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iPlanet of the iDrives: Does Apple Want Global Domination?
Is this the future for Apple? image Credit: viperapps.co.uk
This plan has been in the making since the beginning of time itself. Everywhere you look they have been there, slowly creeping into the collective consciousness. From the basic foodstuff that animals feast upon for survival, to the fruit that tempted Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, to the falling realisation that gave Newton his idea for gravity, to the making of computers and phones, Apple have been gathering their strength. Their latest venture is to enter the car industry with their own Apple car. This does beg the question, are Apple slowly trying to take over?
Before you get too worried, I have not forgotten that this is indeed an automotive blog. The content of this blog will therefore fall on around the concept of the Apple car. The rumours surrounding Apple moving into the car industry has been swirling for quite some time now, and to this day remains nothing more than speculation. However, it has reared its fascinating head once again with the latest news that Apple have reportedly been poaching employees from both Tesla and A123 systems (battery makers) to name but a few, which has landed Apple in a bit of a sticky wicket of a situation. And by sticky wicket I mean lawsuit against Apple by A123 accusing them of stealing workers from them. I would be stupid to try and get involved with that, so I shall stick to what I know and focus on their car.
This latest news from the front has given another slice of tantalizing information regarding the release of an Apple-mobile. The attempts to convert employees from companies like Tesla and A123 point to one thing, an electric car. Unless this is some strange double bluff and Apple are in fact going to release a petrol-guzzling planet killing super car with the capability of going 1,000,000 mph, and in which case I will quite literally eat my shorts.
Now I have had somewhat of a fluctuating relationship with Apple, and perhaps I represent exactly what Apple are aiming for. For me it began with an outright refusal to buy into the ‘Apple’ brand name, claiming that it was an over-expensive marketing ploy just to bring in the dollar. Next thing I knew, I had downloaded iTunes because it had a more user-friendly operation than the equivalent Windows Media Player. With iTunes comes an iPod, obviously. I vowed that would be it, I would never buy the iPhone. In my defense it did take a few years for me to give into that one; when my phone at the time finally died my head started telling me that the iPhone was really the only option to do what I wanted in a phone. When it came to laptops I had already accepted my fate and thought I may as well complete the set. After all, the iCloud means I can sync all of my data and documents! Their clever marketing strategy and simple user experience make their products feel impossible to live without. The sad thing is I know there are much cheaper options out there, but I just can’t stop myself anymore. Shame really!
It will take some doing for Apple to out-do Tesla, but maybe that’s why they tried poaching some of their staff! Image Credit: Autoblog.com
Apple are one of those companies that I do have a grudging respect for, mainly because their products are marketed in such a way that they seem to answer the problems you never realised you had, and fill the void you never knew existed. Furthermore, Apple are clever in their timing in releasing products in new business sectors; for example the introduction of their first iPhone into the smartphone market came at the perfect time in 2007. Although they were not the first on the market, they wait until a few models have been released, before totally eclipsing them with a superior example that places its emphasis on user experience. Based on the electric car market as it stands, this is the perfect time for Apple to do what they do best. Electric cars have reached a stage where the technology is improving by the year, but there is yet to be that ONE model that defines the brand. When it comes to a smartphone, the iPhone has become the biro or the hoover of its generation. If and when they release their car, I imagine this is what they are shooting for.
Other reports have suggested that Apple are working on a secret project named ‘Titan’ which is meant to be a minivan type vehicle, but again these exist only as heard through the gossip-vine. Do remember of course that Apple has no manufacturing abilities of its own, so even if a design was finalised a whole new infrastructure would need to be set up. Although being Apple I can’t imagine that would be too much of a struggle for them to manage. I was pondering too what they would eventually call their motorised masterpiece; the obvious suggestions would be things such as the iCar or the iDrive. The project may be called Titan, but that would be a rather different route for them to take. Unless this time it was TiTAN, or something just as ridiculous. If they did go with iDrive, I would expect the car to contain some autonomous technologies.
Is this the future of Apple? Image Credit: TechnoBuffalo.com
In order to create THE electric car for the market, Apple would probably have no choice but give the car some autonomous qualities, whether it was self-driving or advanced computer systems (all controlled by Siri of course), otherwise it wouldn’t have that ‘easy user experience’ card to play that it usually does. Imagine though this did come to fruition, as amazing as the car would be, would it suffer from the same problems as a lot of Apple products? The electric motor would probably run out in all of about 30 minutes to start with, while every now and again the whole car would freeze for an inordinate amount of time even if you were in the middle of driving. And most importantly, it would be significantly more expensive than anything else on the market, but would be advertised in such a way as a ‘luxury, trendy, must-have, easiest to use’ car that they would sell in the millions.
As the plans of Apples automotive desires come to light, one question has crossed my mind; is Apple trying to take over the world? The current projections place production to begin in 2020 for the new car, if of course Apple can set up a whole new infrastructure for production sale and distribution. The business reasoning behind this move would without doubt be ‘looking for new sectors to expand into’, but this for all we know could mean that slowly but surely we are transformed into citizens of the iPlanet, with only the small band of Microsoft rebels to liberate us. This does remind me of the film I, Robot (2004) in which the robotics company US Robotics has slowly expanded into every part of our social foundations, becoming the most powerful and influential business in the world.
Image taken from I, Robot (2004)
Perhaps this is the plan Apple has in store for us all. Just maybe Apple have now become the same fruit that poisoned the minds of Adam and Eve through temptation. But then again, as a result of that (if any of that was even true) look at some of the amazing things that have been created. So we should be thanking them for tasting the forbidden fruit, and maybe one day we will thank Apple too.
Either way, I look forward to reading more about the updates on this fascinating new business venture for Apple.
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BTCC Announces New Look BMR for 2015
The new look BMR team for 2015. Image Credit: BTCC.net
A few days ago, the Touring Car world was treated to a much anticipated announcement regarding the fate of two former champions. In a video that echoed the shock factor of last year where Alain Menu returned to the grid, Team BMR announced that both Colin Turkington and Jason Plato would join the team alongside owner Warren Scott and Aron Smith. The reactions across the BTCC community have been massive, due in no small part to Turkington and Plato being two of the most popular names on the grid. Having immersed myself within these discussions now is the time for me to set forth my opinions on this unto you all.
Team BMR may have only been in the BTCC since 2014, but to say they have made a name for themselves in somewhat of an understatement. Almost a year ago, I found myself writing a very similar article regarding the BMR announcement which named a certain Alain Menu as one of the drivers for the 2014 season. As my all-time favourite touring car driver, to hear that Menu was returning to the championship where he made his name was huge; the rest of the BTCC paddock and fans all appeared to be in certain agreement. So when it came to 2015, BMR was going to have to pull something rather special out the bag to top their previous effort. And I think it is safe to say that they have more than risen to the challenge.
The majesty of the announcement was such that it was broadcast through the official BTCC channels. As the video played, the darkness was soon brought to light; Team BMR would be providing drives for both two time champion Jason Plato and 2014 champ Colin Turkington. This ended the months of speculation surrounding the two drivers; many feared Turkington would repeat his 2010 bad luck and be left without a drive despite winning the title the year before. And of course there were the rumours of Plato’s drive for this year, which were not helped after Plato’s on-going silence and recent tweet:
“Might have a year off”
The initial reactions to the news have taken the form of ‘Plato vs Turkington: who will come out on top’. There are those groups that are devote worshippers at the altar of Plato, but on the other hand there are those that see him as the human form of Satan himself. And as the reigning champion, Turkington is definitely not short of followers. Without diving headlong into the debate, both have proved themselves worthy of two championships to their name which therefore means that both have a considerable chance of excelling with Team BMR. However, what I would like to talk about is not their abilities to score good finishes, but their ability to work well together within Team BMR itself.
The final race weekend of the 2014 season saw a direct (albeit one sided mind you) battle between Colin Turkington in the eBay BMW and Jason Plato in the KX Momentum Tesco Clubcard Fuelsave How Many More Sponsors Does A Car Need MG. Throughout the season Plato had been complaining about the performance disparity between the RWD cars (read: the conquering BMW of Turkington) and the FWD cars. Turkington took the championship in the first race, with Plato not able to finish as high up the order as he needed. Race two ended for Turkington in typical Plato-maturity where he quite obviously took Turkington out at Paddock; it was almost comical at the time but such amusement quickly turned to sourness directed at Mr ‘It Wasn’t Me’ himself. I would also like to point out that in 2012 at Knockhill Aron Smith and Jason Plato had a coming together that ended both their races. Let’s hope all is forgotten now ey?
Will BMR face a fierce rivalry like that of Plato and Muller in 2001? Image Credit: BTCC.net
This leads me perfectly to my theory about the inter-team politics that may dominate the BMR garage this year. First of all, I would like to postulate that what may escalate is a situation similar to that of 2001, the infamous rivalry of Plato and Yvan Muller. In 2000, Plato had to play second fiddle to Muller in the Vauxhall team, which was often shown when Plato had to wave Muller through on numerous occasions. Therefore, for the 2001 season Plato got shared number one status with Muller so they were finally able to race themselves. One race of particular note was Silverstone where Muller was slowing down on the last lap and in Plato’s attempt to pass he hit Muller which damaged his car (apparently). On the podium Muller refused to acknowledge Plato in what was a truly immature display. The best part was, it turned out Muller was already suffering with a problem, yet he used the Plato overtake as an excuse as to what caused it. Plato did eventually take the title after Muller’s car gave up on him in the final race at Brands Hatch. Of course rumours flew that Plato’s engineers had done something to Muller’s car. Since then, Plato has always had the number one status in all the teams he has competed for.
If we now fast forward back to 2015, we are in a situation where there are two double champions in the same team, both of whom will be fighting for the top. Unless Plato’s sponsorship has given him weight in the team, I cannot imagine either of them settling for being number two to the other. Even in the announcement video, although it was all big news and playfulness, I definitely got a whiff of tension already between the two. Plato knows his status in the paddock, and one may get the impression that this gifts him the opportunity to be top man in any team. I believe that the 2015 BTCC season may play out in a similar fashion to the 2014 F1 season; Plato and Turkington will replace the Hamilton and Rosberg dynamic. Will there be any underhand play? Will the different sides of the pit garage be divided? Will there be more immature behaviour? If I am honest, I can see this coming more from Plato than Turkington. Turkington is a fast, consistent driver, but he has not been playing the game for as long as Plato. It should be fascinating to watch it play out.
Aron Smith impressed at BMR in 2014. Image Credit: BTCC.net
While all of this is going on, I believe that BMR may have a secret weapon for this year. With the media attention falling heavily on Plato and Turkington, BMR can play their underdog joker and have the potential to kill it all stone dead. Aron Smith has always been a quick driver, but when you manage to gain more race wins than Alain Menu in a season you know there is something special there. I am going to put my money where my mouth and say that I am actually willing to bet that Aron Smith will out-drive the former champions this year and will be the one to beat. There will be no need for him to get caught up in any politics going on in the team; he can just go out and score consistent results and challenge for the title.
The only factor that will determine the course of 2015 for BMR is the performance of the car. In 2014, the Volkswagen cars were fast but I do not think they had the consistency that cars such as the MG, BMW and Honda had. However, building on their 2014 success the only way can be up. Since writing this the cars have been out testing at Thruxton and have been looking stunning. There is something about an all-black livery on the VW Passats that makes them look pure evil ferocity in a car.
What are your predictions for BMR for the 2015 season?
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Should the BTCC go International?
Image Credit: BTCC.net
The BTCC has always been fundamentally been a British institution, despite a considerable overseas invasion throughout the 1990s. However, news has come forth across the oceans from the far off land of Macau. The city circuit that resides there has for many years played host to the action-packed final round of the World Touring Car Championship. The tight, twisty terror represents a true test for any race driver; one wrong move and its not only a position you lose but many of your body panels. However, there now exists a void since the departure of the WTCC. The vacuum left behind can only be filled by a top-class touring car series; it is therefore no surprise that the organisers have approached the BTCC. And with the latest news that the championship is to be aired in the states, one question remains. Should the BTCC go international?
It comes as no surprise to hear that the British Touring Car Championship has always competed on British soil in all of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. But never before has this master of touring car series travelled across the oceans to foreign lands. As a life long lover of the BTCC, this genuinely does come as a bit of a surprise. In the 1990s, the series did undergo somewhat of an invasion for international forces; throughout the Super Touring era the BTCC was undoubtedly not just one of the best touring car series, but one of the best motorsport series in the world as a whole. It made perfect sense then that across the latter part of the 90s name such as Aiello, Tarquini, Kox, Kristensen, Muller, Boullion, Rydell, Morbidelli, Radermaker and Menu began to drive the British driver to near extinction.
Considering the international status of the BTCC, I was always surprised that they never had any overseas races, either as part of the championship or just as an exhibition. In terms of ‘special’ races, the BTCC did have the Snetterton (’99 and ’00) and Silverstone (2000) night races, as well as the British GP support for many years. In recent years, the Australian V8 Supercar Championship has travelled across the water to have rounds in China, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. The CEO James Warburton believes that the strength of the championship lies in keeping an Australian championship mostly in Australia, but having unique overseas events can only compliment the series.
Since the departure of the WTCC as a regular race at the Macau circuit, organisers are searching for another series that would slot in along side the F3, GT and bike races. It has been reported that numerous BTCC teams (that remain unnamed) have been approached about the idea, most of whom have expressed an interest. In addition, another suggested series is the newly formed TCR International, which is run by the FIA. A fascinating thought struck me when I realized that the FIA has lifted the NGTC regulations from the BTCC for use in other national touring car series. Yes you probably are thinking what I am thinking; could there be a one off showcase at Macau that brings in cars from across other national series and the BTCC. The ultimate NGTC touring car event.
National FIA Touring Car series will use the same NGTC regulations as the BTCC. Image Credit: SEAT Sport
Before we go any further, I would now like to play devils advocate on myself, just before my head disappears too far into the clouds. It is all very well in saying how amazing it would be to have either a BTCC event or even a mixed race at Macau, but is it actually a feasible concept? It may be that the crown jewel of the current BTCC may in fact also be the poison dagger. The NGTC regulations were created to avoid the monumental costs of the Super Touring era and make it easier for smaller independent outfits to enter.
The usual Macau event takes place in mid-November, which would fall outside the usual BTCC season. Hypothetically therefore, the race would have to be run as a stand-alone event. It may indeed be a high profile event that acts as a showcase of the British championship, but what about the costs? If the round(s) had no championship worth as it were, would teams want to send their drivers and cars out to compete? What if the cars were involved in a series accident? During the championship accidents are almost par for the course, but to have it happen in a one-off event mean the teams may as well throw their money away right there and then. Just to increase the chances of incident, do remember that Macau is a tight street circuit that is prone to large accidents. For the smaller independent outfits on the grid, it is definitely a financial risk that might even endanger the appearance of the teams in the next seasons’ championship.
Despite my own attempts at shrouding this idea in negativity, I do believe that if the Macau race ever comes to fruition it will be fantastic for both the sport and the spectators. In the last few days, it has been announced that the BTCC will enter somewhat of a reincarnation of previous international prestige; a deal has been made with the CBS Sports network to broadcast hour-long reviews of BTCC rounds. To put that into perspective, in both the US and Canada the CBS network goes out to over 60 million families, a whole new frontier for the all-conquering series. On top of that, TorqueTV.com will be running an ‘on-demand’ style service to re-live the highlights for up to 90 days after each race weekend.
As I have previously stated, the appeal of the championship lies in its British heritage, regardless of its international reputation. I am in no way suggesting that the BTCC head abroad and start invading WTCC turf. In exactly the same vein as the comments made by James Warburton, the strength of the BTCC is retaining the British backdrop. To remove that may remove some of the 60 year old magic that drives the sport. However, considering the overseas excitement, it would be a nice gesture to acknowledge the global fan-base by bringing a motorsport series they love to them. Knowing that any sports series understands and appreciates its fan is a sure-fire way of obtaining lifelong followers. If Macau were to happen and be successful, I would like to see the BTCC competing in one off events at different circuits across the world over different years.
Can you imagine the BTCC field streaming down the infamous Corkscrew at Laguna Seca? Image Credit: Porsche Official
To utilise the obvious advantages (business, financial, sponorship and fan-based) of heading to areas with a high concentration of BTCC fans is almost a no-brainer. Not only would the fans benefit, but it would give the touring car drivers the opportunity to race on circuits that they may not have had the opportunity to based on their limited budgets. On top of everything else I have said in support of such an enterprise, the chance to join forces with the other touring series would be a great way to bring together touring car drivers from across the globe in order to see who truly is the best. Imagine if you will a race event similar to the Formula Ford festivals where there are multiple heats where drivers progress and qualify for the final. A whole weekend of intense touring car action. Personally, I cannot think of a better way to spend a weekend.
If I was therefore to answer my original question then yes, I do think that BTCC should go international. However, they must excercise extreme caution so as not to alienate their British audience in search of exotic glory and riches. Financial difficulties may be a concern, but exposure in new territories may bring with it new business and new opportunities.
What do you think? Should the BTCC consider taking its high octane action overseas?
What circuits would you love to see the field racing on? What about taking on Bathurst supporting the V8 Supercar Series?
Would you want to see a merging of the BTCC series and other touring car championships?
Let me know your thoughts!
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BTCC Memorable Drives: Two Toyotas, One Barrier
That’s what you call an action shot. Image Credit: popscreen.com
For any motorsport team, there surely can be no better feeling than having one of the most competitive driver line ups on the grid. As the 1992 British Touring Car Championship rolled around, it was the Toyota team of previous champions Will Hoy and Andy Rouse that entered the season with this undeniable feeling of confidence and expectations. The two best drivers in arguably the strongest car on the grid. What could possibly go wrong? As the championship reached Brands Hatch, they were about to find out.
The 1991 BTCC season was the inaugural year that the then brand new 2.0 litre formula was run on British soil; the previous multi-class operation had been thrown into the pages of history and replaced with a single class, high action championship. For many of the teams, 1991 had been a season of learning and development to acclimatize to this new era of racing. Therefore, as the engines roared into life for the 1992 season, the teams were ready to launch their full arsenal upon the tarmac in search of honour and glory.
The returning Vauxhall pairing of Jeff Allam and 1989 champion John Cleland were statistically the team to beat; both were proven race winners in a car that had already endured two previous seasons in the 2.0 litre specification. BMW had gone back to the drawing board for 1992, entering the brand new 318is in place of the now retired M3 for drivers Steve Soper and Tim Harvey. It would take a long time for the new BMW to become competitive. A handful of other teams including Vauxhalls, BMWs and even a Mazda completed the grid. There was however one other team.
Image Credit: retrorides.proboards.com
Image Credit: BTCCCrazy.co.uk
In 1991, the Kaliber Toyota team of Andy Rouse and Gary Ayles had endured a character building first year in a 2.0 litre machine. However, by the end of the season, Rouse was a proven race winner and completed the championship in 3rd position. To build on 1991 successes, Rouse joined forces with champion Will Hoy, who also brought with him his Securicor sponsorship from his BMW M3. The resulting car turned out to be a high-performance beast that quickly became everyone’s favourite for the championship. Not only that, but the Toyota team had arguably the two greatest touring car stars of the day driving for them. The titans of touring cars in ’92 were definitely going to be Toyota.
The first four rounds of the 1992 championship (Silverstone, Thruxton, Oulton Park and Snetterton) were very much dominated by Toyota and Vauxhall. Thanks to a somewhat memorable spin by Cleland at Oulton Park, it was Rouse that led the standings going into the fifth round at the Brands Hatch GP circuit. What had been clear throughout the opening rounds of the season was just how consistently competitive both the Toyota cars were. Watching back the footage from the ’92 season review, you can see that because the team was made up of the two best drivers in the field, they challenged and pushed each other throughout each race; You could draw a comparison between them and the on-track battles between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in the recent 2014 F1 championship. Both cars/drivers have such incredible pace that they would make each other faster and faster. However, unlike Hamilton-Rosberg example, Hoy and Rouse had a solid friendship outside of the cars; there was none of this petty behaviour that became shockingly common in the F1 last year.
The original promo used for the ’92 Toyota team. The perfect combination of Rouse and Hoy
Such harmony however was about to take a drastic tumble off a considerably gargantuan rock face. As with previous rounds, the race began with the two Toyotas battling with John Cleland in the Vauxhall. After swapping positions the two team mates found themselves side by side as they entered the famous GP loop of Brands Hatch. Andy Rouse edged ahead of Hoy, but heading into Westfields Hoy made his move up the inside. At first, it was a true execution of two great drivers battling at the edge of grip, performance and sanity. But then Hoy’s car moved left…
Words cannot truly describe what happens next. As such, here is the moment for you all to see:
BTCC 1992: Hoy and Rouse Crash at Brands Hatch
Added to the explosion of drama as the cars go searing off into the barrier at 120mph, you cannot forget the commentary of the one and only Murray Walker. He is a man whose voice IS motorsport:
“And, they’re off! Both of them off! Wha- Incredible!”
“And Rouse’s body language says rage and fury!”
Who is to blame for the incident? For some people, it appeared to be nothing more than a racing incident where two cars got too close together on track. For others, the blame can be placed on Will Hoy. After all, it was Will who made the decision to charge up the inside and his car that appeared to move over the left causing the incident. You can tell by the reaction of Rouse that he certainly did not see it as his fault, especially that these are the cars that he himself had engineered. Perhaps Hoy should not have made the move, but if perhaps Rouse had driven faster he wouldn’t have been overtaken in the first place. Furthermore, when you watch the footage, it appears (to me anyway) that Hoy’s car hit a small bump in the road that slightly unsettled the car; usually this wouldn’t cause any issue but when you have a car immediately to your left, well you saw what happened.
At the time, the incident was nothing more than the door handle to door handle action that you would get in any race. However, if we now fast forward to the famous final race of the ’92 season. The season ending race at Silverstone has become famous in its own right; 3 drivers, 1 title. However, what if the Toyota’s had never had that crash at Brands Hatch?
What if Rouse and Hoy did not crash that day? Image Credit: hispaniatecnica.com
Let us assume Hoy had successfully completed the pass and finished the Brands Hatch race in 2nd position. That would add an extra 18 to his final total, meaning the championship would have been his and not Tim Harvey’s. Furthermore, Rouse would have found himself in a top 3 finishing position in the championship. Also please note that further points scores would have been affected from Brands as everyone else would have finished 2 places lower. Even with the astonishing development of the BMW team throughout the year, it was Toyota that (again I believe) had the strongest car and driver line up.
Essentially, the bottom line is that Toyota lost the championship at Brands Hatch. Is this a real life example of Chaos Theory and the Butterfly Effect? One race, one bump in the road, one incident that changed the entire course of the 1992 British Touring Car Championship.
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