The Formula One driver flies into the racetrack and spends some time with the team, checking that his car is OK and working out strategy for the weekend. He usually attends at least one press conference, and signs autographs for the many autograph hunters chasing him around. In the evening, the driver usually takes part in a sponsor function or press dinner, before escaping at about 10 p.m. to go to bed.
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Senin, 29 September 2008
Thursday for F1 Drivers
The Formula One driver flies into the racetrack and spends some time with the team, checking that his car is OK and working out strategy for the weekend. He usually attends at least one press conference, and signs autographs for the many autograph hunters chasing him around. In the evening, the driver usually takes part in a sponsor function or press dinner, before escaping at about 10 p.m. to go to bed.
Why there are no women F1 drivers?
Formula One is a male-dominated sport. Most of the mechanics, engineers and other staff are male and there has been no female racing driver since Italian Giovanni Amati tried to qualify for races in 1992. It has often been argued that it is only prejudice that has prevented female racing drivers being successful in Formula One, but that is only part of the explanation. The physical demands of a Grand Prix car calls for massive upper body strength, something which women�s bodies are not designed for. It has also been argued that the cold-blooded aggression needed at the top level of the sport is helped a lot by male testosterone.Important Characteristic of F1 Drivers
Yes, it�s true that any one who can fit into a Formula One car can drive a Formula One car � provided, of course, that they get the necessary instructions. But Formula One drivers aren�t just anybody, and it takes a special person to drive a Formula One car well. These are the main qualities a successful driver must have:
- Physical strength and dexterity. Formula One cars are hard to drive at the limit. The massive G-forces experienced during cornering and under braking, as well as the incredible heat inside the cockpits, mean that drivers have to be very strong. The races also last almost two hours, meaning stamina is vital.
- Mental alertness. Racing drivers are well aware that at 200 mph they cannot hesitate for a split second if they are to avoid crashing. Formula One stars have to maintain complete concentration for almost two hours, which pushes their minds to the limit. They have to look out for changing track conditions, they have to feel the changing characteristics of their cars and they have to look out for warning flags, pit signals and their rivals. It is tiring just thinking about it!
- Quick reaction times. One of the first lessons any driving instructor teaches you is to keep a safe distance from the car in front. This distance allows you enough reaction time to get out of trouble if an accident occurs or somebody brakes heavily. Formula One drivers have to throw that rule straight out of the window (if they had one) every time they climb into their Grand Prix cars. In the fight for victory they have to drive right behind their rivals� cars at 200 mph. If a problem occurs ahead of them � like a spinning car or a piece of debris on the track � they have to rely on their super-quick reaction times to get them out of trouble. This skill not only enables them to keep their cars on the track, but also to stay out of trouble so that they can finish the race.
- Endurance. Being a good Formula One driver is not just about performing at the top of your game over one lap; it�s about performing at the top of your game for every single lap of a Grand Prix distance. Most races last about an hour and a half and during that time there�s no let up � except perhaps a few seconds to catch your breath during a pit stop. Drivers have to cope with the pressure of racing, avoid accidents, keep up to date with team strategy, and be able to endure the bumps, bangs, and the heat over this entire distance. This pressure is so intense that most drivers lose about 3kg of bodyweight through sweat in a normal Grand Prix.
- Being able to perform consistently at the top of their game without making costly mistakes. If you make a mistake pulling out of a junction in your road car at best you stall the car or, worse, cause an accident. Racing drivers can�t afford to make such mistakes and they have to get every single aspect of their job right when they�re driving at the limit. Although today�s semi-automatic gearboxes and computer controls make stalling a car more difficult, drivers still have to ensure that every time they turn the wheel or step on a pedal, they do so at exactly the right moment. They can�t afford to brake 10 metres too late or hit the accelerator pedal when they were meant to hit the brakes. The result may not just be a harmless spin; it could be a crash that puts them out of the race or even costs them the World Championship. Just as the driver expects the team to never get it wrong when they prepare his car, the team has the same expectations of the driver. If the driver makes a mistake that puts him out of the race he can expect a rough time when he walks back to his team garage.
- An appreciation for adventure and speed: Formula One drivers are incredibly competitive and love the thrill of racing. That is why many of them love racing their friends in karts when they are not at Grand Prix weekends. They also love taking part in adrenaline-based activities � be it parachuting, wind-surfing or cycling. They are, after all, some of the bravest sportsmen in the world.
- Courage: Formula One racing is not a sport for the shy or the timid. To race wheel-to-wheel with somebody at almost 200 mph takes incredible bravery � especially when they fully understand that one mistake could result in a crash that could injure or even kill them.
One of the skills of the best Formula One drivers is the ability to use so little of their brainpower to drive the car at top speed that they can concentrate on everything else that�s going on around them. Some drivers, like Michael Schumacher, are able to race at full speed and still watch the big television screens that line the circuit to see how their rivals are doing. Or they may watch for clues about tyre wear by looking at their rivals� wheels. It�s no good being blindingly fast if you have to use all your brainpower just to keep the car on the road.
Mercedes, 180� from expected. The GLK.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Stuttgart, Germany, Sep 29, 2008
* Mercedes-Benz is continuing its integrated marketing campaign for the new GLK under the slogan: �Mercedes, 180� from expected. The GLK.�
* Campaign targets all communication channels
* Focus on the distinctive design of the GLK-Class
During the run-up to the model�s market launch in October 2008, Mercedes-Benz is expanding its comprehensive marketing campaign for the GLK-Class to include print advertisements and television commercials. The new compact SUV combines the original angular shape of the classic off-roader with the typical design features of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, while at the same time reinterpreting both. It thus presents new facets of the brand and, thanks to a chassis design that is functional, attractive, and concise in equal measure, the GLK also sets new standards in the segment for compact SUVs.
�Our print campaign and the TV spot focus on the typical characteristics of the GLK � the striking form and surprisingly different design,� says Dr. Olaf G�ttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. �With the GLK we are providing a new opportunity for customers to enter the SUV world of our brand. And for the launch of this vehicle we have used every communication channel in order to come into direct dialogue with our customers and, in particular, young target groups.�
The claim �Mercedes, 180� from expected. The GLK.� refers to the model �s extraordinary design features. Mercedes-Benz launched its comprehensive marketing campaign in March 2008 across all communication channels, with activities ranging from advertisements in print media to TV commercial, product placements, special events, a Webspecial, and extensive CRM activities.
Print ads and TV commercial
The photographer team of Warren du Preez & Nick Thornton Jones, which is well known for its light painting technique, has juxtaposed the expressive design of the GLK with artificial light arrangements, thereby showcasing the model in a completely new manner. The advertisements will be placed in high-circulation general-interest magazines and daily newspapers.
The claim �Mercedes, 180� from expected. The GLK.� is also taken up in the television commercial, which runs under the title �It Can�t Be.� Here, the two legendary Hollywood stars, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean, are just as astonished to see the GLK as the car �s female passenger is astonished to see them. It�s a completely unexpected encounter for everyone. The reaction of the Hollywood stars, who today still stand for a style that is timeless, serves as the highest compliment for the surprisingly different design of the GLK-Class. The television commercial will be broadcast on all public and private channels with a high audience rate, as well as on Mercedes-Benz TV, the brand channel of the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer.
Focus on events and communication through direct contact
A competition known as �The design:project� recently offered European design students an extraordinary opportunity to experience and creatively analyze the GLK and its distinctive design even before the official launch of the model. The competition called on the students to use the GLK as an inspiration for creating new design objects. The first prize went to young designers of the Istituto Marangoni in Milan. The students interpreted design elements of the Mercedes-Benz GLK as objects from everyday life, and presented these design items in a fashion shoot setting in a novel way, as objects of desire.
The �GLK Driving Experience� event focuses on personalized individual contact with existing Mercedes-Benz customers and potential buyers. The traveling driving presentation, which is visiting popular European vacation spots, high-end shopping malls, and luxury hotel chain partners, offers interested participants the opportunity to experience for themselves the outstanding driving comfort of the GLK in a relaxed atmosphere. The GLK Driving Experience was launched in August 2008 and will continue until March 2009.
Product placements and online communication
The GLK had its first major presentation to the public back in May, when it appeared in the blockbuster movie �Sex and the City.� The vehicle was also used as a key visual, along with top model Eva Padberg, during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin. Also last spring, Mercedes-Benz launched a Webspecial at http://www.mercedes-glk.com/ , which is being advertised in various banners on the Internet as well. The Webspecial offers users the opportunity to actively participate in the design of a music video, use a moving image configuration to put together their own GLK, and communicate interactively with the vehicle�s designers. The mobile configurator, as well as extensive additional campaign content such as �Questions for GLK Designers� and �Sex and the City� downloads, are also available as mobile specials for cell phones at www.glk-mobile.com .
The TV ad for The New GLK
Copyright � 2008, fastfivecars. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S: Thrilling high-performance roadster
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Suttgart, Germany, Sep 29, 2008
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S opens up astonishing dimensions when it comes to open-top driving. Delivering 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 335 km/h, this two-seater cabriolet surpasses the existing benchmark among open-top super sports cars � the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both vehicles feature a fully retractable folding soft top capable of withstanding the high speed and are made of carbon fibre. This endows both models with a very high degree of safety and extreme torsional stiffness. In addition to increased power, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S features even more dynamic suspension tuning and improved aerodynamics. While enjoying exceptional performance, the new roadster�s occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle�s suitability for everyday use. With its sporty, premium-quality interior appointments and distinctive motorsport pedigree, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is limited to 150 vehicles and will inspire the most discerning automotive enthusiasts.
Spectacular dimensions in open-top driving are opened up by the new Mercedes-Benz SLRMcLaren Roadster 722 S. With an output of 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h, this open two-seater betters the standard set for open-air super-sports cars by the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both have a fully recessible soft top suitable for high speed driving, and are made from carbon fibre. This produces a very high level of safety and extremely high torsional strength. In addition to a higher engine output, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S has an even more dynamic suspension setup and further aerodynamic improvements.
By naming this new model variant the SLR Roadster 722 S, Mercedes-Benz
is recalling the historic victory won at the classic Mille Miglia long-distance race in 1955 by British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson, in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S continues the legend of the successful 1950s SLR racing sports cars, with innovative technology adopted from the world of motorsport.
Engine hand-built by AMG
The powerful heart of the SLR Roadster 722 S is a supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine which is hand-built in the Mercedes-AMG engine shop in Affalterbach. The special strengths of this high-performance engine include extraordinary responsiveness to movements of the accelerator, a high torque and an unmistakable V8 sound. Moreover, with an output of 478 kW/650 hp and 820 Nm of torque, power is on tap almost to excess (SLR McLaren Roadster: 460 kW/626 hp, 780 Nm). Accordingly the new model variant meets the wishes of the most discerning customers for even more sportiness combined with excellent day-to-day practicality.
The five-speed automatic transmission developed by Mercedes-Benz is designed for high performance. It is specially configured for a very high torque, and allows the driver to choose between two sets of shift characteristics. As a result the roadster achieves performance figures that are even outstanding for the high-end sports car segment: the SLR Roadster 722 S absolves a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds, and 200 km/h is reached in 10.6 seconds. The maximum speed is 335 km/h, which is unrivalled by any other series-production roadster.
Even more dynamic suspension setup
The spring and shock absorber configurations of the suspension are stiffer, and the body has been lowered by 10 millimetres at the front and rear. This ensures the greater handling stability of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S, with a significant improvement in handling dynamics. The lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminium wheels allow a view of the red-painted brake callipers on the highly-resistant carbon-fibre/ceramic brake discs, which make for impressive deceleration figures.
Sophisticated aerodynamics and a fabric soft top suited to high-speed driving
The outstanding qualities of the 722 S are complemented by the fully recessible fabric soft top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the roadster. The weave structure of this high-tech roof material reflects the carbon-fibre look, guarantees full day-to-day suitability in any weather conditions and allows the vehicle a top speed of 335 km/h � a unusual figure for a roadster. Thanks to favourable aeroacoustics, conversation during open-air journeys is still possible at well over 200 km/h.
The soft top opens and closes semi-automatically in around ten seconds, combining comfort expectations with the purist nature of the roadster. For opening, the roof needs to be unlatched at the windscreen frame and lifted slightly, after which it folds down electrically. The front section of the soft top features an integral aluminium cap, which effectively prevents "ballooning" at high speeds.
The handling and aerodynamics of this high-end roadster were optimised for high speeds in the wind tunnel. The aerodynamic concept follows that of the SLR Coup�, with an airbrake integrated into the boot lid, an enclosed underbody and a diffusor in the rear bumper to ensure the greatest possible downforce on the rear axle. The so-called airsplitter at the front end augments this downforce, while small wheel spoilers reduce turbulence at the rear axle. The result is precise handling and steering at high speeds.
Outstanding performance and safety thanks to carbon fibre technology
In technical terms the 722 S benefits from the long experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula-1 partner McLaren. With the exception of two aluminium frames, the body is completely of carbon-fibre materials (CFRP). This makes it highly exceptional among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the roadster, the sophisticated carbon-fibre technology was developed further for the monocoque. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and therefore a high level of occupant safety, plus a torsional rigidity that is unprecedented for an open-top car. It allows outstanding handling characteristics that are otherwise only found in closed super-sports cars.
A high level of safety is provided by unique carbon-fibre crash structures, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars. Other safety features include adaptive airbags, knee and sidebags, belt tensioners and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
A thoroughly sporty appearance
The roadster has a crystal antimony grey paint finish, which highlights the sculptured look of this high-performance car particularly effectively. The carbon-fibre technology is visually complemented by the black, grid-like air vents on the bonnet and the front and rear light modules with palladium grey surrounds.
In the interior, outstanding lateral support is guaranteed by sports bucket seats upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather/Alcantara. Striking visual highlights are provided by the contrasting seams in 300 SL red, the embossed 722 S lettering on the head restraints and the likewise red seat belts. Frequently used controls such as the shift and parking brake levers are lined in particularly high-grip and moisture-absorbing suede leather. In the interior too, the generous use of carbon-fibre underlines the high-performance philosophy and adds a particularly puristic touch.
Exclusive appointments
The exclusive appointments include two-zone automatic climate control, a high-quality BOSE Premium sound system, a multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles and a navigation system with an integrated radio and CD player.
This limited edition of 150 examples is predominantly hand-built at the Formula 1 workshops of McLaren in Woking, England, and is available from January 1, 2009.
Copyright � 2008, fastfivecars. All rights reserved.
fastfivecars.blogspot_ Note to Subaru: whoops, your agency doesn't know your product
It's a fact that the English language is currently being sliced to ribbons. Spelling and grammar have gone out the window, and elocution is such a lost art that we're amazed when a speaker can manage a paragraph. It's interesting to see where these shortcomings manifest themselves. One would assume that an advertising agency, being in the business of communicating, would double- and triple-check a message before sending it out for the world to see. Imagine our surprise, then, when across our digital desks slid a memo from Carmichael Lynch trumpeting the Minneapolis, MN agency's relationship with Subaru of America.Read All
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