It’s been a while since I’ve paid a visit to my dear blog and that’s just because I’ve been snowed over with work. However, it’s not just been about work. There has been a fair bit of play. I did a drive down to Rajasthan last month in a friend’s Honda City 1.5 Exi [Type 1]. The journey was great, except for a few [sand] pit stops in Jaisalmer.
Anyway, I’m planning on giving a full account of my travels in another post, but now I just want to gush about cars in general. I feel like it, sue me. Also, due to my long hiatus from the blog, I’ve roped in a fellow auto punk/writer who’s got far more meat on the current auto scenario than I can ever manage to gather. We’re going to be something like the twins in The Prestige – Arun Kumar I and Arun Kumar II – you spot the difference! Anyway, what matters is that my Man Friday [Saturday, Sunday, Monday…] will be more than happy to be posting at least thrice a week with some seriously interesting dirt, so I’d strongly suggest you tune in.
In the meanwhile, a little from me – The God of All Things.
I haven’t seen or driven much in the past few months, except for a sneak peek at the new Honda Accord. I like the new styling – sharper angles giving it that very fresh and aggressive look. The auto gurus have been calling it many things – Sporty, muscular, sexy, blah, blu, blee…I think it’s certainly more interesting than the old. The interior is bigger and roomier with a thoughtful layout and plenty of elbow, leg and head room.
The instruments and controls are well placed. The Accord comes with a four-cylinder, 2.4 i-VTEC that develops 178bhp, 38 more than its predecessor! Nice, huh?
Well, I could go on about the Accord and would if it wasn’t for the fact that my mind keeps racing to the Ferrari California! Please tell me you have seen this!? Please somebody write a letter to Bollywood and ask one of those schmucks to buy this car so that we can letch at it up close. The California is the latest addition in the prancing horse’ eight cylinder family, but unlike the F430, the engine is at the front, drive the rear wheels. This new one is available as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both Chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. And, and, and… the California is powered by a ‘new’ V8 engine! Jeepers!
Ferrari’s also made more innovations than Apple on this one. The California’s 4.3 V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a flat crankshaft. The two seater generates 460bhp at 7500rpm and Ferrari claims that 0 to 100kph is reached in less than four seconds! It also features a seven speed dual clutch transmission. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material discs… I don’t know what carbon-ceramic disc brakes are, but they sound like they could stop a freaking Concorde’s landing.
Ah well, so much for auto wanking. I’ve had a nice time and I’m ready to get working on my Rajasthan story. But, at least we’re in business again! Over to you my friend and auto twin. Please keep those posts coming!
