Author: Serkadis

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, SUV, Ford

Ford rolled out its 2011 Edge, with a triad of engine choices, in Chicago this morning. As we mentioned earlier, the 2011 variant will offer the all-new EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The four-cylinder turbo, with direct-injection, promises 20-percent better fuel economy without sacrificing performance or suffering emission penalties (Ford has yet to release any specifics on horsepower, torque or fuel economy). The standard engine will be a 3.5-liter V6 (285 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque), while the Edge Sport (pictured above) is fitted with a 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 (305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque).

The front fascia is completely reworked with a new fresh look, while the rear is only slightly updated – the greenhouse appears untouched. Mechanically, the brake system has been upgraded with larger rear rotors, improved pad composition and a revised brake booster. The Edge SEL and Edge Limited wear standard 18-inch tires – now one-half inch wider, with 20-inch tires optional on both. The Edge Sport has (gulp!) 22-inch wheels standard, a class-exclusive says Ford.

Inside, the dashboard has been completely redesigned around the centerpiece MyFord Touch infotainment center. Standard on the Edge Limited and Edge Sport, the system utilizes a 8.0-inch full-color touch-sensitive LCD screen in the center console. Complementing the main display is the revised instrument panel with dual multi-tasking 4.2-inch information panels on each side of the speedometer that are operated via five-way spoke-mounted thumb switches on the steering wheel. With about a gazillion different features, including the ability to have your Edge welcome you by name when you enter the vehicle, the industry-leading MyTouch system keeps getting better and better – its revised application in the 2011 Ford Edge only serves to reinforce the message. Check out the video and press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Chicago 2010: New Ford Edge becomes cutting edge CUV [w/video]

Chicago 2010: New Ford Edge becomes cutting edge CUV [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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via no2010, 9 February 2010: “The prospect of the FIFA World Cup in 2014 followed by the Olympic Games in 2016 has reignited the debate about public security in a country where there is an undeclared war taking place in the favelas between the military police, paramilitary groups, and drug traffickers, but where the principal victims are the poor…” more

Good news EA Sports is working on a way to prevent ragequitting in FIFA online matches. Bad news these measures will be implemented in 2011.

Here is the 2011 Hyundai Azera and while it doesn’t look as revolutionary as the new 2011 Sonata, it does receive some critical upgrades including a number of powertrain upgrades, an advanced 6-speed automatic transmission and some exterior restyling.

The most obvious upgrades to the 2011 Hyundai Azera exterior include headlights, tail lights, a new bumper fascia, touches to the trunk lid and grille and alloy wheels. The interior gets some refinements too including aluminum graining on the center console, an “Eco Indicator” and an EZ Lange Change Assist (the one touch triple turn signal feature).

Also new for 2011 is the choice of a 260-hp 3.3L or  283-hp 3.8L DOHC Lambda V6 engine with improved power and fuel economy. The 3.3L is estimated to return 20/28 mpg (city/highway), while the 3.8L is estimated to return 19/27 mpg.

Pricing and launch details will be announced shortly.

Hit the jump for the press release.

2011 Hyundai Azera:

Press Release:

Refreshed 2011 Azera Boasting Improved Fuel Economy, More Horsepower and Lethal Emissions

The 2011 Hyundai Azera adds power and efficiency to a model known for its luxurious appointments. The updated large sedan now includes an advanced six-speed automatic transmission and other powertrain refinements raising the bar on fuel economy in its class, while still gaining horsepower. The 2011 Azera will be available at Hyundai dealerships in spring 2010.

New for 2011:

* Choice of 3.3-liter or 3.8-liter DOHC Lambda V6 engine with improved power and fuel economy
* Estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway with 3.3-liter engine
* Estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway with 3.8-liter engine
* All-new, in-house six-speed automatic transmission

Exterior upgrades

* Headlights, tail lights and fog lights
* Bumper fascias, side mirrors and window trim
* Trunk lid and grille
* Alloy wheels
* Interior refinements
* Center console aluminum graining
* “Eco Indicator”
* “EZ Lane Change Assist” – one touch triple turn signal

All of these upgrades help illustrate why more and more customers are discovering how well Azera stacks up against the competition. Overall, the 2011 Azera is a strong competitor to vehicles like the Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Buick LaCrosse and Ford Taurus. Spacious and luxurious, the Azera features more interior volume than expensive luxury sedans such as the Mercedes Benz E-Class, BMW 750i and Lexus LS 460. Both Azera powertrains still offer more standard horsepower than the BMW 528i demonstrating that Azera is one of the smartest premium large-sedan choices available in the American market today.

CHOICE OF TWO MORE POWERFUL AND FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS

The Azera GLS is equipped with an enhanced 3.3-liter, DOHC V6 engine that now produces an estimated 260 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 233 lbs.-ft. at 4,500 rpm of torque. The performance gains were achieved by incorporating Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) that improves engine breathing on the intake and exhaust camshafts for better fuel economy and lower emissions. Depending on engine load and speed, DCVVT can extend or shorten the duration of the valve opening and closing for more power. Previously, the 2010 Azera only had CVVT on the intake camshaft. Now, the Azera GLS features a specially tuned intake manifold surge tank to take advantage of the new DCVVT configuration. A member of Hyundai’s “Lambda” engine family, this new engine also has all-aluminum construction and four valves per cylinder. It also features a Variable Intake System (VIS) that further broadens its power curve to improve the vehicle’s off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. Fuel economy estimates for the Azera GLS are 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway.

The Azera Limited delivers powerful performance due to its revised clean and efficient all-aluminum 3.8-liter, DOHC V6 engine, which delivers an estimated 283 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 263 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. To maximize the power spread, this engine also uses DCVVT and a Variable Intake System (VIS) to help cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high rpms. Estimated mileage figures for the Azera Limited are 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.

To help Azera drivers get the most out of their vehicles, Hyundai has added a fuel economy indicator in the 2011 model. The “Eco Indicator” displays a green light to indicate when driving habits are contributing to good fuel economy.

SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Hyundai’s commitment to making the Azera extremely fuel efficient continues with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control. This transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide ratio spread that ideally suits both engines’ characteristics.

Hyundai’s all-new six-speed automatic transaxle helps the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of manual control through the SHIFTRONIC feature.

Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC feature by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it rearward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, adding to driver control. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the gear being used.

Designed for transverse engine applications in passenger cars and CUVs, the new compact transmission puts Hyundai into an elite class of only three auto manufacturers who have designed their own proprietary six-speed automatic transmissions. The strength of the design is its unique layout which makes it smaller, more compact and lighter than any other six-speed transmission on the market today.

The gearbox has no dipstick because it is filled with automatic transmission fluid designed to last for the life of the vehicle under normal usage conditions, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Developed over a four-year period, this new six-speed automatic is 26.4 pounds lighter than the five-speed it replaces. It also is 1.6 inches shorter and considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which is a key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost.

When it comes to transmissions, more gears are definitely better. The addition of a sixth gear enables closer spacing between gear ratios providing a better balance of performance and fuel economy while the wide overall gear ratio helps deliver strong, smooth acceleration.

The gearbox has three planetary gearsets and a unique flat torque converter that shortens the unit’s overall length by 0.47 inches. Four pinion differentials improve durability and further minimize size.

Another example of engineering ingenuity is found in the design of the hydraulic pressure control unit. Slight manufacturing deviations from one solenoid valve to the next often cause fluctuation in the hydraulic pressure and affect shift precision and quality. The transmission featured in the Azera cleverly integrates adjustment screws in the valves that enable each of the eight valves to be calibrated at the factory. This feature ensures stable hydraulic pressure at any shift point which facilitates a high degree of precision and control needed to deliver fast, smooth and precise shifts throughout the rpm range.

STRIKING FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Azera is reborn with a more handsome exterior design. The most noticeable exterior upgrade is a new sleeker front bumper fascia, with a number of subtle design tweaks. Design updates up-front also include redesigned headlamps, new chrome grille and round fog lights. A high-gloss window trim treatment enhances Azera’s profile. The rear of the 2011 Azera features new LED tail lights, a redesigned bumper with integrated chrome tailpipes and a matching decklid. Modernized 17-inch alloy wheels and revised side repeater mirrors with all-new bright puddle lamps light the way to Hyundai’s refined premium large car with near-luxury attributes. Overall, Azera’s proportions remain elegant, purposeful and aerodynamically efficient, reducing wind noise while adding maximum stability on the highway.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Inside, Azera’s spacious cabin provides not only roomy comfort, but a luxurious look with a new attention to detail that makes both driver and passengers feel like they are riding in a luxury sedan. These details include a new brushed metalgrain finish applied to the gear shift indicator area, cup holder cover, ashtray cover and center console cover. For convenience, “EZ Lane Change Assist” (one-touch triple turn signal stalks) has been added as to long list of standard equipment. Slight movement of this new turn signal stalk will cause the turn signals to blink three times and then automatically go off – an ideal feature for highway passing.

The 2011 Azera offers luxurious appointments and spaciousness that rivals the finest premium competitor brands. It offers a roomy cabin with nearly 44 inches of legroom up front and more than 38 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers. Hyundai engineers have created efficient packaging to maximize interior volume with the 2011 Azera offering more interior volume (123.5 cu.-ft.) than the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima.

Special attention has also been paid to other interior details, such as the electroluminescent cluster display and steering wheel audio control functions. The blue backlighting for interior gauges, switches and buttons along with ion-plated accents highlight the vehicle’s modern appearance. Other unexpected luxury appointments include a power rear sunshade, integrated memory system and power-folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators and puddle lamps on the Limited version. Azera Limited also has a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, electrochromic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink®, premium door sill scuff plates and woodgrain steering wheel and door pulls to its long list of standard equipment.

The Azera comes standard with dual front automatic climate controls, solar control glass, power seats for driver and front passenger, as well as woodgrain and metalgrain interior accents.

An AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system that includes a four-channel, 172-watt internal amplifier and six speakers comes standard in the Azera GLS. Audiophiles with even more demanding tastes will be impressed by the available Infinity audio system that includes a seven-channel, 315-watt amplifier with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and 10 speakers, standard in Limited trim levels.

Music lovers will also welcome the 2011 Azera’s inclusion of standard iPod®/USB and auxiliary input jacks to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods.

For drivers looking for the ultimate luxury options, Azera offers the Limited Trim with Navigation Package which receives a powerful Infinity 605-watt Logic 7® surround sound audio system as standard equipment in addition to its LG DVD navigation system.

SAFETY FEATURES

Maintaining Hyundai’s emphasis on class-leading safety technology, the 2011 Azera boasts impressive active and passive safety features to protect its occupants in the event of a collision. The Azera continues to set standards by making key life-saving active safety technology standard, such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with a Traction Control System (TCS).

Also standard are independent double-wishbone front- and multi-link rear suspension, large four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), which automatically adjusts the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle’s brakes for optimal performance under varying load conditions.

Additionally, Azera offers impressive passive safety features including eight standard airbags, active front head restraints to help prevent whiplash, a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for children’s seats and three-point seatbelts for all positions while shingle-style rear-seat head restraints provide drivers with improved visibility. Security is further advanced with an anti-theft engine immobilizer and remote keyless entry with alarm.

LG DVD NAVIGATION

LG, the South Korean-based international manufacturer of consumer electronics has developed an exclusive navigation system for the Hyundai Azera, Elantra and Veracruz models. Using touch-screen functions, the DVD navigation system comes equipped with a premium 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 surround sound system with 12 speakers, 11-channel digital amplifier and AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 reception capability which replaces the six-disc CD changer and iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks. It also includes mapping software for the continental United States and has available POIs (Points of Interest) for entertainment, shopping and dining. Route guidance is provided by audio and visual prompts.

COMFORTABLE AND CONTROLLED SUSPENSION

Hyundai engineers benchmarked the best cars in the category before designing the Azera’s double-wishbone front and multi-link rear four-wheel independent suspension system. By using high-tensile steel in critical unibody areas, the Azera features increased stiffness and rigidity, which ensures formidable resistance to flexing and enhanced ride and handling, while lowering interior noise levels. Attached to the Azera’s rigid structure is improved suspension and steering hardware to keep the vehicle even flatter through turns and more compliant over bumps. The suspension features four twin-tube, gas-charged dampers, softer bushings and a quick steering rack. The Azera also has front and rear stabilizer bars and rides on new 17-inch wheels and 235/55VR17 tires.

TWO WELL-EQUIPPED MODELS

From the well-equipped GLS, to the downright luxurious Limited, the 2011 Azera lineup addresses the needs and desires of premium sedan customers with a highly competitive mix of features and benefits. Each model delivers a level of standard equipment that is a cut above competing models.

AZERA GLS

Key standard equipment:

* 3.3L MPI-DOHC V6 with 260HP (estimated), variable intake system
* Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®
* 16-inch alloy wheels
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
* Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
* Traction Control System (TCS)
* Tire pressure monitoring system
* Active front head restraints
* Advanced front airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags
* Power driver seat with power lumbar support
* Bodycolor heated dual power mirrors
* Automatic headlights
* Front fog lights
* Dual exhaust
* Remote keyless entry system with alarm
* Engine immobilizer
* Power windows, locks, heated mirrors
* Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
* Steering wheel audio controls
* AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio with iPod®/USB auxiliary input jacks
* Solar control glass
* Cruise control
* EZ lane change assist
* Eco Indicator

AZERA GLS with PREMIUM PACKAGE

* Leather seating surfaces
* Heated front seats
* Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob

AZERA LIMITED
GLS equipment plus:

* 3.8L MPI-DOHC V6 with 283HP (estimated), variable intake system
* 17-inch hyper silver alloy wheels
* Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
* Power folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators
* Bumper, bodyside and door handles with chrome inserts
* Leather seating surfaces
* Heated front seats
* Dual automatic temperature control
* In-dash 6-disc CD Changer with 10 Infinity® speakers, iPod®/USB auxiliary input jacks, subwoofer and amplifier
* Integrated Memory System (IMS)
* Power rear sunshade
* Woodgrain-trimmed leather steering wheel and door pulls.
* Power adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
* Brushed stainless steel door scuff plates
* EC auto-dimming mirror with compass and Homelink®

AZERA LIMTED with ULTIMATE NAVIGATION PACKAGE

* LG DVD Navigation system with touch-screen display (replaces in-dash six-disc CD changer and iPod/USB auxiliary input jacks) 12-speaker Infinity® Logic 7® surround sound audio system

– By: Kap Shah

It’s frequently noted that the current sovereign problems are a natural result of governments transferring liabilities from the private sector onto the public ones.

But, as Gluskin-Sheff’s David Rosenberg argues, it’s not like the private sector is in such great shape.

——

While the focus has been on Greece in particular, and the PIGS in general, let’s
not forget that fiscal strains are evident everywhere from the U.K., to Japan, to
the U.S.A. (and several states).  The U.S. has a record $2½ trillion of new borrowing
requirements this year (nearly 20% of GDP that has to be financed or rolled over). 
Fully 75% of U.S. federal debt ($4.7 trillion) comes due in the next five years and that
number is still rising — the average term to maturity is nearly four years.  

The stresses in the private sector, especially the U.S. mortgage market, are still
in place.  Another wave of foreclosed units will be hitting the market unleashing
a fresh wave of deflation in residential real estate.  In fact, what is particularly
ominous is that 1 in 15 of folks out there who are delinquent on their mortgages
are actually current on their credit cards!  Remember all those option-adjustable
rate mortgages issued between 2004 and 2007 ($230 billion worth)?  Well, they
come due starting now and through 2012 and it will be interesting to see who
bails these folks out as their interest rate gets reset into the stratosphere.  
The sustained erosion in household credit quality is surely one reason why bank
lending continues to implode — down $28 billion last week and $100 billion in
just the past month (in excess of a 12% annualized decline).  It’s a good thing
Uncle Sam has his wallet out because without, the economy would still be
contracting according to our models! 

With regard to the U.S. housing market, there remains a glaring supply-demand
imbalance that can only mean more deflation ahead.  There are 231,000 vacant
newly-built housing units for sale.  On top of that, we have 3.29 million existing
owner-occupied housing units listed for sale.  Then we have 3.5 million empty
housing units for sale that have been taken off the market for unspecified reasons
(this is the fabled shadow inventory via the foreclosure process).  Right there we
have over seven million of supply overhanging the residential real estate market,
and there are 112 million homeownership units, so this classifies as a 6.3% total
vacancy rate.  At the same time, we have a competing rental vacancy rate of nearly
11% and the homeownership sector is also battling it out against an apartment
market where median asking rents have come down an average of 3.5% over the
past year and the decline is accelerating.  Inflation indeed.   

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Rosenberg’s Five Ways To Protect Your Portfolio During A Deflationary Period
• Rosenberg: Payback’s A Bitch For Banks Stuck Holding Euro Debt
• Rosenberg: This Is A Real Correction, S&P Headed To 912

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Dodge

We finally got a chance to see the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T in its new Furious Fuchsia paint scheme. For those complaining about Dodge not using “Panther Pink” for this new Challenger hue, let’s clear it up before we do anything else. Panther Pink was a color that was licensed by Chrysler back in the day, named after the the cartoon feline of fiberglass insulation fame. On this go-around, we figured Chrysler may have chosen to avoid any trademark entanglements by choosing a different moniker, but after seeing the car in person…it ain’t pink – it’s Fuchsia. Or electric raspberry pink maybe. At any rate, it isn’t even close to Pepto pink like we might have guessed from the photos. The color actually looks pretty good on the Challenger, especially parked in a corral that included yellow, green, orange and blue versions of Dodge’s lineup. The white interior is so kitschy, but it works perfectly with the overall theme.

If the R/T’s 376 horsepower just aren’t enough for your tire-screeching needs, you can always upgrade to the SRT8 and its 6.1-liter Hemi V8, which offers up a willing 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque… but act fast as there’s only 400 slated for production. Base price for the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Furious Fuchsia Pearl Coat comes in at $35,140 with the SRT8 model at $45,150 (both prices include $725 destination) and cars will hit dealerships in March.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chicago 2010: Panther Pink Furious Fuchsia Challenger

Chicago 2010: Panther Pink Furious Fuchsia Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DES PLAINES — Authorities say two women have been injured in a crash involving a car and a Metra commuter train in the northwestern Chicago suburb of Des Plaines.

Metra spokesman Michael Gillis says a northwest bound Metra train heading to Crystal Lake collided with the car just after 8 p.m. Tuesday as the train was pulling up to the Des Plaines commuter station.

The two women in the car were taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where their condition was not immediately known.

The accident caused major delays on the Metra line to Crystal Lake.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Two women injured in commuter train crash originally published on Chicago Press Release Services

According to Audi boss Rupert Stadler, Audi will milk the A1 for all its worth. The new compact Audi is designed to be turned into four individual models in a move the Stadler predicts will add at least 100,000 additional sales to its books annually.

The first model is the three-door hatchback we saw last night that is scheduled to go on sale in Europe later this year with prices starting around 16,000 euros ($22,062 USD).

Sources say that the three-door hatch will be followed by a five-door version that will share the same styling and dimensions but will be priced a little higher. Also under development is an Audi S1 due out in 2012. Power will come from a 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine putting out 180-hp. During the same year, Audi will also unveil an A1 cabriolet with a fabric hood and 2+2 seating.

Click here to see our original post on the Audi A1.

Refresher: The 2011 Audi A1 will go on sale in Europe later this year with prices starting around 16,000 euros ($22,062 USD). Power will come from a lineup of 4-cylinder engines, which consists of two TDI diesels and two TFSI gasoline units with output ranging from 84-hp to 122-hp. Mated to a 7-speed S tronic transmission, fuel-economy will range from 44 mpg and 62 mpg.

2011 Audi A1:

– By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Evidence continues to mount that early adopters are going to get a bit screwed with the Apple iPad, which has yet to even be officially released for public consumption. As my colleague Liam points out, that shouldn’t really be less than anyone expects, but a new job posting must twist the knife even still for those planning to pick up Apple’s first iteration of the device.

The new listing has Apple looking for “Performance QA Engineers” for the iPad Media department, and judging by the description, the job focuses almost exclusively on video and image capture and playback. It’s not unexpected, since presumably Apple has considered the possibility of putting a camera in the iPad at some point in the future, even if it doesn’t 100 percent intend to do so already, but it still stings.

The job description accompanying the call leaves little room for error about the nature of the position:

The Media Systems team is looking for a software quality engineer with a strong technical background to test still, video and audio capture and playback frameworks. Build on your QA experience and knowledge of digital camera technology (still and video) to develop and maintain testing frameworks for both capture and playback pipelines.

And then later in the description of the ideal candidate for the position, things are again made fairly evident:

Familiarity with and interest in photography, video as well as media file formats is highly desirable. Experience with tuning of and image pipeline, including, but not limited to AWB, Color Correction, AutoExposure, FrameRate adjustments is a plus.

Now I’d say job descriptions rank well above patent applications in terms of predicting what’s coming next from Apple, but that doesn’t mean everything the company advertises for is automatically included in a future iteration of its products. Add the advertisement to what we already know about space supposedly existing in the iPad’s guts for a camera module, photographic evidence taken from the iPad’s unveiling, and good old common sense about how Apple operates, and it’s becoming pretty hard to deny that iPad 2G will sport still/video capabilities.

If I didn’t have a vested professional interest in getting my hands on an iPad as soon as is humanly possible, I would not be buying one this time around. It’s not an experience that I need or miss in terms of my current gadget usage, between my iPhone and my Macs. If part of my job didn’t directly involve Apple hardware, I’d have a heck of a time justifying the investment to myself, and I honestly don’t think I would use it after the novelty wore off. The consumer in me would wait until it gets more features, and maybe gets cheaper, but the professional in me is glad I don’t have to exercise that degree of patience.

Related GigaOM Pro Research:

• Web Tablet Survey: Apple’s iPad Hits Right Notes
• 5 Tips for Developers Targeting the iPad
• How AT&T Will Deal with iPad Data Traffic

We’ve had numerous discussions on this site about both the legality and ethics of open WiFi networks. And yet, the issue still comes up now and again — but who knew it was a Constitutional issue? Thomas O’Toole shares the news of a ruling in Oregon, that suggests a user who left his WiFi open gave up certain 4th Amendment rights to privacy. Though, actually, the details of the case suggest it’s not so much the open WiFi that’s the issue, but the fact that the guy also left illegal material in shared Limewire and iTunes folders. It was just that police were able to confirm that by connecting to his open WiFi. But the court does make a specific statement on the WiFi issue, noting:

“as a result of the ease and frequency with which people use each others’ wireless networks, I conclude that society recognizes a lower expectation of privacy in information broadcast via an unsecured wireless network router than in information transmitted through a hardwired network or password-protected network.”

While O’Toole doesn’t think there’s anything earth shattering about this, I’m not sure I agree. I think, in this case, the guy probably gave up rights to privacy by putting the content in shared folders that were available widely — but I don’t think that just because you’re using an open WiFi network you’ve set yourself a “lower expectation of privacy.” I would suspect that most users have no idea that it’s less secure, and I wonder why the type of network used should really determine the level of 4th Amendment protections.

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When Toyota’s recall troubles started, President and CEO Akio Toyoda was widely criticized for not publicly addressing problems in a timely manner. Since than, Toyoda has held a press conference apologizing to Toyota customers and is now planning to visit the United States to meet with dealers, employees, suppliers and customers to get a better handle on the recall crisis.

“I’m planning to visit the United States,” Toyoda said today at a press conference where he announced a global recall of 437,000 hybrid vehicles, including the Prius and Lexus HS 250h. “Our employees in the United States, our dealers, our suppliers — each and everyone is working closely together. In my own words, I would like to explain the situation to the people concerned.”

Since last fall, Toyota has recalled more than 8.1 million vehicles due to sticky accelerator pedal issues and brake issues.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

(CHICAGO) — A fugitive who was the subject of a nationwide manhunt by the FBI since July of 2005 was brought back from Mexico and arrested at O’Hare Airport Tuesday afternoon.

Valentino Sanchez, 33, whose last known address was the 8100 block of White Ave. in west suburban Lyons, was placed into custody at 12:15 p.m. by Chicago Police in a secure area in a lower level terminal area at O’Hare, according to police.

Sanchez, an allegedly high ranking member of the Latin King street gang who also goes by the streets names of “Shorty” and “Devious” was found in Guadalajara, Mexico by an FBI gang task force and was transported by DEA and FBI officials to Chicago, police said.

A Feb. 2, 2009 U.S. Department of Justice and FBI release offered a $10,000 reward for the arrest of Sanchez, who has been the subject of nationwide manhunt since July 2005 when he was charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago with violation of drug laws.

The release said Sanchez is allegedly a high ranking member of the Latin Kings and he is accused of overseeing the distribution of wholesale quantities of cocaine in the city and suburbs.

Sanchez remains in Chicago police custody early Wednesday but is scheduled to be turned over to federal authorities who will likely hold him in the Metropolitan Correctional Center pending an appearance in Federal Court, according to police.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

High ranking alleged gangster Valentino Sanchez arrested at O’Hare originally published on Chicago Press Release Services

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

Nissan just unwrapped a 40th Anniversary gift to itself at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. More specifically, it’s celebrating the 40th anniversary of one of its most iconic vehicles, the Z car, with a special edition version of the latest in a long line of formidable sportscars to wear that badge. The limited edition 2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary model is actually a bit late to the party since the original 240Z technically debuted in North America on October 22, 1969… but who’s counting.

Whereas the 1970 240Z was a revolution in the affordable sportscar scene with a sticker at just $3,626, the 40th Anniversary Edition will start at $38,860. That represents a premium of about $1,200 over Touring Coupe with Sport Package on which it’s based. So what do you get by checking off that 40th Anniversary box? Nothing under the hood, in case you were wondering.

That’s okay, we guess, as the Touring is already a hot car and the Sport package adds SynchroRev Match for the six-speed stick, a front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch Rays forged aluminum-alloy wheels and the limited-slip diff. Basically it’s a sticker package with a unique “40th Graphite” paint job, red leather interior, a “high-luster smoke wheel finish,” red brake calipers and 40th Anniversary badges on the rear hatch and the front shock tower brace. The gray color and smoked wheels do look great in person, though.

There are also additional changes inside, like red door panel inserts, 40th Anniversary logos in the seatbacks and on the floormats, red stitching on the center stack, shift boot and kneepads, red-stitched leather on the steering wheel and a 40th commemorative plaque. It even comes with a commemorative “premium satin car cover.”

Beginning later this month, the 1,000 units will start making their way to dealer showrooms. You can read even more details in the press release after the jump, and see some live shots and the official high-res pics in the gallery below.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Chicago 2010: Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition unveiled with no added performance

Chicago 2010: Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition unveiled with no added performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It seems like Toyota isn’t the only with recall woes. After issuing a global recall of 646,000 units of its Fit, Jazz and City models over a faulty window switch, Honda said that it will be expanding a previously announced recall to replace an airbag inflator in an additional 378,758 U.S. vehicles.

“In total, Honda is aware of 12 incidents related to this issue as of February 2010,” Honda said in a statement “While Honda was aware of two additional events when the decision to first expand the recall was made in July 2009, we are not aware of any new events that have occurred after July 2009. However, we have concluded that we cannot be completely certain that the driver’s airbag inflator in the vehicles being added to this recall at this time will perform as designed. Therefore, we have decided to add certain 2001 and 2002 Accord, Civic, Odyssey, CR-V, and selected 2002 Acura TL vehicles to this recall.”

The original recall was issued in July 2009, and it including 2001 and 2002 Accords and Civics as well as some 2002 Acura TLs.

g. Honda owners can go to http://owners.honda.com recalls or call (800) 999-1009; Acura owners can go to http://owners.acura.com/recalls or call (800) 382-2238.

– By: Omar Rana

Permanently severing a man-made link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River system is the only sure way to protect the lakes from voracious Asian carp, scientists and activists told a congressional panel Tuesday.

While praising the Obama administration for pledging to spend $78.5 million on a wide-ranging plan for thwarting a carp invasion of Lake Michigan through Chicago waterways, critics said it was at best a temporary and flawed approach.

“The goal must be ecological separation. The Great Lakes cannot wait,” Michael Hansen, chairman of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, said during a hearing of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment.

Joel Brammeier, president of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, acknowledged that redirecting the Chicago River’s flow and building a network of canals there in the late 19th century was an engineering marvel that had powered the city’s growth.

“But the stark reality that the system created an aquatic superhighway for Asian carp and other invaders calls the question of whether it is as critical today as it seemed 10, 50 or 120 years ago,” Brammeier said.

The federal government’s strategy, released Monday, calls for studying the possibility of severing ties between the lakes and the Mississippi basin.

But in the short term, it rejects the idea of closing two shipping locks that could provide an opening to Lake Michigan for the huge, hungry carp, which have infested the Chicago waterways south of an electrical barrier designed to halt their advance.

Genetic material from the carp – but no actual fish – has been found north of the barrier, located about 25 miles from Lake Michigan.

Some of the DNA was located in Lake Michigan itself, but experts say it’s unclear whether any Asian carp are actually there – and if so, how many.

Scientists told the House subcommittee it was unclear how much damage the carp would do if they gain a foothold in the Great Lakes. But they said the risk was too great to ignore.

The carp feed on plankton that forms the base of the lakes’ food web. If they become established there, they could cause a chain reaction that starves out salmon, walleye and other pillars of the region’s $7 billion fishing industry.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is considering opening the locks less frequently, Maj. Gen. John Peabody said.

Del Wilkins, a spokesman for the American Waterways Operators, said even intermittent closure of the locks would “impede essential commerce without stopping the advance of the carp.”

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Activists ask cut off waterways to protect lakes from Asian carp originally published on Chicago Press Release Services

In September 2009, I had talked about the H2 Mobility Plan for Germany in which 8 major companies signed up with the intent of expanding hydrogen fueling stations in that country by 2015 to support commercial hydrogen car rollouts. Last night I received an email that outlines a free webinar that outlines the H2 Mobility Plan.

Here are the contents of that email:

“In September of 2009 the German Ministry of Transport announced a Memorandum of Understanding with several leading auto manufacturers and energy industry partners — a plan to facilitate deployment of a nationwide hydrogen supply infrastructure and vehicle rollout for Germany. This builds on the success of technology demonstration programs co-funded by government and industry over the last few years. 

“National Organization Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology (NOW GmbH), Daimler AG, the National Hydrogen Association (NHA) and the Partnership for Advancing the Transition to Hydrogen (PATH) have organized a webinar to explore the details of this historic agreement.

“This webinar is provided at no cost thanks to the support of Daimler AG.

“It will be held on Wednesday, February 17th at 1 PM – 2.30 PM EST. 

“Featured speakers will be Dr. Klaus Bonhoff from NOW-GmbH and Ron Grasman, Manager, Fuel Cell Vehicles, Daimler AG. The Webinar will be moderated by Jerry Hinkle, Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs of the NHA. A question and answer session will follow. 

“We’re looking forward to your attendance. Please register in advance as spaces are limited.”

You can register for free by clicking this link. I’ve already signed up for this webinar, so why don’t we learn the details of this plan together?

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Japan, Toyota, Rumormill

This is… odd. But here’s the very long story short. Japan’s Holiday Autos is reporting that Toyota has decided to scrap the design of the so far pretty much beloved FT-86. Don’t worry, the FT-86 and its rear-wheel drive, simple, cheap, sporty self isn’t in danger. Toyota had three competing designs to work worth and have picked one that they liked better than the car we saw in Tokyo. That is their right and privilege.

This new design is reportedly the work of a Northern American design team also known as Calty Design Research, beating out Toyota’s other European and Japanese proposals. The European team is responsible for the FT-86 concept we’ve seen so far. Trouble is, we have no idea what this new car looks like and we like how the concept looked. FT86club.com has a rendering of what the new car may look like posted here. But again, who knows? Especially as Holiday Autos doesn’t strike us as the most trustworthy of sources. We’ll try to do some digging and keep you posted. Tip of the floppy fedora to Cameron!

[Source: Holiday Autos via FT-86club.com]

Rumormill: Has Toyota scrapped the design of the FT-86? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today, the Washington Post published a letter from Google CEO Eric Schmidt laying out his five-step plan for turning around the economy around.

Here are the key points:

• “Congress should ensure that every bill it passes promotes competition over protecting the interests of incumbents.”

• “If we want to be a leader in new industries such as green energy, we have to accept that some of our investments won’t pan out.”

• “We need to extend the R&D tax credit so businesses can confidently invest in their future.”

• “Government-funded research should be made public through “a Wikipedia of ideas,” so entrepreneurs can harness ideas commercially.”

• “The best and brightest from around the world come to study at U.S. universities. After graduation, they are forced to leave because they can’t get visas. It’s ridiculous.”

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Google Using Its Fighter Jet For Climate Change Research
• Hey, Graduates, Check Out These CEOs’ First Jobs (SLIDESHOW)
• Kerry, Boxer Blast Palin Over Cap And Trade

CHICAGO  — Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich heads to court Wednesday to answer a revised batch of charges that he schemed to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s old Senate seat and swap official favors for campaign money.

Federal marshals blocked off the courthouse sidewalk to give Blagojevich a clear path to and from his car and avoid the swirling media frenzy that swallowed him up last time he appeared in court several months ago.

Curiosity about the brash former governor, who has been pleading his case on radio and television for months, is guaranteed to draw heavy press attention and marshals have sternly pledged to maintain strict order.

Blagojevich has grabbed at almost every chance to get on the air. Many attorneys have said it is unwise to talk so freely with federal charges pending. They say the 53-year-old impeached former governor’s words could be used against him at the trial, which is scheduled to begin June 3.

The arraignment Wednesday is likely to be brief.

“He’s going to be there, so its going to be a big press hoopla, but legally it’s going to be very routine – he’s going to plead not guilty,” Blagojevich defense attorney Sheldon Sorosky said Tuesday night.

Also due at the hearing is Blagojevich’s businessman brother, Robert, who was the head of his campaign fund and was also charged in the indictment.

The new indictment alleges Blagojevich sought ways to get lucrative jobs or money in exchange for the seat left vacant by Obama’s election – just as the previous version did – but makes no new allegations of misconduct.

The new indictment repeats all of the charges against Blagojevich in the earlier version but adds eight new ones – one count of racketeering, two counts of attempted extortion, two counts of bribery, two counts of bribery conspiracy and one count of extortion conspiracy.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Blagojevich to answer revised corruption charges originally published on Chicago Press Release Services