Alfa Romeo Spider – Click above for high-res image gallery
According to the comprehensive five-year plan which Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne unveiled today, the next generation of Alfa Romeos are slated to be based on a Chrysler platform.
Among those models will be the replacement for the current Spider, as well as the new Giulia sedan and wagon. These three models – which will replace the outgoing 159, Brera and Spider – were previously thought to borrow their underpinnings from a modified version of the C-segment platform that underpins the new Giulietta, but have now been revealed to be merged into Chrysler platforms, arriving in 2012 (Giulia) and 2013 (Spider). Although Marchionne didn’t specify which Chrysler platform this will be, sources suggest it could be a modified version of the antiquated Mercedes-derived architecture that underpins the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Challenger.
In addition to the Alfa’s adoption of Chrysler architecture, Marchionne indicated that Chrysler and Lancia are set to be further integrated, with common products (including a new compact minivan and the replacement for the Ypsilon supermini) sold as Lancias in continental Europe and as Chryslers in North America and the UK. With the exception of the Challenger, Charger and Viper, Dodge and Fiat products will be similarly integrated, while Jeep is slated for an increased overseas market presence.
Here’s the key nugget to take away from Barack Obama’s interview with CNBC’s John Harwood:
JOHN HARWOOD: If reducing consumption is a good idea, could you see the potential for value-added tax in this country?
PRESIDENT OBAMA: You know– I know that there’s been a lot of talk around town lately about the value-added tax– that is something that has worked for some countries. It’s something that would be novel– for the United States. And before, you know, I started saying, “This makes sense or that makes sense.” I want to get a better picture of what our options are
And my first priority is to figure out how can we reduce wasteful spending so that– you know, we have a baseline of the core services that we need and the government should provide. And then we decide how do we pay for that. As opposed to figuring out how much money can we raise and then– not have to make some tough choices on the spending side.
Translated: We’re going to wait until the deficit reduciton committee makes its suggestions after the November elections, and when the committee makes its suggestion, then we can act.
Audi R8 ClubSport – Click above for high-res image gallery
Within the next two years, Audiplans to have five different variants of the R8 in production: V8- and V10-powered coupes and convertibles, and one harder-core variant tuned to play as well on the track as it does on the road. This newest, lightweight model – likely carrying either a ClubSport (CS) or GT badge – has been undergoing testing in Germany this week, and beyond the sinister matte-black paint scheme (with matching fuel door), there are a few choice modifications to the body to set it apart from its standard siblings.
The front fascia has been lowered slightly with the addition of a new splitter and reshaped winglets, while out back you’ll notice the larger, round exhaust outlets, restyled rear bumper with new air outlets aft of the wheels and that shapely fixed rear wing. The rolling stock appears to have grown a bit and larger carbon ceramic brakes are fitted at all four corners.
It’s likely that Audi is using a fair amount of carbon fiber bodywork to bring the ClubSport’s curbweight down by a couple hundred pounds, and judging by the side-sill intakes, a V10 – possibly mated to a new dual-clutch gearbox – remains mounted amidships. Given the current pace of development, we’d suspect Audi plans to unveil its latest R8 project this year, possibly at the Paris Motor Show in the fall.
This whole climate change issue is unravelling like a Sherlock Holmes novel of old, or Midsummer Murders on TV.
The IPCC was established in 1988 but it was only after its assessment reports of 2001 that the plot gathered momentum. Opposition started mounting between then and the 2007 assessment reports. The attached memo refers to the events during the 2005/06 period with the emphasis on the Stern Review. I responded vigorously but without effect.
Others had similar reservations but we were outnumbered. Nevertheless, the other side was forced on the defensive as it was patently unable to substantiate its alarmist claims.
Then, out of the blue in November last year the Climategate scandal hit the Internet. Less than a month later we witnessed the ignominious collapse of the Copenhagen conference. It was saved by last minute discussions between President Obama of the US and the heads of state of the BASIC nations (Brazil, South Africa, India and China). Other Western nations were sidelined including the UK and the EU.
Then came a flood of exposures of the antics of those who compiled the IPCC’s assessment reports.
These were followed by cover up investigations of the UK House of Commons and the UN bodies. But these did not address the fundamental differences in the basic science.
Toyota announced a voluntary recall on Monday for some 9,400 Lexus GX 460 SUVs for wheel slippage that could occur during high speed turns. The company acted quickly in stopping sales of the GX after Consumer Reports gave the SUV a Do Not Buy rating following its own tests that showed the big SUV had trouble maintaining composure during high speed maneuvers. Toyota’s press release at the time stated the recall involves reprogramming software in the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system. We weren’t sure how long it would take Toyota to develop a software patch, but apparently it didn’t take long at all.
The main culprit appears to be the fact that the fuel tank is located on the left side of the vehicle. A full tank of gas plus the weight of a driver in left-hand-drive vehicle could result in some hairy handling when taking right turns at high speed. That is, at least, before Toyota’s software fix for the VSC system.
Follow the jump to see the effect a little reprogramming has on how a vehicle behaves. In the video, two Lexus SUVs take a right turn at 59 miles per hour. One puts on an impromptu drifting session and the other makes it through just fine. We’ll let you guess which one had its VSC reprogrammed.
We’re slowly getting more information on Fiat Group’s role here in the United States as Sergio Marchionne reveals his 5-year business plan for the Italian automaker today in Turin, Italy. Following the Fiat 500 later this year, Marchionne says that Fiat’s Alfa Romeo brand will come to the stateside by 2012.
Leading the charge will be three new models, a midsize SUV, a sedan and a station wagon (both called the Giulia). The Alfa Romeo Giulia will replace the current 159 sedan. The SUV will be based on a Chrysler product – either the Dodge Journey or the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
A year after that (in 2013), Alfa Romeo will add the 5-door MiTo hatchback and a new Spider, a small convertible. Both of those will be followed by the new Giulietta hatchback and larger SUV in 2014.
Published April 20, 2010 President Rich Cummins, KONA Radio
Part l: Braced for Future Cuts / Preserving Daily Mission of the College (3:06 min) Part ll: Don’t Starve the Solution (2:11 min) Part lll: Current and Future Impact (2:30 min)
KONA: …for now you’re looking at about a $1.6 million cut in the budget. How soon do you think you’ll finish the work on that?
Cummins: I’ve had a committee working on it with me for the last several months. We knew that a big cut was coming. We weren’t sure about what the number would be because the Senate and the House versions varied very dramatically. Unfortunately, it landed on the Senate side of the spectrum and we’ll be taking more cuts than we hoped for. …that committee concluded it’s work on Friday and is sending me some recommendations that I’ll consider–that I’ll add and subtract from. And within the next three weeks I’ll be moving to make those cuts.
NEWS RELEASE April 21, 2010 Contact: Frank Murray, 542-4835
Day and night activities are planned at Moore Observatory at Columbia Basin College Saturday, April 24 in celebration of National Astronomy Day.
Viewing will begin at 6 p.m. with solar observation from a variety of solar telescopes provided by CBC and the Tri-City Astronomy Club. Guests will be invited to view the sun and sunspots.
In addition, videos will be shown inside the observatory of various galactic phenomenons.
Public star gazing will begin at about 8 p.m. through the Moore Observatorys 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Everyone is welcome to attend and there is no admission charge. The Moore Observatory is located in the northwest corner of the CBC Pasco campus.
NEWS RELEASE April 21, 2010 Contact: Erica Jesberger, 544-4916
The documentary Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think will be shown at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 27 in the Gjerde Center on the Columbia Basin College Pasco campus.
After the film, a panel of Muslim professionals from the Tri-Cities will comment on the film and answer audience questions.
Focused on the issues of terrorism, democracy, and gender justice, the film challenges the popular notion that Muslims and the West are on a collision course and instead highlights a shared relationship that is based on facts, not fear. The film asks questions on many Americans minds: Why is there so much anti-Americanism in the Muslim world? Who are the extremists and how do Muslims feel about them? What do Muslims like and dislike about the West? What do Muslim women really want?
Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think runs 55 minutes. This free public showing is sponsored by the CBC Reads committee, the Office of Diversity, and the Associated Students of CBC.
Even though the Toyota FT-86 is more than a year away from going sale, insiders say that development costs of the Toyota/Subaru mash-up vehicle will result in a more expensive product than originally estimated. When the Toyota FT-86 Concept made its debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the automaker’s executives said that they are aiming for an entry-level price of around $20,000.
Sources say that the research and development team is now focused on increasing fuel-economy and is working to produce the cleanest engine possible. That could force the price of the Toyota FT-86 to $23,000, with the range-topper model hitting a little above $26,000.
The Toyota FT-86 is expected to enter production at the end of 2011, followed shortly by Subaru’s version.
Refresher: Inspired by the sporty 1980s Corolla AE86, the production version of the FT-86 is reported to be powered by a 200-hp 2.0L boxer Subaru engine sending power to the rear-wheels. Prices are set to start above $20,000.
Toyota FT-86 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Toyota touts its hotly anticipated FT-86 coupe as a quick, light and attractive sports car for the masses. One of its strongest selling points is a price tag that reportedly hovering somewhere around $20,000 in base form, making the rear-drive coupe an affordable option for cash-strapped enthusiasts.
However, a report from Autocar claims that higher than expected development costs could derail any dreams of a good looking, inexpensive FT-86. The British site sites unnamed Toyota sources as saying that the base price of the little coupe has shot from £13,000 ($20,000 in U.S. funds) to £15,000 ($23,000 U.S.), with a range-topper coming in at £17,000 ($26,000 U.S.). Further, Autocar reports that Toyota sports vehicle department head Tetsuya Tada says that the company has increased the targeted FT-86 age group has been bumped by a full 10 years from the 30s to the 40s.
If the report turns out to be true, we’re sure there will be more than a few disappointed enthusiasts out there. But if Toyota still delivers on the attractive, lightweight, rear driver, we’re sure we can find it in our hearts to forgive an extra few thousand green-backs.
During his presentation of Fiat Group’s 5-year business plan, Sergio Marchionne, who is also CEO of Chrysler Group LLC, lashed out at critics who say his companies are not addressing the flaws of their business. Marchionne called critics “fundamentally offensive,” “based on absolute hogwash” and “wholly unjustified.”
“I will not accept the criticism that does not recognize the work that has been done by Chrysler and this house,” he said.
Marchionne acknowledged that there many skeptics may have “some level of doubt” about the ambitions of his plan, which promises to make both Fiat and Chrysler into solidly profitable within five years.
“We need to find a permanent fix to the way this business is run,” he said, adding that the alliance with Chrysler is key to that. “Without Chrysler, (Fiat’s) future would be completely different. I think we have to admit it would have been a marginal player for the rest of its life.”
Saab today announced pricing on the all-new 2010 Saab 9-5 sedan.
“The new 9-5 Sedan stays true to its unique Swedish heritage and Saab DNA. The 9-5 showcases progressive Scandinavian design, an exhilarating driving experience and responsible performance with its all-turbo powertrain line-up,” said Mike Colleran, Saab Cars North America President and COO. “Saab’s distinctive new flagship brings a fresh, alternative choice to the premium sedan segment.”
The 9-5 model will hit U.S. dealerships in July starting with the top-of-the-line 9-5 Aero Sedan model, which is priced at $49,990. The 2010 Saab 9-5 Aero Sedan is powered by a 2.8L V6 turbocharged engine making 300-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The lineup will be extended in the Saab 9-5 2011 model year, which will consist of a 220-hp 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo with prices starting under $40,000.
Make the jump for the press release for more details.
2010 Saab 9-5:
Press Release:
Saab Cars North America Announces Pricing on All-New Premium Flagship Vehicle: The 9-5 Aero Sedan Launch Package
* All-new 9-5 vehicle pricing on model year 2010 and 2011 variants
* Premium 9-5 Sedan available in July
DETROIT – Saab Cars North America announced pricing for its all-new 2010 model year 9-5 Aero Sedan launch package. The flagship vehicle will arrive in U.S. dealer showrooms in July.
Saab will lead the new 9-5 launch with its top-of-the line Aero Sedan model, priced at $49,990 MSRP. The Aero, featuring a 300 hp 2.8-litre V6 turbo engine, delivers uncompromised driving performance and is packed with advanced chassis, comfort and safety technologies.
Shortly following the 9-5 Aero introduction, a 2.0-litre turbo variant will be added to the 9-5 line-up. Pricing for these 2011 model year vehicles will start at under $40,000 MSRP.
The clean, ‘organic sculpture’ of the 9-5 bodywork, with elements inspired by Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept, heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language for the brand. The spacious, driver-focused cabin features a new iteration of Saab’s signature cockpit layout.
Staying true to its roots, the 9-5 family features an all-turbo powertain line-up. The Aero model, features a 2.8-litre V6 Turbo Engine with 300 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm; a 24-valve, dual overhead camshaft valvetrain and a twin-scroll intercooled turbocharger and the Sentronic six-speed automatic with transmission with paddle shifting.
Performance is second to none with sophisticated electronic chassis systems such as electronic stability program, DriveSense adaptive chassis and Saab’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, XWD. Additionally, the Aero features a new front and rear suspension design that provides a sporty driving experience without sacrificing on comfort.
Saab continues its commitment to safety with eight standard airbags in the new 9-5, including rear seat thorax protection side airbags. A lane departure warning system and head-up display are also available.
The refined interior of the 9-5 features leather-appointed seats and steering wheel, power front seats with memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirrors, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, a cooled glove box, front and rear interior reading lamps, and 12V outlets in the front console and trunk.
The standard audio system includes an AM/FM radio with CD player, XM® Satellite radio, USB and auxiliary connections for portable devices and steering wheel mounted controls. A Harman-Kardon surround sound system is also available.
Saab’s unique Night Panel feature continues in this new 9-5 and is enhanced by a new instrument cluster with a supplemental rolling speedometer display that hints at its aircraft heritage.
Fiat is in the midst of a grand restructuring, and reports are beginning to trickle in. First up is perhaps the most exciting, dealing with product development plans for Fiat’s most prized asset: Ferrari.
According to reports, Maranello currently has a total of six new models or model variants in the pipeline for debut over the next couple of years. The first new variant up for release is the 458 Spider, the convertible version of the 458 Italia that replaces the outgoing F430 Spider. But if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, plans are also underway on project F151, the replacement for the lackluster 612 Scaglietti, a four-seat grand tourer that is slated to feature the first road-going implementation of the company’s KERS hybrid drivetrain.
Following the 458 Spider and the 612 successor, Ferrari will reportedly launch a successor to the Enzo in 2012. Few details are available on that project, but in the same year we’re expecting to see a completely new model to replace the 599 GTB Fiorano, code-named F152.
Finally in 2013, Ferrari is anticipated to overhaul the California with a comprehensive update tentatively called the California M, suggesting the difference between the current version and the new one will be similar in scope to the change from the 456 GT to the 456 M and from the 550 Maranello to the 575 MM. Also set for introduction in 2013 will be a hardcore, track-focused version of the 458 to follow in the footsteps of the 360 Challenge Stradale and the outgoing 430 Scuderia.
Ferrari’s engineers had better cancel their dinner plans for the next couple of years, because it sure sounds like they’ve got their hands full.
Starting last year, I started receiving reports from folks at the GAO that they were getting massive resistance from the entertainment industry when it came to their attempt to look more deeply into the actual economic impact of unauthorized file sharing. Some even told me that industry pressure had resulted in the GAO never releasing a particular report. However, last week, as everyone knows, the GAO came out with its extremely damning report, showing that industry figures on the impact of unauthorized file trading were totally bunk. The numbers — which were regularly used by politicians in pushing for entertainment industry-supported legislation — had little basis in fact, greatly overstated the issue and totally ignored the benefits of file sharing.
As people dig deeper into the report, more and more details are coming out — including the fact that the MPAA wouldn’t provide the data on how it came up with some of its more questionable “piracy” claims. Of particular concern was a report from 2005, which the MPAA used to push for regulations requiring universities to set up filters. The MPAA used its own research to claim that 44% of unauthorized file sharing came from universities — and the MPAA’s main lawyer made the statement that the primary purpose of internet access on campus was for students to share unauthorized materials. Congress never bothered to question these stats — though, after all the debate, the MPAA finally admitted that it had made a math error that showed the “real” number (according to itself) was 15%, rather than 44%.
The GAO was apparently interested in digging into this report to understand where these numbers came from, but the MPAA decided it would rather not share:
The GAO never got all of the information it requested from the Motion Picture Association of America, according to GAO administrators, including Loren Yager, the author of the summary report that ensued and director of the GAO’s International Affairs and Trade efforts. The agency said as much in the report: “It is difficult based on the information provided in the study to determine how the authors handled key assumptions.” Without the materials, government analysts couldn’t properly evaluate the MPAA’s 2005 survey…
At this point, I think it’s fair to ask why the gov’t should ever be allowed to rely on the stats put forth by the entertainment industry in passing legislation again.
