Author: Serkadis

Filed under: Car Buying

Along with eight-cylinder engines and manual transmissions, six-cylinder motors appear to be on the outs, relatively speaking. In the first quarter of this year, USA Today notes that four-cylinder lumps made up 46.5 percent of new car sales, almost a five percent jump over the same period last year.

This movement to fewer cylinders is likely to continue, as more and more mainstream models like the Hyundai Sonata, Suzuki Kizashi and Buick Regal are only being offered with four-cylinder powerplants. That’s partially because modern technologies, including direct injection and forced induction, have closed the power deficit, and partly because automakers’ need to raise their CAFE figures and play to growing consumer appetites for better fuel economy.

The trend has caused J.D. Power to raise its four-cylinder sales prediction for 2012 from 48 percent to 51 percent. If that ends up being the case, that will leave 35 percent for six-cylinder cars, and just 17 percent for V8s.

[Source: USA Today]

USA Today: Four-cylinder engines powered nearly half of all new car sales last month originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The new 2011 Audi A8 is allegedly the first car in the world to offer an optional factory-installed WLAN hotspot for Wi-Fi access. Of course, this means that all your passengers will probably spend less time talking to you and more time on their laptops, Apple iPads and iPhones or netbooks.

Look how simple it is to get everyone to ignore you:

Using the WLAN hotspot is remarkably simple. To activate Internet access with speeds up to 7.2 Mbit/s, the driver merely needs to insert a data-capable SIM card into the Bluetooth online car phone. Alternatively, an Internet connection can be established via Bluetooth by using a compatible mobile phone with a SIM Access Profile. Any existing mobile phone contract can be used for this – often coupled with a flat-rate data plan.

All this is made possible through a rooftop antenna of the Audi A8 via the car’s own UMTS module. This enables the most connection stability with great reception quality.

We’re guessing this is moving Audi closer to allowing drivers to download iPhone-style software directly into their vehicles. Read more about that here.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 Audi A8 comes from a 4.2L FSI direct-injection V8 that makes 372-hp and a maximum torque of 328 lb-ft. Mated to an 8-speed tiptronic automatic transmission, the 2011 A8 will go from 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

2011 Audi A8:

– By: Omar Rana

Latest news about the BP oil spill tell us that it is growing every singel day. But what have experts to say about this whole thing?

According to scientists the spill can grow up to 130 million gallons in the worst case scenario according to their calculations. Since April 20, if you sum up everything, the total spill is at 102 gymnasiums.

Despite of these estimations, it is not yet clear if this whole thing started last April 20, 2010 when it exploded or on April 22 when the rig sank into the water. Its also possible that it started April 24 when the coast guard first noticed two leaks.

On the picture which was provided by NASA, you can see the huge spill. Beside of the large patch, also a long ribbon like shape went  to the southeast.

Currently there are even live streaming video feeds that show the progress of the oil spill.

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These days, advertising, especially online, is about going viral, having people share the ads with their friends getting as much exposure as possible, organically. Well, Nike sure does seem to have [i]scored a goal with its latest ad campaign, ‘Write the Future,’ ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The campaign has… (read more)

Even though the Maybach Exelero coupe received a lot of attention from consumers and the media, the Mercedes-Benz uber-luxury brand never put it into production (or even limited production). In fact, the Exelero was a one-off model commissioned by Fulda Tyres. Fulda used the car as a reference vehicle to test a new generation of wide tires. The Exelero even popped up in Jay-Z’s video for his song Lost One.

While Maybach won’t be doing a coupe anytime soon (or never depending on whether they stick around or not), German based engineering specialist Xenatec will. The firm is building 100 examples of a Maybach 57S coupe at £560,000 ($807,265 USD) a piece.

Daimler is all-go for the project and will be supplying 57 chassis from its Sindelfingen based manufacturing headquarters.

Power will come from the same 6.0L twin-turbo V12 making 612-hp and 737 lb-ft of torque.

Maybach 57S Coupe by Xenatec:

By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

One of the most anticipated tennis events is on its way, as French Open draws near to commencement on Sunday. French Open is the second of the grandslam title in tennis calendar. The event also showcases the premier clay court of the sport. Defending champions Roger Federer and Svetlana Kuznetsova are not seen as the favorites in this year’s competition. Federer has just tasted another bitter defeat from archrival Rafael Nadal at Madrid few weeks ago. Furthermore, the Swiss top-seed has not won any title since winning the Australian Open cup last January.

All eyes point to just two tennis future hall of famers: Spain’s Rafael “Rafa” Nadal and Belgian Justin Henin. Both captured French Open championship for four times. Nadal won French open for four straight year  (2004-2008) and was just badly hurt and fell into the hands of No. 23 Robin Soderling of Sweden in 2009, to give way to Federer to snatch the grandslam title. Federer said that he feels more relaxed right now and ready to defend the title to anyone. Nadal, on the other end of the court seemed so fierce and in perfect form to regain his title back. He want to remind everyone again why he is  hailed as the best tennis player in clay. Henin, also a four-time French open champion will see another action after her unforeseen retirement two years ago. She already played at the Australian Open this January. She is currently at No. 22. Henin was drawn into the same bracket as world’s No. 1 Serena Williams.

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Remember the saying that “third time’s the charm”? Well it is not always the third especially if you are talking about “Shrek”. The third installment of the first two hit movie “Shrek” was not enough to satisfy some movie critique and thus they have decided to release another new story that will bring in another twist in the story.

Dream Works just announced that “Shrek Forever After” will be better and bolder than “Shrek the Third.” The 4th movie will be having another new villain, Rumpelstiltskin which will be voiced over by the very own film story editor, Walt Dohrn.

With the additional character like Rumpelstiltskin, Dream Works have become very creative by incorporating other fairy tale history on the movie “Shrek.”

Rumpelstiltskin magically sends Shrek back into a world where he had never been born. Shrek, who hates his family oriented life, lacks appreciation with his wife and his three adorable baby ogres now wants his old life back, the days where people fear for their lives and he can do anything he wants to do. To cut the story short, Shrek’s life is a mess.

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Oracle’s Vice President of Database Security, Vipin Samar published an open letter on Oracle’s site yesterday, May 20 2010, announcing the company’s intention of buying database security firm Secerno.

Started after a research project at Oxford University’s Computing Laboratory, the company offers database security systems to companies a… (read more)

Spectators will bet their fortune come May 23^rd on the court of Roland Garros while players will be on the arena to get their first French Open title or bounce back from a depressing 2009 in the case of Rafael Nadal.

While not everybody can stage a successful comeback, Nadal has stepped into 2^nd rank which places him in a high stake to meet 2009 title holder Roger Federer on June 6 for the Men’s Single final this year.

From losing his 4-year reign in French Open to Robert Soderling in 2009, Nadal began to recover his own lost since winning the Davis’ Cup in December ’09.

To date, he has 15 successful matches that include a very crucial win against Roger Federer in the Masters 1000. This track to vengeance is keenly observed by tennis fanatics therefore making Nadal the instant favorite. As of this time he is ranked as the most possible winner in the men’s division.

Although offset can happen in any of his match, winning Rome Masters plus Monte Carlo Masters makes Nadal a very tempting talent to bet on.

There are other names that poses a threat to what can be his 5^th title in the French Open like Juan Martin del Porto and Andy Murray but his famous rival Soldering is sitting low at this point.

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After being released he is now again in the hospital because according to sources, there is a whole in his heart.

The 47 year old rocker has no sense of feeling on the left side of his body, that was the reason why he went back to the hospital where he underwent several tests. According to doctors, it was a warning stroke (Transient Ischemic Attack).

While tests were conducted, doctors found a whole in his heart (Patent Forum Ovale). Bret Michaels is right in Phoenix, Arizona at St. Joseph’s Hospital where he is under treatment. Despite of everything, Joseph Zabramski the attending physician told Michael and family that it is operable and treatable.

Brett Michaels was scheduled to appear on the “Celebrity Apprentice” finale on May 23 to compete for $250,000 which would go to his charity, the American Diabetes Association since he was a type 1 diabetes as a child.

To all Brett Michaels fans out there, lets all together pray for his betterment.

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Japanese car maker Toyota has signed an agreement with Tesla to cooperate in developing electric vehicles, as well as providing engineering and production systems, reported the Asian company that in the framework of this agreement invest 50 million dollars (40.6 million euros at current exchange rates) in shares in the company of electric cars.

Through this agreement, both companies are planning to form a joint team of experts to combine efforts with the common goal of driving the electric car.

The Tesla S will be the first mass-market model, a very attractive model, 100% electric with a top speed of 190 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The autonomy of the base model reaches 257 km increasing to 483 km with additional battery packs. The Tesla S has a huge 17-inch LCD screen built into the dashboard’s center tunnel, which joins the 3G connection or satellite radio. Google applications dominate the infotainment system of the car, Google Maps and guidance service, Chrome as a web browser or Talk/Voice (Grand Central) for communications. All under the Android operating system sponsored by the Internet giant.

“I’ve noticed the great potential of the technology of Tesla and was impressed by the dedication to the production,” explained Toyota President Akio Toyoda, who added that through this partnership both companies will work together to develop electric vehicles.

For his part, the CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, said that Toyota has in its genes innovation, quality and commitment to sustainable mobility as “an honor” to be part of this initiative.

“We intend to learn and benefit from Toyota’s legendary engineering, as well as their production system and manufacturing expertise,” said Musk, during the signing of this agreement between the two companies.

Moreover, the president of Toyota said that Tesla has reached an agreement to acquire part of the land owned by the joint venture between Toyota and General Motors (NUMMI), to start producing electric cars in the area. He noted that this collaboration Toyota expected to reinforce its technology-friendly environment and participate in the development of new emerging industries such as electric cars and smart grids.

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SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER: The bigger, badder, beefier Tundra still seems like a poor stepchild to the offerings from the Detroit-based automakers, even though this truck offers strong torquey power and seems capable enough. I like that, even with the heavier-duty towing capacity, which makes the unloaded ride feel choppy, the steering and front suspension keep the truck pointed in the direction you want to go. That’s a plus, because it feels and drives like a big truck.

This truck hasn’t been in the market that long, but it is already feeling dated, like it is better equipped to compete with the previous-gen Ford F-150s, Chevrolet Silverados and Rams and not the current crop of redone trucks offered by those companies. This truck might be fine if Toyota was just selling to contractors in California, but the company’s aspirations for this vehicle run deep into every red and blue state in the union. With this kind of uninspired offering, making those inroads won’t be easy.

SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: This truck did nothing to change my rankings of big trucks. The F-150 still reigns as the complete package, followed by the Ram (pure badass fun), the Silverado, then the Tundra.

It’s not that this is a bad truck, it’s just the Detroiters are very good. And there’s a lot to like in the Tundra. It’s one of the most controlled rides you can get from a big truck, with good handling and not too much roll in tight cornering. The steering has a nice weight to it too, which makes piloting this beast fun.

I found this suspension to be quite bouncy. The roads around here are bad, but the suspension was pretty springy in some situations. It’s better than needing your fillings replaced, but still a little lively.

There’s plenty of power here. I had no problems getting this beast up to speed in all situations. And the transmission shifts smoothly to add an element of refinement.

It’s a fairly quiet cabin at idle (for a truck). The interior is nothing special. It’s laid out well, but hardly inspiring. That console is about as big as a kitchen table I had in one of my first apartments, and it’s a nice spot to easily place your morning coffee.

Big trucks are fun in my opinion. I don’t have a reason to own one, but if I did, this wouldn’t be my first choice.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: I cannot quibble too much with Migliore’s ranking– although I might be a bigger fan of the Ram than Greg–only to say that with the Tundra, all four trucks are now separated by less than a tailgate. This is a good truck, the best attempt at a pickup yet for Toyota. And this doesn’t even have the big motor.

The interior is comfortable, and this truck is as quiet as any other. The ride is trucky, but put a few hundred pounds in the back–like I did hauling some shingles back from the lumber yard–and it’s a different ride altogether.

Truck buyers have never had a better selection of top-quality trucks to buy. And at this price, I think this truck, with all its capabilities and features, is a bargain.

2010 Toyota Tundra Double Cab

Base Price: $29,490

As-Tested Price: $30,934

Drivetrain: 4.6-liter V8; 4WD, six-speed automatic

Output: 310 hp @ 5,600 rpm, 327 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,580 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 16/18.1 mpg

Options: Tow package including increased max-tow capacity to 8,300 pounds, 1,515-pound payload capacity, hitch receiver, supplemental transmission, cooler, 4.10 rear differential with 9.5-inch ring gear, 130A alternator, transmission, temperature gauge, seven-pin connector, trailer-brake controller prewire ($660); bedliner without deck rail system ($345); cold-weather package including heavy-duty battery, heavy-duty starter, windshield wiper de-icer with timer, front and rear mudguards ($160); 18-inch styled steel wheels with P255/70R-18 tires ($110); daytime running lamps ($40); power heated outside mirrors ($30)

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Source: Car news, reviews and auto show stories

Google has been making so many announcements for these past couple of days that it’s hard to keep up with all of them. One tidbit of information Google revealed on the first day of the Google I/O 2010 conference merits more attention, though. It seems that Google Chrome has now reached 70 million active users, a very solid number for the relatively n… (read more)

Uma nova versão esportiva do Peugeot 308 GTi foi lançada na Europa, com um visual mais suave que é direcionada para o consumidor tradicional que não gosta de um carro muito chamativo. Tirando a parte visual, não existem muitas diferenças em relação à versão comum do 308.

A nova versão possui rodas esportivas de 18 polegadas, um pequeno aerofólio traseiro e uma nova saida de escapamento. Outras modificações podem ser notadas nos para-choques do carro. Internamente, o Peugeot 308 recebeu um novo acabamento no painél, e novos bancos.

A simplicidade do veículo, entretanto, está apenas na parte visual, pois o 308 GTi possui um motor 1.6 THP, o mesmo que é usado no RCZ. Também existe um turbocompressor que deixa o 308 GTi com 200 cv de potência, e um câmbio de seis velocidades. Vejam mais imagens a seguir.

Imagens do veículo

Via | Carplace

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Peugeot

As Europe’s second largest automaker, it’s no great secret that France’s PSA has got the Volkswagen Group squarely in its sights. As if the on-track rivalry between Peugeot and Audi in Le Mans racing weren’t enough, the Lion brand recently launched its offensive against the likes of the Vokswagen Scirocco and Audi TT in the form of the RCZ coupe. Now the French are taking another shot, this time against the Volkswagen GTI with… their own GTi.

Not only is the name the same (save the discrepancy of the lower-case I), but the specs follow a similar formula as well: The VW packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 200 horsepower. The Peugeot? A 1.6-liter turbocharged (and direct-injected) four with – you guessed it – 200 horsepower. Even torque is also on a (relatively) level playing field, with the Volks offering 207 lb-ft and the Pug 202. The heavier Peugeot, however, takes 7.7 seconds to get up to highway speed, compared to the seven seconds flat it takes the Volkswagen.

The engine in the 308 GTi – co-developed with BMW – is the same that debuted on the RCZ, this time powering a five-door hatch and mated to a six-speed manual. There are other suspension, aerodynamic and trim upgrades to differentiate the 308 GTi from its bread-and-butter stablemates, more of which you can read about in the press release after the jump and view in the gallery below. The ultimate question is, after listening to its customers and doing an about-face on its plans to get out of the hot hatch game altogether, does the Peugeot deserve the GTi badge? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Peugeot takes on VW yet again with the new 308 GTi

Peugeot takes on VW yet again with the new 308 GTi originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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People really have an incredible ability to assume that only they could possibly have a very common idea. Lots of people have pointed out that James Cameron’s Avatar seems similar to all sorts of stories. In fact, the site io9 put together a giant list of books and movies that some claimed were copied by Cameron. And, of course, we’ve already mentioned two separate lawsuits. Well, now we can add Permalink | Comments | Email This Story

A plant in Fremont, Calif., that was closed last year because it was too inefficient will now be used by partners, Toyota Motor Corp. and Tesla Motors Inc., to make electric vehicles. The New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. facility will be acquired by Tesla and will be manned by 1,000 workers.

The two companies made the announcement in Palo Alto, Calif. Toyota President Akio Toyoda said that Tesla’s entrepreneurial spirit is admirable — a quality that he hopes all Toyota employees will take on, considering that Toyota began as a venture business decades ago. Continued after the jump!

He also said that he anticipates that Toyota will learn quick decision-making and flexibility from the venture. To prepare NUMMI, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the company will spend “a couple of hundred million dollars.”

Earlier this year, NUMMI (a former joint venture between Toyota and General Motors) shut down amid heavy criticism from the UAW work force. Musk revealed that the negotiations to obtain the plant had concluded earlier this week.

The facility will produce about 20,000 units a year for the Model S, Tesla’s next model that will debut in 2012.

But Musk said that the other models that will follow will be based on the Model S platform. Toyota will invest $50 million in Tesla in exchange for the electric carmaker’s common stock when it completes its planned initial public offering.

Source: Car news, Car reviews, Spy shots

World’s leading software maker, Microsoft, just announced that it’s offering Office Mobile 2010 suite as a free download. The latest package would be available from its Windows Phone Marketplace for Windows Mobile 6.5 users who have a previous version of Office Mobile installed.The latest addition from Microsoft, the Office Mobile 2010 includes new versions of Word, Excel, OneNote, SharePoint Workspace and PowerPoint.

Starting today, the Office Mobile 2010 Suite would be available for free in the Windows Marketplace. The mobile version will allow users to edit, browse and update documents stored on the phone or attached to an email.

Chris Capossela, Senior Vice President Microsoft Business Division, told:

“Office Mobile 2010 is the new level of connectivity.”

Presentations are made easy with the availability of the new office suite. Just connect a phone with Power Point Mobile 2010 installed on your phone and connect to a second screen via Bluetooth to view or deliver it.

Along with the updated versions of Word, PowerPoint and Excel, Microsoft has upgraded the Internet versions too labeled Office Web. All Office Web Apps are available free of charge to consumers and Corporate Software Subscribers. Office 2010’s offers:

• New Broadcast Capabilities for Powerpoint
• Auto-Preview Function in Word
• Trend Visualization Graphics in Excel
• etc…

Upgrades are on the move as Microsoft gears up on expanding its Web-based computing to coupe along Google’s online Google Apps suite which is gaining confidence amongst business software market

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Insider reports have revealed that the top American Spy Chief, Dennis Blair has resigned over intelligence failures which led to Christmas Day Attack and the foiled Time Square Bombing. Director U.S. National Intelligence also confirmed that he will step down any moment. He was guilty within himself and was saddened that the intelligence agencies failed under his regime.

It is also heard that President Barack Obama has lost faith in the man he selected for the top spy agency. He had appointed the retired navy man to overhaul the intelligence network and correct the working of CIA. The President had also asked him to grill the CIA’s torture cell as various media reported of strong torture amongst prisoners.

Mr. Blair was appointed as the Director of National Intelligence, being the third to take the position. The agency was to lead sixteen other spy agencies, monitor them, and guide them to correct working.

Being questioned and criticized a lot by various media and politicians, he took the decision and in a surprise statement last night, he announced with deep regret that he was quitting. It is also told that Mr. Blair met the President at the White House and conveyed his message of quitting, whereas Mr. Obama has accepted his resignation.

An official also revealed:

“We have been interviewing several strong candidates to be his replacement.”

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Android was the star of the show on the second day of the Google I/O 2010 conference. The first half of the starting keynote was dedicated to the Android mobile platform and the launch of Android 2.2 Froyo. The second half was also about Android, though, a position it hasn’t been in before. Google has, as expected, officially announ… (read more)