The 2000 horsepower, 300 mph Dagger GT by TranStar Racing, LLC

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Jul 022010
 

It’s time to smile and have fun again! “Extreme” is back! The 2000 hp, 300 mph Dagger GT’s design objectives are to be the best-looking, fastest Supercar in the world. This Supercar is being specially designed, very deliberately and explicitly, to break all world records and to bring back the most popular class of race car: the unlimited class which has been regulated, restricted and compromised into extinction. Join the rebellion as we break every rule there is, and break every world record for production Supercars. We will not quit until we achieve these goals:

  • Top horsepower/torque: 2000 hp/2000 ft lbs (given)
  • Top Speed: 300 mph, plus
  • Quarter mile: 200 mph and < 6.7 seconds
  • 0 to 60 mph: < 1.5 seconds
  • Lap records at: Nurburgring and Virginia International Raceway.

Each Dagger GT will be carefully hand-made by exceptional, enthusiastic craftsmen. Each car will be custom-made to the owner’s preferences and desires. You can order: one of three (3) hard-core racing models; a street-legal comfortable-riding sport model, or a soft-riding, luxurious GT-X model that looks and feels like a million-dollar car, but runs like a bat-out-of-hell. We plan to deliver 5 production Daggers in 2011. Each Dagger will be 49-state street-legal if desired by the buyer.

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Video: Mark Webber Parliament Square F1 Pit Stop w/ Red Bull Racing

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Jul 022010
 

A new diversity of efficient driving pleasure: The BMW model range from the autumn of 2010.

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Jul 022010
 

Munich . Starting in the autumn of 2010, extensive additions to the engine portfolio and the equipment range for a large number of model series will bring about a further increase in the diversity of the BMW model range. Following its successful launch, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan can, as from September 2010, also be equipped for the first time with intelligent four-wheel drive technology BMW xDrive. The electronically controlled four-wheel drive system will be featured in the BMW 550i xDrive Sedan, which is powered by an eight-cylinder engine. The BMW 535d Sedan offers a further choice of engines. The new top-of-the-range diesel version from the series is powered by a 220 kW/300 bhp straight six-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo, which will also be available for the BMW 5 Series Touring as from September 2010. The car’s engine portfolio will also be complemented by two further engine variants immediately following its market launch. In addition to the BMW 535d Touring, we will also see the arrival of the BMW 525d Touring (150 kW/204 bhp) and the BMW 528i Touring (190 kW/258 bhp) in the autumn of 2010.

From September 2010, the equipment package Design Pure Impulse will be available for the BMW Z4, giving the charismatic roadster a particularly sporty and aesthetical appearance. The BMW 116d entry model from the BMW 1 Series now fulfils the EU5 emission standard. The BMW X1 xDrive23d is now also available with a six-speed manual transmission. Further innovations apply to the optional equipment available for the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 1 Series, the BMW X1 and the BMW Z4.
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NINTENDO DS AND WII TOP U.S. VIDEO GAME HARDWARE SALES IN MAY

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Jul 022010
 

July 1, 2010

Nintendo’s video game systems again increased their lead versus other platforms in May, according to the independent NPD Group, which tracks video game industry sales in the United States. The Nintendo DS  family of portable systems took the top hardware spot with more than 383,000 sold, with sales representing more than 86 percent of all hand-held gaming platform units sold during the month. Nintendo’s Wii  home console followed at No. 2 with more than 334,000 sold.

Four of the top 10 best-selling games of May play on Nintendo systems. These include Super Mario Galaxy 2 at No. 3 with more than 563,000 sold, New Super Mario Bros. Wii at No. 6 with more than 183,000 sold, Wii Fit Plus with the Wii Balance Board at No. 7 with more than 161,000 sold and Pokémon  SoulSilver Version at No. 8 with more than 141,000 sold.

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Cruise to the world’s hottest beats in Atari’s hghly-anticipated Test Drive® Unlimited 2

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Jul 022010
 

New York, NY (July 1, 2010) – Atari, one of the world’s most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, and much-acclaimed developer Eden Games, unveiled today a red hot roster of artists that will deliver the in-game soundtrack for its eagerly awaited Test Drive® Unlimited 2. The game’s soundtrack will feature music from some of the world’s hottest dance, alternative and indie rock acts, led by world famous DJ Paul Oakenfold – who will debut a new track from his forthcoming album via the game – along with Deadmau5, Paul van Dyk, Ellie Goulding, Metric and Danko Jones. Additionally, Atari has also retained Grammy-winning writer, producer, arranger, mixer and remixer Steve Thompson – who has worked with the likes of Madonna, Guns n’ Roses, Wu Tang Clan and Metallica — as the game’s music consultant.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 will feature thousands of miles of on and off-road driving in Ibiza, the world’s most notorious party destination as well as additional roadways on the tropical paradise of Oahu. Ibiza made its mark as a legendary, chic party destination where people from all over the globe unite to hear incredible music and sway their bodies to the electro-dance beats. Atari is bringing this vibe to consoles this Fall, providing a truly authentic and holistic experience as players will be able to cruise these exotic locales in the world’s sexiest cars, while listening to the world’s most incredible beats. There will be an Ibiza-specific radio station, where players can immerse themselves in the club-ready sounds of the famous party island. There will also be other radio stations for those who prefer rock, alternative and hip hop as their soundtrack to driving.

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NEW ‘DIRECT RECEPTION’ SYSTEM GIVES INSIGHT INTO THE MECHANICS OF AUDI

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Jul 022010
 

Pioneering new interactive audio visual system enables Audi customers to watch and communicate with Audi technicians as they work

  • AudiDirect Reception system allowing customers to be more closely involved in work undertaken on their cars is currently being rolled out across Audi Centre network
  • Technician wears ‘Audi Cam’ which links to monitor in service reception, and communicates via two-way audio link
  • Aim is to maximise ‘transparency’ and instil even greater confidence by providing conclusive proof of problems in ‘real time’
  • Fixed price servicing option now in place for A1 models
  • Fixed price for five key maintenance jobs for A3, A4, A6 and TT models in excess of 36 months old and up to 2.0-litres in capacity

Candid cameras will soon be focused on all Audi Centre service areas as part of a new Direct Reception initiative being rolled out across the network that will enable Audi customers to view in ‘real time’, and communicate with, technicians as they carry out diagnosis and repair work.

From the comfort of the Audi Centre reception area customers will have direct audio visual access to their cars as they are worked on by technicians equipped with ‘Audi Cams’ and two-way audio links. They will be free to talk to the technicians directly, and service advisors will be on hand to answer any questions that arise. The aim is to provide full exposure to the investigative and corrective work undertaken, maximising ‘transparency’ and instilling even greater confidence not only in the legitimacy of each diagnosis but also the quality of workmanship demonstrated by Audi trained technicians.

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Video: 2008 Lexus GS 460 Defective Valve Spring

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Jul 022010
 

CITROËN DS3 R3: THE NEW STANDARD

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Jul 022010
 

In addition to Citroën Racing’s official participation in WRC, where it has won five FIA World Championship Constructors’ titles, Citroën Racing has always offered products designed for customers. The champion team has now furthered this rich tradition with Citroën DS3 R3, a model set to make its rallying debut at the end of 2010. Versatile, high performance and yet affordably-priced, DS3 R3 is set to become the new leader in its category.

Based on the FIA’s new Group R3T regulations, DS3 R3 features the same structural design and appearance as the production model, with the production steel body shell reinforced by a welded, multi-point roll cage, improving the resilience of the chassis and safety for the driver pairing.

Under the bonnet lies a four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP (high pressure turbo) engine, which has been developed using the PSA production engine. Specific racing parts (air box, camshaft, pistons, connecting rods, exhaust and turbo systems, electronic unit, etc.) have been deployed to boost the car’s power to 210bhp. In addition to its overall power, special attention has been given to increasing the engine’s torque to improve traction, one of the key factors in delivering efficient driving performance. With 350Nm, the DS3 R3 engine offers unrivalled flexibility on the road.

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BMW Group Innovation Days 2010

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Jul 022010
 

1. Why electromobility? 2

2. project i. 10

3. The electric drivetrain. 17

4. Lightweight design and the LifeDrive concept. 26

5. CFRP – a material for the future. 33

In this day and age we see the sphere of individual mobility confronted by growing challenges. More and more factors are influencing the implications of individual and corporate action.

Carbon dioxide emissions.
Worldwide efforts to counteract carbon dioxide emissions are greater than ever. The burning of fossil fuels, in particular, creates carbon dioxide gas (CO2). Possible ways of reducing CO2 emissions include a switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, as well as increasing the efficiency of all energy consumption.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

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Jul 022010
 

With stylish, eye-catching design, exclusive appointments and cutting-edge technology, the extensively updated 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class underscores its flagship position in the world of refined automobiles. Powered by a new 429-hp V8 biturbo engine which achieves a 10-15% improvement in fuel economy and 23% improvement in CO2 emissions, the CL550 4MATIC opens a new dimension of efficiency in the luxury coupe segment. This significant reduction is achieved thanks to the newly-developed BlueDIRECT technology with third-generation spray-guided direct injection, energy-efficient control of alternator, fuel pump, air-conditioning compressor and power-assisted steering system. It also features the use of low rolling resistance tires and, on the CL600, the energy-optimized Active Body Control system. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz developers equipped the CL-Class with state-of-the-art multimedia technology, thus helping this model retain its position as the epitome of quality in its class. The 2011MY CL-Class will make its U.S. debut in Autumn of 2010.

With the new generation of the CL-Class, Mercedes-Benz is emphasizing fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions in this exclusive high-end segment. According to Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG: “The CL is the ideal ambassador for our brand. It combines in a particular degree those things that characterize Mercedes-Benz: fascination, perfection and responsibility. And with the new generation we have gone a step further, too – especially in the realm of efficiency. But in terms of design, safety, comfort and output, too – the CL shows the way forward: simply follow Mercedes.”

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Dodge Celebrates the Ultimate Factory Customized Viper

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Jul 022010
 

Dodge Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles (right) and plant manager Shelly Brown Gordon (third from right) welcomed more than 400 hundred loyal Viper owners at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit today to present the ultimate factory customized 2010 Dodge Viper coupe to proud new owner D’Ann Rauh (second from right). Rauh and her husband Wayne from Arp, Texas, own more than 40 Dodge Vipers – the largest personal collection of Vipers in the world.

A member of the Mid-South Viper Club of America, D’Ann Rauh worked exclusively with the Dodge Design team to select the personal touches she wanted on her car. The custom bronzed gold exterior paint was supplied by House of Kolor. The custom interior features various leather appointments, which were crafted by Tony Spampinito from Venzano, who has worked with the Rauhs on previous Viper projects.

Bob Soroka, from Chrysler Group LLC’s Street and Racing Technology team, airbrushed layouts of Viper-significant race tracks into the custom-painted copper stripes applied by Prefix. The five-spoke forged-aluminum wheels are custom painted in dark graphite.

Members from both the Motor City Viper Club and the Viper Club of America participated in the celebration.

Rauh’s Viper is the last of the current-generation Vipers built at the plant. Dodge has created more special-edition Viper models for the 2010 model year than all other model years combined. Production on the Dodge Viper started in 1992.

EXHAUSTIVE TESTS, UNCOMPROMISING APPROACH GIVE 2011 FORD EXPLORER WORLD-CLASS CRAFTSMANSHIP

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Jul 022010
 

  • Ford scrutinized every inch of the new 2011 Ford Explorer throughout the development – even when the design existed only on a computer screen – to ensure the vehicle delivered top-notch craftsmanship
  • Ford utilized specialized high-tech equipment, from laser wands to aluminum bodies, to ensure the Explorer met the toughest craftsmanship standards
  • The all-new Explorer had a devoted team assigned to ensure it had top-notch craftsmanship

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2010 – When designers at Ford’s product development center sat down to sketch out the new 2011 Explorer, the team had a clear objective: Deliver a sleek, modern package, while maintaining the rugged looks of an SUV. But no matter what direction they took the new design, there was one thing that could not be compromised: craftsmanship.

“Every detail of the new Explorer was scrutinized,” said Peter Bejin, Ford craftsmanship supervisor. “Craftsmanship – the look, the style, the feel of a well-built vehicle – is a critical step in the design process. It is the key differentiator in a competitive and crowded marketplace.”

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EA SPORTS FIFA MANAGER 11 prepares for kick-off

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Jul 022010
 

FIFA MANAGER franchise enters its tenth season with lots of new improvements and features

GUILDFORD, UK 2 July 2010– EA SPORTS  , a label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), is proud to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its popular football management game with the announcement of EA SPORTS  FIFA MANAGER 11– a leap forward in virtual football management. FIFA MANAGER 11 includes a host of new feature enhancements including an improved tactics system, a much more realistic transfer market and an extended online mode that offer easier access to novice players while providing a deeper experience for existing fans. FIFA MANAGER 11 allows gamers to take control and show the highly paid professional coaches how it’s really done.

“We want to provide our fans with a completely unique football management experience in this anniversary year for the franchise with all the great new innovations that reflect actual real life football management included in FIFA MANAGER 11”, Gerald Köhler, lead designer of the FIFA MANAGER series explains.“We are very proud that we are now developing our tenth FIFA MANAGER game in succession. This would not have been possible without the support of our superb and still growing fan base.”

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Video: All new Mercedes SLS AMG E-CELL Test Drive with David Coulthard

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Jul 022010