karkrub

Karkrub Review

Ferrari 348tb

Specs of the Car:
Introduced in 1989, the Ferrari 348tb featured a 3.4-liter V8 engine producing 300 horsepower. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and had a top speed of 171 mph. The “tb” stood for “transversale berlinetta,” referring to the transverse engine and coupe body style.

History of the Model:
The 348 was significant as it was the last V8 model developed under Enzo Ferrari’s oversight. It continued the brand’s heritage of mid-engined sports cars and introduced a new design inspired by the Testarossa, with straked side air intakes and rectangular taillights.

Development of the Model:
The development of the 348tb included advancements such as a semi-monocoque chassis derived from Formula 1 technology, which provided increased rigidity and handling prowess. The styling was a collaboration between Pininfarina and Ferrari’s in-house design team.

Journalist Reviews at the Time of Release:
At the time of its release, the 348tb received praise for its sharp styling and improved performance over its predecessor, but it was also criticized for a challenging driving experience and reliability issues.

Types of Modifications Typically Done:
Owners often perform modifications such as installing aftermarket exhaust systems to enhance the car’s sound, as well as updating the suspension for better handling. Performance chips and upgraded intake systems are also common to increase power.

Mazda RX-7 FC Savanna

Specs of the Car:
The Mazda RX-7 FC Savanna, also known as the second generation of the RX-7, was produced from 1985 to 1991. It was powered by a naturally aspirated or turbocharged rotary 13B engine. The turbocharged versions, particularly the Series 4 and Series 5 Turbo II models, were the most powerful, with the latter producing up to 200 horsepower. The FC was more of a GT car compared to its predecessor, with 0-60 mph times in the 6-second range and a top speed around 150 mph for the Turbo II models.

History of the Model:
The RX-7 FC represented a significant evolution from the first generation (SA/FB). Mazda aimed to create a more comfortable, capable, and refined sports car while retaining the spirit and unique driving characteristics of the RX-7. It also saw success in motorsports, particularly in IMSA racing in the United States.

Development of the Model:
The FC series introduced more aerodynamic styling and a more sophisticated suspension setup, transitioning from a live rear axle to an independent rear suspension. The introduction of the turbocharged 13B rotary engine in later models marked a significant performance increase. Mazda continued to refine the rotary technology, addressing some of the reliability and efficiency issues while enhancing power output.

Journalist Reviews at the Time of Release:
Upon its release, the RX-7 FC was well-received by automotive journalists for its improved comfort and driving dynamics, striking a balance between a sports car and a grand tourer. The turbocharged models, in particular, were praised for their performance and handling. However, the RX-7 still faced some criticism for the rotary engine’s fuel consumption and reliability concerns.

Types of Modifications Typically Done:
The RX-7 FC is a popular platform for modifications due to its robust rotary engine and rear-wheel-drive layout. Common modifications include engine rebuilds with upgraded components, larger or more efficient turbochargers, intercooler upgrades, and aftermarket exhaust systems. Suspension upgrades, weight reduction, and aerodynamic enhancements are also prevalent to improve handling and performance. The FC has a dedicated following in the drift community, with many cars modified specifically for drifting.

The Mazda RX-7 FC Savanna remains a celebrated model among enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of style, performance, and the singular driving experience of a rotary engine. Its legacy is upheld by a passionate community of owners and fans worldwide.

Each car, iconic in its own right, represents a distinct philosophy in sports car design and engineering from its era.

Karkrub Story

Red Hues and Chilly Brews at Car and Kopee

The city of Bangkok, known for its sweltering heat, had thrown us a curveball. A chilly breeze had swept through the streets, a whisper of winter that seemed out of place in the tropical clime. It was a brisk 19 degrees Celsius, a temperature seldom felt and even less often prepared for. It was on this rare cool day that the Car and Kopee group assembled, bringing warmth to the frosty morning with their steaming cups of coffee and burning enthusiasm for all things automotive.

As I arrived, wrapping my jacket tighter around me, the parking lot was already a canvas of colors and sounds. Engines murmured and growled in greeting, while the coffee machines hissed, steam rising like smoke signals from the cups of early risers. Enthusiasts milled about, their breath forming clouds in the crisp air, creating an atmosphere that was part coffee house, part winter wonderland.

The stars of the show, two radiant red sports cars, seemed to embody the spirit of Christmas. The first was a Mazda RX-7 FC Savanna, its sleek lines and pop-up headlights giving it an air of retro coolness. Cloaked in a vibrant red, it held an aura of spirited drives and rotary revs. Known for its 13B rotary engine and distinctive driving experience, the RX-7 FC is a beloved icon in the car community, revered for its balance, lightweight, and tuning potential.

Parked beside it, the Ferrari 348tb, its ‘Rosso Corsa’ shell gleaming under the morning sun, a sleigh fit for a modern Santa Claus with a need for speed. Its Italian lines spoke of sleigh rides powered not by reindeer, but by the sheer force of engineering and passion.

The cold had done nothing to dampen spirits. If anything, it added a layer of excitement, a holiday season’s briskness that made the hot coffee and warm conversation all the more delightful. Every sip felt like a welcome embrace, every shared story a gift exchanged under the tree.

Amid the camaraderie, I took in the details of both cars. The RX-7 FC, with its distinct rotary engine sound and sporty stance, was a nod to the golden age of Japanese sports cars. Its reputation for agility and performance made it a centerpiece in many car enthusiasts’ dreams. The Ferrari, with its hood open, was like an open book of its own legacy. I could see onlookers appreciating the art of its engine, the craft of its build. It was a story of Christmas past, of decades of design and performance that had led to this moment, this gathering.

The Car and Kopee meet-up was in full swing, the red cars at its heart, while around them swirled the laughter and banter of a community brought together by a shared passion. The cold had made this gathering different, lending it a unique charm. It was as if we’d all stepped into a Christmas card, the kind you keep on the mantle for its warmth and cheer.

As the day wore on and the sunlight grew bolder, the cold receded, but the warmth of the gathering remained. People came and went, but the feeling of connection, of shared joy in our collective hobby, stayed.

And when it was time to leave, to merge back into the rhythm of the waking city, I carried with me the memories of the morning. The red RX-7 FC and the red Ferrari, like twin ornaments on a vast green tree, had come to symbolize more than just speed or style. They were beacons of a community’s heart, engines beating in time with human pulses, machines that, just for a moment, bridged the gap between the steel of a car and the spirit of a season.

Walking away, I knew this Car and Kopee meet-up would be one for the Karkrub history books. A day when the cold brought us closer, the coffee tasted sweeter, and the cars… well, the cars were the shining stars leading us into the festive season. As the chill gave way to the warmth of midday, I left with a heart full of stories and a blog post brimming with the magic of a Christmas gathering, Bangkok style.