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The current issue of BBC 'Top Gear' magazine, at Barnes and Noble, has an article on biofueled cars with a green themed Koenigsegg CCXR on the cover. The CCXR is rated at over 1,000 horsepower using an alcohol/ethanol fuel mix. Mostly alcohol. I guess Sweden is amped up for biofuels. Koenigsegg was able to boost supercharger pressures and run cooler at the same time to gain over 200 horsepower.
The feature also has interesting bits about other gasoline alternatives. Road test of the Tesla electric and others. Lots of things afoot. Iceland intends to run all cars on the island nation with hydrogen by 2020. They are already far along on using geothermal to be oil independent.
My guess is that Torvec has a better shot at making a 'deal' than at any time in the past 10 years. The question is who to deal with and how much is it worth. If they sold it tomorrow for something under $10 a share they walk away with a lot of money and when people ask why so cheap, they can say, 'you guys wanted a deal.' Are they expecting too much? I hope not, but at some point I would guess whatever number they have in mind, is trumped by a realistic chance of seeing one of the technologies go into production. That would be balancing act number one.
The other consideration is who to partner with. I can understand how everyone has to incorporate some kind of China plan into their business plan, but giving them the keys to the company would certainly keep me up at night. Lots of layers with lots of issues.
Next the domestic OEMs seem to be focused on actually doing something new about design and fuel mileage. After a decade of refining the status quo, they know that radical new methods, technology and company agreements/organization are vital to staying in business, as well as any expectation to grow market share. Who is going to make the first move at that dance? If you are Ford do you have more than one big bet left? Do you wait to see who is in control of the government in 08? How can any OEM structure a business plan till the auto workers union talks are done? That agreement will change the face of the industry one way or another and they won't be done till the end of summer.
Is the Chicago solicitation more than Daley hot air? Who knows, but it's certainly worth pursuing. As we have seen with the Fast Ferry, when it comes to crazy ideas, mayors have a lot of loose money to throw around. So it may not be as radical as it seems. Maybe Torvec 'only' ends up with retrofitting all of Chicagos police cars with Iso-Torques. Who knows how far that idea can go.
The letter from the subsupplier concerning the new Army truck sure seems exciting to me. I hope DARPA/Army/contractors really look at what Torvec can add rather than just using things already in production. The pressing need may force them to build from a parts bin rather than turning new metal. They do have a lot of money and manufacturing any Torvec device wouldn't be very hard, so I wouldn't be too surprised if several people in that arena understand the important advantages going with Torvec gives them over say, conventional CV joints.
Do I have a clue about any of this? Your guess is as good as mine. Given the changing markets, political maneuvering, unseen forces, I'm surprised anything gets done. The Ethanol fiasco shows how an idea becomes a myth, becomes a fact. Now we end up making a problematic fuel from food instead of trash. The cost of lots of things goes up and we still import more oil.
There are many ways to prove I don't know what I'm talking about. Don't bother. Draw your own conclusions and act in a way that makes you comfortable. I see interesting potential, but others are fed up. Whatever, according to this link, we'd better research those coal burning cars the Germans were forced to cobble together in the 1940's when they had trouble getting oil.
http://news.independent.co.uk/sci_tech/article2656034.ece
Hillary and the automakers. The line about 'supporting' new fuel saving technologies, is interesting-
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/09/AR2007060900979.html
Some info on the 'debate' about how to reduce the 21 MILLION gallons of oil that the US uses each day-
http://news.monstersandcritics.com/usa/news/article_1316195.php/Senate_to_take_up_bill_to_cut_gasoli...
The Torvec itch. Ok, I'll scratch it and see what happens.
Stock price as validation of a company. Really? A lot of people thought Enron was a heck of a company at $66 a share. Pet.com was a great investment, same with Genomic Solutions. What? You never heard of Genomic? Hey, they had biotech in their back pocket, worth millions, then not so much.
All those company's got a LOT more press than Torvec, and they had a lot of experts touting them. A lot of people thought they had resources, value and were going to be big in the future.
Then you have Torvec. Up, down and mostly sideways. R&D, testing for years. Companies bought and sold while they developed. Now after a long time, in investor years, some feel it's a $3 company because, 'look at the stock'.
I understand. Sell, see you later, good luck, etc. Maybe you will be proved right, but what other factors are there besides the current stock price? Is the company cutting back, laying off? No. Is NASA doing everything it can to make the Torvec IVT an essintial part of the moon mission? Yes. Would the Army actually use the Torvec CV joint, Iso-Torque and IVT? Given the proven record of the Torsen in the Humvee and the stated intention of a key defense supplier, I would say it's a very strong possibility. Is the fact that Nissan's racing partner has stated an interest in more Iso-torques, an indication that there is a good connection with a leading OEM? Sure seems that way to me.
Patents in order. Company team productive. Development money starting to come in (NASA). Devices built, tested, rebuilt to correct specs with fabricators who apparently can deliver what was ordered in a timely manner (new NASA design turned around in about a month).
I guess you could think the 'market' is so savvy that Torvec at $3 is right on the money. I don't think so. We've seen the devices working, they ARE being used or in late stages of evaluation. Or at least that's what I infer from all the public statements.
I'm holding, I like the factors at play and in the wings and I'm remembering how the 'market' treated Apple. For years it could not get above $20. Even with Steve Jobs back at the helm. With the candy colored iMacs, with revamped OS kernel, even with better than expected iPod sales. No respect, no 'buy' recommendations. Michael Dell suggested Jobs liquidate all assets, divide proceeds to stockholders and close. After iPods were selling well for the SECOND year, then the 'market' moved on Apple. Now Dell is fighting to stay in business. Things change.
If the worst critique of Torvec is, 'they should have done this sooner', I think they are in really good shape. The bases are loaded and Torvec seems to be in a position to put the game away. We will soon see how it all plays out, but considering some of the problems that have been overcome in the past 2 years, I'm not sure anyone can really complain too loudly.
It's easy for all of us to be impatient, but we didn't have to build anything and then get it to work better than whatever the OEMs have. The fact that Torvec managed to do that and in fact make it work far better at less cost to manufacture, is why I'm not selling. I haven't stop checking the price because I've given up. It's because considering what is in play right now, I don't think it matters. Torvec is primed for a true breakout with huge players and huge markets. Not a tiny aftermarket niche. In my opinion.
Two or three years ago some Torvec tech didn't exist or was just starting to be tested. We are all frustrated with the lack of a big public breakout on all things Torvec, but none of us really has a clue about who was contacted when. As far as contacts go, the Gleasman family has direct lines to some of the heads of automotive companies since the early 60's. No doubt some have moved on, but some still have influence or a lot of stock. This pipeline and reputation was established and proven by the Torsen.
You either think post Torsen Torvec is a lot of hot air or you don't. Maybe another approach would have been able to get Torvec stock higher without scaring off OEMs, the Army subcontractors, etc., but when you add up the positives right now, I'm not sure any theoretical marketing plan would have been able to do as well. You don't know the engineering setbacks, supplier issues, etc. that have occurred in the past 2 years.
It's easy in hindsight to say that it doesn't take that long to program computer code for a new type of transmission, but it's not silly to think that a lot of companies would still be working on that ONE issue. How do you market the IVT till you solve that problem? The EPA made a lot of noise about their system that never left the lab bench. So what? If it can't be road tested who really cares how great it is?
Maybe forces will end up making a deal that isn't all it could be. Maybe someone else could have taken a CAD rendering from the computer to the moon faster. They would have been nimble enough to see Chrysler going and coming and going, Ford up and down, and GM's China strategy. They would have lined up the politicans AND moved them to manufacturing stage faster. I don't know who that would be, we know it wasn't CXO. At any rate, I'm glad the potential players are drafting letters, NASA is building a Rover, and Nissan racing is more than a little interested. The stock can sit at $4 all summer, if it means I can climb into a Koenigsegg CCX at the next stockholders meeting. Well, maybe not all summer. BTW, the Victor car show is tomorrow. They usually have one or two really interesting cars, as well as a lot of nice ones.
From my vantage point it sure looks like a 'significant' deal is in the final assembly stage.
Obviously Torvec has been setting up prime decision makers for a long time, as they designed, built and tested key inventions. Seems to me the juggling act of R&D with minimal (but awesome) staff and budget, as well as all the plodding of contacting, setting up meetings, follow up contacts and more meetings, has worked pretty well for Torvec. They HAVE a workable, multi generational, patented, system that the ARMY, Eaton and Impact need. Not only does it work, it's simple to make, small, powerful, and totally USA.
If they were going to do the first production deal with anyone, who better than the ARMY? They know one of the best parts of the HUMVEE is the Torsen. They absolutely must get the new troop carrier into production ASAP. They don't have the nonsense of OEM foot dragging, and at this point in the game all the band aid solutions have been tried. When you think about the amount of money the defense department spends on systems that are built with the hope that they are never used, how much money will they spend on a truck that can drive through an IED blast? It's going to be very heavy no matter how they build it, but whatever the final design, it will only be the best if it uses some key Torvec technologies.
Considering the size and weight of the vehicle, it really needs the energy assist system to get any kind of mileage. Given the fact that traditional U joints have a significant failure and replacement rate in regular trucks, this Hummer replacement will almost have to have the best CV joint in the world, the Torvec 50 degree CV joint. Not only is the design stronger, but the added angle moves the V hull critical inches from IED blast.
True, no signed deal can be talked about at this point, but the revolution has started. NASA was dismissed as making parts for 7 Rovers, but that was the first gauntlet thrown down and Torvec rolled up their sleeves and solved a problem other companies with a lot more people and money couldn't match. Simple as that. Impossible deadline beat. Machine better than expected. I would not be surprised to see this story repeated several times with anyone disparate enough or farsighted enough to engage this tiny, but brilliant company.
NASA put a lot on the line for Torvec, I think they have been rewarded with more than they hoped for. Koenigsegg, a company that combines the ruthless competitiveness of a go for broke racing team with the exacting mindset of Swedish engineers, is daring Torvec to work some magic for them. I'm thinking an impressive company will be impressed. Ford may have found a golden goose. All they have to do is let it happen.
Skeptics can still roll their eyes, but when you look at how this stage is set, I wonder why anyone in their right mind would sell one share of Torvec. You could rack the numbers so somehow it looks bad or you could even doubt the technology, but these are as high profile and as demanding as clients can be. If Torvec is used with enthusiasm in these situations, who or what will be left to keep this technology from showing up in the majority of future vehicles?
I think people who love what they do, who are good at it and take pride in it, love a challenge. I worked with an audio engineer who had a tricky sound set up at an event we were doing. He solved it pretty quickly and when some one said they were surprised he worked it out, he laughed and said, 'give me something hard'. He really wanted to be the best at what he did. It's a mindset I've seen at Torvec. They don't just want to make a better transmission for Ford, they want to make the best transmission ever made, by anyone, anywhere.
I would not be surprised to see the games played by shorts or competitors continue. We might be in the fourth quarter, but I'm guessing there are fall back strategies that I can't imagine that might still be played. At some point it doesn't matter. If the Torvec technology gets a chance, it will prove itself. Then the worm will turn with a vengeance.
I agree with you, but I would also not be surprised if there is still a sizable element within Ford that will fight anything from outside the company. Even with their present situation, even if it is a doable deal. I'm afraid some managers would rather pass blame than risk a new direction. The trick is for managers at the top level to smoke those people out of the company. I hope for Ford's sake they are in the process of doing that.
Ford certainly has been able to be a leader before. Let's hope they can welcome innovation that works instead of just reworking stuff they have.
NASA wants to change it's business model?
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSN2621726620070526?feedType=RSS&rpc=22&pageNum...
Well that helps to put the flow of dollars across the pacific in perspective. As far as training the Chinese to operate aircraft carriers, I wonder what Japan will do. They certainly know how to operate a carrier force, but the animosity between Japan and China is still huge. Would they ever rebuild a deep water navy? If China or India sail a carrier group thru the Sea of Japan, I'd say yes. I guess China will continue to create entire cities devoted to making lawn furniture, chairs and computers for the US and the rest of the world. With all that money and a growing need for raw materials to feed their factories, they will scratch their military itch and project their power to protect their interests. I guess we will see how resourceful and creative we are if that happens.
No need for us to worry. We are going to instantly expand our workforce with 20 million people who don't have a high school education.
Duncan Hunter pointed out in one of his blogcasts that there seems to be only ONE steel plant in the US capable of making armor plate. I wouldn't be surprised. The core I beams for the new World Trade Center were produced in Luxembourg. It's harder than ever to imagine what our world will be like in 20 years.
China in space. They aren't just going to the moon, they are orbiting right now. Interesting how they use their new found ability to be a space power.
http://www.iht.com/bin/print.php?id=5843980
'Depending on the route' is the key phrase. They still use diesel engines which means emissions and fuel use when they move, idle or go up a hill. The added electric will help, but even this enhanced, conventional, engine combination would benefit from a retrofitted Torvec IVT.
If there were such a thing as a Torvec pump powered, energy recovery system, I would imagine some school buses on some routes would use no diesel at all and very little battery. Heck, for a lot of stop and go on level ground, why not add the compressed air system that has been built for small cars and toss the diesel and batteries? You could also try the super revving flywheel systems. They actually worked to some degree, except for the mess if they failed.
You are correct about the selective stats. Right now my garaged car is 1000% fuel efficient. No matter what the drivetrain combination, I think it is relatively easy for somebody to make a small, simple, adaptable, efficient, Torvec IVT that could be dropped into any vehicle with minimum fuss and cost. The fuel savings, emission reduction and long term upkeep, would make a compelling case for any owner or OEM. Right now we know at least ONE organization is doing that, NASA. Others are keenly interested in some kind of utilization. The idea that we could see a tiny Torvec IVT in some kind of roadable vehicle within the next couple of years, is not a pipe dream. IMO.
13,000 'green' taxis in NYC by 2012. A prime spot for the energy recovery system that really needs a small, powerful, efficient pump.
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=3199912
Here is some good info about the replacements for the Humvee. The additional links in the article, at the bottom left, should also be checked out. Seems like Torvec could really be an asset for whoever makes these IED resistant vehicles.
Whatever happens, I wish the Army, government and business were smarter about how to get vital equipment, tested, built and delivered as fast as possible to people brave enough to fight for all of us.
http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/05/military_dragge.html
There is no doubt that it could be a huge market. Maybe it already is as far as Torvec is concerned. The question is how do you want to be their 'partner' in selling to that market. For a variety of reasons, I'd be happy if they didn't own the company, produce everything the company makes, or even have the deciding influence on the future of the company.
I truly hope China and the US can evolve together in a positive way, but I don't think they are a lock to resemble what happened with Japan or Korea.
Trying to be funny. Given the Gleasman's experience with auto companies and racing teams, I didn't have any doubt that anything they gave a team would work like they claim. Because of the sort of adversarial nature of OEM, sub supplier and racing competition, I'm sure there were lots of back and forth with the racing team, especially the mechanics and drivers.
It's all good. Nissan has a quick, relatively easy solution to a design problem that has been keeping their premier sportscar from being all it could be. The Z is due for a redesign. A perfect time to build in the Iso-Torque, CV joint and even the IVT.
The only vehicles that don't need Torvec tech.
http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/transformers.html
They are from a super advanced, mechanical, home world. The combination of familiar machines with body capture movement looks like a lot of fun.
That reminds me of the Monroe county waste recycling center. A good idea that apparently proves you shouldn't let lawyers oversee engineers. Especially if accountably is not a prime ingredient. Japan did it, we could not. If we were forced to import everything like Japan has had to do, we would be mining landfills right now.
Wired had an interesting story on using a plasma generator (invented by NASA to study re-entry bodies) to dispose of waste and at the same time peal off enough energy to sustain itself. The future of garbage looks to be a lot cleaner. When you consider how much methane, metals, and other useful materials are in 'dumps', they ought to be considered a resource of refined materials.
I agree. The fuel cell is one answer, not for everybody or every local. I love the idea of decentralizing the power grid as much as possible. Maybe fuel cells, solar, wind, water can help all of us become more involved and more independent at the same time in the struggle to meet our power needs.
Actually the problem is so bad, it might force me to buy another motorcycle... for fuel savings. OK, actually the bloom is off that Rose, too many wet rides, but a new Sky Redline would be nice. Conditional on TOVC exploding.
For the person who was concerned that Torvec hadn't made a deal with China. The link below is creepy. Personally, seeing China take one in the economic gut, wouldn't make me lose sleep, but I am sure an implosion of their superheated economy would make a world wide mess. Maybe the sooner a major correction happens, the better. Interesting times we live in.
http://au.us.biz.yahoo.com/seekingalpha/070521/36012_id.html?.v=1
'I think the reality is that this thing is moving faster than anyone really knows.' You are right on the money. It's faster than Torvec thought, at least as far as NASA went. I'm sure they were thinking, 'what's taking so long', then NASA calls, then Chicago calls, then Koeningsegg calls, then Nissan calls again, and suddenly it's pedal to the metal on fronts they didn't see coming, but were happy to address.
It's probably moving faster than Eaton and others thought possible. Even though they had plenty of time to prepare for this Torvec business climate. Is it moving fast enough for someone who planned to cash out in March, no, but it is probably moving uncomfortably fast for anyone who has a big short position.
Depending on how old you are, 10 years either seems like a lifetime or somehow like 2 years used to be. I'm sure a lot of people are betting against huge changes in the auto industry, but there are fundamental shifts happening right now. The GM car that left Henrietta last weekend only went 300 miles on it's fuel cell, but there will be 100 out in a year or two and Honda's version will start to roll out next year.
Cars in the next 10 years will be nothing like the previous 100 years and Torvec will be a very important part of this next generation. Or not, the bets are down, soon we will flip the cards and see who has a better hand.
I feel sorry for the Torvec team. Obviously they blunder right along instead of taking all the super advice that floats around this board. Imagine how shocked they were to get a letter from actual racers. After all, for a while and maybe even now, some posters doubted the existence of any race car actually using Iso-Torque units in a race. LOL.
Oh well just because more racing teams want Torvec tech to go for the gold, just because NASA is happy and moving forward with the world's most efficient IVT, that doesn't really mean anything because look at the stock price. Right? I mean there is no way this company is going to break out in a big way, soon.
I guess a year or two is a long time for some things, but for others it's really SHORT. What was it, 2 meetings ago when the Iso-Torque was a colored CAD rendering? I think if Jim had said, 'In 2 years, racing teams are going to be clamoring for this', many people would have said he was blowing smoke.
At this point in the story, I don't care how small Torvec is, I don't care how minimal the perceived marketing is, I don't care how arrogant or abrasive anyone thinks Torvec people are. When you look at how quickly the inventions are prototyped, tested and incorporated into manufacturers vehicles, you have to be impressed. Unless you are a SHORT or a competitor. Maybe they are getting lucky, maybe the cosmic forces are lining up right, or maybe the machinery is actually that good and that well engineered. So good, so cost advantaged that even a reluctant, not invented here industry, doesn't really have an easy alternative.
As far as the price, look at Apple from the time it was a pre-split $25 a share. You will notice that for years prior to that it could not break out, even after selling hundreds of thousands of iPods. One analyst started to tout it, they had a good quarter and the rest is history. I'm a crazy cheerleader who doesn't make any sense, but for what it is worth, I'm really going to enjoy the ride up with this company. Even if it is holding on to a tiny bit of tailfin. I've said it before, Torvec has never had this much positive hits going on, they are well positioned to do a variety of positive business moves, and most importantly there are several breakthrough inventions ready to go, not just one.
I understand the critics, maybe they even have some good points and maybe the shorts have been very clever in the past, but I'm happy to see good engineering start to emerge after all the games. The past is littered with companies who tried to coast on the status quo instead of spending what they should have for R&D. Seems to me that the market is demanding the most efficient vehicles with the highest quality possible. Sooner or later every OEM has to take a long serious look at Torvec because they offer, efficiency, less weight and complexity, less tooling time, and more durability. To the Moon, baby.
The only news I want to hear from Nissan is about production of one of Torvec's inventions. I'm surprised we have any video that shows a Nissan car at speed with any Torvec parts. They certainly don't want to give other teams any more heads up than they have to. Then there are the racing rules folks. If the IVT or Iso-Torque gives them a clear advantage, as it seems to do, (making up for too much weight or other 'Z' problems, is another matter) you can be sure the rules committee would stop the party.
I read a little article on Junior Johnson who felt that if you weren't cheating, you weren't racing. He talked about some of the tricks he used and he was a very clever guy. He thought about how you tenderize meat by poking holes in it and he realized you could make tires softer and sticker if you did the same thing so he made a drum studded with thumbtacks which he ran against the racing tires. All the little holes made his tires have more traction than his fellow racers. Now the racing inspectors take a close look at all the tires.
I think he also might have been the guy who noticed that the rule book didn't say anything about how long the fuel line could be, so he looped a lot of extra line between the tank and engine which enabled his cars to gain extra fuel capacity. Somebody also made a slightly smaller body than the rules allowed which is why they use those big contour gauges. You could not tell from looking at it, but the slightly smaller dimensions were a big advantage when pushing through the air.
My point was that some investors were glad to hold this stock when all the company had were some ideas and a computer rendering of the IVT. They liked it even more when that idea was working in a Dodge Ram. Torvec has come a long way since then. Not long enough for some.
Why is it taking so long? Government, non-disclosure, production intentions/capabilities, national security. When you have connections and possible interest from the US military on one hand and the Communist Chinese on the other, you might have some issues to deal with. If you made a CV joint that really does work better than anything out there, I'd think you would want something approaching the value of the less capable part you are replacing.
Doesn't it strike anyone as ironic that given the wide ranging and serious interest in Torvec technology, some investors seem to want to dismiss the inventions because it's not happening NOW?
If you can find another stock that will have new machines that they invented and patented, on the moon as well as quite possibly in the world's fastest sportscar, Army trucks and even a future car you might own, I'd say buy it and hold it, but that's just me.
This is just my view. I'm a former critic who is now pretty excited about the next Torvec event. I thought the FTV cruising by a Jeep that blew a tire and almost an engine trying to get out of the mud, was pretty cool, but Koenigsegg and the Moon are far better.
I have no idea what the state of negotiations are with any company. Maybe it would help to remember that things change. Companies merge to make a supercompany and 9 years later the bigger part gives away the lesser part (Chrysler-Benz).
Sorry about the sentence structure. Most people seem to get it. It's really only on this board where I've ever run into someone who had a problem with my text. One guy really went off on 'sentence structure'. That was pretty funny. For a second I was back in Jr. High. I think his real issue was what I was saying, not how I said it. The other guy was in the same vein, but he had some kind of built in 200 words or less problem. Apparently it was super aggravating to read my big paragraphs. Not a speed reader I guess.
Value is based on 'buzz'? I guess by that reasoning Paris Hilton must have a lot of talent after all. It is astonishing to me that a company that started from scratch around 10 years ago, and got to where it is now, is thought to be dead in the water because it's been 4 whole months since they announced they were going to play an important role in the US return to the moon AND that they were working with the world's premier supercar manufacturer.
That's only the most recent announcements. There is still the matter of Chicago, NY school buses, Nissan, etc. True, a 'deal' may not happen within the timeframe that some posters feel is reasonable, but personally I just don't see how you figure nothing on Torvec's list is compelling enough for the Army or somebody else to cut a deal, as VW, Toyota, and others did in the past.
I know the feelings that make one buy at the wrong time. hold till bored or disgusted, and sell too early, but I think Torvec has never been higher on people's radar than right now. So a couple of months go by in the course of negotiations, any production of Torvec technology is a pretty bold move for the first one out of the block. Considering what the Torsen did for auto tech, I wonder what is wrong with some auto execs, but they are making possible life and death kind of company decisions right now, so maybe they are being more cautious than normal.
If you have to have the media wind at your back, sell Torvec and if you can net a couple of thousand, buy a few shares of Apple. They are flying real high right now, but they do splits, they will launch more products between now and fall school start, they will continue to pull people away from Microsoft (Vista is kind of a bust), and as long as Steve Jobs stays alive and out of jail they will continue to get a lot of good media coverage. Plus Paul is going to start selling his music on iTunes. Maybe the rest of the Beatles and Apple Corps will move to Apple computer.
Some interesting Swedish news. Koenigsegg has converted their engine to run on E85 fuel. One of the links below explain how that helped them boost horsepower to 1018. If you can find EVO magazine at Barnes and Noble, the issue I read today had the print version of the link below. In the article Christian Koenigsegg talked about the certification for US sales. They crash a massive concrete block into the back of the car and then turn it upside down to look for fuel leaks. The CCX passed.
So certified for US. E85 ready. Ipod sound system and new insturment cluster. Now with traction control.
A REALLY interesting part of the print article was a line about 'having an improved DSG transmission, in two to three years.' I hope the CAD rendering is working overtime in Pittsford.
http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/207928/koenigsegg.html
http://horsepowersports.com/koenigsegg-1018-horsepower-e85-supercar/
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/02/koenigsegg-drops-a-duo-ccgt-and-1018-hp-biofuel-ccxr/
http://www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=true&bottom=20&gID=3&fID=1&tID=114863
http://www.worldcarfans.com/print.cfm/ID/2070303.003/lang/eng
The next time someone asks you, 'Why go back to the Moon? We've already done that.' Ask them if they know what Helium 3 is.
This link explains why a Moon base is about more than getting a clean receiver shadow for a radio telescope.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/05/01/wmoon01.xml
BTW, electric motors are great, especially for instant torque, but as I understand it, without an IVT or some kind of transmission, you usually speed them up by putting more and more current through them. To slow them down 'brownout' the power or actually impose a resistance. Both techniques stress the motor. Ideally you would want the motor to run at it's designed horsepower and speed up the vehicle by shifting into a higher gear or drop into a lower gear for pulling a load or going up a grade. Things an IVT do automatically and with the most efficiency.
GMC? That reminds me that the Equinox SUV has it's engine and transmission made in China. At least that's what a couple of people who should know have told me. Is it possible that America might end up depending on China for vital components of a prime military vehicle? I know it's a global world and all, but somehow I'm getting the feeling that while everyone is visiting in the front yard, someone is loading a moving van from the back door.
Article about a Humvee replacement for moving troops around in Iraq.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-04-18-marines-new-vehicles_N.htm?csp=34
You got me thinking with those quotes. I've seen the bleeding edge and it isn't pretty. Below is a link about the most innovative computer company ever. They STILL hold many computer milestones to this day. Check your geek level by how many 'firsts' you remember, or if you ever saw one in action.
For example. I remember driving to work around 1990 and hearing 'experts' scoff at the whole CD idea. 'Maybe for catalogue companies, but no body else needs that much storage.'
Torvec has the goods to redirect automotive technology in a major way. Who will be the first to truely break with the status quo and become a leader? You would think that OEMs who bought the Torsen and kept it across their brands all these years would be drawing up serious offers to utilize even better, more in demand, technology from Pittsford.
http://www.commodore.ca/text/innovations.htm
How weird is the world? Here's part of the story of how 3 Florida doctors should have Steve Jobs working for them. Actually, love him or hate him, Jobs knows marketing and thinking ahead, but he's also pretty lucky. These guys blew it.
http://www.amigahistory.co.uk/comment-6.html
Years ago at the time of the IVT into Dodge Ram and EPA testing, there were various efficiencies mentioned. As I recall under the right speed and load the gain in efficiency was stunning, over 80 percent. Even the least efficient speed/load comparison was something like 8 percent better. That was with the old pump and motor IVT and the testing was done someplace west of Rochester, since Torvec didn't have the their own testing equipment.
I guess you could look through old posts to find an info link or contact EPA about their tests or contact Torvec. Wouldn't be too relevant since that setup has been improved. You seem to be wondering if the improved efficiency is there with the Torvec IVT. All I can say is everything I've seen indicates they are VERY focused on accurate, repeatable, results. The IVT works as shown in the old video of the Dodge Ram being driven on a test track and in the video of the Chevy Tahoe on the Torvec dynomoter as it accelerates within the EPA test time. It doesn't require any technical back and forth to know that going from 0 to 60mph within an industry time frame, while the engine revs barely move from idle, WILL save you significant fuel.
They have stressed that all patents are protected, from old designs to new. One of the first issues to be focused on was blowby. If you spend too much energy capturing and repumping fluid, the design doesn't really work. The Tovec IVT has significant advantages over the Deere design because it doesn't have to deal with the large areas, mass and pressure that make the Deere design so big.
Automatic transmissions are 'sealed for life'? Most warranties require a flush and filter change at 30 or 60,000 miles. Clutches depend on the driver, I guess. Some people I know go through a few. Either by managing to drive with the foot riding the clutch pedal or not fully depressing when shifting or 'popping' the clutch. EOM.
The Chinese Rover. Click the link to see the SIX wheeled China Rover AND enlarge the photo to see the western 'spectators'. Not sure if it can lower the body to the ground, hard to tell if the center wheels deflect enough.
Interesting that they intend to use decaying nuke fuel to generate power. That's what the Russians did several decades ago. They ended up with weather sensors corroded and forgotten all over Siberia. Made some cleanup workers quite sick when they had to contain the Cesium or whatever the nuke fuel was.
While we try and figure out how the various generations of IVT work, NASA is deeply into a race with the Chinese Industrial complex. I'd bet they are going to be less and less excited about discussing the fine points of all the technology they are using. Like why they plan on using dual wheels that have a differential and IVT in each boogie. Might have something to do with load requirements, I don't know.
We sure are living in interesting times. NASA is the only group on the planet with first hand knowledge about living and working on the Moon, yet much of that information has been freely given to the world for decades. What an advantage for anyone who wants to follow.
BTW, the Chinese really didn't have to wrap every non tread surface with GOLD, but when you have the money and no oversight, why not put on a show?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6521443.stm
Ford 'owns' it? I thought the EPA research was freely available to any American company.
I wonder how much of the whole energy recovery process is actually owned. I know Eaton has been working on their version for years, and I'm sure they have some unique valves, seals, etc., but I seem to remember something similar from Honda.
Don't get me wrong, I hope it's an Oklahoma land rush by lots of people to get this idea working in every production vehicle. The sooner the better. I just hope somewhere along the way engineers do a cost of manufacture and efficiency study on the small, powerful, Torvec pump.EOM
Self confessed 'short'. Cramer's mad money.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/03202007/business/cramer_reveals_a_bit_too_much_business_roddy_boyd.htm
Thanks for the link. I can see why they would have problems, that's a weird looking CV type joint. Looks out of balance before it starts, plus you have all that torque twisting on about a half an inch of metal that is making four 90 degree turns. No wonder it failed.
I also remember the point about noise and HIGH pressure. Keith was excited about how quite the Dodge Ram was when running with the first generation IVT, NO screaming whine like the high pressure pumps prior to Torvec.
I sure hope some sanity prevailed at Eaton. After spending so much time and money on a great idea, it would really be stupid to pass on the improved pump that would make the project work. The money they will quickly make with this system would easily offset any buyin Torvec could come up with. They really don't want to watch the Chinese buy the Torvec pump and beat them to market with their idea, do they? Containers/bags, valves and controls are certainly elegant engineering for a system like the Eaton Energy Recovery project, but without the NEW Torvec pump, it won't work on anything smaller than a bus. If it could, we would see it on some kind of test SUV by now. In my opinion. EOM
That's interesting. I seem to remember at the stockholders meeting a couple of years ago, maybe 2004, Keith mentioned the Torvec visit to the EPA. At that time the hydraulic system Eaton was working on required their pumps that weighed 200lbs. Pretty hard to hold in one hand.
The Torvec pump was a lot smaller and only weighed 70lbs., at that time. Perhaps Mr. Gray couldn't get the Torvec pump out of his mind, or maybe something else is going on. It's a good idea and would be a natural for the IVT.
Nice to see a logical decision come out of our justice system. Good work, Torvec legal team. EOM
Well she also is running around touting her 'greenprint'. What kind of press coverage would she get if she starting talking about a dramatic solution to energy demand, greenhouse emissions, American JOBS, that came out of the part of NY that voted her in based on 200,000 new jobs? Either she doesn't understand what Torvec is or her staff has some kind of plan? Whatever, the problem, it is certainly worth more than 2 cents in terms of boosting her career.
I'm just watching the race and trying to figure out why passenger planes aren't pressing a button to deice themselves instead of continuing to spray tons of environmentally toxic and expensive deicing goop. Maybe Boeing is building this into the next generation of planes, or maybe not. Obviously the problems of acceptance and implementation of radically new ideas and technology are bigger than we think. Otherwise someone would have at least a private jet popping ice off it, as it waits to takeoff.
Do it yourself testifying. Don't reply to this. Drop an eMail to some people and/or agencies in the links below. Apparently letters are even better. A couple of horses are at the water's edge. Maybe if a few more show up, one of them will start drinking.
I'm going to have to have another talk with my apple farmer friend. I'm having serious doubts about the staff of Hillary's who seem to place a higher importance on forcing rear view cameras on all vehicles, instead of doing something to champion a tested transmission that could put a serious dent in our oil addiction TODAY. Maybe they need some reminders or another tour of Webster or someone to explain why a tach that barely moves while accelerating is BIG news.
http://www.usa.gov/
http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/E.shtml
You would think with the cosmic forces swirling about doing a deal would be easy, but read em and weep. First Hillary IS redesigning cars, but only for people who can't use their mirrors or look behind their car before backing up. Then the OEMs solution to higher gas mileage isn't to adapt a transmission invented by outsiders, it's to whine to congress. Finally, Ford claims the problem is not enough 'word of mouth'.
OK, while they fiddle, the Iso-Torque will still make the heavy 350Z race competitive, the Lunar Rover will be designed and perhaps tested outside the foundry in Canada that makes the batteries for the hybrids. Ironically, it's a good spot because the local pollution has denuded the surrounding land. Hybrids, Moon, IVT, a strange perfect circle.
The school bus version of the IVT waits while someone studies whether or not the Army depot can be used because some albino deer might be disturbed.
Sorry, must be cranky because of the waiting for some people to connect two dots.
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070227/AUTO01/702270349/1148
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6452601.stm
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070315/AUTO01/703150368&theme=Autos-Ford-fin...