FROM CHANGE OF PLACES
Indeed, the exhibition was impressive. But, alas, not a variety of exhibits and signs that the past year brought positive changes to the dynamic world of sports and tuning. On the contrary, there was a feeling that stagnation reigned there. In addition, it is difficult not to notice the contradictions that accompanied the event.
The first is in the very name of the exhibition. "International" - is not it said loudly? Of course, at most stands there are equipment and components of foreign production, but Russian representative offices and firms are promoting them on the market. Not a single foreign “stable” was noticed - and what should they do in Russia, which always has difficulties even with national competitions? It is hardly justified to assign such a high status due to the only tuning exposition presented by DTM from fraternal Belarus.
The organizers also had to give up their ambitions and forget that “since 2005 the exhibition“Sport Motor Tuning”has been held in the Central Exhibition Hall“Manege”. As practice has shown, it was not the best move: the high cost of rent and parking difficulties scared away some participants and potential visitors. But this year, even more attractive conditions of the All-Russian Exhibition Center could not radically improve the situation. Stands familiar from previous exhibitions and small groups of tuning fans trying to find a worthy specimen to take a picture against its background …
The program of “protocol” events also testifies to a far from the most rosy situation. At high-profile presentations and press conferences, only AvtoVAZ, KamAZ-Master, Brembo and UNP decided. These names have long been known to all motorsport fans in our country - we only pay attention to the fact that the Italian manufacturer of brake systems "Brembo" first officially entered our market.
Volga Automobile Plant is actively promoting a new production model. Two years ago, the Kalina hatchback made its debut at the Christmas synchronized races, in 2006 - in the Kalina Cup ring monoclass and cross-country race. During this time, the plant announced a small-scale tuning modification for public roads, and at the stand they showed replenishment - a rally version of Kalina. The interest of the new VAZ management is not limited to serial models: the Rosoboronexport and Rosprom teams will start in the Lada Revolution class in the upcoming season. However, there were no completely new prototypes - neither a ring nor a rally - at the presentation.
“KamAZ-Master” once again provided its fans with the opportunity to congratulate the team on their victory in the famous “Dakar” marathon. We do not belittle the merits of the pilots and the whole team, we sincerely wish them further success, but … Rally raids are still not the most prestigious discipline in the world classification. The rally is much higher in the ranking table, and although we are still far from the WRC level, there is good news here. For the Production Car class, URT built a car on the basis of the Subaru Impreza, and the team leader Sergey Uspensky traveled to the stages of the World Cup and finished twice with glasses. By the way, only a handful of companies in the world have the opportunity to build such equipment, and URT is now among them.
At the B-Tuning booth there was a Phoenix sport prototype in a “combat” coloring, however, it is still unknown what form the series of sport prototypes will appear on the ring.
However, we have already said that this event is just a mirror, which reflects the realities of Russian motorsport. Do not zealously criticize the organizers - everything that is is shown. Motorsport does not stand still, and although slowly, it is developing. And if this time almost nothing new was noticed, then there is still a chance that this year will bear fruit, which we will see at SMT-2007.
COME TO MIND
The tuning component of the exhibition is slightly more diverse than the sports one. Those who try to regularly participate in the only specialized Russian show hold the level and show new items. The construction of dregsters at old friends from the MDS Tuning Lab is proceeding at an accelerated pace - at their booth, quarter-mile distance climbers unprecedented last year attracted attention. There are also business offers: how do you like a sports car charged in the Land of the Rising Sun for a reasonable price? The only problem is the right-hand drive, but this does not bother many. I was pleased with the second-generation Ford Focus design of Lucas Turbo’s moderate refinement: a forced engine plus a modified suspension. Given the popularity of the model, the creators can count on increased attention.
But the most remarkable exhibit was, perhaps, the DTM concept car from the Belarusian company of the same name. The unique car is built on components and assemblies from several donors, but thanks to the original fiberglass body has its own face.
However, despite this “highlight of the program”, the difference between the current and last year’s salon is small: there are few new bright expositions, original cars. No doubt, the “Impreza", "evolution" and "Selica" are good as objects of refinement, but from their many ripples in the eyes. And it’s not so interesting what kind of company used the A'PEXi catalog to install a turbocharger-radiator-exhaust with improved characteristics.
