Are you planning a trip to Nunavut in the near future? Google Street View will help you big time. A team of riders is starting an Arctic expedition to map some of the northernmost parts of the country. They actually met with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Cambridge Bay yesterday.
Wait a minute... Riders? Yep! The Google folks are using not their traditional Google Street View cars but rather customized tricycles with all the necessary technology. They've recruited teenagers and community elders to take advantage of their knowledge of the local roads and sites.
The goal is to upgrade the current maps with the most accurate data and sharpest pictures possible.
Google Street View mapped Antarctica back in 2010 and will take pictures of Australia's Great Barrier Reef this fall with the help of a Google submarine.
It was Audi's hybrid-powered R18 that topped the opening practice session of the round 4 of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the Silverstone 6 Hours, in the hands of this year's Le Mans-winning trio of Marcel Fässler, Benoît Tréluyer and Andre Lotterer.
Audi's R18 e-tron quattro (Photo: WRi2)
Second was the Toyota TS030 of Alex Würz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima, two tenths adrift. Audi's old guard came in third, at the wheel of a "regular" R18 ultra, thanks to Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish.
In P2, Oak Racing's David Heinemeier-Hansson, Bertrand Baguette and Dominik Kraihamer had Greaves Motorsports' Lucas Ordonez and Martin and Alex Brundle beaten.
AF Corse dominated both the GTE Pro and Am classes, putting a Ferrari F458 Italia atop each class' timing sheet.
You read that correctly: The launch of the brand new 2013 VW Golf VII is eminent (the actual launch is September 4, 2012), but we got a bit of an inside scoop about the hot new hatch.
While we still don't even know what the 2013 VW Golf VII will look like, we do know a few things that have us uber excited already: the 2012 VW Golf VII will weigh 100 kg lighter than the previous gen despite getting plenty of upgrades in the safety department and being slightly longer, as well.
From what we can see so far, the 2013 VW Golf VII will be equipped with more amenities and electronic gadgetry (such as LED fog lights, a front crash warning system, an updated Park Assist, and adaptive cruise control).
No mention of engines for the North American models as of yet, but we do know that whatever his hidden beneath the newly designed hood will work to reduce the VW Golf's emissions by 23%.
Stay tuned for the Volkswagen's official world debut on September 4th, 2012.
NASHVILLE, TN - "If you want to make a small fortune in horses, start with a large one," the saying goes. There's nothing cheap about horse ownership, and a lot of us become deft hands at bartering to support our habits.
Transporting such large, heavy beasts requires a serious truck, which are also large heavy beasts known to consume a lot of fuel. There's been a lot of talk around our own stable recently about the new Ford F150's boast of 12.9L/100KM city, 9.0L/100KM highway fuel consumption. However, the latest Ram 1500 aims to trump those numbers. Its new 3.6L Pentastar and 8-speed transmission powertrain promises a 20% reduction over the previous model's for a class-leading 11.4L/7.8L/100km.
The truck segment has become very competitive; not only do buyers expect durability and reliability as a matter of course, but manufacturers are vying for those hard-won dollars with increasingly diminishing fuel consumption.
The new Ram 1500 introduces several fuel-saving technologies, including start/stop on select vehicles, thermal management on all 8-speed equipped trucks (which heats fluids, reducing viscosity at start-up), electrical power steering that reduces parasitic loss and a "pulse-width modulated" fuel pump, which varies the amount of fuel delivery as needed.
When it came time to update the venerable Ram for 2013, the original goal was a simple refresh, but it was decided that a more significant update was in order.
According to designer Jeff Aneiros, the Ram was already the "best-looking truck in the segment" and while they didn't want to mess with that, the front end was updated while still maintaining its signature character. That huge blunt prow now tilts forward in a shark-nosed style -- rather than the dumb beast of burden, it now appears more alert and aggressive. Vertical fog lamps cast a wider swath of light, and premium trims receive projector beam head and tail lamps with 18 LEDs.
Of course, with fuel consumption being paramount, most of the changes reflect better aerodynamics -- including the wheel-to-wheel running boards, and "active grille shutters" that close to improve air flow when not needed to cool the engine bay.
When it came time to update the venerable Ram for 2013, the original goal was a simple refresh, but it was decided that a more significant update was in order. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)
Overhauled interiors feature premium materials and technology
Interiors too, have been redesigned, with a new multimedia U-Connect system, premium materials and a dash-mounted rotary shift knob with all 8-speed transmission equipped vehicles.
Top level trims boast premium leather, and the Laramie Longhorn features wood sourced from French cattle ranch fencing. Apparently, the wood's distinctive burling is a result of barbed-wire having rusted away, leaving behind an intricate pattern. It's pretty plush, the broad seats accommodate the largest of manly backsides, with deep cushioning and soft-touch armrests.
The multimedia U-Connect interface features a huge 8.4" touchscreen, voice recognition, real-time fuel price display, Wi-Fi hot-spot recognition, satellite and navigation, as well as iPod and other media compatibility. There's a slick new 7" integrated gauge cluster with a different start-up theme for each trim level. Steering-wheel controls allow the driver to display information in a variety of configurations, including: fuel economy, speed, trailer tow information, compass direction, and vehicle info.
The multimedia U-Connect interface features a huge 8.4" touchscreen, voice recognition, real-time fuel price display, Wi-Fi hot-spot recognition, satellite and navigation, as well as iPod and other media compatibility. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)
Pentastar V6 with 8-speed transmission a smooth operator
The creature comforts are impressive, but the big stories are the new Pentastar V6/8-speed transmission drivetrain and the available air suspension system.
Generally, V6 trucks are at the bottom of the hauler food chain, considered useful as 2WD lightweight runabouts only. Chrysler feels confident enough in this combination to offer it in Crew Cab and 4x4 configurations. It claims best-in-class towing with a max capacity of 2,554 kg and a payload of up to 884 kg.
We drove a regular cab 4x4 in SLT trim -- a fairly straightforward, workmanlike truck. Without the extra space provided by rear seats, we were duly impressed by the lockable storage compartments on either side of the truck's bed. They were roomy enough to accommodate both of our laptop bags, jackets and camera paraphernalia. Chrysler bucked tradition a few years ago when they released the Ram with a 5-link coil suspension instead of the usual leaf spring setup -- and garnered a fair bit of criticism. I own a Dodge truck, and its traditional leaf-spring suspension doesn't come close to providing the same sense of composure as the current setup.
The Pentastar's 305 hp/269 lb-ft of torque output isn't overwhelming, but the 8-speed transmission makes the most efficient use of its power delivery. Smooth and seamless, it always seems to be in the right gear.
Although the die-hard truck guys initially made fun of the new "girly knob" gear selector, we found it intuitive, easy to use, and its centre stack location frees up extra space on the console. We liked the feel of the electric steering, but the placement of redundant function buttons on the back of the wheel was confusing: we kept mistaking them for paddle-shift like gear selection, and periodically changed the radio station and odometer readout.
The Pentastar's 305 hp/269 lb-ft of torque output isn't overwhelming, but the 8-speed transmission makes the most efficient use of its power delivery. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)
Air suspension impresses
Trading in our SLT Reg Cab for a loaded 5.7L Hemi-powered crew cab 4x4, we headed into the field to tackle some ditches, logs and embankments. As though placing its stamp of approval for the horsey-set, a paint pony wandered over and commenced gnawing on the hood of our truck. It's a good thing we had photographic evidence, the lingering gouges on the Ram might have proved hard to explain.
This vehicle was equipped with the new air suspension system, and I can honestly say I've never been more impressed with the ride of a pickup truck. Not only did it provide four inches of ride settings (1.5"-2" clearance for off-roading) the 2013 Ram also featured automatic load levelling thanks to sensors at all four corners, and a lowering function that dropped it like a slammed hot rod for easy entry.
This truck glided over the roughest parts of the off-road course like a +$100,000 Range Rover, absorbing any roughness with supple and compliant ease. On the road, it was like driving a well-balanced sedan. Although our tester was equipped with the 6-speed transmission, the Hemi V8 will be available with the new Torqueflight 8-speed later in the year -- and has a max. tow rating of 4,740 kg (10,450 lbs)
Conclusion
I'd heartily love to recommend the air-suspension equipped Ram, depending on how much of a premium it demands. The Ram 1500 starts production in September, and should be in Canadian showrooms by October.
For most folks, the energy efficient and smooth driving Pentastar/8-speed transmission will fulfill most of their hauling needs. And its fuel-stingy nature will appeal to my horse-loving friends -- although those with big rigs will probably want to opt for the larger Hemi. Before you decide to hitch the trailer to a new EcoBoost Ford, you may want to give the Ram 1500 a try.
He may be Lotus' Belgian reserve driver, but Jerome d'Ambrosio has revealed he will not be driving the black and E20 in front of his home crowd next weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.
According to Belga news agency, the former Virgin driver said earlier this season that he expected to get the opportunity to drive the Lotus during some Friday morning practice sessions at grands prix in 2012.
But d'Ambrosio, 26, said it will not be happening at Spa.
Jerome d'Ambrosio (Photo: Andrew Ferraro/LAT Photographic)
"This is the result of a joint decision," he is quoted by the Flemish newspaper De Morgen.
"It certainly has not been imposed on me. If I was the director of the team, I would have made the same decision," said d'Ambrosio.
"Lotus is currently third in the constructors' championship, after Red Bull and McLaren," he explained. "We are only one point from McLaren and at the moment ahead of Ferrari.
"So of course this changes everything. Now, every minute and every detail counts.
"Right now I am involved in important behind-the-scenes work at the factory."
D'Ambrosio said it is not clear if he will get the opportunity to drive the E20 in Friday practice at another grand prix this year.
"We are looking at everything race by race," he said. "At the end of the season my contract is up and I have several (possible) avenues.
"For sure my credibility has only increased due to my work as third driver."
The season finale of the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship will take place in China one day later than planned with the 6 Hours of Shanghai now on Sunday October 28.
With a busy track schedule the date change was made for technical reasons to allow the circuit staff to prepare the circuit for the arrival of the FIA WEC. The change to Sunday was also made to accommodate a support race that will feature some Chinese celebrities from the world of music and TV.
Gerard Neveu, FIA WEC Chief Executive Officer, said: “Whether we race on Saturday or Sunday doesn't really matter and we will have a great show both on and off the track, including the celebrity race which will help attract the Chinese fans to the circuit.”
“China is very important to the championship as it is the fastest growing economy in the world. Shanghai will provide the perfect backdrop the big party to celebrate the end of a great first season of the FIA World Endurance Championship,” Neveu declared.
This weekend (24-26 August) sees the final European round with the 6 Hours of Silverstone. The FIA WEC then heads to South America for the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo (13/15 September) before crossing to Asia for the final three races - 6 Hours of Bahrain (27-29 September), the 6 Hours of Fuji in Japan (12-14 October and the 6 Hours of Shanghai (26-28 October).
General Motors says it will invest $220m in two Ohio plants. The money is to prepare Lordstown Assembly and Parma Metal Center for production of the second generation Chevrolet Cruze.
Canadian Auto Workers President Ken Lewenza says that Ford, General Motors and Chrysler can afford to sign new labor contracts without work stoppages if they scale back demands for union concessions.
Visteon, the auto-parts maker focusing on growing Asian operations, surged to its highest price in three months after a UBS Securities LLC analyst report said there would be a 'limited' capital-gain tax impact from divesting its stake in...
Wholly and verily, the Mercedes-Benz V12 in AMG tune is the most astounding motor Daimler puts in a car. Yes, the last-legs 6.2-liter 6.3 V8 is a hairy, wondrous beast.
If adding complexity, cost, and mass to a car is your idea of efficiency and a Toyota Prius feels too much like wearing someone else's jeans, then take note of the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid.
and#8220;Nothing ventured, nothing gainedand#8221; isn't something people say after things go well. It's more of a conciliatory phrase, usually said to soften the blow when plans go awry.
Mystery surrounds the whereabouts of engine components supplied by BMW to bankrupt Saab as the German automaker launched a lawsuit against Saab Automobile Parts for EUR2.6m (US$3.3m).
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