Techy's Car Reviews | Lancy Delta

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Good read on the 8C. love this car and it really snarls with the full race exhaust and sound set to small theater.
 
Jaguar XJ13 Race Car '66 [P] - Historic Automobile
The car that never came to be...

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Route X Speed Testing Results
0-60 mph: 3.327 seconds
0-100 mph: 6.238 seconds
0-1/4 mile: 10.875 seconds
0-1 mile: 26.401 seconds
Top speed: 209 mph
Max G-force: 0.95 G​


I have to say: This car has a sad history. It was built as a successor of the Jaguar C-Type, and as a way to take on Ford and Ferrari in Le Mans. Unfortunately Jaguar's own laziness faulted the project's designated finish. By 1967 regulations changed to 3L engines, locking out the XJ13. Therefore it never entered in a single race.

The project was named "XJ6", engineered by Claude Bailey. As to most 60s race cars presents, its power-plant was a V12, mid-longitudinally mounted. The layout was certainly new to Jaguar. The unit's design is two DOHC 6 cylinder engines connected to a common crankshaft and aluminum block. The injection was a Lucas Mechanical, which generated roughly 500 bhp.

The man who sculpted this beauty and as well as the C- and D-Types was Malcom Sayer. Its sleek and smooth finish was enough to bargain the entire crowd.

Testing began on the MIRA Test Track, and driving it was Norman Dewis. He managed to push the car to 161 mph and implemented a new lap record. Afterwards it was extensively tested 9 times, from March to August 1967. And from these tests the car was constantly revised. The last test was ran by David Hobbs & Ricard Atwood on Silverstone.

The XJ13 also served as a basis of production V12s. So the car was laid untouched until the engine was launched on the Series 3 E-Type. This action implies that the XJ13 was the first V12 Jaguar has ever produced.

The XJ13 finally got global recognition on 1971, and was up for promotional filming in MIRA test track. Tragically, when Norman was driving at 141 mph, the car lost a wheel and spun into the outside, flipping end over end. Fortunately Norman survived, but the car was perhaps unlucky. Two years later the car was restored unlike many race cars at its time, which were scrapped.

In 1973 the car was ultimately rebuilt, and was presented in the British Grand Prix in the same year. The original body works was done by Abbey Panels. Jaguar soon decided to keep the model in their Heritage Collections. The XJ13 was also featured in major programs like BBC.

In 2002 the XJ13 fell off a kerb and cracked the engine block and sump. Immediately the car was rebuilt again, which XK Engineering gladly completed the operation. When the restoration was finished it debuted again in the 2007 Goodwood Festival. At that time, the engine was heard for the first time in over 30 years.

Correct me if I'm wrong but did Kaz drove this car in that same Goodwood Festival year? Anyways...

The XJ13 now resides is in Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Collection at Coventry, but relocation postponed viewings until September 2012.



The XJ13 itself is very elegant and very studious. It possesses an extremely unique form, and is taken as one of the most beautiful automobiles in the world. From the nose to the tip of the rear, it satisfies any sets of eyes. It doesn't look aggressive, nor lacking. If this car was a cake, I would eat it, cough it up, and eat it again :p

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The interior also plays a similar tune. From the TV's standpoint, it looks really roomy. The enormous steering wheel is made of wood, I'm guessing. And at the middle, Jaguar's old logo. The dashboard is placed at the left of the driver, which contains dials like the tachometer. There is also golden plaques that signify Abbey Panels' work of restoring the vehicle. When viewing backwards, you'll see the great engine bay. The engine itself is quite detailed, from the spark plugs to the pistons. You'll still see the rear of the car as well.

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The XJ13's pure strength is very well demonstrated. The car was able to push into speeds common in its time, like +200 mph. But this was obvious with a V12 engine. The gearbox links with the car's sheer power also, so it doesn't feel out-of-place.

How the XJ13 corners is sparkling. When you approach a turn that is sharp, it looks like the car is struggling; it isn't. The only times when build-up occurs is on Esses, where the car will power understeer. The surprising thing is its torque figure: ~400 ft-lb @ 6500 RPM. Not bad for a V12. But don't let that imply that the car will smooth out of everything. Other than that, it gets the job done.

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The Jag's weight transfer is complex, honestly. It is set at 45/55. Considering that the car is an MR & weighs a tiny 900kg, it's safe to say that most weight will go to the mid-rear portions. But when braking, a lot of load travels to the front. And when turning, roughly all of the load is transferred to the outside. This actually reduces the work that all 4 tires need to feed its way out the corner. But when you turn and accelerate, the load will go to the outside rear wheel, no? But in this car, a lot is transferred to the outside rear. Even in these states, the car always managed to divide its loads. The 10% benefit up-front will provide adhesion for steering, and the 10% negate down-back will provide a bit of facilitation. All odds is harmonized, actually. The car does roll quite a bit, and may cause oversteer at times.

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The XJ13's acceleration is fierce! But its liftoffs can be unstable sometimes, as the car lacks advanced machinery that can deduct unnecessary wheelspin. This is apparent when you negotiate slow sectors, however nothing than a careful finger/hands & feet can't handle! ;) With that aside, there is also its top speed & how it actually gets there. And what I can say? It is indeed effective! The gear ratios is locked together, and produces a linear effect. This means that time & RPM is capable to connect. As a result, it can reach speeds that is ridiculed in its time: Beyond the 200 mph. Taking a lap through Mulsanne Straight will surely confirm it. But the car seems to be tuned for only Le Mans, so slow-plauged tracks like Monaco will be an oversight if driven the way it is.

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This Jaggie brakes exceptionally quick. But it doesn't serve as a sure recovery item if you overshoot a turn. It uses Dunlop discs as its braking artillery, AKA simple disc brakes. On the other hand, it does rocket down to accepting corner speeds. Also, when you turn and brake it contracts a lot of understeer, so trail braking will take a while to inherently master.

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Concluding, the XJ13's handling ability is a unique combo. It power understeers through sharp portions, it pushes out of a turn a bit too much, it rolls occasionally, it accelerates efficaciously. Surely, the car demands several things from the driver. One is patience. A typical race car is simplified enough to reach any obstacle, but the XJ13 requests by the hands of an "able-body." Another is stamina. Even though the car has never entered in a race, the XJ13 still proves as a endurance weapon. Whether or not you do take the car into a 24hr event, it will demand the driver's part to be concise. In addition, the XJ13 clings to only one kind of driving style. This doesn't mean that only one person is able to drive it properly, but the Jag seems to follow only one rhythm to actually squeeze its potential.

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The engine noise is... well... intriguing. It isn't a V12; more like a whine. But there is a racketing noise that boasts its audible strength. On the other hand, the shrieking does feel a bit ear-splitting. But the overall notes is very simplistic.

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Personally, whenever I see or drive the car I think of a romantic Sunday drive. Whether it was built for pure racing or not, it is indulging to just cruise around. Doing activities like driving along a mountain trail, or a photo-shoot near the ocean. It can even be meditating; a way to clear the driver's thoughts and fall into a bed of soft & fluffy sheets. I'm sure many other vehicles out there does the same thing, but this car exemplifies a great deal of that feeling.


Images courtesy of Me & mikeonthebike

History courtesy of supercars.net
 
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Great review on the Jag Techy. This car is a beauitful car with a interesting history that should be know to all. It's a great shame that the XJR13 didn't see the light of day in LeMans with the GT40 and 330 P4 of the late '60s:(.

If it was in the race, maybe the GT40 and 330 would have a run for their money.
 
Another great review, and one of a great car too. I like this car a lot, but I find it to be a bit too over-steery for normal racing. Now are you planning to review the GT40 and/or the 300 P4. Knowing you, I can only wonder what unpredictable thing you'd say about the sound of the GT40. :lol:

~Turtle
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Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione '91 [P]
Take your entire family to Rallying with this machine!

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The Lancia Delta is a small family car that produced in three gens: I being 1979-1994, II being 1993-99, and III being 2008. This car was best known for its career in rallying, which it dominated for most of its time. This car is the first gen.

The car featured Lancia's secret: The 4WD layout. It included three differentials, the rear having Torsens (torque-sensing). This mechanism locked torque at high loads, and unlocks again during braking. However Torsens are expensive, and was very rare to be implemented into 4WD vehicles. Even with this complexity, Lancia still wanted an ABS system for the model. So they revised the existing Bosch's sensory components. This made yaw more modulated in extreme cases.

The powerplant in the Evo I is a 16V engine, as of every other model after 1989. The mere difference was a remapping, generating a bit more HP than previous models. The engine also featured a turbocharger & an enlarged fuel injector.

The modifications made to the Evo I's body is a widened front & rear, protruding wheel arches, and a small rear spoiler on the tailgate. Beyond the exterior contains suspension & brakes changes, like double calipers at the front + disc brakes on all wheels, & a floating caliper in the rear. The steering box was also swapped with a rack & pinion steering.


The Delta looks very boxy. There is nothing wrong with that, though. It is actually attractive to me. The front even has an expression; probably an angry-certainty combo :p But everything about this car is simple: From the circle headlights, to the moldless sides & undergarments. I think hot hatch fans would particularly like this in their collection 👍

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The interior is made entirely of Alcantara material, and Recaro seats. Leather & A/C is also offered (I hope PD adds that option in the game...). Then it is topped with a new grip lever & leather-covered Momo steering wheel. The dashboard is pretty tiny when you drive in the interior; can barely see most of the stuff on there :p In direct sunlight though, it can be seen. Finally, the windshield. And my gosh, it's enormous! You could see practically see your house from there! Additionally, the trinkets near the A/C vents seems to be a car figure, probably to state out weight loads. Most of the doohickeys you see are yellow-tinted, including the dashboard.

What makes this car likeable is how easy it can be driven. Any track you take it to, any settings you try on the car. It seems to adapt to anything. Since the car is fitted with lots of torque-limiting technology, it contributes the most to its easiness.

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The downside however is the gruesome understeer. The default tires the car comes with is CS (Comfort Softs), which isn't a terrible preset. But the way it tackles turns is coping; It struggles in pretty much every corner. Take Bruxelles or Pouhon on Spa. Attempts to flat those sectors will result in great understeer. The only true recovery item is the differentials. That seemed to keep the car balanced. But even with this, it still demands a lot of time to pull it out of its clutches. In some scenarios fortunately, it performs graciously well. For example, the Campus sector in Spa can be taken viciously without much consequence.



The car boasts really no wheelspin. Even if you do accidentally touch the grass, or fall off the map, the car tries to control itself in assistance of your's truly. Or in another instance, corner exits. It butters right out the darkest of "Tire-Eaters", but don't let it fool you too much now; understeer's just around the corner. If you got the self-control, maybe you'll never see understeer in this ride.

In terms of speed, it is pretty slow. From 0-60, is 6.9 seconds -- 1.2 seconds slower than its official figure. The gearbox is also a bit too long. Once you pass the 3rd gear, it becomes very dull.
An odd characteristic is weight transfer. In-game, it is 62/38. This places a hectic 837/513 kilos of weight to the front & rear, probably because to make the car sharper in steering. And it does. A keen eye does reveal that it does become squirrely, but it is barely noticeable. Since the car looks like it's pretty far from the ground, it is bound to roll. At times, this is a huge annoyance; reason being, more understeer. The only real benefit is instant velocity changes.


Now, let's see how the car performs off-road!!! :sly:


One word: Marvelous! The car feels so much different off-road!
One thing the car retains is ease. It doesn't require an expert in rallying to fully unleash its potential. In fact, a beginner in rallying would find this car a great spot to commence his/her career.

It is lovely of how the Lancia negotiates turns! The Delta is still sharp through a plethora of situations, simultaneously soaring through each piece like a violin note. The cons on the other hand, is that it isn't forgiving. If you overshoot a turn, take your chances and hope the acceleration doesn't eat you with condiments on the side. Which in turn also brings me to acceleration.

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I wanted to scream "POWERRRRRRR!!!!" numerous times because I feel like the car could have been a lot faster (no tuning aloud :trouble:). If there was, some portions will have been more exhilirating, like the touge Esses. Just 220 HP is not enough to uncage the Delta's cheetah magic powers.

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By far the most challenging aspect is the braking power. It is enough to tackle all turns in a rhythmic style, but the car pleads to reserve plenty of meters for braking. Luckily, the coverage isn't too serious in some portions. For example on K Trail, right after the downhill Hell after the southwest hairpin, there is a double-jump. In this scenario the Delta slows down as much as the X2010.

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Concluding, the Delta is an amusing machine. It has extreme comfort, from pavement to off-road terrain. It communes to any driver out there, from an elder to even a small child. But there are some downsides, like daunting understeer, body rolls, very low power + acceleration, and so forth. Although, if you think about it was hot hatches ever meant to go on the track? From its performance, I say it's a close tie. The Delta is certainly a quintessential vehicle, and can handle most loads at high speed. Perhaps it can even be a teeny dare to prove your aptitude ;)
 
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Great review on the Delta. One of my favorite hatchbacks. You have to love that boxy design and the quad headlamps. A trademark in classic Italian machines.

My only gripe with the Delta is that although 220Hp are more than enough for a light campact, due to all that drivetrain gadgets that the car has, it looses most of it's power. Even "massaging" the engine to a healthy 290-300HP (note that I don't usually tune my cars)it still lacks the punch of many other similar cars.

The possitive again it's the design, the feel that your driving a specialized Italian machine, the offroad handling and that throaty exhaust. This is a must for any true car enthusiast to have in its garage.
 
Great review on the Delta. One of my favorite hatchbacks. You have to love that boxy design and the quad headlamps. A trademark in classic Italian machines.

My only gripe with the Delta is that although 220Hp are more than enough for a light campact, due to all that drivetrain gadgets that the car has, it looses most of it's power. Even "massaging" the engine to a healthy 290-300HP (note that I don't usually tune my cars)it still lacks the punch of many other similar cars.

The possitive again it's the design, the feel that your driving a specialized Italian machine, the offroad handling and that throaty exhaust. This is a must for any true car enthusiast to have in its garage.

Indeed. Maybe it is best to leave the car the way it is. It has the unity that very little vehicles in the world possesses.


Great review on the Jag Techy. This car is a beauitful car with a interesting history that should be know to all. It's a great shame that the XJR13 didn't see the light of day in LeMans with the GT40 and 330 P4 of the late '60s:(.

If it was in the race, maybe the GT40 and 330 would have a run for their money.

When I first read about the car's background, it was really tragic. The car had immeasurable potential in racing..


Another great review, and one of a great car too. I like this car a lot, but I find it to be a bit too over-steery for normal racing. Now are you planning to review the GT40 and/or the 300 P4. Knowing you, I can only wonder what unpredictable thing you'd say about the sound of the GT40. :lol:

~Turtle
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I'll definitely review those two, but not anytime soon. There is many other rides in GT5 to take in ;)
 
Great review on the Delta. One of my favorite hatchbacks. You have to love that boxy design and the quad headlamps. A trademark in classic Italian machines.

My only gripe with the Delta is that although 220Hp are more than enough for a light campact, due to all that drivetrain gadgets that the car has, it looses most of it's power. Even "massaging" the engine to a healthy 290-300HP (note that I don't usually tune my cars)it still lacks the punch of many other similar cars.

The possitive again it's the design, the feel that your driving a specialized Italian machine, the offroad handling and that throaty exhaust. This is a must for any true car enthusiast to have in its garage.
Very well said Husky.

Another great review. I love this car, so it was nice to see it being reviewed by a great...erm- reviewer.

I'd love to see your thoughts on the Ford GT. But you could also review the car of the week.

~Turtle
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What are trickets?

Oh, I misspelled that one :p It's actually another word for doohickey. I'll change that ASAP.

Very well said Husky.

Another great review. I love this car, so it was nice to see it being reviewed by a great...erm- reviewer.

I'd love to see your thoughts on the Ford GT. But you could also review the car of the week.

~Turtle
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Sure! I'll get a review of the GT sometime the following week.
 
HuskyGT
Great review on the Delta. One of my favorite hatchbacks. You have to love that boxy design and the quad headlamps. A trademark in classic Italian machines.

My only gripe with the Delta is that although 220Hp are more than enough for a light campact, due to all that drivetrain gadgets that the car has, it looses most of it's power. Even "massaging" the engine to a healthy 290-300HP (note that I don't usually tune my cars)it still lacks the punch of many other similar cars.

The possitive again it's the design, the feel that your driving a specialized Italian machine, the offroad handling and that throaty exhaust. This is a must for any true car enthusiast to have in its garage.

+100000

This car is an amazing machine that anyone that likes AWD sport sedans that have years of data research on rally racing for the road, this is the one of the machines:tup:

The car has a unique look and a soul that can kit it up a notch with aggression and precision handling, except the understeer. But the car is FUN to drive and I have a few on GT5 and some on the older ones as well. Love it! :D

It's the Italian Lancer Evolution/Impreza WRX STi. Which is combines both characteristics of the JDM rally beasts to the perfect machine and before the STi and Evo!

Great review Techy. :)
 
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