Adventure Reviews

Apart from the "nana state" implications, there’s a sinister side to the proposal. If NSW does go with it, the other states will surely follow and that then means big business, big money.While using your mobile phone behind the wheel is extremely dumb and dangerous, so is the precedent of using speed cameras in the way proposed.It means these well-loved revenue-raising appliances could be harnessed to catch people for doing pretty much everything state road bureaucracies don’t like - and more.Not wearing a seat belt, eating behind the wheel, drinking (coke or similar) behind the wheel, not wearing your spectacles, smoking, rude gesticulating, nose picking, and arguing could be targeted.Anything denoted as a driving distraction could be made into a fineable offence. And that equals rivers of gold for a whole bunch of rapacious groups including the private company that owns the cameras.They would have to rename these cameras "Everything Cameras’’ which would be the ideal enforcement tool for everything. We could then get rid of the police force because everything would be monitored by Everything Cameras.They could then use face recognition technology to identify you, look up your credit card number and debit the amount required – immediately after the crime was committed.Don’t laugh people. Obviously the person or group that postulated this preposterous proposal hasn't heard of privacy laws. Wait until they nail some heavy hitter engaging in some nefarious activity who doesn't want their picture taken and goes them in court. That will sort ‘em out.

The West End of London came to a halt last week as a crystal-covered Stars and Striped BMW Mini was winched out through the roof of a building, down the side and onto the ground – to be followed by the sight of a bright red knitted Ferrari being winched up the side and through the roof to replace.The car swap in Picadilly Circus was an exchange of displays at the London Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum.And with the vehicle changing place in a spot on an upper floor, there was no other route for them to take.The full-sized knitted Ferrari was crafted by UK artist Lauren Porter, who took 10 months and 20km of wool, knitted, purled, stitched  - and embroidered with the prancing horse logo on the fluffy bonnet.It’s the kind of soft toy every baby car enthusiast dreams of. Studded with a million Swarovski crystals that make it the most expensive Mini ever seen – worth the equivalent of $1.5 million – the little car is being shipped to the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Musuem in Baltimore, where US fans can get a closer look at its sparkling mosaic showing the American flag, eagle and Mt Rushmore.

Under the a mad, bad and dangerous policy, NSW petrol stations will no longer be permitted to sell regular unleaded petrol (ULP) from July because the previous Labor government legislated to replace regular unleaded with E10 (which is 10 per cent ethanol and 90 per cent ULP).The National Party has broadly supported the introduction of ethanol because of the obvious flow-on from the production of crops which go into the manufacture of ethanol, but there is a huge cost to the wider public which Premier Barry O'Farrell should contemplate before the mandated July 1 ban on regular unleaded petrol sales.With 3.5 million to four million vehicles on the road (and about five million licensed drivers and motorcycle riders), and more than 230,000 registered recreational and commercial vessels (and about 500,000 licensed to drive a powerboat), a considerable number of voters will be affected by the changes.They are going to get less for more - and for no real reason. At a time when the hip pocket is being hit hard, the Coalition should reconsider introducing this unnecessary policy with its shades of Labor-Green lunacy.According to an NRMA expert, ethanol has about 30 per cent less energy than regular petrol - in the 10 per cent E10 blend on sale now, there is 3 per cent less energy than in ULP. On a thermodynamic basis your fuel consumption will rise by about that measure on average, or to put it more bluntly, motorists will be using more fuel, burning it more quickly, and paying more for essentially less.Almost without exception, vehicles built before 1986 should not use ethanol because the bio-fuel will probably damage the seals in the engine. Even some vehicles being built now should not use ethanol, according to their manufacturers. Users of whipper snippers, chain saws, pumps and other two-stroke engines are also warned against the use of ethanol.Petrol stations will still sell premium octane 95 and 98 fuels after July 1, at their usual premium prices. In the marine industry, ethanol is a known engine wrecker. In a marine environment, ethanol-blended petrol has a very short shelf life, according to the Boating Industry Association and the NSW Boat Owners Association.Ethanol is hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture) and has a tendency to bind with water molecules, and then separate from the petrol. This can occur within weeks, especially in hot and humid conditions. When it enters the combustion chamber of the engine, this ethanol and water combination can cause engine failure.As the ethanol and water combination separates from the petrol, a highly corrosive by-product called "boundary-layer" can be created,which can damage rubber and plastic components in the fuel delivery system, and even some aluminium and fibreglass fuel tanks. Also, ethanol is a solvent which can mobilise deposits in fuel tanks and lines, which may cause blockage of fuel filters and fuel delivery systems.Boaters must ensure that only ethanol-free petrol is used onboard. Options include buying more expensive, higher octane rated or premium petrol, and ethanol-free regular grade petrol - available from some marinas, which already charge hefty premiums on fuel sales.The addition of "bio" components to mineral diesel reduces the shelf life of the fuel and even in concentrations as low as 5 per cent of volume, the blended fuel can "break down" in as little as six months.Fuel break down can result in accelerated engine wear, poor lubrication, and blockage of oil and fuel filters. This is particularly dangerous for vessels voyaging offshore, which turn over fuel slowly.Biodiesel lacks oxidation stability and is an excellent medium for microbial growth, known as "diesel bug", which can cause blockages in lines and filters, while rubber and plastic components in the fuel system can be damaged by both aggressive forms of diesel bug, and the solvent properties of some bio-components commonly found in bio-diesel.The introduction of bio-fuels was pushed by the Manildra Group, the most generous donor to Australian political parties. In 2009-10, Manildra gave $209,231 to the ALP, $54,181 to the Liberal Party and $35,294 to the Nationals, according to the Australian Electoral Commission.New evidence from the Productivity Commission suggests Manildra ethanol is less efficient at reducing greenhouse gas emissions than the 50 per cent target set by the government's regulator, the Office of Biofuels. Its efficiency was a selling point used by the last NSW Labor government.Industry sources say no petrol companies currently meet the mandated 6 per cent of ethanol sales, and none met the previous 4 per cent for any extended period. The average is currently 3.64 per cent.Read the full story here: www.dailytelegraph.com.au

I don't know whether it's just us but we are getting so sick of idiots zooming up behind us on the motorway and sitting two metres off our bumper bar.If you don't move over immediately they cut left and roar around you, pulling back into the lane in front with as little clearance as humanly possible. For Pete's sake grow up! HARD TO FIND Holden has been making a big deal out of the fact that its entire Commodore range is now E85 ethanol compatible. E85 contains up to 85 per cent ethanol in comparison to E10 which contains up to 10 per cent.But have you ever tried to buy E85 -- it's as scarce as hen's teeth.  Caltex has begun to roll out the stuff at 100 service stations across Australia, but at the last count there were only 10 outlets in Sydney that supply the stuff. Kind of limiting?

After a few weeks off, we beat a path back to work and were aghast at the obvious carnage that had taken place on our usual commute route.It was evident by the amount of armco that was deformed, out of shape or flattened, skid marks everywhere, the number of wire catch fences that were down and the numerous road "furniture'' such as signs that had been damaged. What went on — did everyone go mad? Punitive measures are obviously not working. What we need is regular licence testing so that drivers actually know what the road rules are, attitude modification to get rid of the "law of the jungle'' mentality and better driver education though that might be too much of an ask for many of the dills on the road. Something has to give. DISCRIMATING And while we’re on the subject of punitive measures… to all those who suggest massive fine increases as a way of addressing the (falling) road toll: have they ever thought how discriminatory those fines are?Think about it, a $300 fine is going to hit a low income earner a lot harder than a big earner. Is that fair? No. It's arguably better to use the points system as a deterrent but altered so good driving is rewarded with bonus points while bad driving is punished with demerits. But then there's the revenue issue... ROUGHWe find it perplexing to see many main roads being downgraded with cheap and nasty sprayed aggregate resurfacing rather than replacing the safer hotmix surface. It's a cost thing but at what cost? Many of these sprayed roads now have warning signs saying "slippery surface when wet'' obviously because of an increase in the number of crashes.If the original high traction hotmix surface had been maintained, there wouldn't be as many crashes caused by cars skidding on the "ball bearing'' sprayed aggregate surface and there would be no need for the warning signs. It ain't rocket science people.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.The ultra-exclusive event – for just 500 people, with tickets going at $500 a head – features the most exotic cars and top-flight catwalk models to help unveil them. If you’re lucky enough to get in the door, expect to be treated to leggy beauties peeling the silk off the likes of the Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Aventador, Aston Martin One-77, Jaguar XKR-S and probably the mandatory sprinkling of Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and similar lust-worthy brands. Along with the cars and the fashion show, there’ll be some action from Tappers Diamonds, Grey Goose Vodka and the Neiman-Marcus luxury department store. “The NAIAS has always been considered four shows in one:  Press Preview,  Industry Preview,  Charity Preview and the  Public Show,” the press blurb says.“A fifth ‘show’ has been taking shape since 2007 and is further being enhanced for 2012. The Gallery, a premier VIP auto experience second to none, will bring even more discriminating auto enthusiasts to the doorstep of uber-luxury automakers at the upcoming show.” The event will also include “a strolling pre-glow dinner with renowned celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck” – in case anybody can keep their mind on thoughts of food.

Every year, the US department store’s Christmas catalogue features a special car among its range of fantasy gifts for the obscenely overindulged – and similarly wealthy.This year it was a Ferrari FF priced at the equivalent of $390,000, or $90k higher than the standard one (although don’t expect to see it here at that price, given our import duties and LCT which are likely to push it to twice that price). The NM Fezza comes in a special ‘Grigio Caldo’dark grey colour, and includes matching custom luggage, seven years of maintenance and a snow driving experience in Aspen. Only 10 of the cars were available, and they were all snapped up in less than an hour.Pretty quick but nowhere near the three minutes that disposed of last year’s Chevrolet Camaro catalogue car.The Neiman Marcus fantasy gift section also features an annual watercraft, and this year’s is a handbuilt 27-ft Hacker speedboat for $250,000 – or a bit under $10,000/ft.Buyers can feel a warm glow knowing that $3000 from each sale will go to the Double H Ranch charity – cofounded by Paul Newman – for children affected by life-threatening illnesses. Also on the ‘gift with a social conscience’ list is the WET dancing fountain, which for a mere $1,000,000 will deliver “a personal scale fountain showcasing two of its amazing underwater robotic nozzles dancing as a couple”. Personally, we’d prefer to drink ourselves cross-eyed and just stare at the kitchen tap – which should be dancing pretty well by about the first $100 worth.  However that would deny Water.org the $10,000 Neiman Marcus will donate from each fountain towards providing safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries.Most of whom could probably find a better use for the million than blowing it on a stage-struck garden feature. At the $420,000 level you can opt to tour the flower shows of Europe, dragging along nine friends – presuming that floral nerds have that many.Or any. From that price, $5000 goes to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for the preservation of stuff that would be considered weeds here.  And for what seems like a much more down-to-earth $75,000 you can get into a tent full of garage sale crap.Admittedly, the catalogue’s flowery language  describes it as a canvas ‘Dream Folly’ filled with “pièces de résistance: one-of-a-kind, down-filled pillows, linen wall coverings and a custom, handcrafted crystal chandelier”.  Gold Coast caravan park, then.

The commercial is the latest to come from Fiat and Chrysler in the US as they try to raise the profile of their brands under the combined Fiat ownership.A previous recent ad with Jennifer Lopez trying to sex up the virtues of the Fiat 500 Gucci edition looks to be easily outdone by the Abarth one with leggy runway star Catrinel Menghia.Lopez’s spot featured her driving around New York in the 500 Gucci, extolling the cars virtues – and charring on about how elegance is hard work – while one of her songs plays in the background. Menghia’s depends on almost stereotyped Italian passion, and a strategically placed drop of latte foam.The loose translation of Menghia’s script is along the lines of: "What are you staring at… are you undressing me with your eyes? Poor man, you can't resist. Is your heart pounding? Is your head spinning?”More to the point would be: “Is your wallet opening … are you buying this?” It remains to be seen whether sex and style sells for the little cars. And whether it sells to women.Fiat USA CEO Olivier Francis said that the advertisement was intended to be a viral advertisement on the internet “but I am considering running it as a TV advertisement too, but I am not sure. It may be too much.”

Modrn cars r getN so coNectd, they’re Bcuming virtual cmputAs on wheels.See plain English version here.High-end euro. br&s OFr www as part of d Coms systems on upmarket modls. n d US, Chevrolet’s Cruze ltz drvrs ^d8 their Facebook n lisN 2 their nws feed, yl Ford’s Sync sys trns d car N2 a mob wi-fi hotspot.D nu teknoloG S set 2 surge thru aussie car showrooms, 2. bt now u don’t hav2 lash ot on a nu car jst 2 gt coNectd. /:-) tech co. Parrot hs unveiled d 1st after-market audio sys pwrd by Google's Android oper8in sys, Asteroid.Frm l8 oct you’ll B abL 2 rip yr factry sys outa d dash n av it replacd W d Parrot Asteroid ($399 + installation), n you’ll B coNectd 2 d wrld – +2 a range of apps tailored 4t sys, includN 1s that’ll let u 2 read n compose Emsgs or txt msgs by voiC.D Asteroid sys uses d 3G broadband netwrk, acessn it itha thru a USB modem or Ny compatible smartphone. Displaying on a 3.2-in colour screen, d Asteroid includs GPS, a maps svC W ‘points of interest’, speed camRA warnings, wx 4casts, mor thN 50,000 www radio stations, n muzc playa conXN.No CD playa, it sEmz, bt doze silver discs r a bit outdated 2. don8 yr colecton 2 yr granny. 

Modern cars are getting so connected, they’re becoming virtual computers on wheels.Cnt undRst& plain en? Read d txt verzN hre.High-end European brands offer internet as part of the communication systems on upmarket models. In the US, Chevrolet’s Cruze lets drivers update their Facebook and listen to their news feed, while Ford’s Sync system turns the car into a mobile wi-fi hotspot.The new technology is set to surge through Australian car showrooms, too.But now you don’t have to lash out on a new car just to get connected.French tech company Parrot has unveiled the first after-market audio system powered by Google's Android operating system, Asteroid.From late October you’ll be able to rip your factory system out of the dash and have it replaced with the Parrot Asteroid ($399 plus installation), and you’ll be connected to the world – and to a range of apps tailored for the system, including ones that will let you to read and compose emails or text messages by voice.The Asteroid system uses the 3G broadband network, accessing it either through a USB modem or any compatible smartphone.Displaying on a 3.2-in colour screen, the Asteroid includes GPS, a maps service with ‘points of interest’, speed camera warnings, weather forecasts, more than 50,000 internet radio stations, and music player connection.No CD player, it seems, but those silver discs are a bit outdated too. Donate your collection to your granny.