Julian Edgar, 50, has been writing about car modification and automotive technology for nearly 25 years. He has owned cars with two, three, four, five, six and eight cylinders; single turbo, twin turbo, supercharged, diesel and hybrid electric drivelines. He lists his transport interests as turbocharging, aerodynamics, suspension design and human-powered vehicles.
What we’ve got coming up!
I’d like to tell you about some of the AutoSpeed content we have coming up over the next three or so months. (But as always, plans may change – the following is not set in concrete!)
Firstly, we have plenty of new car tests – amongst others, the Honda Jazz, Holden Epica diesel, Holden Captiva diesel, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and no less than three hybrid Lexus cars.
In special features we look at some very interesting cars, including the forgotten 1960s Mitsubishi Colt Fastback; the cars that GM regards as their best of the last 100 years; and the amazing Messerschmitt KR200.
We’ve also got lots of hands-on DIY tech – an aero rear undertray (that did not work! – interesting…); a workshop fire alarm – it runs a big siren and allows multiple detectors to be used; a universal adjustable electronic temperature switch; and how to install new seats in your car. We’ve also got a story that I found really neat – how to make your own automotive-themed workshop clock.
There’s also a major new series on the DIY electronic modification of cars. This series assumes absolutely no knowledge of electronics: it starts at an entry level for everyone. It’s aimed at all those people who tell me that they just don’t understand car electronics – and don’t even know where to start in learning about the subject. Each part in the series introduces a concept or component – and then immediately gives real-world examples of their car modification uses.
In general tech we’ve got a fascinating 3-part series on sand-casting in aluminium – I attended a foundry and watched the step-by-step making of a mould from a pattern and then the pouring of an aluminium intake manifold. I reckon that this is the most rewarding story I have done this year – to see a normally-solid substance flow like water was quite astounding. Incidentally, this series alone has over 85 photos and diagrams.
In the next three months we also drive a turbo XR6 Falcon running sophisticated LPG; check out a unique electric car; introduce a DIY electronic module that will allow you to automatically control electric motor speed or injector/solenoid pulse width; and have an opinion piece from someone who believes the Australian car industry may as well shut down right now.
Finally, next year we expect to drive an electrically-powered Porsche (and also to cover what’s needed in an electric car conversion); drive some off-the-shelf tuning packages for the Evo Lancer and Subaru WRX; and also introduce a revolutionary advance in DIY electronics that I think will change the field forever.
on October 21st, 2008 at 1:05 am
Sounds like you’ve got lots of interesting content coming up. I’m looking forward to reading it 😉
on October 21st, 2008 at 8:34 am
“…a workshop fire alarm..” wow been just thinking about this the other day as I contemplated the potential explosive effects of my various stored chemicals… I eagerly await this article.
on October 21st, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Can’t wait!
Got time to add a review of the new Prius? Interesting to read how Toyota has squeezed out better economy.
on October 21st, 2008 at 2:51 pm
*and also introduce a revolutionary advance in DIY electronics that I think will change the field forever.*
Any more hints? In response you dropped a hint about a transmission controller, but that doesn’t quite seem to fit the above statement.
on October 21st, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Ben, still alot more work left to do but it is certainly the most exciting thing I have seen in 30 years of playing with hobby electronics. So no more hints at this stage.
on October 21st, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I’d be interested to learn more about the legal implications of installing new seats in a registered car. My car has front seats from a completely different car adapted to the original seat rails, which means (I think) that I should possibly get an engineer’s report. I look forward to the article.
on October 22nd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
sounds like some interesting stuff coming, instead of the same old same old, can’t wait…
on October 22nd, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Thanks for the info. on the forthcoming articles. Looks like plenty of great reading on the way.
The XR6 Turbo with LPG sounds fascinating, as does the electric Porsche. Looking forward to the new car tests, tech and DIY as well.
Just also wanted to comment on an older article – the Ekranoplan article – that was a very enjoyable read. From some angles, these craft look quite extraordinary – and the 400 km/h cruise speed would certainly be something to watch in real life.
on October 23rd, 2008 at 12:07 am
Awesome stuff. I have found the electric car articles addictive and fascinating. How about some articles about Camless(Electronic) Valvetrains? Or has there been no progress made on thsese? Keep up the great work .
on October 23rd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Finally! a “how-to” on casting aluminium. Information on casting is really hard to come by. I seriously can’t wait for this, please tell me you’ll be covering “lost foam casting”?
on October 24th, 2008 at 7:02 am
“we’ve got a fascinating 3-part series on _sand-casting_ in aluminium”