Drivers of BMWs frequently come in for anecdotal criticism for habits on the road that are perceived as aggressive.
Now, a couple of studies, one in the U.S. and another from the U.K., appear to provide statistical evidence that BMW drivers are, to be polite about it, complete jerks.
In the older study, by researchers at the University of California, BMW drivers were far less likely to stop for a pedestrian who had just entered a crosswalk, the New York Times notes.
“In our crosswalk study, none of the cars in the beater-car category drove through the crosswalk. They always stopped for pedestrians," researcher Paul K. Piff told the paper. He added that not only were "fancy cars were less likely to stop," but also that "BMW drivers were the worst."
Drivers of BMWs and other high-status cars (including Prius hybrids) were also more likely to cheat at four-way-stop intersections, according to the research.
In the second study, in the U.K., motorists were asked to identify the make and color of the car from which they have most frequently suffered road-rage incidents, the Daily Mail reports.
The study of 2,837 motorists found men between the ages of 35 and 50 driving blue BMWs were most likely to be reported as having engaged in road-rage behaviors such as aggressive driving and swearing.
Kamis, 15 Agustus 2013
Selasa, 13 Agustus 2013
Rally Photos from 1963, Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pagoda
Stuttgart – From Belgium to Bulgaria and back, 5,500 kilometres in 90 hours: from 27 to 31 August 1963, Eugen Böhringer drove the red Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113) day and night, hurtling through narrow passes and along distant motorways. Together with co-driver Klaus Kaiser, he secured overall victory in the ‘Marathon de la Route’, the renowned Belgian long-distance rally. Böhringer had already won the ‘Liège–Sofia–Liège’ event in 1962, the year in which he became European Rally Champion, driving a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (W 111) with Hermann Eger as his co-driver.
In 1963, Böhringer lined up in a brand new car: the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL, nicknamed ‘Pagoda’ because of its dome-shaped hardtop and the successor to the 190 SL (W 121) and 300 SL (W 198) models. The elegant Roadster, which was the first ever sports car to feature a safety body, took part in the ‘Marathon de la Route’ to display its racing capability. Böhringer’s SL with starting number 39 was based on a pre-production vehicle. It featured the typical rally modifications of the era, such as reinforced suspension and larger tanks. The rally car also had a hardtop rigidly attached to its body. Thanks to its larger displacement (2.6 as opposed to 2.3 litres), the engine produced about 20 hp (15 kW) more power than its series-production counterpart. This meant that there was around 170 hp (125 kW) on tap as well as more torque. Led by Erich Waxenberger, the Mercedes-Benz test department prepared the 230 SL for rally use. Following its race victory, the car, still showing all the traces of its participation in the rally, was displayed at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in the autumn of 1963 for the official German premiere of the W 113 on the Mercedes-Benz stand. The motor sport community still found it hard to gauge the new Roadster’s chances. On 6 September 1963, the British magazine ‘Autosport’ wrote: “As last year’s winner, Eugen Böhringer started among the favourites for the 1963 Marathon de la Route, but the fact that he was driving a new car, as yet untried in competition, did not particularly encourage his supporters.”
But Böhringer, a hotelier born in 1922, proved his doubters wrong. Starting in Spa, the route took in the Saarland, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria before moving on to Austria, Italy, and Yugoslavia. Then there was a slight detour to Romania followed by a short stop in Sofia, before heading back to Yugoslavia and Italy again, where the toughest Alpine passes awaited the rally contestants.
On the way back, Böhringer had a minor accident in Dubrovnik, but this only cost him two minutes. “Eugen Böhringer slightly reshaped the beautiful 230 SL but pressed on,” wrote ‘Autocar’ in its report of the minor mishap. Racing towards Rovereto, Böhringer and Kaiser were close behind Rauno Aaltonen and Tony Ambrose in an Austin-Healey. On the Vivione Pass, the car driven by Aaltonen and Ambrose left the road, allowing Böhringer to take the lead in the 230 SL – a position which he held until the finish line in Belgium.
It was a tough competition. “Whereas the official line was that it would be a leisurely parade-type affair, the participants were working to a revised schedule,” wrote German magazine ‘auto motor und sport’ in its 1982 portrait of Böhringer and the customs of the ‘Marathon de la Route’. This is borne out by the statistics: 129 vehicles started the event in 1963, but only 20 of them finished it, making the victory achieved by Eugen Böhringer and Klaus Kaiser all the more impressive, as they reached Liège with only 8 minutes of penalties. After the rally, British magazine ‘Autocar’ wrote: “The Royal Motor Union of Liège set a murderous pace for their classic event and Böhringer’s fabulous performance shook them rigid.”
“His competitors feared him because he always took it right to the limit, always risked everything, asking absolutely everything of himself and of Klaus Kaiser and of the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL which they drove in the rally,” wrote the magazine ‘Kristall’ in its autumn 1964 report about Böhringer and the ‘Marathon de la Route’. Asked about the dangers of the rally by an interviewer, Böhringer replied that 80 per cent of fast driving on public roads was an “easily calculable risk”. Kristall’s chief reporter Rolf Winter then responded by asking about the other 20 per cent. “Oh, well! depends on the circumstances,” replied the Mercedes-Benz works racing driver in his Swabian dialect.
Eugen Böhringer, who died in June 2013, will always be remembered as a two-time winner of the ‘Marathon de la Route’. In fact, the hotelier from Stuttgart almost achieved three wins in succession, but he only finished third in the last staging of the rally in 1964. Nevertheless, the organisers honoured him in 1964 with a special trophy for two victories and two excellent placings in four consecutive years.
Jumat, 09 Agustus 2013
At the La Jolla Ferrari Dealership
Selasa, 06 Agustus 2013
Reasons why young people do not have a drivers' license: from Michael Sivak at UM Transportation Institute
This survey examined why a substantial percentage of young adults currently do not have a driver’s license, and the future plans of this group concerning obtaining a license. The survey yielded useable responses from 618 persons aged 18 to 39 without a driver’s license. The top eight reasons (primary or secondary) for not having a driver’s license were as follows: (1) too busy or not enough time to get a driver’s license (37%), (2) owning and maintaining a vehicle is too expensive (32%), (3) able to get transportation from others (31%), (4) prefer to bike or walk (22%), (5) prefer to use public transportation (17%), (6) concerned about how driving impacts the environment (9%), (7) able to communicate and/or conduct business online instead (8%), and (8) disability/medical/vision problems (7%). Of the respondents, 22% indicated that they plan on never getting a driver’s license. On the other hand, 69% expect to get a driver’s license within the next five years. Young adults without a driver’s license—in comparison with the general population of the same age—tend to have less education and higher unemployment. However, the present study was not designed to investigate whether there is a causal relationship, or the direction of the effect if there were such a relationship.
http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/99124
http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/99124
Mercedes Benz at 2013 Pebble Beach
Benz “Prinz Heinrich car” from 1910. Faithfully restored by Mercedes-Benz Classic in accordance with the requirement for utmost authenticity and thereafter presented to the public again in 2013. This special touring car was driven by Carl Neumaier in the legendary long-distance race in June 1910. Equipped with four-valve technology, the 4-cylinder engine developed 59 kW (80 hp) from its 5.7-litre displacement.
FROM M-B:
Mercedes-Benz Classic at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Élégance
• Mercedes-Benz Classic brings “Prinz Heinrich” Benz and 24/40 hp Benz landaulet to California
• Representatives of the brand’s long tradition of sports- and luxury-class cars
Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz Classic is to mark its attendance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Élégance to be held on 18 August 2013 by exhibiting a “Prinz Heinrich” Benz dating from 1910. Restored by Mercedes-Benz Classic, the vehicle is considered to be one of the first true sports cars ever made. Another exhibit which will be on display at the event is a 24/40 hp Benz landaulet dating from 1907, representing the long tradition of premium- and luxury-class vehicles at Mercedes-Benz.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Élégance is held in the American state of California and traditionally takes place on the third Sunday in August. The classic event staged on the 18th green of the Pebble Beach Golf Links course is one of the world’s most prestigious classic car shows. The Concours d’Élégance marks the highlight of a weekend which is completely dedicated to elegant, refined, and outstanding vehicles. For fans, experts, and collectors of classic cars, the exclusive auctions are must-attend events in their calendar, for example.
Mercedes-Benz has enjoyed a long tradition of success at the top-class event celebrated under the hot Californian sun: since 1950, the brand’s long list of awards have included several overall victories in the “Best of Show” category as well as more than 120 class victories and special prizes. Last year too saw a Mercedes-Benz pick up the coveted title of “Best of Show” in the guise of a Mercedes-Benz Saoutchik S Type. Designed by French coachbuilder Jacques Saoutchik, the car first shipped in 1928. The S Type’s “torpedo” bodywork with low windscreen captured the hearts of the judges so much so that it was named the finest vehicle on display at the competition.
“Prinz Heinrich” Benz from 1910
This year Mercedes-Benz Classic is bringing a representative of the very early days of motor racing to the USA: a “Prinz-Heinrich” Benz dating from 1910, which Mercedes-Benz Classic has faithfully restored to the very highest standards of authenticity. More than 100 years old, the vehicle is a fascinating contemporary witness of the motor sport innovations of the early 1900s. In terms of technology, this Benz model combines everything that was, and today still is, deemed to be high-tech in the field of automotive engineering, including dual ignition and four-valve technology.
In its day, the “Prinz-Heinrich Fahrt” (Prince Heinrich Tour), named after the brother of the German Emperor, was one of the most prominent automobile races in Europe. The “Kaiserlicher Automobil-Club” (German Imperial Automobile Club) staged the event between 1908 and 1910, and only permitted four-seater production vehicles to take part – so strictly no racing cars.
For the 1910 Tour, which was staged between 2 and 8 June of that year and covered a total distance of 1,945 kilometres from Berlin to Bad Homburg vor der Höhe in Hesse – via Brunswick, Kassel, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Strasbourg, and Metz – no less than ten all-new special touring cars were built. Four of them had 5.7-litre engines while the other six had engines with a displacement of 7.3 litres. All the touring cars were equipped with cardan shaft drive and featured a streamlined body with a characteristic pointed rear.
This dark green Benz special touring car with race number 38, only presented in February after being extensively restored to its original condition by Mercedes-Benz Classic, is considered to be the first true sports car by many automobile historians. It is one of only two known vehicles in the world produced by Benz for the Prince Heinrich Tour of 1910 that have survived in their original form since their first race more than 100 years ago. The vehicle from the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection finished in 11th place at the time, and then in the same year also took part in the Tsar Nicholas Tour. To this day the racing car still has the modified engine – with a displacement reduced to 5.4 litres – with which it was fitted for this race in Russia.
Technical data for the “Prinz-Heinrich” Benz
Year of construction: 1910
Cylinders: 4
Displacement: 5,715 cc
Power output: 80 hp (59 kW)
Top speed: 126 km/h
Cylinders: 4
Displacement: 5,715 cc
Power output: 80 hp (59 kW)
Top speed: 126 km/h
24/40 hp Benz landaulet from 1907
The second vehicle to be presented by Mercedes-Benz Classic at Pebble Beach is a 24/40 hp Benz landaulet. This vehicle stands in the long tradition of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which dates back to the start of the 20th century. Since that time, the product line of the brands Mercedes and Benz – from 1926 Mercedes-Benz – has always comprised outstanding premium- and luxury-class models. They represent innovative, visionary automotive technology, generating the driving force for entire automotive development.
The 24/40 hp model was produced at Benz in the first decade of the last century as part of a whole series of newly developed products with 28, 35, 40 and 45 hp (21, 26, 29 and 33 kW) engines. They all featured a variety of technical features: they all had a four-cylinder engine with cylinders cast together in pairs. The laterally positioned camshaft was driven via spur gears. Two spark plugs per cylinder drew their current via magneto ignition. The four-speed transmission was operated via a sliding shift mechanism. Despite being optionally available with cardan shaft drive system, the power of the 24/40 hp model from the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection is still delivered to the rear wheels via chains.
As was usual for that period, different body variants were available – hence also a landaulet version. The driver was left to sit out in the open, with little protection, while in inclement weather the ladies and gentlemen were able to sit beneath a well-upholstered folding roof. The vehicle from the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection was originally delivered to the south of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, where it remained in service until 1966.
Technical data for the 24/40 hp Benz landaulet
Year of construction: 1907
Cylinders: 4, cast together in pairs
Displacement: 6,107 cc
Power output: 40 hp (29 kW)
Top speed: 80 km/h
Cylinders: 4, cast together in pairs
Displacement: 6,107 cc
Power output: 40 hp (29 kW)
Top speed: 80 km/h
First day back in California -- an excellent adventure driving on I-5 and the Chula Vista Pick and Pull
Hi folks -- well, I got off the plane at 2:30 p.m. and after getting my VW Jetta rental car headed straight for the pick and pull.
First observation -- driving on I-5 and I-805 is not for the faint of heart. This is not like driving the I-675 near Dayton. The speed, number of cars all around changing lanes constantly, the unfamiliarity with the exits and right lane "exit onlys" were formidable challenges, especially the first half hour or so. It also doesn't help that the VW has so much complex electronics that getting used to that was also difficult.
Finally about 4 p.m. I got to the Pick and Pull on Energy Way. Lots of Mercedes there, but the bone pickers had got to the cars long before I got there and so I did not find an instrument cluster. There was one SL, and the way the pickers treated it was a travesty. This once proud motor car was a hulk, with a door gone, trunk lid and hood off, engine in pieces (it was a single chain 380 and the chain was off its cogs, perhaps why it was there in the first place. So much was gone on the dash that it made it easy for me to remove the cruise control amplifier, a part I was looking for. I also got a passenger door lock actuator, with no guarantee that it will work (Probably it will not!). What a sad car, however. Our disposable society is sorry ass concerning the way we treat fine things like this car at times.
Going back to solana Beach in the evning I stopped at In and Out for dinner, and had a fun time watching a scorching hot orange BMW 2002 fly by me on I-5, along with a very nice M-B 560 SL with the hardtop on.
More on this adventure soon, as now it is on to the beach!
First observation -- driving on I-5 and I-805 is not for the faint of heart. This is not like driving the I-675 near Dayton. The speed, number of cars all around changing lanes constantly, the unfamiliarity with the exits and right lane "exit onlys" were formidable challenges, especially the first half hour or so. It also doesn't help that the VW has so much complex electronics that getting used to that was also difficult.
Finally about 4 p.m. I got to the Pick and Pull on Energy Way. Lots of Mercedes there, but the bone pickers had got to the cars long before I got there and so I did not find an instrument cluster. There was one SL, and the way the pickers treated it was a travesty. This once proud motor car was a hulk, with a door gone, trunk lid and hood off, engine in pieces (it was a single chain 380 and the chain was off its cogs, perhaps why it was there in the first place. So much was gone on the dash that it made it easy for me to remove the cruise control amplifier, a part I was looking for. I also got a passenger door lock actuator, with no guarantee that it will work (Probably it will not!). What a sad car, however. Our disposable society is sorry ass concerning the way we treat fine things like this car at times.
Going back to solana Beach in the evning I stopped at In and Out for dinner, and had a fun time watching a scorching hot orange BMW 2002 fly by me on I-5, along with a very nice M-B 560 SL with the hardtop on.
More on this adventure soon, as now it is on to the beach!
Senin, 05 Agustus 2013
How Technology Is Changing the Future of Driving -- guest post, Chris Mustaine
How Tech Is Changing the Future of Driving
The advancement of technology has been of great help in a number of fields, whether in business, entertainment, politics or elsewhere. Computers in particular have proved invaluable in a number of fields, and the use of computers has been crucial to higher production volumes and pivotal discoveries, particularly in scientific and medical advancements.
Though a few insist that some technology, particularly satellites and various forms of monitoring, have been detrimental to society as a whole, it is difficult to deny that when getting from point A to point B in a car or other vehicle quickly and efficiently has been vastly improved in recent technologies. It is impossible to deny that technology has improved the way we drive and made our lives easier when using our cars for a number of daily purposes, whether it is commuting or simply going out and about.
GPS
Technology in our cars or transport method of choice has ensured that our everyday travelling is less strenuous and easier, and it has also ensured that we are able to spend a larger amount of time doing what we enjoy, as more time is spent at work or at home rather than travelling between the two. GPS-based technology is helpful to drivers by analysing the quickest routes to drive and providing up-to-date directions. This technology ensures everyone can attend that job interview in time, avoid being late to their daughter's precious recital (which will likely make or break parenthood for years to come) or simply avoid being late or running into traffic.
Though a few insist that some technology, particularly satellites and various forms of monitoring, have been detrimental to society as a whole, it is difficult to deny that when getting from point A to point B in a car or other vehicle quickly and efficiently has been vastly improved in recent technologies. It is impossible to deny that technology has improved the way we drive and made our lives easier when using our cars for a number of daily purposes, whether it is commuting or simply going out and about.
GPS
Technology in our cars or transport method of choice has ensured that our everyday travelling is less strenuous and easier, and it has also ensured that we are able to spend a larger amount of time doing what we enjoy, as more time is spent at work or at home rather than travelling between the two. GPS-based technology is helpful to drivers by analysing the quickest routes to drive and providing up-to-date directions. This technology ensures everyone can attend that job interview in time, avoid being late to their daughter's precious recital (which will likely make or break parenthood for years to come) or simply avoid being late or running into traffic.
Telematics
Telematics technology is the latest of car technology which aims to reward safe drivers and see better drivers on the road. By fitting a small telematics device into cars, driving patterns, such as the speed of accelerating, going round corners and breaking is monitored, with good drivers rewarded by their insurance company in lower premiums. Some insurance companies are even beginning to offer discounts to motorists who use telematics.
Self-Driving
The aids provided by autonomous driving systems have also proved pivotal to driver safety and accuracy when parking, cruising on the motorway and more. These systems are giving invaluable technological aids to tired drivers, such as those who drive heavy vehicles like lorries or bigger vans, and even daily commuters. Self-driving technology will ensure that speed is maintained at all times, and can even park vehicles much more accurately than a human being. This of course cuts the number of accidents considerably. Most importantly, some cars are now fitted with a drowsiness monitor, which will alert the driver whose driving pattern begins to show signs of drowsiness.
Technology for cars is still being fine-tuned and developed so that it becomes increasingly accurate. For those who work with cars every day, these aids can make all the difference between a lethal accident and a job completed in a safe manner.
Telematics technology is the latest of car technology which aims to reward safe drivers and see better drivers on the road. By fitting a small telematics device into cars, driving patterns, such as the speed of accelerating, going round corners and breaking is monitored, with good drivers rewarded by their insurance company in lower premiums. Some insurance companies are even beginning to offer discounts to motorists who use telematics.
Self-Driving
The aids provided by autonomous driving systems have also proved pivotal to driver safety and accuracy when parking, cruising on the motorway and more. These systems are giving invaluable technological aids to tired drivers, such as those who drive heavy vehicles like lorries or bigger vans, and even daily commuters. Self-driving technology will ensure that speed is maintained at all times, and can even park vehicles much more accurately than a human being. This of course cuts the number of accidents considerably. Most importantly, some cars are now fitted with a drowsiness monitor, which will alert the driver whose driving pattern begins to show signs of drowsiness.
Technology for cars is still being fine-tuned and developed so that it becomes increasingly accurate. For those who work with cars every day, these aids can make all the difference between a lethal accident and a job completed in a safe manner.
Bio:
Chris Mustaine is a writer who has driven all over the world. He is currently working on a book of his travels. You can follow him on Twitter: @MeChrisMustaine
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)