We don’t have an official MSRP breakdown yet, but our man on the floor tells us that the 2011 SLS AMG will start at $183,000 in the U.S. when it begins to go on sale this summer. That entry-level price is noticeably lower than expected, but we’re sure once you tack on the options (custom color, carbon ceramic stoppers, etc.), it’s sure to head quickly north of $200k. Ready to place an order? Read our First Drive before you tap into the kiddie’s college fund.
Key Competitors: Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Audi Q7, Lexus LX.
Power: 5.6L direct injected V8 – 400-hp / 413 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 7-speed automatic transmission.
Availability: Summer 2010
Pricing: $56,700 USD for the 2011 QX56 2WD and $59,800 USD for the 2011 QX56 4WD.
Infiniti is upping the large luxury SUV game with first major redesign of its Nissan Armada based model – the 2011 Infiniti QX56.
“Following closely on the introduction of the all-new 2011 Infiniti M, the 2011 Infiniti QX gives us an incredible presence in full-size performance luxury vehicles – perfect for buyers seeking style, comfort, roominess and driving exhilaration,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “Both the new M and QX also offer a full range of available innovative technology, including Blind Spot Warning and the QX’s advanced Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.”
Infiniti says that the second-generation QX has been totally redesigned from the platform up. to ensure a high-stiffness frame structure enhances ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness. Power comes from a new 5.6L V8 engine with VVEEL and direct-injection technology. It makes a total of 400-hp and 413 lb-ft of torque.
With that power, the 2011 QX can handle towing of up to a 8,500-pound towing capacity), while offering more than a 10% gain in fuel economy than the previous generation model.
Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.
– All-New Second-Generation QX56 Full-Size Performance Luxury SUV Features Advanced Technology, Including Hydraulic Body Motion Control System –
It starts with a breathtaking presence, a calm strength derived of clean fluid lines that attract and hold your attention. It continues with the highest level of luxury, not just for the driver and front seat passenger, but all occupants – world class, personalized control over their environments for passengers in every seat in the house. Add in an exceptional driving experience provided by a powerful yet efficient V8 engine design and available Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. Then top it all off with intuitive functionality, which anticipates and responds to the users’ needs and desires. Introducing the all-new 2011 Infiniti QX, the latest example of inspired design, performance, technology and craftsmanship from Infiniti. Available in two models, the QX56 2WD and QX56 4WD, it is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in summer 2010.
The second-generation Infiniti QX has been totally redesigned from the platform up. Its new high-stiffness frame structure enhances ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness. The new 5.6-liter V8 engine combines the responsive acceleration of Infiniti’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology with the efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) and 7-speed automatic transmission. With 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, the QX can handle tasks such as towing boats or trailers (8,500-pound towing capacity), while also offering more than 10% better fuel economy than the previous generation QX.
Inside the distinctive QX body is an interior long on luxury, including standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View™ Monitor and Bose® 2-channel, 13-speaker Premium Audio System, and available perforated semi-aniline leather seating and a dual 7-inch color monitor DVD system which allows different sources to be played at the same time. The 2011 QX also offers ample 1st and 2nd row roominess, as well as generous luggage space.
An All-New Exterior With A Breathtaking Presence The 2011 Infiniti QX is conceived to attract and hold viewers’ attention, conveying its underlying sense of power and strength. The design is dynamic, its size capable of transporting eight adults and their belongings with spacious elegance. The bold front chrome grille is flanked by automatic on/off bi-functional xenon headlights with available headlight washers and integrated front fog lights. Auto-leveling headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) are optionally available.
Other exterior features include LED taillights, heated, power-folding sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, courtesy lights and reverse tilt-down feature, body color running boards, body color integrated front and rear splash guards built into the wheel arches, roof rails, power sliding tinted glass moonroof and a power rear liftgate.
The new QX features revised dimensions versus the previous generation – 1.4-inches longer, 1.1-inches wider and 3.8-inches lower in overall height. A front underbody spoiler, rear liftgate spoiler and redesigned side mirrors help provide improved aerodynamics of 0.37 Cd and zero lift. The QX’s strong presence is accented by the powerful wheel and tire combinations – standard 20-inch and available 22-inch – and a palette of six distinctive exterior colors.
“The look is clearly Infiniti with its signature Infiniti grille, broad shoulders and large greenhouse,” said Poore. “It’s rugged, sophisticated and completely captivating.”
Power and Innovation Under the Skin The 2011 Infiniti QX’s all-new body and frame are designed to provide enhanced body stiffness and reduced vibration versus the previous QX design.
Structural changes include a new high-stiffness frame structure with enlarged side rail section width, redesigned connecting structures between each crossmember and side rails, an integrated rear hitch member, improved stiffness of the cabin mounting points and a special rear body ring structure around the tailgate.
“Customers will never be aware of the extensive efforts taken in the development of the QX frame and body to reduce flex, rattles and squeaks – they’ll just enjoy a quiet, comfortable ride that’s unexpected in a full-size SUV,” added Poore. “The new platform can handle family adventures to rugged terrain, without compromising its smooth ride for everyday, around-town cruising.”
The second-generation Infiniti QX also offers new engine and transmission designs – delivering, a combination of power, efficiency and refinement worthy of the Infiniti name. The new 5.6-liter 32-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V8 features Infiniti’s advanced VVEL (for Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology and new Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) system.
The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with the throttle valve. The VVEL system also offers improved emissions and fuel efficiency (over non-VVEL designs) by substantially reducing the intake resistance that occurs when the engine’s throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low. The new DIG™ system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offering more precise injection control.
The engine is rated at 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, compared with 320 horsepower and 393 lb-ft of torque produced by the 2010 QX’s non-VVEL/non-DIG™ V8. With a 25% increase in horsepower, the 2011 QX does not sacrifice fuel economy, which increases by more than 10% versus the 2010 QX.
Also contributing to the enhanced fuel economy is the 2011 QX’s standard 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Match.
Versus the 2010 QX’s 5-speed automatic, the new 7-speed transmission boasts a wider range of gear ratios, a variable lockup torque converter, a new improved shift schedule and a new automatic transmission fluid warmer designed to reduce fuel consumption at start up.
The QX is offered in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with the 4WD model featuring Infiniti’s proven All-Mode 4WD system with Auto, 4H, and 4L modes. The system is designed to distribute torque to all four wheels when road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand), helping to enhance traction.
All QX models also include Hill Start Assist. With Hill Start Assist, if a driver stops on a slope and steps off the brake pedal, the system will keep the QX stationary for a few seconds – with no roll back. This enables drivers to easily switch from the brake pedal to the accelerator on steep inclines.
For the first time ever on an Infiniti vehicle, a new Hydraulic Body Motion Control system is offered (available on both 2WD and 4WD models as part of the Deluxe Touring Package, which also includes 22-inch wheels and tires and a number of other features). The system helps reduce body lean while turning for a more comfortable ride. Utilizing hydraulic cylinders located at the shock absorbers (connected via cross piping and two accumulators), it adjusts roll stiffness by allowing transfer of fluid between the left and right sides of the vehicle through passive weight transfer during normal driving. It also helps reduce bump shock by setting bounce and roll damping forces separately.
The QX’s suspension is an independent double-wishbone design front and rear, with Dual-Flow Path® twin tube shock absorbers, stabilizer bars and an automatic rear leveling system that seeks to maintain uniform ground clearance and departure angle, even when towing or carrying cargo, by automatically adjusting the air pressure in the system’s air bladders.
Braking is provided by 4-wheel disc brakes (13.8-inch vented discs front and rear) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 2-wheel or 4-wheel Active Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS) are standard on every QX56. Engine-speed-sensitive power steering is also standard.
The QX’s maximum towing capacity is 8,500 pounds for both 2WD and 4WD models. A special tow mode revises shift patterns when engaged. Standard towing features include a Class IV tow hitch and 7-pin wiring harness integrated into the rear bumper (with a cover for an elegant appearance when not in use).
Every 2011 QX comes with 20-inch, split 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P275/60R20 all-season performance tires, while 22-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels with P275/50R22 all-season performance tires are included with the Deluxe Touring Package. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with four-corner pressure readout and Tire Inflation Indicator is also standard.
“The new QX gives drivers the feeling of a connection to the road,” said Poore. “There’s also a remarkable level of flat ride comfort, plenty of power and torque, and a solid feel throughout the vehicle that’s reassuring and enjoyable for all passengers.”
A World-Class Travel Experience The new QX’s world-class inner sanctum offers a comfortable space and personal controls for every occupant. It features standard 7-passenger seating capacity, with 8-passenger capacity available with the 2nd row 60/40-split folding bench seat. Leather-appointed seating is standard for all three rows, with even more luxurious semi-aniline leather seating surfaces offered in the Deluxe Touring Package. The driver’s seat is 10-way power adjustable, including 2-way power lumbar support. It features a standard dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors. The front passenger’s seat is 8-way power adjustable, including 2-way power lumbar support. Heated front seat are standard, with available climate-controlled (heating and cooling functions) front seats and heated 2nd row seats (outboard positions only). The 2nd row captain’s chairs offer a tip-up function for easy 3rd row entry/exit.
Also available is a remote release for the 2nd row seats to active the tip-up function through a switch on the center stack. The 3rd row seat is a 60/40-split power folding design with reclining capability. The 2nd row center console includes two cupholders and two storage bins.
Also standard is a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Ample space for luggage is provided with the 3rd row seat up. When down, the flat load floor offers a wide, versatile space for carrying cargo, home furnishings or recreational gear.
Two interior colors are available – Wheat or Graphite – along with two interior finisher colors, a standard light trim or a darker trim with the Deluxe Touring Package.
“If you could take the interior of a private jet and transform it into a full-size SUV, this wouldn’t be far off,” said Poore. “From its available sofa-like semi-aniline leather seating to its premium audio and three-source entertainment systems, the QX interior is world-class. It’s a highly adaptive environment, with a quality and quietness that adds to the stress-free driving and riding experience.”
The long list of additional comfort and convenience features includes 9 cupholders and 4 door-pocket bottle holders, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, FineVision electroluminescent gauges and Infiniti signature analog clock. Available as part of the Deluxe Touring Package is an Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster™ air purifier, Grape Polyphenol filter and auto recirculation.
Among the new QX’s available premium entertainment and technology features are an 8-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, Infiniti Controller for use with vehicle information systems and comfort and convenience features, and the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather™ with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and Zagat® Restaurant Guide. Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System is standard, as is the convenient Around View™ Monitor with Front and Rear Sonar System. The Around View™ Monitor includes a new wide rear view camera.
The Bose® 2-channel, 13-speaker Premium Audio System includes two subwoofers. Roof-mounted 3rd row speakers ensure that sound quality us not compromised by obstructions such as luggage or cargo.
Other standard equipment includes a single in-dash CD/DVD player with MP3 playback, XM® Satellite Radio, USB connection port for use with iPod® Interface or other compatible devices and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®.
The available Theater Package features dual 7-inch color monitors, two pairs of wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary input jacks and 120V power outlet. The QX allows playback of games or movies in the rear, while front occupants listen to audio all at the same time. The two 7-inch color monitors include an auto-bright system that adjusts for daytime, clouds/evening and night/tunnel lighting.
Available Technology Like the new 2011 Infiniti M sedan, the new QX offers a range of advanced technology systems. The QX includes both Infiniti’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems. The LDW and LDP systems use a small camera installed behind the windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle, calculate its position relative to those lane markers and help warn the driver of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual indicator and audible buzzer. If the driver does not return the vehicle back toward the center of the travel lane, the LDP system assists the driver with a gentle application of the brakes on the opposite side of the drift.
A new Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system is also available. It illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sounds.
Optional on the new QX56 is Infiniti’s advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), which, using a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators and the QX56’s braking system, measures the distance to the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts the QX56’s speed to maintain a pre-selected following distance.
Distance Control Assist (DCA), which intuitively prompts the driver to release the throttle and applies the brakes as needed in slowing traffic, is available as part of the Technology Package – along with Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.
The QX56’s extensive list of standard safety features includes an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all three rows; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, load limiters and seat belt reminder; 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position); front seat Active Head Restraints; and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). The QX56 also offers Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and steel side-door guard beams.
“The new Infiniti QX utilizes technology, such as Distance Control Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control, as it should be – to help reduce the stress of driving without isolating the driver from the pleasure of driving,” said Poore.
Models and Packages The 2011 Infiniti QX is available in two well-equipped models: Infiniti QX56 2WD and Infiniti QX56 4WD. Each is equipped with the advanced 5.6-liter V8 and 7-speed automatic transmission and a full range of luxury and performance features including leather-appointed seating, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View™ Monitor and premium audio system.
A number of additional equipment packages are offered, allowing buyers to fine-tune their QX experience to their exact needs. The Deluxe Touring Package includes 22-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels and P275/50R22 all-season performance tires, Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, climate-controlled front seats, heated 2nd row seats (outboard only), remote tip-up 2nd row rear seats for easy 3rd row entry/exit, semi-aniline leather seating surfaces, and the Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS). The Deluxe Touring Package also includes headlight washers on the QX56 4WD.
The QX’s Theater Package features dual 7-inch color monitors, two pairs of wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary inputs and 120V power outlet, while the Split Bench Seat Package includes the 2nd row bench seat with 60/40-split folding.
Finally, the Technology Package offers Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Distance Control Assist (DCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts, and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights.
As empresas japonesas estão investindo ainda mais na produção de novos veículos, como o caso da Honda e Toyota, estando esta última, mostrando que não está desanimando mesmo com seus problemas atuais. Seus números de produção em Fevereiro mostram um aumento de 83% na produção de novos carros, em comparação ao ano anterior. Aumento que marca o sétimo mês consecutivo de aumento de produção.
A Toyota diz que mesmo com a recente crise de recall que está ocorrendo no início desse ano, a produção continuará aumentando e atualmente está em 655.180 veículos fabricados por mês.
Outras montadoras japonesas também estão no embalo do crescimento mensal, assim como a Honda, que mostra um aumento significante de 49.3% em fevereiro, o que representa a fabricação de 284.711 veículos. A Nissan também não deixa por menos, e mostrou um aumento de 72.4%, que representam 270.366 unidades no mês passado.
Have $110,000 burning a hole in your pocket and want to go racing? Consider the 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X. Excluding the dedicated GTS/R racecar of the late ’90s, the ACR-X is the most potent Viper built by Chrysler. The special edition model comes with 640 horsepower and can lap Laguna Seca three seconds faster than the shockingly quick Viper ACR that owns the track record for a production car.
If that sounds like your cup of tea, you won’t have to wait long to get one. Chrysler has just announced that production of the ACR-X has already started at its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant and provided a few photos and video of the cars going down the assembly line.
Dodge Motorsports and Mopar have even provided a way to put the cars to good use. The Dodge Viper Cup will run at five racetracks starting this summer, and a contingency program will give owners a chance to earn back some of the purchase price of the car. In total more than $200,000 will be paid out, including $25,000 to the 2010 season champion. Follow the jump the press release from Chrysler and a short video of the ACR-X at the assembly plant.
Obamacare will impose a new mandate on employers to buy health insurance. Tiny businesses will be exempted. Large businesses already do this so it’s no big deal.
But the ones in the middle could face some difficulties and, as it turns out, according to ADP they’re the only group adding new employees right now.
Granted, others are improving, but they’re still cutting more than they’re hiring. And of course the mandate won’t kick in for some time, but far-looking businesses may get nervous about hiring right now, know that at some point it’s a major hike in their cost basis.
Campus Compact has been awarded funds from Lumina Foundation for Education to engage states in Lumina’s KnowHow2GO (KH2GO) Campaign 2009-2010. Now, grantees in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin are receiving additional monies to expand college access and success programs in their states and regions.
BOSTON — Young people in all socio-economic groups have college aspirations. But despite their aspirations, low-income students and those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education are severely underrepresented on college campuses. Now, Campus Compact state affiliates in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin have been awarded grants to reinforce and expand efforts already underway to prepare students as young as 6th grade for college.
The grants are the result of a generous donation to Campus Compact’s national office from Lumina Foundation for Education, an Indiana-based organization committed to enrolling and graduating more students from college—especially low-income students, students of color, first-generation students and adult learners. Lumina’s goal is to increase the percentage of Americans who hold high-quality degrees and credentials to 60 percent by 2025.
KH2GO is a multiyear effort sponsored by the American Council on Education, Lumina Foundation for Education, and the Ad Council that encourages 8th through 10th graders to prepare for college using four simple step or messages:
Let everyone know that you’re going to college and need their help.
Take the tough classes to be ready for college.
Find out what kind of school is the best match for you and your career goals.
If you think you can’t afford college, think again. There’s lots of aid out there.
In making the announcement, Campus Compact President, Maureen F. Curley, noted, “Access to and success in college have been issues of deep concern at Campus Compact for many years. We were honored when Lumina Foundation chose to fund us so significantly earlier this year, and—in turn—we are happy to pass along some of their largess in the form of these modest grants.”
“Thanks to Lumina, Campus Compact will also convene a first-of-its-kind, invitation-only summit on October 12th and 13th for our 1,100 member college and university presidents,” Curley continued, “We will meet at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. to explore new partnerships that may help ensure success for students and for institutions alike.”
About Campus Compact
Campus Compact is a nonprofit coalition of more than 1,100 college and university presidents—representing some 6 million students—who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education. As the only national association dedicated to this mission, Campus Compact is a leader in building civic engagement into campus and academic life.
Lumina Foundation for Education, an Indianapolis-based private foundation, strives to help people achieve their potential by expanding access to and success in education beyond high school. Through grants for research, innovation, communication and evaluation, as well as policy education and leadership development, Lumina Foundation addresses issues that affect access and educational attainment among all students, especially underserved student groups such as minorities, students from low-income families, first-time college-goers and working adults. The Foundation believes postsecondary education is one of the most beneficial investments individuals can make in themselves and that a society can make in its people.
Performance: 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, top speed of 202 mph.
Availability: Limited to 500 units.
Pricing: $375,000.
If you’re one of the rich folks who is considering purchasing Lexus’ first supercar but are second-guessing the idea due to the hectic buying process, than this matte-black version may make you feel a better about going through hell and back to buy the LFA.
“Great work, done invisibly, cannot have impact. Communication is not merely transmitting our work; it is an essential part our work. Communication is essential in the design, definition, conduct, transfer, and implementation of the work we do if we are to have an impact.”
The memo outlines Dr. Anastas’ vision for leading EPA research, and lays out a set of principles for guiding our work into the future. As a science writer, I was thrilled to see that communication was an integral part of that vision.
It was good timing, too.
To help spread the word about EPA research, I’m happy to announce the launch of Science Matters, an electronic newsletter devoted to sharing stories about the innovative environmental and human health science conducted by EPA researchers and their partners.
Science forms the foundation of everything EPA does. It provides the information, tools, and models the Agency needs to meet its mission to protect human health and the environment.
EPA scientists and engineers explore the complex interrelationships between people and our environment. At their core, they are problem solvers—devoting their efforts to deeply understanding problems. What they learn provides critical information for meeting the nation’s most pressing environmental and human health challenges.
The goal of Science Matters is to spread the word about that collective effort. After all, “great work, done invisibly, cannot have impact.”
Sign up!
Click here for a Science Matters e-mail subscription (Just enter your e-mail address in the white box and hit the “go” button.)
About the Author: Aaron Ferster is the lead science writer-editor for EPA’s Office of Research and Development, and the editor of Science Wednesdays on Greenversations.
Pier One, Brooklyn Bridge Park’s new 9.5-acre pier park, the largest of a set of six planned for the Brooklyn waterfront, has just opened. Designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, the new park is built on the original landfill-supported pier infrastructure, and features sustainable design elements that enable the site to take care of 70 percent of its own water needs. Instead of requiring significant amounts of external water to be pumped in for lawn irrigation, it’s almost self-sufficient.
While the other five pier parks in development will rely on pile-supported pier infrastructure, Pier One is based on original landfill that was trucked in and added to the river. This solid base make the new large land forms possible. A representative from Michael Van Valkenburg Associates explains: “For the original construction of Pier One, soil was dumped into the East River in order to create the pier itself – you can almost think of it as a little peninsula. For the other piers at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the ground plane is a concrete slab supported by wooden piles. Because Pier One was on ‘land,’ so-to-speak, it could support the weight of the new large landforms.”
Throughout the new pier park, there is a focus on efficiently managing water on site. Excess water is collected from building roofs, paved areas, and lawns, and then reused. The system is described in some detail: “As the water passes through each segment of the water garden, pollutants and sediment are removed. When the water reaches the lowest section at the southern end of Pier one, it is drained back into the underground tank and ultimately used as irrigation for the entire Pier one landscape. This runoff collection system in conjunction with a decrease of impervious surfaces on the site, will represent an improvement over the previous site system which, in large storm events, diverted untreated surface runoff directly into the East River.”
Pier One features two large lawns, a waterfront promenade, and playground. Over 500 mature trees were also planted. Later in summer 2010, a new salt marsh at the southern edge of the pier will open. The salt marsh will be planted with native plants set within a salvaged granite seating area. The marsh is designed to enable people to experience the tidal river close-up and provide access for non-motorized watercraft.
When completed, the entire pier park system will integrate salvaged materials, new wildlife habitat, green roofs, and energy conservation technologies. However, perhaps the most sustainable component of the new park system is the preserved pier infrastructure, which has been reused by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. Brooklyn Bridge Park writes: “A major sustainability objective of Brooklyn Bridge Park is to re-use as much of the site structures as possible, to preserve the cultural legacy of the site and reduce the resources expended in its transformation. The programming layout for the park is based on the structural capacity of marine infrastructure, dictating that heavier, infrastructure-dependent program elements be located on land, while programming for the pile-supported piers is guided by what the existing structures were capable of supporting.”
The Earth Awards invites invites design submissions from around the world in six categories: Built Environment, Fashion, Products, Systems, Future and Social Justice. The Earth Awards Web site adds: “Ideas, great or small, realized or prototypes, will be considered but must distinguish themselves in six criteria: Achievable, Scalable, Measurable, Useful, Original and Ecological.” In contrast with other ideas competitions, there is actually quite a bit of money available for prizes. The grand prizewinner will receive $50,000, while category winners will each receive $10,000.
Once submissions are received, the high-profile selection committee, comprised of leading designers such as Yves Behar and Diane Von Furstenburg as well sustainability thought-leaders, including Rick Fedrizzi, CEO of USGBC, and Majora Carter, will judge a shortlist of six finalists. The six finalists will be presented in an exhibition focused on sustainable design.
Along with the exhibition, The Financial Times will hold a “Sustainable Business Conference” and gala dinner, and invite CEOs, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists to match innovation with investment, “fulfilling The Earth Awards’ commitment to shepherd winning innovations closer to market.” The Earth Awards competition says that “all finalists will have the unique opportunity to pitch their project to world business leaders, who will help them to transform their designs into market-ready solutions.”
Submissions are due May 10th, 2010. The selection committee will review submissions from May 17th – July 23rd, 2010. The awards gala in London will be held September 16th, 2010
In a recent book on your work from Princeton Architectural Press, Mary Myers writes, “Like Luis Barragán, Andrea Cochran is able to convey a forceful sense of volumetric space.” Please describe your unique approach to space in your landscapes. What are your main influences?
I have two main areas of influence. One source of inspiration is the work of early modernist landscape architects: Dan Kiley, Garrett Eckbo, and James Rose. The gardens they designed in the 1930’s were really a reinvention of space. They redefined the spatial constructs of modern architecture during a time that considered space over mass a defining quality.
Another big influence on my work would be Minimalist artists such as Robert Irwin, who reinterpret our perception of space. The edges become diaphanous, the spaces ephemeral. Spaces such as these and the work of another Minimalist artist Fred Sandback are defined by suggestions of structure. Sandback used colored string to compose space in a gallery. That’s very much they way I see my work as a landscape architect – a more diaphanous or permeable quality. Edges are done with plantings and spaces are defined by a minimum of structure.
Much of your work is in San Francisco Bay area. What are the challenges involved in working with the microclimates in the region? Do you consider yourself a regional landscape architect foremost?
I moved to the Bay Area in 1981. I grew up on the East Coast, and so it took me a number of years to really understand the climate here, which is very complex. A reference book for landscape architects in the west is the Sunset Western Garden Book. The climate zones in this book are more specific than the USDA zones. In the Sunset zones, there are probably five planting zones within the region near the Bay Area.
If you are in San Francisco, you have a climate that is very marine influenced, and very cool in the summer and never really warm in the winter, so you have some opportunities/challenges in terms of plant material. In an hour’s drive from San Francisco, the temperature can vary by 30 degrees on a given day.
The regions here are very small and specific and it takes a long time working in this area to understand these microclimates. I think I do my best work in the Bay Area, because I think we all do the work in the region that we’re the most comfortable with, where we understand the nuances.
Your work for the Portland Art Museum features moveable plinths and vertical steel panels, enabling a multitude of internal configurations. Do you think urban design needs to be modular, adaptive and changeable to cater to different users?
I absolutely believe that. Urban planning needs to be more adaptable and less prescriptive physically, encouraging adaptation over time. That’s a much more innovative approach when you’re working on a planning level.
At a design level, it’s kind of hard to allow things to move and change, especially in a landscape. So, I think you’re a little more restricted. For the Portland Art Museum, we had a client that needed to be able to move things, and they have curators, and they have different exhibits, so things needed to move and change, and adapt to a changing collection. For that particular use, it worked, but I think adaptability works best at a planning level and applies to urban design.
One of your ASLA award-winning projects, the Curran House, an affordable housing community in San Francisco, presents “the landscape as sanctuary in a threatening world.” You purposefully designed a quiet oasis on the roof, that intensifies the sense of being in nature, while also enabling social interaction through gardening plots. Researchers are increasingly pointing to the value of gardening in reducing trauma. What do you see as the primary health and social values of these environments? How do they need to be designed to work best?
One day, when we up to the roof garden at the Curran House, I met a resident who was gardening while doing the family laundry. The laundry room is located right off the roof garden. This helps create great social connections with the architecture and landscape. The roof becomes an extension of people’s daily lives. On one social level, the roof has inter-connectedness. The garden becomes a social place where people can hang out. They actually might be working next to their neighbor as they’re working on their garden plot. It’s a community building kind of activity. It’s become so popular that they have to do a lottery because more people want to use the little garden plots than are available.
The point I started with was that I saw this man up there, he had the most beautiful broccoli growing in his two by three foot bed, and I don’t know what else was in there, but this broccoli was unbelievably beautiful. He said I come up here and this is my therapy. I can get my hands in the dirt. I was almost in tears. I thought it was the most meaningful thing I’d ever done to just give this guy a chance to just be outside, be in the sun and work with his hands in the dirt and grow something in the five foot square plot. I think it’s really worked well. When he’s up there working, teenagers come up and hang out. Adults are up there working on their gardens so the teenagers are being monitored. It’s not a leftover space, isolated, where things can happen. It becomes this environment that’s more of a community, and people kind of watch out for one another.
For the Cardiovascular Research Institute, they wanted the landscape of this courtyard to be different from other places on campus. They wanted it to have a different character and quality than the rest of the landscape, which was more minimal. They wanted something very interactive that encouraged people to come and meet.
Research work can be isolating so the idea was to create spaces that encourage people to get together in small groups or larger groups and create opportunities for them to run across one another walking from place to place — either coming to work, or going from building to building. Encouraging community and encouraging interaction was an important part of the design. This applies to a lot of different kinds of work. However, for research, in particular, it’s really important.
Usually, I don’t work with metaphor, but we wanted to do something that was meaningful for the institute and so the actual design was inspired by an electrocardiogram. The spikes of an electrocardiogram were interpreted onto the ground plane to create a landscape that ebbs and flows. Also the scientists were interested in creating a landscape that harkened back to what the site had been before it was filled in. The site was formerly part of the bay, so the plantings we proposed are grasses and plant material reminiscent of a salt marsh. There’s a movement to the grasses in the wind, which might be called romantic, but it’s also a reference to the past.
For the Lawrence Berkeley Helios Energy Research Facility, we are using patterns on scrim walls that illustrate the molecules, the bio-fuels, the lab is developing through its research. They also wanted some of the plant materials that they’re using in their research to be part of the garden, so that’s part of the design as well.
A few years ago you gave a speech at AIA on “Fostering Design Innovation Through Diversity.” What were your main arguments?
My main point was that we try and keep a diverse set of projects in our office. About half our work is high-end residential work, and the other half is institutional and commercial and affordable housing projects. What we learn on the residential side allows us to develop our craft of building things, because all our projects are built. We’re working with clients that are willing to take risks. We’re able to try things out in an area that’s safer and the risks are understood by everyone. We’re then able to apply what we’ve learned to public projects that can’t afford to take risks. The scale is different. If a plant were to fail as a mass planting, say, a plant you hadn’t tried before, that would be a big problem.
For the Portland Art Museum, those ten-foot sand-blasted glass walls were only approved because we had done eight-foot sand-blasted glass walls for a private residence. Understanding materials and learning how to build with them on a smaller scale, where there’s less liability, allows you to take those principles and apply them to more public landscapes and be more innovative.
Lastly, another ASLA award winning project, the Stone Edge Farm, features a serene uncluttered landscape and salvaged rocks. Many of your projects include salvaged materials. Do you view these as central to sustainability? How can landscape architects best use design to express values related to sustainability?
For the Stone Edge Farm project, we reused the rocks on the site to construct a stone pyramid. The stones leftover from the excavation would have had to have been hauled away. On other projects we’ve salvaged locally harvested trees that have either blown down or had to be removed. In the Nueva School Project we reused some diseased Monterey Cypress trees that were in a parking lot of the proposed building site. We milled the wood to make sun screens to shade the windows and for decking. Those are important things to do, but not always possible. To the extent possible, we use more local materials. The environmental cost of transport is huge on projects.
How we deal with the whole rainwater cycle and drainage is probably the most important thing we can develop in terms of sustainability. For instance, on our project for the Cardiovascular Research Institute in San Francisco, the storm water and the sewage systems are one system. If we get an intense rainstorm, there is sewage overflow into the bay. Delaying the water from the peak storm event by several hours or a day can actually make a huge difference in the amount of pollution in terms of sewage overflow. We have created a large gravel reservoir under the plaza to hold the rain water and defer its outfall. It’s a LEED Gold project, and it also has a green roof, which will also help delay the storm water. Water is probably the most important thing we need to be thinking about –it’s where we can make the greatest long-term impact.
Image credit: (1) Christopher Irion, (2) Yalcin Erhan, (3) Marion Brenner, (4) Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture , (5) Emily Rylander
Connecticut Campus Compact is a coalition of Connecticut college and university presidents committed to promoting the civic mission and purpose of higher education. CTCC member campuses seek to involve students, faculty, and entire campus communities in meaningful service in order to fulfill higher education’s most noble goals of educating citizens, preparing tomorrow’s leaders and contributing to the life of communities across the globe. CTCC supports the integration of community service into the academic and co-curricular cultures of its member campuses by sponsoring faculty and professional development, facilitating collaborations and networking opportunities, connecting members with capacity-building resources, engaging in advocacy, and raising public awareness.
The Executive Director will be the primary administrator for the organization and the essential link to the national network. Knowledge of service learning literature as it relates to higher education – theory and practice and demonstrated verbal and written communication skills are required, as are exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills. A Master’s Degree is required and a minimum of three years of experience in higher education or non-profit sector, specifically with respect to service learning and commitment to community service and civic engagement. A successful track record in fund-raising and grant writing, success in developing partnerships, alliances, and collaborative initiatives, as well as experience and success with Board management are essential. This position is contingent upon funding from CT Campus Compact. Priority consideration will be given to applications/resumes received by May 1 and this position begins on June 1. If interested, please submit cover letter and resume to the Office of Human Resources at HR {at} fairfield(.)edu.
Key Competitors: Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS, Infiniti M, Jaguar XF.
Power: 2011 BMW 535i – 3.0L twin-scroll turbo inline-6 making 300 hp and 300 lb-ft torque / 2011 BMW 550i – 4.4L twin-turbo V8 making 400-hp.
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic, Sport Automatic 8-speed.
Availability: June 2010.
Pricing: 2011 BMW 535i – $50,475 / 2011 BMW 550i – $60,575.
The 2011 BMW 5-Series has finally made it to the United States making its debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Sales of the 2011 5-Series will start later this June. Click here for the complete pricing details.
“The New York Times has a good article about Open Courseware (how universities are putting their material online for anyone to use as they see fit). Unusually, the article has an accurate and pithy summary of how the movement started and evolved. It is still a little incredulous that such a thing can really exist (“On a philosophical level, the idea of making money from something available free might seem questionable.”). But it is clear: a little ecosystem is building around this educational material.
What’s most interesting, is how the same arguments that have already arisen around the “big data” areas like music, film and news appear in this smaller area as well. When MIT launched OCW, they directly addressed the CwF+RtB issues by pointing out that people attend schools for additional reasons than just the syllabus. But some people still don’t get it: a professor from the Tuck School of Business still feels that putting the syllabus out there will let the magic out, claiming that it’s “obvious” that an “exclusive experience” is appropriate.
The best quote: “It’s pretty hard to imagine how an elite institution like us or like Harvard or Stanford or any of the other top schools would stay in business if they didn’t have some aspect of the program that was still relatively complicated and difficult to get to,” Mr. Argenti said. And thus they lock some of their content behind a pay wall.
Perhaps they should do a case study of the newspapers and how the pay walls have worked out for them.”
DV’s summary above is great, but I wanted to highlight one more specific point from the article, which is a quote from James D. Yager, a dean at Johns Hopkins University, who basically presents the other side of the story from Professor Argenti, by actually articulating the difference between the content (infinite) and all of the scarcities that the content makes more valuable:
“We don’t offer the course for free, we offer the content for free,” Mr. Yager said by telephone in February. “Students take courses because they want interaction with faculty, they want interaction with one another. Those things are not available on O.C.W.”
Exactly. That’s the point, and it’s too bad that a professor at Dartmouth (which is generally a pretty good business school) would so confuse the basic economics of information, and not realize that even if all of the course info is free, there are always aspects that are scarce.
Separately, James Schirmer points us to a related article concerning how some liberal arts schools are using Open Courseware to improve their own programs. It’s sort of taking a look at the other side of this overall debate, noting how liberal arts schools can improve their curriculum by having professors use OCW as a resource. Now, the OCW critics will claim that this takes away from the big schools that put content into OCW, but again, that’s misunderstanding the market, and assuming a zero-sum game, rather than an ability to expand the overall pie, recognizing that better education programs across the board are a good thing that open up many more opportunities than they take away.
A agência de segurança rodoviária norte-americana, a NHTSA, incluiu a NASA para realizar uma investigação nos problemas de vários modelos da Toyota, que recentemente passa por um momento turbulento de sua história, onde seus carros possuem um problema no acelerador, que causa a aceleração involuntária do veículo e já causou mortes de várias pessoas.
Segundo o Ministério dos Transportes em Washington, a experiência da NASA em equipamentos eletrônicos, análise de fatores de risco e solução de problemas complexos, irá ajudar a resolver um caso que ainda possui muitos detalhes obscuros. Acredita-se que a agência espacial termine seus estudos até o meio do ano.
Outra instituição de peso que está envolvida no caso Toyota é a Academia Nacional de Ciências, onde seus objetivos são mais abrangentes, fazendo a análise eletrônica dos veículos envolvidos no mega-recall da empresa. Os estudos terão duração de 15 meses e custarão aproximadamente US$ 3 milhões.
Entrepreneurial firms rich in knowledge but poor in other resources can use superior architectural knowledge of a technical system to gain strategic advantage over larger and better endowed rivals. This paper presents a model and provides examples showing that architectural knowledge can be applied strategically to change a firm’s scope and boundaries, make innovations more or less autonomous, and change the span of problems it must solve. Key concepts include:
Architectural knowledge is knowledge about the components of a complex system and how they are related.
Architectural knowledge includes knowledge about how the system performs its functions; how the components are linked together; and the behavior of the system, both planned and unplanned, in different environments.
For a small entrepreneurial firm with limited financial resources facing larger rivals, the most valuable architectural knowledge pertains to bottlenecks and remodularizations that isolate the bottlenecks. Such knowledge can form the basis of a small footprint technical architecture that delivers an ROIC (higher return on invested capital) advantage.
Technical systems that are susceptible to remodularization around bottlenecks are strategic targets of opportunity for entrepreneurial firms. Incumbents risk being displaced by smaller rivals with superior architectural knowledge leading to an ROIC advantage.
Abstract
This paper describes how entrepreneurial firms can use superior architectural knowledge of a technical system to gain strategic advantage. The strategy involves, first, identifying “bottlenecks” in the existing system, and then creating a new architecture that isolates the bottlenecks in modules. An entrepreneurial firm with limited financial resources can then focus on supplying superior bottleneck components, and while outsourcing non-bottleneck components. I show that a firm pursuing this strategy will have a higher return on invested capital (ROIC) than competitors with a less modular design. Over time, the focal firm can drive the ROIC of competitors below their cost of capital, causing them to shrink and possibly exit the market. The strategy was used by Sun Microsystems in the 1980s and Dell Computer in the 1990s. Keywords: architecture, innovation, knowledge, modularity, dynamics, competition, industry evolution.
40 pages.
Power: 1.8L VVT-i gasoline engine mated to an electric-motor fueled by nickel-metal hydride batteries.
Availability: Early 2011.
Pricing: TBA.
Lexus says that its new “CT 200h isn’t just about being a hybrid, it’s about having fun,”
“The stylish CT 200h has an attitude and driving dynamic unlike any other Lexus hybrid,” said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager. “It will excite eco-conscious, young consumers and symbolize urban, luxury living.”
Yet it’s strange to us how younger consumers will be excited by a hatchback hybrid carrying a 1.8L engine while Lexus’ HS 250h carries a 2.4L engine. Either way, let’s hope it’s priced cheaper than the $34,650 HS 250h – otherwise younger buyers won’t be too satisfied.
People, especially in Rhode Island, are wondering, “What is happening with that darned flood insurance?” Obviously private flood insurance is not impacted by what is happening. A few weeks ago, the House passed H.R. 4851 which extended the authority of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to issue new and renewal flood insurance policies and increase coverage on existing policies the insurance through April. But then the Senators all flew home for a two week Easter vacation. They are expected to renew/extend the insurance, but until then many investors are informing clients of their own policies. Freddie Mac’s policies on flood insurance remain unchanged: “Seller/Servicers originating mortgages for sale to Freddie Mac must continue to perform flood zone determinations, dwellings on mortgaged properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas, and mortgages delivered to us secured by such properties, must have flood insurance coverage, and for Servicers, payments to renew expiring policies must be effected as scheduled when servicing Freddie Mac mortgages.”
Freddie states that if a borrower applies for NFIP flood insurance, acceptable evidence pending issuance of a final NFIP policy must include a completed and executed NFIP Flood Insurance Application plus a copy of the borrower’s premium check or agent’s paid receipt, or a completed and executed NFIP Flood Insurance Application plus the final HUD-1 form reflecting the flood insurance premium collected at closing, or a completed and executed NFIP General Change Endorsement Form showing the assignment of the current flood insurance policy by the property seller to the borrower, or an agent-executed NFIP Certification of Proof of Purchase of Flood Insurance.
US Bank told clients, “For any new, increased, renewed, or extended loans secured by real estate in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), if the borrower is required to increase current NFIP coverage or purchase new flood insurance, the borrower has 2 options: Purchase the insurance from a private insurer or postpone the loan closing until NFIP insurance can be obtained in an adequate amount. And for any loan secured by real estate in a SFHA which is currently being serviced by USBHM in which the policy has lapsed (expired/canceled) or is determined to be insufficient, USBHM must begin the force placement process if certain criteria occur.
Flagstar Bank will still require standard documentation for proof of paid flood insurance for loans determined to fall in a flood zone. “Due to the flood insurance suspension, new policies will not be able to be obtained until at least April 12th. For loans where a paid policy has not been obtained, Flagstar Bank will continue to condition for appropriate flood insurance until such time as flood policies are able to be issued. Refinance transactions able to close without a required renewal will remain eligible for policies that are to expire April 30th or after.”
Yesterday Freddie Mac announced that Essent Guaranty is an approved mortgage insurer, starting tomorrow. There will be refreshments in the lunch room this afternoon in honor of this.
If you add a signature line to the GFE, you’d better not send it to Wells Fargo’s wholesale group. Starting tomorrow, Wells will cancel any registration received that includes GFEs altered to included additional signature lines. Wells Fargo Wholesale Lending will accept GFEs that include only the borrower’s signature, and have not been altered to include additional signature lines.
Security National Mortgage came out with its policy on the FHA flipping waiver. Starting tomorrow, SNMC will allow the 90 day waiver for all property sellers, including private sale transactions, but prohibits FHA financing for properties owned less than 90 days (acquisition to signed purchase contract) if the sales price is greater than or equal to a 20% increase over the seller’s acquisition cost. As with other investors, keep it arm’s length, and make sure that the seller holds the title!
US S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index for January was up .3% over December, although it is negative .7% year-over-year. This gives us eight months of, on average, home prices in 20 cities being up on a seasonally-adjusted basis. This data bucks the trend seen by other index trackers, including the NAR median, RadarLogic’s RPX and the FHFA “Purchase-Only” index. One analyst noted that “economically, housing is an illiquid good with poor price discovery, and major price turns are often preceded by changes in volume as buyers and sellers meet more or less frequently. If home prices are really recovering, we need to see confirmation in rising volume.” All real estate is local. Florida is struggling, Southern California was a mixed bag for all of 2009, and Northern California has been strong. Las Vegas and Phoenix have been weak, as are Seattle and Portland and Atlanta. New York has not bounced; Boston is doing ok, as is Cleveland, although generally speaking the Midwest is having a tough time. Texas is steady.
Agents and brokers specializing in purchasing are keeping lock desks busy around the nation. The weekly survey by the MBAA showed that mortgage applications for purchases hit their highest level since October. Overall, the index climbed 1.3% in the week ended March 26. Purchase apps rose 6.8%, the fourth gain in five weeks, while its refinancing measure dropped 1.3%. We have one month left until the end of April, the deadline for Americans to sign a contract on a home and qualify for the tax incentive.
When was the last time that you got a tattoo? Longtime mortgage and marketing expert Kevin Daum actually committed to his book ROAR!’s success by tattooing “New York Times Best Seller” on his chest backwards so he could see it every morning. We should all be that committed to closing more deals and making more money! Check out http://bit.ly/rcroar to see the story of the tattoo and to order the book. Here we are all banging our heads trying to figure out how to say the right things to the right people in the right way and the answer has been around for 3,500 years! You have to check out this new Wiley book by Mr. Daum called “ROAR! Get Heard in the Sales and Marketing Jungle”. It’s a great story.
It is the last day of the quarter. Pundits will be talking about what rates have done, what stocks have done, what jobs have done. Manufacturing obviously impacts job growth, and manufacturing expansion remains firmly in place as we close out the first quarter. Manufacturers here in the US are replenishing low inventories, and we’ve seen some recovery in the global trade markets – both of which are helping. We will soon have the March ISM index, which is expected to show a slight increase from February’s levels.
It is also the last day that the Fed will be buying mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage rates are pretty steady, compared to Treasuries. Rates are holding at the top end of the range and the curve is maintaining a steepening bias. Fannie and Freddie predict that the effect will not be major: a rise of about 25bps in mortgage rates over the next 3 months, or around $30/month more on a $250,000 mortgage. ADP reported that March private payrolls dropped 23,000, which is a disappointment for the economy – its number was expected to show an increase of 40k. Service-providing industries showed an increase. After the ADP number stocks may have a tough day, but bonds have improved: the 10-yr yield is down to 3.83%, and mortgage prices appear to be .250 better in price.
Two ladies were talking in Heaven.
1st woman: “Hi! Wanda.”
2nd woman: “Hi! Sylvia. Imagine seeing you here – what happened?”
Sylvia: “I froze to death.”
Wanda: “How horrible!”
Sylvia: “It wasn’t so bad. After I quit shaking from the cold, I began to get warm & sleepy, and finally died a peaceful death. What about you?”
Wanda: “I died of a massive heart attack. I suspected that my husband was cheating, so I came home early to catch him in the act. But instead, I found him all by himself in the den watching TV. “
Sylvia: “So, what happened?”
Wanda: “I was so sure there was another woman there somewhere that I started running all over the house looking. I ran up into the attic and searched, and down into the basement. Then I went through every closet and checked under all the beds. I kept this up until I had looked everywhere, and finally I became so exhausted that I just keeled over with a heart attack and died.”
Sylvia: “Too bad you didn’t look in the freezer—we’d both still be alive.”
The peanut butter and jelly sandwiches served at my high school were epic. Using THREE slices of white bread with peanut butter spread on both the top and bottom, it was like a little slice of heaven at 11:30am.
Looking back, it’s a marvel that I made it out of there alive.
As incredible as those sandwiches were, the government is starting to take action about what U.S. school children are eating during the day. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 is set to go to vote later this year. Passing this would set up schools to start making their lunches healthier.
A pilot program in Berkeley, California encourages consumption of food grown within a 100-mile radius of the school. All food is served fresh from large gardens that have been planted on school grounds and maintained by students. The free breakfast includes nine-grain muffins, and all lunches feature a salad bar.
I think this sounds great, but I question how realistic that example is. What is an alternative for schools in the inner-city, where garden space is not available?
What kinds of things are your kids eating at school? How would you like to see their meals get healthier?
Chrysler has kicked off production of the new 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X. The first unit rolled off the assembly line at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit on Monday.
“The 2010 model year is going to be unique for the Dodge Viper in many ways both on and off the track, so to kick it off with production of our ultimate special-edition Viper ACR-X is our way of paying tribute to the performance engineering expertise of our SRT team, combined with the passion and dedication of Viper Nation, to keep the tradition going strong,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. “With its amazing on-track performance, the Viper ACR-X is going to seriously turn the heads of all road-racing enthusiasts, whether it is the grassroots driver all the way up to the professional.”
Power for the 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X comes from the same SRT-developed 8.4L V10. The engine is equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that helps it produce 640-hp (40 more than production model).
Price for the 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X starts at $110,000.
2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X:
Press Release:
Dodge Begins Production of 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X
Spec-series Racer to Make Debut in New Dodge Viper Cup Series
* Production of turn-key, spec-series racer kicks off 2010-model-year build of Dodge Viper lineup at Conner Avenue (Detroit) Assembly Plant
* Viper ACR-X aimed at continuing Dodge Viper’s storied racing history
* Dodge Viper Cup spec-racing series will debut in July
* Dodge and Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team combine best performance attributes of Viper ACR with Viper Competition Coupe
* Latest special-edition Viper ACR offers improved on-track performance and safety at affordable price
* Final year of production of current-generation car will see some of the most special Vipers ever built
Auburn Hills, Mich., Mar 30, 2010 – The next chapter in the storied racing history of the Dodge Viper is being written as the first 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X rolled off the assembly line at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit on Monday, March 29. Built for road racing enthusiasts, the Dodge Viper ACR-X combines the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe.
The SRT-developed 8.4-liter V-10 engine that powers the Viper ACR-X is equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model) and 605 lb.-ft. of torque (45 more than production model). Following the initial build at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, each engine is shipped to a dynamometer lab where it is verified for proper outputs and electronically sealed before being sent back to the plant for final installation.
The suspension on the Viper ACR-X also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage, while the overall vehicle weight is lightened by a full 160 pounds (versus the standard production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.
Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the non-street legal Viper ACR-X boasts safety features such as factory-designed and installed fuel cell and race seat and factory-designed roll cage. Additional racing components are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X is $110,000.
Dodge Viper Cup
The Dodge Viper ACR-X will make its competition debut on July 9-10, 2010 in a newly developed, 10-race spec series called the Dodge Viper Cup, which will be sanctioned by the existing Viper Racing League. Vehicle sales of the Viper ACR-X will be used to self-fund the racing efforts.
Two races per weekend for five weekends will make up the 10-race 2010 Dodge Viper Cup schedule which includes the following:
* July 9-11 at Virginia International Raceway, Alton, Va.
* Aug. 14-15 at Hallett Raceway, Jennings, Okla.
* Sept. 11-12 at Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pa.
* Oct. 1-3 at Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, Utah
* Oct. 22-24 at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
Each vehicle in the new series must be the new Dodge Viper ACR-X. A contingency program sponsored by Dodge Motorsports and Mopar will pay out more than $200,000 during 2010. Payouts for each race are in cash and Mopar vouchers come as credit toward purchase of Mopar parts and accessories.
Additional cash awards will be made to the top-3 finishers in the Dodge Viper Cup. The 2010 champion will win $25,000, second-place will receive $10,000 and third-place will pay $5,000.
Conner Avenue Assembly Plant
The Dodge Viper ACR-X is built on the same production line and using the same quality manufacturing techniques as the street-legal versions of the Dodge Viper.
“We’re proud to be the exclusive home of America’s ultimate performance car,” said Shelly Gordon, Plant Manager – Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, Chrysler Group LLC. “For 15 years, our dedicated workforce has hand built a vehicle that inspires dreams and captures the imaginations of young and old. That passion and attention to detail continues with the launch of some of the most unique Dodge Vipers ever built.”
Production of the Dodge Viper began in May 1992 at the New Mack Assembly Plant and was moved to Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Oct. 1995. Viper V-10 engine production was transferred to Conner Assembly from Mound Road Engine in May 2001. In 2003, the Viper SRT10 roadster hit the market, and the current generation Viper SRT10 Coupe followed in 2005. In March 2008, production began on the new Viper ACR (American Club Racer) – the highest performance street-legal vehicle ever built at Conner Assembly.
Viper Racing Heritage
The Dodge Viper has enjoyed a successful racing heritage that began in 1996 with the original Viper racing entry, the GTS-R, which earned five international GT championships and the 1997-1999 FIA GT championships. It also posted an amazing overall win at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 1999 – the first for a production-based American car.
The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, introduced in 2003, delivered the next chapter with its coupe-shaped carbon/Kevlar body and a track-ready chassis, based on the Dodge Viper SRT10. The Viper Competition Coupe has continued the on-track prowess by capturing the 2004 SCCA Speed World Challenge GT title, championships in Formula D Drifting series in 2004 and 2006 and the British GT Championship in 2007 and 2008.
Wide Array Of New Special, Limited-edition Models
To celebrate the final production year of the current-generation Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge plans to deliver a vehicle lineup like no other since the introduction of the iconic American sports car in 1992.
Numerous special, limited-edition models are planned for the 2010 model year, including the Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition, which pays tribute to the production car lap record set on Nov. 24, 2009 at Laguna Seca raceway. The unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color scheme on this model is the opposite form of the original Viper ACR. Interior highlights include piano black console bezels with red gauge highlights complemented with red accent stitching in the seats. Only 33 cars will be produced as 1:33 Edition Viper ACR models.
The 2010 Vooodoo-edition Viper ACR will feature an all-Black Clear Coat exterior with a Graphite Driver’s Stripe outlined in red. Only 20 cars will be produced with the unique striping on both the exterior, as well as on the steering wheel.
Additional special-edition models will be announced closer to their individual introductions. Pricing on the 2010 Dodge Viper lineup also will be announced at a later date.
viperheadquarters.com
Dodge has created a new website designed to showcase the Dodge Viper SRT10 both on the street and on the track. Check out the new online home for all things Viper at www.viperheadquarters.com.
Viper Racing League
The Viper Racing League is one of three race series (including Challenge Series and Driving School) sanctioned by Viper Days. The series has 11-weekend events scheduled for the 2010 season at some of the country’s most prestigious race tracks. For more information including the 2010 race schedule, visit www.viperdays.com.
Each week we write about the science behind environmental protection. 
