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Volkswagen Polo, Camaro and Audi R8 crowned
By Marc Lachapelle

Volkswagen became the first repeat overall winner in the World Car of the Year awards as announced at the New York Auto Show on April 1. The German carmaker’s fifth-generation Polo ‘supermini’ took the top prize in the seventh annual edition of these awards after a three-month selection and voting process. Volkswagen had first won the coveted award for 2009 with its sixth-generation Golf.

The Volkswagen Polo racked up a total of 761.1 points. The second highest scoring entry was the Mercedes-Benz E-Class with 747.1 points, followed by the Toyota Prius with 715.4 points and two German luxury compact utility vehicles: the BMW X1 with 691.6 points and Audi Q5 with a tally of 683.4 points.

The jury of 59 automotive journalists from 25 countries had first selected ten contenders from a list of thirty nominated vehicles in January. A second vote in February yielded final scores after candidates were judged on merit, value, safety, environment, significance and emotional appeal.

The sole Canadian judge on the jury this year was Ottawa-based journalist John LeBlanc. WCOTY awards co-founder Gerry Malloy is one of program’s directors and Beth Rhind is its Executive Manager. Both work out of Cobourg, Ontario.

Audi R8 takes Performance Car title… again

Another German entry achieved the notable feat of winning the same category for a second time in three years. After taking the World Performance Car award in 2008 with the original R8, Audi repeated this year with the new V10-powered version of its first exotic sports car. For the record, Audi also won the World Performance Car trophy in 2007 with the RS4 sedan.

The Audi R8 V10 topped fifteen rivals with a total score of 173 points. In second place was the Porsche 911 GT3 with 107 points, followed by the Ferrari California with 88 points and a closely-matched duo of British entries, the Jaguar XFR sedan with 75 points and the Aston Martin V12 Vantage coupé with 74 points.

Reborn Camaro voted Best Design

The all-new, fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, launched as a 2010 model after a seven-year hiatus, was chosen as the World Car Design of the Year by the same international jury. Results of this, and all of the WCOTY awards’ secret ballots were again tabulated by the international accounting firm KPMG.

Journalists were presented with a list of four contenders chosen by a panel of five automotive design experts from the original group of new vehicles nominated for this year’s WCOTY awards. The three finalists were announced at the Geneva Auto Show in March. In addition to the winning design from Chevrolet, the two other standouts were the Citroën C3 Picasso and the Kia Soul.

BlueMotion is Greenest

Volkswagen accepted another trophy in this edition of the WCOTY awards. The automaker won the 2010 World Green Car prize with its BlueMotion technologies, as used in various Golf, Passat and Polo models. Based on VW’s common-rail diesel engines, these technologies combine measures and systems such as engine start-stop, energy recuperation and reduced rolling resistance to achieve outstanding fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Jury members were presented with a list of thirteen contenders selected for their environmental-friendliness by a panel of three experts in ‘green’ technologies. This was considered necessary, given the variety of green technologies and the complexity of many.

BlueMotion’s win is a vindication of sorts for the internal combustion engine since the other two finalists for the Green Car award were (in alphabetical order) the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, both powered by gas-electric hybrid systems.

NEWS RELEASE
April 7, 2010                                                               Contact: Frank Murray, 542-4835

The next art exhibit at Columbia Basin College features sculptures by artist Gerrit Van Ness that may seem a bit dark but are presented with a satirical sense of humor.

Van Ness’ Evening News is presented April 12 – May 3. His sculptures focus on politics, war, and pop culture. His work is primarily wood and fiberglass, and is coated in automotive paint and spray enamels.

A special artist’s talk will be 3 p.m. Monday, April 12 in the CBC Theatre followed at 4 p.m. by a reception in Esvelt Gallery. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge. Esvelt Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

A four-seater Smart model is likely to come to the United States as a part of the new Renault-Nissan and Daimler AG alliance, according to Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche. Zetsche said that having a partner to develop the four-seater Smart “was a prerequisite” for expanding the brand’s lineup.

“We could not have found a feasible basis alone for the next-generation Smart family,” he said. “Of course, we could do a next-generation Smart alone, but we would lose a lot of money.”

The next-generation Smart ForTwo two-seater, and four seater and the next-generation Renault Twingo will be jointly developed by Renault-Nissan and Daimler. The plans also call for an electric-version of both the Smart and Twingo models along with sharing and co-development of diesel and gasoline engines.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Activist Carl Icahn has shown a continued interest in the biotech industry, building on his view that Big Pharma wants to spend its cash piles on acquiring the smaller companies.

But his latest effort, to gain board seats at beleaguered Genzyme, may face a substantial snag from antitrust laws, at least to Genzyme’s way of thinking. Two of Icahn’s four nominees to Genzyme’s board already serve as directors at Biogen Idec. Antitrust rules usually prohibit directors from serving at competing companies.

The biotech companies, both of which are based in Cambridge, Mass., already have some product overlap and are heading for more, based on their development programs. Icahn owns a 6% stake in Biogen and a 1.8% stake in Genzyme. For more on the Icahn stake and Genezyme’s bout with production woes, see here and here.

The potential for overlapping directors at competing companies could hurt Icahn’s proxy efforts, especially since that’s one factor proxy advisory firms review in recommending how large shareholders should vote the shares they hold. One of the major advisory firms, Glass Lewis, concedes that potential conflicts from nominees pose a “pretty substantial hurdle” for it to support a dissident slate in a proxy fight.

The overlapping problem came up last year with Google and Apple, when each company had directors resign after the FTC began looking at two members sitting on both boards.

Now, Genzyme officials have begun to raise the issue with shareholders as the May 20 vote on directors approaches. Genzyme contends that the two companies’ blood-cancer products already meet the FTC’s theshold that would prohibit overlapping directors. Also, Genzyme and Biogen are heading toward increased competition in coming years based on Genzyme’s efforts in multiple sclerosis, which are in Biogen’s wheelhouse, and a continued focus on various types of blood cancers.

A Biogen spokeswoman declined to comment other than to say that the company’s board “has a process to address conflicts that arise.” Officials from Icahn’s office also declined to comment. You can read more on the situation here.

Photo: Associated Pres

Gungywamp

Gungywamp is either an archeologists dream or nightmare, depending on how you look at it

Gungywamp in Groton, Connecticut is the kind of site that drives archeologists crazy.
First off it is a very messy story. The site, located in the Connecticut woods less than an hour away from New Haven, consists of multiple stone chambers, rings of stones, piles of rock, Native American artifacts, mysterious etchings, Lithic artifacts, Colonial artifacts, and hundreds or even thousands of years of various settlers adopting and rearranging the site, it is difficult to tell where one historical period ends and another begins.
To add to this the site attracts what might be called archeological conspiracy theories. Among the most popular of these theories (one that crops up at multiple stone sites in the Northeast, see America’s Stonehenge) is that the site is a pre-Colombian settlement build by 6th-century Celtic Christian monks who escaped Ireland to avoid Norse aggression.
While it is easy to dismiss this theory, the confirmation of pre-columbian Norse contact in Newfoundland, and the increasing likelihood that Polynesians may have had contact in South America make it increasing more difficult to dismiss it out of hand. Nonetheless no findings confirming the theory have ever been found by any credible linguists, epigraphers, or archaeologists, making it still a fringe theory at best.
Even less credible theories involving aliens, some kind of ancient peoples, and energy vortexes also surround the site. For the tour guides it is particularly frustrating as on a magnetometer the site does in fact exhibit occasional spikes in electromagnetic activity. This is believed by geologists to be the result of the composition of quartz, granite and magnetite rocks, but that does little to dissuade those who believe Gungywamp to be a UFO influenced “energy vortex.”
What has officially been found at Gungywamp is not much less confusing or mysterious. A lithic stone pounding tool has been found there that dates to at least 1500 B.C, which is pre-tribal Indian. The site certainly has plenty of Indian artifacts which include arrowheads, stone flakes and pottery fragments. The Native American inhabitants may also be responsible for the stone circles which some believe are astronomical tools and which others believe are colonial mill or hide tanning areas.
However, it is the multiple stone chambers that get people the most excited. Thought by most to be root cellars built by colonial settlers, they have some strange properties, including one designed to line up with the equinoxes, so that light shines though a small window. This seems not to fit with the work of colonial settlers. The 30-foot rock ledges, and eagle petroglyph only provide further mystery and confusion to the site.
Whether constructed by Colonial era European settlers, slaves in colonial times, by Native Americans such as the Pequot or Mohegan tribes, or even (however unlikely) by Irish Monks the site will no doubt provide plenty of work, and frustration, to archeologists for many years to come.

Read more about Gungywamp on Atlas Obscura…

Category: Lost Tribes, Incredible Ruins, Subterranean Sites
Location:
Edited by: Dylan

While a 135is likely is still in the cards, our sources say BMW’s M division plans to work its magic on the 1-series.

A pirate is someone who undertakes war-like attacks without government assent. “Pyrat,” on the other hand, is the latest buzzword at M GmbH—more on that in a second.

M GmbH, of course, is BMW’s high-performance division, headed since last May by BMW executive Kay Segler. We’ve met Segler many times and can attest to the fact that he did good things at Mini, where he worked prior to taking the reins at M. Segler got off to an excellent start with the Euro-only limited-edition M3 GTS and now he will make a permanent mark on every enthusiast’s map with a planned 1-series variant. While we’re still expecting to see a 135is offered with a higher-output turbocharged inline-six—like in the 335is—our sources confirm that Segler’s division is crafting an M version of the compact 1-series coupe. It’s code-named project “Pyrat.”

Keep Reading: Is This the BMW 1-series M? – Spied

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Fujitsu’s new LifeBook MH330 is under three quarters of an inch thick at its thinnest point, Atom-powered and benefits from 802.11n wireless networking capabilities. The notebook does not include an internal optical drive but instead features the facility to wirelessly share the one that’s already sitting in a PC…

Tags: Fujitsu,
Notebook

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Before it was announced, we mocked up a crude iPad to test some basic tablet ergonomics. It was awkward! (And oddly sensual!) Now that I have my iPad, I still don’t know: How are we supposed to hold it? More »

We’ve pointed out before that once the food police successfully tax one kind of food or beverage in the name of “fighting obesity,” taxes and other heavy-handed government regulations can spread to other foods and drinks like wildfire. Today, Journal News columnist Phil Reisman writes that instead of simply taxing an arbitrary product—soft drinks, in this example—the government should hurry up and get to the point:

Here's an idea. Instead of arbitrarily levying a tax on fat-inducing stuff people ingest like soda pop, tax the actual results.

In other words, don't play around. Force individuals to directly take responsibility for their behavior by enacting a real "obesity tax." Base it on the BMI — or body mass index….

To carry out the plan, citizens would be required by law to report every year to community weigh stations established by a brand new Federal Bureau of Obesity. Considering that 26 percent of adults are clinically obese, the tax would initially raise many billions of dollars in revenue, not to mention do wonders for liposuctionists.

But don’t grab your pitchforks and torches just yet. Reisman notes his satire, and goes on to suggest a real solution to fighting the Battle of the Bulge: “Radically revamp physical fitness programs in the public schools.”

Schools in Ohio just might do exactly that, as Buckeye legislators consider a bill that would require 30 minutes of daily exercise in school. It’s certainly a needed change—kids are getting less and less exercise in schools each year. A 2009 studyin the journal Pediatrics discovered that nearly a third of schoolchildren get little or no daily recess. And it’s certainly a more appetizing solution than the alternative of slowly taxing everything that might make us fat—from foods and drinks to couches and video game systems.

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Audi’s half moon-shaped fashionista, the TT is getting a bit of a nip/tuck for 2011. Both the hardtop and roadster receive modestly refreshed exteriors and interiors, along with a new 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder model whose 211 horses gallop with an eye toward superior fuel economy (Audi claims fuel economy of nearly 36 miles-per-gallon on the combined European cycle). This is the same revamped four-banger that has been appearing in engine bays throughout the German automaker’s lineup, and while its horsepower increase is modest over the 2010 model (+11), the use of Audi’s Valvelift system helps the engine generate a big slug of torque – 258 pound-feet of the stuff – a healthy 51 lb-ft. more than its predecessor. Audi says that all-wheel drive equipped TT will hit 62 mph in 5.6 seconds, so performance hasn’t suffered, either. For the U.S. market, there’s still no sign of a manual gearbox, but we’ve professed our love for the company’s six-speed S Tronic dual-clutch in the past and expect it to once again be an astute partner here.

We didn’t expect Audi to go crazy with the TT’s mid-cycle refresh and true to form, they’ve exercised due restraint. The 2011 receives bigger air inlets up front, a shinier gloss black grille finish, and, of course, Audi’s fast-becoming-compulsory LED daytime running lamps (as seen on the higher-performance TTS model). Inspect the car’s rounded rump and you’ll find a new flat black rear diffuser, (very) modestly retouched taillamps, and new exhaust outlets. New paint colors include Scuba Blue, Oolong Gray, Volcano Red and Dakota Gray.

The interior has received the hand of refinement as well, with a trio of new cabin colors, leather that’s been specially treated to resist solar heat, and are a few new aluminum bits of trim.

Audi has yet to release U.S. pricing information, but we’ll be sure to update you when it comes through. In the meantime, check out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi shows off revised 2011 TT with updated four-cylinder power, tweaked appearance

Audi shows off revised 2011 TT with updated four-cylinder power, tweaked appearance originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FoMoCo has launched its new campaign called “Swap Your Ride,” which will run through May 31. The campaign consists of more than dozen TV spots featuring Mike Rowe as he visits individuals whose vehicles were swapped with Ford model for a week.

The campaign is a part of an incentive that is offer 0% apr financing plus $1,000 cash back.

Hit the jump to see some of the videos from the Swap Your Ride campaign.

Swap Your Ride: Ford Edge:

Swap Your Ride: Ford F-150:

Swap Your Ride: Ford Taurus:

Swap Your Ride: Ford Focus:

– By: Kap Shah

Source: Ford

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Audi, Diesel, Luxury

Along with blessing us with a revised TT for 2011, the Audi Q7 gets a few choice upgrades in its home market of Germany, including a few new engines and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The upgraded Q7 doesn’t benefit from any new sheetmetal, though Audi has seen fit to put the S4’s supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 to good use under the hood of its behemoth SUV. Available in two states of tune, the blown V6 puts out 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in the base version, and the upgraded mill produces the same 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque as its sports sedan sibling.

A new 3.0-liter TDI is also available for the 2011 model year, delivering 240 hp and a more-than-adequate 406 lb-ft of twist from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Not only does the new diesel deliver respectable performance times (0-60 in 7.9 seconds) and above average fuel economy, but the weight of the oilburner has been reduced by 44 pounds.

All revised, German-bound Q7s receive a new eight-speed automatic gearbox based on the outgoing six-speed cog-swapper, with higher ratios and Tiptronic actuation, along with standard Drive and Sport modes. There’s no word on whether this transmission is bound for the U.S. market in the near future, but we’d suspect Stateside Q7s will benefit from the new ‘box by the end of the year. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Update: An Audi USA spokesman tells Autoblog that the 2011 Q7 V6 TDI will retain its 225 hp / 406 lb-ft rating and launch with the new eight-speed in September. The gasoline V6 TFSI will also be available here in both 272 and 333 hp flavors beginning in November 2010.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2011 Audi Q7 gets three new V6s, eight-speed transmission in Germany

2011 Audi Q7 gets three new V6s, eight-speed transmission in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today’s consumer credit numbers were a big bummer. Far from borrowing up the wazoo again, consumers went back to cutting up the plastic (which is actually highly needed, but it’s not good for your v-shaped dreams).

Lending institutions of all shapes and sizes reported lower consumer loan assets in March.

But there was one (and only one) lender that actually expanded its lending to the consumer. But it wasn’t any banks.

Duh! It was Uncle Sam. (via Waverly)

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The French and the Germans embark on a honeymoon.

In the late 1990s, when then-Daimler-Benz CEO Jürgen Schrempp was busy turning DaimlerChrysler into the “global number one,” Nissan was deemed unworthy for cooperation with the juggernaut by most of the Stuttgart company’s board. Now, under somewhat different circumstances, that alliance has materialized. Daimler and Renault-Nissan have agreed on a strategic cooperation, stabilized by the 3.1-percent stakes that Daimler will hold in Renault and in Nissan. Renault and Nissan will each hold 1.55 percent of Daimler.

Keep Reading: Daimler and Renault-Nissan Announce Global Partnership – Car News

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Found under: Tether, BlackBerry, Application, ,

How many times did you wish you could be able to share your BlackBerry data plan with your laptop Well I am happy to tell you theres a solution for your problem. The application in question is called Tether for Blackberry and it will help you take advantage of your phones data plan and surf the web from your laptop whenever youre on the go and cant seem to find any free Wi-Fi hotspot. Sure the application is a little expensive at 37.01 but at least you know you wont be paying fo

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Fantastic Michael Pettis piece on who will pay for the Chinese bad loan problem. (Hint: the entire world.)

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Efforts to strike back at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power — at the center of a budget battle between Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the City Council — were not limited to City Hall on Wednesday.



Hours after council members said they wanted more control over the city utility, one former Villaraigosa appointee filed a ratepayer lawsuit, saying the DWP has an obligation to follow through on its promise to transfer $73.5 million to the city’s general fund.



Former DWP commission President Nick Patsaouras said in his lawsuit that the utility already has an 8% surplus, enough to provide the money. “As a taxpayer, I want to compel them, compel the DWP, to honor their commitment,” said Patsaouras, who stepped down from the commission in October 2008.



Meanwhile, school board member Tamar Galatzan said she would introduce a motion next week calling for the DWP to create a new rate classification for the Los Angeles Unified School District, one that would prevent it from paying the same rate as a large business.



Galatzan, who won her seat in 2007 with $2.2 million in support from the mayor, warned that Villaraigosa’s 12-month rate hike plan opposed by the council would cause the school district – which she described as the DWP’s largest customer – to pay an extra $11.7 million a year. That would lead to a loss of hundreds of jobs at a time when the DWP is failing to make a case for more rate hikes, she said.



“I’m wondering, like many people, how they can simultaneously need a rate increase and … transfer excess money into the general fund,”  she said.



— David Zahniser at Los Angeles City Hall

Music services embedding personal info into the songs you buy as sekret DRM isn’t new. But it could take on a whole new level of relevance once cloud-based music streaming services from Apple or Amazon or Google finally launch. More »