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Kevin Kelly has compiled a list of the 100 greatest long-form magazine articles ever published. He has found links to the text of each article, and says: “I’d like to have folks start to vote up the best (although they can still add). There’s a Top Five that has emerged. Maybe we can get a top 10.”

Here are the top 5 (based on the number of people who have recommended them to Kevin):

David Foster Wallace, “Federer As Religious Experience.” The New York Times, Play Magazine, August 20, 2006.

David Foster Wallace, “Consider the Lobster.” Gourmet Magazine, Aug 2004.

Neal Stephenson, “Mother Earth, Mother Board: Wiring the Planet.” Wired, December 1996. On laying trans-oceanic fiber optic cable.

Gay Talese, “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold.” Esquire, April 1966.

Ron Rosenbaum, “Secrets of the Little Blue Box.” Esquire, October 1971. The first and best account of telephone hackers, more amazing than you might believe.

My contribution to the list is Susan Orlean, “Orchid Fever.” The New Yorker, January 23, 1995.

The Best Magazine Articles Ever

If you know of or would like to publicize an event, send us a tip at the feedback address at the bottom of this page. This week: Sunday, June 27 / Palo Alto, CA: Palo Alto Concours D’Elegance Wednesday, July 28 – August 1/ Nashville, TN: Z CON 2010 Future events: Friday, August 6 – 8 / [...]

Fun trailer for Mary Roach’s new book, Packing for Mars, which comes out on August 2. It tells the story of life in outer space. In this video, early ’60s-era NASA conducts some delightful experiments in “minimal personal hygiene”, to find out how humans might respond, socially, to a reality without earthly bathrooms.

On August 18th, an expedition team will be heading out to the Titanic site to create a 3D map of the wreckage 2.5 miles beneath the sea. 1,522 people died in the Titanic shipwreck in 1912; oceanographer Robert Ballard discovered the remains in 1985, and since then a bunch of different expeditions have headed out there in an attempt to salvage artifacts or take photos. But this one appears to be by far the most technologically intensive and expensive mission.

The “dream team” of archaeologists, oceanographers and other scientists want to get the best assessment yet on the two main sections of the ship, which have been subjected to fierce deep-ocean currents, salt water and intense pressure.

…The expedition will use imaging technology and sonar devices that never have been used before on the Titanic wreck and to probe nearly a century of sediment in the debris field to seek a full inventory of the ship’s artifacts.

New Titanic expedition will create 3D map of wreck [SFGate]

See all Masters Historic Racing Photos

Bill Coombs’s two races in the Grand Prix Masters (1970s and 1980s F1 cars) races at Silverstone over the Classic Weekend (July 24/25) had an additional and unexpectedly rewarding outcome for him.

Late yesterday evening, the owner and president of the French horological design company, Bernard Richard, of Bernard Richard Manufacture (BRM watches), decided that Bill was the “Driver of the Silverstone Classic Weekend”, and so awarded him a top of the range BRM watch in the event’s closing ceremony right at the end of the meeting.

Bill had taken third place in Saturday’s Grand Prix Masters race after gearbox problems had dropped him back from an early lead, in the Tyrrell 009 which run by Peter Orlando’s squad. Then in race two on Sunday, in front of a bumper crowd, Bill was able to win from Steve Hartley’s Arrows by just a few seconds – but not by enough to win on combined race results, that honour going to Hartley.

Bill’s racing, however, in the opinion of Monsieur Richard and the fellow judges, was an outstanding one and a real treat for the crowd – the award proved a popular choice as well, marking as it does the first ever time that any Masters racing member has won such an award at one of Europe’s main historic festivals.

Bill Coombs and Tyrrell will next be out with Grand Prix Masters at the much anticipated re-opening of Donington, on September 3-5th.

The 2010 Masters season now races on, with two grids at Castle Combe this coming weekend, and three grids at the Nurburgring Oldtimer on August 14/15.

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, GM, Earnings/Financials

We’ve decided to stop trying to guess what General Motors will do before its IPO - which might come next month or later this year or early next year. What we do know is that GM has wanted to secure a captive finance arm before an IPO, a process that looked unlikely, then fell off the radar entirely, and then, BAM!, GM whips out $3.5 billion to buy AmeriCredit. That has made at least one senator do a double-take, asking whether spending that much money and loaning to the subprime market is the best thing for the Detroit automaker to do.

Republican Charles Grassley is quoted by Bloomberg as saying, “If GM has $3.5 billion in cash to buy a financial institution, it seems like it should have paid back taxpayers first,” adding that The General should remain “clear of repeating its effort to make high-risk car loans.” He has written a letter to the inspector general of the TARP program seeking an inquiry into the purchase.

Grassley has little hope of scuttling the purchase, however. As long as GM stands by the terms of the bailout, it can do just about anything it wants, which includes buying a bank. The move is also explained, of course, as a way to bolster GM’s bottom line, something everyone wants. Company CFO Chris Lidell notes that if GM can add just one more percent to the number of buyers - people with credit scores between 500 and 650 - that’s a “significant” benefit, as well as the additional leasing it can offer. And that one additional percent of subprime purchasers would still leave it in-line with the industry average.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: GM’s planned purchase of AmeriCredit questioned by senator originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The following article was provided by Rick Ochs; a fellow who loves the Ford Talladega. Unlike many of us who also admire these cars, Rick is the Guru when it comes to the real details. Here is his historical research and perspective on the two very rare Banjo Matthew’s prototype Talladega cars.

In August of 1968 Ford Motor Company Administrative Services placed an order for not one but two 1969 Ford Torinos ….what were they up too ?

In September of 1968 Ford received these two cars and sent them to the “magic men” in their Advanced Concepts Special Group. These men worked with input from Ford’s Racing partners Holman and Moody and Kar Kraft. They took these two Torino’s; one White and one Red were loaded with Rim blow steering wheel, Custom Style 500 wheels, air conditioning and other goodies like  Traction-Loc Differential. The crew went to work on these brand new cars and just cut the front fenders off at about the hood edge. What were they doing?

They were getting ready to do some serious NASCAR racing like factories had never done before! With input from Holman / Moody, they added a special hand formed header panel, braces and front fender caps that made the front ends over 5 inches longer than a regular Fairlane / Torino of 1968 and 1969. Then the magic men took what looked like a re-rolled rocker panel and pop riveted it over the factory rocker panels; what was this all about?

Soon the world would hear about a new “NASCAR” track down in the South called Talladega. This track was to be a “Super Speed Way”. Those magic men at Ford , Kar Karft and Holman and Moody were about to open the door to the racing press and the car magazines and reveal what Ford was going to race on that new track. What did these men call this car? “Talladega” after the track where they would soon be racing production Torino Talladega. This new, highly modified Ford would be the production version of these two Prototype cars. Yes, these two cars were the mock up models for what the Racing World would soon see hit the “Super Speed Ways “and other “NASCAR ” tracks…….The 1969 Ford Torino Talladega.

You see, as the magic men were re-working the front ends on the two Torinos and transforming them into the Talladega prototypes, Ford’s higher ups were gearing up the Atlanta plant for a special run of the production Ford Talladegas. NASCAR mandated that Ford (and all car companies) had to build at least 500 of any special production car to be eligible to race in NASCAR. Ford started production of the Talladega and began shipping them to their dealers for sale to NASCAR Ford fans all over this great USA; and Ford said they will be any color as long as it is Red,White or Blue.

Some of the details.
Remember those pop riveted rocker panels? Why did they just pop rivet the re-rolled rocker panels on? You may or not know that the Fairlane and new for 1968 Torino were of the “Uni-Body platform”. That means they were built like most cars are today, they had no frame. The entire body of the car was designed to be a structural element without the need for a frame to sit on. When these cars were bucked up at the plant during production the rocker panels were welded on as part of the entire uni-body structure. If they cut the factory installed rocker panels off during the construction of the prototypes the cars would simply fold up. For these two cars only, the builders prevented that by using the old pop rivet trick. They simply put the new rocker panel over the existing one. Production Talladegas were not built this way.

That explains how they did it, but why did they do it? Ford engineers knew a lower center of gravity meant a better handling car and thus a faster car. They also knew the NASCAR rules about how low a car could be. They also knew how and where NASCAR inspectors measured the car to determine if it was legal. Since NASCAR inspectors measured the distance from the bottom of the rocker panel to the pavement Ford simply reduce the size of the rocker panel by an inch and thus the entire car could be lowered an entire inch and have another advantage over its competition. In the production Talladega cars the rocker panels were modified before they were welded into the uni-body.

Another modification to the stock Torino was the removal of the front bumper; taking the rear bumper and cutting it into three pieces, re-welding it and hanging it in place of the stock front bumper. It was also closely “tucked” into the body and created what we would call a spoiler today.
Ford had to crash test a Talladega with the new re-rolled rocker panels because the rocker panels are a significant structural part of the uni-body. In reality they crash tested two Torino’s built as Talladega’s one for steering wheel movement and one for gas tank displacement. These tests were conducted around January 20th of 1969. These tests also tested the special front bumper used on only the Ford Talladega.

After the NHSA (National Highway Safety Association) passed the special Talladega re-rolled rocker panel Ford got the green light for production and around January 21st they ran 5 pilot cars down the assembly line. These cars were necessary to ensure that the Talladega with its greatly extended front end could still be built on the regular assembly line without conflict. Soon after the pilot cars a special production run began and continued off  and on until the last Talladega was built on February 28, 1969. A total of over 750 Ford Talladegas with the special front end and re-rolled rocker panels, and bumpers like the two prototypes known as the Red and White Banjo Cars were built.

Why are they called Banjo cars?

Banjo Matthews was a former NASCAR racer and highly respected race car builder. He knew of these two special Ford Torino’s with their ram air and special sheet metal and wanted them. He knew Ford would not keep these cars after they were done letting the Magazine people pound on the red car at the Ford test track (see magazine story on this site); and the white car was done posing on the Ford turn table for the Ford dealership 4 page sales folder as well as the March 1969 Car and Driver magazine (page 91). Ford also knew having these cars in the hands of someone like Banjo Matthews would add prestige and desirability to the production cars. A special arrangement was worked out between Ford and Banjo to purchase these two Ford Torino’s now re-born as Talladega’s for his personal collection.

Now granted, along the way to the production line some of the prototypes’ special modifications did not make it into production. The Ram Air got left off, and air conditioning was gone but the sport mirrors got added as to be more cheating of the wind; and the standard steel style wheels with trim rings replaced the much more attractive and expensive 500 ’s and gone were the bucket seats and floor shift transmissions. With the production Talladega’s came an almost Taxi Cab like interior which was far inferior to the prototypes; these were meant to be race cars. Who needs air conditioning and fancy seats at 200mph, right? The intent of the production car was to make the Talladega eligible to race on the Super Speed Ways Ford lost money on every Talladega they sold.

So if you get to the Talladega Family Reunion at the “THE FORGE MUSCLE CAR SHOW” in Kingsport Tenn. on Oct 1st & 2nd of 2010 make sure you take a good look at these two Torino Talladega prototypes. As you look at these two cars and they look at you……..if you tilt your head just a bit you may hear one of them say “yea I may not be as shiny as him but I was the one that started the NASCAR wars’ with them Dodge Boy’s (1969 Charger 500’s) that today you call the Aero Wars.”.

If you see the owners of these two cars, Jason Thompson and his Father Clarence, tell them “Thanks” for their hard work in, love of cars and their time in getting these two cars that are in deed a large part of “NASCAR” history; and even a bigger part of Ford’s Talladega history………….

To be Continued…The Paperwork.

Technorati Tags: banjo matthews, ford talladega, prototype, Rick Ochs

If you are anywhere near Reno, Nevada around the beginning of August, you should definitely attend the Hot August Nights Auction. The 2010 edition of this grand event will be held at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center from the 5th to the 8th of August, and it will be attended by over 800,000 people from various parts of the United States as well as other countries. This event is organized by Silver Auctions and B&T Custom Rod, and it is known as the grandest celebration of nostalgia cars in the country.

The Hot August Nights Auction promises great excitement for all classic car buyers, sellers, and spectators. More than 8,000 cars will be present at the event, of which 900 are auction cars and over 1,500 are collector vehicles for sale. The event does not only promote appreciation for classic automobiles; it also celebrates rock ‘n’ roll music. You can enjoy live musical performances by many well-known acts and other kinds of entertainment, and attend cruises, a swap meet, auto show, sock hop, and poker walk.

The auction will be conducted from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the first day, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the second and third days, and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the final day. General admission is priced at $12.00 a day, and bidders can buy a 4-day pass for $15.00.

I have a pleasure to confirm that you have been accepted for the summer school Youth in the 21st Century: Debating and Producing Media which starts on August 16. It will be held in…

“Honey, you don’t know how to sell yourself, luckily you have me to sell you,” teica draudzene pēc manas anketas pārskatīšanas, īsi pirms es to iesniedzu žurnālistikas vorkšopiem. Tā jau vienmēr ir: kad vajag notirgot citus, tad ir vieglāk — acs daudz vieglāk uztver teikumus, ko nevajadzētu rakstīt, bet, kad jāpārdod sevi, tad kritika aiziet pa pieskari un tu raksti tā, nu tā.. no sirds, lai gan vajadzētu no prāta. Lai nu kā augustā man ir atvaļinājums uz divām nedēļām, ko pavadīšu izglītojoties par medijiem un atkal-mācoties sadzīvot ar cilvēkiem apkārt. Pa diviem gadiem esmu ļoti atradusi no tāda studentu varianta un domāju, ka tas varētu būt grūti, bet toties lieliski sagatavos mani studijām, ko atsākšu rudenī. Jā, man atlicis vien pusgads, ko piebeigt, tā teikt: gulbis jau nosists, vien gabalos jāsagriež…vai kā nu tur bija.

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM

A year ago, General Motors needed a $50 billion U.S. government bailout to stave off liquidation. One year later, the Detroit-based automaker is on the precipice of filing for one of the largest initial public offerings in American history. Automotive News quotes unnamed sources who claim GM will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission by August 16. These anonymous sources reportedly added that the goal is to complete the company’s IPO before the November elections - unsurprising when you consider the highly-political nature of The General’s current status (the federal government holds a 60.8% stake in the automaker).

Assuming GM files by August 16 as AN’s sources allege, the move would come just days after the company’s second-quarter earnings announcement. If that’s indeed the case, we think GM plans to announce a sizable profit for the quarter that ended on June 30. After all, there’s nothing more unattractive to investors than a fresh batch of red ink on the ledger.

[Source: Automotive News sub. req.]

GM shooting for mid-August IPO filing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Subaru

Once again, Subaru’s mainstay models, the Outback and Legacy, appear to be girding for a recall. Both models have already faced callbacks for leaky CVT hoses and wiring issues, but according to Inside Line, a new issue affecting a number of manual transmission-equipped 2010 and 2011 models will not only precipitate another recall, but also a stop-sale on all potentially-affected vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the oil lubrication hole in the six-speed manual transmission has not been drilled on the affected vehicles, which can cause gears to break. NHTSA issued a statement, saying:

“If the transmission gears are not properly lubricated, a groaning sound may begin to develop, alerting the driver to a problem. If this sound is ignored and no action is taken, the gears will eventually break and this condition will lead to vehicle power loss, possibly resulting in a crash.”

Vehicles will be repaired, free of charge, at any Subaru dealer in America. Most will simply have an oil lubrication hole drilled, though the automaker has informed its dealer network that vehicles with 6,250 miles or more will require the replacement of the third through sixth gearsets, as well as the main shaft.

A total of 809 Outback and Legacy models are affected by this recall, which is expected to officially go into effect on August 6. In the meantime, owners are urged to contact their local dealers as soon as possible to have this problem corrected.

Photos by Jonathon Ramsey / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Recall, stop-sale issued on 2010-11 Subaru Outback and Legacy models over gearbox flaw originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This huge teeter-totter is part of the obstacle course at this year's BMW RA rally in Pownal, Vermont. Photo courtesy BMWRA.org

You’ve likely never heard of Pownal, Vermont, but if you’ve driven Route 7 from Massachusetts into our fair state, you’ve been through it. Years ago, the state ran a dog track, which for years has been Pownal’s most prominent eyesore. But in the coming weeks, you won’t even notice it thanks to the hundreds of BMW motorcycles expected to attend the BMW Riders Association rally, held from July 29 to August 1.

The site is now called the “Green Mountain Energy Park,” and on yesterday’s trip south of our offices, we saw Max BMW staff directing huge loads of firewood, rocks, dirt and stone to be used as obstacles for a GS track. There’s also a massive teeter-totter that riders will climb and descend. Looks to be a great time and a shot in the arm for local businesses.

Some of the biggest icons in the history of West Country motorsport will be gathering at Castle Combe over the weekend of July 31 and August 1 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the circuit at its Diamond Anniversary race meeting.

A packed weekend centres around historic race cars, the highlight for many being the 10 lap Historic Anniversary Trophy race for cars from the 50’s and 60’s.

There are a number of prestigious entries, none more so than three times Monaco Historic Grand Prix winner, Julian Bronson, from Bristol. Fresh from a win at the Le Mans classic in his Talbot, the former Autograsser drives his 6.7 litre Corvette and will be a strong contender for victory.

Veteran Castle Combe driver, Ted Williams from Nailsea, is in a Healey 100, whilst completing the triumvirate of long standing local circuit supporters is Frampton Cotterell’s George Douglas in his well known Ginetta G16.

Another great talent is New Zealand driver Neil Cunningham, his versatility extending to a Jaguar this time, with fellow countryman, Ross Maxwell, in a Chevron B8 and other international competition from Patrice Wattinne from France in a Turner.

Other local entries include the Lotus Elan 26R from Dursley’s John Watson, plus the Frogeye Sprite of Charles Marriot and the Healey Silverstone of Chris Berens, both from Cirencester.

Invitation entries in the spirit of the race include the legendary Cologne Capri of Vince Woodman from Chipping Sodbury, which is worth attending for on its own. Bristol’s Chris Clarkson is also an invitee in his BMW 2002.

Williams, Watson and Douglas also feature in the prestigious 40 minute Guards Trophy race, joined by Nigel Williams from Bristol in a 1965 Alfa TZ. Swindon’s Ed Lovett is one of half a dozen Chevron drivers in his B8.
Continua leyendo “Castle Combe celebrates 60th Birthday”

src="http://cdn.automoblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Fuel-System-Cleaner.jpg" alt="Gumout 2X Regane" title="Fuel System Cleaner" width="220" height="563" class="alignright size-full wp-image-8505" />

/> If you’ve even been in a parts store, chances are you’ve seen an entire aisle dedicated to fuel additives and cleaners. They claim to regain lost power and fuel economy, clean out gunk and deposits from your injectors and valves, yadda yadda. All claim the same thing, some work, some don’t, and all of them have their fans and haters.

Gumout just contacted me saying they want to give away a few bottles of their 2X Regane Fuel System Cleaner. I haven’t used this stuff personally yet, but after doing some research online, a lot of people seem to swear by it. It’s certainly worth a shot.

Here’s is Gumout’s claim:

Use of a low quality discount gasoline can reduce an engine’s performance. A vehicle may experience poor fuel economy, lost horsepower, hesitation, and rough idling. Gumout Regane Complete Fuel System Cleaner helps to:

• Clean the ENTIRE fuel system

/> • Maximize fuel economy

/> • Prevent future deposit build up for up to 3,000 miles

/> • Restore lost horsepower

/> • Remove water from gasoline

The biggest difference in this product vs. the competition is the type of detergent additive that is used. Nine of the 12 additives in this cleaner use PEA or polyether amine. This additive is an extremely effective cleaner which allows this product to clean deposits and keep new ones from forming for up to 3,000 miles.

Want to give it a try for free? Read on…

We’re giving away three bottles of it, and all you have to do is leave a comment below and
rel="nofollow" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=Automoblognet">subscribe to our newsletter (no spam, I promise.) If you’re already subscribed, just let me know. In your comment, just let us know if you’ve used Gumout or another fuel system cleaner and what your results were. If you’ve never used one, that’s fine too.

The contest ends one month from today (August 22, 2010.) Get to it!

Only open to US residents.

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Šis ir grāmatas ПЛАЦДАРМ tiešs turpinājums. Pirmā sērijas grāmata, šķita ja ne daudzsološa, tad vismaz lasīšanas vērta. Tā nu pamanījis, ka iznākusi otrā sērijas grāmata, iepirku elektronisko versiju un izlasīju.

Padomju karavīru piedzīvojumi magu pasaulē turpinās. Viņus ir pašu valdība steigā pametuši, palikušie mēģina nodibināt kontaktus ar vietējiem pamatiedzīvotājiem un izveidot bāzi tālākām operācijām. Cerības, ka pēc viņiem kāds atgriezīsies ir minimālas, starppasauļu vārti ir aizvērušies, materiāli tehniskā bāze daļēji evakuēta, palikušajiem jākuļas ar to, kas ir. Nav vairs ne miņas no pirmajā daļā novērojamā pārākuma. Resursi ir visai ierobežoti, un ar tiem ir visai grūti realizēt savus plānus. Galvenais plāns ir saglabāt no zemes atnestās zināšanas un izveidot pašiem savu valsti.

Skaidra lieta, ka viņiem ir ārējais ienaidnieks, tā ir kaut kāda sena mistiska magu sekta, kuras uzdevums ir pamodināt savu sen aizmigušo dievu, lai atkal atsāktos tumsas valstība visā pasaulē. Skaidrs, ka šādā pasaulē ir visai grūti ieviest komunismu un vēl grūtāk veikt vispārēju elektrifikāciju.

Kopumā grāmata standarta „bej vraga”. Nav šaubu, kuri lasītājam ir savējie, tie ir zemes iedzīvotāji. Viņu pretinieki simpātiski varētu šķist tikai cilvēkam, kam patīk ar nazi čikāt cilvēkus. Grāmata ir „action based” un pie lasīšanas notur tikai darbība, jā, arī pasaules apraksti nav slikti, bet nekā cita jau tur nav. Personāžu domas vairāk līdzinās stratēģiskās datorspēles spēlētāja domām. Izplānojam, savācam resursus un realizējam, mainās situācija mainām plānu. Kaut kur nomalē attīstām savu bāzi, cik varam apgreidojam un dodamies karā, nedaudz politikas un tirdzniecības.

Grāmatai lieku 7 no 10 ballēm. Lasīt jau var, bet tāda smadzeņu tukšgaitas nodrošināšanas grāmatiņa. Ja neesi lasījis sērijas pirmo grāmatiņu, tad var arī netērēt laiku šai.

Līdzīgi raksti

• ТЕМНЫЙ СТРАННИК by Сергей Семенов
• Дочь – повелительница Зари by Юрий Иванович
• Алексей Справедливый by Юрий Иванович

FORD V8 legend Dick Johnson and Dakar Rally star Bruce Garland, two of Australian motorsport’s most colourful personalities, won’t race straight for the chequered when they contest the annual historic Leyburn Sprints on the Queensland Darling Downs next month – they’re bound to go sideways!

Three-time Bathurst winner Johnson will take time out from running his pace-setting V8 Supercar team to drive a Ford Falcon GT HO powered by a thundering American NASCAR racing truck engine at the 21-22 August event.

Garland, who finished an incredible 11th outright aboard an Isuzu ute in the 2009 Dakar desert raid in South America, has entered his “other car”, a classic rally 1979 Ford Escort RS2000.

Johnson, wrestling with a 700 horsepower engine and small tyres, and Garland the irrepressible showman should provide spectators with plenty of entertainment as they power-slide their cars around a freshly-surfaced, one-kilometre street course.

“The track will be the best we’ve had in 15 years and provide plenty of scope for Dick and Bruce to demonstrate why they have been among Australia’s most skilled drivers for decades,” Organising Committee President Ann Collins said.

“They’re not only great drivers but also great personalities and they’re bound to be popular with the Leyburn Sprints crowd.”

The six-turn track, which starts near Shane Webcke’s historic Royal Hotel, races past residents’ front yards and finishes near the primary school, was re-surfaced this week with smooth hot-mix bitumen in a $100,000 support deal provided by Boral Asphalt and the Southern Downs Regional Council.
Continua leyendo “Racing Legends at Annual Historic Leyburn Sprints 2010″

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Etc., Safety, Technology, Celebrities, Humor, Specialty

As anyone with a passing interest in automotive history can tell you, the car world is rife with the kind of drama that could keep TMZ humming for weeks. While most of those tales live in the dark annals of Wikipedia, a few of them manage to work their way into the public consciousness. Such is the case with the dark and seedy story of the Bricklin SV-1.

A playhouse in the gullwinged sports car’s hometown of Fredericton, New Brunswick has decided to not only bring the story to life on stage, but to do so through song. That’s right, kids: this sucker is a musical. According to The New York Times, “The Bricklin” goes for a cabaret/show car/disco vibe.

If you’re wincing already, you’re not alone. The principal characters include Malcolm Bricklin, of course, as well as Richard Hatfield, the gent who managed to secure most of the money for the SV-1 venture. There’s also a love story involving a couple that goes to find work in Bricklin’s New Brunswick production facility. Perhaps the biggest star of the show, however, is the orange SV-1 that also finds its way onstage.

“The Bricklin: An Automotive Fantasy” runs from July 27 to August 15 at The Playhouse in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

[Source: The New York Times]

Bricklin: The Musical originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The five Lincoln concept models that we told you about on Friday will be joined by the 2003 Mercury Messenger concept at the RM’s Sports & Classics of Monterey auction on August 12th.

The two-seater sports coupe prototype of the soon-to-be discontinued Mercury brand broke cover at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit back in…

If you’re looking to add a Lincoln concept model to your collection, here’s your chance as a total of five design studies from the past decade will be offered for sale by Ford Motor Company at the RM’s Sports & Classics of Monterey auction on August 12th. The proceeds raised through the sale will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research…

Toyota has announced pricing for its U.S. market 2011 model year line-up, which will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with the exception of RAV4 that goes on sale in September.

The big news for the 2011 lineup is the installation of brake override technology as standard equipment across the range. This technology is designed to stop a car…

Battery for Chevy extended range electric vehicle gets eight year one hundred thousand mile warranty
A marketing nightmare

Here’s a nightmare scenario for you: You’re a major auto manufacturer selling your company’s technological crown jewel, an industry-first extended-range electric vehicle. One of the first-adopters that’s purchased one, a first-time customer to your brand, experiences sudden battery failure after either the time or mileage limits of the battery’s warranty have been exceeded.

Or how about this one: noting that the costs of a replacement battery will run somewhere between $4,000 and $7,000, potential customers shy away from the aforementioned crown jewel in droves.

It’s all about the cost

In case you haven’t guessed, we’re talking about the 2011 Chevrolet Volt here, folks. And yesterday, Chevrolet division of General Motors not only put those fears to rest, but re-crossed the Rubicon on its way to burying the public relations debacle it created when the company refused to sell its EV1 electric vehicle to scores of satisfied California lessees, electing instead to have most summarily sent to the crusher.

Yesterday, at the Brownstown Township, Michigan site of GM’s battery plant, it went like this:

“The Chevrolet Volt’s batteries have exceeded our performance targets and are ready to hit the road,” said Micky Bly, GM executive director, global electrical systems. “Our customers are making a commitment to technology that will help reduce our dependence on petroleum. In turn, we are making a commitment to our customers to deliver the highest standards for value, safety, quality, performance and reliability for an unprecedented eight years/100,000 miles.”

According to GM, the warranty will cover all 161 battery components as well as the Volt’s thermal management system, charging system and all electric drive components.
Testing

Durability testing on the Volt has included more than one million miles and four million hours of validation since 2007 including short circuit, corrosion, dust, impact, water submersion, crush and penetration. The system also underwent a program of extreme temperature swings combined with aggressive driving cycles known internally as “Shake, Bake and Roll.”
Production

Prototype production of the battery packs, each consisting of nine modules and 288 cells, began in January of this year. Beginning in August, the Brownstown battery plant will begin regular production.
Battery features

Here’s more specific information from GM’s press release:

• Thermal management for durability and reliability: The Volt is the only mass-market electric vehicle with a battery that can be warmed or cooled. The battery is designed to provide reliable operation, when plugged in, at temperatures as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 C) and as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit (+50 C). In cold weather, the battery will be preheated during charging to provide full power capability. In hot weather – the most challenging environment for a battery – the Volt’s battery can be chilled during charging. The Volt’s liquid thermal management system can also be powered during driving by the battery or engine/generator.

• Diagnostics for safety and performance: The Volt’s battery management system continuously monitors the battery real-time for optimum operations.  More than 500 diagnostics run at 10 times per second, keeping track of the Volt’s battery pack; 85 percent of the diagnostics ensure the battery pack is operating safely, while the remaining 15 percent keep track of battery performance and life.
• Cell design and chemistry for performance and efficiency: GM’s selection of a prismatic cell design and LG Chem’s manganese spinel lithium-ion chemistry is designed to provide long life and high power output, with a properly maintained temperature. This enables better vehicle acceleration and increased regenerative braking capability for improved vehicle efficiency.
• Energy management for durability: Fully charging or fully depleting a battery shortens its life. The Volt’s energy management system never fully charges or depletes the battery. The Volt’s battery has top and bottom “buffer zones” to help ensure long life.

On Friday, the last Micra to be produced at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK, rolled off the assembly line marking the end of an era stretching back to the early Nineties. The very first Sunderland-built Micra came to life on August 10, 1992. The UK plant went on to produce 2,368,704 Micras (two generation models) over the next 18 years, which…

The V8 Vantage is arguably the purest sports car of the Aston Martin range, and it’s the one that forms the basis for the road-registered, class-leading 24-hour Nürburgring racers. In the “I’ll have what she’s having!” vein, Aston owners will soon be able to purchase an upgraded, motorsports-inspired V8 Vantage called the N420.

The N420, which will debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August, is based on the 4.7-liter, 420hp V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster. It will be available with the six-speed manual or Sportshift automated manual, and it features the Sports Pack suspension with new shocks, springs and anti-roll bars, and a burbly new exhaust system. Setting it apart visually are wider sills, black mesh vents, a carbon fiber front air dam, side strakes and rear diffuser, and 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels. The changes inside include graphite-colored instruments, a leather or Alcantara steering wheel, N420 sill plaques and sports seats with “Race Track” stitching. Optional yellow, green, blue and white “Race Collection” paint schemes can also distinguish V8 Vantage N420, with contrasting color radiator grille surrounds and on the Coupes, roof cant rails.

Production of the N420 begins this month, and American deliveries will begin this fall. U.S. pricing has yet to be announced

Zagato unveiled the Perana Z-One as a concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and followed it with a production version in 2010. The Perana Z-One was the first sports car to come from South Africa and we are pleased to inform you that the vehicle will now be available for the US market. An official debut will be made in August at the Concorso Italiano and the Z-One will then go on sale at a price of aprox. $100,000. The US market will have 99 units allocated just for them with Superformance being the US distributor.

The Perana Z-One is powered by either a 436-HP E-rod LS3 or the 505-HP LS7 engine from the Z06. The two engines will be combined with a six-speed manual transmission and a ZF limited slip differential. There’s no word yet on if this rear-wheel drive car also borrows other bits from GM’s part’s bin, but we do know that its weight is down to a svelte 2634 lbs. This should be good for a 0 to 60 mph time in about 4 seconds.

Perana Z-One coming to the US market originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 15 July 2010 19:00 EST.

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Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Europe has posted a call for commercial ideas at Idea Bounty. You, in the role of Creative Agency, are tasked with composing a brief for the Bowtie brand’s next spot that will “communicate that Chevrolet is both passionate and practical.” If your idea is chosen, Chevrolet has enlisted the services of MoFilm.com and producer John Landau to turn that idea “into a consumer facing TV ad.”

There’s quite a bit of background for you to get through first, making sure that you know Chevrolet “cars inspire passion in our customers lives everyday” and that the company believes people “buy our cars because they want a trusted partner to stand behind them, doing the everyday things with a little more flair and enjoyment.” Once you get that locked in, your job is to write a 30- to 60-second script that shows “that the Chevrolet brand and it’s vehicles are both passionate and practical.”

You need to register at Idea Bounty for the complete specs, but you’ll find samples of the kind of creativity Chevrolet wants after the jump. You have until August 9 to prove you’re one of the best Mad Men out there. Thanks for the tip, Stacey!

[Source: Idea Bounty]

Continue reading Chevy turns to crowdsourcing for next commercial idea

Chevy turns to crowdsourcing for next commercial idea originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photo by Simon Clay © 2010 Courtesy of Gooding & Company

Gooding & Company, the official auction house of the esteemed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, is delighted to announce five outstanding Italian consignments for its August 14th & 15th Pebble Beach Auctions. Spanning two important decades of Italian automotive design, these style and mechanical leaders include the ultimate 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione, a legendary 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta SEFAC Hot Rod, a sophisticated Zagato-bodied 1954 Fiat 8V, a spectacular 1955 Maserati A6G/54 Berlinetta with one-off coachwork by Zagato, and a dramatic 1971 Lamborghini Miura S.

“We can thank Italy’s post-war carozzerias and style-focused performance manufacturers for creating some of the most exceptionally designed works of rolling art in automotive history,” says David Gooding, President and founder of Gooding & Company. “From Ferrari’s legendary 250 GT SWB SEFAC Hot Rod to Maserati’s stunning A6G/54 Berlinetta, we are thrilled to offer these spectacular automobiles at this year’s Pebble Beach Auctions.”

Fiat unveiled its infamous “Otto Vu” at the 1952 Geneva Motor Show. Its cutting-edge 2-litre V-8 engine technology and sophisticated lines soon led to the model’s lasting reputation as one of the most important Fiat sports cars ever built. One of 24 early examples, the 1954 Fiat 8V is an exciting and rare model sculpted by the prestigious carrozzeria Zagato. Intended for competition, this car was finished in Italian Racing Red livery with distinct features including the absence of air outlets and a thin aluminum strip on the hood scoop. With original engine and bodywork restoration completed by top European specialists, this two-time Mille Miglia participant is an ideal contender for today’s best rallies and tours. Gooding & Company estimates that this car will sell for $675,000–$750,000 at this year’s Pebble Beach Auction.
Continua leyendo “Italian Classic Cars for sale at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance”

They don’t call the Smithsonian Americas Attic for nothing

Edith and Archie's chairs

The Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Institution, sometimes referred to as “America’s Attic”, was founded in 1835 as a result of a bequest of $500,000 (over $10 million now) from a British scientist by the name of James Smithson who, oddly enough, never even set foot on American soil (until, that is, a regent of the Smithsonian by the name of Alexander Graham Bell had his remains moved from Genoa to Washington D.C. in 1904).

Since that time, the Smithsonian, which is now comprised of 22 museums (18 in Washington D.C.), has managed to amass a collection that includes everything from the first Wright Flyer to the arm chairs that Archie and Edith Bunker sat in.

New additions

Earlier this week, both General Motors and Volvo announced that each had donated items to the Smithsonian that will become part of a permanent collection of automotive safety advancements at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

Three-point belt

Volvo’s contribution to the collection is a three-point safety belt, much like the first one that was fitted to a Volvo on August 13, 1959.

The specific belt and the accompanying original seat donated by Volvo had its authenticity verified to a previous owner and the factory, which confirmed that it is an original fitting from a 1961 Volvo PV 544.

“The three-point safety belt turned 50 and fortunately there were already plans under way to show a collection of innovations relating to the automobile’s history,” relates Dan Johnston, product communications manager Volvo Cars of North America. “Today Nils Bohlin’s simple but ingenious life-saver is an integral part of American history.”

Crash Test Dummy

General Motors’ contribution to the collection is a bit more sophisticated: 50H-1, an Anthropomorphic Test Device, or, as it’s more commonly known (at least at GM), ATD. A Hybrid III dummy designed in the 1980’s, the designation also refers to the fact that this particular version represents “a typical male adult in the 50th percentile for height and weight.”

“GM’s leading role in the development of crash test devices over the decades makes it fitting that one of our crash veterans become part of the Smithsonian’s collections,” said Mike Robinson, GM vice president of Safety Policy. “With all that we have learned from him over the years, it almost seems unfair to call 50H-1 a dummy.”

Vince and Larry

Along with 200 “brothers and sisters” at the GM Milford proving ground, 50H-1 has been busy, having been used in more than 50 tests since 2007 including everything from rollover crash testing to the more mundane duties of seat positioning and seat belt routing. Besides 50H-1 which, incidentally, has seen some 15 years of service, the costumes and props from the “Vince and Larry” safety belt PSA campaign by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Ad Council will also be displayed.

In addition to 50H-1, GM also donated an ATD leg and instruments used for the measurement of crash forces as well as an energy-absorbing steering column from a 1967 Chevrolet.

An exceptional 19-strong motor car collection which belonged to the late Swiss gentleman driver and car collector, Peter F Baumberger (1925-2009), is to be sold by Bonhams at the Gstaad Palace Hotel, Switzerland on 20 August 2010. All motor cars will be sold without reserve to the highest bidder.

Headlining the sale is a 1962 Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster, one of the final 209 cars built which featured the ultra-desirable aluminium engine. Fascinatingly, this example was dispatched new to Kuwait painted in blue-grey with a cream trim. It has a keen pre-sale estimate of CHF 400,000 – 600,000.

Highlights also include a classic 1973 Porsche 911 RS 2.7 Carrera (estimate CHF 100,000 – 140,000); and modern high performance cars such as a 2009 Ferrari California (estimate CHF 220,000 – 250,000) and a 1996 Bentley Continental T (estimate CHF 80,000 – 100,000).

Baumberger became passionate about motor cars at an early age. He began motor racing in 1955 with a Porsche 1600, and went on to race a Jaguar XK120, a Lotus (six of which he ordered from Colin Chapman in 1958), and a Lancia Appia Zagato. He had a particular fondness for Ferraris, and in 1966 bought three new Ferrari 275GTB/4s for himself and his two stepsons to race. In 1972 he became a founding member of the Swiss Ferrari club. In recent years, Baumberger was a familiar father figure at motor events including the Tour Auto and Tour du Maroc. As well as a keen involvement in motorsport, he held board positions with companies including Lindt chocolate and Swatch, while his career started as MD and Vice President of RCA Overseas in America.
Continua leyendo “Peter F Baumberger Motor Car Collection for Sale”

Set to arrive in dealerships in August, the Mopar ‘10 Challenger is a special edition version of the muscle-coupe that will be built in a limited number of 500 examples. Based off a Challenger R/T with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the Mopar ‘10 edition gets numerous performance and styling parts straight out of Mopar’s shelves.

The special edition…

Pārdomas par vēlēšanām un referendumiem, kas radās izlasot IR rakstu par to, ka ir savākti gandrīz 10 000 parakstu par projekta Daugavas-Dņepras savienošanas īstenošanu. Iespējams, ka es kļūdīšos, bet radās motivācija un ieteikums citiem piedalīties VISĀS vēlēšanās. Iemesls ir pavisam vienkāršs – lai nepieciešamo balsu savākšanai būtu nepieciešams pēc iespējas vairāk cilvēku.

Tātad, lai būtu pēc iespējas grūtāk kādai cilvēku grupai vai organizācijai uzspiest savas vēlmes, izmantojot vienkāršas un likumīgas metodes, panākt sev vēlamu rezultātu, sasniedzot ar vieglu informācijas manipulēšanas metodēm (reklāmas, aģitācijas, …), ir vienkārši nepieciešams piedalīties vēlēšanās. Ne velti valstiski nozīmīgiem projektiem, ir nepieciešama viedokļu dažādība, pat ja tas dažreiz nozīmē ilgāku lēmuma pieņemšanas laiku (referenduma un/vai vēlēšanu sagatavošana, rīkošana un rezultātu apkopošana).

Šis ir arī koks ar diviem galiem:

1. Jau minētais lēmuma pieņemšanas un apstiprināšanas laiks,
2. Nav motivācijas doties uz vēlēšanām, jo nav par ko balsot (tā vai citādi viedokļi dalās).

Tātad, pilsoni, piedalies vēlēšanās! (oi, ku’ labi skan :D )

07.07.2010. 17:42 Lielbritānijas vicepremjers, liberāldemokrātu līderis Niks Klegs (attēlā) paziņojis, ka nākamā gada 5. maijā notiks viņa partijas rosinātais referendums par politiskās sistēmas reformu. Valdošās koalīcijas partijām ir dažādi viedokļi par šo jautājumu un, piemēram, konservatīvie, atbalstot ideju par parlamenta deputātu skaita samazināšanu, kategoriski nepiekrīt vēlēšanu sistēmas maiņai.

Vācu uzņēmums Daimler AG piedāvā prakses iespējas Štutgartē (Vācija) studentam (-ei) ar ekonomisko izglītību (vai arī nepabeigto ekonomisko izglītību), kam ir paredzēta obligātā prakse studiju laikā.

SVARĪGI! Ir nepieciešamas labas vācu valodas zināšanas.

Prakse sākas augustā un ilgst apmēram 6 menešus. Atalgojums apmeram 650 EUR mēnesī.

ŠEIT var apskatīt prakses aprakstu vācu valodā.

Kontaktpersona (ļoti pretimnākošs):

Oliver Dees

Daimler AG
Sales Engines
Key Account MTU

Gebäude 128/2, Zimmer 1.A 009
019-D503 – TM/ECM
70546 Stuttgart/Germany

phone +49-(0)-711-17- 51972
Mobile: +49-(0)-151-58618246
pc-fax +49-(0)-711-3052192591
mailto: Jan-Oliver.Dees@daimler.com

In August 1918, Henry Ford bought the entire northern half of Green Island, New York. His friend, Thomas Edison, had introduced Ford to the area; Edison founded GE in nearby Schenectady and reportedly loved to fish and hunt on that half of the island hugging the west bank of the Hudson River, just a dozen or so miles north of Albany. Ford, however, did not see the purchase as the continuance of any recreational pursuits. Sure, he, Edison and the rest of the Vagabonds camped on Green Island almost exactly a year later, but by then Ford had already announced his intention of developing the 180 acres.

A few months after Ford bought the site, he resigned from Ford Motor Company during a dispute with the Dodge brothers and other FoMoCo shareholders. It turned out that resigning from the company was part of a plan to surreptitiously buy back every last share of the company at a reduced price, according to David L. Lewis’s book, “The Public Image of Henry Ford,” but while away from the company that bore his name, Henry Ford told reporters that he planned to start a new automotive venture and build a car newer, better and less expensive than the Model T. “The new car is well advanced, for I have been working on it while resting in California,” Ford said. “For our new project we are already looking about for waterpower sites.”

Lewis wrote that, once his plan to buy back the company succeeded in July 1919, “Ford immediately abandoned plans (assuming he ever really had any) for the rival to the Model T.” However, he didn’t abandon his plans for waterpower sites. In 1917, the federal government had built a dam stretching from Green Island across to Troy, leaving a provision in it for a hydroelectric plant. Ford intended to oblige them by building a plant that would not only supply electricity to the Green Island factory, but also likely to the housing he planned to build for the factory’s workers.

As Ford wrote of the Green Island factory and hydroelectric plant, they were to be the prototypes for a larger initiative to disperse manufacturing across the countryside rather than centralize it in industrial cities.

It is my intention to try to make this plant a demonstration center for the rebuilding of the abandoned farms of New England and Northern New York. I motored through that country recently from Oswego east, and I was amazed at the amount of valuable farm land lying idle.

It is this sort of productive industry that I am going to link up closely to the farm, to demonstrate the final stage of what I believe to be the solution of the problem of living. Manufacturing, instead of being concentrated in a few centers, should be and can be widely distributed. We have proved that we do not have to turn out a completed product in our central plant. We used to assemble all our cars here in Detroit; we found it more economical to build great assembling plants in many other parts of the country and of the world, and ship the finished parts. Now we know that we can make different parts in different plants and ship them to the assembling plants.

What I am going to do is to establish plants for manufacturing parts of Ford cars and Fordson tractors in places where they will be within easy reach of farming districts, and provide employment for farmers and their families in winter. And these plants will be operated by water power.

There is enough water power running to waste to turn every wheel in the world and provide all the light and heat the whole world needs. We are going to operate our Mexican tractor plant with water power, and we shall build water power plants in several places in the United States. I have been demonstrating what can be done with water power right here at my own home. The River Rouge, which runs through my farm, close to my house, is not a very large stream and has but an eight-foot fall, but I am obtaining 200 horsepower the year around, which lights my house and operated all sorts of electrical conveniences and which is coupled up with the steam plant at the tractor plant, so that we are really making tractors now partly by water power.

We must develop water power because it is not only more economical than steam power, but we ought to save the rest of the world’s coal supply for chemical use. There is nothing we now do with coal, aside from its chemical products, that we cannot do with water power, electrically transmitted; most things we can do better with water power.

The offices of Ford's Green Island factory, courtesy Ford Motor Corporation

Construction of both the factory and the powerplant began in 1921. The former would stretch for a quarter mile about parallel to the river, while the latter (built not by Ford Motor Company, but by Henry Ford & Son) would use four Allis-Chalmers turbines mounted in a vertical fashion. Where Albert Kahn was contracted to design the factory, his only official contribution to the powerplant was the lighted Ford sign atop it; the actual contract for designing the powerplant was awarded to Stone & Webster. Though Ford and Ford officials said the factory would produce tractor parts through to 1921, Ford switched gears in 1922, as he related to Automotive Industries:

The boys came in to me the other day with the sign for the Green Island plant which read “Ford Motor Company – Ball and Roller Bearings.” I told them to take off the “Ball and Roller Bearings” because we didn’t know what we might make there.

Indeed, by 1923, Automotive Industries was reporting that the factory at Green Island would produce radiators and ring gears and would soon add springs. Radiators and heater cores became the plant’s principal product for the next 65 years, until Ford shut the plant down in 1988, citing the distance of the plant from Detroit as a liability – Ford could rely on a plant in Plymouth, Michigan, to make radiators and save $3 million a year versus having radiators made in Green Island. The factory fell into disrepair as Green Island’s industrial development group tried to find ways to make use of it, but they finally tore the factory down in 2004.

The Green Island hydroelectric plant, as it stands today

The hydroelectric plant, however, remained standing. Ford stopped running it in 1961 and passed it on to a local utility until the Green Island Power Authority took it over in 2000. The hydroelectric plant had fallen into disrepair as well, so the power authority hired Jim Besha’s company, Albany Engineering Corporation, to revitalize it.

As the president of Albany Engineering, Jim is used to working with new technology, new ideas, new construction. As a classic car enthusiast with half a dozen restoration projects in his garage, Jim is acquainted with the preservation of older technologies and outdated engineering concepts. Thus, Jim was the ideal man for the job.

“It’s the same idea with old cars,” he said. “You try to keep it vintage if you can.”

In three years, AEC completed much of the work on the hydroelectric plant. They computerized and automated all of the controls, but left the four original turbines. In his research into the hydroelectric plant’s history, which included a review of the original blueprints for the building and for the turbines, Jim noted something odd: the generators, which were designed to produce 9,000hp – about 6,000 kilowatts – were wound to produce both AC and DC power, even though DC had fallen out of favor some 25 years prior.

The four generators of the Green Island hydroelectric plant

“These generators were substantially DC – 1,000 kilowatts DC versus 800 kilowatts AC,” he said. “By 1920, I doubt that factories were using DC power.”

(The generators were rewired in 1971 to produce only AC power.)

Jim also believes that the Ford factory itself would not have used all 9,000hp to build radiators and springs (the housing Ford had planned for the factory workers never materialized). One possible explanation pops up in a brief article in the April 5, 1921, edition of the New York Times, in which both Ford and Edison are quoted as saying that Edison was planning a factory of some sort adjacent to Ford’s on Green Island. Neither would say what Edison planned to build at that factory, and apparently nothing more was ever said about it.

Another theory that Jim has suggested centers around the electric car that Edison and Ford planned to build several years earlier: It’s best to charge batteries with DC power; perhaps Edison and Ford seriously thought about one more crack at producing an electric car and charging the batteries for the cars – if not building the cars entirely – on Green Island? Ford’s statements in the 1921 New York Times article even hint at that possibility:

Mr. Ford said he did not know what he would manufacture at his plant. He refused to say he would build farm tractors there – the purpose for which is had been generally believed the plant was to be erected – but did say “I may make automobiles there – in fact, it is more than likely that I will.”

Whatever the purpose of both the plant and the factory, they have long since rushed past, just as the waters of the Hudson continue to rush past Henry Ford’s hydroelectric plant, its original Allis-Chalmers turbines still spinning, its generators still producing electricity.

(Thanks to Ford Motor company for providing the excellent historical photos of the Green Island factory and hydroelectric plant.)

McLaren MP4-12C

Woking, England based McLaren Automotive announced yesterday that it is setting up its U.S. headquarters under McLaren Automotive Inc., which will be located in New York City. The company will be responsible for numerous operations including sales, marketing, aftersales and retailer development for North America.

McLaren also announced six of the ten retail candidates, which will be located in Beverly Hills, Chicago, Dallas, Greenwich, San Francisco and Tampa Bay.

Initial sales of the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will start in the summer of 2011 with the base MSRP ranging between $225,000 and $250,000. Official prices will be announced in September 2010.

Click here to read more news on the McLaren MP4-12C.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 McLaren MP4-12C comes from a 3.8L V8 twin-turbo engine producing around 600-hp mated to a 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch gearbox (SSG). 0 to 60 mph is expected to come in the low 3 second range with a top speed of more than 200 mph. Sales begin in early 2011.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C:

Press Release:

McLaren Automotive Inc. headquarters to be located in New York City

· Six of North America’s initial retailer candidates identified to represent McLaren Automotive in 2011; Further announcements to come
· First MP4-12C production vehicles anticipated to arrive in summer 2011
· North American unveiling in August at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

WOKING, UK (July 4, 2010) – McLaren Automotive, based in Woking, England, is pleased to announce the launch of McLaren Automotive Inc. The company headquarters will be located in New York City with operations including sales, marketing, aftersales and retailer development for North America.
In addition, the first six of ten initial retailer candidates have been identified in preparation for the launch of the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C which goes on sale in U.S. and Canada beginning summer 2011:

· McLaren Beverly Hills: The Auto Gallery
· McLaren Chicago: Lake Forest Sportscars
· McLaren Dallas: Park Place
· McLaren Greenwich: Miller Motorcars
· McLaren San Francisco: Price Family Dealerships
· McLaren Tampa Bay: Dew Luxury Motor Cars

These retail candidates have been carefully selected based upon their experience in the segment and presence in the marketplace. McLaren has assembled an successful group of dealer candidates to represent the company throughout North America. Additional locations where McLaren intends to appoint retailers in North America include Miami, Fla.; Orange County, Calif.; Philadelphia, Pa., and Toronto, Canada, and these candidates will be announced soon.

Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive’s Managing Director said, “The North American market provides a huge opportunity for McLaren and will be a benchmark for our future business aspirations. We anticipate that the region will see 30 percent of the global sales, so it was vital for us to identify experienced retailers with a passion for customer service: The Auto Gallery, Dew Luxury Motor Cars, Lake Forest Sportscars, Miller Motor Cars, Park Place, and Price Family Dealerships, as well as others that will be announced soon.

“As a native New Yorker, I know how demanding North American customers can be. They are looking for a great product with superb quality, innovative technology and authentic, unique design solutions. But owning a car with high performance that is incredibly entertaining to drive is not enough. The ownership experience must be just as revolutionary as the car.

“We want to be the best sports car company in the market. We know this is a huge challenge, but we thrive on challenge. In partnering with the best retailers in the industry with a proven record of taking care of their customers, we believe we have the ideal situation in North America to help us deliver on these expectations,” Sheriff concluded.

The initial North American retailers will begin selling the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C from summer 2011 with a base MSRP within a range of between $225,000 and $250,000. The pricing is expected to be announced in September 2010.

One thousand 12Cs will be built in 2011 in a brand-new production facility at McLaren’s UK headquarters. Longer-term, a full model range of approximately 4,000 high-performance, mid-engine McLaren sports cars will be produced annually by McLaren Automotive in the UK for global distribution. McLaren Automotive’s aim is for its global network to remain more exclusive, more flexible, and more profitable than competitors’ networks.

Tony Joseph, McLaren Automotive’s Regional Director for North America, said: “Just as the MP4-12C was developed from a clean sheet of paper, so was our North American operations. We have recently established ourselves with offices in New York City, and built an experienced team to manage the sales, marketing, aftersales and dealer development activities in North America.

“As part of our business plan, we have taken great care to identify our top markets and dealer partners that emulate McLaren’s core brand values and beliefs. Our ambition is to develop and build a better vehicle that is supported by class-leading aftersales, ultimately ensuring better residual values. We will treat customers with respect, and there will be a unique level of transparency in how we conduct ourselves with our retail partners and our customers.

“The key challenge for us in North America is to take the focused processes and principles that have come out of McLaren and ensure that those high standards are embraced by the retailers and experienced by each and every customer. It is a very exciting time, and I believe we have selected the retailer partners who understand and can implement this vision,” explained Joseph.

First 12C deliveries anticipated for summer 2011 in North America

The MP4-12C is ‘pure’ McLaren, from its innovative technologies to bespoke design – everything is for a reason. The 2012 model year, two-seat, mid-engine12C will re-write the rules of sports car design through Formula 1-inspired engineering, a revolutionary carbon fiber MonoCell chassis, and an absolute focus on total efficiency and quality.

The 12C was developed around the driver with emphasis on performance and drivability. It will be the lightest and one of the most powerful and fuel efficient cars in its class. The foundation for these performance benchmarks is the unique, one-piece molded carbon fiber MonoCell which provides enormous strength and rigidity yet is 25 percent lighter than an equivalent aluminum chassis.

The 12C has a bespoke V8, twin-turbo engine with 592 horsepower and 443 ft-lb of torque and is mated to a 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch transmission. Its extraordinary mix of handling and comfort is delivered with its innovative Proactive Chassis Control. Its sophisticated, Formula 1-derived aerodynamics is aided by its Airbrake which gives the 12C excellent stability under braking. The 12C also sets new standards for interior comfort, visibility and technology in a sports car.

Customers that are interested in purchasing a 12C should work with their local retailer. The first vehicle deliveries are anticipated for summer 2011 in North America.

McLaren Unveil at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

While McLaren Automotive will launch the 12C beginning summer 2011, car enthusiasts will get the unique opportunity to see the MP4-12C up close at the 60th Anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, Calif. on August 15.

Attendees of the world renowned event can see a prototype of the 12C on the Concept Car Lawn in front of the entrance to The Lodge at Pebble Beach. The 12C will then tour North America to support events held by retailer candidates.

- By: Omar Rana

Publicējam Latvijas sociālo reformu biedrības vēstuli ministru prezidentam, labklājības un finanšu ministriem saistībā ar iecerēto pensionēšanās vecuma palielināšanu. Vēstulē iekļauti jautājumi, uz kuriem atbildes vēlētos uzzināt neviens vien Latvijas iedzīvotājs. Tiek vaicāts arī par 3 miljardiem latu, kuriem saskaņā ar biedrības veiktajiem aprēķiniem vajadzēja būt sociālās apdrošināšanas uzkrājumā, taču tie acīmredzot iztērēti citiem mērķiem.

* * *

Latvijas Republikas Ministru prezidentam
Valdim Dombrovskim

Labklājības ministram
Uldim Augulim

Finanšu ministram
Eināram Repšem

Noraksts:   Saeimas priekšsēdētājam
Gundaram Daudzem

Par projektu palielināt no 2016. gada
pensionēšanās vecumu Latvijā u.c. izmaiņām

Lēmums par pensionēšanās vecuma celšanu no 2016. gada pašreizējā krīzes situācijā finansiāli neatrisinās neko. Gluži pretēji - sasteigts lēmums radīs īpaši kaitīgas sekas Latvijas valstij, tās ekonomikai un tautai.

Pensionēšanās vecuma celšana izraisa ne tikai ekonomiskas, bet arī demogrāfiskas un sociāli politiskas sekas un tālejošas juridiskas sekas. Latvijas iedzīvotāji vēl vairāk zaudēs ticību Latvijas valstij un tās sociālās apdrošināšanas sistēmai. Šāds Ministru kabineta lēmums tikai papildu stimulēs darba spējīgu jauniešu emigrāciju no Latvijas.

Jau tagad Latvijā pensijas izmaksas periods ir par 1/3 īsāks nekā citās ES valstīs (no pensionēšanās brīža līdz personas nāvei). To saīsināt vēl vairāk ir amorāli. ES valstīs dzīves ilgums pieaug, līdz ar to jautājums par pensionēšanās vecuma celšanu ir loģisks. Turpretim Latvijā iedzīvotāju veselības stāvoklis ir kritisks un vidējais dzīves ilgums strauji samazināsies.

Ierosinājuma celt pensionēšanās vecumu no 62 uz 65 gadiem Latvijā jau 2016. gadā autori nav snieguši aprēķinus un pamatojumu, vai konkrētajā Latvijas sociāli ekonomiskajā situācijā šāds solis nav pārsteidzīgs (iespējami šāds solis ekonomikai nesīs tikai zaudējumus).

Ir vismaz seši jautājumi, uz kuriem nav sniegtas atbildes.

Pirmais. Kāds ir tautas veselības stāvoklis un kāda ir medicīniskās aprūpes pieejamība? Nav bijuši pētījumi, cik lielas Latvijā ir iedzīvotāju darba spējas 60 un 65 gadu vecumā. Nav noskaidrots, vai maz spēs veikt darba pienākumus konkrētās personas, kuras Latvijas valsts vēlas piespiest līdz 65 gadu vecumam strādāt pilnas slodzes algotu darbu.

Medicīnas iestāžu un apdrošināšanas firmu praksē Latvijā pēc 55 gadu vecuma personas tiek ieskaitītas paaugstināta riska grupā. Pēc 55 gadu vecuma tiek ierobežota dzīvības un veselības apdrošināšana. Ja 55 gadi ir bioloģiskā spēju robeža, ar to būtu jārēķinās.

Ja 55 gadi nav bioloģiskā spēju robeža, tad Ministru kabinetam tagad būtu jāierosina likums, kas aizliedz personu dalīšanu riska grupās pēc vecuma.

Otrais. Kāda būs nodarbinātības politika? Nav skaidrs, kādā veidā Latvijas valdība radīs papildu ap 100 000 darba vietu tieši pirmspensijas vecuma strādājošajiem, ja Latvijā ir masveida bezdarbs. Stimulēt jauniešu masveida emigrāciju nebūtu īstais risinājums.

Trešais. Vai mainīsies medicīniskās aprūpes pieejamība un medikamentu cenas? Katastrofāli pasliktinās tautas veselības stāvoklis. Liela daļa nomirs, nesasnieguši 65 gadu pensionēšanās vecumu. Citi nomirs drīz pēc aiziešanas pensijā. Tie ir prognozējami skaitļi, taču sabiedrība nez kāpēc netiek iepazīstināta ar šiem aprēķiniem. Pensionēšanās vecuma celšana Latvijas apstākļos ir nekas cits kā pensijas izmaksu perioda saīsināšana uz mirstības rēķina.

Ceturtais. Kāpēc nav aprēķināts iespaids uz demogrāfiju (dzimstību)? Daudzi gados jauni cilvēki ir izbraukuši uz ārzemēm darbā. Viņu šeit palikušos bērnus audzina vecmāmiņas un vectētiņi. Kas notiks, ja no bērnu audzināšanas atraus arī vecmāmiņas un vectētiņus - liekot šiem vecvecākiem būt algotā darbā līdz spēku izsīkumam? Kas notiks ģimenēs, ja bērnu audzināšanas vietā arī vecvecāki būs spiesti sēdēt bezdarbnieku rindās bez iztikas līdzekļiem?

Piektais. Sociāli-politiskā ietekme uz Latvijas sadalīšanos divkopienu valstī. Kaimiņvalstī Krievijā pensionēšanās vecums ir 55 gadi (sievietēm). Tas ir faktors, kas daudzus (arī latviešus) mudinās atteikties no Latvijas pilsonības un pieņemt Krievijas pilsonību. Kā tas ietekmēs Eiropas Savienību? Kā šādos apstākļos valdība paredz risināt integrāciju Latvijā?

Sestais. Kā panāks, lai sociālās apdrošināšanas shēmā piedalās visi iedzīvotāji? Kas ir tie, kuri izvairās no solidārās līdzdalības?

Pašlaik no Latvijas 2,3 miljoniem iedzīvotāju tikai 1,1 miljons ir sociālās apdrošināšanas shēmas dalībnieki (ieskaitot pensionārus). Kas ir pārējie 1,2 miljoni nemaksātāju? Saprotams, ka nepiedalās nepilngadīgie (ap 0,4 miljoni) un invalīdi un pielīdzinātās personas (ap 0,1 miljons). Paliek neskaidri ap 700 tūkstošiem pilngadīgu personu. Ko valsts prasīs no viņiem?

Vēršam Jūsu uzmanību uz to, ka pensionēšanās vecuma celšanu un sociālās apdrošināšanas nosacījumu maiņu Labklājības ministrija ir ierosinājusi, pat neskatot iespējamību iekasēt sociālās apdrošināšanas budžetos tās summas, kurām bija jābūt iemaksātām, bet kuras nav iemaksātas, un summas, kuras ir izmaksātas ar sociālo apdrošināšanu nesaistītiem mērķiem.

Lielas iemaksu summas ir parādā sociālajai apdrošināšanai ne tikai dažādi uzņēmēji, bet arī Latvijas valdība.

Pēc aplēsēm, sociālās apdrošināšanas uzkrājumā pašlaik vajadzēja būt pāri par trim miljardiem latu. Taču šādas naudas tur nav. (Nav iemaksāts ap 1,35 miljardiem latu no īpašumu privatizācijas; ir nelikumīgi veiktas ap 1 miljards latu izmaksas ar apdrošināšanu nesaistītiem mērķiem; un vēl nepilnu miljardu latu caur Valsts Kasi izmanto valdība kā aizņēmumu).

Labklājības ministrija prognozē, ka 2024. gadā sociālās apdrošināšanas budžetā būs 4 miljardu latu iztrūkums. Ja zinām, ka valsts pašlaik ir faktiski parādā sociālās apdrošināšanas budžetiem trīs miljardus latu, bet Civillikums paredz likumiskos 6% procentus gadā, tad 2024. gadā (14 gadu laikā) šī valsts parāda summa būs pieaugusi jau līdz 5,5 miljardiem latu.

Izrietoši - ir, mūsuprāt, nevis jāmaina sociālās apdrošināšanas nosacījumi, bet gan būtu jāskata risinājumi, kādā veidā un kādos termiņos valsts atmaksās pensiju budžetā savu daļu. Pirmais solis būtu - panākt caurspīdīgumu norēķinos, atdalīt sociālās apdrošināšanas budžetus no valsts pamatbudžeta, un skaidri parādīt - kas, kam, kur un cik ir parādā.

Steidzamākais valdības darbs būtu apturēt emigrāciju un aicināt jaunatni atgriezties Latvijā. Zaudējumi, ko rada emigrācija Latvijas valstij un tautai, ir milzīgi. Piemēram, izceļošanas dēļ sociālās apdrošināšanas budžeti vien zaudē iemaksas ap 470 miljoniem latu gadā.

Atgādinām, ka Latvijas valsts joprojām nav ratificējusi 1996. gada Pārstrādāto Eiropas Sociālo hartu. Likumprojekts, kas 1. lasījumā pieņemts Saeimā, paredz neratificēt tiesības uz taisnīgu atlīdzību par darbu (4. pants), tiesības uz sociālo drošību (12. pants) un citas būtiskas sociālās tiesības. Tas nav pareizi. Latvijas valstij ir jādod saviem iedzīvotājiem līdzvērtīgas tiesības tām, kādas bauda citi eiropieši! Kamēr nav šīs tiesiskuma perspektīvas, nemaz nedrīkst veikt fiskālus eksperimentus sociālajā sfērā! Turklāt Eiropas Komisija ir paziņojusi, ka tā nav prasījusi un arī neprasīs Latvijai mainīt sociālās apdrošināšanas nosacījumus.

Ievērojot, ka ir pārāk daudz neskaidrību valdības projektā, lūdzam:
1) veikt izpēti augstāk minētos jautājumos un informēt sabiedrību;
2) pagarināt sabiedriskās apspriešanas termiņus.

Nedrīkstētu slēgt sabiedrisko apspriešanu par sociālās apdrošināšanas noteikumu izmaiņām (pensionēšanās vecuma celšanu) vien ar LBAS, LDDK un Pensionāru federācijas šaura loka uzklausīšanu, un izlikties neredzam Saeimas deputātu Sociālo un darba lietu komisiju, kurai sabiedriskās organizācijas ir izteikušas viedokļus un iebildes valdības pārstāvju klātbūtnē. Komisija turpina darbu arī vasarā. Piemēram, deputātu komisija ir ieplānojusi izbraukuma sēdi, lai izvērtētu Latvijas Sociālo reformu biedrības 2010. gada 17. maijā iesniegtos priekšlikumus.

Vēlamies (un ne tikai mēs vien), lai Ministru kabinets sagatavo un detalizēti izskaidro iedzīvotājiem, ko un kā ir plānots izmainīt, un ko iedzīvotāji iegūs no tā, un pēc tam organizē referendumu. Neredzam argumentu, kāpēc valdība nevarētu veikt šādu skaidrošanas darbu. Nepieciešams arī mainīt terminoloģiju, jo nepareizi ir sociālās apdrošināšanas speciālos budžetus debatēs jaukt kopā ar sociālo budžetu jeb valsts pamatbudžeta sociālajām programmām.

Satversmes 73. pants neliedz rīkot referendumu, jo sociālā apdrošināšana veidojas nevis no nodokļiem, bet gan no mērķa apdrošināšanas iemaksām - kam ir pavisam cita juridiskā daba. Sociālais nodoklis ir Latvijā atcelts un neeksistē jau kopš 1998. gada 1. janvāra.

Biedrības vārdā -
valdes priekšsēdētājs Ivars Redisons

Vēstule pieejama lejuplādēšanai (MS Word dokuments)

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

General Motors - or perhaps it was all those sources ‘in the know’ - had their drums beating about a possible IPO filing as early as last week. Here we are a week later and there’s still no firm sign of a stock offering. Reuters, quoting a “source familiar with the situation,” now reports that the filing has been pushed back to August due to some financial loose ends that GM would like to address before setting its shares free.

The biggest loose end appears to be CEO Ed Whitacre’s desire for a $5 billion line of credit. Four banks have pledged $2 billion so far, with the balance expected to be wrapped up in a fortnight. The funds could pay for expansion plans and, more importantly, serve as a buffer in case the recession does the double-dip that’s being increasingly discussed in economic circles. The Reuters report didn’t mention anything about Whitacre’s stated aim of restarting a captive finance arm before an IPO.

A $15 to $20 billion offering is still the range being quoted for GM’s IPO. It is speculated that GM is so committed to getting things done this year that the company will lower the valuation rather than postpone the proceedings. There are still so many what-ifs and concerned parties involved, however, that it’s looking more and more likely that we won’t know how well GM’s IPO will really do until we know how it actually did.

[Source: Reuters]

Report: GM pushes IPO filing back to August due to financial issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I remember when the first T-Birds came out. There was a Doctor in Muskegon, Michigan who owned one. It was a white Bird with the port hole, so it must have been a 1956 model. My wife has always had a soft spot in her heart for the early Birds, too…both in her garden and on the street!

Last month, Hagerty did a great article in their magazine. (Click on the link in my sidebar to subscribe, and while you are at it, get a quote on insuring your classic car!) They tell of when their family restored a 1955 Thunderbird that went on to win some very prestigious awards.

I just received an email from my friends at Hagerty. I guess they did even more extensive writing and picture taking that you can visit and enjoy. So I am giving you not only the links, but the story they wrote to me.

If you love the ‘55 - ‘57 T-Birds, take a minute and read this article.

Hope you enjoy!! I have also included the latest info from Hagerty. Read for great information!

Dear Michael:

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Thunderbirds. Classic T-Birds have always been a huge part of my family; we restored a 1956 T-Bird that later won several awards, including the AACA’s “Best Post-War Car” award in 1995. It’s still part of our collection. So I’m excited to introduce the online component to the recent World of Thunderbird story in Hagerty’s magazine. Head to www.hagerty.com/thunderbird for an exhaustive look at the first generations of the classic marque, including a price index, vintage brochures and videos, a video buyers guide with expert Dave Kinney, and a fantastic photo gallery. And while you’re there, don’t miss our new Hagerty’s Collector Car Report, which lets you input your VIN for a look at your car’s history and value. See you on the road!

–McKeel Hagerty

News: World of Thunderbird, first Mustang

The World of Thunderbird
Dive into the World of Thunderbird with Hagerty’s extensive guide to one of America’s most beloved cars. Learn about the car’s history, browse through vintage brochures, and watch some videos and vintage TV ads. And be sure to check out our huge photo gallery, featuring a spotter’s guide early Thunderbirds. Enter the World of Thunderbird.

Woman says she bought the first Mustang
Although reports have long claimed the first Mustang was sold in Newfoundland just before midnight on Friday, April 17, 1964, one Illinois woman says she purchased her Skylight Blue convertible on April 15 - two days before official sales were set to begin. She’s still got the paperwork - and the car - to prove it.

Road Trip, circa 1923: Part III
Our monthly series documenting a 1923 road trip continues as the intrepid travelers take the Yellowstone Trail into the Dakotas and run into some scary weather. “The edge of a tornado passed thru about 25 miles north of us. It killed some eight or 10 people. We crossed its path about noon, and then we realized what a narrow escape we really had had.” Read about their journey.

Our Cars: Jayson Allen’s British fleet
Jayson Allen has been with Hagerty for two years, but he’s been a customer for 10. He was bit by the car bug early on as a kid, and has since collected quite the fleet of British classics, including two “Bugeye” Sprites and a classic Mini. Take a look at his collection.

Collector Car Appreciation Day is July 9
July is the perfect month to celebrate all-things American. This year, there’s even more cause for celebration: The U.S. Senate in May passed a resolution declaring July 9, 2010, “Collector Car Appreciation Day.”

Resources: Hagerty Collector Car Report

Introducing the Hagerty Collector Car Report
Every car has a story, and Hagerty wants to help tell it. Visit the new Hagerty Collector Car Report to unlock the data contained in your VIN, view photos, history, statistics, market trends and values for hundreds of popular collector cars. The tool puts the greatest collection of collector car information on the web at your fingertips. Just enter your year, make, model or VIN (if you have it) and go!

5 affordable sports cars to buy right now
Last month, we took a look at five muscle cars to buy now. This month, we take up the cause of the elbow-patch, tweed-jacket set with a look at five sports cars. There’s something for nearly everyone on the list: British, Italian and Japanese, V-8, six or four. Read the list and add your own picks in the comments section.

Yesterday’s misfires, today’s collector cars
The Edsel is a name that has now become synonymous with failure. However, despite the legacy of its remarkable flop back in 1958-1960, surviving Edsels enjoy a cult following among collectors. On the anniversary of the ultimate “misfire,” we’ve has compiled a list of “Yesterday’s Misfires, Today’s Collector Cars.”

Losses and Lessons: Old tires lead to Maserati mishap
A client decided to take his Maserati out for a spin. The car had been in storage over the winter, and the tires were flat and brittle - unbeknownst to the driver. When traffic stopped short, the Ghibli rear-ended the car in front. Learn how to prevent this from happening to you.

What’s New with Hagerty Plus

Top 7 issues for the Historic Vehicle Association
It’s rare that collector vehicles are the direct target of legislation. The majority of legislative and regulatory issues faced by collectors of historic vehicles are the side-effects of laws and regulations aimed toward the larger vehicle population. Here are seven issues facing collector car enthusiasts and that the Historic Vehicle Association plans to tackle.

Vote now in the Young Designers Contest
Hagerty invites you to vote for your favorite futuristic design of a collector automobile in the second annual Young Designers Contest! Log onto www.hagerty.com/contest before July 13 to vote for your favorite original design, as submitted by teens from around the United States. The five finalists will win an all-expenses-paid trip to Monterey, Calif., for final judging during the world-famous Monterey Classic Car Week. Vote now!

Member Discount: Griot’s Garage
Griot’s Garage has been providing enthusiasts like you with the finest in car care, tools, garage organization and accessories for over 18 years. They develop, test, and manufacture the finest and most complete line of car care products you will find. Hagerty Plus members get a 10 percent discount on all merchandise. Visit our Member Discounts page and scroll down for your discount.

Follow Hagerty on the Web!

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In this week’s Hagerty’s Insider: Austin Power’s Shaguar is up for sale, Corvette becomes the official sports car of Kentucky, Russia looks back fondly on its own automotive history, and we take a look at some upcoming events.
Ask Hagerty Concierge
QUESTION:
What is the difference between Agreed Value and Stated Value insurance coverage?
ANSWER:
The key difference is understanding what is being promised upfront, before you have a loss. With an agreed value policy, you know what you are going to get. An agreed value policy guarantees the policy will pay the insured amount of the vehicle - and no less - in the event of a covered total loss. A stated value policy does not promise upfront to pay the stated amount. After a covered total loss, it may pay less than this amount. With stated value policies, the insurer also has the right to pay the lesser of your collector car’s depreciated actual cash value (ACV) or its replacement cost. Also, many insurers offering stated value policies require periodic appraisals to substantiate the insured amount, adding cost and inconvenience to the insurance process for their customers.

Read more tips from our Concierge.

Do you have a question for the “Ask Hagerty” Concierge? E-mail askhagerty@hagerty.com
Keeping your car’s paint healthy
Some people love to polish cars. Waxing, polishing and buffing seem like second nature for these people. For the rest of us, taking care of a collector car’s finish is more of a chore. Here are some basic tips to keep your car’s appearance a cut above the rest:
- Use a high-quality car-wash soap to wash your car. Dish soap will strip the wax from your car. Good soap will preserve your wax job while giving an extra sheen to your car.
- If your paint’s a bit dull, don’t use cleaner wax. Instead, take the time to use a very light polishing compound (preferably by hand), and use pure wax to recoat your car’s finish. Combining the two steps usually produces a mediocre result.
- Always wash a car from the top down. Keep a special wash mitt or bug sponge for the bottom third of your car. This will prevent you from dragging road dirt and grime across the most visible parts of your car which can lead to scratches.
Happy Motoring from McPherson College!

“Hagerty’s Inside Classic Cars” What’s coming?
“Hagerty’s Inside Classic Cars” is America’s only national radio program dedicated to collector cars. Every week, nationally recognized host Bob Long interviews leaders in the hobby on everything from car values and events to care tips and car maintenance. This weeks’ episode tackles all-things Corvette with exclusive coverage from Bloomington Gold. Long talks with a representative from Mecum Auctions; Corvette guru Mike Yager; and valuation experts Rob Sass and Dave Kinney. Listen online at www.hagertysradio.com or subscribe to our podcast on iTunes .
Hagerty and RM Auctions are pleased to invite you to a special detailing seminar during Monterey car week in August. Part of Hagerty’s Smart Collecting Series, and sponsored by Meguiar’s, “Secrets of an Elite Detailer” will feature a hands-on demonstration of detailing techniques and strategies by Tim McNair of Grand Prix Concours Preparation. You’ll also hear about the importance of proper preparation for auction and the show field from Ian Kelleher, President and COO of RM Auctions, and Dave Kinney, publisher of Hagerty’s Cars That Matter. The seminar is scheduled for 2 p.m., Aug. 12, in the Serra Ballroom, onsite at RM’s Sports and Classics of Monterey event at the Portola Hotel and Spa and Monterey Conference Center. RSVP.

Thanks McKeel! Your magazine always exceeds my expectations. Getting better every issue!

Mike’s Show-N-Shine loves comments. Leave one below or write to me at mustangmike289@yahoo.com I would love to hear from you!

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Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Citroën

Citroën has just introduced a new customer rally car for the FIA’s Group R3T class based on the DS3. The DS3 R3 will be available as either a turn-key racer or a do-it-yourself kit. Either way, power comes from a 210-horsepower high-pressure turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four driving through the six-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox. Shifts are handled via carbon fiber paddles mounted on the back of the steering wheel.

The suspension has been developed to make it easily adaptable to different racing surfaces ranging from gravel to tarmac. Tubular wishbones are attached to a revised front subframe while the rear hubs are removable to allow for independent toe and camber adjustments. The bodyshell comes with a multi-point steel roll-cage already welded in, but buyers will have to supply seats, harnesses and fire suppression equipment. Citroën says it has accumulated over 6,000 miles of testing since last August.

The DS3 R3 will at the end of this year, but if you can’t swing one for your weekend racing sessions, you can at least check out the press release after the jump and the high-res images below.

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading Citroën DS3 R3 ready for customer combat

Citroën DS3 R3 ready for customer combat originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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