Author: Serkadis

The WS series represents a quality solution for the collection of coolant and oil mist. With 5 sizes, ranging from 250 to 2000 m3/h, it is characterized by a sophisticated design, compact dimensions and standard accessories.

Specifically developed for the elimination of mist, vapour, smoke and odours typical of wet machining operations these mechanical filters can also be employed in mixed application (wet/dry) and for EDM machines.

DESIGNED FOR :
All types of machine tools and industrial operation with presence of coolants (water soluble oil or straight oil) and for EDM machines.

TO ELIMINATE :
Mist, Vapor, Smoke, Odor

Improved precision without deviation in deep holes. Longer tool life of the subsequent drills. Centering and pilot drilling in one step. 90° chamfer included. Lenghts and diameters according to the complete CrazyDrill program.

The intelligent drilling solution
The drilling concept from Mikron Tool is specially designed for deep holes and is based on a two-stage principle. Centering and drilling of pilot holes, maximum 2 x ø depth, is carried out in one step with the CrazyDrill Pilot, the longer CrazyDrill (Steel, Alu or Cool) is responsible for the perfect execution of the deep hole.
This combination guarantees optimum guidance for drilling with a negligibly small diameter difference.

This drilling concept can be used as a substitute for costly and time-consuming deep hole drilling down to a depth of maximum 15 x ø in the diameter range 0.4 to 6.0 mm. The CrazyDrill Cool then reaches a maximum depth of 15 x ø with minimum pecking.

Greater productivity is thus achieved without investment in expensive production systems and finish reaming operations.

High-performance services – Star Service
With its Star Service (Standard Tool Adjustment & Record Service) Mikron Tool offers high-performance drills in non-standard sizes. With our answer by return, you will receive an offer, including both a drawing and a firm delivery date.

Google Government Requests includes an interactive world map of all requests from government agencies around the world to remove content from their services, or provide information about users of their services and products, between July and December 2009. Even with the simple quantitative data that is available, some non-obvious insights can be made (who knew Brazil was so engaged in acquiring or removing Google data?).

As Google claims to be “… still learning the best way to collect and present this information“, it seems your input in terms of proposing a more effective information design might be valuable to them. So, if you were working for Google, how would you propose to represent this data in a more effective way?

Give your comments or links to redesign sketches in the comments section below!

Thnkx Tim!

Following the 2010 Kia Soul and the 2010 Hyundai Sonata, the 2010 Kia Forte is the third model from Hyundai/Kia to earn the Institute’s top safety designation for 2010. To win, vehicles must earn the top rating of good for front, side, rollover, and rear impact protection and have electronic stability control (ESC), which is standard on the Forte.

Click here to get prices on the 2010 Kia Forte.

“The Kia brand is growing rapidly in the U.S. thanks to new vehicles such as the Forte that embody our core philosophies of quality, value, style and safety,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). “Forte offers buyers a youthful and dynamically styled vehicle with an impressive array of standard safety features, and being honored as an IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick’ award winner furthers its position as a top contender in its segment and a vehicle that offers consumers the entire package.”

The 2010 Kia Forte is now available at Kia dealers in three trims including LX, EX and SX. Prices for the Kia Forte LX sedan starts at $13,695, while the EX and SX start at $15,995 and $17,945 respectively.

Follow the jump for the press release.

2010 Kia Forte:

Press Release:

KIA FORTE AWARDED “TOP SAFETY PICK” BY INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY
New for 2010 Compact Sedan Wins Highest Award from IIHS

– Forte receives top ratings for front, side, rollover, and rear impact protection
– Compact sedan is third vehicle in company history to be named “Top Safety Pick”

IRVINE, Calif., April 20, 2010 – Following in the footsteps of the 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle, the 2010 Kia Forte compact sedan has been recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with a 2010 “Top Safety Pick” award in the Small Car category. The new Forte, which replaced Kia’s popular Spectra model, received the organization’s top honor by earning “Good” ratings – the highest achievable – in frontal, side, rear and rollover impact crash safety tests. The Sedona minivan was chosen as a “Top Safety Pick” shortly after its launch in 2006.

Ratings from the Institute are based on results from frontal, side and rear impact crash tests, and for the first time a good performance in a roof strength test to measure protection in a rollover also was required to win. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation was based on various measurements specific to each crash angle, and overall impact on crash test dummies inside the vehicle at the time of collision. All vehicles must have electronic stability control available to be eligible.

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, pricing for the Forte sedan starts at $13,695 for the LX trim, while the EX begins at $15,995 and the SX starts at $17,4951. In addition to competitive pricing, Forte also showcases a class-leading combination of standard safety features with active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), brake assist (BAS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

All Forte models also come well-stocked with a long list of standard amenities, starting with a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service2. Also standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players as well as Bluetooth®3 wireless technology and connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls, which enables hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones.

– By: Stephen Calogera

The Worldbank, an international financial institution that provides leveraged loans to developing countries for capital programs has just released data.worldbank.org, a website that provides free, open and easy access to statistics and indicators about development. While the idea is not particularly novel (think of UNData, Google Public Data, data.gov and many others) the World Bank Data website seems unique by the combination of offering free datasets and indicators as well as a compelling visual interface for open data exploration. Many indicators are also available to developers to create new data applications and visualizations through an Application Programming Interface (API).

The visual dashboard in particular shows a surprising level of visual sophistication and detail, and gives access to economically relevant topics like Education or CO2 emission, or country-specific statistics of countries ranging from the U.S. to Rwanda.

The fact that the information architecture and visual style is contemporary and consistent, that even the smallest data widget offers a direct link to the actual data source, and that the interface is offered in different languages demonstrates the amount of dedication put in this project. However, the vertical axis labels seem to be missing, and the amount of space dedicated to specific data attributes that are almost always “not available” seem to be annoying oversights.

Would you agree?

“Broader access to these data allow policymakers and advocacy groups to make better-informed decisions and measure improvements more accurately. They are also valuable tools to support research by journalists, academia and others, broadening understanding of global issues.“

If you live in the UK and are a fan of Top Gear, well, you’re in luck. The team is offering a chance to win a lap around the famous Top Gear track in Surrey in the latest Nissan 370Z.

“Spend the day learning the fastest way around the 2 mile circuit and how to get the maximum performance from the 370Z,” Top Gear says.

Click here to get prices on the 2010 Nissan 370Z.

Oh and we almost forgot to mention, you’ll be riding shotgun with the man in white; the world’s fastest man-machine; Top Gear’s tame racing driver: The Stig.

– By: Kap Shah

Source: TopGear

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Saab, Beijing Motor Show, Luxury

Chinese carmaker BAIC paid $200 million late last year for parts from General Motors‘ parts bin for Saab: the previous generation Saab 9-5 platform and the pre-2006 Saab 9-3 platform, along with a third mystery platform, two engines and two transmissions.

The Beijing Motor Show is upon us, and the company’s BAW division is apparently advertising what it has Photoshopped done with the 9-5 so far, called the C71 Concept. It’s almost a neat looking nose, although we aren’t sure it belongs on that particular body as opposed to, oh, a Mazda. The outgoing 9-5’s last facelift, you’ll recall, wasn’t much better. Of course, we’ll have to wait and see what they end up revealing on the show floor – who knows, this could be real progress.

[Source: AutoSohu.com via The Tycho]

Saab 9-5 gets (another) ill-fitting nose job – at hands of China’s BAW originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SMS Supercars has unveiled their brand new 2011 SMS 302 Mustang, the second in the trio of SMS American Supercars following the 2010 SMS 570 Challenger. Both will be followed by the 2011 SMS 620 Camaro later this year.

SMS Supercars will offer two versions of the SMS 302 Mustangs, the SMS 302 4V with the 5.0L V8 and the SMS 302 SC, which will use the patented SMS 296 Supercharger.

Click here to get prices on the 2011 Ford Mustang.

The 2011 SMS 302 4V Mustang is powered by a 5.0L V8 engine making over 440-hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph comes in 4.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.5 seconds at a speed of 116 mph. The 2011 SMS 302 SC uses SMS’s patent pending 296 Supercharger System and develops over 535-hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic or a 6-Speed TR3650 manual, the SMS 302 SC goes from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and runs a quarter mile in 12.1 seconds at 119 mph.

Later this year, the tuner will add the SMS 351X model. Steve says that the SMS 351X will come “with even more horsepower than the SMS 302SC, this supercharged beast will be the pinnacle performer of any production Mustang. More information on the SMS 351X will be released in the next few months.”

2011 SMS 302 Mustang:

Press Release:

Corona, California. (April 16, 2010) On the day before the 46th anniversary of the debut of the Ford Mustang, which was launched on April 17, 1964, Steve Saleen, the man whose name has become synonymous with high performance Mustangs, launched his most eagerly awaited SMS Signature Series cars, the 2011 SMS 302 Mustang.

SMS Supercars President and CEO Steve Saleen says: “Many automotive enthusiasts have embraced our SMS 570 Challenger, but I know our core fans have been waiting for the first Mustang to come from the new company, SMS Supercars. I am thrilled to be able to end the suspense today. With the new 5.0L 2011 Mustang arriving at dealerships shortly, it was appropriate for us to act swiftly and present our SMS 302 Mustang based on this early model year change. We know the 302 name will excite any Mustang fan as well”.

After the successful launch of the 2010 SMS 570 Challenger in the Spring of 2009, the 2011 SMS 302 Mustang represents the second in the trio of SMS American Supercars, which will be followed by the introduction of the 2011 SMS 620 Camaro later this year. At first, two SMS 302 versions will be offered, the SMS 302 4V with a normally aspirated 5.0L engine, followed by the SMS 302 SC, using the patented SMS 296 Supercharger.

Continues Steve: “Our line of SMS Mustangs will be the only Mustangs authorized to bear my name, to use the benefit of my heritage and to incorporate performance innovations derived from my over thirty years of racing and manufacturing experience. With the extensive design, development, manufacturing, certification and warranty coverage that we put into each vehicle, the government agencies all recognize SMS as the manufacturer of record for these cars”.

Power

The SMS 302 4V utilizes the all-new normally aspirated twin overhead cam 5.0L V8 engine with over 440 hp and 400 ft-lb of torque. This is accomplished with an all-new 4-valve head design, a high flow exhaust system, an optimized pulley drive system, premium fuel calibration and performance filtration.

The SMS 302SC will pump out over 535 hp and 450 ft-lb of torque, thanks to the use of the SMS patent pending 296 Supercharger System with Asymmetric Multi-Lobe Screws, SMS Six-PackTM Intercooler System and SMS patent pending Duo-Path Induction. Transmission options for both are a 6-speed Automatic or a 6-Speed TR3650 Manual.

Performance

The 2011 SMS 302 4V will accelerate from 0-60 in under 4.5 seconds and pass the quarter mile in 13.5 seconds at a speed of 116 mph. The SMS 302SC numbers are even more impressive with a 4.3 second 0-60 and a quarter mile in 12.1 seconds at 119 mph.

Suspension

Both SMS 302 models come standard with the new and unique SMS S4 High Performance Suspension, comprising of S4 Specific Rate Front and Rear Springs, S4 Front Struts, S4 Rear Shocks, S4 Front and Rear Sway Bars with High Durometer Pivot Bushings and the all-new SMS unique S4 Watts Link rear suspension.

Both models utilize Pirelli PZero High Performance 275/35ZR 20 tires on 20″ x 9″ 5-spoke alloy wheels at the front and 275/40ZR 20 tires on 20″ x 10″ 5-spoke alloy wheels at the rear. The brakes with ABS Cross Drilled Rotors, Powder Coated Calipers and High Performance Racing pads deliver impressive stopping power to match the jaw-dropping acceleration.

Design

The SMS 302 has a striking design that separates it from any other vehicle in the market. Chief Creative Officer of SMS, Phil Frank notes, “The SMS 302 is a dramatic, timeless and iconic visual statement that confidently leads the pack, continuing the evolution of the image of the SMS brand.” The sculpted front fascia utilizes a high volume lower radiator intake with brake ducts and an integrated front splitter with ducting for supercharged models. The striking new hood differentiates the car with its chrome trimmed heat extraction grilles. Available for either model as an option is the patented SMS Red ButterflyTM Center Ram Air Induction which debuted in 2008 on the SMS 25th Anniversary Mustang Concept. Notes Steve, “When those butterflies crack open under throttle, people stop and stare.”

The bold side skirts echo the new Mustang’s upper spear shape in the fenders while flowing seamlessly into the deep sculpting of the vented rear fascia. The high downforce rear diffuser includes a rear Formula One-style rain light in reference to Steve’s racing pedigree. The most dramatic element of the SMS 302 is the transformation of the rear of the car through the integration of the rear fascia, rear fender caps and the trunk lid spoiler; which creates a longer silhouette and its exotic car good looks and makes the SMS 302 unmistakably a Steve Saleen product.

Interior

The interior with all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats with the patented Signature Series chevron stripes, two-tone leather chevron door inserts, a leather-wrapped billet aluminum shift knob and leather wrapped steering wheel set the SMS 302 apart from lesser offerings. Instrumentation features a 200 mph gauge cluster and a supercharger gauge pod with boost and charge air temperature gauges for the SMS 302 SC. Standard features include a color keyed center console, a powerful Shaker 500 Stereo with SYNC® and a 276 Watt amplifier, aluminum SMS door sill plates and embroidered model designated floor mats to give the interior its finishing touch.

Tailor Made Options

SMS offers it’s discerning customers a wide range of SMS Tailor Made options, including a dozen unique show car paint colors such as Burnout Black, Tire Smoke White, Sour Grape Green, Plum Insane, Pineapple Express Yellow and Maliblue to name a few. Customers can further personalize their car’s interior in matching colors for the seat Signature Series chevrons and stitching if so desired.

Authenticity

Through the years, Steve’s cars have become collector’s items and many have held or even gained value due to their exclusivity and authenticity. After passing the extensive quality control and dynamic driving test, each SMS 302 is personally signed by Steve and then receives its matching serialized SMS VIN on the engine bay plaque, dash plaque and front bumper for authentication.

SMS 351X

While the SMS 302SC can win a fight with almost anything on the road, another legendary moniker is making its way back onto the road. Later this year, SMS Supercars will add the SMS 351X model. Says Steve: “with even more horsepower than the SMS 302SC, this supercharged beast will be the pinnacle performer of any production Mustang. More information on the SMS 351X will be released in the next few months”.

2010 SMS 460 and 460X

SMS is in the process of completing the production run of 25 Limited Edition SMS 460 and 460X Mustangs based on the 2010 model year. These unique collector’s items are powered by a supercharged 4.6L V8 engine. All of them are sold.

About Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars – Speed, Science and Style

SMS Supercars, a company founded by renowned race driver and automotive icon Steve Saleen, is a manufacturer of high-end lifestyle performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. SMS Supercars designs, engineers, tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all of its own products and vehicles. SMS Supercars vehicles include the SMS 570 and 570X Challenger and the SMS 302 4V, 302SC and 351X Mustang models. The SMS 620 and 620X Camaro models will complete the trio of SMS American Supercars in 2010.

– By: Omar Rana

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Ford, Off-Road

The 6.2-liter V8-powered Ford F-150 SVT Raptor went on sale less than two weeks ago and Ford tells us that it already has 3,000 orders signed, sealed and awaiting delivery. While that would spell disaster for the Blue Oval if we were talking about the run-of-the-mill F-150, we’re talking about a purpose-built performance truck brandishing Fox shocks and massive 35-inch tires. Given the vehicle’s niche audience, those kind of early sales numbers have Ford officials pretty excited. Make no mistake, the reason for all that interest has everything to do with the extra 91 horsepower under the Raptor’s beefy hood, and the folks at Hennessey dyno’d the Little Mule to see just how much power transfers to those massive rear wheels. If you’re wondering why Hennessey is interested in the Raptor, remember that the super tuner announced the 500 horsepower VelociRaptor back in February.

The post-jump video shows that, on the Hennessey dyno, the Raptor managed 326 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. Keep in mind that the 326 ponies are measured at the rear wheels, where drivetrain losses zap power. Ford quotes 411 hp and 434 lb-ft at the flywheel, which means the vehicle Hennessey dyno’d experienced a 19.5 percent loss from the flywheel to the rear wheels. Hit the jump to watch the video, which includes a zero-to-60 time of less than eight seconds.

[Source: Hennessey via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey gets Ford’s SVT Raptor 6.2-liter rippin’ on a dyno

Video: Hennessey gets Ford’s SVT Raptor 6.2-liter rippin’ on a dyno originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Subaru, Earnings/Financials, Celebrities, Design/Style

Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth are joined by the car executive we all wish we could be when we grow up, General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. After an hour of peppering Bob with questions about his career, we come away better informed as to where the man stands on the industry’s future, how GM will fare, his favorite concept cars, what he plans to do in his retirement, and – pivotally – how to get your wife to let you buy a MiG fighter jet. It’s a hour and thirteen minutes of class lecture from Mr. Lutz. Enjoy!

Autoblog Podcast #175: Bob Lutz!

In the Autoblog Garage:

Long-term Subaru Legacy 2.5GT
Chevrolet Camaro V6 6MT
Buick Enclave
Mini John Cooper Works Cabrio

Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid

Guest:

Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman of General Motors

Runtime: 1:13:46

Autoblog Podcast #175 – Bob Lutz joins in originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan announced today that it celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Z’s First National Championship win with a BRE 370Z. The car will pay homage to the year that Peter Brock’s Southern California-based Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) racing team claimed the first of its two SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) National Championships at Road Atlanta with that first iteration of the now iconic Z-car.

Click here for prices on the 2010 Nissan 370Z.

Based on the Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, the BRE 370Z will be unveiled at a BRE Reunion dinner at the Classic Motorsports Mitty at Road Atlanta later next week. Brock, Morton and many of the original BRE team members will be in attendance.

The new BRE 370Z won’t just be a show car but will be built for the track as well.

Stay tuned for the final product.

Make the jump for the press release.

Check out our review of the 2009 Nissan 370Z here.

Refresher: The 2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition is based on the 332-hp 3.7L V6 370Z Coupe Touring and features the SynchroRev Match system, a front chin spoiler, a rear spoiler, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch Ray forged aluminum-alloy wheels and a viscous limited-slip differential. The special-edition model gets a premium “40th Quartz” exterior color and red leather interior. Other modifications include smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers and 40th Anniversary badging on the rear hatch and front strut tower brace. Production will be limited to 1,000 units. Prices start at $38,860.

40th Anniversary Nissan 370Z BRE:

2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition:

Press Release:

Nissan Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Z®’s First National Championship with a BRE 370Z

– Forty Years After Their Famous Victory in the 240Z, Peter Brock, John Morton and Brock Racing Enterprises Revisit Road Atlanta at The Classic Motorsports Mitty –

Forty years ago, the Datsun 240Z arrived in North America and changed the sports car landscape forever. That same year Peter Brock’s Southern California-based Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) racing team claimed the first of its two SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) National Championships at Road Atlanta with that first iteration of the now iconic Z®-car. It was the first time in racing history that a Japanese production racer had defeated the long-established champions from Germany and England in head-to-head competition. That championship win, with driver John Morton at the wheel, firmly established the performance and engineering credibility of the popular Z®.

The #46 championship car carried the now famous red, white and blue BRE paint scheme designed by Peter Brock. In recognition of BRE’s multiple championships and the Z®’s first championship, Nissan North America has again teamed with Brock to create an updated rendition of the famous BRE livery, a specially modified 2010 Nissan NISMO 370Z Coupe.

The BRE 370Z will be unveiled at a special BRE Reunion dinner at the Classic Motorsports Mitty at Road Atlanta on Thursday, April 29 and will be displayed throughout the weekend along with a 40th Anniversary Edition 370Z and a large collection of the famous BRE racecars. Brock, Morton and many of the original BRE team members will be in attendance, as the BRE team is being recognized this year as The Mitty’s honored historic racing team.

“To be able to gather with many of my old BRE crew members at Road Atlanta this year is a truly special occasion,” said Brock. ”There will be so many race fans of that era who will join us to celebrate, as well as modern vintage teams which will be bringing their own tribute BRE racers to compete on this fabulous circuit.”

The powerful, sculpted shape of the Nissan 370Z gave Brock a dynamic canvas to exercise his design skills and update the BRE livery. He worked closely with the painters to finalize the details and make sure it met his exacting standards. “Because the 370Z has strong, sculpted shapes, I was able to make the livery even bolder and more aggressive,” said Brock. “It was good to be in the paint booth working out the details of the design. I look forward to seeing it in a race track setting at The Mitty.”

The new BRE 370Z is not just a show car, however, it’s built for the track as well. As is appropriate to commemorate the championship car, it was built to current SCCA T2 racecar regulations and will see track duty later this year. It will also be on display at multiple Z® Club events around the country, including ZCon 2010, the annual Z convention, from July 28 to August 1 in Nashville.

About the Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition
The 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition starts out as a 370Z Coupe Touring model equipped with manual transmission and Sport Package (including SynchroRev Match™, front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch Rays forged aluminum-alloy wheels and viscous limited-slip differential) and adds a premium “40th Graphite” exterior color and red leather-appointed interior.

Additional exclusive equipment includes a high-luster smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers and 40th Anniversary badges on the rear hatch and front strut tower brace. Inside, along with the red leather-appointed seats are red door panel inserts, 40th Anniversary seatback and floor mat embroidery, red stitching on the center stack, shift boot and kneepads, smooth leather steering wheel with red stitching and a plaque of authenticity. Only 1000 examples of the 40th Anniversary 370Z will be available in the U.S.

– By: Omar Rana

Published April 20, 2010
By the Tri-City Herald Editorial Board

The Mid-Columbia Literary Festival puts another Northwest writer in the spotlight tonight when poet Tod Marshall appears at Columbia Basin College.

The Gonzaga University professor’s reading is set for 7 p.m. at the HUB Main Stage.

His first collection of poetry, Dare Say, was the 2002 winner of the University of Georgia’s Contemporary Poetry Series. His second collection, The Tangled Line, was published in 2009.

Marshall’s collection of interviews with contemporary poets, Range of the Possible, makes him both fan and artist.

“Each conversation — from learned discussions with such intense poet-scholars as Robert Hass and Edward Hirsch to the mystical perceptions of Li-Young Lee to Linda Bierds’ interest in writing about lives other than her own to Yusef Komunyakaa’s connection to place — deepens the reader’s appreciation for all the knowledge, emotion and conviction that make poetry the wonder, pleasure and solace it is,” wrote Donna Seaman in Booklist.

As poet and teacher, Marshall should satisfy poetry lovers and those looking for an introduction to contemporary poetry.

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

It looks like there will be more than one car showing up the Walter Mitty Challenge at Road Atlanta next month wearing the colors of Pete Brock’s BRE racing team. Just days after Mazda announced that it had prepared a BRE-liveried MX-5 for the Playboy MX-5 Cup, Nissan has announced that it is working on a Nismo 370Z with a similar color scheme.

The Nissan is, of course, a descendant of the Datsun 240Z John Morton drove to BRE’s first SCCA National Championship in 1970. While the Miata got a very literal interpretation of the original BRE paint job, Brock has apparently worked with painters at Nissan to produce a modern iteration. The Z will be revealed at a special dinner at Road Atlanta on April 29 to kick off the big weekend of vintage racing.

The car has been built to SCCA T2 specs, and plans call for it to do some racing at Z Club events and SCCA regionals this summer.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan working on BRE 370Z to mark car’s 40th anniversary

Nissan working on BRE 370Z to mark car’s 40th anniversary originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Going green for Ford doesn’t just mean developing compact cars like the Fiesta and offering EcoBoost engines. The automaker announced today that it is making its vehicles, which are 85 percent recyclable by weight, more eco-friendly through the increased used of renewable and recyclable materials.

“By increasing the use of recycled or renewable content and reducing the use of undesirable materials whenever possible, we’re helping to reduce waste to landfills by millions of pounds – and we’re doing it around the world,” said John Viera, Ford’s director of Sustainability and Environmental Policy. “More than ever before, the spirit of ONE Ford that drives our global product strategy also drives our commitment to sustainability.”

Click here for prices on the 2010 Ford Taurus.

Ford said that it saved approximately $4.5 million by using recycled materials in 2009. It said that it diverted between 25 and 30 million pounds of plastic from landfills in North America alone.

The 2010 Ford Taurus is the eleventh vehicle from the company to feature earth-friendly bio-based seat cushions and seatbacks. The Ford Mustang, F-150, Focus, Flex, Escape, Expedition and Econoline as well as Mercury Mariner, Lincoln MKS and Navigator also use the sustainable material.

Follow the jump for the press release for more details.

Press Release:

FORD IS MAKING GREENER VEHICLES THROUGH INCREASED USE OF RENEWABLE AND RECYCLABLE MATERIALS

* Ford is making its vehicles, which are 85 percent recyclable by weight, more eco-friendly through increased use of renewable and recyclable materials; the 2010 Ford Taurus is the latest model to use eco-friendly bio-based seat cushions
* In 2009, Ford reduced the amount of automotive-related plastics to landfills by nearly 30 million pounds and saved approximately $4.5 million by reusing recycled materials
* Ford’s “reduce, reuse and recycle” commitments are part of its broader global sustainability strategy to reduce its environmental footprint
* Automobiles are among the most recycled consumer products. More than 95 percent of all end-of-life vehicles in the U.S. are processed for recycling – compared to 52 percent of all paper and 31 percent of all plastic soft drink bottles

DEARBORN, Mich., April 20, 2010 – Ford is making its vehicles more eco-friendly through increased use of renewable and recyclable materials such as the soy and bio-based seat cushions and seatbacks on the 2010 Ford Taurus.

Ford vehicles are now 85 percent recyclable by weight. In 2009, Ford saved approximately $4.5 million by using recycled materials, and diverted between 25 and 30 million pounds of plastic from landfills in North America alone.

The 2010 Ford Taurus is the eleventh Ford vehicle to feature earth-friendly bio-based seat cushions and seatbacks. Ford has more vehicle models with seats that use soy and other bio-based foams than any other automaker. Ford Mustang, F-150, Focus, Flex, Escape, Expedition and Econoline as well as Mercury Mariner, Lincoln MKS and Navigator also use the sustainable material.

“We already have bio-based foam on more than 2 million vehicles and we’re looking to convert 100 percent of our fleet to it in the future,” said Jerry Brown, Ford chief engineer of seat and restraint engineering. “This is just one way that Ford is advancing the use of eco-friendly materials in the industry.”

Ford’s “reduce, reuse and recycle” commitments are part of the company’s broader global sustainability strategy to reduce its environmental footprint while accelerating the development of advanced fuel-efficient vehicle technologies around the world.

Building in green materials
For the past several years, Ford has concentrated on increasing the use of non-metal recycled and bio-based materials, including:

* Bio-based (such as soy) polyurethane foams on the seat cushions, seatbacks and headliners on 11 vehicle models. The 2 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles on the road today with bio-foam seats equates to a reduction in petroleum oil usage of approximately 1.5 million pounds
* Post-consumer recycled resins such as detergent bottles, tires and battery casings used to make underbody systems, such as aerodynamic shields, splash shields and radiator air deflector shields. The latest example is the engine cam cover on the 3.0-liter V-6 2010 Ford Escape. As a result, Ford has diverted between 25 and 30 million pounds of plastic from landfills
* Post-industrial recycled yarns for seat fabrics on vehicles such as the Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid. A 100 percent usage of recycled yarns can mean a 64 percent reduction in energy consumption and a 60 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the use of new yarns
* Repurposed nylon carpeting made into nylon resin and molded into cylinder head covers for Ford’s 3.0-liter Duratec® engine. The industry’s first eco-friendly cylinder head cover is used in the 2010 Ford Fusion and Escape
* The automotive industry’s first application of wheat straw-reinforced plastic for the third-row storage bins of the 2010 Ford Flex. The natural fiber replaces energy-inefficient glass fibers commonly used to reinforce plastic parts

In support of Ford’s global product development strategy, material engineers are developing standardized specifications for sustainable materials while working with parts purchasers and suppliers to use eco-friendly components in different markets.

For example, the European Ford Focus uses recycled polymer in such components as the battery tray, wheel arch liners, seat fabric and carpets. Materials engineers are in the process of determining if recycled polymer can be used for similar components in the global Focus coming to North America and Europe in 2011.

“Sustainable materials need to meet the same high standards for quality, durability and performance as virgin material; there can be no compromise on product quality,” said Valentina Cerato, Ford materials engineer in Europe.

What the future holds
Materials researchers continue to explore sustainable material applications, such as an eco-friendly replacement for the fiberglass used between the headliner and roof sheet metal that will be bio-based, lighter weight, and will deliver improved acoustics and neutralize odor.

In addition, Ford researchers are developing natural-fiber composites as a potential substitute for the glass fibers traditionally used in plastic car parts to make them stronger while reducing vehicle weight, which helps improve fuel economy and reduces emissions. Natural fiber composites also are more eco-friendly, because their production and end-of-life incineration are less energy intensive than glass fibers, which also results in lower emissions.

Ford researchers also are investigating ways to use plastics made entirely from sustainable resources such as corn, sugar beets, sweet potatoes and other vegetables. These renewable materials will help reduce dependency on petroleum, reduce CO2 emissions and allow the composting of the material at the end of a vehicle’s life.

“Natural fiber-reinforced plastics and plant-based polymer resins help reduce CO2 emissions by being entirely compostable, and in some cases reduce weight, which helps improve fuel economy,” said Debbie Mielewski, technical leader, Ford Plastics Research. “We have to entertain the thought of bio-replacement in baby steps, looking at every aspect of a car that could be green. One day I hope to see the world of automotive plastics go totally compostable, removing petroleum by 100 percent.”

What comes out
Automobiles are among the most recycled consumer products in the world. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 95 percent of all end-of-life vehicles in the U.S. are processed for recycling – compared to 52 percent of all paper and 31 percent of all plastic soft drink bottles.

In Europe, automakers are required to take back the vehicles they’ve produced at the end of the vehicles’ useful lives. Ford has end-of-life recycling networks for its vehicles in 16 European markets and participates in industry collective systems in another 10. In 2007, Ford became one of the first automakers in Europe to be certified in compliance with end-of-life requirements, including:

* Design and produce vehicles that facilitate the dismantling, reuse, recovery and recycling of them at end-of-life
* Reduce the use of hazardous substances when designing vehicles
* Increase the use of recycled materials in vehicle manufacture
* Ensure that parts do not contain mercury, hexavalent chromium, cadmium or lead

Reuse is a big part of the recycling story. Auto recyclers supply more than one third of all ferrous scrap to the U.S. scrap processing industry. When manufacturers use scrap iron and steel instead of newly produced ore, they reduce air and water pollution by more than half during the manufacturing process.

“In theory, end-of-life vehicles are nearly 100 percent recoverable. In practice, however, the cost in energy and labor to recover all vehicle material often exceeds the value of the materials and offers insignificant value to the environment,” Viera said. “We remain focused on achieving the highest economically viable and environmentally sound recovery percentage possible.”

– By: Stephen Calogera

Depois de revelar uma primeira imagem e a apresentação do conceito CLS Shooting Break no Salão do Automóvel de Pequim, a Mercedes-Benz divulgou novas imagens (que você pode conferir na galeria abaixo) e um vídeo do modelo, no qual podemos conferir detalhadamente suas novidades.

O conceito adianta o futura StationWagon Mercedes-Benz CLS, que de acordo com a companhia alemã, tem data prevista para estrear no fim de 2011. Mesmo ainda em sua fase de desenvolvimento, o modelo já tem três motorizações diferentes: Um V6 de 3.5L de 300 cv, o V8 de 4.6L e 435 cv de potência, além da versão esportiva AMG, que vem com um potente motor V8 5.5L bi-turbo com 563 cavalos de potencia.

Todas as novidades do conceito Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break serão conhecidas durante a sua apresentação no Salão do Automóvel de Pequim, que irá abrir as suas portas dos dias 27 de abril a 2 de maio.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break

Fonte: Autoblog.it

If you mention Ford’s EcoBoost to a General Motors powertrain engineer, they will probably tell you that the Detroit automaker had the technology first. According to Uwe Grebe, executive director of GM’s global advanced engineering, GM’s mistake with was missing the chance to market and badge the technology.

Ford launched its EcoBoost technology, which combines turbocharging and direct-injection, last summer. Ford says that it promises to offer EcoBoost in 90 percent of its lineup by 2013. GM actually had the technology in 2007 for its Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.

“But we didn’t have a badge and say, ‘This is the most important thing we will put on all our brochures,’” he says.

Grebe says that GM is now making marketing its new turbo engines a top priority. The technology is standard on the Chevrolet Cobalt SS and HHR SS models. It will be available as an option on the Buick Regal due late this summer.

“It would not be good to say, ‘This is EcoBoost, only better,’” Grebe says. “People need to know what it is,” but “people don’t want to know every detail of the technology.”

– By: Kap Shah

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM

General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz might be set to retire at the end of the month, but don’t expect him to go quietly into that good night – or take up the usual trappings that a man of his age and accomplishment might normally seek out. “I don’t play golf, never have never will. And secondly, I have no desire to go to Hilton Head, or Naples, Florida, or any place like that.”

Fair enough. So what’s in store for the auto industry icon? Well, he’s working on new business book, and there will be a supporting tour to follow its publication. Beyond that, he tells Autoblog that he’s going to be embarking on the lecture circuit with the Leigh Speakers Bureau and he might just be open to helping run another company – automotive or otherwise:

“I have had several approaches for board memberships of various companies and I’m going to be meeting with a headhunter who is a specialist in finding board members. He wants to see me, so we’ll see what comes up there. As far as GM is concerned, I have had numerous requests to continue to be available for advice and counsel and occasionally review design properties and stuff like that, so I’ll find a way to stay engaged.”

What about going to work for another carmaker? “Now, no other automobile company has yet approached me and said ‘Here’s a huge wad of money, come and work for us.’” We couldn’t resist a followup: “Is that an open invitation for that to happen?” Lutz laughed his trademark hoarse laugh and said wryly, “It depends on the size of the wad of money.”

Interested in hearing more Lutz gems? Check out the newest installment of the Autoblog Podcast, where the good chairman sits in with us for an hour-long career retrospective. We’ll have the complete show up for download or online listening available later this afternoon.

Bob Lutz, 78, open to future career opportunities originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Surely, you didn’t expect Two-Face Harvey Dent to give Batman trouble all by himself, did you? Of course not. If we’re talking about Batman: Arkham Asylum 2, it’s gotta have the villains that didn’t make it to

For years, there have been attempts by states to get Amazon to collect sales tax on purchases in those states, even if Amazon doesn’t actually have any facilities in those states. Historically, companies haven’t needed to charge sales tax if they don’t directly operate in those states since (the argument goes) they’re not making use of state resources and thus shouldn’t have to collect for the state. Of course, buyers are still supposed to pay the sales tax directly to the state — though that almost never happens. Various states have worked on ways around this in blatant revenue grabs. For example, it’s become popular for states to claim that if a particular state has any residents who have signed up as Amazon affiliates, Amazon now has a presence in that state. In response to this, Amazon has cut off affiliate programs in various states. One of those states was North Carolina.

North Carolina’s response was to go even further — and have its Department of Revenue demand from Amazon a list of everyone in the state who had made a purchase on Amazon.com since 2003. Amazon contends that it already turns over plenty of data to North Carolina:

It routinely provides the Revenue Department with “voluminous information” about its sales to North Carolina addresses as part of routine audits of the company’s compliance with sales and use tax laws. The information includes the date and total price of each transaction, the city, county and ZIP code to which each item was shipped and Amazon’s standard product code for each item, which allows officials to see the description of every product purchased.

But what it does not provide is the actual names and addresses — and North Carolina threatened to charge Amazon with contempt if it didn’t provide that info. In response, Amazon is now suing North Carolina, claiming that the demand to turn over such information is a massive breach of the First Amendment, in that it could create serious chilling effects on what people would buy if they knew that the gov’t was reviewing all of their purchases.

It’s hard to see how North Carolina has any case here at all. Demanding such information would be a huge breach of privacy and of individual rights — all in a blatant attempt by the state to collect more revenue. Hopefully the courts shut down this overreach quickly.

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