Author: Serkadis

After purportedly exhausting every possible alternative, or least deliberating long enough to appear as though they had, General Motors has opted to kill off their long-suffering Swedish subsidiary, Saab. Although many blogs/any amateur with access to WordPress claim to feel sadness and shock, those industry professionals familiar with The General’s megalomaniac business principles are merely surprised it didn’t happen sooner. While hefty government funding may have made GM more attractive to investors, whatever strings are now attached to all of its transactions have proven toxic to literally every potential sale GM has had in que.

Of course, assuming responsibility for their mounting failures is at odds with their personal philosophy, which means the presser was brimming with ambiguous corporate buzzwords. “Despite the best efforts of all involved, it has become very clear that the due diligence required to complete this complex transaction could not be executed in a reasonable time. In order to maintain operations, Saab needed a quick resolution,” said GM Europe President Nick Reilly. “We regret that we were not able to complete this transaction with Spyker Cars. We will work closely with the Saab organization to wind down the business in an orderly and responsible manner. This is not a bankruptcy or forced liquidation process. Consequently, we expect Saab to satisfy debts including supplier payments, and to wind down production and the distribution channel in an orderly manner while looking after our customers.”

Rest in peace, always-wanted-to-be-but-never-quite-was Volvo.

Source: GM
Image Cred: Reuters Pictures

The latest on the allegedly seized Iraqi oil well is that Iraq is denying  the reports.

ABC Australia: A senior Iraqi officials has denied reports that Iranian troops had crossed into Iraqi territory and briefly occupied a remote oilfield area.

Security sources in southeastern Maysan province, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Iranian troops made their way onto the Fakka oilfield area, on the Iraqi side of the border, then withdrew after several hours.

Iraq’s deputy interior minister, Ahmed Ali al-Khafaji, says no incursion took place.

“This news in not true. This field is disputed and now it is neglected by both sides,” he said.

Read the whole thing >>

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Obama Won’t Stop Iran From Getting Nukes, Harvard Simulation Shows
• Iranian Forces Cross Border And Seize Iraqi Oil Wells
• Why Stresses To The Global Economy Will Push Oil To $40

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin

As if your average, run-of-the-mill Aston Martin wasn’t special enough, the folks that regularly rifle around in 007’s garage have now put together a pair of limited editions of their DBS and V12 Vantage sports coupes. As you might guess by the Carbon Black name, the special versions have decidedly noir paint schemes. The metallic black finish is formulated to flip around depending on how the light hits it, giving a different look at different times. Applying the new finish will require 50 hours of handwork per car, and as you might expect, those labor rates don’t come cheap. Oh, and on the Vantage, the strake in the fender vent is also fabricated out of carbon fiber for an extra special touch.

The midnight theme continues on the inside, where the cabon-fiber-and-Kevlar seats are covered in Obsidian black leather with silver stitching. Other model-specific items include anodized black tread plates, “carbon themed” door sill garnishes, and the dashboard and center console trims are finished in piano black. Given the number of border-line econoboxes using piano black these days, we think it might have been nice for Aston to have considered something different for that last element. If this bothers you, no doubt Aston would do something more unique for a “nominal” fee. It’s not all pure appearance however – the new chairs save 37 pounds.

Aston Martin dealers are taking orders now, but the final price won’t be set until early 2010. Aston also hasn’t said how limited these editions will be, so you might want to hurry and get your deposit in.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Heart of Darkness: Aston Martin introduces limited-edition Carbon Black DBS and Vantage

Heart of Darkness: Aston Martin introduces limited-edition Carbon Black DBS and Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Comscore continues to release a fascinating insight into the American smartphone market. The latest news to slip from their $5000 report into the region shows in that in less than 3 months, in terms of intention to buy, Apple’s iPhone dropped a whole 1% from 21 to 20%.

In August 21% of potential US smartphone buyers surveyed wanted to buy an iPhone. When the survey was repeated in November only 20% wanted the iconic device.  While the drop is small it is highly significant for the device that many predicted would take over the smartphone world and displace all others and certainly not the direction Apple would want it to go.  The reasons are unclear, but certainly shows Apple’s mindshare lead is far from unassailable.

More unwelcome news for money-losing Palm is that only 2% of respondents were interested in getting their JavaScript based webOS devices, the same as the 3.5mm headphone-jack less AT&T Tilt (2 presumable, but who knows). This likely explains why the company’s shipments are 5% down on the previous quarter, and they were only able to sell through 573 000 of their 783,000 shipment, despite launching overseas as supposedly the most anticipated device ever.

The challenge for Windows Mobile is obviously to raise the profile of their devices, but clearly ads with creepy women is not the way to go.

Each week the Noise will guide
desperate, deep-thinking owners into the dark corners of the waiver wire to
mine a last-minute diamond. Turn on your helmet light and pack a pickaxe. We’re
digging for drop-jaw surprises owned in fewer than 10 percent or started in
five percent or less of Yahoo! Plus leagues. (NOTE: Owners with teams still alive this time each year are generally blessed with several useful options. Due to this, we’re loosening the rules to accomodate the fortunate. Call it a kinder, gentler Shocker.) 

Joshua Cribbs(notes) is a textbook chameleon.

He doesn’t possess zygodactylous feet, stereoscopic eyes, an
elastic tongue or the ability to change color, but he’s a highly adaptable player who can alter styles and blend into various situations with
ease. Despite his unique set of skills, the Browns’ most dangerous weapon,
started in fewer than 30 percent of Yahoo! Plus leagues, is still largely
camouflaged. 

That all could change this week.

Primarily employed as a Wildcat gimmick and occasionally as
a receiver, Cribbs is undergoing a transformation. With Jamal Lewis’(notes) career
finished and Eric Mangini’s job in jeopardy, the barkless Chihuahuas have entered an experimental phase.
Young, unproven players and well-rounded veterans have been provided opportunities
to see how they will be utilized, if at all, next season. Cribbs, who is one of
the league’s supreme special teamers, has finally received the chance to
showcase his exceptional talents at an unusual position, running back. Mangini
said earlier this week he will "continue to explore" ways to hand
Cribbs the football. Cleveland’s
MVP is confident the switch will be smooth. From the AP:

"I feel like that’s one of my
abilities," he said. "My position is running back. I was a running
back, back in the day. The wildcat is me at running back. It’s a straight
handoff. It’s not like we’re trying to fool you with the quarterback being in
the mix. I’m getting the ball and I’m running it.

"Try to stop me."

While enrolled at Kent State,
Cribbs played quarterback. As a Golden Flash he set school records in just above every
major passing category. He is also the only player in NCAA history to lead his
team in both rushing and passing in four consecutive seasons. It’s not uncommon
for athletic collegiate passers to transition into a different position at the
NFL level. Anquan Boldin(notes), Drew Bennett(notes) and Antwaan Randle El(notes) did so with much
success. But sliding into a physically demanding spot five years into your
professional career is unheard of. Either Mangini has completely lost his
marbles or Cribbs is that special. The former may hold some weight, but the
latter is unmistakably true.

At 6-foot-1, 215-pounds, the shape-shifter is a thickly-built
player with enough strength, stamina and athleticism to handle a rigorous
workload. He’s displayed noticeable elusiveness, power and amazing vision operating
primarily out of the Wildcat. Running behind a decent, not extraordinary,
offensive line, he’s averaged an insane 7.3 yards per carry, far and away the
highest mark among rushers with at least 125 rushing yards.

The fantasy masses witnessed Cribbs’ potential first-hand
last week against one of the league’s stingiest run defenses. In a game with a
throwback feel, the 26-year-old channeled Jim Brown, rushing for 87 yards on
just eight carries versus Pittsburgh
(Highlights here). His eye-opening performance once again proved he’s the best
kept secret in football, fantasy or reality.

This week in Kansas
City, the Cribbs experiment at RB will likely undergo a trial run. Lab rats will don Chiefs red.
Since Week 9, KC has surrendered 5.0 yards per carry, 196.6 total yards per
game and nine scores to rushers, equal to the second-most points allowed.
Assuming Cribbs accumulates at least 10-12 touches, he should post excellent
numbers, especially if deployed as a WR3 in 12-team and deeper standard
formats.

With an expanded workload, this week the Chameleon could be
the color of money.

Week 15 Fearless
Forecast: 11 rushes, 91 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 9 receiving yards, 1
touchdown, 16 fantasy points

For those that prefer animated pictures over words, here’s more Cribbs propaganda. (WARNING: Playing the follwing video at high volume could attract canines, shatter eardrums, break glass…)

SILENCE THE NOISE
CHALLENGE

Each week one lucky aspiring fantasy prognosticator is
chosen to go toe-to-toe against the Noise. If you want to be a guest
"expert" submit your Week 16 flames, lames (1 QB, 3 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE
for each, 16 total) and shocker special (one player at any position) along with
a valid email address and your location here
no later than 7 PM central time on Thursday. Oh, and please, no long
dissertations to justify your picks. All that’s required are your player
selections and projections. Winners earn a league spot to compete against yours
truly next season. Good luck!

Week 15 contestant: Adam in Cleveland, OH

Flames:
QB: Matt Hasselbeck(notes), Sea, 21-26, 226 yards, 3:0 td:int, 15% started
RB: Knowshon Moreno(notes), Den, 21 carries, 113 yards, 1 td, 56%
RB: Laurence Maroney(notes), NE, 15 carries, 64 yards, 1 td, 49%
RB: Tim Hightower(notes), Ari, 12 carries, 58 yards, 1 td, 40%
WR: Mike Sims-Walker(notes), Jac, 5 catches, 68 yards, 1 td, 34%
WR: Steve Breaston(notes), Ari, 5 catches, 90 yards, 1 td, 23%
WR: Kevin Walter(notes), Hou, 6 catches, 77 yards, 1 td, 22%
TE: Jeremy Shockey(notes), NO, 5 catches, 66 yards, 1 td, 47%

Lames:
QB: Aaron Rodgers(notes), 20-33, 190 yards, 1:2 td:int, 86%
RB: Matt Forte(notes), Chi, 16 carries, 46 yards, 10 receiving yards, 0 tds, 63%
RB: Brandon Jacobs(notes), NYG, 15 carries, 72 yards, 0 tds, 63%
RB: LaDainian Tomlinson(notes), SD, 20 carries, 52 yards, 0 tds, 80%
WR: Brandon Marshall(notes), Den, 6 catches, 69 yards, 0 tds, 91%
WR: Calvin Johnson(notes), Det, 3 catches, 33 yards, 0 tds, 75%
WR: Santonio Holmes(notes), Pit, 5 catches, 52 yards, 0 tds, 73%
TE: Brent Celek(notes), Phi, 3 catches, 31 yards, 67%

Shocker Special: Malcom Floyd(notes), SD,
4 catches 47 yards, 1 td, 2%

Week 14 results: Kevin from Soldotna, Alaska

Flames (3-6): W –
(Quinton Ganther(notes), Ahmad Bradshaw(notes), Fred Davis(notes)); L – (Alex Smith, Chester Taylor(notes), Devery
Henderson(notes), Kevin Walter, Eddie Royal(notes), Josh Morgan(notes))

Lames (3-4): W –
(DeAngelo Williams(notes), Calvin Johnson, Heath Miller(notes)); L – (Tony Romo(notes), Joseph
Addai(notes), Cedric Benson(notes), Sidney Rice(notes)); (DNP – Devin Hester(notes)).

Noisers Season:
Flames (42-76, 35.6%), Lames (53-48, 52.5%)

Winners: Matthew
in Colden, NY, Micah in Shelbyville, TN, Brian in Colorado Springs, Sean from
South Brunswick, NJ, Alan from Ithaca, Matt from Washington

—

Image courtesy of AP

Phen375 is “a unique new product which burns fat and suppresses appetite” (website). Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims. Further, there are just too many questionable schemes and hidden information associated with this product. This Phen375 review will shed light on the truth about Phen375.

Phen375 Ingredients

1,3-Dimethypentylamine Hydrochloride is supposed to help blood flow.
1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine is caffeine, which has been shown to cause weight loss. Unfortunately, Phen375 fails to list how much Trimethylxanthine it contains.
Sympathomimetic Amine
Dehydroepiandrosterone has been shown to cause very small amounts of weight loss. Again, Phen375 does not list how much Dehydroepiandrosterone it contains.
L-carnitine may help with weight loss, but there hasn’t been any conclusive evidence yet.

Phen375 does contain some proven diet pill ingredients. However, they fail to list how much of each ingredient is included. Therefore, this Phen375 review finds there is no way to determine if this product will work unless you try it. And, with the ridiculous requirements and fees associated with returning Phen375, I wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole.

Phen375 Cost

Phen375 diet pills cost $69.95 for a 30 day supply. This Phen375 review finds this is WAY too much to pay for this product. There is no reason to believe it will actually cause weight loss. There are many effective diet pills that cost far less; go with something you know will work.

Phen375 Return Policy

Of the hundreds of diet pills I have reviewed, Phen375 has one of the worst return policies (if not the very worst). They do allow you 45 days to return the product. However, you are subject to $45 a package inspection fee and a 18% restocking fee, which leaves you with $12.36 to be refunded. In addition, there are several ridiculous requirements to get a refund. The Phen375 website explains, “The guarantee requires that you have a certified statement. This can be obtained at your local pharmacy or doctor’s office. We have to establish your beginning weight and you’re ending weight the offer to be valid offer. You must complete, mark and weigh yourself each day using the Diet Plan that can be down loaded. Must be kept up to date and used daily.”

Phen375 Affiliate Program

Like many other sketchy diet pills, Phen375 offers an Affiliate Program. Basically this means for everyone you get to buy Phen375 you supposedly earn 30-35% commission. Seems pretty good, huh? Well, if you really want to try to get your friends and family to buy into a product that doesn’t work and uses shady techniques, go for it. For those of us who want to keep our friends there is probably a better way to earn a buck.

Phen375 Conclusion

This Phen375 review finds there is no reason to buy this product. There is no reason to believe it will cause weight loss. It is way too expensive and the return policy is impossible to follow. Save yourself some money, hassle, and time by going with a diet pill that includes proven ingredients and is forthcoming about how much of each ingredient is included.

As we’ve noted in the past, there really is no such thing as an anonymized dataset. There are almost always ways to reconnect at least some of the data to individuals. Now, when it comes to movie rental data, that’s especially problematic, due to the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), 18 USC 2710, a special law that was passed after Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork ran into some trouble when his movie rental lists were made public. Last year, Blockbuster and Facebook ran into some trouble over this law, due to Facebook’s disastrous “Beacon” offering, that often displayed your Blockbuster rentals. But, what about the famous Netflix prize? After all, that was based on a big “anonymous” set of data. Back in September, we noted that there was some serious concern about privacy associated with that data… and that meant it was only a matter of time until the lawsuit was filed.

Apparently the same lawyer who brought the lawsuit over the Facebook/Blockbuster Beacon snafu has sued Netflix over its contest. It is, of course, a class action lawsuit, filed initially on behalf of an “in-the-closet lesbian mother” who claims that her video rental info was included in the anonymous data, and that it could be used to “out” her. While I agree that the data likely wasn’t very anonymous, this lawsuit does seem like something of a stretch, in the typical class action format of a lawyer reaching pretty far in hopes of getting a big payout. I do have concerns about Netflix releasing a big dataset, but this lawsuit is just a pure moneygrab.

Permalink | Comments | Email This Story

Gold just broke below $1,100 once again a few minutes back, though has managed to struggle back up. Let’s see if it happens again today.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Gold Weakness Wipes Out Six Months Of Gains At The Miners
• Everyone Is Still Massively Long Gold
• CIBC: There Is No Gold Bubble, Diversification And A Mining Shortage Will Push It To $1400

Goldman believes they have found a way to take advantage of market inefficiencies caused by corporate stock buyback programs.

Essentially, sell over-valued puts for companies you like, that are also likely to buy back their stock.

If you sell puts that are only slightly out of the money, then due to volatility there's a good chance you'll end up owning the underlying shares, for a cheaper price than if you had bought them outright.

Barron's: The study, authored by Anthony Carpet, Laura Conigliaro, Robert Boroujerdi, Maria Grant and Deep Mehta, concludes that selling puts is an attractive way to buy stock, or increase exposure, to companies with large buyback programs.

They found buyback programs potentially reduce the implied volatility of put options. And that may have broader implications for options volatility, which is the most important part of options prices.

Furthermore, 2010 could be a big year for buybacks:

To be sure, this buyback-volatility thesis, both for puts and for overall implied volatility, will be tested in 2010.

Many corporations' hoarded cash during the credit crisis as they were as unsure as individual investors as to what might occur. Goldman's analysts opine that low interest rates and big cash piles will now prompt many companies to take action. They think stock-buyback programs may prove popular.

Here are Goldman's guidelines, emphasis added. Everyone should definitely perform their own due diligence. Also, note that these studies frequently end up doing worse than their seemingly brilliant back tests, and simply generate commissions for the brokers. Still, the buy back inefficiency makes a lot of sense.

* Sell puts that expire in six months and that are 5% out-of-the-money. This means the puts increase in value if the stock price declines by 5%. Of course, investors can pick any strike price that they wish but that changes the probabilities of simply collecting money for selling puts and buying stock.

* Six-month implied volatility is higher than three- and six-month realized volatility, indicating that the options market thinks the stock has a greater chance of moving in the future than in the past.

* Put volatility is elevated, as evidenced by "skew" -- the difference between out-of-the-money put and call implied volatility -- being higher than the average Standard & Poor's 500 stock.

* Buy- or Neutral-rated stocks that have not yet exceeded Goldman's price targets. [Given that this comes from Goldman, of course!]

Read the full article at Barron's.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• With Goldman On It's Back, YRC Has Until January 1st To Save Itself
• Goldman: Oil Going To $90, Gold To $1350
• Teamsters Boss Hoffa To Goldman Sachs: Don't Bankrupt Us!

---

Our modular large-area vacuum gripping system allows for individual handling solutions for efficient, process-safe palletising, depalletising, sorting and picking

Vacuum specialist J. Schmalz GmbH has a first class efficiency tool for users in the packaging industry: the large-area vacuum gripper FXC/FMC-SG. Highly customised, application-specific large-area vacuum gripping systems can be created thanks the modular design with standardised components: main body, valve and replaceable suction pads.

The user has two choices for the main body:
FXC (with integrated vacuum generation) or FMC (with a connection for external vacuum generation). In both versions, the main body consists of extruded aluminium sections that are variable in both width and length with a vacuum display embedded in the end covers and connections for the functions “sensor” and “blow off.”
For the valve module, the user can choose between SVWK or SW: SVWK has valve bodies that close automatically when not in use and is predominantly used with extremely porous workpieces. SW with flow resistors, on the other hand, is better suited for suction-tight workpieces.
The user also has a choice of suction pads: Whether you need optimised shapes for high suction power, additional foam sealing rings for workpieces with rough surfaces or embedded flow resistance – all standard suction pads have soft and supple sealing lips that quickly fit to uneven packaged goods or packaging, ensuring high holding power and precise positioning of the workpiece. In addition, the excellent sealing performance of the suction pads reduces the amount of energy required for vacuum generation. In the end, whether you choose quick-change, plug-in suction grippers with no screw fittings, or if you decide on suction pads that attach via screws, you can be sure that installing and replacing the suction pads is a quick procedure that will have the machine operating again in no time at all.

Pneumatic compact ejector with integrated blow-off system allows for the shortest handling cycles

Compact, light and strong with an extra blow-off feature, the new SEAC-RP compact ejector from vacuum technology specialist J. Schmalz GmbH provides both decentralised vacuum generation and added functional value, using as little space as possible.

The SEAC-RP vacuum generator is the latest in a series of innovative Schmalz products, and it meets energy efficiency and resource optimisation requirements. That’s because the SEAC-RP compact ejector, which is powered by compressed air, has integrated pneumatic air-saving regulation that guarantees minimal, demand-driven consumption of compressed air and thereby helps reduce energy and operation costs.

Indeed, the compact ejector is very compact and light-weight. As such, it is ideally suited for integration in vacuum systems and does not adversely affect the dynamics, or the process or movement speed of the handling system or robot. The combination of a high-speed and large suction capacity and an integrated blow-off system guarantees that the shortest handling and cycle times. With a modular design, the SEAC-RP compact ejector, system monitor and suction pad constitute a unit to be installed separately on a decentralised vacuum generator. Installation is uncomplicated and mounting work is minimal.

In addition to integrated pneumatic air-saving regulation and the extra blow-off system, the compact ejector has an integrated silencer that helps reduce noise levels and improve working conditions for employees. There is also the option of attaching an electric vacuum switch for system monitoring, with an adjustable switching point.

The SEAC-RP compact ejector has an anodised aluminium main body and a sturdy design for automatic operation. It is particularly well suited for use in rapid and highly dynamic handling or robot systems, for example during the treatment of sheet metal, wood, plastic, CDs or packaging material.

TSI Airflow introduces the Positive and Negative Duct Accreditation System (PANDA)

The Positive and Negative Duct Accreditation (PANDA) system provides contractors, commissioning engineers, and research and development technicians with the best in class choice of test equipment to quantify air leakage in ductwork and other areas as well as the ability to measure the performance of ducted systems.

Unique, fast, accurate and easy to use

This unique Duct Leakage Tester is designed to test the full range of pressures, and to conduct both positive and negative duct leakage tests in one rig. The unique performance and fan speed control charge up of duct system to test static pressure within minutes.

The PANDA provides a fast, accurate, automated solution and helps to ensure compliance with EN12237, EN1507 and EUROVENT 2/2 standards, enhancing energy savings in buildings.

The PANDA fits in the back of vans and estate cars.

Availability of two versions

There are two versions available for the Positive and Negative Duct Accreditation System (PANDA) Model PAN300 Series.

The Model PAN321 includes the Airflow TA460-P Multi-Function Instrument and PVM620 Micromanometer. The Model PAN311 standard is without instruments.

Model PAN321

The Model PAN321 automatically calculates leakage rate in real time and corrects actual volume flow leakage rate to Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP). Pass/fail indication are provided for a given tightness class. Simultaneous displays of flow leakage rate and static pressure and the monitoring of barometric pressure and temperature in real time are further advantages. Information can be data logged and downloaded for report generation and documentation. When coupled with a Model 8934 Portable Printer, the Model TA460-P can print out results of leakage tests.

Filed under: CES, Technology, Ford

Ford’s victory with Sync isn’t contestable – the connectivity system has a 70-percent uptake rate, and 32 percent of people list it as one of the reasons they bought a Ford. Over one million Sync-equipped vehicles have been sold in three years. The Blue Oval’s exclusive deal with Microsoft ended last year and other Microsoft-powered in-car competitors will be arriving soon, so Ford has been busy working on new elements that it hopes will keep Sync in front of the challengers.

Ford has updated Sync a couple of times this year with things like traffic and directions, and a contacts download app. According to The Detroit News, the next big update is scheduled to be announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month. Ford isn’t giving away details, but it’s called “mobile apps,” and it will enable Sync functionality with any app on a cellphone or personal music player. That would likely mean Pandora on-the-go and Twitter out loud.

It could also mean a price: rumors suggest that Ford will be charging for the upgrade, and that it will come on 2010 vehicles and be available to any previous Sync-fitted vehicle. Stay tuned for coverage from CES for more.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Revised Sync from Ford coming to CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Just as Google got fined for its Books project in France, the company is making concessions on its other controversial product Street View, this time in Switzerland. Authorities in the country claim that Google has agreed to stop publishing any new images taken in Switzerland for Street View until a court can decide if it acts in accordance with the privacy laws of the country.

Google came under fire in Switzerland shortly after launching the service there. Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) Hanspeter Thuer spoke out against the company initially claiming that its face and numberplate blurring technology wasn’t good enough to cover all cases and that the height at which the cameras on the Street View cars were positioned enabled it to take shots over fences and walls exposing private proprieties. He also accused Google of being uncooperative in comply with the organization’s requests.

In November, the commissioner took Google to court in an effort to block the service in the country. Now, officials are claiming that Google has agreed to stop updating the Street View imagery in the country until the court issues a decision. However, Google will be able to continue to acquire the images, with several caveats, during this time.

“We are pleased tha… (read more)

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Auctions, Ford

If Ford first introduced the GT90 Concept at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show next month, we would probably consider it one of the coolest cars on the show floor. Incredibly, Ford unveiled the GT90 nearly 15 years ago. Even by today’s standards it is a supercar of supercars. The quad-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 puts out an estimated 720 horsepower, the body is constructed completely of carbon fiber and top speed is somewhere in the 250 mph range. The only hints that it’s not a modern supercar are the all-blue interior and wheels that are decidedly not from this decade.

So why are we talking about the GT90 Concept now? RM Auctions has just announced that it will be offering the car at its Arizona sale. That’s right, this is your chance to own one of the coolest concept vehicles of all time. This is the first time that the GT90 Concept has ever been publicly for sale at auction, and RM claims that it is in “excellent running condition, having been properly stored and maintained over the year.” No estimated price is given, but we’re guessing it will take a significant chunk of change to take the car home. Hit the jump for a detailed description and history of the GT90 Concept, or adorn your desktop with 1990s supercar glory using one of the photos in the high-res gallery below.

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Collectible Concept: 1995 Ford GT90 concept going up for auction

Collectible Concept: 1995 Ford GT90 concept going up for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Despite pleas from Jimmy Hoffa, trucking company YRC has an ultimatum: pay up on swap agreements by January 1st or risk being torn apart by creditors:

Bloomberg: YRC Worldwide Inc. has less than two weeks to persuade bondholders to accept a debt exchange and prevent a bankruptcy filing that its employees’ union says may force the biggest U.S. trucking company to liquidate.

YRC, which has pushed back the deadline for the swap three times this month, must complete the tender by Dec. 31 to avoid a $19 million payment of interest and fees that would leave the trucker in an “unsustainable” position, the Overland Park, Kansas-based company said yesterday in a regulatory filing.

Read the whole story >>

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Soros: The CDS Market Is Just Legalized Homicide
• See The Bankruptcy Attorneys Breaking The $1,000 Per Hour Barrier
• What Recovery? Behold The Amazing Ghost Shipping Fleet Of Singapore

There have been several articles floating about over the past week or so stating that BMW is scaling back the operations of its hydrogen development in favor of working or hybrids and battery electric vehicles. The articles state that engineers will be pulled off the BMW Hydrogen 7 to work on other near term projects.

But, one has to wonder if this instead the company is a regrouping and refocusing its time, energy and efforts on hydrogen fuel cell car development. A couple of years ago I conducted an interview with the Corporate Communications Manager for BMW North America.

I asked him why his company was developing the BMW Hydrogen 7 for use with liquid hydrogen and bucking the industry standard of using compressed hydrogen gas like most of the other automakers were doing, even the ones building vehicles with internal combustion engines. His reply at that time was that compressed hydrogen gas was not the industry standard.

But, over the past 2 years liquid hydrogen has not taken off at the new pumps and fueling stations being built, so one has to wonder what role this is playing in BMW’s decision to shelve the Hydrogen 7 for the time being. Perhaps it was more a practical matter that the BMW Hydrogen 7 (at least at one time) had a hydrogen boil off problem in their insulated tanks. Or perhaps, the 125 mile range on hydrogen only (this is a dual fuel vehicle that also uses gasoline with a 300 mile range) wasn’t as green as fuel cell cars that were not dual fuel played a hand in it.

Then again, one has to wonder if BMW is regrouping their hydrogen efforts and focusing on fuel cells this time around. All Cars Electric is running a spy shot of a BMW 1 Series Hybrid being refueled by an unnamed gas. The photo was taken at a hydrogen fueling station. According to the article, the tank could have been nitrogen for emissions testing. But when I drove the BMW Hydrogen 7 several years back at a ride ‘n’ drive I noticed that there were small tanks like this filled with hydrogen that the engineers for other automakers took with them on the road so that they could refuel between hydrogen fueling stations if desired.

I’ve got a call in to my contact at BMW but haven’t heard back to confirm or deny this rumor. Another possibility is that BMW has decided to drop liquid hydrogen and go to compressed hydrogen gas and run this through an internal combustion engine that is also a hybrid electric car. Right now this is all speculation and rumors, but don’t count BMW out yet when it comes to hydrogen development. This may just be a tweak in the roadmap with the end goal in mind of putting a commercial hydrogen car on the road in the near future.

Ryan Avent is appalled, rightly, at Ben Bernanke’s response to a question from Brad DeLong, who asked why the Fed hasn’t raised its inflation target:

The Federal Reserve has not followed the suggestion of some that it pursue a monetary policy strategy aimed at pushing up longer-run inflation expectations. In theory, such an approach could reduce real interest rates and so stimulate spending and output. However, that theoretical argument ignores the risk that such a policy could cause the public to lose confidence in the central bank’s willingness to resist further upward shifts in inflation, and so undermine the effectiveness of monetary policy going forward.

Let’s parse this.

Read the full article at The New York Times –>

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Ron Paul: I’d Rather Congress Run Monetary Policy Than The Fed
• Get Ready For A Couple Of Hot Inflation Numbers
• Even Without TARP, Banks Are Still Heavily Subsidized