FLEETING SHOTS

Ford Performance demonstrated the new generation Ranger Raptor’s rugged racing credentials by winning its class at the gruelling Baja 1000 desert rally at its spiritual home in Baja, Mexico. As well as giving its name to Baja Mode, the renowned off-road race played a significant role in the development of the Ford Performance Raptor series.

The Baja 1000 is one of the toughest and most prestigious off-road races on the planet. Teams face 1,000 miles of non-stop, high-speed racing across the dunes and deserts of Mexico’s remote Baja peninsula – and this year Ford took to the challenge in the Stock Midsize Class with its all-new Ranger Raptor pick-up. A hardcore suspension, reinforced chassis and race-bred tech such as anti-lag on the 3.0-litre V6 EcoBoost petrol engine’s turbochargers for faster acceleration, ensured that this high-performance pick-up was up to the task. Little further preparation work was done to the open-back truck other than the required roll cage and additional underbody protection. Two spare tyres and a 160-litre fuel tank were mounted in the back section. The successful Raptor, driven by Brad Lovell (Colorado Springs), was powered by a low-carbon biofuel produced from organic material.

“The Baja 1000 is the ideal way to test and showcase how this alternative fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fuels. By entering the event, we’re continuing to build on hundreds of thousands of kilometres of development testing and pushing the Ranger Raptor to new extremes,” explained Brian Novak, off-road motorsports supervisor, Ford Performance.

On its Dakar Rally debut, the Audi RS Q e-tron set standards in efficiency and competitiveness of e-mobility in motorsport in January 2022. Now the next step follows. The three desert prototypes with electric drive and energy converter will be at the start of the next edition of the Dakar Rally from December 31, 2022 to January 15, 2023 - and will be competing for the first time with an innovative fuel.

“At Audi, we are pursuing a consistent strategy of decarbonisation,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Board Member for Technical Development at Audi. “Our battery vehicles and renewable electricity are the lead technologies. To complement this, renewable fuels offer the possibility of running internal combustion engines in a more climate-friendly way. The Audi RS Q e-tron combines both systems in its innovative drive. As a result, we are now even more sustainable on the road in the toughest motorsport imaginable for electric drives.” To further reduce carbon dioxide emissions, Audi relies on residue-based products that do not compete with foodstuffs for the fuel used in the rally car. Behind this is a process that converts biomass into ethanol in a first step. The final fuel is then produced in further process steps. The process is abbreviated to ethanol-to-gasoline (ETG). The process engineers use biogenic plant parts as the starting product.

The tank content of the RS Q e-tron consists of 80 percent sustainable components, including ETG and e-methanol. This fuel is required by the energy converter, whose combustion engine part operates with high compression and thus is very efficient in supplying electricity for the electric drive. So while the drive concept in principle already requires less fuel than conventional systems, there is now a further optimisation. “With this fuel mixture, the Audi RS Q e-tron saves more than 60 percent in carbon dioxide emissions,” added Dr. Fabian Titus, Application and Thermodynamics Development.

This development, driven by Audi, complies with the strict chemical specifications of the FIA and ASO fuel regulations.

Representatives from Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) and Liebherr came together at bauma 2022, in Munich, to pay tribute to their important work developing zero emission solutions for the mining sector. n The relationship was established in March 2022 when Fortescue acquired WAE as part of its journey to becoming an international renewable resource company n WAE, an industry leader in the electrification and energy storage sectors is working closely with FFI to support its passion for zero emissions n In June 2022, FMG announced a partnership with Liebherr who will be working with WAE to develop electric battery and fuel cell system for the Liebherr T 264 mining trucks.

Call 01 2900200 or go online www.mikemurphyinsurance.ie

As a result of an ever-increasing demand and an expanding customer base for van servicing and warranty work, McElvaney Motors has made additional investment in its newly revamped Volkswagen Van workshop in Monaghan. A state-of-the-art Wheel Alignment System is the latest addition. This, coupled with having a talented team of qualified and experienced Volkswagen Technicians, means the company is in an ideal position to provide wheel alignment along with the servicing, warranty work and repair for any Volkswagen van.

Having been in the commercial vehicle industry for more than 40 years, McElvaney Motors is fully aware that a van ‘off the road’ is an inconvenience and is the cause of money not being earned.

Aaron McDermott, Volkswagen Service Manager explains: “In a constant undertaking to provide customers with the best possible service, we have invested in a new Wheel Alignment System. This latest technology is the most powerful wheel aligner available to workshops today. It is a clear leader in imaging alignment technology and superior wheel alignment servicing. It delivers fast measurement times, with accurate, repeatable results and award-winning software which makes it easy-to-use.”

Aaron continues: “With our new alignment bay, we can literally redefine our customer’s experience by providing a speedy and accurate service. Having correct wheel alignment is so critical as it preserves the life of tyres, ensures even tyre wear, saves fuel and also ensures the correct handling of the vehicle from a safety perspective. The new machine will allow for quick diagnosis and therefore minimal down-time.” He concludes: “This takes our workshop alignment servicing and customer offering to a whole new level.”

As part of the Volkswagen Service Network, McElvaney Motors also has an extensive range of Volkswagen Van parts in stock. All of the parts come with two years warranty and are fitted by trained technicians. With a computerised stock monitoring system and an overnight delivery service, McElvaney Motors’ Parts Team can ensure customers will receive the right part for a vehicle in a time efficient manner.

With highly competitive prices, a full back up service and convenient location, McElvaney Motors provides the following services:

n Commercial Van Servicing n Warranty Work n Repair n Diagnostics n DOE Prep n Service Cam n Vehicle Health Check n VWCV ACC and Windscreen Collaboration n VWCV Service & Maintenance Plans n Courtesy Vans Available n Supply of Genuine Volkswagen Parts to Customers, Bodyshops & Workshops

Further information about the McElvaney Motors Van Service and Parts Centre and how to book in vans for wheel alignment or a service can be found at www.McElvaneyVolkswagen.ie or via phone on 047 81596.