Thursday, March 27, 2008

The need fer speed

Saw this on Fifth Gear (Astro ch 734 - also known as the bane of me wifey's life!) last nite. The one-off Lotus Exige runs on bio-fuel & is purported to be a lot fooking faster than the standard model. In fact it is the fastest bio-fuel car on the face of the fooking planet! And no major mods to the engine is required.

The clip brings up a whole lot of interesting issues. For example, in the UK bio-ethanol is only available in just a few stations although it has 70% less emissions. On top of that, the price is only 2pence cheaper/litre than normal fuel in the UK.

It is also made from farm produce which means each country can produce its own source of fuel & at a stroke eliminate dependency on petroleum-rich nations. And let's not forget, bio-ethanol improves yer car's zoom power substantially. Its a fooking win-win situation.

Apparently, in Sweden bio-ethanol is widely available & costs half the price of petrol. If yer car is using bio-ethanol, you are exempt from a whole bunch of taxes & get this . . . parking is ABSOLUTELY FREE EVERYWHERE! Save the environment without burning a hole in yer pocket. Fooking sweet deal or what?!?

Me question is why so few places have followed Sweden's example?

Do enjoy the vid just to ogle at the sexy lil Lotus (Malaysia Boleh?). Look forward to hearing yer comments on this green topic & hope the petrolheads amongst you will discuss the merits of the "Malaysian" super coupe.

ps: Have always had a soft spot fer Lotus ever since seeing the Esprit turn into a submarine car in 007's The Spy Who Loved Me (below). Sad that Proton doesn't quite know what to do with this wonderful marque.

pps: Me colleague Szu Pau says she was given a lift in an Esprit by her lecturer (?!?) when she was but a 17-year-old SYT. "Not impressed", she pronounced. Wonder what the lecturer was trying to prove eh . . .


16 comments:

senorita.. said...

hey,sorry, off topic.. but are u aware of the 1st april boycott media day?

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=9596417755&ref=nf

Bernard said...

Don't know too much about the alternative fuel program but you can bet your bottom ringgit the big petrol company boys have a strong hand behind why alternative fuel is not widely available and for less.

As for szu pau's experience, it brings to mind the theory about people with flash cars & teeny weiners...When you say she was not impressed, ask her for clarification as to whether she was not impressed with the car or with her lecturer's weiner or both? MUAHHAAAHAAHAAHAA!!!

Afif said...

A decent effort but critics are saying when all the poor and developing countries stop producing edible crops for the more profitable biofuel crops, then there'll be famine and disaster for the people. Am I right?

senorita.. said...

abt the bio-ethanol,i guess countries producing petroleum sure have some things to do with it.. maybe they pressure these ppl to not encourage other countries to follow suit? if the others do,they might be outta business,no?

and as for Msia, i guess it's the same reason... they cant promote bio-ethanol fuel when they are selling petroleum to other countries? (i assume most petroleum sold is being used as vehicle fuel-correct me if i'm wrong)

it will be sooo many times better if people just stop driving and walk/cycle.. can keep fit and save environment... =/

anfield devotee said...

afif: Not to worry, according to the clip, the bio-fuel is made from the by-products of corn & other crops. So you get food & a sustainable source of fuel. Cool or what? AND its fooking FAST!

Bernard: Yup, big petroluem companies are holding on to the last dregs of profit. But like typewriters, me feel their time is almost up.
RE: Szu Pau - she refuses to comment on yer enquiry . . .

senorita: Cycle or walk?!? You try cycling from puchong to Nilai every fooking day lar!
ps: have boycotted all papers since the rubbish reporting on the Bersih rallies.

Unknown said...

ah, your collegue's "wasn't impressed" statement is understandable bro'.. now, if it was a stallion black, three-three-o on the other hand.. that be another story altogether huh?.. ;o)

..and we dont even have to discuss the motives..;o)

anfield devotee said...

les: understandable. But what me likes about the Lotus is that it purports to give serious thrills & awesome handling at a fraction of the price of an Italian Stallion.

Don't forget, Lotus once had pretty impeccable F1 credentials. Really wish a company that really understands this unique marque would come & save it from the buffoons at Proton.

And you have to admit the Exige is one mean looking mutha of a car.

ps: haven't even started on that other British icon - TVR!!!

senorita.. said...

hey... 1st few weeks will be like hell.. but after that it'll be an easy feat.. (puchong to nilai that is)and u will see physical changes too... =P

another alternative is to improve the fucked up public transport system

Bernard said...

Dey Bala, should ask Mr. Beskal Nick Mun about advise on cycling from Puchong-Nilai.

Don't look too daunting to me. Mostly flat with some slight slopes at certain places. Trade your fuel guzzler for a RM15K Italian bike! Of course its gonna be hell for a few weeks but you'll get over that & soon enuf, you'll look as trim as when I got to know you at Cikgu Lim's place.

anfield devotee said...

bernard: am quite happy with the shape me is in now! Ha ha

Fuel guzzler? Eh, hello, me car is just 1.6 with an extra lightweight chassis fer fuel economy lar.

Which reminds me, yer Mini, any updates?

Bernard said...

Dunno, have been trying to find time to get down to the workshop & see but fooking busy. The seats should be done by now. Last I saw it was about at least 3 months back & they were doing some welding & smoothening work on the body. Maybe this Sat. You got time??

anfield devotee said...

bernard: Give a call. Am sending me monster fer service; not sure what time it'll be done.

Azer Mantessa said...

strange thing bout bio-fuel ... when everybody jumps into the wagon, nothing happens

Kerp (Ph.D) said...

sorry boss, out of topic. hey, are you in any ways interested to attend the BUM2008 gathering which will be held on labour day? i'm not sure but if you seriously feel like going, i might just as well. 50 bucks per head. lemme know man.

Kerp (Ph.D) said...

oh, one more thing...for further enquiry, can ask tony. he's the treasurer.

anfield devotee said...

kerp: Belum tau lagi, confirm later