Brussels, Belgium

June 15
Visited IBA hq at Louvain la Neuve in Belgium where cyclotron and other electron and proton accelerators are assembled for R&D and applications in automotive, industrial, scientific and medical fields.
IBA Industrial is the world leader in electron and proton accelerators for industrial applications. IBA's unique E-Beam, X-ray and proton treatment solutions are used across the world in many different applications such as: property enhancement for various materials, safety and detection, oil upgrading, crystal modification, etc.

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Frankfurt & Stuttgart, Germany

June 12

Flew to Frankfurt for Karlshure and Stuttgart to visit Hi-energy Cyclotron Facilities. At Stuttgart I had the opportunity to visit an R&D Facility where engine components were tested [using nuclear technology] for wear and tear - subject to different lubricants.


Engine blocks [cylinders], pistons, camshafts, etc. were made radioactive under bombardment of high-energy particles from a high-energy electron accelerator or cyclotron. These components then reassembled and ready to be run. After running for a predetermined period of time the radioactivity level from various lubricants is measured which have direct relationship with wear and tear. The one recommended should be the best.

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Peugeot to launch 308 RC in 2010 ?

According to AutoSpies website - Peugeot will begin selling 308 RC by May 2010. Interestingly, the 308 RC is powered by a rather small, 1.6-liter hi-pressure turbo engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. But don’t write it off so easily - the 308 RC flagship is on steroids and will be equipped with a power plant similar to Mini Cooper JCW 1.6-liter turbo that could generate almost an incredible 160kW [220bhp] and 280Nm [300Nm on over-boost].

updated June 11, 2009: Read spy reports HERE and HERE

How does it manage so much power from such a small engine? click HERE

The entry level models will have the detuned [either 150bhp or 175bhp] 1.6 Turbo High Pressure (THP) powerplant. The production model looks similar to the concept which was shown first at the Frankfurt show back in 2007. The slight differences include toned down headlights, a less exaggerated curve along the bottom of the side windows and the shedding of the centrally located exhaust exit. The proportions are almost equal. The production version will keep the typical Zagato-style roof protuberances and multi-spoke wheel design seen in the concept model. The 308 RC will be a front-wheel drive vehicle and will come with a price tag much lesser than the Audi TT.

I simply can’t wait for this gorgeous beast to go into production, and when it does, I'm pretty sure I will be camping outside Peugeot’s BB for a spin.

[by the courtesy of netcarshow]


New Peugeot 5-series
Peugeot is also re-introducing its family-size "5-series", but not a sedan. It is the Peugeot 5008 compact MPV/SUV unveiled recently [in June 2009] and to go for sale in early 2010 [?]. Five- and seven-seat versions will be available. It uses similar 1.6liter engine range as on Peugeot 308's.
Emm... having all the three [8th generation Peugeots - 308RC, 308hatchback and 5008 MPV] would be perfect - only if one is willing to spend almost RM0.5 million! Nevertheless it would be better alternative than investing the same amount of money on a single unit of German Sedan or SUV!

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308 RC Power Plants

The 308 RC flagship will have a power plant similar to Mini Cooper JCW 1.6-liter turbo that could generate almost 160kW [220bhp] and 280Nm [300Nm on over-boost]. While the entry level 308 RC may be fitted with the 1.6 litre Turbo High Pressure engine produces a maximum power of nearly 130kW (175 bhp) and a torque of 240 Nm from as low as 1600 rpm. The torque output of the engine remains virtually unchanged all the way up to 4500 rpm but can be increased temporarily for a short burst to 260 Nm on the over-boost function.

For the top performance [and good fuel consumption] the engine has...

Direct, high-pressure fuel injection - producing a high power output. The system consists of a high-pressure injection pump supplying individual fuel injectors that inject fuel directly into the combustion chamber at a maximum pressure of 120 bar.

An over-boost system - enabling the torque output to be increased temporarily from 280Nm to 300Nm and 240 Nm to 260 Nm respectively in the top three or four gears.

Twin-Scroll turbocharger - which combines the exhaust gases flowing from two individual cylinders in the exhaust manifold before they enter the turbocharger compressor. The combined flow of the exhaust gasses is directed through Scrolls in the turbocharger turbine housing increasing the force applied to rotate the turbine. The direct result is a reduction in the turbocharger response time (turbo lag).

The turbocharger compressor - made of steel due to the high operating temperatures.

Continuously variable timing of the inlet camshaft [VVT] and the use of roller cam followers - help to reduce internal friction and increase power and torque while also reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The controlled output oil pump - supplies only the exact volume of oil required by the engine and eliminates unnecessary engine power consumption and the detrimental effect on fuel consumption.

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Another Emergency Trip

Received another emergency phone call from Kelantan today. Just over two weeks ago I received a similar call but 'different' in nature. Have to go immmediately. As usual I prefer to drive [about 5hrs] than fly [flying+takingoff/landing 1+hr, to and fro airports 2+hrs, waiting time about 2hrs=>5hrs]. Previously I arrived more than 2 hrs earlier than those who took plane - because there was a massive traffic jam along the 40+km road from the Airport to the destination! Having and driving own car in Kelantan makes lots of different too.

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