I was most impressed with the De La Soul gig at the Jazz Cafe in Camden on Wednesday.
I had no idea what to expect since hip hop is really not my thing. Indeed, the term sounds like some sort of pogo stick accident, while the music, well, the less I say the better!
However, it was so much better live than I expected. It was more like stand up comedy than music. The venue was small and the crowd lively. I even came away singing along to some of their hits I didn't know I knew!
A most excellent night was had by all.
It's still on for a few more nights, you can find out more on the official ticket website.
Friday 9 February 2007
BMW 730d
I had a bmw 730d out of the ccc today. What a machine!
The interior is much like mission control at NASA. Everything moves electrically and remembers it’s last setting. The iDrive provides a multitude of information, once you’ve mastered it.
But what is really striking is the performance. It goes, stops and handles like a car half it’s size. While it might not have the outright punch of the Supercharged Daimler V8 I also sampled recently, it’s such accessible performance, I doubt there would be much between then in the real world. The engine sounds more like a beefy straight 6 than any diseasal motor. There is absolutely no turbo lag and masses of shove at any rpm. Despite my spirited driving, it still gave 35mpg. What an engine.
The other thing that is quite amazing is the comfort. It is smooth and refined and as quiet at 80mph as it is at 30mph. You can waft along at indecent speeds and your passengers will never know.
At £50k new it’s not cheap. However three year old examples are changing hands for £20k and they’ll continue to depreciate rapidly. I could see myself buying one in a few years time.
The interior is much like mission control at NASA. Everything moves electrically and remembers it’s last setting. The iDrive provides a multitude of information, once you’ve mastered it.
But what is really striking is the performance. It goes, stops and handles like a car half it’s size. While it might not have the outright punch of the Supercharged Daimler V8 I also sampled recently, it’s such accessible performance, I doubt there would be much between then in the real world. The engine sounds more like a beefy straight 6 than any diseasal motor. There is absolutely no turbo lag and masses of shove at any rpm. Despite my spirited driving, it still gave 35mpg. What an engine.
The other thing that is quite amazing is the comfort. It is smooth and refined and as quiet at 80mph as it is at 30mph. You can waft along at indecent speeds and your passengers will never know.
At £50k new it’s not cheap. However three year old examples are changing hands for £20k and they’ll continue to depreciate rapidly. I could see myself buying one in a few years time.
Wednesday 7 February 2007
Brands Hatch Indy
Ah, what fun it was last earlier this month to get back on track at the excellent Brands Hatch Indy circuit. It has a rhythm all of it’s own. Once you find the groove, it’s quite a magical experience.
Paddock Hill Bend in particular is a real gem. Probably the best corner in British Motorsport. It has a fast (4th gear) and blind approach. As you turn in the road falls away sharply. Clip a late apex and prepare for the compression at the bottom as the track turns uphill. A real rollercoaster ride.
If anyone fancies a taster, Motorsport Vision do some excellent days there.
Paddock Hill Bend in particular is a real gem. Probably the best corner in British Motorsport. It has a fast (4th gear) and blind approach. As you turn in the road falls away sharply. Clip a late apex and prepare for the compression at the bottom as the track turns uphill. A real rollercoaster ride.
If anyone fancies a taster, Motorsport Vision do some excellent days there.
Friday 2 February 2007
Ferrari 308
Last weekend I enjoyed a Ferrari 308 GTBi QV from the Classic Car Club.
I had forgotten how far cars had come in such a short space of time. Despite the fuel injection, starting and warming up is very much up to the skill of the driver. It’s quite possible to get a bang from unburnt fuel igniting in the exhaust as you start the car. I think at one point SWMBO thought I had blown up the engine!
And what an engine it is! 3.0 v8 with a full 7,700rpm on tap. It has that beautiful Ferrari v8 howl as the revs rise. It’s actually not massively quick by today’s standards, but the noise, ah, that noise!
I had forgotten how far cars had come in such a short space of time. Despite the fuel injection, starting and warming up is very much up to the skill of the driver. It’s quite possible to get a bang from unburnt fuel igniting in the exhaust as you start the car. I think at one point SWMBO thought I had blown up the engine!
And what an engine it is! 3.0 v8 with a full 7,700rpm on tap. It has that beautiful Ferrari v8 howl as the revs rise. It’s actually not massively quick by today’s standards, but the noise, ah, that noise!
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