Makes and Models
Back To The Future: The DeLorean DMC-12
I’m writing this on 20th October 2015, which means that tomorrow is Back To The Future day. For those of you who managed to miss out on watching Back To The Future II and don’t quite get what’s the big deal about tomorrow, the date 21st October 2015 is the date to which the time-travelling De Lorean hops forward to.
In honour of the occasion, it’s time to take a little look at the car that this movie series pushed into the limelight: the DeLorean. To be more specific, the DeLorean DMC-12.
The Back To The Future movie series is about the only place you’re really likely to see the DeLorean DMC-12. The company wasn’t a success, in spite of the sort of “product placement” that many manufacturers would pay vast amounts of money for. It didn’t flop simply because it was a small and obscure company – similar product placement of an obscure brand in a sci-fi movie during the mid-1980s worked for Reece’s Pieces in the E.T. movie. It flopped for a number of reasons, including a massive slump in the US car market, the fact that the main DeLorean factory was located in Belfast, Northern Ireland smack-dab in the middle of the notorious Troubles and the arrest of the company’s head, John DeLorean, for drug trafficking.
It’s a pity that the DeLorean didn’t get more widespread, because this two-door sports coupé had a lot going for it, really. The body styling was innovative and futuristic (which was why it was chosen for the starring role in the movie). It featured a fair amount of fibreglass, a very streamlined rocket-like shape and those über-cool gullwing doors, which also graced the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Another innovative styling feature of the DeLorean DMC-12 was the decision to leave the metal unpainted but to let the brushed stainless steel speak for itself. Rumour has it that a small, select group of DeLoreans were plated with gold. I hope that last one is a rumour, as it sounds extremely tacky and gag-worthily ostentatious.
The engine – which was mounted in the rear like an old-fashioned VW Beetle – was a 2.9-L V6 PRV job, with PRV standing for Peugeot , Renault and Volvo. The initial plan was to have a centrally mounted Wankel engine, but this sounds like a mechanic’s nightmare, so it’s just as well that this idea never made it past the drawing board or the DMC (DeLorean Motor Company) might have flopped a whole lot sooner. The transmission came in two types: a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic. It could do the 0–60 mph sprint (American equivalent of the 0–100 km/h time) in 8.8 seconds for the manual and 10.5 seconds for the automatic version. The suspension was a four-wheel independent job (double wishbones at the front, multi-link in the rear) that worked alongside coil springs, and telescopic shock absorbers. Power-assisted disk brakes completed the performance and handling package.
The DeLorean came reasonably well equipped with bells and whistles for a mid-1980s vehicle, featuring a cassette player, a clock built into the gearshift knob, leather seats, air conditioning, electric windows and power (central) locking. Most DeLoreans were left-hand drive jobs but a few right-hand drives were produced for the UK and Australian market. They never took off.
There were a few teething problems with the radio antenna, which had rotten reception with its first location on the front roof, and with the battery, which went flat horribly easily.
The DMC company folded in 1983 after having made about 8000–9000 units since production began in 1981, including the right-hand drive models.
A few years ago (in 2013), there were a few rumours out there that the DeLorean was going to make a comeback as an electric vehicle with the iconic body style, including the brushed stainless steel with no paint and the gull-wing doors. Although a prototype has been put around a test track and there was a bit of a buzz about it, this project also seems to have fizzled. Or do I speak too soon? A news report from Belfast, Northern Ireland, yesterday hints that an all-electric high-tech version made by the engineering department of Queen’s University Belfast is going to be unveiled tomorrow for Back To The Future Day (OK, make a few adjustments for time-zone differences!).
Today, DeLoreans are mostly found in the United States in the hands of enthusiasts. You are unlikely to see one on Australian roads. If, however, you have been lucky enough to spot a real one, tell the world!
Cheers,
Megan
Nicknames For Cars
General Lee
There’s something about cars – at least cars that have been well designed by human beings rather than computers and algorithms – that makes them into a sort of mechanical animal. Given that we spend as much time with our cars as we do with our pets, it’s no surprise, therefore, that we give silly nicknames to our cars. Some of us go to the point of getting a personalised plate with the name on.
Oddly enough, even if you decide to give your car a nickname, it might not stick. Over the years, I have attempted to christen several of the vehicles owned by the family but only a handful of them have stuck. These have been Goldbug (Morris 1300), Suzy (Isuzu Bighorn), Roger The Blute (blue Nissan Navara ute) and Dinky-Wee (Daihatsu Charade). Why these nicknames stuck while others didn’t is uncertain. My attempts, for example, to christen the Saab I used to own and the Volvo I currently drive The Valkyrie and Hilda respectively, never quite came off. However, somebody else referred to that Saab as The Eurobeast and that name stuck. Sometimes, I wonder if the car itself has a say in its naming.
Kitt
How cars acquire nicknames is another story. Colour, make and the letters on the licence plate all seem to play their part. My grandmother, for instance, used the letters on the licence plate to christen her Alfa Romeo Lorenzo (plate had LZ in it) and the red Fiat Uno Orlando (plate with OR) (Italian names for Italian cars – my grandmother was nuts about all things Italian). Sometimes two factors get used: our Roger The Blute takes its name from the licence plate letters (RJ) and the colour (blue), with “blute” being a portmanteau word combining “blue” and “ute”.
Bumblebee
Research seems to support this hunch. One survey in the UK found that 30% of people who gave their cars nicknames used the licence plate, while 27% used the car’s “personality”, 16% used the make or model name as a starting point, 8% used the colour and another 8% just chose something they liked. The same study found that 50% of female drivers and 33% of men gave their cars names, and that those aged 18–24 were most likely to name their cars: 70% of this age group in the study had done so, compared to 30% of those over 65.
That same British study found that the most popular nicknames for cars were as follows:
- Names with ‘Blue’ in them (Bluebell, Blue Boy, Bluey, etc.)
- Fred, Freddie or Freda
- Betsy
- Babe/ Baby
- The Beast
- Penelope/Penny
- Names starting with ‘Little’ (e.g. Little Ripper)
- Bertie/Bert
- Bessie/Bess
- Bertha
- Katie
- Names starting with ‘Old’
Herbie
Other people have turned to movies or TV shows to find the right moniker for their car. Herbie, Bumblebee, Kitt, General Lee, and Lightning McQueen are all fairly high in the popularity stakes for VW Beetles, Ford Camaros, anything sleek and black, Dodges and anything sleek and red respectively. Batmobile is also a contender for slick black vehicles. We’d have to include Daisy or Miss Daisy here, which is either a reference to Daisy Duke or to Driving Miss Daisy.
What about you? Do you have a nickname for your car? What is it? How or why did you choose it? Let us know in the Comments below!
Safe and happy driving,
Megan (one of several drivers of Roger The Blute)
Let's Rock n Roll: BTCC Young Guns Lead the Charge at Rockingham
Photo Credit: BTCC.net
Whenever the British Touring Car Championship heads to Rockingham, you can guarantee a fascinating days’ racing. The title fight has been set ablaze with 5 drivers all within 30 points of each other, following a truly knightly Knockhill for hometown hero Shedden. As Motorbase man Mat Jackson plants his titanic Ford on pole during qualifying and BMR appear to be rediscovering their mojo, who will come out on top when the fat lady sings?
One of the biggest news stories to come from Saturday was the announcement that Shedden had been demoted from 3rd place down to 7th due to a pit infringement during the qualifying session. It was clear that Flash was somewhat annoyed yet understanding about his penalty; with John Cleland also racing at Rockingham, I wonder if tips on controlling the descent of the Scottish red mist were given:
“We’ve got to race to the rules, and it would appear that we’ve broken the rule and we’ve been punished – it is what it is and there’s nothing I can do to change it.”
From the second the lights were out, Gordon Shedden made clear his intentions for vengeance upon the rest of the field. As Mat Jackson powered off into a lead he would never lose, in typical Flash-ion, Shedden made light work of those in his way and was soon not only up to his original 3rd place, but charging up behind the Ford. Despite securing pole position for race two with a blistering time, Shedden was never able to catch the flying Ford of Jackson, who was able to manage both the gap and his tyres to an eventual 1.8 second lead as proceedings came to a close.
It was not the lead battle that captured the imagination of the fans; it was however the scrap for all the top 10 positions. After making an excellent start from the 6th row of the grid, Cook made his way up to 6th and was even fighting to get past the Honda of Neal. But the demands of the Rockingham circuit do take their toll on the soft tyre, meaning he would fall back to an eventual 13th. All eyes fell on the epic struggles between Moffat, Cook, Ingram, Jordan and Turkington.
All action in race 1 as drivers jostled for positions. Photo Credit: BTCC.net
The BMR Volkswagen did not have the same dominance I was expecting; after a collision and broken suspension, Plato would return to the track to qualify only 12th. While Smith achieved a well earned podium, he was struggling to keep pace with the haunting Honda. My hero of race one however had to be the Mercedes of Adam Morgan who fought back not only from 19th to 9th at the flag, but also secured 2nd on the grid for race two. It was very nearly an 8th for Morgan, following a catastrophic rubber failure (read: puncture) for Neal on the last lap who plummeted down the order. Credit also should go to Jeff Smith in the Eurotech Honda who placed his machine 5th for the second race.
As the field charged into the first corner for race 2, Shedden led Jackson from Morgan. What was happening behind was anyone’s guess. Star of race two fast became Josh Cook who Power Maxed back up to 4th position (couldn’t resist). In fact, Cook was lapping at the same place as Flash Gordon himself! While Jackson attempted to fend off Morgan, Josh approached from the rear. With two laps to go, Cook in the Chevrolet became the fastest driver on track, and set upon Adam Morgan. Unfortunately for Cook, Morgan is one of the hardest drivers to pass in the BTCC grid. As everyone thought it was over, Cook made his move into the final chicane, passing the Mercedes and getting the first ever podium for both himself and Power Maxed Racing! Josh Cook has made a solid entry for move of the season with that delectable beauty.
“The car has performed really well. It’s really special to get our first podium, and to do it in race two, on true pace, is fantastic.”
Cooking with Gas: Josh was on fire at Rockingham thriller. Photo Credit: BTCC.net
To paraphrase the hilarious musical wordsmith Tim Minchin, ‘only a ginger, can overtaking another ginger driver!’
In the meantime, while the soft tyres began to fade, Goff was spearheading a pain train consisting of Turkington, Tordoff and the recovering Plato. As the flag dropped, Shedden brought home another victory ahead of Jackson and the sensational Cook. Great result also for Rob Austin who brought Sherman home 6th ahead of Plato, Turkington and Goff.
The final race of the day is anything but boring or predictable; with Tingram gaining reverse grid pole from his 10th in race two, it moved the BMR boys of Turkington and Plato into a potentially race winning position. With the flying Cook starting in 8th for the final race, once again on the medium tyre, can he gain his first ever win while the carnage ensues around him? Will the battle of the gingers rage once more? There was only one way to find out!
Race three would not last long for Goff who was spun out at the first corner, while Ingram shot off into an early lead, pursued by the daunting BMR twins of Plato and Turkington. A great defense by Tom Ingram held off Plato despite his best efforts early on, which meant that Tom could back Plato up into the grips of Turkington and the ever approaching Neal. In a flashback to Donington, a great battle between Cook and Smith ensued, luckily without any collision this time.
The eternal gods of the BTCC struck once again when a collision between Abbott and Bushell brought out the safety car. In the final race of the day, all the cars are bunched up. Let the pressure build up once again, a little more than those of Lewis Hamilton’s tyres in Monza! As the safety car pulls in, Plato appeared to return to old form by knocking Ingram around the first part of the track. Alas his efforts were not successful as Tom presents a stout defense. Even when Plato finds his way past, Tingram gives him a taste of his own medicine and muscles his way back into the lead.
Inevitable race three contact between Morgan, Moffat, Tordoff and Cook helped shoot Morgan further down the order; a shame after his great effort in race one and two. To add to his woes, Morgan would discover the joys of playing in the sand pit himself, ruining what was a great race weekend for him until that point.
Despite his epic defensive drive, Plato would eventually find a way past at the first hairpin, but due to Welch retiring on track the safety car once again came forth. The BTCC scriptwriters clearly made their decision that one more caution period would be enough for one final bout of action. Indeed, Plato’s restart was not enough to pull him away from the ever present Tingram who was on his case once more.
As the cars hit the final lap, as Plato takes the chequered flag Moffat and Abbott have a huge coming together into the first corner. An astonishing drive and an astonishing result for Tom Ingram, who brought his Avensis home in 2nd ahead of reigning champion Colin Turkington. Many people seemed to give Jack Goff the ‘next big thing’ tag, but after that performance, I am willing to strip him of said title and give it to Ingram. It takes significant level of bravery to take on Plato and come out alive. And Tingram managed it.
“I was crying all the way around my in lap! I’m absolutely speechless, I’m such a small cog in a very big machine. I tried all I could to hold onto the win, when I managed to get back alongside Jason I couldn’t believe what I was doing! It was the best race of my career without a doubt, this is what it’s all about.”
No one could deny how much that podium meant to Tingram. Photo Credit: BTCC.net
BTCC Series Standings after Rockingham:
1. Gordon Shedden – 286
2. Jason Plato – 280
3. Matt Neal – 259
4. Colin Turkington – 253
5. Andrew Jordan – 240
As we look forward to the final two race weekends of the year, it really is anybody’s race. The top 5 have utterly dominated the championship over the last 6 years, and are now covered only by 46 points. Based on the season so far, literally anything could happen over the next 6 rounds. Could Andrew Jordan become the first driver to win a title having not actually won a race throughout the year? Will the Plato v Shedden battle be their ultimate downfall?
What is clear, is that the younger generation have shown their hand, and what a hand it is. Adam Morgan, Josh Cook and especially Tom Ingram have shown that the titans may soon be toppled. As the series moves onto Silverstone, the only way to find out what will happen is to be there.
I’ll see you there!
Don’t forget to follow my usual antics on Twitter @lewisglynn69
Keep Driving People!
Peace and Love!
Blink Once and You'll Miss It: Jackson Steals Rockingham Pole
Photo Credit: BTCC.net
In what was yet another classic qualifying session, Mat Jackson breaks his 6 year dry spell by storming to a sensational pole at Rockingham, despite an all or nothing last minute run from Shedden. After an all round disappointing outing at Knockhill, Team BMR complete a fruitful qualifying with Smith planting his car on the front row, while Plato and Turkington lie only a few places behind. While Jackson celebrates a long awaited pole, Tom Ingram acquires a career best 5th in his Toyota Avensis, having topped the times early on.
To say that that Rockingham is far removed from the tight, twisty and undulating Knockhill circuit would be nothing short of a considerable understatement. The intricate demands of Knockhill are now but a distant memory; based on an ova,l Rockingham requires speed as the secret to success. The combination of sweeping turns and tight hairpins never fails to bring the excitement to the drivers, teams and fans.
As qualifying got underway, the timing screens were set ablaze as the times began pouring in. In fact, in my many years of following the championship, I don’t think I have ever seen such a fast jostling for grid positions. Look away for more than the time it takes to turn on the light and you have missed everything. However, as the session rolled on the contenders began to make themselves known. Jackson, Ingram, Plato and Neal were swapping time sheet toppers lap after lap. This was until Tom Ingram decided to kill it all stone dead and set a blistering lap that saw him get comfortable in provisional pole. A little too comfortable perhaps?
It was not long before Goff not only knocked Tingram off the top, but beat the lap record in the process. The Snetterton sensation would not get a chance to celebrate mind, as Aron Smith in the Team BMR Passat planted himself in pole, before being toppled by the flying Motorbase Ford of Jackson.
With 3 minutes remaining, the Infiniti of Palmer decided to have a little frollock in the sand pit, bringing out the red flags, resetting the time back to 5 minutes. Enough for one final crack at the top. In typical Flash-ion (yes, I have coined a new phrase), Shedden left it to the dying seconds before setting his final time. Despite smashing the first sector time, the rest of his lap was only enough to move him to 3rd. Still an achievement worthy of much credit!
Jackson’s lap marked the first time since 2009 that he will start the first race of the day in pole position, while also claiming the maiden pole for the Motorbase team. I have often compared the returning Ford team this year to that of 1993 when Rouse and Radisich entered the Ford Mondeo for the second half of the year. It would now seem that similar to 22 years ago, the Ford is once again causing an upset with the established championship contenders. They may come and go, but this is exactly why Ford may well be THE manufacturer that defines what the BTCC is all about.
Qualifying produced one of the craziest sessions of the year so far. Photo Credit: BTCC.net
The last few rounds have not brought much luck for Aron Smith, so securing second for race day comes as a massive relief for the BMR man. Perhaps this is the moment where his championship gets back on track? In the Speedworks camp, in a car that many think might have passed its best, Tingram has done a sensational job to get his Toyota Avensis into 5th. With every turn of the wheel, Tom Ingram is driving his way to many future championships. Building on his home town podium, Moffat produced a superb 8th in a car that many thought would struggle around the Rockingham oval.
Speaking of Mercedes, consistent top finisher Morgan found himself in a lowly 19th after struggling to gain a competitive time. I was also surprised to see the Rob Austin Racing boys not battling it out in the top 10, with Austin 13th and Abbott 18th. Rockingham has given Rob two wins in the past; despite his starting position there is no doubt he will be challenging for his third victory.
After his character building Snetterton weekend, Smith remarked that the further down the field you are, often the driving standards do drop some what. I am not normally one to be so damning of drivers, but after the incident between Stewart Lines and Kieran Gallagher during qualifying, I may take a slight diversion from my usual thinking. After the red flag, while both warming their tyres for a fast lap Lines weaved straight into the side of Gallagher who nearly lost control of his car. At first you may think that Kieran is free of blame, but as Tim Harvey remarked, it reflects bad driving on both sides. Gallagher could see Lines was weaving and should not have been driving so close to him. After all, Rockingham is a pretty wide track in places! The pair would finish the session 28th and 29th respectively. Perhaps Smith was right after all.
In what has become tradition for the BTCC in 2015, the top 19 were covered by less than a second, once again proving the success and excitement so prolific in the series! In what is becoming one of the most fascinating championship battles for years, will Rockingham be the catalyst for the champion to make himself known?
Expect BMR to return to their titan toppling best as race day rolls around, while Honda will never be far away from the top step of the podium. But let us not forget Tom Ingram who could be on course for his maiden win. Tingram has been on blistering pace since the get go; one would be foolish to bet against him. I will also put my neck on the line and say that Rockingham could well host a return to form for the Power Maxed Racing squad. Both Newsham and Cook have impressed so far, let us see what Sunday brings!
Most of all, all eyes will be on Jackson who continues his epic return to the BTCC. Can Ford cause any further upsets to proceedings?
BREAKING NEWS: Just as I finish writing this, Shedden has been handed a 4 place grid penalty for a pit lane infringement for speeding past the BMR cars as everyone returned to the track following the red flag.
It is really rather hard to say that the BTCC does not excite! With Shedden now starting 7th, will the Scottish red mist descend tomorrow? With John Cleland also racing at Rockingham in the Historic Super Tourers this weekend, Flash may well be getting some pointers!
Who’s your money on for race day? Let me know on Twitter @lewisglynn69
Join the race day chat: #BTCC
Keep Driving People!
Peace and Love!
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