Antenna and Nitrous Controllers
Zublin Engineering - the designers of the SmartShift shiftlight module that we covered a few issues ago - also produce the SmarTenna. The US$55 module is designed to lower the aerial when the CD player is active on the Acura/Honda NSX, Integra and Legend. More details can be found at http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Accessories/smartenna.htm and the installation instructions are at
http://www.nsxprime.com/DIY/smartenna.htm
Bryan Zublin is also designing a nitrous oxide controller. This will monitor the engine speed and activate the nitrous when the RPM is above a certain threshold (like 3000rpm) and then turn it off when the engine speed exceeds a second threshold (for example the redline). It will also take a throttle position sensor input, allowing the elimination of a mechanical full throttle switch. This is a required safety for cars that have throttle by wire with traction control, so that the NOS is turned off when the traction control kicks in and closes the throttle while the driver
still has the accelerator pedal pressed to the floor. The engine cylinders and RPM thresholds of the controller will be programmable with DIP switches in the same manner as the SmartShift.
You can contact Bryan Zublin at bzublin@jps.net
MPEG Car Sound!
Under development by a UK company is a new concept in car sound - an MPEG system. It uses MPEG technology to store CD-quality music onto a hard disk, using the power of the embedded computer to serve up the music you want, when you want it. The 2.1gb base model gives 35 hours of non-stop playing time while the top level 28gb drive allows a playing time of 476 hours - almost three weeks without a repeat! The DIN-sized player also incorporates an FM tuner and has normal line-level outputs. The first unit is expected to be commercially available at a price of US$949. For many more details visit the sit at http://www.empeg.com/main.html
Euro Hot Hatch Performance
Audi is hotting up the pace with the imminent release of the S3. Joining the S8 and S4 as sports derivatives of existing models, the four wheel drive S3's 1.8 turbo four develops 154kW at 5800 rpm and a strong 270Nm from 2100 to 5000 rpm. The 0-100km/h time is 6.8 seconds. The S3 body features wheel arches extended by 28mm, large air inlets in the front bumper, and xenon headlights. 225/45 tyres are worn on 17 inch rims and the suspension is also revised. In Australia the car will be released in the last quarter of this year; pricing is yet to be determined.
Quickies
- Honda has introduced in Australia the first of its Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) cars. The Honda HR-V four-wheel drive and 1999 four-cylinder Accord both emit 80 per cent less toxic exhaust emissions than allowed under the current Australian regulations. The reduced emissions are achieved through a tumble-flow inlet and a new two-stage 600-cell catalytic converter that drastically reduces emission of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The S2000 sports car (to be released later this year) is another LEV. Honda has also announced that a new petrol/electric hybrid car will go into production in Japan later this year, with this hybrid technology to be exported worldwide.
- Audi has released a more powerful version of the A4 Turbo. The 132kW Audi A4 1.8-litre Turbo quattro manual sedan and Avant are identifiable by new red-and-silver "T" (turbo) badging on the rear of the cars. 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 7.6 seconds. Coinciding with the introduction of the more powerful A4, Audi in Australia is running a "turbo campaign" until 31 March, 1999. One of the offers is insurance of turbo Audis at a rate equal to that of normally aspirated variants.
- Daewoo has released a brochure showing the benefits of its Australian Free Care program. The program provides free scheduled servicing, free Daewoo roadside assistance, and a free courtesy car program for three years after purchase. You can get the brochure from Daewoo dealers.
- Holden has released a motorsport calender featuring artwork from young members of Holden's Design Staff. The calendar will be available at racetracks around Australia.
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