autowatch 12-08-28

8
TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2012 auto watch RALLY CAR ROUND-U A FORTUNE FORKED OUT FOR A GT-40 3 6 NISSAN CREATES A VERY URBAN X-TRAIL 2

Upload: local-newspapers

Post on 15-Mar-2016

216 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

Autowatch 12-08-28

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Autowatch 12-08-28

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2012autowatch

RALLY CAR ROUND-U A FORTUNE FORKED OUT FOR A GT-403 6

NISSAN CREATES A VERY URBAN X-TRAIL2

Page 2: Autowatch 12-08-28

2 autowatch THE GISBORNE HERALD

by John Jones

NISSAN will have broadened its potential market with the launch of the X-Trail two-wheel-drive model.

Nissan’s all-wheel-drive models have been around for more than a decade and are extremely popular both for their off-road ability and the space and comfort they provide for families.

But Nissan has worked out that there is a large section of the market that wants all the comfort of the SUV but realises it does not really need four-wheel-drive, knowing that most of the time they will never actually venture off-road.

This petrol version has all the comfort features that people expect of an X-Trail with its signature storage space including no fewer than eight cupholders — four of which can provide warm or cold storage as can the large centre console. There is also the removable and washable double luggage floor at the rear including the popular slide out drawer. A rear cargo blind shields your property from prying eyes.

The centre rear seat can be lowered for a long object such as skis.

The 2WD has a 2-litre engine with 102kW of power at 5200rpm and 198Nm of torque at 4400.

It comes with the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic CVT transmission giving fuel economy of 8.5 litres/100km

for the manual and 8.4 for the automatic.

Safety features include the electronic stability programme — also known as vehicle dynamic control — six airbags including dual front ones and a full-length curtain one, ABS and EBD, all part of a programme that places the driver and passengers within a protective cocoon.

Inside there is a leather steering wheel with steering wheel controls, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, Bluetooth audio streaming, air conditioning and a CD/radio system with USB/iPod and Aux-in inputs.

An extensive information display includes average fuel usage, fuel range, outside temperature and more.

The X-Trail sits on 17-inch alloy wheels.

Although it does not have four-wheel-drive the 2WD still benefits from the excellent vision and high clearance assets of its siblings and would be well capable of taking on some rough terrain if it had to.

The manual version starts at $36,990 and the CVT automatic at $38,990. The 2WD also benefits from Nissan’s three-year-100,000km and 24-hour phone roadside assistance.

The big selling point, however, is the space and comfort provided by this compact SUV. It is the dream car for a family, but there are a lot of others who will be drawn to this new star in the Nissan firmament.

X-Trail for urbanitesTwo-wheel-drive offersroom and city comfort

pictures: Burt Lamont

Page 3: Autowatch 12-08-28

autowatch 3TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2012

nissan.co.nz

NISSAN

LIMITED TIME ONLYNOW

nissan.co.nz*Payments are calculated and made monthly. Juke ST based on 35% deposit ($11,196.50), 47 monthly payments, and a final payment of $7,000. X-Trail ST-L 2WD Manual based on 35% deposit ($12946.50), 47 monthly payments, and a final payment of $12,000. All figures include GST and exclude on road costs. A Doc Fee and PPSR fee of $325 and normal lending criteria apply. See your local Nissan dealer for full details. Offer ends August 31st.

FROM

per week*

FROM

per week*

X-TRAIL

$99$99JUKE

NIS

3720

\TBW

A

Price includes GST but excludes on road costs. See Enterprise Nissan for more details. Offer ends 30th September 2012.

LIMITED TIME ONLYLIMITED TIME ONLYNOW

X-TRAIL 2WDFROM

$29,990 SAVE $7,000

9740-20x8EN

Steven ShieldsNew Vehicle Managera/h 868 8100mob 0274 839 666

241AW001-12J

Rally rubber meets the road

Visiting rally cars show off a wide range of colourful paint and logo decoration as they go through their paces on local backroads . Pictures Paul Rickard

Rally rubber meets the road

Pictures Paul Rickard

Page 4: Autowatch 12-08-28

4 autowatch THE GISBORNE HERALD

SALESMAN John North Willys took over the Overland Car Company that had been making gas buggies since 1903 and renamed it the Willys Overland Company in 1908.

The car being made at that time was a four-cylinder model that also used epicyclic gearing.

There were 465 of these cars made, plus an Overland 6 model that developed 45bhp.

By 1910 Willys had moved to a new factory in Ohio and by 1914 Willys-Overland production in the US reached 80,000 vehicles.

This was due mainly to the Overland Model 79 with a four-cylinder engine of 3949cc that also had an electric starter and lighting.

In 1914 the first sleeved-valve Willys Knight with a four-cylinder 4529cc motor was built.

A British venture in 1920 brought about the Willys-Overland-Crossley Company that assembled Overland fours for the UK Market. This car had a U-1 shaped front suspension leaf spring with a Morris Oxford four-cylinder engine.

By 1925 the US Willys Company

was building 350 Overland 6s and 600 Overland 4s daily — and 5200 Willys Knight cars a month.

By 1926 Willys cars were using Lycoming motors and being made or assembled in the US, Canada, the UK (Crossley Motors of Heaton Park) and Germany.

The car I have drawn is from a Trade Me advertisement and had its body built here in New Zealand by Stevens and Sons Ltd of Christchurch.

There were plenty of Willys commercial trucks in New Zealand and the local Gisborne Red Bus Company used one as a bus from the 1930s to 1950s.

The four-cylinder Willys Overland cars were a similar drive to a Model A Ford — but there were a few differences.

One had to lift the horn button to operate the starter and push back down for the horn. If turned, it operated the park lights, then the low beam and the high beam. The gearshift for the three- speed manual gear box was centre-floor- mounted.

All Willys vehicles had the reputation in their day for being dependable, reliable and giving good service.

Illustrations by Doug Curtis Willys reliability

a l lan ke l l e t t PA N E L & PA I N T a l lan ke l l e t t PA N E L & PA I N T

alla

n ke

llett

PANE

L &

PAIN

T al

lan

kelle

tt PA

NEL

& PA

INT allan kellett PANEL & PAINT allan kellett PANEL & PAINT

72 Disraeli St, PO Box 2127, Gisborne • 24 HOUR PHONE 06 867 8088 FAX 06 867 8133 [email protected]

They say nothing is free in life...BUT

We at Allan Kellett Panel and Paint are bucking the trend

with any insurance job

FREE LOAN CARS

allan kellett PANEL & PAINT

178AW030-12TC

BURT LAMONTTo fi nd out more info: Phone 869 0612

Wainui Rd, Gisborne (opposite the wharf) Ph: 06 868 8686 • Fax: 06 868 8286 Email: [email protected]

Harbourview MarineF O R A L L Y O U R M A R I N E A N D T A C K L E N E E D S

Harbourview MarineF O R A L L Y O U R M A R I N E A N D T A C K L E N E E D S

Winter Service

SpecialFree pick up and delivery within city limits

10% off all service parts

185A

W005-12TC

Full vehicle servicing• Electronic engine tuning and fault diagnostic service• Approved Insurance company repairer• Pre-purchase vehicle inspections• Emission Testing• Engine Machining and Rebuilding

277 Palmerston Road, Gisbornewww.enginerebuilders.net.nz

Locally owned

06 867 9416

185A

W005-12TC

Working for GisborneTHE new-look vehicle testing station is working

for all of Gisborne and is one of the few remaining community owned testing stations in New Zealand.

Gisborne motorists getting their warrant of fitness from Gisborne Vehicle Testing (GVT) will quickly notice the changes made during their next visit.

The refurbished testing station has just become the home of the AA agency.

As well as being able to get warrants of fitness, driver licensing, update ownership records, register your vehicle, get new registration plates, buy road user charges and benefit from bulk buy discounts GVT now offers AA memberships, passport photos, IRD number applications and maps. Businesses can even open a corporate account.

“We have become a one-stop shop,” said manager Bruce Walters.

A real focus on people from staff in both the vehicle testing area and AA departments, and an upgrade in the premises and processes has resulted in fast moving queues, significantly reduced waiting times and a friendly feel throughout the facility.

Motorists will feel like they are in a VIP lounge with a water cooler, newspapers and a television all available as they wait.

“We are a commercially savvy operation,” said Bruce.

“The benefit of this is for all of Gisborne. “We return all profits to Gisborne District Council

and ultimately to the ratepayers.“The more work we do, the more funding is kept

here locally.” Gisborne Vehicle Testing is already in the top tier

of New Zealand WoF facilities for its quality of work and volume of customers and understands it must constantly evolve to remain competitive and an asset unique to Gisborne.

Forming a mutually beneficial association with AA, one of the most reputable organisations in the country, has helped the testing station

emphasise its own reputation for quality and reliability.

“We are proud to be the home of the AA agency,” said Bruce.

AA is delighted to be associated with Gisborne Vehicle Testing said David McLister, General Manager of AA Government Contracts.

“It ensures that AA continues to provide membership services to its members in the Gisborne area, and the opportunity to join with Gisborne District Council and be the dominant provider of driver licensing and motor vehicle licensing transactions for the region, is a real ‘win-win’ for the wider Gisborne Community.”

311BL021-11TCnr Childers Rd & Carvarvon St 311BL055-11T

•Home of theGisborne AA Agency

Senior vehicle inspector Murray Peters issues another warrant of fitness.

Open Monday – Friday 7.30am – 5.00pmSaturday 8.00am – 12.30pm

Cnr Childers Rd & Carnarvon St

• Warrant of Fitness • Bulk Buy Discounts• Motor Vehicle Registration • Road User Charges

• Change Of Ownership • New Plates • Driver Licensing • Home of the Gisborne AA Agency

241A

W00

4-12

J

East Coast Museum of Technology Open daily 10am-4pm:Main Rd, MakarakaGis. American Car ClubVarious EventsColin 868 1454; Rick 027 4901 373 Gis. Aviation Preservation Society Inc Aviation MuseumOpen Sunday 9am-1pmGisborne AirportWomen’s Int Motorcycle Assn2nd Tuesday, 7pm Jolly Stockman HotelChris 868 9661

Saturday, September 1Gisborne Motorcycle Sports Club Dirt Federation Nationals Makorori Beach, sign in 10.00am. Racing starts 11.00am.

Sunday, September 9Gisborne American Car Club Ford muscle car track day at Taupo.

Sunday, September 16Gisborne American Car Club Invite members and any other automotive clubs to Breakers for breakfast at 9am. Followed by a mystery run at 11am.

Auto ACtIoNArouNd towN

FOR MORE INFO OR BOOKINGS CONTACT: BURT LAMONT

Phone 869 0612 • Email: [email protected] message, name & phone no.

and I will contact you.

Auto Rentals• Rent-a-dent 1 Wainui Road ........................ 867 8488Automotive Training• Gisborne Development Inc 161 Carnarvon Street .............. 867 6544Bulk Fuel Repairs• Fuelpro 267 Grey Street ...................... 868 5280 Heavy Machinery Servicing• Heavy Equipment Services NZ 267 Grey Street ...................... 868 5280 Marine Servicing • Harbourview Marine Wainui Road (opposite the Wharf) 868 8686Panel Beaters • Allan Kellett Panel and Paint 72 Disraeli Street .................... 867 8088• Gisborne Motors Panel and Paint Mid City - Grey Street.............. 867 6759Parts Department• Enterprise Auto One 329 Gladstone Road .............. 867 8368 • Gary Bates Ltd 346 Palmerston Road ............. 867 9438 • Gisborne Motors Mid City - Grey Street.............. 867 6759• Watts Motors Limited 132 Childers Road .................. 867 4749Spray Painters• Allan Kellett Panel and Paint 72 Disraeli Street .................... 867 8088• Gisborne Motors Panel and Paint Mid City - Grey Street.............. 867 6759Truck Servicing• Watts Motors Limited 132 Childers Road .................. 867 4749Vehicle Servicing• Engine Rebuilders 277 Palmerston Road ............. 867 9416• Enterprise Service Centre 342 Palmerston Road ............. 867 8368 • Gary Bates Ltd 346 Palmerston Road ............. 867 9438 • Gisborne Motors Mid City - Grey Street.............. 867 6759 • Watts Honda 132 Childers Road .................. 867 4749 • Watts Motors Limited 132 Childers Road .................. 867 4749WOF• Enterprise Service Centre 342 Palmerston Road ............. 867 8368 • Gisborne Vehicle Testing Cnr Childers Rd & Carnarvon St ..867 9900 • Gary Bates Ltd 346 Palmerston Road ............. 867 9438• Gisborne Motors Mid City, Grey Street ............... 867 6759• Watts Motors 132 Childers Road .................. 867 4749

206AW027-12J

Harley has pared back the gadgets for the low-riding Softail Slim but the bike makes the most of its muscle. Photo Supplied

Page 5: Autowatch 12-08-28

autowatch 5TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2012

1930FORD MODEL A PICK UPEngine/driveline: 355 cubic inch Chev with 350hp cam, E Street alloy

heads, 980CFM Tripower carb set up, and Gilmer drive pulleys, 350 turbo auto gearbox, 9 inch big bearing Ford diff – narrowed and centred.

Exhaust: Block-Hugger pro-coated manifold, into 2½ inch pipes, through large sports mufflers. Dump pipes with removable caps behind collectors.

Suspension/brakes: All new after market front end, with 4” dropped axle and transverse mono leaf spring. Carrera QAI coil-over on rear.

Interior: Seats in pleat and roll vinyl. Basic hood lining glued to cab. Original ‘A’ gauge holder with various aircraft and vintage switches.

Exterior: 90 percent original 82-year-old steel, with no fibreglass finishing, 1932 grill, roof chopped 3 inches, rear guards bobbed 4 inches, tray shortened 4 inches, owner brewed colour (old barn red) with lots of flattener added to give faded (suede) look.

Wheels/tyres: 15 inch all round. Salt flat specials – wheels. Cooper tyres 215-60-15 on front. Nexen 265-70-15 on rear.

Sounds: Uncapped headers to get 400hp at full volume. Background: Scratch-built pro-street chassis by Magoo’s Street

Rods. Cab from sedan made of 18 different pieces. Took 6 rear guards to make 2. Panel work by Chris Cronin. Built by owners to look like a late 50s basic rod, over a 7-year period. “It is finished!”

Total Cost: Under $40,000

BROUGHT TO YOU BY PAINTER & PAPERHANGER

241AW007-12J

Quality Workmanship Honest, Reliable and Affordable service

GISBORNE DEVELOPMENT INC 161 Carnarvon Street • Phone (06) 867 6544

157A

W00

5-12

J

Photo supplied

FOLLOWING in the footsteps of legendary New Zealander Burt Munro, a team of Kiwis has smashed a world speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah and confirmed their car as “the world’s fastest Mini’’.

They were told they didn’t have a hope of even passing the tech inspection — let alone breaking the record — but their do-it-yourself attitude saw their 1964 Mini Cooper S reach an average speed of 235.9kmh.

“We had people telling us that a short car at that sort of speed would spin and all those sorts of things, but it just went beautifully — tracked down the line and had a huge amount of power,’’ said Project ’64 spokesman Mike Wilson.

To confirm them as the world record-holders, the Mini had to complete the feat twice. They recorded 229kmh on their

first run, and a week later 243km/h on their second run.

The previous world land speed record for a production car under 1000cc was 205kmh and the fastest time (unofficially) recorded by a Mini was 196kmh.

“One of the famous things that Burt Munro said was that anyone can go out and buy a new bike and go fast, but it’s much more interesting and much more of a challenge to take something old and go fast,’’ said Mr Wilson, the team’s photographer.

“Burt Munro was a definite inspiration,’’ Mr Wilson said. “We know the car can go faster than the record that we’ve set,’’

A third unofficial run later produced 252kmh and the team is considering returning to Bonneville to try to push their Mini even further. – APNZ

The fastest Mini

New hot CruzeBy Alastair Sloane

HOLDEN has an upgraded new entrant for the hot-hatch market.

The first hint that Holden would develop a go-fast Cruze hatchback came two years ago at the Paris motor show when HSV managing director Phil Harding said such a car was on the menu.

Opel — Holden parent General Motors’ European nameplate — had just unveiled its three-door GTC Paris concept, a Cruze-based flyer powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder 2-litre engine delivering 213kW to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and a clever limited-slip differential.

Harding confirmed Holden was looking for a replacement for the HSV-badged version of the imported Vauxhall Astra VRX, something to compete in the hot-hatch segment against rivals such as Ford’s new Focus ST.

He said Holden Special Vehicles was looking at a “couple” of powertrain options for a Cruze hatchback.

Now it has such a replacement, developed by Australian subsidiary Walkinshaw Performance.

Walkinshaw Performance has reworked the Cruze’s standard 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine to deliver 180kW and 310Nm, putting it up there in terms of power with the Focus ST,

Renault Megane RS250 and Subaru WRX.

WP tweaked the Cruze’s engine management system, bolted on an upgraded turbocharger and exhaust manifold, and swapped the standard car’s exhaust system for a stainless steel unit to achieve a high specific power output of 129kW a litre.

WP had the help of tuning house HPF. Owner Rob Vickery said it had a linear power curve that did not reduce the standard Cruze’s driveability.

“Upgrading to a bigger turbo sounds a simple way to get big horsepower,” he said. “But in a front-wheel drive, without the right engineering, you could easily make it unmanageable and unfriendly.”

The WP Cruze is up 80 percent in power and 50 percent in torque over the 103kW/200Nm donor car.

HSV Cruze.

Page 6: Autowatch 12-08-28

6 autowatch THE GISBORNE HERALD

* See www.mmnz.co.nz/asx/13my for full terms and conditions. Advertised price applies to the ASX 2WD LS. Price excludes On Road Costs of up to $750 which include Registration, WoF and a full tank of fuel. Over available until November 30th or while stocks last. **4WD models start from $39,960+ORC

A VERY SAFE INTERIOR, WITH DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS PLUSSIDE, CURTAIN AND DRIVER'S KNEE AIRBAG.

7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags7airbags

IT’LL WHISK YOU UP TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS

AND MAKE YOU SMILE AT THE PUMP.

2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine2.0l engine7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km7.9l/100km

AN INTEGRATED SYSTEMOF ACTIVE AND PASSIVE COMBINE TO GIVE A GREAT SAFETY RATING – AND A VERY REASSURING DRIVE.

2WD IS PERFECT FOR THE CITY. 4WD LETS YOU SELECT TRACTION MODES ON THE MOVE – AND GO ALMOST ANYWHERE.

2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or 2wd or real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4real 4wdwdwdwdwdwdwdwdwdwdwdwdwdwdwdwdwdwd

HELPS YOU MAINTAIN A SAFE LINE THROUGH A CORNER IF TRACTION IS LOST.

active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability stability controlcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrol

HELPS YOU KEEP TRACTION ON SLIPPERY SURFACES BY ADJUSTINGPOWER AND BRAKE FORCE.

active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active active traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction traction controlcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrolcontrol

The new ASX crossover has been created to bring you more. More style, thanks to a bold new body design. More safety, thanks to a 5-Star ANCAP Safety rating. More places to go, thanks to the choice of 2 or 4-wheel drive. All the more reason to experience it for yourself.

Call 0800 54 53 52, visit mmnz.co.nz or see us at the location below to arrange a test drive.

+ORC+ORC**

2wd ls

**

132 Childers Road, GISBORNEWatts Motors Limited

06 867 4749

241AW010-12J

If you know of an event coming up by an automotive club or

automotive fixture let us know.Phone Burt 869 0612 or E-mail:

[email protected]

185AW008-12TC

Want a free listing in

Auto ACtIoN

ArouNd towN? CONTACT BURT LAMONTPhone 869 0612

e-mail: [email protected] message, name and

phone number and I will contact you.

in the Awesome & Unusual Feature

BURT LAMONTTo fi nd out more info: Phone 869 0612

346 Palmerston Road Gisborne • Phone 06 867 9438GARY BATES LTD

NEED A NEED A NEED A NEED A NEED A NEED A NEED A NEED A NEED A NEED A NEED A NEED A WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?WOF?

Authorised service centre

Everyone’s welcome, bookings are essential

213AW007-12J

267 Grey Street, P.O.Box 433, Gisborne

Ph: 06 868 5280 Fax: 06 868 6982 Email: [email protected]

Now the local agent for

FUELPROfor on-site

service and repairs

on bulk fuel tank systems

213A

W00

7-12

J

A bespoke bike

Casey Stoner’s hand-built frame took 50 hours to produce and helped the Australian ride to world championship glory. Photo supplied

By Jacqui Madelin

AS the cover slides off the bright-orange paintwork it’s obvious this is no ordinary race bike. Bruce Nielsen’s hands all but flutter as he tells me about the hand-built RC212V that took Casey Stoner to MotoGP victory last season.

The solid state gyro within this bike was developed for Honda’s Asimo robot. Half the size of a pack of cards, it’s what lets it walk, run and jump. In the bike it knows its exact attitude and what the rider is doing, then tells the engine how much power to apply — “It’s a completely dynamic system,” Nielsen says.

He’s technical manager for the brand here, and a mine of information.

“The hand-built frame took 50 hours for one senior welding technician to produce. He says it’s a love-hate relationship with the rider, especially with Dani Pedrosa.

“He asks for a bit more flex, a bit more movement and the engineers have to go back and redesign the frame. Now they must include the rider as a dimension in the design equation to get good results.”

They build the titanium exhaust, too.

“The engine technicians give them a tuned length and a few other parameters then they reverse engineer it to fit within the frame. It’s especially challenging as it snakes back on itself under the seat to get the tuned length right.

“It weighs nothing and lasts less long than the engine thanks to heat stress - in a road bike it’d last 1000km,” he says.

Yet all this cutting-edge tech still relies on a human skill.

“Precision equipment measures each gear during assembly, but the final check is by a master technician and done by feel. It might measure okay but if it doesn’t feel right, they keep on working.”

This RC212V boasts better power-to-weight than a Formula One car, put to the ground via a single contact patch smaller than a playing card, through tyres machined from solid billet rubber.

Like almost every part on board this bike, they’re not available for sale but hand-built to order and priced to suit. “At the start of the season the team orders spares for 12 weeks. Because they’re hand-made, Honda only makes what is ordered and there’s no spare waiting on a shelf.” The 1968 GT40 was given an estimated valued of US$8 million ($13.6 million) but went for

US$11 million. Photo supplied

A 1968 Ford GT40 racer has just sold for US$11 million ($13.6 million) — a record for any American auto at auction — at the start of a series of car sales in California with an unprecedented line-up of high-value classics.

The Gulf/Mirage racer, finished in trademark powder blue with a marigold stripe, was estimated to fetch more than US$8 million on the first day of a 120-lot sale of “investment-quality automobiles” by RM Auctions at Monterey.

“This GT40 was a great demonstration of how the history of a car determines its price,” said Historic Automobile Group International founder, Dietrich Hatlapa.

“The early life drives the value. This Ford had been part of the original Gulf team and had a good record.”

Two bidders in the salesroom took the GT40 price from US$9 million up to the record US$11 million, which includes auction house fees.

The GT40 was created by Ford in the early 1960s to beat Ferrari at long-distance sports car races, after the US auto giant failed to buy the Italian company in 1963.

The car won the Le Mans 24-hour race for

four consecutive years from 1966-69.The version at RM (chassis P/1074) had

been raced by Jacky Ickx at Daytona and in Le Mans trials in 1968. It was later used as the camera car in Steve McQueen’s 1971 film Le Mans.

The first day of the RM sale raised about US$46 million with 55 of the 60 offered cars successful, said the auction house.

Other highlights included a cream-coloured 1955 Ferrari 410 S Berlinetta that sold for US$8.25 million. Made with a competition-power engine for Michel Paul-Cavallier — a director on the board of Sefac, Ferrari’s corporate racing entity during the 1960s — the car raised a record price for this particular model, RM said.

“The prices of the rarest Ferrari road cars have now pushed on,” Hatlapa said. “Two years ago, this 410 S would probably have sold for less than US$5 million.”

Earlier, a restored Ford GT40, formerly owned by the Bolivian tin magnate Jaime Ortiz-Patino, sold for US$2.2 million on the second day of a Bonhams auction of classic motorcycles and cars at Quail Lodge, Carmel. — NZ Herald

Record seller

Page 7: Autowatch 12-08-28

autowatch 7TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2012

241AW011-12J

GISBORNE MOTORS LTDMID CITY, GREY STREET, GISBORNE PHONE 867 6759 www.gisbornemotors.co.nz

Available nowMazda BT-50 Double Cab Models

BT-50 GSX 4WD3.2 turbo diesel manual

double cab

BT-50 GLX 4WD3.2 turbo diesel manual

double cab fl atdeck

BT-50 GSX 4WD3.2 turbo diesel manual

double cab

BT-50 GSX 4WD3.2 turbo diesel auto

double cab

Mazda BT-50 Double Cab ModelsMazda BT-50 Double Cab Models

BT-50 GSX 4WD

double cab

BT-50 GLX 4WD

Mazda BT-50 Double Cab ModelsMazda BT-50 Double Cab Models

BT-50 GSX 4WD

Mazda BT-50 Double Cab ModelsMazda BT-50 Double Cab Models

3.2 turbo diesel manual double cab

BT-50 GSX 4WD

Look what Mazda Commercial Care covers on your new BT-501. Fixed Price Servicing – You pay no more than $200 inc per

service for the fi rst 3 years of 100,000 kilometres2. Mazda Warranty – 3 year or 150,000 kilometre

comprehensive Mazda new vehicle warranty3. 3 year Mazda on call roadside assist

$49,995 incplus on road costs

Ex Demo $47,995 incplus on road costs

$52,195 incplus on road costs

$49,995 incplus on road costs

Suzuki Dealer newspaper advertising#3183 APV Dealer PressYour newspaper can use this material, or if adaption is required, download the construction fi les from the Suzuki New Zealand dealer intranet.

115x140 mm

DEALER DETAILS

WWW.SUZUKI.CO.NZ

Big where it matters.$maller where it counts.

The Suzuki APV 1.6L van is big on the inside, and even bigger on power and fuel economy. All this comes with the small price tag of only $22,500. If you want a solid work van that off ers real value for money, check out an APV.

$22,500ONLY

DRIVEAWAY

The Suzuki APV 1.6L van is big on the inside, and even bigger on power and fuel economy.

$22,500ONLY

DRIVEAWAY

Real Value price is the full driveaway price including GST, 3 year / 100,000km warranty, 5 year Suzuki roadside assistance, 12 months registration, WOF and a full tank of fuel.

Suzuki Dealer newspaper advertising#3183 APV Dealer PressYour newspaper can use this material, or if adaption is required, download the construction fi les from the Suzuki New Zealand dealer intranet.

115x140 mm

DEALER DETAILS

WWW.SUZUKI.CO.NZ

Big where it matters.$maller where it counts.

The Suzuki APV 1.6L van is big on the inside, and even bigger on power and fuel economy. All this comes with the small price tag of only $22,500. If you want a solid work van that off ers real value for money, check out an APV.

$22,500ONLY

DRIVEAWAY

The Suzuki APV 1.6L van is big on the inside, and even bigger on power and fuel economy.

$22,500ONLY

DRIVEAWAY

Real Value price is the full driveaway price including GST, 3 year / 100,000km warranty, 5 year Suzuki roadside assistance, 12 months registration, WOF and a full tank of fuel.

GARY BATES LTD346 Palmerston Rd, Gisborne Ph: 06 867 9438

a/h Gary 027 444 5214; Bruce 021 1265 120241AW012-12J

ONLY $22,500 Driveaway

ONLYONLY

$22,500 $22,500

THE evergreen three-door Suzuki Jimny compact four-wheel-drive has been updated with styling and interior refinements.

First examples of the revised Jimny have arrived in New Zealand and are instantly recognisable by the changes to the front end.

Both entry-level JX and higher specification Sierra models boast a new bonnet with central scoop, and the pair are clearly differentiated for the first time. The JX has a horizontal strip gunmetal design grille, while Sierra sports a body-colour vertical strip grille with five air inlets.

New front bumpers increase overall body length by 30mm to 3675mm, but the Jimny is still one of the most compact all- wheel-drive cars available.

Interior changes include redesigned solid head rests front and rear, new seat trim and the addition of a driver’s seat belt warning lamp. Two ISOFIX child seat tether anchorages have also been added to boost child safety.

With the small increase in length, the Jimny’s approach angle for off-road work has decreased by 3 degrees to 34 degrees.

Aided by the high/low gear ratios and short wheelbase, the Suzuki remains one of the most competent off-road vehicles with a go-anywhere ability bettering most other larger, more expensive vehicles.

A push-button drive-select 4WD system allows easy changes between two- and four-wheel-drive. In two-wheel-drive

mode drive power is only transmitted to the rear driveshaft.

Since the front driveshaft or any of the front drive line components do not turn, there is a saving in fuel and less wear and tear when the vehicle is being used in two-wheel-drive.

The system uses an air-locking hub and can be shifted into four-wheel-drive high ratio at speeds of up to 100kmh. In both manual and automatic models the transmission can also be shifted into low ratio drive to maximise traction in difficult conditions.

The sturdy, ladder-type, three-section chassis is also a factor in the Jimny being a genuine “hard” off-road vehicle which is also highly practical and easy to use in urban and city environments.

A well proven 1328cc four-valves-per- cylinder, 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing technology powers the Jimny. It has multi-point fuel injection and develops 62.5kW of power.

“Such has been the popularity of the Jimny’s practical, good-looking body design since the model was first introduced 14 years ago that only subtle changes were deemed necessary,” said Tom Peck, general manager of marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.

“Jimny is in a class of its own, offering legendary off-road ability at an extremely competitive price level,” he said.

Full on-road pricing, including five-year roadside assistance, starts from $19,990 for the JX Jimny.

Jumpin’ Jimny! MITSUBISHI’S compact crossover has

built a dedicated following since it first arrived in 2010 — and not only here in New Zealand.

It’s been a global success, Mitsubishi says, with over a quarter of a million sold worldwide. The new design of the 2013 model, due in showrooms by the end of the month, promises to generate even more fans. This will be complemented by a large range of specification upgrades throughout and a price-leading LS 2WD model.

The new ASX sports a significant redesign from front to rear, with a smoother, European-inspired outline that softens the overall appeal of the vehicle. There’s a two-tone feel, with sills and lower bumpers finished dark grey, and a softer, premium chrome-surrounded grille that meshes seamlessly with a new fog light design.

Mitsubishi’s head of sales and marketing strategy Daniel Cook says: “This softer new look will appeal to a much larger range of buyers than the previous aggressive stance of the ‘jetfighter’ grille. The vehicle will now look equally at home on the streets of Auckland as the ski fields of Wanaka.”

All four 2013 models get a good measure of detail design and equipment improvements, including — the impressive new six-inch LCD touch screen display that delivers fingertip control for the audio system and a big safe view for the reversing camera that’s now standard across the range.

In the interior all models also receive the newly-designed Mitsubishi steering wheel that delivers improved driver ergonomics and use of fingertip controls for Bluetooth, audio and cruise control, new trims, and a push-button 4WD selector on 4WD models. Sport models also get indicator lamps on the door mirrors and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

Among mechanical upgrades is a recalibration of the continuously-variable transmission (CVT), which Mitsubishi says gives better driving response than ever.

While powertrains continue as before — a 2.0-litre 112kW MIVEC petrol with CVT and a 1.8-litre 305 Nm MIVEC turbo diesel with six-speed manual transmission — braked towing capacity sees a whopping increase to 1300kg, and to 1400kg for the diesel. To balance the increase in transmission performance and tow ratings a new suspension package and steering controls have also been introduced.

“The newcomer to the 2013 ASX range is the entry level LS 2WD which has seen huge specification upgrades at a significantly reduced price of $31,990.

The LS model gains 16-inch alloy wheels, touch screen audio with reversing camera, premium chrome package and all of the styling and technical improvements made across the ASX range.

“ASX has proved itself the right mix of performance, economy, safety and versatility for a great many Mitsubishi owners. The extra refinement of the 2013 models ensures the ASX has everything the crossover buyer is looking for.”

Fuel consumption ratings are 7.9 litres/100km for the LS and 2WD Sport, 8.1 litres/100km for the 4WD Sport and 5.7 litres/100km for the 4WD diesel manual.

ASX has seven airbags, Mitsubishi’s RISE safe-construction technology, and a five-star maximum Euro ANCAP rating as tested on the 2WD models. Working quietly to keep everyone safe in the most difficult driving conditions are ABS anti-lock braking, active stability and traction control, electronic brake distribution, brake-assist, and the smart brake override system.

ASX reaches up

Page 8: Autowatch 12-08-28

8 autowatch THE GISBORNE HERALD

9740-40x8EN

$29,990+ORC

FROMX-TRAIL 2WD

SAVE $7,000

NISSAN

LIMITED TIME ONLYNOW

nissan.co.nz

$32,700+ORC

QASHQAI ST

SAVE $5,000

FROM

$49,990+ORC

NAVARA ST-X 4WD 450

+$2,000 Free Accessories

FROM

FROM

per week*$99JUKE ST

*Payments are calculated and made monthly. Juke ST based on 35% deposit ($11,196.50), 47 monthly payments, and a final payment of $7,000. All figures include GST and exclude on road costs. A Doc Fee and PPSR fee of $325 and normal lending criteria apply. See your local Nissan dealer for full details. Offer ends August 31st.

NIS

3760

\TBW

A

$29,990+ORC

FROMX-TRAIL 2WD

SAVE $7,000

NISSAN

LIMITED TIME ONLYNOW

nissan.co.nz

$32,700+ORC

QASHQAI ST

SAVE $5,000

FROM

$49,990+ORC

NAVARA ST-X 4WD 450

+$2,000 Free Accessories

FROM

FROM

per week*$99JUKE ST

*Payments are calculated and made monthly. Juke ST based on 35% deposit ($11,196.50), 47 monthly payments, and a final payment of $7,000. All figures include GST and exclude on road costs. A Doc Fee and PPSR fee of $325 and normal lending criteria apply. See your local Nissan dealer for full details. Offer ends August 31st.

NIS

3760

\TBW

A

$29,990+ORC

FROMX-TRAIL 2WD

SAVE $7,000

NISSAN

LIMITED TIME ONLYNOW

nissan.co.nz

$32,700+ORC

QASHQAI ST

SAVE $5,000

FROM

$49,990+ORC

NAVARA ST-X 4WD 450

+$2,000 Free Accessories

FROM

FROM

per week*$99JUKE ST

*Payments are calculated and made monthly. Juke ST based on 35% deposit ($11,196.50), 47 monthly payments, and a final payment of $7,000. All figures include GST and exclude on road costs. A Doc Fee and PPSR fee of $325 and normal lending criteria apply. See your local Nissan dealer for full details. Offer ends August 31st.

NIS

3760

\TBW

A

$29,990+ORC

FROMX-TRAIL 2WD

SAVE $7,000

NISSAN

LIMITED TIME ONLYNOW

nissan.co.nz

$32,700+ORC

QASHQAI ST

SAVE $5,000

FROM

$49,990+ORC

NAVARA ST-X 4WD 450

+$2,000 Free Accessories

FROM

FROM

per week*$99JUKE ST

*Payments are calculated and made monthly. Juke ST based on 35% deposit ($11,196.50), 47 monthly payments, and a final payment of $7,000. All figures include GST and exclude on road costs. A Doc Fee and PPSR fee of $325 and normal lending criteria apply. See your local Nissan dealer for full details. Offer ends August 31st.

NIS

3760

\TBW

A

$29,990+ORC

FROMX-TRAIL 2WD

SAVE $7,000

NISSAN

LIMITED TIME ONLYNOW

nissan.co.nz

$32,700+ORC

QASHQAI ST

SAVE $5,000

FROM

$49,990+ORC

NAVARA ST-X 4WD 450

+$2,000 Free Accessories

FROM

FROM

per week*$99JUKE ST

*Payments are calculated and made monthly. Juke ST based on 35% deposit ($11,196.50), 47 monthly payments, and a final payment of $7,000. All figures include GST and exclude on road costs. A Doc Fee and PPSR fee of $325 and normal lending criteria apply. See your local Nissan dealer for full details. Offer ends August 31st.

NIS

3760

\TBW

A

Steven ShieldsNew Vehicle Managera/h 868 8100mob 0274 839 666

241AW013-12J