Author: Serkadis

Last month, BMW announced pricing on the new 2011 BMW 535i and the 2011 550i, which will start at $50,475 and $60,575 respectively. Today, BMW announced pricing on the new 2011 BMW 528i, which will join the 535i and the 550i in July. Prices will start at $45,425 including a $875 destination and handling charges.

Check out a video of the 2011 BMW 5-Series in action.

The 2011 BMW 528i is powered by a 3.0L inline-6 engine making 240-hp and a peak torque of 230 lb-ft. That allows it to sprint from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, compared to 7.1 seconds for the outgoing model.

Even with those enhancements, the base MSRP of the 2011 BMW 528i sedan is $1,400 lower than the 2010 528i.

Click here for more news on the BMW 5-Series.

Follow the jump for the press release.

2011 BMW 5-Series:

Press Release:

Pricing Announced for All-New BMW 528i Sedan

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 16, 2010… BMW has announced pricing for the all-new 2011 BMW 528i Sedan. The new 528i will arrive at BMW Centers in July and is priced from $45,425 including $875 Destination & Handling. Based on the all-new, 6th-generation BMW 5 Series, the new 528i receives BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-6 engine with magnesium-aluminum construction and 240 horsepower, plus BMW’s new 8-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. Despite these enhancements, the base MSRP is $1,400 lower than the 528i’s 2010 predecessor.

As on any other BMW vehicle, BMW Ultimate Service, with $0 maintenance for the first 4 years or 50,000 miles, is included.

“When we announced the pricing for the 535i and 550i earlier this month, people were thrilled with what great value they represented,” said Jack Pitney, Vice-President of Marketing for BMW of North American. “With the 528i BMW is uniquely positioned to offer a full range of midsized luxury-performance Sedans that, true to the philosophy of EfficentDynamics, offer better performance and improved efficiency than their predecessors at prices that are even more competitive.”

The all-new 2011 BMW 5 Series combines a whole new look, inside and out, with new powertrain options and even more cutting-edge technology. Design features emblematic of BMW are to be found at the front with its kidney grille inclined slightly forward. The new 5 Series chassis is 55% stiffer than its already-impressive predecessor.

The new 528i is equipped with BMW’s celebrated 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, now enhanced to produce 240 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. These figures represent improvements of 10 and 30, respectively, over the previous-generation 528i. As a result, the new 528i is expected to accomplish the 0-60mph sprint in 6.6 seconds (preliminary), compared to 7.1 seconds for the previous model. The normally aspirated engine is equipped with Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology and weighs approximately 355 lbs thanks to its exotic magnesium-aluminum engine block construction. EPA mileage estimates will be available closer to the July on-sale date.

In addition to the standard 8-speed automatic transmission, new 17-inch light alloy wheels with all-season run-flat tires are standard on the 528i, while the optional Sport Package includes 18-inch light alloy wheels with high-performance run-flat tires. Inside, drivers will find standard lumbar support and a larger standard moonroof.

Options and packages for the 528i are very similar to the 535i Sedan with a few exceptions. Xenon headlights will be a stand-alone option on the 528i. The Dynamic Handling Package will provide Driving Dynamics Control and Dynamic Damping Control, which is quick enough to adjust the damping at a rear wheel after a front wheel has encountered a road imperfection at highway speeds. Integral Active Steering is not offered on the 528i.

BMW EfficientDynamics technologies are featured where appropriate on the 528i, including Brake Energy Regeneration, Valvetronic, Electric Power Steering, and on-demand operation of engine accessory drives. Lightweight materials are used to balance the vehicle. Components such as doors, hood, front fenders, and suspension assemblies are made of aluminum.

The driver assistance systems offered with the new 5 Series include an all-new Parking Assistant, Top View cameras, and Frontal Collision Warning with application of the brakes when ordered with Active Cruise Control plus Stop & Go. Other driver assistance features available include Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, a Head-Up Display, and BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection.

The BMW 528i will join the 535i and 550i in BMW showrooms in the US in July.

– By: Omar Rana

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A announced today it launch a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 600,000 units of the first and second generation Sienna 2WD minivans sold in the United States. The recall focuses around a potential corrosion in the spare tire carrier cable.

“This condition may appear on certain 1998 through 2010 model year Siennas that have been operated in cold climate areas with high road salt use,” Toyota said in a statement. “Continued prolonged exposure to road salts may cause excessive corrosion of the carrier cable in some of these vehicles. In the worst case, the carrier cable may fail and the spare tire could become separated from the vehicle, a road hazard for following vehicles that increases the likelihood of a crash.”

Toyota said it currently doesn’t have a remedy for the issue but is working to develop one. In the mean time customers will receive a interim notice instructing them to bring their Siennas to a dealership for a preliminary inspection. Once a solution is developed, Toyota will send out a secondary notice advising the customer of the remedy availability.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Veja com exclusividade as primeiras imagens do novo Fiat Uno, o principal lançamento para o mercado brasilseiro no ano de 2010. Ainda não reveladas oficialmente, as primeiras imagens do hatch da Fiat vazaram e já estão circulando pela imprensa especializada.

As primeiras imagens revelam provavelmente a versão aventureira do novo Fiat Uno, já que seu exterior vem muito bem “recheado” de apliques em plásticos, que até beiram o exagero. As imagens não apresentam mudanças significaticas em relação ao que esperavamos, tendo como base as projeções e flagras do modelo em testes externos. Já no seu interior, a predominância é de formas arrendondadas como as saidas de ventilação, controles do ar-condicionado e ventilação e o seu painel de instrumentos.

Novo Fiat Uno

Fonte: CarPlace

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Audi, Volkswagen

Yesterday at Stanford University, the world’s valets were put on notice. The crew at Volkswagen’s Vehicle Innovation Lab (VAIL) hosted an event for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, where the diplomat from Deutschland got to see first-hand what VW has been working on for the past five years, and what kind of practical implementations are around the corner.

The VAIL team was the first group to complete the DARPA Grand Challenge with a fully autonomous Touareg that scaled over 130 miles of the Mojave Desert in 2005. The original self-driven vehicle, Stanley, has evolved into Stanley 2, a Passat wagon with enough computing power to completely fill the boot. That vehicle took second place at an urban course for the 2007 DARPA Challenge and now that technology has been scaled down, refined and put into another diesel-powered Passat to show off one of the many uses for the autonomous tech.

After Merkel caught a plane home and the crowds subsided, we scored a ride in the self-propelled Passat and discovered that the days of parking attendants are officially numbered.

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Volkswagen and Stanford: Parking Cars Without People [w/video]

Volkswagen and Stanford: Parking Cars Without People [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It looks like Square Enix North America has something new up its sleeve as Sonia Im, Senior PR Manager of the company, hinted on his twitter post that they are currently working on an unannounced project that

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.16.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After seven years in the courts, a federal judge has ruled that a dripping red wax seal can only be used by Maker’s Mark bourbon. While no monetary damages were awarded, the judge issued an injunction to prevent Diageo and Casa Cuervo from using a dripping wax seal on their tequilas, specifically, their high-end tequila, Cuervo Reserva. Maker’s Mark has held the trademark (pdf) on the dripping wax since the 50s; Cuervo Reservo launched with their dripping wax design in 2001, after using a non-dripping wax seal in previous years. Call me a moron in a hurry, but these tequila bottles really don’t remind me of Maker’s Mark one bit.

That said, the injunction won’t really affect Cuervo that much right now, since they stopped the dripping wax design after 2007 in favor of a cleaner wax seal, but that might not even matter — Maker’s Mark filed a second suit in 2009, alleging that even a non-dripping bottle still infringes upon their trademark. That suit seems even more ridiculous, since wax seals are commonly used to seal not just liquors, but also anything from wine to vinegar to honey.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

It’s been nearly a year since SMS Supercars first showed us a rendering of their proposed 460 Mustang. And we had nearly given up hope that it would ever come out. But sure enough, Steve Saleen and the rest of his crew have been hard at work developing the new SMS Mustang. That car, now named the 302 Mustang due to the V8’s displacement change for 2011, was officially unveiled today at the company’s headquarters in Corona, CA.

Two separate versions of the 302 Mustang will be offered, including a naturally aspirated base 4V model and a supercharged 302SC Mustang. The 4V will produce 440 horsepower thanks to a few powertrain tweaks, while the supercharged model will boast 535 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque.

Both Mustangs will have a slew of standard features including the new SMS body kit, hood with heat-extracting grilles, 20-inch wheels and tires, upgraded suspension and brakes, and numerous interior appointments including Alcantara seats, 200 mph gauges, short-throw shifter and more. The styling appears to be a mix of the previous generation Saleen Mustang, also penned by SMS designer Phil Frank, along with the new design language featured on the SMS 570 Challenger. We especially like the elongated rear end that helps hide the awkward taillights, although we would probably do away with the massive spoiler.

As you’d expect from a Steve Saleen product, each model will offer impressive performance figures. SMS quotes a 0-60 mph time of under 4.5 seconds for the base 302 Mustang while the supercharged version can perform the same task in just 4.3 seconds. A higher performance model is also in the works, named the 351X Mustang, which we should learn more about in just a few months.

Pricing for both models is just about what we would expect, which is fairly expensive. The 302 4V starts at $54,990 while the 302SC Mustang will cost $64,990. Follow the jump for more details on both cars or browse through both of the live galleries below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SMS Supercars pulls the wraps off 2011 302 Mustang

SMS Supercars pulls the wraps off 2011 302 Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos

The Pagani Zonda R comes down to three words: More. Track. Focused. Yet, what good would it to do merely imagine that focus? We’ll have none of that. What we will have is rather dramatic high-res video of one, and then two, Zonda Rs on track in the rain, making roostertails as they slide their own tails. In fact, no more talking about it – follow the jump to watch to watch the twelve-cylinder wet dream in action.

[Source: Runimation Studios]

Continue reading Video: Pagani Zonda R commerical is pure pr0n

Video: Pagani Zonda R commerical is pure pr0n originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After unveiling the new Ferrari 599 GTO last week, the Italian automaker released an online configurator where interested buyers (dreamers) can go and customize their very own 599 GTO. Well, it seems like we won’t be needing the configurator anymore because Ferrari announced at the unveiling of the 599 GTO at a special press event in Beijing that all units have already been sold.

The expectations for this car with such an important name are extremely high, as Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo explained: “We’ve created a wonderful car, the most powerful in our history, an exclusive car I wanted to give a historical name like GTO, because it deserves it”.

Ferrari will only make 599 units of the new 599 GTO.

Click here for our original post on the Ferrari 599 GTO.

Refresher: Power for the Ferrari 599 GTO comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 661-hp with a maximum torque of 457 lb-ft. Mated to a F1 6–speed gearbox, the Ferrari 599 GTO goes from 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of more than 208 mph. Ferrari says that the 599 GTO set a record lap at Fiorano in 1 minute and 24 seconds.

Ferrari 599 GTO:

– By: Omar Rana

Contact:
Colleen Flanigan
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
                                                                   312.704.8420, x225
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CHICAGO, IL (April 14, 2010) — Chicago Opera Theater (COT) presents the final production of their 2010 Spring Festival Season – Jake Heggie’s Three Decembers on May 8, 12, 14, and 16 at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park.  

"We feel so privileged to have Frederica von Stade perform with Chicago Opera Theater," said COT General Director Brian Dickie. "I saw Three Decembers at its world premiere in Houston in 2008 – and I knew immediately that Chicago opera fans needed to see this moving and extremely effective piece of music theatre."

COT will also be presenting a one-night only concert with Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie on May 10, also at the Harris Theater.

"I am very much looking forward to Jake and Flicka in concert, as they have such a wonderful chemistry," Dickie continued.  "To have them both here is a real coup not only for Chicago Opera Theater but also the city of Chicago!"

Jake Heggie’s Three Decembers opens May 8th and stars Frederica von Stade in her Chicago Opera Theater debut, and in her last operatic performances in Chicago before retirement.  In a role written for her by Heggie, Ms. von Stade plays Madeline, a famous actress struggling with her relationships with her two grown children, sung by Matthew Worth (baritone) and Sara Jakubiak (soprano).   Three Decembers is based on a short play by Terrence McNally with a libretto by Gene Scheer.

Composer Jake Heggie comes to Chicago directly from the world premiere of Moby Dick at the Dallas Opera, and joins the orchestra of Three Decembers at the piano.  The orchestra is conducted by Stephen Hargreaves.  The production is directed and designed by Leonard Foglia, with costumes by Cesar Galindo, and original lighting by Brian Nason.  Keith Parham is the lighting designer for the COT production.

Frederica von Stade is described by The New York Times as "one of America’s finest artists and singers." The mezzo-soprano has enriched the world of classical music for over three decades and her career has taken her to the stages of the world’s great opera houses and concert halls.  Notable Chicago performances include Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro (1987 & 1991) and Rosina in The Barber of Seville (1989 & 1994) – both at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Jake Heggie is one of the most talented composers today, creating such works as Dead Man Walking, The End of the Affair and At the Statue of Venus, which was presented at COT’s 2006 Spring Gala.  Heggie opens the world-premiere of Moby Dick at the Dallas Opera on April 30, 2010.

Matthew Worth returns to COT after singing the title role in 2009’s Owen Wingrave.  "Matthew Worth was at once noble and touching as Owen, his bright, firm baritone filling out the vocal lines with deep understanding and sensitivity," said the Chicago Tribune.  Mr. Worth also sang Claudio in COT’s 2007 production of Béatrice et Bénédict.

Sara Jakubiak makes her Chicago Opera Theater debut with Three Decembers.   Ms. Jakubiak has recently performed with the Los Angels Opera, the Syracuse Opera and the Seoul Arts Center in Korea, and was an apprentice artist at Santa Fe Opera in 2007. 

Three Decembers runs for four performances only on May 8, 12, 14, and 16, 2010 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 East Randolph Drive.

Three Decembers is generously sponsored by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Julie and Roger Baskes, James and Joan Shapiro, Orli and Bill Staley, National Endowment for the Arts, Erika Bruhn and Richard Johnson, and Robert and Sheila Rudolph.

An Evening with Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie

In addition to her starring role in Three Decembers, Frederica von Stade presents her final concert in Chicago before retirement. Accompanied by Jake Heggie, she will sing a program of Heggie’s own works, as well as Copland, Hammerstein, Sondheim, Bernstein, and Bizet – just to name a few!

Chicago Opera Theater is also offering a VIP "Meet the Stars" Package – which includes an A+ ticket to the concert, followed by a party at the Mid-America Club with Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie.  A portion of the proceeds benefit Chicago Opera Theater.

"An Evening with Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie" is one night only on May 10, 2010 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 East Randolph Drive.

The exclusive reception is generously sponsored by New Amsterdam Gin, the Mid-America Club, and William Hill Estate Winery.

---

Season Subscriptions for the 2010 Spring Festival Season range from $90-$345 and include a ticket to Three Decembers, as well as Rossini’s Moses in Egypt and Cavalli’s Jason (Giasone).   

Tickets to Three Decembers range from $30-$120. 

Tickets to "An Evening with Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie" range from $25-$80.  The VIP "Meet the Stars" Package is $200 ($100 tax deductible).

COT also offers a half-off discounted student rate in most sections. 

Tickets may be purchased at Chicago Opera Theater: ChicagoOperaTheater.org or 312.704.8414. 
Tickets may also be purchased at the Harris Theater:  HarrisTheaterChicago.org or 312.334.7777.

---

Jake Heggie
THREE DECEMBERS

May 8, 12, 14 at 7:30pm; May 16 at 3pm

Conductor:	STEPHEN HARGREAVES
Original Production by:	LEONARD FOGLIA
Costume Designer:	CESAR GALINDO
Lighting Designer (Original):	BRIAN NASON
Lighting Designer:	KEITH PARHAM

CAST

Madeline	FREDERICA VON STADE
Bea	SARA JAKUBIAK
Charlie	MATTHEW WORTH

Sung in English with English supertitles.

Three Decembers, An Opera in Two Acts.  Music by Jake Heggie.  Libretto by Gene Scheer.  Based on "Some Christmas Letters", an original play by Terrence McNally.  Commissioned by Houston Grand Opera & San Francisco Opera.  Premiered by the Houston Grand Opera, Feb. 29, 2008.

###

 

Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services

FoMoCo has announced a new technology for its new MyFord Touch driver connect system that provides a range of real-time feedback information on fuel-efficiency performance that helps drivers optimize their miles per gallon from their vehicles.

“We have learned that when we provide drivers the information and tools in an interactive and entertaining way, they want to drive more fuel efficiently,” said Jim Buczkowski, director of Global Electrical and Electronics Systems Engineering. “MyFord Touch provides an unprecedented level of information and interaction so drivers can make the choice to be more fuel efficient.”

Furthermore, MyFord Touch’s map-based navigation system gets a new Eco-Route option that calculates the most fuel efficient route a driver can take to get from A to B. As Ford points out, Eco-Route is not necessarily the fastest or shortest route but is the most fuel-efficient.

Check out a video of the Eco-Route features after the jump.

The system compliments findings by the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that if every driver practiced eco-driving techniques, which can result in an EPA-estimated 15 percent benefit in fuel economy, more than 22 billion gallons of gas would be saved. The U.S. currently uses about 150 billion gallons of gasoline annually.

MyFord Touch will launch this summer on the 2011 Ford Edge and will be available globally on the 2012 Ford Focus

Hit the jump for the press release for more information.

MyFord Touch / MyLincoln Touch:

h3>MyFord Touch / MyLincoln Touch:

Press Release:

NEW MYFORD TOUCH ‘COACHES’ DRIVERS TO IMPROVE FUEL EFFICIENCY; NAVIGATION ADDS ECO-ROUTE FEATURE

– New MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology provides an array of real-time feedback on fuel efficiency performance that helps coach drivers to optimize their miles per gallon
– MyFord Touch map-based navigation offers an Eco-Route option, which instantly calculates the most fuel-efficient route for the driver. Ford testing shows Eco-Route can help achieve fuel economy gains of up to 15 percent
– MyFord Touch launches this summer on the 2011 Ford Edge and will be available globally on the 2012 Ford Focus. MyLincoln Touch will be standard equipment on new Lincoln vehicles beginning with the 2011 Lincoln MKX

DEARBORN, Mich., April 15, 2010 – When it comes to achieving the best possible fuel mileage the way you drive can be nearly as important as the vehicle you drive.

Ford’s advanced new in-vehicle system – MyFord Touch™ – offers an array of real-time information on fuel economy performance that can coach drivers to get more miles to the gallon and save on fuel costs. In addition, MyFord Touch’s map-based navigation system offers an Eco-Route option that quickly calculates the most fuel efficient route a driver can take to get from A to B.

MyFord Touch is the latest innovation from Ford to help drivers optimize fuel economy. It builds on the fuel efficiency “coaching” concept Ford pioneered on its SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide cluster for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid as well as the all-new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The system provides real-time fuel economy data and promotes fuel-efficient driving by showing a graphic of growing leaves and flowers.

The green road home

When a driver provides a destination to the navigation system, MyFord Touch accesses historical and real-time traffic data as well as posted speed information to calculate three navigation options: Fastest, Shortest and Eco-Route.

Eco-Route is not necessarily the fastest or shortest route but is the most fuel efficient. Typically, it charts a course that avoids congested freeways while maximizing the use of major roads where the driver can maintain an efficient rate of speed. When Ford of Europe engineers tested the feature, they achieved up to a 15 percent improvement in fuel economy using the Eco-Route.

“When drivers use Eco-Route – particularly in combination with MyFord Touch’s fuel-economy feedback and fuel-efficient driving techniques – they can achieve a noticeable increase in fuel efficiency,” said Jennifer Brace-Mezigian, Ford user interface design engineer.

In addition to its Eco-Route feature, MyFord Touch enables drivers to monitor and track their vehicle’s real-time fuel economy performance and mile-per-gallon averages for the past five, 10 and 30 minutes in the form of a bar chart next to the fuel gauge on the display. Drivers can customize the amount of information provided to meet their needs and hone their eco-driving skills over time.

“MyFord Touch not only gives drivers information they can use to improve their driving habits, but also expands on that capability by engaging the navigation system to give drivers a variety of options,” Brace-Mezigian said. “The benefits will be greater because MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch will be widely available in the future.”

Eco-driving tips
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the U.S. uses about 150 billion gallons of gasoline annually. If every driver practiced eco-driving techniques, which can result in an EPA-estimated 15 percent benefit in fuel economy, more than 22 billion gallons of gas would be saved.

Eco-driving techniques tested by Ford showed that motorists coached in eco-driving can significantly improve the fuel economy performance of their vehicles. Here are simple tips that any driver can use:

1. Slow down and watch speed – Drive 55 mph instead of 65 to save fuel. EPA estimates a 10 to 15 percent improvement in fuel economy by following this tip. Also, aim for a constant speed. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine. Using cruise control whenever possible on the highway helps maintain speed and conserve fuel.

2. Accelerate and brake smoothly – Accelerating smoothly from a stop and braking softly conserves fuel. Fast starts, weaving in and out of traffic and hard braking wastes fuel and wears out some of the vehicle components, such as brakes and tires, more quickly. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles and anticipate traffic conditions to allow for more time to brake and accelerate gradually.

3. No idling – Today’s engines don’t need a warm-up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don’t leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off in non-traffic situations, such as at bank and fast food drive-up windows, when idling more than 30 seconds.

4. Check your tires – Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended tire pressure. This alone can reduce the average amount of fuel use by 3 to 4 percent. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. They also wear more rapidly. Check the vehicle’s door-post sticker for minimum cold tire inflation pressure.

5. Be kind to your vehicle – Maintain proper engine tune-up to keep vehicles running efficiently. Keep the wheels aligned. Wheels that are fighting each other wastes fuel. Replace air filters as recommended. Use a fuel with good detergent additives to keep the vehicle engine clean and performing efficiently. Always consult the owner’s manual for proper maintenance.

6. Travel light – Avoid piling a lot of luggage on the roof rack. The added frontal area reduces aerodynamics and will hurt fuel economy, reducing it by as much as 5 percent. Remove excess weight from the vehicle. Unnecessary weight, such as unneeded items in the trunk, makes the engine work harder and consumes more fuel.

7. Minimize use of heater and air conditioning – Use heating and air conditioning selectively to reduce the load on the engine. Decreasing your usage of the air conditioner when temperatures are above 80 degrees can help you save 10 to 15 percent of fuel. Use the vent setting as much as possible. Park in the shade to keep the vehicle cool and reduce the need for air conditioning.

8. Close windows at high speeds – Don’t drive with the windows open unless you keep your speed under 50 mph. Driving with the windows open at highway speeds increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and lowers fuel economy.

9. Choose the right oil – Use good-quality oils with the viscosity grade recommended in the owner’s guide. Ford recommends SAE 5W-20 oil for most cars and trucks to provide the best fuel economy. Only oils “certified for gasoline engines” by the American Petroleum Institute with the starburst symbol should be used.

10. Consolidate trips – Plan ahead to consolidate your trips. This will enable you to bypass congested routes and lead to less idling.

For additional information on how to save on gas, visit the Driving Skills for Life Web site and click on the “eco-driving” module. Ford’s eco-driving initiative builds on the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers’ comprehensive nationwide effort to promote eco-driving at www.EcoDrivingUSA.com.

– By: Omar Rana

Monitoring the level of coke drum bottoms in a delayed coker is among the most important processes in a refinery. High temperatures and foam, extensive caking as well as a high-pressure water jet demonstrate the unfavorable measuring conditions dominating this application. The radiometric level measurement employing the LB 490 Tower-Sens detector has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective solution that will withstand this tough environment. It provides a continuous measurement, monitoring the foam as well as the coke level in the drum online and very accurately. All components of the measuring system are mounted on the outer wall of the coke drum and are therefore not affected by the aggressive processes inside.

The Tower-Sens utilizes a detector length up to 8m and can even be mounted in a cascaded fashion to deal with the long measuring ranges. Due to Berthold Technologies’ patented aging and temperature compensation, the system provides stable and reliable measuring results during the entire operation. The precise monitoring of the coke drum processes enables an optimum utilization of the coke drum capacity, reduced cycle times, efficient use of anti-foam agent and of course overflow protection.

PRESS RELEASE
2006-01/03

Berliner Glas Medical Applications Business Unit provides OEM manufacturers of medical devices with a new, custom tailored LED Light Source.

With a color temperature of ~ 6000 degrees Kelvin and a light output of up to 900 lumens at the coupling spot to the optical fiber, it provides a bright and highly competitive solution to providers of endoscopic surgical facilities. Through the simple and cost effective construction with only one LED, the compact system can be integrated into racks. The long durability of high-performance LEDs also guarantees maintenance-free operation.

In addition to the complete light source, Berliner Glas can also provide the light source module for integration into existing systems. Due to the small size, it can be easily integrated into customer systems.

Berliner Glas Medical Applications complements its wide range of custom services with this LED cold light source. Furthermore the business unit focuses on high-quality and innovative electro optical assemblies and systems for leading manufacturers of medical devices. Examples include assemblies for 3 chip cameras for endoscopes, measurement systems e.g. for dental applications and other products developed and then manufactured in serial production.

About Berliner Glas:
The BERLINER GLAS GROUP is one of the leading European providers of optical key components, assemblies and system for the whole light-using industry. The BERLINER GLAS GROUP has about 950 employees in Germany, Switzerland, the United States and China.

Contact:
Berliner Glas KGaA
Herbert Kubatz GmbH & Co.
Waldkraiburger Str. 5
D-12347 Berlin
www.berlinerglas.com

Astrid Freiding
Marketing/Communications
Tel: 030/60905-368
Fax: 030/60905-100
[email protected]

Neuchatel, Switzerland, March 2010

POSIC introduces the highly miniaturized inductive rotary encoder kit ID1101C. The encoder-head measures only 9.0 x 6.8 mm with a thickness of 0.9 mm and provides A and B outputs in quadrature. The codewheel diameter is 28.2 mm with a thickness of 0.9 mm. The encoder is available in resolutions from 9 up to 14 bits, which corresponds to 128 up to 4098 CPR (Counts Per Revolution). The maximum speed depends on the resolution and ranges from 2’500 RPM at 14 bits up to 40’000 RPM at 10 bits or lower.

The main features of this kit encoder are its extremely small dimensions and its insensitivity to dust, water, oil, grease and even magnetic fields.

Typical applications are in the mechatronics and motion-control domains as speed or position feedback device. Markets served include industrial, robotics, medical, instrumentation, laboratory automation, office equipment.

Evaluation kits containing two cabled encoder heads, a codewheel and an interface board are available from stock.

Particle size measurements between 1 nm and 6 µm with dynamic light scattering!

FRITSCH is also in the field of laser particle sizing always one step ahead. The new ANALYSETTE 12 DynaSizer uses the Dynamic Light Scattering as a measuring method and therefore enables the measurement of particle size distributions between 1 and 6000 nm. This new ANALYSETTE 12 DynaSizer extends the FRITSCH-product range in the field of laser particle sizing down to the lower nano range. Fast, accurate and simple! And this with smallest sample quantities and in an extreme wide concentration-range of 0.0003 % up to 40 %.

– Smallest sample volumes
For measurements with the ANALYSETTE 12 DynaSizer only smallest sample volumes of < 50 µl are necessary, which are applied directly onto the optical measuring cell inside the instrument; making disposables such as cuvettes or similar obsolete. Due to the intelligent design, cleaning is as easy as a child's play. - Measurement of ultra thin layers With the ANALYSETTE 12 DynaSizer the thickness of the measurement layer can be variably adjusted. This enables measurements of even extremely thin layers and prevents unwanted multi-scattering effects. It also facilitates the measurement of highly concentrated suspensions as well as in opaque media. - Variable laser power The power of the laser of the ANALYSETTE 12 DynaSizer is variably adjustable and allows measurements of very dark samples or high particle concentrations of up to 40 wt.%. Effective, user-friendly and accurate to the nanometer! The ANALYSETTE 12 DynaSizer – at a glance - Particle size measurement via dynamic light scattering at a constant scattering angle of 135° - Measuring range of 1 to 6000 nm - Extremely easy handling - Smallest sample quantities < 50 ¼l - Simple sample feeding directly into the instrument - Ultra-Thin Layer – an extremely thin measurement layer avoids multiple scatterings - Particle concentrations from 0.0003 % up to 40 % - Dark dispersions like ink or oil are measureable without any difficulties - Limitation of laser-induced-temperature-effects - Sample temperature selectable between 15ºC and 70ºC - Variable laser intensity according to the dispersion concentration - ISO 13321 / 21 CFR part 11 - Unique algorithm for particle size calculation Test the FRITSCH Nano Particle Sizer! Send us your sample for a free of charge sample measurement – we will send you a detailed analysis protocol. Compare for yourself!

If the Lexus GX 460 wasn’t already adding to Toyota’s woes, the Los Angeles Times reported today that Toyota delayed recalling the Venza for six weeks in the United States. The Toyota Venza was recalled in Canada late last year because of floor mats that could entrap the gas pedal.

The report said that the delay has caught the attention of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, who last week announced a record $16.4 million fine to Toyota for failing to promptly announcing a recall of 2.3 million vehicles in the United States.

“NHTSA continues to investigate the timeliness of Toyota’s pedal entrapment recall,” the agency said in a statement to The Times. “We will continue to hold Toyota accountable for violations we find.”

The Canadian recall for the Venza was announced in Canada in December.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: LATimes

Auto analyst Max Warburton, of Bernstein Research in London, says that Chrysler may not survive in its current form even after posting an “astonishing” profit in March. Warburton said that many question still remain about CEO Sergio Marchionne’s rescue strategy for the Auburn Hills automaker despite his efforts to slash costs.

Warburtron’s report comes less than a week before Marchionne’s scheduled plan to unveil a five-year restructuring effort for Fiat SpA in Turin. He said that the CEO will likely announced that Chrysler came close to breaking even for the quarter after a profitable March.

“We remain unconvinced Chrysler will survive in its current form despite Marchionne’s blood, sweat and tears,” Warburton said. “A slimming down of Chrysler to be just Ram, Jeep and a U.S. production base for Fiat looks a realistic exit strategy to us.”

Chrysler spokesman Gualberto Ranieri declined to comment.

Marchionne recently said that he is committed to make Chrysler break even in 2010.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Article Tags: Kirk Myers, Reply To Article

Martin Rees, president of The Royal Society, and Ralph J. Cicerone, president of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, penned a letter last week to the Financial Post in which they regurgitated many of the favorite bromides of the global warming movement, blaming mankind for rising global temperatures and warning of a coming climate catastrophe unless there is a radical reduction in human CO2 emissions.

Most of their assertions are either unproven or demonstrably false. Neither author was inventive enough to concoct any new anthropogenic global warming (AGW) fictions for public consumption. Everything was straight from the man-is-destroying the planet AGW template.

Let’s analyze several of the myths rehashed by these heavyweights of science.

Source: examiner.com

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