Six jurors have been picked so far in the extortion and bribery trial of Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez.
Perez’s attorney, Hubert Santos, has been highly concerned that few citizens of Hartford will be chosen for the jury. The latest jurors to be picked were a retiree from Glastonbury and a doctor from Simsbury.
The Hartford Courant’s Josh Kovner has the details at http://www.courant.com/community/hartford/eddie-perez/hc-eddie-perez-0414,0,7206943.story
The Linux Foundation Collaboration Summit, a 3-day event for open source developers and mobile partners, kicks off today. Among the various agenda topics are both a keynote and multiple workshop sessions devoted to MeeGo, the platform created when Intel’s Moblin project and Nokia’s Maemo operating system merged at February’s Mobile World Congress. With the workshop sessions, Intel and Nokia are fighting for the attention of developers, much like other platforms are, as exemplified with the Twitter and Facebook programmer events as well as Apple and its new iPhone 4.0 OS. So why might a developer be interested in MeeGo?
For starters, MeeGo offers opportunities in both the smartphone and the netbook or tablet space. There are two MeeGo user experience frameworks — one for handsets and one for netbooks — but applications designed for MeeGo aren’t constrained to one device type. While smartphone software could require visual adjustment to run on the larger display of a netbook, for example, the software itself is created with Qt, a cross-platform development tool. Think of Qt, which Nokia purchased in January 2008, like Java’s write-once, run-anywhere approach. Nokia’s VP of MeeGo devices, Ari Jaaksi, explains the benefits best in a Linux.com interview from earlier this morning:
“Qt is a cross-platform application and UI framework used by hundreds of thousands of developers worldwide looking to create amazing user experiences on Windows, Mac, Linux, Windows Mobile, Symbian and Maemo devices. Qt will be the primary application framework for MeeGo and both Intel and Nokia are committing their investment in it. For developers interested in MeeGo, Qt helps increase the scope for their applications and services across multiple platforms, all using consistent application APIs.”
Two more carrots dangling in front of potential MeeGo developers are the Linux tie-ins and application stores. Intel’s documentation from its Beijing Developer Forum, also in progress now, points out MeeGo support for potentially thousands of native Linux software titles. And those titles targeted for MeeGo, as well as those built with the Qt framework will be available through two partner storefronts. The Intel App Up store offers software for netbooks, while Nokia is leveraging its Ovi store for handset titles. The Ovi store shelves were a little bare when I last checked on Nokia’s Maemo-powered N900 handset, so the handset maker is looking to boost the available titles.
MeeGo devices are expected in the second half of this year and 27 partners ranging from Acer to Xandros are expressing support. Notable members of the partner list include high-profile software shops like EA Mobile and Gameloft. But industry friends alone won’t turn MeeGo into a contender against the likes of Apple, Google and others with established mobile platforms. As Stacey alluded last summer in her interview with Peter Farago, the VP of mobile analytics firm Flurry, developers are the new kingmakers. The programmers attending this week’s Linux Foundation Collaboration Summit will likely decide if MeeGo gains a royal crown or simply becomes a mobile bard just passing through.
Related research on GigaOM Pro (sub req’d):
Mobile OSes Are No Longer Just About Mobile
Images courtesy of Intel
Hey, so you know those new Core i5 and i7 MacBook Pros that launched yesterday? If you are looking to pick one up, you should definitely check Amazon, as they’ve got a nice discount on all models, across the board. Here’s the breakdown:
Definitely not bad at all, even on the least expensive models – especially when you factor in the fact that Amazon doesn’t charge sales tax to a majority of locations that they ship to.
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amazon,
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core i5,
core i7,
macbook pro,
macbook pro discount,
We already told you about Starbucks’ free coffee offer for Tax Day. Well, Dunkin’ Donuts has complicated matters — they’re giving away free donuts tomorrow, but only if you buy a cup of their coffee.
So on one hand there’s free coffee awaiting you at Starbucks, but you’ll have to pay for any food items you might want. On the other hand, if you go to Dunkin’ Donuts, you’ll have to pay for the coffee, but you get a free donut.
Where will you be scoring your free stuff tomorrow?
AT&T (NYSE: T) is walking away from an advertising battle with Verizon Wireless that ignited last year when Verizon created the clever tagline, “There’s a Map for That,” and poked fun at AT&T’s 3G coverage.
AT&T responded by launching a series of commercials featuring Luke Wilson that defended its network coverage and criticized Verizon’s network for not being able to simultaneously make phone calls and surf the internet at the same time.
Verizon’s commercials were largely deemed a success, while AT&T’s response seemed a bit rushed. Now, AT&T is refining its commercials with a new campaign called “Rethink Possible,” which avoids tearing down its top competitor, reports AP. The new campaign debuted last weekend during the Masters golf tournament.
AT&T’s new campaign features five ads that are describes as “whimsical fantasy” with childlike drawings prancing through a city. The voiceovers tell people to “Explore, try, do.”
Verizon Wireless says it has no plans to change the way it is advertising to consumers, which begs the question: is it winning the battle? AT&T definitely didn’t win the lawsuit against Verizon Wireless, which claimed that it was falsely depicting its network coverage. Rather, the two companies agreed to drop the cases late last year.
Related
Spectrum introduces the M3i.21xx series, the fastest digitiser from Spectrum, based on the recently introduced M3i platform. Four different versions are available for all supported bus types ranging from 250 MS/s to 1 GS/s with one or two synchronous channels. All cards are available as PCI/PCI-X and PCI Express version for the same price. The M3i.21xx series is suitable for a large range of application areas especially high energy physics, research and development, radar, spectroscopy and laser applications.
The highly configurable A/D amplifier stage consists of a 50 ohm terminated path with a bandwidth of up to 500 MHz and a second, high impedance path with a bandwidth > 200 MHz. 8 input ranges between ±50 mV and ±10V can be software selected. In addition each channel has a programmable AC/DC coupling and a selectable low pass filter to optimise noise figures. The input stage can be on-board calibrated by just issuing a calibration command in software. Calibration values are stored in an on-board EEProm.
The card comes as a standard with 256 MByte of memory and can be equipped with up to 4 GByte of on-board memory to cope with the large amounts of data. Using the full memory option it is possible to acquire more than 4 seconds of data with 1 GS/s.
The M3i.21xx is delivered with Windows drivers supporting Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, each 32 bit and 64 bit version as well as Linux 32/64 bit drivers, a set of programming examples and a basic version of the new SBench 6 software which has been optimized for handling GBytes of acquired data and which is available for Windows and Linux.
The driver supports all M3i cards as well as all M2i cards allowing to easy upgrade hardware for existing applications. A set of standard programming examples is provided to illustrate the boards main signal capture functions. Extensive support includes Visual C++, Borland C++, Gnu C++, Visual Basic, VB.NET, C#, J# and Delphi code.
SCAIME announces the introduction of the ZA30X S-type load cell series. With its full stainless steel construction and complete hermetic sealing, the new ZA30X models are rated to IP68 and provide high resistance to ingress.
Certified to OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) R60 for devices up to 3000 divisions, the ZA30X series is ideally suited to process or retail applications requiring weighing capabilities from 500 kg up to 7500 kg.
Enabling continuous operation in harsh environments, the ZA30X series is suitable for frequent wash-down and ATEX certified for hazardous environment. It’s always the right weighing sensor in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical sectors and cement or asphalt plants
The ZA30X can be designed into platform scales, hopper weighing and force measurement equipments. Its tension measurement capabilities mean the ZA30X series will also serve applications such as hanging scales or tank suspended weighing.
Turck provides a new portfolio of inclination sensors with analog or digital output and CANopen interface
Turck presents a new inclination-sensor series at the Hannover fair, made for various applications such as robots, vehicles, planes, harvesters, agricultural machines, construction machines or solar collectors. The robust housings are IP68 rated and enable a long-term stable and reliable measurement of inclination. The micro-mechanical capacitive measuring element of the sensor guarantees high accuracy and sensitivity with a repeatability of 0.1 percent.
The standard program includes biaxial inclination sensors in cuboid-shaped housings Q20L60, covering angular ranges from +-10°, +-45° and +-60°. The sensors are available with voltage, current and radiometric output. Beyound that turck offers another modell in a Q42 housing with CANopen interface. For special fields of application, the sensor family also offers uniaxial models operating in the full angular range of 360°. The user can adjust the desired range within a few seconds. The 360-degree versions are available with analog voltage and current output, as well as with two programmable switchpoints.
Flexible: Turck’s inclination sensors are available with analog voltage, current and radiometric output, as well as with a CANopen interface
The MR7000 is a complete solution for micro percussion marking, Data Matrix™ codes as well as reading Data Matrix™ codes. It provides high-precision marking complying with standards in affect in the aerospace, defence, automotive and other industries.
The MR7000 is the ideal marking solution for aircraft parts, safety-critical parts and high added-value parts. The precision of the guidance and the use of an electromagnetic stylus provide perfect control of positioning and impact force. The solution also includes a hand-held Data Matrix™ code reader, connected either to a PC or to the marking machine itself, so that the conformity of the marking on the part can be checked. Lastly, micro percussion marking cannot be forged, in contrast to ink-jet marking, for example.
The MR7000 is particularly ergonomic and simple to use. The marking area is 100 x 120 mm, with a 280 mm motorized Z-axis. No manual adjustment is necessary: the electromagnetic stylus is fitted with a touch sensor which automatically locates the marking surface and positions itself correctly. The marking log is saved in the machine and can easily be exported. The marking program can be defined and loaded into the machine in advance by the supervisor (force, texts, etc.). All the operator then has to do is execute the markings, without having to adjust the programming.
A wide range of accessories are available. The circular part marking system converts the MR7000 into a 4-axis machine (X, Y, Z, and rotation), (take away ‘and’) this procedure does not require a PC. An automatic plate feeder with a 160-item capacity means that certain tasks can be automated.
TECHNIFOR technical assistance and customer support is available in more than 30 countries. For further information, visit us at www.gravotech.com.
This new development was intended to take the place of the successful and internationally established first dTRANS …01 series. With extended functions in the same compact housing, the JUMO dTRANS pH/CR/AS/Ci 02 instrument series now covers all the measurement variables. The mounting dimensions for the panel-mounting instruments are 96 mm x 48 mm x 90 mm (W x H x D) and these instruments are also available in a surface-mounted housing, with IP 67 protection. The new instrument series is available in 4 variants:
JUMO dTRANS pH 02 – pH-measurement with glass and ISFET sensors, redox measurement, NH3 measurement
JUMO dTRANS CR 02 – conductivity measurement with conductive two-pole and four-pole sensors, resistance measurement in ultra-pure water
JUMO dTRANS AS 02 – 0/4 – 20 mA signal input for sensors with a standard signal output, such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, ozone and hydrogen peroxide sensors, level probes, pressure measuring instruments
JUMO dTRANS Ci 02 – conductivity measurement with inductive sensors
The high-contrast, backlit, graphical LC display makes the measurement values easy to read. They can be displayed as a digital, numerical value, as a bar graph and as a graphical trend curve. Thanks to the plain text navigational structure, operating the instrument is simple and safe. The instrument can be set to many European languages (including Russian). There is a user-friendly PC setup program for easy configuration and data exchange. In addition to the measurement input for an analysis variable, the instruments have a temperature input for Pt100, Pt1000 or NTC as standard. Besides, there are always two freely-programmable changeover relays available. On top of the standard inputs and outputs up to three more input or output modules can be connected. The programmable higher order control functions are P, PI, PD and PID action (pulse length and pulse frequency output). Other possibilities include limit monitoring and modulating controls for opening and closing valves. Thanks to this modularity, multi-channel measurements are possible, such as the simultaneous measurement of the pH value, temperature and chlorine concentration, or two pH or two conductivity measurements. An integrated math module allows the input signals to be linked. Digital interfaces such as PROFIBUS-DP and Modbus (RS 422/485) are available for connection to a higher-level control system…….
Filed under: SUV, Technology, Lexus, Toyota
The latest blow to the formerly sterling reputation of Toyota came this week when Consumer Reports gave the new Lexus GX460 a “Do Not Buy” rating. It’s not often that CR gives its worst rating to a vehicle and it’s never happened to a Toyota or Lexus product before. In light of recent recall woes, Toyota is taking this news very seriously and has stopped selling the Lexus GX while it investigates the issue.
The reason for the dire rating is what CR considers a major safety risk with the new GX. During the publication’s handling tests, the CR drivers experienced significant oversteer (the back end of the vehicle sliding sideways) before the electronic stability control intervened and brought the SUV back under control.
Cornering oversteer is something automakers try to avoid, except on high-performance sports cars. On SUVs with a high center of gravity, this is an especially serious problem because if the vehicle hits a curb, shoulder or other impediment while sliding it’s more prone to roll over. During a previous test with the Toyota 4Runner, which shares its basic platform with the Lexus GX, CR didn’t experience the same problem. Follow the jump as we examine some possible explanations for the disparity between these two SUVs.
Continue reading Why the Lexus GX may be rollover-prone (and the 4Runner isn’t)
Why the Lexus GX may be rollover-prone (and the 4Runner isn’t) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
What happens when you recreate Star Wars: A New Hope frame-by-frame by editing together a patchwork of 500 15-second crowdsourced scenes? Star Wars: Uncut, that’s what. If this isn’t a labor of love (and Lego!) I don’t know what is. More »
Pocketnow have published this video comparing the recently released HTC HD Mini with the older HTC HD2. Despite the HTC HD mini being called simply a smaller HTC HD2 the video actually shows significant differences in performance, user interface and application compatibility, with Pocketnow saying the smaller device with the HVGA screen does not support common applications such as SPB Mobile Shell or Skyfire, due to its lower resolution non-standard screen.
Read more at Pocketnow here.
Michelle Obama at the Universidad Iberamericana (photo by Lynn Sweet)
MEXICO CITY–At a university here, First Lady Michelle Obama on Wednesday urged a group of Mexican students to “ensure that other young people have the opportunities they deserve,” a variation of a theme that is a standard in most of her speeches.
She spoke at the Universidad Iberamericana in the Santa Fe area of the city, near high rises housing corporate headquarters, condos and a U.S-style shopping mall. About 2,000 invited students–from a variety of high schools and other universities– crowded into courtyard at the Jesuit School, decorated with giant Mexican and U.S. flags.
developing…more to come…check back….
Remember the Alfa Romeo Giulietta we saw at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show? Well, that was just a preview and the 2011 Giulietta is actually making its world debut today with a bunch of details and high-res images.
The 2011 five-door Alfa Romeo Giulietta will go on sale in Europe starting next month and will be available in five different models including:
All engines are combined with a manual 6-speed gearbox belonging to the three axle transmission family, which can withstand and transmit high maximum torque values. The Multiair and 170-hp 2.0 JTDM units will also be available with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Oh and if you’re wondering if the Giulietta will come to the United States when Alfa Romeo makes its return to the stateside – don’t keep your hopes up.
“There are no plans at present to export the Alfa Romeo Giulietta to the North American market,” Richard Gadeselli, vice president of communications for Fiat Group Automobiles SpA, told AutoWeek.
Hit the jump for the press release for more details along with the updated high-res image gallery.
Press Release:
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Model in brief
Having made its world preview at the recent Geneva International Motor Show, the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta makes its debut today and, from May this year, will be marketed progressively on all the major markets, thus relaunching the brand in one of the most important segments in Europe.
In Alfa Romeo’s Centenary year, the name Giulietta is a tribute to an automobile and an Alfa Romeo legend. In the Fifties, the Giulietta caught the imagination of car enthusiasts throughout the world, making the dream of owning an Alfa Romeo and enjoying its high level of comfort and technical excellence accessible for the first time.
Now the Alfa Romeo Style Centre has produced a new Giulietta, a five-door hatchback with an evident Alfa
Romeo appearance and capable of expressing both great agility on the most demanding routes and providing comfort on everyday journeys. This is due to the new Compact platform which, thanks to the sophisticated technical solutions employed for the suspension, the dual pinion active steering, the sophisticated materials used and the manufacturing technologies implemented, allows the Giulietta to achieve exceptionally high standards both in terms of on-board comfort as well as its dynamic and safety features (active and passive).
A new platform to enhance road holding and agility in total comfort and safety
The Giulietta introduces an entirely new platform – called Compact – designed to satisfy the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding, agility and safety. It ensures both exceptional dynamic performance and high comfort levels, thanks to the refined technical solutions employed for the suspension, a new-generation steering system, a light and rigid structure created from materials such as aluminium and high-strength steels, and avant-garde manufacturing techniques.
This new platform will allow the Giulietta to accommodate the needs of all customers in this category, combining on-board comfort, functional interiors and generous boot space, with the dynamic qualities that belong to every Alfa Romeo. Furthermore, driving satisfaction and comfort can be adapted to meet every customer’s specific needs thanks to the Alfa DNA selector, a device that customises the vehicle’s behaviour to suit different road conditions and driving styles. The new platform of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed to integrate the vehicle’s different systems and exploit them to the full, thus emphasising the three set-up functions (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather) available through the Alfa DNA selector. This device, fitted as standard on the entire range of the new model, is designed to modify the operating parameters of the engine, gearbox, steering system and Q2 electronic differential, in addition to the behaviour logic of the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC).
Sporty and comfortable, Italian style
The perfect blend of sportiness and style, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta redefines the Brand’s technological standards and emotional values.
The front displays a brand new interpretation of the classic shield, embedded in the front bumper and suspended between the air vents. This is the starting point for the design of the entire car, which combines an energetic personality with a distinctly elegant form. The front headlights have DRL with LED technology and a day light function for maximum active safety.
Even the profile of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is brimming with personality, giving the impression of an agile and sturdy car. This is above all due to the side windows which recall the appearance of a coupé, emphasising the dynamism and fluidity of form, thanks also to the concealed rear door handles. The ribs on the sides of the vehicle seem to elongate the car while the clean lines which end at the rear accentuate the angular shape of the car’s body.
The rear, like the front and side, features distinct styling which emphasises the feeling of a muscular car, firmly gripped onto the road surface. In addition, like the headlights, the innovative rear lights also use LED technology, not only for the sake of style but also preventive safety.
Lastly, the measurements of the new car amount to a compact and dynamic shape, while at the same time guaranteeing excellent comfort and a spacious boot (350 litres): it is 4.35 metres long, 1.46 metres high and 1.80 metres wide, with a wheelbase of 2.63 metres.
Advanced features for maximum wellbeing on board
Attention to detail and high quality materials used for interiors are, today as always, the most developed expression of Italian style. More specifically, the dominant concept in the interiors of the new model is lightness. The lines are clean and the dashboard develops horizontally. The seats are comfortable and their shape is designed to ensure maximum comfort during long journeys.
Thanks to the advanced ergonomics in the interior design, every switch is ideally located: the main ones are grouped together at the centre of the dashboard and feature the same design as those on the 8C Competizione.
The navigation system with pop-up display allows drivers to safely display the route or the mechanical operating parameters set by the Alfa DNA device without having to take their eyes off the road.
There are practical open storage compartments situated in various areas of the passenger compartment: in front of the gearbox, on the centre console and on the interior trim of the doors. There are closed storage compartments – depending on the version – on the top of the dashboard, under the dashboard opposite the front passenger (cooled with dual zone climate control) and in the front and rear armrests.
Innovative engines for a thrilling, environmentally-friendly drive
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta guarantees the highest levels of performance and technology through a range of engines that are state-of-the-art in terms of technology, performance levels and environmental-friendliness. At the time of its commercial launch, 4 Turbo engines will be available, all Euro 5 compliant and with a Start&Stop system to reduce consumption levels and emissions fitted as standard: two petrol versions (120 HP 1.4TB and 170 HP 1.4TB Multiair) and two diesels (105 HP 1.6 JTDM and 170 HP 2.0 JTDM, both second-generation MultiJet engines). The range is completed by the high performance 235 HP 1750 TBi with direct injection and scavenging control in combination with exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde interiors.
This latter version equipped with a 235 HP 1750 TBi engine perfectly represents the way in which Alfa Romeo offers the most in this segment. Not just a means of transport, but a vehicle that can really connect with the customer. There is strong acceleration thanks to high torque levels even at low revs, a smooth response that minimises gearbox use thanks to the flexibility typical of modern petrol engines, and an engine note that is engaging without ever becoming intrusive. In detail, the 1750 Turbo petrol engine boasts advanced technical solutions including direct fuel injection, dual continuously variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any turbo lag. The resulting performance is comparable to – or better than – that of many 3-litre engines while still delivering fuel consumption typical of a compact four cylinder unit. It should be noted that the specific power of 134 HP/litre is the highest in the world for a 4-cylinder unit installed in this category of vehicles, as well as being the highest ever achieved by an Alfa Romeo production engine. The specific torque too, totalling 194 Nm/litre, is the highest of all petrol engines in this category, while the maximum torque of 340 Nm, reached at just 1,900 revs, is excellent.
The range of engines available can accommodate the needs of all customers. First of all the 120 HP 1.4TB is the ideal engine for those in search of a car that can handle city traffic effortlessly while keeping running costs to a minimum. The turbo engine guarantees prompt response even at low revs (maximum torque is achieved at just 1,750 revs) while Start&Stop, in the city, makes it possible to cut consumption and harmful emission levels drastically, without compromising comfort and on-board safety.
The 170 HP 1.4 TB Multiair engine is an amalgam of technology, which blends high performance levels with the lowest emissions and fuel consumption levels in its class for petrol engines of this power rating. It is a brilliant and flexible engine, with a maximum torque of a generous 250 Nm (when set to Dynamic), fitted with a Start&Stop system and with fuel consumption and emission levels resembling a diesel engine more than a petrol one with this power rating (4.6 l/100 km in the extra-urban cycle and 134 g/km of CO2 emissions). The combination of this engine with the new platform places the Giulietta at the top of its segment both for its dynamic qualities as well as comfort and practicality during everyday use.
The 105 HP 1.6 JTDM is a flexible and economical diesel engine that will surprise customers due to its prompt response (in Dynamic mode, max. torque is a generous 320 Nm at just 1,750 revs) combined with extremely low fuel consumption (in the extra-urban cycle, it is just 3.7 l/100 km). This is possible thanks to the combination of second-generation MultiJet technology and the Start&Stop system. Consequently, it is an engine dedicated to all those in search of a car with character and a distinctive style, affording the typical agility and handling of an Alfa Romeo yet able to combine the latter with limited running costs.
For customers who use the car mostly on the motorway or who demand the maximum performance levels from a diesel engine, Alfa Romeo suggests the 170 HP 2.0 JTDM. Again, it is an amalgam of technology which combines second-generation MultiJet technology with the Start&Stop system. The result is a vehicle with the highest performance levels of its segment, extremely flexible driving (with the dna selector set to Dynamic mode, the available torque at 1,750 revs is a generous 350 Nm), among the lowest fuel consumption and emission levels in its category for cars with this power rating (124 g/km of CO2 and 4.1 l/100 km in the extra-urban cycle). Thanks to the exceptional qualities of the new compact platform, this version is able to blend fantastic dynamic and motoring performance levels with the highest comfort and practicality in its segment.
All the engines are combined with a state-of-the-art manual 6-speed gearbox belonging to the three axle transmission family, which can withstand and transmit high maximum torque values. Subsequently, the Multiair and 170 HP 2.0 JTDM engines will also be combined with an innovative dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Segment-leading safety, comfort and dynamic behaviour
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed to achieve the highest Euro NCAP safety rating to offer total protection for both driver and passengers. In addition, the new platform was devised to guarantee the utmost interaction of the systems in charge of controlling the vehicle dynamics.
All this is controlled by the real ‘brain’ of the vehicle, namely the Alfa dna device, which manages all the sophisticated electronic devices for dynamic vehicle control: VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), Dual Pinion Active Steering, the Q2 electronic differential, the response and torque curve of the engine, the braking system with pre-fill function. All these systems guarantee genuine Alfa Romeo driving safety, vehicle traction and performance.
The new compact platform, thanks to the sophisticated technical solutions employed for the suspension and the materials used, such as high-strength steels, aluminium, magnesium and xenoy, can accommodate the needs of the most demanding customers in terms of on-board comfort and quiet running, placing the Giulietta at the top of its category also in terms of the everyday practicality of the vehicle.
Extensive range
Devised to cater for the different needs of segment C car drivers in pursuit of driving satisfaction and comfort, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is available in two versions (Progression and Distinctive), along with two customisations (Sport Pack and Premium Pack).
All the devices linked to active and passive safety are fitted as standard on the entire range. The Progression version comes with the Alfa dna system (with Q2 electronic differential and DST), VDC (including ASR and hill holder), 6 airbags, front seat belts with dual pretensioners and front seats with anti-whiplash system as standard. The standard equipment also includes manual climate control, 16’’ wheels, front and rear electric windows, trip computer, stereo system with dual tuner radio, 6 speakers and MP3 CD player. The latter version (Distinctive) offers the following in addition to the standard equipment of the former: 16″ alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, leather steering wheel with radio controls, front armrest with storage compartment, cruise control, fog lights, reconfigurable control panel, seats upholstered in Competizione fabric, front armrest, and a stylish chromed insert (chrome line) framing the side windows. The dashboard on the Distinctive version is also distinguished by a stylish insert painted in magnesium grey or, alternatively, in Ghiaccio white, Alfa Red as well as in brushed burnished aluminium.
Customers can further customise their Giulietta with two specific Packs (Sport and Premium). The first pack is designed to highlight the sporty character of the vehicle with specific features which improve the already excellent handling of the car and includes 17’’or 18’’ alloy wheels, side skirts, sports pedals, sports seats with leather and microfibre fabric upholstery, brushed burnished aluminium dashboard insert, burnished headlight frames and dark interiors (black ceiling and pillar lining).
For customers in search of even more technological and complete on-board equipment, the Premium Pack includes bi-xenon lights with AFS function, the Blue&Me system with Bluetooth function, USB port and MP3 player, radio/mobile phone controls on steering wheel, rear parking sensors, rain-dusk-humidity sensors, electrically folding door mirrors and an electrochromic rear-view mirror.
To customise their Giulietta, customers can also choose from the list of options available, including a large panoramic sunroof, navigation system with maps and pop-up display and a Bose® Hi-fi. In addition, the Blue&Me–TomTom system is also available, which adds navigation functions to the functions of the Blue&Me® thanks to the TomTom portable navigation system which is perfectly integrated with the vehicle’s existing systems thanks to a Bluetooth® interface. The TomTom portable navigation system is positioned on the dashboard using a support designed to guarantee maximum safety in the event of impact and complete integration with the vehicle’s other systems and improved ergonomics in everyday use.
There is also a special trim specification dedicated to the version fitted with the 235 HP 1750 TBi engine. It’s called the Quadrifoglio Verde (four-leafed clover), a legendary brand which has competed on tracks all over the world. Only available on this engine type, this special version is distinguished by its sporty lowered ride height (15 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear), 17’’ wheels (18’’ as an optional), an enhanced braking system with calipers painted Alfa red, as well as sporty interiors which include sporty leather and microfibre seats. All designed to guarantee the best in driving pleasure and segment-leading active and passive safety. It offers reduced fuel consumption for this power rating; the “Quadrifoglio Verde” is thus reinterpreted for today, combining the utmost driving pleasure with greater environmental awareness for eco-conscious and environmentally-friendly sportiness.
– By: Omar Rana
Here’s something we don’t hear about everyday: a PSP game getting ported to PS3. Japanese gaming mag Famitsu reports that the latest entry in ZeroDiv’s dungeon crawling series Class of Heroes is graduating to the Sony home
A company named RipCode has an interesting solution to Apple’s blocking of Flash on the iPad. Simply transcode Flash video to play right in Safari, much like you can stream various video codecs over your home network. More »
A pesar de tener una industria gigantesca entre manos, seguramente muy capaz de producir modelos de inspiración propia, los chinos son famosos por copiar los diseños de otros, algunas veces de maneras muy burdas. Aqui estamos ante un caso más de copia, aunque hay que decir que los chinos no son totalmente responsables, ya que el JAC IV Concept no ha sido diseñado directamente por chinos.
En los próximos días, cuando inicie el salón de Pekín, los chinos de JAC van a presentar este modelo, copia fiel del Toyota iQ, pero con algunas diferencias: fue concebido en un estudio de diseño en Milán, Italia, encargo hecho por JAC y posiblemente tendrá motorización híbrida.
Diseñando en Europa, los chinos se aseguran cierto aprendizaje sobre los métodos de diseño y construcción de coches con la calidad que se acostumbra en Europa, para ser aplicados a su propio mercado.
En cuanto al JAC IV Concept: su diseño en general es similar al iQ, pero de acuerdo al renderizado, debo decir que me gusta más que el mismo iQ, sobre todo por el frente y la forma de las luces.
Ya veremos si los chinos tendrán alguna posibilidad contra el mismo iQ (o el Smart) o si el IV Concept se quedará solamente en las buenas intenciones. Lo sabremos a partir del viernes, cuando comience el salón de Pekín.
Vía | Autocar
The Michigan Daily is reporting that UM “quarterback” Tate Forcier was seen at class today wearing a boot and sporting a pair of crutches;
Sophomore Tate Forcier, a quarterback on the Michigan football team, walked to class at about 10 a.m. this morning with crutches and wearing a black boot around his foot and ankle, a Michigan Daily reporter observed.
When contacted earlier today, Michigan football sports information director David Ablauf said he could not comment on the situation and said that Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez is the only one who can comment on injuries.
The Wolverines are being hush-hush about it, which means he probably injured it while shredding documents regarding practice sessions.
UPDATE – When asked about the injury, Forcier panicked. He quickly found the nearest person wearing red and handed them a football.
For a store that makes money on the principle of thrift, Dollar General (DG) can be surprisingly generous with its departing executives.
We first saw this in 2005, when Michelle wrote this post about the company’s lucrative send-off for “Chairman Emeritus” Cal Turner, Jr. At the time, Dollar General announced Turner’s retirement without mentioning that he left with (among other things) $1 million, five years’ worth of Tennessee Titans tickets, and a late-model Audi.
Fast forward to last Friday, when Dollar General’s proxy disclosed an even better severance package for David Bere, the former president and Chief Strategy Officer. (Bere actually stayed through January 29, 2010, the end of Dollar General’s fiscal year.)
In the company’s January 12 press release, which noted that Chairman/CEO Rick Dreiling would assume Bere’s duties, Dreiling said: “Dave helped lead the Company through times of tremendous change and growth. He has been an invaluable friend and partner to me since I joined the Company. We all wish Dave and his family the best in his retirement.”
While Dollar General did file an 8-K and Separation Agreement at the time, the total amount Bere would receive wasn’t known since the company had not yet determined how much the 2009 senior executive “Teamshare bonuses” would be. But the proxy answers that question, disclosing that Bere’s severance-related compensation (explained in great detail in footnote 8 on p. 40) was $4,013,610. Added to his base salary, that means that Bere’s 2009 total compensation was $ 4,770,193. (And oddly, the Separation Agreement also provides for up to a year of outplacement assistance, which one doesn’t often find in the context of a retirement.)
And yet Bere stands to get even more than the $4 million farewell package. Page 56 of the proxy reveals that in February, 2011, he will get approximately $713,929 from SERP Benefits that vested prior to his departure and from his Deferred Comp Plan Balance. However, the filing notes: “Final payment amounts may vary due to potential gains or losses until payment is made.”
Whatever that final amount turns out to be, we’re guessing that Bere’s shopping habits will skew a bit higher than $1 tchotchkes from the Dollar General stores.
Image source: Rob Gale via Flickr
