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Drink and drive on water!
Sri Lanka to have
water driven coupes and trishaws in the near future
 By
Vindya Amaranayake
Creating awe and debate within the scientific community, a Sri
Lankan engineer has invented a device that can make fuel driven
vehicles run on water. Powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, the
device can make petrol driven automotive engines run purely on
water and vehicles with carburettors can use 50% water with 50%
diesel.
Engineer M.A. Thushara Edirirsinghe’s invention, if it can be
given due recognition and assistance, can be a remarkable
solution to the present world oil crisis. The other most
significant aspect of a water powered vehicle is that there
would be only minimal impact on the environment. Instead of
exhaust fumes, there would only be hot water and steam.
The technique used is to separate hydrogen from oxygen and mix
them together again in the piston of the vehicle. The devise can
be attached to any vehicle imported or assembled in Sri Lanka.
Edirisinghe pointed out that, once the devise is attached to the
vehicle, the driver has the choice of running it on water or
fuel.
The amount of water needed to run a car is significantly lower
than that of fuel. “I have driven up to Anuradhapura and back
using only 3.5 litres of water,” Edirisinghe explained.
He pointed out that, most people are under the misconception
that the vehicle’s fuel tank would be filled with water. “The
water will be stored in a separate tank, along with the circuit,
which is much smaller than the fuel tank. There has to be a
nominal amount of fuel in the tank, to prevent decay of the
petrol pump and injector, which is very expensive.”
The devise, although tested in several cars, is still in the
initial stages. Edirisinghe said he expects support, mainly from
the government, to improve and develop this technology. He
emphasised that he does not wish to sell out his knowledge to a
foreign country, which would offer millions as reward, adding
that his only wish is to let his mother country reap the
benefits of his invention.
Edirisinghe is currently conducting tests to improve his devise
to be attached to three wheelers, the most popular mode of
transportation in the country. ****
Ten most beautiful cars of all time
Our search for the most beautiful cars was
primarily guided by one criterion - undoubted and unmistakable
beauty, as much as it is possible to use that term when
referring to cars. It is a rather ungrateful theme, since beauty
is very subjective and impossible to generalise. We hope that
you approve of our choice and feel free to add your personal
best in the comments.
The last five
 1967
Shelby Mustang Eleanor GT500
This car became more famous than ever after the Gone
in 60 Seconds movie, where it got its name - Eleanor. The car in
the movie was a modified version of 1967 GT500 and featured
extensive external body upgrades. Since it became so popular,
and it is obvious why, Shelby started production of Mustang
GT-500Es. Everyone just went crazy for it. Even a couple of
years after the movie, Eleanor is still exceptionally popular.
In the USA, there are a couple of workshops that offer
outstanding Eleanor replicas with even more power than the
original version had.
 Ferrari
Dino
The name ‘Dino’ honours Dino (Alfredo) Ferrari, the son of Enzo
Ferrari, who suggested his father develop a V6 racing engine for
Formula 2 in the early ’60s. He died before the car was
completed, and Enzo, in memory of his son, put the V6 into a
mid-engine sports car and named it ‘Dino.’ Like all beautiful
Ferraris, the ‘Dino’ was designed by Pininfarina. The chief
designer, Leonardo Fioravanti, gave ‘Dino’ a very sexy, low
shoulder body, which was different from previous Ferrari designs
and influenced the future models. By many, it is still the most
beautiful Ferrari ever built
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL is a two-seat, closed sports
car with characteristic gull-wing or butterfly wing doors,
which, when opened, resemble a bird’s outstretched wings. This
car definitely attracts attention and has a distinctive and
unique appearance, but is not very practical or comfortable.
Still, beauty comes first, and this one deserves it’s title.
 Rolls-Royce
Phantom
The list wouldn’t be complete without the legendary Rolls-Royce.
It is massive (the Phantom’s aluminium space frame is the
largest of its kind ever built for automotive use) and every
line and detail on this car screams power and elegance.
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
 The
DB4 Zagato appeared in 1960, and was produced for only two
years. During that time, only 19 cars were built and all are
still existing in the hands of Aston Martin enthusiasts. It was
basically a DB4 GT improved by the Zagato factory, by Ercole
Spada. Aston Martin wanted a series of DB4 GT’s that would be
lighter and more competitive racing against the Ferrari 250 GT’s.
In 1960, it contracted Zagato to build bodies for 19 chassis.
What they have come up with is the most desirable Aston Martin
ever - beautiful, yet aggressive. This car marked one of the
most memorable chapters in Aston history. ****
Automobile engineering institute for Kolkata
In an effort to generate trained manpower for the automobile
sector in India, George Telegraph Training Institute in
association with Mukesh Himatsingka Group is all set to launch a
private automobile engineering institute in the city.
The launch of the institute, christened George Telegraph
Institute of Automobile Engineering (GTIAE) was announced on
recently.
This industry-institute partnership is aimed at training and
grooming an average student, enabling him to match steps with
the fast-evolving automobile industry. The students enrolling in
the institute for the session starting this October will be
offered a course called the Advanced Automobile Technology,
which is a 24-month course.
Admissions for this session has already started from 30 June.
The minimum requirement for a candidate to be eligible for this
course is clearing the Class X Board examinations with
satisfactory marks. Apart from theory lessons, the GTIAE
students will get hands on training at the state-of-the-art
workshops for their all-round development. ****
Land Rover announces new Range Rover line-up
 A
new, high-specification ‘Autobiography’ model is to make a
global debut at the British International Motor Show on July
22nd 2008. The Range Rover model line-up for 2009 will feature
the most luxurious top of the range production Range Rover yet.
Taking the name ‘Autobiography,’ it replaces the model
previously reserved for bespoke versions of the luxury 4x4.
John Edwards, Land Rover UK managing director commented: “The
new Autobiography derivative and additional 2009 model year
features enhance what is already, the most complete luxury 4x4.
Where better to showcase this than on our home soil at the
British International Motor Show?”
The new flagship receives more leather upholstery than any Range
Rover before. What’s more, this luxurious semi-aniline leather
is from the very best hides, which, after minimum processing,
will age over time to give a truly unique character.
The Autobiography’s facia, door casings, door bins, seats and
centre console are all finished in leather, complementing the
traditional interior wood. The steering wheel is
leather-wrapped, the leather-topped facia has a softer, more
luxurious feel, and even the floor mats are edged with leather.
The 2009 Range Rover Autobiography also offers new 20-inch
diamond-turned twin-seven-spoke alloy wheels, new paint colours
and an optional half wood steering wheel with matching gearshift
insert.
Across the Range Rover line-up for 2009 there are new wheel
styles, new exterior colours and optional wood and leather
heated steering wheels. Satellite navigation and Hybrid TV will
now be available as standard from HSE specification, and an
exterior design pack featuring supercharged grille, side vents,
lights and stainless steel pedals will now be available on the
TDV8 Autobiography which will be available from £72,995 on the
road. **** Nano
production at Singur to start in Q4 Tata Motors
expects to start production of its much-hyped mini car Nano, at
Singur in Q4 of this calendar year. The high volumes of Nano is
expected to dramatically change Tata Motors’ market position,
reach and visibility, said Company Chairman Ratan Tata in the
latest annual report. The Singur production facilities would be
expanded to meet domestic and global demand in the future.
Ratan Tatas expectation comes amidst widespread concern for the
performance of commercial vehicles and passenger cars in the
near future, due to higher fuel prices, increased raw material
costs and rising interest rates.
Tata Motors, India’s largest truck maker, is working on new
variants of the world’s cheapest car Nano, to overcome
challenges posed by high fuel prices, which could negatively
impact vehicle sales, Tata said.
Tata Motors has also started developing new variants of Nano to
meet environmental and fuel price challenges, as also market
requirements of several international markets. The move comes in
the run-up to the scheduled roll out of the gasoline-powered
Nano from Singur.
According to Tata Motors spokesman Debasish Ray, variants mean
technologies other than gasoline engine currently used in the
Indian Rs 1-lakh car slated to roll out of the Singur factory in
late 2008. He, however, declined to divulge more details on Nano
variants. ****
Your trusted Motor Guru responds to queries…..
By Lal Alawatte M.I.M.I (UK), Dip.
Auto.Eng. (Jap.)
A regular reader from Mt’Lavinia
Q: I’ve done external modifications to my petrol Honda Civic
1999. Now, I want to increase its engine power. I have no clue
how I can get it done and therefore, would appreciate your
assistance.
A: Firstly, I don’t recommend engine modifications. But,
since you have asked, you could increase the power of the engine
to some extent, by changing the cam shafts, computers and
increasing the fuel injection. If you are planning engine
modifications, please take your vehicle to a person/place that
has the necessary knowledge in doing these types of tasks.
A regular reader from Rajagiriya
Q: When I apply brakes, the car pulls to a side. My vehicle
is a Nissan N16, which has a mileage of 85,000 kms. Could you
please explain the reason for this and how it could be fixed?
A: This is fixed by balancing the brakes of your vehicle.
Take your vehicle to your mechanic and tell him the problem and
he will fix it easily.
A regular reader from Ward Place
Q: When I drive my 2002 Rav 4, SUVI I experience stuttering
and hesitation, jerking movements and last week, I noticed the
‘check engine’ light flash. Is my vehicle experiencing engine
trouble?
A: This could be due to some electronic failure in the
engine control system. I’m afraid that, without proper
inspection, I’m not in a position to assist you in the matter
A regular reader from Wellawatte
Q: My car is a 2006, 600 CC, Suzuki
Swift. I want to make the drive more comfortable for the
passengers and myself. What are your recommendations to make a
small car like mine more comfortable?
A: There is no way that you can make a small car more
comfortable than it has been designed. The suspension of small
cars are not designed to give maximum levels of comfort for the
passengers.
A regular reader from Kadawatha
Q: My 2007 Toyota Yaris recently met with an accident and the
rear buffer was damaged. What would you recommend? Fill up with
cataloy or completely replace the part?
A: It is always advisable to get the damaged part replaced.
But, it certainly is more expensive than using cataloy.
A regular reader from Madapatha
Q: I have a 1990 Toyota Corolla diesel wagon with mileage of
over 1,500,000. As my mechanic said the engine is under
compression, I recently inserted a new ring set to the engine.
Saying that to avoid a possible heating of the engine, the
mechanic fixed the radiator fan manually. Is it recommended?
A: Firstly, it is not recommended to repair your exhausted
engine, only with a ring set in your diesel car. Whenever a
diesel engine is found under compression, a complete engine
overhaul is always recommended.
Coming back to your question, your vehicle model has an electric
radiator fan and it is not recommended to fix it manually. If
the engine is heating, it is due to some problem in the engine
of your vehicle.
A regular reader from Rajagiriya
Q: Without my knowledge, I had lost the cap of my radiator,
while I was driving and I think I noticed it probably after a
few days after I’d lost it. As soon as I noticed it, I bought a
genuine cap and replaced it. But, since the day I replaced it,
the heat indicator indicates unusual heating of the engine. Why?
A: This not a fault of your new radiator cap. Since you have
driven the vehicle without the cap, it might have caused a
gasket leak. I’m afraid that I can’t assist you any further,
without inspecting your vehicle.
A regular reader from Kandy
Q: When making manual windows to auto shutter, what are the
ways in which I can do it without replacing the doors. My car is
a brand new Toyota Corolla 121.
A: Most probably you will have to.
A regular reader from Malambe
Q: How to clean the radiator? Can we do it by ourselves?
A: No, you cannot do it by yourself. Before cleaning the
radiator, we have to diagnose whether it is a full block or a
partial block. If it is a partial block, we can use a radiator
flush but, if it is full block, there are many things that need
to be done. **** |
