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An automotive designer, Karmann was known for sports cars, especially convertibles. He is well known for the Volkswagen/Porsche-developed Karmann-Ghia, which debuted in 1955. In his 64-year automotive career, Karmann also worked on the designs of the VW Scirocco Coupe and Golf Cabriolet, and did design work for BMW, Ford, Opel and Mercedes-Benz. Karmann, 83, died October 25 in Osnabrueck, Germany. From This is True for 25 October 1998 Suggestions for further reading:
 By: Diandra Leslie-Pelecky List Price: $25.95 Amazon Price: $17.13 Editorial Review: Every NASCAR fan – at one time or another – asks the same question: Why isn’t my favorite driver winning? This is your chance to discover how much more there is to NASCAR than “Go fast, turn left and don’t crash.” If you’ve ever wondered why racecars don’t have mufflers, how “bump drafting” works, or what in the world “Let’s go up a pound on the right rear and add half a round of wedge” means, The Physics of NASCAR is for you. In this fast-paced investigation into the adrenaline-pumping world of NASCAR, a physicist with a passion uncovers what happens when the rubber hits the road and 800- horsepower vehicles compete at 190 miles per hour only inches from one another. Diandra Leslie-Pelecky reveals how and why drivers trust the engineering and science their teams literally build around them not only to get them across the finish line in first place, but also to keep them alive. Professor Leslie-Pelecky is a physicist in love with the sport’s beauty and power and is uniquely qualified to explain exactly how physics translates into winning races. Based on the author’s extensive access to race shops, pit crews, crew chiefs and mechanics, this book traces the life cycle of a race car from behind the scenes at top race shops to the track. The Physics of NASCAR takes readers right into the ultra competitive world of NASCAR, from the champion driver’s hot seat behind the detachable steering wheel to the New Zealander nicknamed Kiwi in charge of shocks for the No. 19 car. Diandra Leslie-Pelecky tells her story in terms anyone who drives a car--and maybe occasionally looks under the hood--can understand. How do drivers walk away from serious crashes? How can two cars travel faster together than either car can on its own? How do you dress for a 1800°F gasoline fire? In simple yet detailed, high-octane prose, this is the ultimate thrill ride for armchair speed demons, auto science buffs, and NASCAR fans at every level of interest. Readers, start your engines.  By: Carroll Smith List Price: $29.95 Amazon Price: $19.47 Editorial Review: Current state of the art in racing technology by a foremost expert in the field. Covers all forms of racing cars and includes a thorough analysis of metallurgy, metal fatigue and general materials technology. Details specific components and specific activities such as heat treatments, stress relieving, etc. Plus aerodynamics, ground effects, brakes, tools, and more. ...excellent information. Popular Cars magazine.  By: Keith Tanner List Price: $29.95 Amazon Price: $19.77 Editorial Review: Share in the trials and tribulations of turning a bare frame and wrecked Miata into a racetrack demon, and learn how to build a sports car of your own along the way. This book provides specific answers to common questions and covers the entire building process, including the post-build fine-tuning of the car that is necessary to extract the car's full performance (and fun) potential.  By: Joseph Katz List Price: $34.95 Amazon Price: $22.72 Editorial Review: "Race Car Aerodynamics" is the first book to summarize the secrets of the rapidly developing field of high-speed vehicle design. Author Joseph Katz provides clear explanations for both the engineer who wants to improve his or her design skills and enthusiasts who simply want to understand how their favorite race cars go fast. -How aerodynamics win races. Why downforce is more important than streamlining and drag reduction -Wind tunnel designs, methods and results-what you can and can't believe -Special overview section reviews the fundamentals of aerodynamics -Full definitions of terms, with equations and examples provided for determining key aerodynamic parameters like Drag, Lift and Side-force coefficients, fluid viscosity, or wind-tunnel corrections -Designing wings and venturis-what works and what doesn't -Numerous examples using specific race cars: passenger-based, prototypes, and open-wheel designs Drawing upon his extensive research and experience in the field of aerodynamics, the author has produced a comprehensive data base that will become a standard in its field. Whether you are a designer, instructor, or enthusiast, "Race Car Aerodynamics" will give you the essential information on what makes race cars fast.  By: David Tremayne List Price: $34.95 Amazon Price: $23.07 Editorial Review: Leading F1 journalist David Tremayne unravels the mysteries of modern Grand Prix car design in a revised and updated 2nd Edition of this fascinating all-color book. The authoritative, extensively illustrated text explains just how an F1 car works. The philosophy and technology behind the chassis, engine, transmission, electronics, steering, suspension, brakes, tires and aerodynamics are analyzed, and the important question of how these parts and systems interact is explored. An absorbing insight into the secretive and technology-driven world of racing car design at its highest level. |
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