mechanic, and her job is to keep up a good head of steam so that when the driver calls for electricity the steam turbo is ready to go. The trunk will hold a face cord of wood. In the winter you can use the ashes to improve traction and all year you can brush your teeth with them. Ah nothing like the smell of wood smoke when you floor it. Take care, BOBB

Huh? ....riding......good head.....face cord.....improve traction?
Is this a car ad, or another Viagra commercial?

And everyone accuses ME of being a dirty old man.

Indeed, Bobb!


Ron (haul my ashes & floor it).

[Bobb]

Hi Ron, Viagra is what you put on the shifter so it doesn't go all rubbery on you. Take care and see you in Reading. BOBB

P/S I rub some Viagra on my mouth to get a stiff upper lip. "B"