That was the subject line of an email sent by a friend of ours just the other day. Some of you may remember Mike from his help reviewing the Fanatec Turbo Wheel and his amazing home set-up. If not, be sure to take a minute and read that post to come up to speed.
Anyway, Mike decided to sign up for a month of iRacing and the email below are his thoughts. Mike will tell you right out that he’s not a racer. What he is, is a world class gamer. So his review comes from that point of view.
“I can tell this is the real deal because I can’t keep my damn car off the wall. The experience seems very accurate but at the same time, very difficult. I figured out their problem….and yes, it is theirs, not mine. The delta between accuracy and overall experience is all in the seat of your pants. To properly control a car, real or dead-on accurate simulation, I need to rely on ALL senses. With iRacing I have my ears, (but the audio kinda sucks) eyes and tactile senses. The force feedback wheel enhances things a bit, but to truly control a car, you need to feel it in the seat. Feel the G’s. Feel the give of the car. Feel the torque so you know when it is about to break traction. Without that all you get is over-steer, slide, spin, grass, wall and finally a car with a gimpy wheel that handles worse than before. I think they were over ambitious with accuracy and forgot to consider the differences between a real car and a sim.
Games like the Need For Speed series, Forza, Grid and Gran Turismo give you a great simulation / gaming experience because they know it needs to be fun, so they make up for what you lack through more forgiving handling and driver assists while still giving you a good feel for car performance and track characteristics. I did learn something about myself as it relates to this. I do it for fun, and not necessarily for a challenge so iRacing is not for me. I found my line so to speak.
They do have a unique approach to this. It is every bit what real racing is. The logistics of race events are there. The ethics and expectations mirror real racing organizations, and the rewards and penalties are real enough to influence behavior. They have a code of conduct as if it were real-world, but use a demerit system against your license when you drive badly, risk yourself or others and cause damage. Points go against you and effects your ability to compete in certain events with other classes of driver. The level of detail all aims toward a professional experience both on and off track. [Most likely] a real racer would love this but might agree on my points of simulation vs. real.”
Mike’s review may sound negative, but in reality, it’s a compliment to the designers of the system and their intent to make it as true to life as possible. What say you?
How many of you are signed up with iRacing and what do you think? Does it truly give you the real feel of a race car? What are you using for a racing set-up? Force feedback wheel? More? Let us know because next week we’ll look at sim racing with a set-up as close to the real thing as possible from someone with hours and hours of seat time racing the real thing.
Using a Porsche 911 as his muse, Singapore-based design student Rohan Verma created this concept Porsche Chair based on the side profile of the 911’s window frame. The seat brings to mind the company’s tradition for designing sleek, elegant automobiles.
Verma introduced the concept chair as part of a portfolio of other modern work on design site coroflot.com. While borrowing queues from the side profile of the 911’s window frame, the contemporary chair looks more like an exotic piece of art, inviting guests to feel the comfort and luxury while decorating modern spaces in style.
Although just a concept at this point, we would love to see this in production. Wouldn’t it be great if Porsche Design would allow you to color match your chair to your 911?
Back in November of last year, Porsche announced they had extended their approval process for winter tires to include tires for both “young and old classics”. As per the press release, “Offering customers this unusual service, the German manufacturer of sports cars enables drivers of older models to use the best available products on their car. Porsche is therefore providing valuable help and orientation in the process of choosing new winter tires with safe driving characteristics on snow and ice.”
The release went on to detail more information about how and why this approval process was put into place and suggested there was a list available on the Porsche web-site to view. But, and this is a big but, the release didn’t provide a link to their list of “approved tires” (only a link to the main site) and an extensive search of the Porsche web-site simply frustrated us further. Fortunately, through a contact at PCNA, we were able to get the seemingly top secret locations of these hard to find lists and we present them here now for your future use.
Every once in a while you see something that you just have to have. Remember that feeling when you saw your first Porsche and you knew that someday you too would own one? It was the same for us when we first saw Wilco Machiel’s Porsche Dioramas. Long time readers may remember our first post on his miniature Porsche masterpieces and how hesitant we were to share it with you. Not because we didn’t think you would like it, but because John wanted it for himself. I know, very selfish, but I don’t really blame him.
Recently, we were contacted by Wilco who was eager to let us know that he had finished yet another Porsche diorama and wanted to share it with others. As we had already acquired one for ourselves (Wilco is not a sponsor of this site and we paid a fair price for our Diorama), it was without any hesitation (this time) that we wanted to share this with you.
Of particular interest in this creation is the almost 2″ x 2″ LCD screen attached to the shop wall that displays images of various Porsche models and other images. Like all Wilco’s work, most can be had for a price. This particular Porsche diorama can be yours for €800 plus shipping. Please contact him directly if you’re interested in purchasing this example or commissioning him for a replica of your own garage.
The pictures above are for your viewing pleasure (if you’re reading this post via email you may need to click through to the site if the images aren’t visible).
Shipping a miniature Porsche garage
When John purchased his Porsche diorama, Wilco recommended that we fly him over in order to hand carry it given the delicate nature of his work. As it was a stretch for us to afford the diorama we opted to have it shipped instead. Wilco was kind enough to create a special packing box that protected it in its travels. However, even this extra attention to detail couldn’t protect it from the rough and rugged handling of our UPS driver. While the diorama wasn’t damaged heavily, it did take a few hours (and a lot of super glue) to put things back in proper order.
For the New Year, like a majority of others, John and I each made some resolutions. One of John’s was to try and cut back a bit on purchasing even more Porsche related paraphernalia. At his current rate of consumption it won’t be long before we’re challenging Hank Hammer for the largest collection of Porsche memorabilia on the planet. Okay, that might be a bit of a stretch, but you get the idea; we have a lot of Porsche stuff.
Imagine my surprise (not really) when shortly after waking up on New Year’s day, John called me over to his computer to look at something “I just had to see”. Lately, we’ve been talking about possibly moving, so I though maybe he found a house we could go look at. Not quite…
As I walk toward John’s monitors (he has three of them) the first thing I notice is an image of a 1974 Signal Green Porsche Carrera taking up an entire two screens (this is the latest Porsche he’s been lusting after). I’ve known about this car, so I’m not too surprised to see it here. I am, however, pleasantly surprised to see that there’s an image of what looks to me to be the basement of someones home that’s been converted to a game room. I thought, “great, we’re getting things off to a good start and maybe we can take a drive by this house to check out the neighborhood.” Wow, am I naive…
It turns out that what I’m looking at is not an advertisement for a home for sale with a nice game room. Instead, it’s a nice home with a game room that includes a Porsche themed pinball machine and said machine is for sale (sigh). It’s barely 12 hours into the new year and our resolutions are dropping faster than Tiger Wood’s sponsors. For the next few minutes I listen to John explain why we need he wants this Porsche Pinball machine. His reasoning includes:
“You like pinball, you play our Elvira machine all the time. Wouldn’t it be great to have another?”
“If I buy this machine I won’t feel the need to buy another Porsche.” (yeah, right!).
“It’s a collector’s item and will probably appreciate. Think of it as a good investment”
“It’s a Porsche Pinball Machine!” (I think he believed this to be the most compelling)
Porsche Themed Pinball Machine
According to John, who doesn’t want need a Porsche themed pinball machine? What’s funny is that until 2 days ago he didn’t even know this machine existed. Now that he does, it’s a “must have”. The first machine he was looking at was found on Craigslist (it has since been removed). How ever, with a little additional digging, he found two of them for sale on eBay. The first one seems quite well priced, but the description, while written to be honest, doesn’t really make you want to pull the trigger and purchase it. The 2nd one sounds like it’s in much better condition, but the seller isn’t bashful with a $2500 asking price.
I think what interests John the most about this machine, besides that fact that it is Porsche themed, is that it has a built in radar speed gun that shows you how fast the ball is traveling. According to the eBay advertisement, it’s the “world’s first pinball machine with Lasermatic Speed Detection [that] shows the player’s speed in the dot matrix display. Dynamic play-by-play commentary tells you the actual speed the ball is traveling. Set a new speed record and hear the crowd go WILD! Multiball comes in a rush and a thrill as the Turbo Booster automatically sends another ball racing onto the playfield!”
Okay, I have to admit that’s pretty cool. The question is, do I really want another pinball machine in the game room? And, does he really expect me (or anyone else for that matter) to believe that a pinball machine can take the place of another Porsche in the garage?
Every year I look forward to finding a new Porsche related Calendar to hang in the garage and/or my office. Last year I actually had two. One from the the Women of Rennwish and another produced by a member of the Rennlist forum that featured other member’s Porsche 993s; very model specific, but definitely a favorite.
This year’s search started by looking for a new Women of Rennwish Calendar. Unfortunately, as it turns out, a new one isn’t being produced this year. The good news is my old one runs for a total of 18 months, so I’m good for a bit longer. If you’re not familiar with the Women of Rennwish Calendar, or the charity it supports, I would encourage you to read more as these ladies do a fantastic job supporting a great cause and have fun doing it!
Porsche 917 Calendar
As the saying goes, when one door closes, another will open. Such was the case in this year’s search. As luck would have it, we were recently contacted by Nancy Suttles of Team Unicorn. Nancy (and her company) are the publishers behind a new Porsche Calendar that features images of the Porsche 917 as captured by legendary motorsport photographer Hal Crocker.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 917, “When Giants Raced” showcases images from a book underway by Hal, featuring the Porsche 917 and the men who made it epic.
Our calendar came complete with Hal’s autograph across the cover and a hand-written note from the publisher explaining the idea behind its production. For those not familiar with Hal’s work, he’s been part of the motorsport scene for decades and has amassed an archive of more than 3,000,000 photos and still growing.
At $29.95, When Giants Raced is well priced given the quality and production values. Printed on wire bound, 13″ x 11″ high quality, fine art paper; a large black and white image is the focus for each month. The patina and gritty appearance of each scene (not found in today’s world of digital photography) transports you back to when Porsche won Le Mans for the first time and a legend was born. It’s too bad that the full page pictures can’t be easily and cleanly torn out. If so, at the end of the year you could simply frame those images you like the best and have additional Porsche artwork to hang in your garage.
Porsche Calendar for Christmas
My brother-in-law knows of my obsession passion for Porsche and each year at Christmas I eagerly anticipate unwrapping his gifts as I know it will be something Porsche related. This year was no different as Andrew came through with a gorgeous 16 month 2010 Calendar for Porsche fans. Published by Avonside Publishing Ltd., this calendar features a mix of our favorite marque with images covering almost the complete production history of Porsche (including the 959 and Carrera GT).
Surprisingly, even though it is produced with permission from Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG. (wow that’s a mouthful) this calendar is inexpensively priced at just $14.99.
The answer, it would appear, depends on who you ask. You see, Nitrogen is used in the space shuttle and in commercial airliners mostly because it is non-combustible. The likely hood of the tires on your Porsche getting hot enough, during normal driving, to explode is fairly slim . However, there are other reasons to consider Nitrogen.
Potential Problems from Using Compressed Air in Your Tires
Most tires are inflated with compressed air, (a combination of gasses made up of nearly 78% nitrogen (N2), 21% oxygen (O2) and 1% argon (Ar) and a few other trace gasses). There are a number of possible problems with this mixture and reasons to think about Nitrogen.
Air Leakage: The molecular makeup of rubber is such that regular compressed air can permeate through the rubber allowing the pressure in your tires to drop at a rate of 1 to 2 PSI per month (assuming constant temperatures).
Pressure Changes: Along with the normal components of compressed air comes moisture/water and water isn’t good for anything tire related. This moisture is usually a result of humidity in the air and the act of compressing it greatly increases the concentration of water by volume. Don’t believe me? Try this, next time you’re at a gas station and you plan on topping off your tires, depress the chuck on the hose for a few seconds with your thumb. Chance are your thumb will feel moist and you may even see water. It’s this water/moisture that gets into your tire, reacts to temperature changes and can change the pressure of your tires. This is why it is always suggest you check your tire pressure “cold” before you’ve driven the car and heated the tires and the moisture within.
Oxidation: Oxygen corrodes aluminum and steel possibly weakening your wheels. Additionally, oxygen reacts with rubber, in a sense,“corroding” it too (possibly making your tires unsafe). Rust and dust created from this oxidation can clog valve stems, causing them to leak. Lastly, rough surfaces on wheel flanges and tire beads (due to corrosion) may not seal properly, causing additional leaks. Combine this with the moisture mentioned above and your expensive tires can possibly be damaged
Why Nitrogen May be Better in Your Tires
For some, especially those that drive race cars or who regularly participate in Driver’s Education and other high speed events, Nitrogen provides a number of benefits:
Air Leakage: Nitrogen molecules are actually larger than the Oxygen molecules found in compressed air. So much so, that while they can still “permeate” the rubber or leak through, they do it at a much slower rate. If you fill a balloon with air by blowing into it, it will shrivel up in a short period of time (that’s the compressed air escaping through the skin of the balloon). Fill that same balloon with Nitrogen and it will remain filled for a much longer period of time. Compressed air leaks at a rate of 1 to 2 psi per month. Nitrogen leaks at a rate of 1 to 2 psi every six months.
Pressure Changes: Unlike compressed air, Nitrogen is dry. No moisture means fewer, if any, pressure fluctuations. For those of you who race and want to dial in your suspension, you already know this. For those of you spending more time on the track in High Speed Driver’s Ed events, it’s something to keep in mind.
Oxidation: Nitrogen is far less reactive than compressed air. It won’t cause rust and corrosion on steel or aluminum. More importantly, it won’t degrade the rubber.
Add the three factors above together and you have a recipe for constant pressure and better wheel/tire wear. More consistent pressure translates into better gas mileage and longer life for your expensive tires (not to mention a fine tuned suspension dialed in to your track needs for that particular day).
If Nitrogen provides such great benefits why is there even a question about using it?
Nitrogen isn’t anywhere near as available as compressed air, yet. While you can purchase cylinders of it from various suppliers, filling stations are few and far between.
Compressed air is inexpensive compared to Nitrogen. Most gas stations have compressed air available for free or a nominal fee of fifty cents or so. Shops may charge as much as $30 per tire for a nitrogen fill (although $10 is a more reasonable fee and some places will even fill for free with a tire purchase).
Lastly, and most importantly, you can get pretty much the same results (for street use) from compressed air by simply checking your tire pressure more frequently. Checking and adjusting your tires as little as once per month can provide the same benefit(s) that you get from Nitrogen for most drivers. If you’re a racer, then most likely you’re already using nitrogen and rightfully so. If you’re a Porsche enthusiast who enjoys a spirited drive now and then, simply purchase a nice gauge like this Porsche one or this one available from Moroso”
Email
, Forza
, Grid
. Published by Avonside Publishing Ltd., this calendar features a mix of our favorite marque with images covering almost the complete production history of Porsche (including the 959 and Carrera GT). 
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