I held a presentation about my research project at the Annual Volvo Industrial PhD Program (VIPP) Conference in October 2008. If it seems very fuzzy with no results it is because I had just begun my research, and I expect to have a much more crisp definition of my research questions in 2009.
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Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
A Black Black Friday
This is a tragic Black Friday. Maybe the whole "black friday" thing should be re-thought.
In New York, a Walmart employee was crushed to death by a crowd that broke down the doors to the store.
And, in an unrelated but equally tragic incident, the hostages that were being held at the Mumbai Chabad House were murdered, along with scores of other innocents. This really hits hard in the Jewish community. Chabad is a charismatic sect of Hassidic Judaism that has as its mission to reach out to Jews all over the world. They set up "Chabad Houses" in cities all over the world, so that Jews that are traveling away from home can find a place to have a kosher meal, study, pray, or just rest. All are welcome, irregardless of affiliation or level of religious observance or knowledge. Killing a Chabad Rabbi and his wife is utterly barbaric, because they are the epitome of kindness and hospitality.
An American art professor and his 13 year old daughter were also killed in one of the hotel attacks. Alan and Naomi Scherr were eating a late dinner together at the Oberoi hotel.
Somehow, the death of innocent people reall puts a damper on my commercial spirit. I don't feel much like shopping at this point, do you?
In New York, a Walmart employee was crushed to death by a crowd that broke down the doors to the store.
And, in an unrelated but equally tragic incident, the hostages that were being held at the Mumbai Chabad House were murdered, along with scores of other innocents. This really hits hard in the Jewish community. Chabad is a charismatic sect of Hassidic Judaism that has as its mission to reach out to Jews all over the world. They set up "Chabad Houses" in cities all over the world, so that Jews that are traveling away from home can find a place to have a kosher meal, study, pray, or just rest. All are welcome, irregardless of affiliation or level of religious observance or knowledge. Killing a Chabad Rabbi and his wife is utterly barbaric, because they are the epitome of kindness and hospitality.
An American art professor and his 13 year old daughter were also killed in one of the hotel attacks. Alan and Naomi Scherr were eating a late dinner together at the Oberoi hotel.
Somehow, the death of innocent people reall puts a damper on my commercial spirit. I don't feel much like shopping at this point, do you?
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
To my readers, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving!
I think Thanksgiving is my favorite American holiday of all, because it is just the right mix of spirituality and patriotism, with awesome comfort food thrown in for good measure. Thanksgiving is a day to take a pause and think about the stuff that really matters, and to be grateful to our Creator for what He has given us. It doesn't matter if you believe in Hashem, the Trinity, or Allah; even if you don't believe in a Creator, and don't like roast turkey, hey, you're still welcome at the table. That's what makes America great, and why we should be thankful for her.
Dark days are looming for Detroit. There are going to be layoffs, plant closings, dislocations, bankrupcies, and foreclosures, at a horrible pace. But we have a lot to be thankful for, nonetheless. And we will pull through, eventually.
This is a generous land, full of generous people, blessed with natural wealth, and a tradition of law and liberty. I thank God for it.
I think Thanksgiving is my favorite American holiday of all, because it is just the right mix of spirituality and patriotism, with awesome comfort food thrown in for good measure. Thanksgiving is a day to take a pause and think about the stuff that really matters, and to be grateful to our Creator for what He has given us. It doesn't matter if you believe in Hashem, the Trinity, or Allah; even if you don't believe in a Creator, and don't like roast turkey, hey, you're still welcome at the table. That's what makes America great, and why we should be thankful for her.
Dark days are looming for Detroit. There are going to be layoffs, plant closings, dislocations, bankrupcies, and foreclosures, at a horrible pace. But we have a lot to be thankful for, nonetheless. And we will pull through, eventually.
This is a generous land, full of generous people, blessed with natural wealth, and a tradition of law and liberty. I thank God for it.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Bailout Debate, Part 2a: More On Corporate Jets
A few data points to consider:
According to the Center for Responsive Politics (http://www.opensecrets.org), in the last several years, Rep. Gary "tin cups" Ackerman (D-NY) has accepted $31,131 in lobbyist funded travel.
Since 2006, Nancy Pelosi has accepted $29,361 in lobbyist funded travel.
From 2005-2006 Harry Reid has accepted $43,879 in lobbyist funded travel.
Nancy Pelosi was given a Boeing 757 so she could fly herself and her retinue from San Francisco to Washington D.C. non-stop, "for security reasons".
Will Speaker Pelosi downsize her plane so she will appear more modest to the taxpayer, who is directly funding her travels? Maybe she could fly commercial?
According to the Center for Responsive Politics (http://www.opensecrets.org), in the last several years, Rep. Gary "tin cups" Ackerman (D-NY) has accepted $31,131 in lobbyist funded travel.
Since 2006, Nancy Pelosi has accepted $29,361 in lobbyist funded travel.
From 2005-2006 Harry Reid has accepted $43,879 in lobbyist funded travel.
Nancy Pelosi was given a Boeing 757 so she could fly herself and her retinue from San Francisco to Washington D.C. non-stop, "for security reasons".
Will Speaker Pelosi downsize her plane so she will appear more modest to the taxpayer, who is directly funding her travels? Maybe she could fly commercial?
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Aston Martin One-77
Aston Martin has released a snapshot of the stunning new One-77; the ultimate creative interpretation of the renowned British marque.
One-77 fuses advanced technology with stunning Aston Martin design to create possibly the world’s most desirable automotive art form. Based on a sophisticated carbon fibre chassis with a handcrafted aluminium body, this 7.3 litre V12 super car will deliver exhilarating performance for a strictly limited number of discerning customers.
One-77 fuses advanced technology with stunning Aston Martin design to create possibly the world’s most desirable automotive art form. Based on a sophisticated carbon fibre chassis with a handcrafted aluminium body, this 7.3 litre V12 super car will deliver exhilarating performance for a strictly limited number of discerning customers.
Two new images and more details about the limited edition Aston Martin One-77 have surfaced, providing us with a price, a handful of specs and some new views of the bespoke supercar.
Despite what the original teaser revealed, sources indicate that the One-77 will be packing a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12, as opposed to a 7.0-liter unit, putting out 700 hp and 553 lb.-ft. of torque. Power will be channeled through a rear, mid-mounted six-speed automated manual transmission, featuring Auto Shift Manual and Select Shift Manual (ASM/SSM), and controlled by an electro-hydraulic system.
Despite what the original teaser revealed, sources indicate that the One-77 will be packing a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12, as opposed to a 7.0-liter unit, putting out 700 hp and 553 lb.-ft. of torque. Power will be channeled through a rear, mid-mounted six-speed automated manual transmission, featuring Auto Shift Manual and Select Shift Manual (ASM/SSM), and controlled by an electro-hydraulic system.
The coupe will be available in left- or right-hand-drive, but seating will be limited to two. The exterior body panels will be made of handcrafted aluminum, while the monocoque body structure will be fashioned from carbon fiber. A deployable rear spoiler, adaptive suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and stability/traction control are all part of the package, and the One-77 is expected to tip the scales at just over 3,300 pounds.
A "Direct Customer Sales Contract" was supposedly leaked to 925.nl, which covers the details in all their fine-print glory, along with the price tag. One of 77 One-77s will set you back £1,050,000, excluding VAT and all the other taxes that go into the purchase. While Aston Martin isn't on the schedule for this week's Paris Motor Show, we're hoping to catch a glimpse of the new coupe in the City of Lights before it goes on sale towards the end of 2009
A "Direct Customer Sales Contract" was supposedly leaked to 925.nl, which covers the details in all their fine-print glory, along with the price tag. One of 77 One-77s will set you back £1,050,000, excluding VAT and all the other taxes that go into the purchase. While Aston Martin isn't on the schedule for this week's Paris Motor Show, we're hoping to catch a glimpse of the new coupe in the City of Lights before it goes on sale towards the end of 2009
Maserati Quattroporte S
The new Maserati Quattroporte is unique in the field of luxury saloons, combining elegance and comfort with stunning performance.
The lines of the Quattroporte S are enhanced by the latest technology
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s show-stopping looks are down to Pininfarina, the world famous coachbuilder. New technological features and revised aerodynamics combine to render the elegant Maserati flagship model even more desirable and a car that stirs the soul.
The front end is dominated by the new grille with the traditional Trident logo in its centre. The grille’s chrome, convex vertical slats give the car an assertive poise and hint at the potential that lies beneath the bonnet. The front lights, like those at the rear, make use of LED technology to give the Quattroporte S an even more striking look.
The Quattroporte S is a car with a distinct character that combines power and elegance. Its unmistakeable lines are perfected by the new side spoilers.
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s show-stopping looks are down to Pininfarina, the world famous coachbuilder. New technological features and revised aerodynamics combine to render the elegant Maserati flagship model even more desirable and a car that stirs the soul.
The front end is dominated by the new grille with the traditional Trident logo in its centre. The grille’s chrome, convex vertical slats give the car an assertive poise and hint at the potential that lies beneath the bonnet. The front lights, like those at the rear, make use of LED technology to give the Quattroporte S an even more striking look.
The Quattroporte S is a car with a distinct character that combines power and elegance. Its unmistakeable lines are perfected by the new side spoilers.
The interior of the Maserati Quattroporte S offers superb comfort
The interior of the new Maserati Quattroporte S has raised the bar when it comes to comfort. This improvement is down to the radical changes made to the driving position, the seat set up, the multi-functional steering wheel with its sports grip, the commands now situated on the centre console, the revised instruments and, near the chic clock, the addition of a small storage compartment on the centre tunnel.
The Quattroporte S has electronically adjustable seats that can be set to fourteen different positions (including the seat back in four different ways). The driver’s seat has three memory settings and an easy entry/exit system (that pushes the seat back and raises the steering column). Owners can also opt for the front seat comfort pack that provides heating, ventilation and massage functions.
Passengers in the back can relax and enjoy the ride in a well-insulated cabin, free from any annoying vibrations. The Quattroporte S offers an array of rear seat positions thanks to their numerous functions such as their separate, electronic movement. The separate lengthways shift (10cm) and reclining movement mean that passengers will have no trouble finding a comfortable position. The rear seats can also be fitted with a heating, ventilation and massage capability, as an option.
The spacious, 450 litre boot has an even shape and is especially roomy widthways (it can fit three or four golf bags, depending on their size). Every inch of room in the boot can be exploited thanks to the luggage set specifically designed for the Quattroporte S and available as an option. Boot space has been found to accommodate the puncture repair kit that includes a pump. A 17” spare wheel can also be housed under the boot floor, available on request.
There is a range of other standard equipment that comes with the new Quattroporte S, including a cooler compartment inside the front armrest, two glass holders that tuck away into the rear armrest and an electronic blind for the rear window.
Interior: switchgear
The main commands inside the Quattroporte S can be accessed easily and quickly. Switchgear linked to the driving dynamics (Park Off, Low Grip, Sport, MSP deactivation) is set close to the driver. To one side, on the right of the centre display, are the commands to lock/unlock the doors and the window blinds. Lower down on the console is a group of commands for the dual-zone Automatic Climate control that has its own display.
Simplicity and speed of use are the concepts behind the interior’s design. Each switch does only one thing and the graphics make using them intuitive and immediately understandable.
The electronic handbrake is located on the centre tunnel. It is operated by simply pressing a button (that is slightly recessed to avoid turning it on accidentally). To deactivate the handbrake you need to press the button once more or depress the accelerator pedal. The Maserati Quattroporte S is also fitted with the 'Park' capability that turns on the electronic handbrake every time the engine is switched off. This function can be deactivated via the Park Off switch for times when you need to move the car with the engine off. To complete things, twin, chrome edged glass holders and an ashtray and cigar lighter can be found on the centre tunnel.
Interior: prestigious woods
At Maserati tradition dictates, attention to detail and a refined interior lie at the heart of the new Maserati Quattroporte S’s design. The flawless styling is a celebration of Italian craftsmanship. Wood, that most classic of materials, covers vast areas of the interior, giving the cabin a welcoming warmth. Three new prestigious woods make their debut in the new range: Starwood, Vavona and Polished Wenge. These woods prove once more the lengths Maserati goes to in sourcing new materials. For those who prefer a sleeker look, high gloss Black Piano and Blue Laque finishes are available.
Starwood stands out for its elegance and modernity. The vertical grain on the centre console and horizontal grain on the door panels, combined with a neutral grey-green hue, combines perfectly with cooler colours if the client wishes to create a clean and modern interior. Starwood also works with warmer colours to generate a contrast that brings out the vivid shades. Vavona has warm, amber tones. The wood is recognisable for the rounded and florid form of its grain. It is a wood that works particularly well with all the warmer leather colours in the range.
Polished Wenge, with its stretched grain, is a tropical wood. It is dark and dense and brings warmth to any environment with its brown toned grain. Blue Laque is the new alternative to Black Piano and has been introduced to combine with the Blue Navy leather tint. This creates and new and smart contrast to the lighter colours in the range.
Specially sourced, all the woods undergo treatment that is a combination of traditional working methods and the most advanced precision technology. Owners can even personalise their choice of prestigious woods with inlays.
The interior: Poltrona Frau® leather
The Poltrona Frau® leather that adorns the interior of the Maserati Quattroporte S is the result of a special selection process aimed at guaranteeing the finest quality in a material that is pleasing to the touch. The tanning treatment it undergoes makes the leather supple, hardwearing and practical and adds to the overall aesthetics. Poltrona Frau® represents workmanship of times gone by. It combines time-honoured expertise with more modern techniques. This process makes the leather extremely soft and comforting in winter but cool in summer. Poltrona Frau® leather also ages well, another reason it is rated so highly.
The most discerning Maserati owners can opt for the Luxury Pack in natural Poltrona Frau® leather, the last word in elegance and exclusivity. The leather is extraordinarily supple, something that will give passengers a sensation of refined extravagance. The Poltrona Frau® logo and the double stitched seats embellish the look.Two new colours make their debut on the new Quattroporte S: the natural and subtle Sabbia and Marrone Corniola, a modern shade of brown with a vivid and sporty tone.
Comfort and life on board
The navigation and entertainment systems on the new Maserati Quattroporte S have been completely revised. It is made up of the new Maserati Multimedia System and the Bose® Multi Media System. Created by Marelli, the Multimedia System includes, as standard, an on-board computer, satellite navigation system (a digital map, where available), a CD-ROM and mp3 player, a hard disk driver, jukebox for mp3 files, a 30GB hard disk, voice control, Bluetooth® Wireless Technology, and a USB/AUX-in that doubles up as a USB reader.
Sound is delivered courtesy of the Bose® Surround Sound System, which also comes as standard. The speakers reward occupants with a breathtaking acoustic performance that was designed specifically for the new Quattroporte S. A high resolution, 7" colour TFT screen sits in the centre of the dashboard and displays the CD functions, the satellite navigation (where possible a digital map), the RDS tuner, on board computer (that shows information about the journey and on the car's set up), a jukebox, Bluetooth® and the USB reader.
Controlling the system is easy and instinctive thanks to the commands located in the middle of the dashboard. You can also access the most frequently used functions in total safety via the steering wheel mounted buttons. Safety is also the theme behind the voice controls that work the audio system, the satellite navigation and the telephone.
The on board computer allows you to view information provided by the Trip Computer. This details average fuel consumption, the trip time, distance covered, average speed, the speed limit and the kilometres/days until the next service is due.
One of the available options is the Rear Seat Entertainment system made up of a centrally mounted rear screen and a DVD player. There is an AUX input jack for video games or external plug-ins (for example, a video camera), with sound transmitted via headphones or through the main speaker system.
The colour display panel that faces the driver feeds back useful information about the journey. This includes the settings of numerous electronic functions fitted to the car (MDS transmission, Skyhook, when the MSP kicks in or when the road surface is icy, for instance). The display also reports information from the satellite navigation system (when it is on), to help the driver with easy to read moving images.
Dual-zone Automatic Climate ControlThe new Maserati Quattroporte S comes with dual-zone automatic climate control as standard, further improving the on board environment. A series of sensors measure the quality of the air coming into the car and, for example, prevent unclean air or unpleasant odours from entering the cabin by automatically activating the recycle function. A second sensor stops the glass from misting by reducing the level of humidity in the air whenever it detects that the windows are at dew point.
Rear seat passengers also benefit from an excellent climate control system featuring six inlet ducts (two on the centre console, two on the centre pillars and two at foot level. The system can be enhanced with the addition, as an option, of a rear command panel. This allows rear passengers to control the climate, the intensity of the ventilation and the airflow split between the ducts.
Other on-board features Among the other electronic equipment that comes as standard on the Maserati Quattroporte S are the light sensors. These automatically measure the strength of ambient light and turn the headlights on and off accordingly. There are also rain sensors that activate the windscreen wipers and regulate their frequency, cruise control that sets the cruising speed automatically without the driver having to keep his foot on the pedal, an alarm (with perimeter and volumetric sensing and an anti-lift device), and the automatic locking of the doors when the ignition is switched on.Tyre pressure sensors, electro-chromic wing and internal mirrors and front parking sensors are also available as options.
The interior of the new Maserati Quattroporte S has raised the bar when it comes to comfort. This improvement is down to the radical changes made to the driving position, the seat set up, the multi-functional steering wheel with its sports grip, the commands now situated on the centre console, the revised instruments and, near the chic clock, the addition of a small storage compartment on the centre tunnel.
The Quattroporte S has electronically adjustable seats that can be set to fourteen different positions (including the seat back in four different ways). The driver’s seat has three memory settings and an easy entry/exit system (that pushes the seat back and raises the steering column). Owners can also opt for the front seat comfort pack that provides heating, ventilation and massage functions.
Passengers in the back can relax and enjoy the ride in a well-insulated cabin, free from any annoying vibrations. The Quattroporte S offers an array of rear seat positions thanks to their numerous functions such as their separate, electronic movement. The separate lengthways shift (10cm) and reclining movement mean that passengers will have no trouble finding a comfortable position. The rear seats can also be fitted with a heating, ventilation and massage capability, as an option.
The spacious, 450 litre boot has an even shape and is especially roomy widthways (it can fit three or four golf bags, depending on their size). Every inch of room in the boot can be exploited thanks to the luggage set specifically designed for the Quattroporte S and available as an option. Boot space has been found to accommodate the puncture repair kit that includes a pump. A 17” spare wheel can also be housed under the boot floor, available on request.
There is a range of other standard equipment that comes with the new Quattroporte S, including a cooler compartment inside the front armrest, two glass holders that tuck away into the rear armrest and an electronic blind for the rear window.
Interior: switchgear
The main commands inside the Quattroporte S can be accessed easily and quickly. Switchgear linked to the driving dynamics (Park Off, Low Grip, Sport, MSP deactivation) is set close to the driver. To one side, on the right of the centre display, are the commands to lock/unlock the doors and the window blinds. Lower down on the console is a group of commands for the dual-zone Automatic Climate control that has its own display.
Simplicity and speed of use are the concepts behind the interior’s design. Each switch does only one thing and the graphics make using them intuitive and immediately understandable.
The electronic handbrake is located on the centre tunnel. It is operated by simply pressing a button (that is slightly recessed to avoid turning it on accidentally). To deactivate the handbrake you need to press the button once more or depress the accelerator pedal. The Maserati Quattroporte S is also fitted with the 'Park' capability that turns on the electronic handbrake every time the engine is switched off. This function can be deactivated via the Park Off switch for times when you need to move the car with the engine off. To complete things, twin, chrome edged glass holders and an ashtray and cigar lighter can be found on the centre tunnel.
Interior: prestigious woods
At Maserati tradition dictates, attention to detail and a refined interior lie at the heart of the new Maserati Quattroporte S’s design. The flawless styling is a celebration of Italian craftsmanship. Wood, that most classic of materials, covers vast areas of the interior, giving the cabin a welcoming warmth. Three new prestigious woods make their debut in the new range: Starwood, Vavona and Polished Wenge. These woods prove once more the lengths Maserati goes to in sourcing new materials. For those who prefer a sleeker look, high gloss Black Piano and Blue Laque finishes are available.
Starwood stands out for its elegance and modernity. The vertical grain on the centre console and horizontal grain on the door panels, combined with a neutral grey-green hue, combines perfectly with cooler colours if the client wishes to create a clean and modern interior. Starwood also works with warmer colours to generate a contrast that brings out the vivid shades. Vavona has warm, amber tones. The wood is recognisable for the rounded and florid form of its grain. It is a wood that works particularly well with all the warmer leather colours in the range.
Polished Wenge, with its stretched grain, is a tropical wood. It is dark and dense and brings warmth to any environment with its brown toned grain. Blue Laque is the new alternative to Black Piano and has been introduced to combine with the Blue Navy leather tint. This creates and new and smart contrast to the lighter colours in the range.
Specially sourced, all the woods undergo treatment that is a combination of traditional working methods and the most advanced precision technology. Owners can even personalise their choice of prestigious woods with inlays.
The interior: Poltrona Frau® leather
The Poltrona Frau® leather that adorns the interior of the Maserati Quattroporte S is the result of a special selection process aimed at guaranteeing the finest quality in a material that is pleasing to the touch. The tanning treatment it undergoes makes the leather supple, hardwearing and practical and adds to the overall aesthetics. Poltrona Frau® represents workmanship of times gone by. It combines time-honoured expertise with more modern techniques. This process makes the leather extremely soft and comforting in winter but cool in summer. Poltrona Frau® leather also ages well, another reason it is rated so highly.
The most discerning Maserati owners can opt for the Luxury Pack in natural Poltrona Frau® leather, the last word in elegance and exclusivity. The leather is extraordinarily supple, something that will give passengers a sensation of refined extravagance. The Poltrona Frau® logo and the double stitched seats embellish the look.Two new colours make their debut on the new Quattroporte S: the natural and subtle Sabbia and Marrone Corniola, a modern shade of brown with a vivid and sporty tone.
Comfort and life on board
The navigation and entertainment systems on the new Maserati Quattroporte S have been completely revised. It is made up of the new Maserati Multimedia System and the Bose® Multi Media System. Created by Marelli, the Multimedia System includes, as standard, an on-board computer, satellite navigation system (a digital map, where available), a CD-ROM and mp3 player, a hard disk driver, jukebox for mp3 files, a 30GB hard disk, voice control, Bluetooth® Wireless Technology, and a USB/AUX-in that doubles up as a USB reader.
Sound is delivered courtesy of the Bose® Surround Sound System, which also comes as standard. The speakers reward occupants with a breathtaking acoustic performance that was designed specifically for the new Quattroporte S. A high resolution, 7" colour TFT screen sits in the centre of the dashboard and displays the CD functions, the satellite navigation (where possible a digital map), the RDS tuner, on board computer (that shows information about the journey and on the car's set up), a jukebox, Bluetooth® and the USB reader.
Controlling the system is easy and instinctive thanks to the commands located in the middle of the dashboard. You can also access the most frequently used functions in total safety via the steering wheel mounted buttons. Safety is also the theme behind the voice controls that work the audio system, the satellite navigation and the telephone.
The on board computer allows you to view information provided by the Trip Computer. This details average fuel consumption, the trip time, distance covered, average speed, the speed limit and the kilometres/days until the next service is due.
One of the available options is the Rear Seat Entertainment system made up of a centrally mounted rear screen and a DVD player. There is an AUX input jack for video games or external plug-ins (for example, a video camera), with sound transmitted via headphones or through the main speaker system.
The colour display panel that faces the driver feeds back useful information about the journey. This includes the settings of numerous electronic functions fitted to the car (MDS transmission, Skyhook, when the MSP kicks in or when the road surface is icy, for instance). The display also reports information from the satellite navigation system (when it is on), to help the driver with easy to read moving images.
Dual-zone Automatic Climate ControlThe new Maserati Quattroporte S comes with dual-zone automatic climate control as standard, further improving the on board environment. A series of sensors measure the quality of the air coming into the car and, for example, prevent unclean air or unpleasant odours from entering the cabin by automatically activating the recycle function. A second sensor stops the glass from misting by reducing the level of humidity in the air whenever it detects that the windows are at dew point.
Rear seat passengers also benefit from an excellent climate control system featuring six inlet ducts (two on the centre console, two on the centre pillars and two at foot level. The system can be enhanced with the addition, as an option, of a rear command panel. This allows rear passengers to control the climate, the intensity of the ventilation and the airflow split between the ducts.
Other on-board features Among the other electronic equipment that comes as standard on the Maserati Quattroporte S are the light sensors. These automatically measure the strength of ambient light and turn the headlights on and off accordingly. There are also rain sensors that activate the windscreen wipers and regulate their frequency, cruise control that sets the cruising speed automatically without the driver having to keep his foot on the pedal, an alarm (with perimeter and volumetric sensing and an anti-lift device), and the automatic locking of the doors when the ignition is switched on.Tyre pressure sensors, electro-chromic wing and internal mirrors and front parking sensors are also available as options.
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s engine, gearbox, chassis and suspension
Engine
The Maserati Quattroporte S is fitted with a new and powerful eight cylinder V90° engine with a capacity of 4,691 cc. It develops 430 bhp at 7,000 rpm and has a peak torque of 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm.
Instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive red cylinder head covers, the 4.7 litre unit is the ultimate in the new family of wet sump engines. It was specially developed to guarantee the Maserati Quattroporte S an even more involving drive, the smoothest gear shifts and top draw performance. Upping the capacity from 4,244 to 4,691 cc was obtained by increasing the bore and stroke and analysing the engine’s longitudinal mass.
The technical solutions adopted make the Quattroporte S’s engine extremely reliable, quiet and also result in reduced friction. All this means lower fuel consumption and the chance to obtain precise phasing that means better refilling of the cylinders. These characteristics fully embody the positive features of the most recent Maserati engines: they are high powered and go up and down the rev range quickly.
Having 82% of the torque on tap at just 2,500 rpm means the 4.7 litre V8 makes light work of overtaking during long journeys and gives the engine a thorough workout through the entire rev range.
The 4.7 litre power unit’s performance is excellent: it produces 430 bhp, reaches a top speed of 280 km/h and sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.
Gearbox
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s automatic transmission favours fluidity and smooth gearshifts without compromising power or speed. The 4.7 litre engine’s punchy delivery is teamed with gearbox management software that was developed to optimise gear pick up and make the driver aware of when the automatic transmission was changing gear.
The result of a partnership between Maserati and ZF, the gearbox is served by a hydraulic torque converter. This provides a boost at low-mid revs and also ensures sufficient power right up to 7,200 rpm.
The driver can modify the transmission to best suit the road conditions or to match his own individual driving style by selecting the Low Grip or Sport buttons.
Low Grip mode guarantees maximum safety when the road surface is slippy or icy thanks to the direct input of the ASR traction control. Pressing the Sport button makes the transmission more aggressive and places the emphasis on performance with faster changes at higher revs. To keep in touch with its granturismo heritage, the Quattroporte S can also be driven in manual mode by flicking the switch located on the centre tunnel.
Chassis and suspension
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s chassis makes it an involving drive while also improving safety and comfort. Its torsional stiffness and flexibility results in well-balanced handling and enhances the driving experience.
The car’s front and rear double wishbone suspension, with forged aluminium arms and hubs, features ‘Antidive’ and ‘Antisquat’ geometry. This prevents the front end dipping under braking and the rear end squatting under acceleration. The suspension on the sports version of the Maserati flagship has been further upgraded with Skyhook suspension. Skyhook controls the variable damping and boasts a new setting that allows the optimal balance in roadholding. There are also new valves that improve the way the springs and dampers work.
The Skyhook system
The Skyhook system electronically controlled suspension system provides automatic and continual adjustment of the damping. Any bumps in the road’s surface are absorbed and on-board comfort levels remain as high as ever as the system adapts to the driver’s style behind the wheel.
Skyhook boasts software that is exclusive to the Quattroporte S and conceived to offer the maximum in comfort on the move. Skyhook acts by using acceleration sensors that detect movement on all four wheels and the body and instantly adjusts the dampers accordingly.
There are two different settings: Normal and Sport. In Normal mode, the ride is softer, favouring comfort. The driver can switch to Sport mode at any time to stiffen the ride and bring out Quattroporte S’s sporty nature and performance.
Traction and stability control
The Quattroporte S’s dynamic handling is further assisted by the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP). This has been specially designed by Maserati to improve safety and works by integrating the ABS, EBD and ASR, acting on the brakes and the engine in order to give the driver complete control of the car even in critical situations. The programme is based on a series of sensors that are able to pick up any movements that deviate from the car’s ideal handling. Like the Skyhook system, MSP can act according to two different driving styles. These correspond to settings chosen by the driver by pushing ‘Sport’ on the centre console. This setting adjusts the dampers, the traction control and the speed of the gear changes.
Steering
The electronic power steering is direct and precise at speed so the driver knows what the car is doing. At the same time, it is light and easy to use at lower speeds and when manoeuvring.
Weight distribution
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s weight distribution is unique in its category with a slight bias towards the rear end (49% front and 51% rear). This split transforms the luxury saloon into a car where performance is favoured and that rewards the driver with its superb handling. This set up was achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle to maximise traction and acceleration while also making the car stable and perfectly balanced.
Brakes
The new Maserati Quattroporte S comes with a high performance braking system developed by Brembo. The 360 mm brake discs benefit from dual-cast technology: cast iron for the braking surface and an aluminium hub. This set up takes advantage of the consistent performance of cast iron at high temperatures and from the lightweight aluminium.
The six-piston callipers, of different diameters, are in a single aluminium block. These keep their shape better than two piece calliper sets and offer unbeatable stopping power.
The system is completed by the ABS, that stops the wheels locking under braking, and EBD, that distributes the braking force between the front and the rear axles; both systems are integrated into the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP). This solution offers excellent performance both in terms of stopping distance and resistance to brake fade, even under intense use. The Quattroporte S’s brakes are always prompt in responding and live up to the standards you would expect from a Maserati saloon.
Lights
The new Quattroporte S uses front and rear lights that have been developed to offer only the best in each individual function. The use of LEDs makes a big impact on the car and is one of the elements that link this model to the Maserati GranTurismo.
The most important lighting functions have been improved. The front xenon cluster now boasts the Adaptive Light Control system. This produces a brighter and clearer beam compared to conventional bulbs. The lights also automatically track the movements of the steering wheel so that the beam points to the inside of a curve (up to a maximum of 15º). For safety reasons, when the car is travelling above 120 km/h, the system returns to a traditional fixed position.
The Daytime Running Light function is a useful addition and is made up of ten LEDs set along the bottom edge of the headlight. The indicators catch the eye and the front headlights are memorable for their side-marks that merge flawlessly with the outside edge of the car, with the wiper forming part of the cluster. The fog lights employ an altogether different set up and are located in the bumper to ensure a wider beam.
This system is also used in the rear with 34 LEDs making up each light. This technology was employed because LEDs illuminate more quickly and produce a more intense beam than normal bulbs. They last longer, consume less energy and their performance does not dip over time.
Engine
The Maserati Quattroporte S is fitted with a new and powerful eight cylinder V90° engine with a capacity of 4,691 cc. It develops 430 bhp at 7,000 rpm and has a peak torque of 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm.
Instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive red cylinder head covers, the 4.7 litre unit is the ultimate in the new family of wet sump engines. It was specially developed to guarantee the Maserati Quattroporte S an even more involving drive, the smoothest gear shifts and top draw performance. Upping the capacity from 4,244 to 4,691 cc was obtained by increasing the bore and stroke and analysing the engine’s longitudinal mass.
The technical solutions adopted make the Quattroporte S’s engine extremely reliable, quiet and also result in reduced friction. All this means lower fuel consumption and the chance to obtain precise phasing that means better refilling of the cylinders. These characteristics fully embody the positive features of the most recent Maserati engines: they are high powered and go up and down the rev range quickly.
Having 82% of the torque on tap at just 2,500 rpm means the 4.7 litre V8 makes light work of overtaking during long journeys and gives the engine a thorough workout through the entire rev range.
The 4.7 litre power unit’s performance is excellent: it produces 430 bhp, reaches a top speed of 280 km/h and sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.
Gearbox
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s automatic transmission favours fluidity and smooth gearshifts without compromising power or speed. The 4.7 litre engine’s punchy delivery is teamed with gearbox management software that was developed to optimise gear pick up and make the driver aware of when the automatic transmission was changing gear.
The result of a partnership between Maserati and ZF, the gearbox is served by a hydraulic torque converter. This provides a boost at low-mid revs and also ensures sufficient power right up to 7,200 rpm.
The driver can modify the transmission to best suit the road conditions or to match his own individual driving style by selecting the Low Grip or Sport buttons.
Low Grip mode guarantees maximum safety when the road surface is slippy or icy thanks to the direct input of the ASR traction control. Pressing the Sport button makes the transmission more aggressive and places the emphasis on performance with faster changes at higher revs. To keep in touch with its granturismo heritage, the Quattroporte S can also be driven in manual mode by flicking the switch located on the centre tunnel.
Chassis and suspension
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s chassis makes it an involving drive while also improving safety and comfort. Its torsional stiffness and flexibility results in well-balanced handling and enhances the driving experience.
The car’s front and rear double wishbone suspension, with forged aluminium arms and hubs, features ‘Antidive’ and ‘Antisquat’ geometry. This prevents the front end dipping under braking and the rear end squatting under acceleration. The suspension on the sports version of the Maserati flagship has been further upgraded with Skyhook suspension. Skyhook controls the variable damping and boasts a new setting that allows the optimal balance in roadholding. There are also new valves that improve the way the springs and dampers work.
The Skyhook system
The Skyhook system electronically controlled suspension system provides automatic and continual adjustment of the damping. Any bumps in the road’s surface are absorbed and on-board comfort levels remain as high as ever as the system adapts to the driver’s style behind the wheel.
Skyhook boasts software that is exclusive to the Quattroporte S and conceived to offer the maximum in comfort on the move. Skyhook acts by using acceleration sensors that detect movement on all four wheels and the body and instantly adjusts the dampers accordingly.
There are two different settings: Normal and Sport. In Normal mode, the ride is softer, favouring comfort. The driver can switch to Sport mode at any time to stiffen the ride and bring out Quattroporte S’s sporty nature and performance.
Traction and stability control
The Quattroporte S’s dynamic handling is further assisted by the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP). This has been specially designed by Maserati to improve safety and works by integrating the ABS, EBD and ASR, acting on the brakes and the engine in order to give the driver complete control of the car even in critical situations. The programme is based on a series of sensors that are able to pick up any movements that deviate from the car’s ideal handling. Like the Skyhook system, MSP can act according to two different driving styles. These correspond to settings chosen by the driver by pushing ‘Sport’ on the centre console. This setting adjusts the dampers, the traction control and the speed of the gear changes.
Steering
The electronic power steering is direct and precise at speed so the driver knows what the car is doing. At the same time, it is light and easy to use at lower speeds and when manoeuvring.
Weight distribution
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s weight distribution is unique in its category with a slight bias towards the rear end (49% front and 51% rear). This split transforms the luxury saloon into a car where performance is favoured and that rewards the driver with its superb handling. This set up was achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle to maximise traction and acceleration while also making the car stable and perfectly balanced.
Brakes
The new Maserati Quattroporte S comes with a high performance braking system developed by Brembo. The 360 mm brake discs benefit from dual-cast technology: cast iron for the braking surface and an aluminium hub. This set up takes advantage of the consistent performance of cast iron at high temperatures and from the lightweight aluminium.
The six-piston callipers, of different diameters, are in a single aluminium block. These keep their shape better than two piece calliper sets and offer unbeatable stopping power.
The system is completed by the ABS, that stops the wheels locking under braking, and EBD, that distributes the braking force between the front and the rear axles; both systems are integrated into the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP). This solution offers excellent performance both in terms of stopping distance and resistance to brake fade, even under intense use. The Quattroporte S’s brakes are always prompt in responding and live up to the standards you would expect from a Maserati saloon.
Lights
The new Quattroporte S uses front and rear lights that have been developed to offer only the best in each individual function. The use of LEDs makes a big impact on the car and is one of the elements that link this model to the Maserati GranTurismo.
The most important lighting functions have been improved. The front xenon cluster now boasts the Adaptive Light Control system. This produces a brighter and clearer beam compared to conventional bulbs. The lights also automatically track the movements of the steering wheel so that the beam points to the inside of a curve (up to a maximum of 15º). For safety reasons, when the car is travelling above 120 km/h, the system returns to a traditional fixed position.
The Daytime Running Light function is a useful addition and is made up of ten LEDs set along the bottom edge of the headlight. The indicators catch the eye and the front headlights are memorable for their side-marks that merge flawlessly with the outside edge of the car, with the wiper forming part of the cluster. The fog lights employ an altogether different set up and are located in the bumper to ensure a wider beam.
This system is also used in the rear with 34 LEDs making up each light. This technology was employed because LEDs illuminate more quickly and produce a more intense beam than normal bulbs. They last longer, consume less energy and their performance does not dip over time.
The Maserati Quattroporte S is made to fit its owner like a glove
The Maserati Quattroporte S is a car that is designed to fit around its owner. The typically Italian made-to-measure concept has been applied to Maserati’s flagship saloon in an automotive take on the custom made suit.
Keeping pace with current trends in terms of exclusive materials led to the establishment of the ‘Officine Alfieri Maserati’, reserved for the Quattroporte. The personalisation options are divided into four categories: colour choice, on-board electronics, interior and travel and driving dynamics.
Colour choice
As well as the exterior colour (eleven standard and eight special colours) and interior finish (ten shades of leather), the owner can select from ten dashboard and parcel shelf colours, ten steering wheel colours, thirteen different colours for the stitching, four for the roof lining, six carpet colours and eleven shades for the seat piping. The brake callipers can also be personalised and come in red, silver, titanium, blue and yellow.
Interior and travel
One of the main choices the owner will have to make is about which of the prestigious woods to go for. There is a selection of six: Rosewood, Walnut Briarwood with Bois de Rose inlays, Mahogany with Bois de Rose inlays, Polished Wenge (also available with Bois de Rose inlays) Vavona and Starwood. Alternatively, you can choose a Black Piano or Blue Laque interior finish. The Quattroporte’s front and rear seats can be heated; there is the Comfort Pack for the front and/or rear seats with heating, ventilation and massage capability and the roof can be lined in Alcantara (beige, pearl beige, grey and black). Opting for the Luxury Pack means natural Poltrona Frau® leather used for the upper dashboard area, the parcel shelf and a choice of stitching colours. The steering wheel can be chosen in any of the wood trims and leather, or in Piano Black.
On board electronics
Some of the Quattroporte’s on board features will make the car an especially pleasant place to be. These include the Rear Seat Entertainment system (that includes a screen mounted in the centre, and a rear DVD player), an electronically operated sunroof, front parking sensors and electro chromatic wing and internal mirrors.
Executive Pack
The Executive Pack offers unbeatable passenger comfort with rear seats that heat, ventilate and massage occupants, climate control that can be regulated from the rear seats, side rear window blinds, Alcantara roof lining and wooden pull down tables.
ENGINE
Displacement : 4,691 cc
Bore : 94 mm
Stroke : 84,5 mm
Compression ratio : 11:1
Maximum power : 317 kW (430 bhp)
Engine speed at maximum power : 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque : 490 Nm (49,5 kgm)
Engine speed at maximum torque : 4,750 rpm
Maximum rev speed : 7,200 rpm
PERFORMANCE
Top speed : 280 km/h
0-100 km/h acceleration : 5.4 s
0-400 m acceleration : 13.7 s
0-1,000 m acceleration : 24.7 s (exit speed 220 km/h
80-120 km/h pick up : 3.7 s
100 km/h - 0 km/h braking distance : 35 m
CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS
Urban : 23.95 (l/100 km)
Extra urban : 10.91 (l/100 km)
Combined : 15.71 (l/100 km)
CO2 emissions (combined cycle) : 365 (g/km)
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Length : 5,097 mm
Weight : 1,895 mm
Width (including wing mirrors) : 1,991 mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors) : 1,885 mm
Height : 1,438 mm
Wheelbase : 3,064 mm
Front track : 1,582 mm
Rear track : 1,595 mm
Front overhang : 891 mm
Rear overhang : 1,142 mm
Turning circle : 12.3 m
Boot capacity : 450 l
Fuel tank capacity : 90 l
Dry weight : 1,880 kg
Curb weight : 1,990 kg
Curb weight + driver : 2,065 kg
Full load weight : 2,365 kg
Maximum weight technically permitted : 2,400 kg
Weight distribution : 49% front.; 51% rear.
The Maserati Quattroporte S is a car that is designed to fit around its owner. The typically Italian made-to-measure concept has been applied to Maserati’s flagship saloon in an automotive take on the custom made suit.
Keeping pace with current trends in terms of exclusive materials led to the establishment of the ‘Officine Alfieri Maserati’, reserved for the Quattroporte. The personalisation options are divided into four categories: colour choice, on-board electronics, interior and travel and driving dynamics.
Colour choice
As well as the exterior colour (eleven standard and eight special colours) and interior finish (ten shades of leather), the owner can select from ten dashboard and parcel shelf colours, ten steering wheel colours, thirteen different colours for the stitching, four for the roof lining, six carpet colours and eleven shades for the seat piping. The brake callipers can also be personalised and come in red, silver, titanium, blue and yellow.
Interior and travel
One of the main choices the owner will have to make is about which of the prestigious woods to go for. There is a selection of six: Rosewood, Walnut Briarwood with Bois de Rose inlays, Mahogany with Bois de Rose inlays, Polished Wenge (also available with Bois de Rose inlays) Vavona and Starwood. Alternatively, you can choose a Black Piano or Blue Laque interior finish. The Quattroporte’s front and rear seats can be heated; there is the Comfort Pack for the front and/or rear seats with heating, ventilation and massage capability and the roof can be lined in Alcantara (beige, pearl beige, grey and black). Opting for the Luxury Pack means natural Poltrona Frau® leather used for the upper dashboard area, the parcel shelf and a choice of stitching colours. The steering wheel can be chosen in any of the wood trims and leather, or in Piano Black.
On board electronics
Some of the Quattroporte’s on board features will make the car an especially pleasant place to be. These include the Rear Seat Entertainment system (that includes a screen mounted in the centre, and a rear DVD player), an electronically operated sunroof, front parking sensors and electro chromatic wing and internal mirrors.
Executive Pack
The Executive Pack offers unbeatable passenger comfort with rear seats that heat, ventilate and massage occupants, climate control that can be regulated from the rear seats, side rear window blinds, Alcantara roof lining and wooden pull down tables.
ENGINE
Displacement : 4,691 cc
Bore : 94 mm
Stroke : 84,5 mm
Compression ratio : 11:1
Maximum power : 317 kW (430 bhp)
Engine speed at maximum power : 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque : 490 Nm (49,5 kgm)
Engine speed at maximum torque : 4,750 rpm
Maximum rev speed : 7,200 rpm
PERFORMANCE
Top speed : 280 km/h
0-100 km/h acceleration : 5.4 s
0-400 m acceleration : 13.7 s
0-1,000 m acceleration : 24.7 s (exit speed 220 km/h
80-120 km/h pick up : 3.7 s
100 km/h - 0 km/h braking distance : 35 m
CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS
Urban : 23.95 (l/100 km)
Extra urban : 10.91 (l/100 km)
Combined : 15.71 (l/100 km)
CO2 emissions (combined cycle) : 365 (g/km)
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Length : 5,097 mm
Weight : 1,895 mm
Width (including wing mirrors) : 1,991 mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors) : 1,885 mm
Height : 1,438 mm
Wheelbase : 3,064 mm
Front track : 1,582 mm
Rear track : 1,595 mm
Front overhang : 891 mm
Rear overhang : 1,142 mm
Turning circle : 12.3 m
Boot capacity : 450 l
Fuel tank capacity : 90 l
Dry weight : 1,880 kg
Curb weight : 1,990 kg
Curb weight + driver : 2,065 kg
Full load weight : 2,365 kg
Maximum weight technically permitted : 2,400 kg
Weight distribution : 49% front.; 51% rear.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Beware of the Doghouse- Hilarious!
This is a great video, and comes to rescue us men just in time for the holidays... avoid the dog house at all costs! But check out this video!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The New Mazda 3: Happy Happy Happy
I have always been a fan of the Mazda3, which is a spunky little car that doesn't make you feel like you are an underachiever for driving a compact car.
But when I saw the face of the new design, blech.
From this angle, it looks good:
Image courtesy of Edmunds
But from this angle:
Image courtesy of Autoblog
But when I saw the face of the new design, blech.
From this angle, it looks good:
Image courtesy of EdmundsImage courtesy of AutoblogIt just looks so damn happy. To me, "zoom zoom" should have a touch of mean, not a huge toothless smile flying down the road. In a way, it reminds of me some Japanese anime critter. Just make the side mirrors into big flowing ears.
For contrast, here is the old one, not quite as happy:
Image courtesy of Edmunds
For contrast, here is the old one, not quite as happy:
Image courtesy of EdmundsBailout Debate, Part 4: Alternatives
Cheap loans are not the only way to aid the domestic auto industry, there are some other policies that might be a big help in the longer term, and insure the success of the short term loans. Here are a few:
1) Encourage demand. Congress could offer tax credits for people who buy a new vehicle (it could be only for fuel efficient vehicles, to pacify the Democrats). Congress could make interest on new vehicle loans tax deductible.
2) Limit supply. If we placed import tariffs on certain foreign manufacturers who are determined to be unfairly supported by their governments, or whose governments don't allow free entry to U.S. made cars (Hyundai/Kia, for example), we could help domestic car sales. Or, perhaps, import tariffs on car makers who do not meet CAFE standards (BMW). Ronald Reagan is credited with saving Harley Davidson by slapping a 45% import tax on foreign made motorcycles.
3) Buy vehicles directly. The federal government could go on a buying spree, and replace most of its fleet of official vehicles with new ones. It could also give grants to the states to do the same. Consider all of the cars and trucks that the military, police, and other agencies must have.
4) Ensure availability of car loans. The government could take steps to require banks who have accepted TARP funds, and who are in the car loan business, to write car loans to people who have jobs and reasonable credit scores.
1) Encourage demand. Congress could offer tax credits for people who buy a new vehicle (it could be only for fuel efficient vehicles, to pacify the Democrats). Congress could make interest on new vehicle loans tax deductible.
2) Limit supply. If we placed import tariffs on certain foreign manufacturers who are determined to be unfairly supported by their governments, or whose governments don't allow free entry to U.S. made cars (Hyundai/Kia, for example), we could help domestic car sales. Or, perhaps, import tariffs on car makers who do not meet CAFE standards (BMW). Ronald Reagan is credited with saving Harley Davidson by slapping a 45% import tax on foreign made motorcycles.
3) Buy vehicles directly. The federal government could go on a buying spree, and replace most of its fleet of official vehicles with new ones. It could also give grants to the states to do the same. Consider all of the cars and trucks that the military, police, and other agencies must have.
4) Ensure availability of car loans. The government could take steps to require banks who have accepted TARP funds, and who are in the car loan business, to write car loans to people who have jobs and reasonable credit scores.
Bailout Debate, Part 3: Motivations
I think that some of the motivations behind the mostly Republican anti-bailout and mostly Democrat pro-bailout positions are not the ones commonly being discussed.
The Democrats want to loan the Detroit 3 in part because they owe the UAW big for the recent election victories. If the Detroit 3 slide into Chapter 11, the UAW will be hurt very badly, as an oganization. The Democrats, and Obama in particular, have a goal of making unions stronger (card check). Says Newt Gingrich:
The House Democrats have written loan legislatio which has strings attached (you can read it here), which require the Detroit 3 to make "greener" cars:
The Republicans don't want to loan the money outright, but instead keep demanding that the Democrats re-write the already passed (and previously commented on by me) Advanced Technology Vehicle Manfacturers Assistance Plan to remove the environmental requirements, and spend the money as aid right away. This is because they want to jam the environmental lobby, I suspect.
The Democrats want the original $25 Billion ATVMAP left in place, and another $25 Billion carved out of the TARP funds. So, sort of unmentioned in all of this, is that the Democrats are really advocating for $50 Billion in low-cost loans--$25 Billion now, and $25 Billion later.
Some Republicans and conservative commentators are saying that Chapter 11 protection is a smarter choice for the Detroit 3, so they can shed their legacy obligations. What this really means is, "let's stick it to the UAW".
The Democrats want to loan the Detroit 3 in part because they owe the UAW big for the recent election victories. If the Detroit 3 slide into Chapter 11, the UAW will be hurt very badly, as an oganization. The Democrats, and Obama in particular, have a goal of making unions stronger (card check). Says Newt Gingrich:
To reward the unions that helped produce its electoral victory, the newly empowered Democratic Congress is proposing that American taxpayers pony up $25 billion to bail out the Detroit Three automakers, Ford, GM and Chrysler.
The House Democrats have written loan legislatio which has strings attached (you can read it here), which require the Detroit 3 to make "greener" cars:
‘‘(1) achievement of the fuel efficiency require10The House legislation also bans excessive executive compensation and "golden parachutes", which is more populist pandering and soak-the-rich, as usual.
ments and commencement of domestic advanced
technology vehicle manufacturing as authorized in
the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007;
The Republicans don't want to loan the money outright, but instead keep demanding that the Democrats re-write the already passed (and previously commented on by me) Advanced Technology Vehicle Manfacturers Assistance Plan to remove the environmental requirements, and spend the money as aid right away. This is because they want to jam the environmental lobby, I suspect.
The Democrats want the original $25 Billion ATVMAP left in place, and another $25 Billion carved out of the TARP funds. So, sort of unmentioned in all of this, is that the Democrats are really advocating for $50 Billion in low-cost loans--$25 Billion now, and $25 Billion later.
Some Republicans and conservative commentators are saying that Chapter 11 protection is a smarter choice for the Detroit 3, so they can shed their legacy obligations. What this really means is, "let's stick it to the UAW".
Bailout Debate, Part 2: Corporate Jets, SO WHAT?
Several of the Representatives brought up the fact that, gasp, CEOs of big companies fly in corporate jets.
Rep Ackerman (D-NY):
How many of the congressmen have accepted free rides in the "private jets" of lobbyists? How many have used taxypayer funded military transport?
And what about this private jet here, the Obama express?
Hitting the CEOs for flying corporate planes is nothing more than grandstanding and class warfare.
That being said, apparently the CEOs don't have anyone with half a brain working for them in PR--surely, some in the business could have predicted that the press and Congress would jump on them if they showed their high status.
Rep Ackerman (D-NY):
"There's a delicious irony in seeing private luxury jets flying into D.C. and people coming off of them with tin cups in their hand. It's almost like seeing guys show up in the soup kitchen in high hat and tuxedo...Couldn’t you all have downgraded to first-class or at least jet-pooled together?"Look, these guys are payed like $5000/hr. I can see how it would be silly to have them waste time going through security pat-downs at Detroit Metro. You want them kept busy.
How many of the congressmen have accepted free rides in the "private jets" of lobbyists? How many have used taxypayer funded military transport?
And what about this private jet here, the Obama express?
Hitting the CEOs for flying corporate planes is nothing more than grandstanding and class warfare.
That being said, apparently the CEOs don't have anyone with half a brain working for them in PR--surely, some in the business could have predicted that the press and Congress would jump on them if they showed their high status.
Bailout Debate, Part 1: GOP is CRAZY
There is so much I'd like to write about the Washington debate over making an emergency loan to the Detroit 3 that I don't have remotely enough time to do so. But I'll throw up a few thoughts over the next day or so.
Part 1: The GOP is CRAZY*.
The Republican party just got kicked to the curb by the American voting public. Not only did Obama win, resoundingly, but the Republican party managed to lose seats in the House and Senate, and is in danger of not even being able to filibuster effectively, because of a very slim 1 or 2 seat bulwark.
The GOP lost partly by losing the closely contested states of Ohio and Indiana. Which happen to be big automotive states.
It is nearly impossible for the GOP to put together a winning electoral map without Ohio.
Forget economics. Even of the Republicans are right (I don't think they are) that Chapter 11 protection is the best road , if the Democrats manage to stick in the voting public's memory that Bush and the Republicans fiddled while GM burned, the future gets dimmer in the midwest for the Republican party.
And if the doomsayers are even half correct, and a collapsing GM takes down suppliers, and other companies with it, if the Midwestern unemployment and home foreclosure rates skyrocket--the Republicans are dead.
DEAD.
Because people will remember who was in power when it started, and they will remember who sat there during the committee hearings and shook their fingers at the CEOs and lectured them that Chapter 11 was the best for everyone. And if people start to forget, the Democrats will gleefully remind them.
If the Republicans want to have a chance at regaining power any time soon, they had better come to the table with better ideas for the Detroit 3 than "let them fail, then we'll sort it out".
*I write this as a registered Republican, and former campaign volunteer (2004).
Part 1: The GOP is CRAZY*.
The Republican party just got kicked to the curb by the American voting public. Not only did Obama win, resoundingly, but the Republican party managed to lose seats in the House and Senate, and is in danger of not even being able to filibuster effectively, because of a very slim 1 or 2 seat bulwark.
The GOP lost partly by losing the closely contested states of Ohio and Indiana. Which happen to be big automotive states.
It is nearly impossible for the GOP to put together a winning electoral map without Ohio.
Forget economics. Even of the Republicans are right (I don't think they are) that Chapter 11 protection is the best road , if the Democrats manage to stick in the voting public's memory that Bush and the Republicans fiddled while GM burned, the future gets dimmer in the midwest for the Republican party.
And if the doomsayers are even half correct, and a collapsing GM takes down suppliers, and other companies with it, if the Midwestern unemployment and home foreclosure rates skyrocket--the Republicans are dead.
DEAD.
Because people will remember who was in power when it started, and they will remember who sat there during the committee hearings and shook their fingers at the CEOs and lectured them that Chapter 11 was the best for everyone. And if people start to forget, the Democrats will gleefully remind them.
If the Republicans want to have a chance at regaining power any time soon, they had better come to the table with better ideas for the Detroit 3 than "let them fail, then we'll sort it out".
*I write this as a registered Republican, and former campaign volunteer (2004).
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The start
I was inspired by an article in the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet on blogs, and specially on the popularity of blogs about special subjects, so I thought why not start a blog about my research topic; software architecture.
I honestly believe that I will have something interesting to write about for the small (?) audience besides me also interested in software architecture, and I would love to spark a discussion with a post I write. But I should not kid myself, the potential audience may be extremely limited. And I have no idea on how get readers outside of the group of people who already know me.
I honestly believe that I will have something interesting to write about for the small (?) audience besides me also interested in software architecture, and I would love to spark a discussion with a post I write. But I should not kid myself, the potential audience may be extremely limited. And I have no idea on how get readers outside of the group of people who already know me.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The Walmart Paradox
I went to my local Walmart today, to grab some assorted stuff. The place was packed, on a Sunday afternoon, with people of all backgrounds.
Interestingly, I saw a few cars with Obama stickers in the parking lot, and this made me wonder. Isn't this ironic? The left in general, including Obama, have long been pounding Walmart for their resistance to labor unions. Walmart has been accused of squeezing suppliers, being stingy with health insurance for its employees, and many other sins. So why are Obama people shopping at Walmart?
Could it be the low prices?
And what will happen those low prices, if Obama and the majority Democrat congress have their way, and make it easier for unions to organize by eliminating secret ballots and instituting card check elections? Aren't Obama's supporters trying to undermine the very thing they are using to save money?
And have you noticed, how some liberals, would-be defenders of the "working people" love to hammer Walmart as being a "white trash" magnet. But isn't it the "working people" who shop at Walmart, to stretch their paychecks further? And the very phrase "white trash" is inherently racist, because of the implied contrast to non-white trash.
Kroger, which is unionized, does not have elderly or disabled folks employed as greeters and return checkers, while my local Walmart does. Kroger's employees have gone on strike, causing inconvenience to their customers.
I am unrepentant Walmart shopper. I don't care if I am seen as downwardly mobile by my high-brow neighbors. I often shop at Target, the darling of the bargain hunting style conscious types, but I will not avoid Walmart if they have something I need.
Where else can you go to buy a wireless G router, and also score a good deal on pickles, pumpkin pie components, 9mm ammunition, toothpaste, and motor oil?
Interestingly, I saw a few cars with Obama stickers in the parking lot, and this made me wonder. Isn't this ironic? The left in general, including Obama, have long been pounding Walmart for their resistance to labor unions. Walmart has been accused of squeezing suppliers, being stingy with health insurance for its employees, and many other sins. So why are Obama people shopping at Walmart?
Could it be the low prices?
And what will happen those low prices, if Obama and the majority Democrat congress have their way, and make it easier for unions to organize by eliminating secret ballots and instituting card check elections? Aren't Obama's supporters trying to undermine the very thing they are using to save money?
And have you noticed, how some liberals, would-be defenders of the "working people" love to hammer Walmart as being a "white trash" magnet. But isn't it the "working people" who shop at Walmart, to stretch their paychecks further? And the very phrase "white trash" is inherently racist, because of the implied contrast to non-white trash.
Kroger, which is unionized, does not have elderly or disabled folks employed as greeters and return checkers, while my local Walmart does. Kroger's employees have gone on strike, causing inconvenience to their customers.
I am unrepentant Walmart shopper. I don't care if I am seen as downwardly mobile by my high-brow neighbors. I often shop at Target, the darling of the bargain hunting style conscious types, but I will not avoid Walmart if they have something I need.
Where else can you go to buy a wireless G router, and also score a good deal on pickles, pumpkin pie components, 9mm ammunition, toothpaste, and motor oil?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Video: Nasty Rollover
Video of a police chase from a Fox news chopper. Guy is fleeing in a white Suburban, goes off the road, rolls it over, and is ejected. There is a moment when it looks like the truck is going to roll over onto the guy, but it stops at the last moment.
Car Chase Ends in Rollover Destruction - Watch more Auto Videos
Car Chase Ends in Rollover Destruction - Watch more Auto Videos
Monday, November 10, 2008
What Syd's Eastside Dugg
http://digg.com/users/AutomotiveParts
If you are writing articles to promote your business, create awareness for your cause or to establish your own professional expertise, you will probably want to add Digg to your publishing resource toolbox.
Even if you are not an article writer, Digg.com seems to have caught on because it allows users to list, promote & view each others news, images & videos found anywhere on the net. So it would also come in handy for photographers, graphic artists, videographers and podcasters, as well.
And being able to recommend not only your own works, but the stuff on the internet that you find and want to share with your friends is really what social networks are all about, anyway. And because of its broad range of coverage, Digg is easily a great tool that is intertwined as a news, photo, art and video promotion service by the online community as a whole.
See what Syd's Eastside has Dugg on Digg:
http://digg.com/users/AutomotiveParts
If you are writing articles to promote your business, create awareness for your cause or to establish your own professional expertise, you will probably want to add Digg to your publishing resource toolbox.
Even if you are not an article writer, Digg.com seems to have caught on because it allows users to list, promote & view each others news, images & videos found anywhere on the net. So it would also come in handy for photographers, graphic artists, videographers and podcasters, as well.
And being able to recommend not only your own works, but the stuff on the internet that you find and want to share with your friends is really what social networks are all about, anyway. And because of its broad range of coverage, Digg is easily a great tool that is intertwined as a news, photo, art and video promotion service by the online community as a whole.
See what Syd's Eastside has Dugg on Digg:
http://digg.com/users/AutomotiveParts
Our Page on SearchWarp
http://searchwarp.com/Author69559.htm
SearchWarp is also a great place to use for article distribution. But please note that we don't simply write an article and upload it for redistribution on other websites, we usually hold onto them for a period of time before we allow them to be redistributed, thus establishing that our website is the original source for such duplicated content.
Our own article directory can be found in our own Syd's Eastside Auto Parts website Articles section. By keeping an archive of our articles here for some time before redistribution, Googlebot will have scanned our website articles and had any particular article available through search long before it shows up on any article site. This can usually be verified by using the WayBackMachine.
Finally, after a period of time on our own website, we may release any articles we have written through article directories such as SearchWarp.
SearchWarp is a unique website though, because it is more than an article directory. It is also a writer community and offers assistance to those who want to learn how to write, or to learn how to write better. This is why SearchWarp is also identified, to me, as a social networking site, because of the existing community and the effects a membership can have on that community. Plus little contests are run for writing articles on certain subjects as are appropriate and relevant to the time.
Our Page on SearchWarp:
http://searchwarp.com/Author69559.htm
SearchWarp is also a great place to use for article distribution. But please note that we don't simply write an article and upload it for redistribution on other websites, we usually hold onto them for a period of time before we allow them to be redistributed, thus establishing that our website is the original source for such duplicated content.
Our own article directory can be found in our own Syd's Eastside Auto Parts website Articles section. By keeping an archive of our articles here for some time before redistribution, Googlebot will have scanned our website articles and had any particular article available through search long before it shows up on any article site. This can usually be verified by using the WayBackMachine.
Finally, after a period of time on our own website, we may release any articles we have written through article directories such as SearchWarp.
SearchWarp is a unique website though, because it is more than an article directory. It is also a writer community and offers assistance to those who want to learn how to write, or to learn how to write better. This is why SearchWarp is also identified, to me, as a social networking site, because of the existing community and the effects a membership can have on that community. Plus little contests are run for writing articles on certain subjects as are appropriate and relevant to the time.
Our Page on SearchWarp:
http://searchwarp.com/Author69559.htm
Squidoo
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/SydsEastside
Squidoo offers great Social Networking Site Integration and Easy Article (Lens) Publishing.
Squidoo offers a great place for those who are interested in articles on any particular subject. Squidoo actually refers to each article as a lens, and their writers as lensmasters. They claim they are doing it just to be difficult, but I gather it has something to do with good old fashioned marketing. It is interesting, though, how they are a popular social networking site without relying so heavily on generic keywords.
Although I found the article editor hard to use because of the lack of good instruction while using it the first time, after posting the lens (article) I easily was able to realize my first time mistakes and will probably get it right the next time. However, if you are using Squidoo to distribute previously written articles, it seems that it might be a little harder to use as simply another distribution outlet because you shouldn't simply copy the article and paste it in as on most article distribution websites such as one of our favorites, SearchWarp.
Our Page on Squidoo:
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/SydsEastside
Squidoo offers great Social Networking Site Integration and Easy Article (Lens) Publishing.
Squidoo offers a great place for those who are interested in articles on any particular subject. Squidoo actually refers to each article as a lens, and their writers as lensmasters. They claim they are doing it just to be difficult, but I gather it has something to do with good old fashioned marketing. It is interesting, though, how they are a popular social networking site without relying so heavily on generic keywords.
Although I found the article editor hard to use because of the lack of good instruction while using it the first time, after posting the lens (article) I easily was able to realize my first time mistakes and will probably get it right the next time. However, if you are using Squidoo to distribute previously written articles, it seems that it might be a little harder to use as simply another distribution outlet because you shouldn't simply copy the article and paste it in as on most article distribution websites such as one of our favorites, SearchWarp.
Our Page on Squidoo:
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/SydsEastside
Saturday, November 8, 2008
On Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/people/Rork_Feimer/1625856528
Facebook is actually quite a lot more interesting than I thought it was. It also can act like a homepage for the not-so-geeky oriented who like an easy way to setup a homepage, much like Blogster or CarSpace, but it goes yet further by incorporating many of your other social networking services, too. Its easy to setup groups, as well. It's also easy to upload & share photos and video. Your default public profile page acts as a "wall" that you write on and you can easily communicate with your friends this way.
I suppose some may say that I had cheated, as I had put-up a profile to represent and promote my employer. The name RorK Feimer I used is actually derived from the owners of Syd's Eastside Auto Salvage, Ron & Kathy Feimer. And this may be so, but you have to remember that I am employed to promote the Syd's Eastside Auto Parts website, and not to promote my own websites and business interests. In the same manner, I still want a profile on Facebook that reflects me and my own interests, both personal and business related. On top of that, the business and my opinion may differ on a variety of things.
That said, if I am cheating, so are a great deal of other businesses which are doing the same thing on Facebook. All we are looking for is a profile that we can promote as an employee, while maintaing a separate personal profile for ourselves outside of work.
So, I'm actually not worried about it. Heck, this blog entry will appear on Facebook, anyway. Because Facebook is configured to post my blog entries that I post here on that site, as well. So by adding blog entries here, I am also updating Facebook.
Facebook also supports a variety of other social networking websites. Twitter is one, Digg is another. As these services are updated, so is Facebook.
The Syd's Eastside Auto Parts Page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Rork_Feimer/1625856528
Facebook is actually quite a lot more interesting than I thought it was. It also can act like a homepage for the not-so-geeky oriented who like an easy way to setup a homepage, much like Blogster or CarSpace, but it goes yet further by incorporating many of your other social networking services, too. Its easy to setup groups, as well. It's also easy to upload & share photos and video. Your default public profile page acts as a "wall" that you write on and you can easily communicate with your friends this way.
I suppose some may say that I had cheated, as I had put-up a profile to represent and promote my employer. The name RorK Feimer I used is actually derived from the owners of Syd's Eastside Auto Salvage, Ron & Kathy Feimer. And this may be so, but you have to remember that I am employed to promote the Syd's Eastside Auto Parts website, and not to promote my own websites and business interests. In the same manner, I still want a profile on Facebook that reflects me and my own interests, both personal and business related. On top of that, the business and my opinion may differ on a variety of things.
That said, if I am cheating, so are a great deal of other businesses which are doing the same thing on Facebook. All we are looking for is a profile that we can promote as an employee, while maintaing a separate personal profile for ourselves outside of work.
So, I'm actually not worried about it. Heck, this blog entry will appear on Facebook, anyway. Because Facebook is configured to post my blog entries that I post here on that site, as well. So by adding blog entries here, I am also updating Facebook.
Facebook also supports a variety of other social networking websites. Twitter is one, Digg is another. As these services are updated, so is Facebook.
The Syd's Eastside Auto Parts Page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Rork_Feimer/1625856528
http://twitter.com/AutomotiveParts
Twitter is a microblogging system where users can give shout-outs in 140 character chunks. Although I would honestly recommend allowing up to 255 per post myself (and am often ticked off that it isn't), it is an interesting concept that allows some interactivity between friends. Plus, there are a variety of tools for it that I haven't even explored, yet.
Despite its micro limited posting format, Twitter seems to be not only a decent way to communicate, but also to promote your business, your websites, your blog, your portfolio, your groups and even your causes.
In the long run, Twitter works. But I do think 140 characters is too tightly wound and someone else will probably come along and offer the same idea with a more generous 255 character limit. Perhaps someone already does, and I am yet to find it.
But Twitter has also embedded itself into the social networking scene because a few of the social websites actually display your latest Twitter posts within your public profile page (once you have set it up with your username on Twitter). The result is that by using this one service, you could potentially update several other websites, including your own.
Our Page On Twitter:
http://twitter.com/AutomotiveParts
Twitter is a microblogging system where users can give shout-outs in 140 character chunks. Although I would honestly recommend allowing up to 255 per post myself (and am often ticked off that it isn't), it is an interesting concept that allows some interactivity between friends. Plus, there are a variety of tools for it that I haven't even explored, yet.
Despite its micro limited posting format, Twitter seems to be not only a decent way to communicate, but also to promote your business, your websites, your blog, your portfolio, your groups and even your causes.
In the long run, Twitter works. But I do think 140 characters is too tightly wound and someone else will probably come along and offer the same idea with a more generous 255 character limit. Perhaps someone already does, and I am yet to find it.
But Twitter has also embedded itself into the social networking scene because a few of the social websites actually display your latest Twitter posts within your public profile page (once you have set it up with your username on Twitter). The result is that by using this one service, you could potentially update several other websites, including your own.
Our Page On Twitter:
http://twitter.com/AutomotiveParts
Edmund's CarSpace
http://www.carspace.com/blogs/autoparts/
Edmunds sponsors a great automotive community website. Both individuals and businesses are welcome to sign-up for free. Each account has a blog available and automotive community groups are easy to start.
Sure, CarSpace is a way to get you into the Edmunds branded websites and further promote their brand. But if you look around their really isn't anything like this for the automotive community that I have found. There really aren't too many niche sites available that are dedicated to the automotive industries for automotive businesses, car clubs, or racing & auto enthusiasts.
I am just starting at CarSpace, but I'm not going to be giving up our blog here and shifting over to their blog, either. For now that will just compliment this one. So for now I'll kind of post there as I discover the website and figure out how we might best make use of its services. Because there is a whole community of like-minded people and a ready established market there to tap into if you know how to do it. Perhaps Syd's Eastside will eventually take that page over if it becomes important for us.
My Page at CarSpace:
http://www.carspace.com/blogs/autoparts/
Edmunds sponsors a great automotive community website. Both individuals and businesses are welcome to sign-up for free. Each account has a blog available and automotive community groups are easy to start.
Sure, CarSpace is a way to get you into the Edmunds branded websites and further promote their brand. But if you look around their really isn't anything like this for the automotive community that I have found. There really aren't too many niche sites available that are dedicated to the automotive industries for automotive businesses, car clubs, or racing & auto enthusiasts.
I am just starting at CarSpace, but I'm not going to be giving up our blog here and shifting over to their blog, either. For now that will just compliment this one. So for now I'll kind of post there as I discover the website and figure out how we might best make use of its services. Because there is a whole community of like-minded people and a ready established market there to tap into if you know how to do it. Perhaps Syd's Eastside will eventually take that page over if it becomes important for us.
My Page at CarSpace:
http://www.carspace.com/blogs/autoparts/
Delicious
http://delicious.com/SydsEastside
One of the first social networking sites I signed-up a very long time ago was del.icio.us, a worldwide web bookmark (or shortcut) sharing site. Here I have been trying to keep track of all of our own websites, their pages and our pages on other sites that we belong to, though I now see that I have to update it quite a bit with these new listings for the social networking websites I have been joining.
Google also offers a bookmarking service, so that you can access your bookmarks anywhere. But Delicious goes a little further by allowing you to share your bookmarks with the rest of the world.
This is service is actually a fantastic idea and I think it will go far in the future as it has all sorts of possibilities for expansion. Some are already copying the idea (and even the format).
OUR PAGE:
http://delicious.com/SydsEastside
One of the first social networking sites I signed-up a very long time ago was del.icio.us, a worldwide web bookmark (or shortcut) sharing site. Here I have been trying to keep track of all of our own websites, their pages and our pages on other sites that we belong to, though I now see that I have to update it quite a bit with these new listings for the social networking websites I have been joining.
Google also offers a bookmarking service, so that you can access your bookmarks anywhere. But Delicious goes a little further by allowing you to share your bookmarks with the rest of the world.
This is service is actually a fantastic idea and I think it will go far in the future as it has all sorts of possibilities for expansion. Some are already copying the idea (and even the format).
OUR PAGE:
http://delicious.com/SydsEastside
Social Networking Resources
I have honestly been having a bit of fun checking out some of the Social Networking websites and resources that have been appearing in the past couple years. In fact, I've actually been so impressed that I thought that I should post something to the blog about them.
However, I have actually been working on this post for quite a few days, already. There are so many social net websites out there that I was trying to include in this one post that I realized that the only way around this was to split this blog entry into a bunch of little posts that will tell a bit about each site. That way, I don't have to have every single social website pegged in one big post.
Heck, there are still a bunch of these social networking groups out there that I want to check out. Some of these actually have optional tools developed specifically for them, so there are actually little cottage support resource sites for some, built to support them, allowing extra plug-ins or software tools to make them more convenient to use.
What, you may ask, does this have to do with the automotive industry? Well, the truth is that these are often great places for auto enthusiasts, car clubs, as well as neat places to promote auto shops or trade parts. Most allow easy setup, and may support blogging. Some even offer a great place to post news and articles and would be a great way to distribute them to an already large pool of social networking users. Others offer a great place to promote your (auto related) website by allowing the sharing and promotion of bookmarks. Users of these sites that are logged in can sometimes also vote on the materials of the resource(s) in question, making them even more popular or notorious.
One of the very first new trends was the blog and some of these services even allow you to incorporate your current blog.
Remember that as the trends move in the online industry, the automotive industry must adapt, adopt them, and move with them in order to maintain a high profile to the masses or regions that they are targetting as customers and clientel.
So, eat this stuff up guys, because social networking websites utilities, and software applications are not only fun to participate in, but actually strengthen the market and provide new interest.
To most this will be understood, others will have to check it out. But as a webmaster I understand that the security of a managed and constantly updated network is much better than the vulnerability of an open source software based website that is usually chock full of security holes.
And if the security is not an issue, there are other things that should be, like the fact that these social sites already have an established user base, like the fact that your firends and community are probably already online using them.
If nothing else, these are great opportunities to promote your existing website. Yet, they really are so much more.
Anyway, in order to share this information as quickly as possible, I will be spotlighting these social networking websites and tools. Each site or resource will be discussed individually, showcased in their own blog entry. This will also allow me to update them individually, should I need to. And I will always identify each service by through our membership so that you can join us and have a friend on the site.
Look for a bunch of blog entries to follow very shortly.
-Syd's Eastside Auto Parts webmaster
However, I have actually been working on this post for quite a few days, already. There are so many social net websites out there that I was trying to include in this one post that I realized that the only way around this was to split this blog entry into a bunch of little posts that will tell a bit about each site. That way, I don't have to have every single social website pegged in one big post.
Heck, there are still a bunch of these social networking groups out there that I want to check out. Some of these actually have optional tools developed specifically for them, so there are actually little cottage support resource sites for some, built to support them, allowing extra plug-ins or software tools to make them more convenient to use.
What, you may ask, does this have to do with the automotive industry? Well, the truth is that these are often great places for auto enthusiasts, car clubs, as well as neat places to promote auto shops or trade parts. Most allow easy setup, and may support blogging. Some even offer a great place to post news and articles and would be a great way to distribute them to an already large pool of social networking users. Others offer a great place to promote your (auto related) website by allowing the sharing and promotion of bookmarks. Users of these sites that are logged in can sometimes also vote on the materials of the resource(s) in question, making them even more popular or notorious.
One of the very first new trends was the blog and some of these services even allow you to incorporate your current blog.
Remember that as the trends move in the online industry, the automotive industry must adapt, adopt them, and move with them in order to maintain a high profile to the masses or regions that they are targetting as customers and clientel.
So, eat this stuff up guys, because social networking websites utilities, and software applications are not only fun to participate in, but actually strengthen the market and provide new interest.
To most this will be understood, others will have to check it out. But as a webmaster I understand that the security of a managed and constantly updated network is much better than the vulnerability of an open source software based website that is usually chock full of security holes.
And if the security is not an issue, there are other things that should be, like the fact that these social sites already have an established user base, like the fact that your firends and community are probably already online using them.
If nothing else, these are great opportunities to promote your existing website. Yet, they really are so much more.
Anyway, in order to share this information as quickly as possible, I will be spotlighting these social networking websites and tools. Each site or resource will be discussed individually, showcased in their own blog entry. This will also allow me to update them individually, should I need to. And I will always identify each service by through our membership so that you can join us and have a friend on the site.
Look for a bunch of blog entries to follow very shortly.
-Syd's Eastside Auto Parts webmaster
New Used Equipment Section now Online at Diesel Rebuild Parts
I have finally finished putting all the Used Equipment online at our Diesel Rebuild Parts website. This has been a big chore and I am very happy to have it listed in my Mission Accomplished column, now.
If you are interested in any of the heavy equipment, utility trucks or construction vehicles there, we would be glad to help you out with it. Just click on a photo (that isn't marked as sold) in the main Equipment Catalog Index page and you will be presented with more photos and info concerning that item. Our contact information follows the detail page description.
Let me know if you see any spelling errors, or anything that looks strange. I did address a few problems before making that whole section public. But as you know, I'm not perfect.
This section actually comes from a corresponding section on the Syd's Eastside Auto Parts website. We thought that since establishing the Diesel Rebuild Parts website back in June of 2007, that we should move this section to that website where the information is more on-topic and relevant to the website content material, since it is already geared at supporting equipment and truck overhauls.
So, now that this has finally been accomplished, I can go back to promoting our websites as my primary webmaster duty for a little bit (until the next big website project comes along).
LINK:
Used Equipment For Sale Catalog Index
If you are interested in any of the heavy equipment, utility trucks or construction vehicles there, we would be glad to help you out with it. Just click on a photo (that isn't marked as sold) in the main Equipment Catalog Index page and you will be presented with more photos and info concerning that item. Our contact information follows the detail page description.
Let me know if you see any spelling errors, or anything that looks strange. I did address a few problems before making that whole section public. But as you know, I'm not perfect.
This section actually comes from a corresponding section on the Syd's Eastside Auto Parts website. We thought that since establishing the Diesel Rebuild Parts website back in June of 2007, that we should move this section to that website where the information is more on-topic and relevant to the website content material, since it is already geared at supporting equipment and truck overhauls.
So, now that this has finally been accomplished, I can go back to promoting our websites as my primary webmaster duty for a little bit (until the next big website project comes along).
LINK:
Used Equipment For Sale Catalog Index
Thursday, November 6, 2008
A Quick Tour Of The $25 Billion ATVMAP
Last night, the Dept. of Energy released a preliminary rule which gives the details of the $25 billion government program offered to automakers to help meet the new CAFE standards. The official name is "Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturer Assistance Program". I spent some time reading the paper over, and thought I'd share some details, many of which are not widely reported. The rule paper is located here.
First, the program has two parts: a direct loan program, and a grant program.
The money in either case is intended only to fund plant upgrades or engineering work for a future product, not ongoing operations. In fact, companies are explicitly prohibited from investing the money, and any investment income from the loans must be returned to the government (611.102, 611.105).
Loan Program:
Here is an excerpt of their examples:
This is the table that shows the fuel economy improvement requirement to be considered an ATV:
So for a Compact Sedan, to qualify as an ATV, the proposed vehicle would have to attain at least 42.2 MPG; a Compact Performance Sedan would have to have fuel economy of at least 29.5 MPG.
Grant Program:
Some observations.
This is not a "bail-out". The money can only be used for specific projects which are tied to fuel economy improvements. There are some significant strings attached to this program, and though the loans are cheap, they are expected to be repaid, or the government will be able to sieze the collateral of the borrowing company.
The program seems to be somewhat targeted towards unionized labor. There is a bias in the program to older plants (20 years), and plants which are shut down. There is a prevailing wage rule. There is also a carve-out for small suppliers.
This is not a quick fix. To apply for a grant or loan, a company has to generate a large amount of application paperwork, including environmental impact studies, economic studies, financial status information. A company also has to show with computer modelling or prototypes that their proposed project will improve fuel economy by a very significant 25%, and flexible fuels get no advantage in this calculation. The application and review process is likely to take many months if not years.
That is why, even with this program in place, the Domestic 3 are asking the government for direct aid right away.
The financial strength requirement could be a deal-killer for some or all of the Domestic 3 auto makers. If the DOE uses more stringent requirements for financial health, such as low debt/equity ratios, neither GM, Ford, nor Chrysler may qualify.
First, the program has two parts: a direct loan program, and a grant program.
The money in either case is intended only to fund plant upgrades or engineering work for a future product, not ongoing operations. In fact, companies are explicitly prohibited from investing the money, and any investment income from the loans must be returned to the government (611.102, 611.105).
Loan Program:
- To qualify for a loan, a company must be working on an Advanced Technology Vehicle. An ATV is defined as a vehicle which has at least EPA Tier II Bin 5 emissions levels, and will have fuel economy that is at least 125% of a "substantially similar" vehicle from 2005. (611.2)
Here is an excerpt of their examples:
This is the table that shows the fuel economy improvement requirement to be considered an ATV:
So for a Compact Sedan, to qualify as an ATV, the proposed vehicle would have to attain at least 42.2 MPG; a Compact Performance Sedan would have to have fuel economy of at least 29.5 MPG.- For purposes of calculating the ATV's fuel economy improvement, if it is a flex fuel vehicle, its fuel economy must be calculated without credit for flexible fuel operation. That means that if burns E85, the ATV fuel economy is miles per gallon of E85, not gasoline equivalent. This would appear to penalize flex fuel vehicles compared to how they are treated currently.
- A loan applicant must be "financially viable", such that it does not require the government ATV loan to survive (611.100).
- Automakers and parts suppliers are eligible, as long as the the plant improvements or engineering is done in the U.S. So domestic arms of foreign based companies such as Honda could qualify.
- To qualify for a loan, an automaker's fleet average fuel economy (volume weighted) from the most recent year of data must be no worse than their fleet fuel economy in 2005. (611.100)
- Applicants must file environmental impact studies and economic impact studies to document how their plant changes will impact the community, both positive and negatively (611.106).
- Projects will be selected for approval based on technical merit, such as amount of fuel economy improvement, as well as other factors such as "economic diversity", and financial health. Older facilities will be given higher priority.
- Applicants must pay any workers that it hires to do the plant renovations a "prevailing wage" in the area the work is being done. This is probably a bone for the unions (611.101).
- A borrower can only borrow up to 80% of a project's projected cost (611.105).
- The loan terms are for 25 years, and the borrower may defer repayment for up to 5 years after the project is complete. The interest rate is to be based on "outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturity", which I think means 25 year treasury bonds. (611.107) A 30 year U.S. bond currently pays 4.5%.
- The U.S. government gets a lein on any property which is acquired with loan funds, and any assets which are pledged as collateral for the loans.
Grant Program:
- If a grant is requested, the grant can be for no more than 30% of a project's cost. (611.204)
- Grants will be given preferentially for projects that re-tool facilities that are at least 20 years old. (611.206)
- 10% of the money used for grants (not loans) each year is set aside for small companies of 500 employees or less, or a consortium of such small companies (611.207).
Some observations.
This is not a "bail-out". The money can only be used for specific projects which are tied to fuel economy improvements. There are some significant strings attached to this program, and though the loans are cheap, they are expected to be repaid, or the government will be able to sieze the collateral of the borrowing company.
The program seems to be somewhat targeted towards unionized labor. There is a bias in the program to older plants (20 years), and plants which are shut down. There is a prevailing wage rule. There is also a carve-out for small suppliers.
This is not a quick fix. To apply for a grant or loan, a company has to generate a large amount of application paperwork, including environmental impact studies, economic studies, financial status information. A company also has to show with computer modelling or prototypes that their proposed project will improve fuel economy by a very significant 25%, and flexible fuels get no advantage in this calculation. The application and review process is likely to take many months if not years.
That is why, even with this program in place, the Domestic 3 are asking the government for direct aid right away.
The financial strength requirement could be a deal-killer for some or all of the Domestic 3 auto makers. If the DOE uses more stringent requirements for financial health, such as low debt/equity ratios, neither GM, Ford, nor Chrysler may qualify.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Chrysler's Fuel-less Cars!
More google ads silliness from Chrysler, spotted here. The Chrysler EV minivans aren't "Fuel-less", and they aren't for sale, until about 2011 model year.
Veyron in Birmingham MI
I was strolling in downtown Birmingham (MI) today, after cashing in my voting slip for a free Starbucks coffee, when I saw a crowd forming on the sidewalk up ahead. Parked in front of the Einstien Bagel was a Bugatti Veyron. It was black and red. I didn't have a camera with me (of course), and I didn't catch if it was a dealer car or not.
There were about 20 people crowded around the car, ogling and taking cell phone photos. It was as if some guy was hanging out on the sidewalk with a cocktail dress clad Angelina Jolie on his arm.
I can't think of a way to draw more attention for ~$2,000,000, other than maybe giving it away as $20 bills on the street corner.
There were about 20 people crowded around the car, ogling and taking cell phone photos. It was as if some guy was hanging out on the sidewalk with a cocktail dress clad Angelina Jolie on his arm.
I can't think of a way to draw more attention for ~$2,000,000, other than maybe giving it away as $20 bills on the street corner.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Truth and Lies About Your Car Insurance
If you are a newbie in insurance policies, it is best to be educated on the subject. There are many myths and realities in dealing with insurance companies. It is necessary for you to have a general idea about such insurance rates so that you won't have problems later on.
Car insurance is needed by people who want to be assured that their cars won't experience distress, especially when the time comes and they get into an accident or anything else. There are things in this world that you have to be aware and to prepare for. This is why it is vital to assess and choose the most affordable and most reasonable price for your car insurance.
Hence, it is true that the insurance quotes reflect the cost of certain automobile- related expenses. In fact, there are many explanations on how the increasing cost of such insurances is accumulated.
Each year millions of people get into car accidents that involve personal injury. With this type of incidents, the typical price range of such treatment is around $6,000 to $9,000. Thus, this can easily turn into tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the type of car.
This problem is actually joined by the trouble of increasing claims of automobile injury, which are currently as much as 30 % in some states. These dilemmas can turn into the new car insurance holder's burden of additional payments or premiums.
Moreover, another reason for this is the legal expenses that the company needs to pay due to the fact that an average jury award for vehicular liability cases are continuing to rise and can put up the pressure on auto insurance rates.
An average liability can cost from about $187,000 up to $269,000. This was the estimated record from the year 1994 up to the year 2000, respectively. Thus, the number one cause of death for people ages 1 up to 34 is car accident.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, these deaths cost more than $150 billion annually. People who are under the use of prohibited drugs, alcohol abuse, high- speed driving and are not using a seat belt are the leading people who are at risk of such an accident. Auto repair has also increased because of the rapid advancing age of technology, along with construction and design that have now become a must in this era. Automotive innovations and repair costs have increased tremendously and thus, higher car insurance may ensue because of this.
Hence, there is a notion that red cars cost more insurance. This is not true. Colour is never a determinant factor in calculating one's car insurance rate. The factors that are important are the year, model, body, type, engine size and the age of the car. Even if you have a cheap car but you have a large engine, or it is an unusual model, it might cost a lot to have it insured as compared to a more expensive small car.
Then again, you will pay for a lesser amount in comprehensive coverage, which can cover the damage that is usually brought about by vandalism, hail, fire or even animal accidents. There is also a case, in which, two speeding tickets can make your car insurance rate go up.
Plus, it is also not true that every car insurance company can charge anyone on any way they please. Despite the increasing expenses of this company, they still have a way of covering all the damages and they also have regulators that review their customer rates.
It is also important to take note of the amount of your car, where in, it's insurance will most likely have a relative cost to. This is due to the fact that some companies shoulders only a minimum amount and will not cover certain accidents. Of course, this will result into a lawsuit but they will not include all the damages. So, it is wiser to read your terms and conditions.
Thus, if someone drives your car and there is an accident, you will still be the one held responsible. You will be financially responsible for the accident. In most states, the car insurance that covers the accident is considered the primary insurance holder, which means that the insurance company is the one that should pay for the damages. Hence, there are cases that it is not enough and the driver's insurance is the next in line to pay for the remaining damages. This is primarily why you need to know the car insurance policy in your state, as well as the laws that go hand in hand with it. States and even countries differ in policies politically and geographically.
Aside from this, there are also other factors that are being considered for car insurance rates. Of course, your rate won't be the same as that of your neighbours. Your age, nature of your work, driving record, type of vehicle and marital status are all considered. This can really vary depending on the company's standards. Sometimes, your charge can go down when you turn 25 because this is the time when car accidents go down. The extremes of ages, like that of a teenager and that of the forty year old individual is where the accident rate is at its highest.
Lastly, there is a so called rental reimbursement that can cover and pay for your rental car. This is for cases, wherein, you are on vacation and you just rented a car that resulted into an accident. This will help drivers pay for the damages to the car but this still depends on the limits you selected. Having more than one insurance policy is not really money- saving technique. In fact, it is more expensive. Most of the time, you can save your money by getting the best rate available in one company. Thus, if you want different types of insurance like that of the auto and homeowners insurance, you can look for another company that can give you the best deal. At times, you will get better deals from different insurance companies.
Car insurance is a way of preparing yourself for some stressful moments while driving your car. Getting one doesn't mean that you are already assuming that you will encou7nter car theft or car accidents. Getting car insurance is a lot like accepting the reality that these things happen and that it is best to be prepared. This is better than not having a car insurance at all and end up paying more, just because you decided is best not to have one. Since car insurances these days have death or disability insurance for the driver or owner of the car, it is a lot like caring for your family and loved ones by leaving them with nothing to worry about.
Since there are many car insurance agencies these days, it is best to assess each one and check which has been in the industry for a long time. You can also check with friends for referrals. This is actually the best thing to do as compared to believing in advertisements and flyers.
Car insurance is needed by people who want to be assured that their cars won't experience distress, especially when the time comes and they get into an accident or anything else. There are things in this world that you have to be aware and to prepare for. This is why it is vital to assess and choose the most affordable and most reasonable price for your car insurance.Hence, it is true that the insurance quotes reflect the cost of certain automobile- related expenses. In fact, there are many explanations on how the increasing cost of such insurances is accumulated.
Each year millions of people get into car accidents that involve personal injury. With this type of incidents, the typical price range of such treatment is around $6,000 to $9,000. Thus, this can easily turn into tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the type of car.
This problem is actually joined by the trouble of increasing claims of automobile injury, which are currently as much as 30 % in some states. These dilemmas can turn into the new car insurance holder's burden of additional payments or premiums.
Moreover, another reason for this is the legal expenses that the company needs to pay due to the fact that an average jury award for vehicular liability cases are continuing to rise and can put up the pressure on auto insurance rates.
An average liability can cost from about $187,000 up to $269,000. This was the estimated record from the year 1994 up to the year 2000, respectively. Thus, the number one cause of death for people ages 1 up to 34 is car accident.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, these deaths cost more than $150 billion annually. People who are under the use of prohibited drugs, alcohol abuse, high- speed driving and are not using a seat belt are the leading people who are at risk of such an accident. Auto repair has also increased because of the rapid advancing age of technology, along with construction and design that have now become a must in this era. Automotive innovations and repair costs have increased tremendously and thus, higher car insurance may ensue because of this.
Hence, there is a notion that red cars cost more insurance. This is not true. Colour is never a determinant factor in calculating one's car insurance rate. The factors that are important are the year, model, body, type, engine size and the age of the car. Even if you have a cheap car but you have a large engine, or it is an unusual model, it might cost a lot to have it insured as compared to a more expensive small car.
Then again, you will pay for a lesser amount in comprehensive coverage, which can cover the damage that is usually brought about by vandalism, hail, fire or even animal accidents. There is also a case, in which, two speeding tickets can make your car insurance rate go up.Plus, it is also not true that every car insurance company can charge anyone on any way they please. Despite the increasing expenses of this company, they still have a way of covering all the damages and they also have regulators that review their customer rates.
It is also important to take note of the amount of your car, where in, it's insurance will most likely have a relative cost to. This is due to the fact that some companies shoulders only a minimum amount and will not cover certain accidents. Of course, this will result into a lawsuit but they will not include all the damages. So, it is wiser to read your terms and conditions.
Thus, if someone drives your car and there is an accident, you will still be the one held responsible. You will be financially responsible for the accident. In most states, the car insurance that covers the accident is considered the primary insurance holder, which means that the insurance company is the one that should pay for the damages. Hence, there are cases that it is not enough and the driver's insurance is the next in line to pay for the remaining damages. This is primarily why you need to know the car insurance policy in your state, as well as the laws that go hand in hand with it. States and even countries differ in policies politically and geographically.
Aside from this, there are also other factors that are being considered for car insurance rates. Of course, your rate won't be the same as that of your neighbours. Your age, nature of your work, driving record, type of vehicle and marital status are all considered. This can really vary depending on the company's standards. Sometimes, your charge can go down when you turn 25 because this is the time when car accidents go down. The extremes of ages, like that of a teenager and that of the forty year old individual is where the accident rate is at its highest.
Lastly, there is a so called rental reimbursement that can cover and pay for your rental car. This is for cases, wherein, you are on vacation and you just rented a car that resulted into an accident. This will help drivers pay for the damages to the car but this still depends on the limits you selected. Having more than one insurance policy is not really money- saving technique. In fact, it is more expensive. Most of the time, you can save your money by getting the best rate available in one company. Thus, if you want different types of insurance like that of the auto and homeowners insurance, you can look for another company that can give you the best deal. At times, you will get better deals from different insurance companies.
Car insurance is a way of preparing yourself for some stressful moments while driving your car. Getting one doesn't mean that you are already assuming that you will encou7nter car theft or car accidents. Getting car insurance is a lot like accepting the reality that these things happen and that it is best to be prepared. This is better than not having a car insurance at all and end up paying more, just because you decided is best not to have one. Since car insurances these days have death or disability insurance for the driver or owner of the car, it is a lot like caring for your family and loved ones by leaving them with nothing to worry about.
Since there are many car insurance agencies these days, it is best to assess each one and check which has been in the industry for a long time. You can also check with friends for referrals. This is actually the best thing to do as compared to believing in advertisements and flyers.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
£1500, fun and 30mpg plus... what would you buy?
It's a good question, isn't it? Particularly if, like me, you happen to have that budget, and those requirements from a car. £1500 gets you a surprising amount these days, anything from tidy superminis, MPVs and third-hand family cars to classic roadsters, hot hatches and sports saloons. Some will make great runarounds or first cars and others fun weekend toys.
But, if you're like me (young, skint, and like a bit of fun from your car now and then) you might find your choice rather more limited. Sure, you can find plenty of old hot hatches at this price, but unfortunately many have been ragged to within an inch of their lives by now, and insurance is still very expensive even with a few years no-claims behind you. Such is the plight of the young driver.
However, hope is in store. There are still choices out there, if you look hard enough, that will provide you with fun and reliable motoring, but importantly, not emptying your wallet come renewal time or at the pumps. With fuel prices as they are, easily doing more than 30mpg is virtually essential nowadays. Below is a selection of cars that meet the above criteria. What would you buy?
The E30 3-series is slowly becoming a collectors' item. Partly due to it being an important model for the marque, and partly to ensure the survival of original cars before they're all snapped up by the tuning brigade. The 316i and 318i aren't the fastest, but they are both cheap to run and the £1500 budget will get a model in very nice condition. A bit of rear-wheel drive fun to start the list.
Having seen the success of Mazda's MX5, Honda decided to make their own sports car based on the Civic. It wasn't as light and loony as the model that preceded it, but it has it's own character and roof-out fun. The ESi has roughly 120bhp, does almost 40mpg and is much cheaper to insure than the screaming VTi.
A choice from way out at left-field here. You might not have expected to see a small 4x4 here - after all, they're not known for their great fuel economy or fun. Yet Honda were singing from a different hymn book with the HR-V - not only does it do at least 33mpg, but it's also supposed to be good fun to throw about.
Mazda's coupe has managed to avoid the general public's consciousness thus far (thanks to more popular choices like Ford's Puma and Renualt's Megane Coupe), making it a great second-hand choice with low prices. The V6 engine sings yet manages mid-thirties mpg, and the cars seem generally well built and reliable.
Another small Mazda, but one you've heard of this time. £1500 is remarkably little to buy a classic, but it's achievable with the MX5, and it's going to buy you a whole bundle of affordable fun. Ignore the hairdresser jibes - anyone who's driven one will tell you it's impossible to have perfect coiffure after five minutes with the hood down...
You what? A Porsche for how much? It was always designed to be affordable and now you can buy one for pocket money. It isn't, as you might have heard, equipped with a van engine - it was an Audi engine that was tuned for use in the 924 and detuned for use in a VW van. Owners report 30mpg, and £1500 should get a nice one.
Turbo lag and torque steer. Right, now the stereotypes are out of the way, we can appreciate the car's unusual styling, great seats, bucketfulls of character and great performance. Not only that, but many insurers consider it a classic now, so you might be able to benefit from cheap classic insurance.
Rumor has it that the MR2 project was initially developed with Lotus, but Mazda took the project on fully when Lotus had financial issues and abandoned their share. So if you squint a bit, you're looking at an 80s Lotus Elise. Maybe. Either way, it's a brilliant drivers car which does mid-30s mpg. You may have to look hard for one untainted by rust, however.
Even less known than the Mazda MX-3, and arguably not as special, but with 40mpg easily achievable it has it's own merit. And of course, being a Toyota, it'll last for ever, and ever, and ever. It enjoys a very low insurance group as well, and should be fun, if not up to Ford Puma levels.
Although a small saloon seems a bit incongruous next to small sports cars, coupes and hatches - especially a diesel one - the Bora represents brilliant value for money. It's cheaper than the equivalent Golf both to buy and insure, yet shares the same great engines and build. The diesels get an easy 50mpg and can be tuned very easily for much more power and torque.
My final suggestion is, undoubtably, a classic. If you want to spend £1500 on one, do it now because they're unlikely to stay at that price as they become more scarce and more popular for restoration. Manages 35mpg and faster to 60mph than the standard mk4 Golf GTI. Cheap to insure on classic insurance, too.
An eclectic mix then, and perhaps a bit more interesting than your average hot hatch, yet likely to provide many miles of reliable, economical and fun motoring. If you're lucky, you may even find a little practicality to add to the mix. £1500 really does get you a lot of car.
But, if you're like me (young, skint, and like a bit of fun from your car now and then) you might find your choice rather more limited. Sure, you can find plenty of old hot hatches at this price, but unfortunately many have been ragged to within an inch of their lives by now, and insurance is still very expensive even with a few years no-claims behind you. Such is the plight of the young driver.
However, hope is in store. There are still choices out there, if you look hard enough, that will provide you with fun and reliable motoring, but importantly, not emptying your wallet come renewal time or at the pumps. With fuel prices as they are, easily doing more than 30mpg is virtually essential nowadays. Below is a selection of cars that meet the above criteria. What would you buy?
BMW 316i/318i (E30)
The E30 3-series is slowly becoming a collectors' item. Partly due to it being an important model for the marque, and partly to ensure the survival of original cars before they're all snapped up by the tuning brigade. The 316i and 318i aren't the fastest, but they are both cheap to run and the £1500 budget will get a model in very nice condition. A bit of rear-wheel drive fun to start the list.Honda CRX ESi (3rd gen)
Having seen the success of Mazda's MX5, Honda decided to make their own sports car based on the Civic. It wasn't as light and loony as the model that preceded it, but it has it's own character and roof-out fun. The ESi has roughly 120bhp, does almost 40mpg and is much cheaper to insure than the screaming VTi.Honda HR-V
A choice from way out at left-field here. You might not have expected to see a small 4x4 here - after all, they're not known for their great fuel economy or fun. Yet Honda were singing from a different hymn book with the HR-V - not only does it do at least 33mpg, but it's also supposed to be good fun to throw about.Mazda MX-3 V6
Mazda's coupe has managed to avoid the general public's consciousness thus far (thanks to more popular choices like Ford's Puma and Renualt's Megane Coupe), making it a great second-hand choice with low prices. The V6 engine sings yet manages mid-thirties mpg, and the cars seem generally well built and reliable.Mazda MX-5 mk1
Another small Mazda, but one you've heard of this time. £1500 is remarkably little to buy a classic, but it's achievable with the MX5, and it's going to buy you a whole bundle of affordable fun. Ignore the hairdresser jibes - anyone who's driven one will tell you it's impossible to have perfect coiffure after five minutes with the hood down...Porsche 924
You what? A Porsche for how much? It was always designed to be affordable and now you can buy one for pocket money. It isn't, as you might have heard, equipped with a van engine - it was an Audi engine that was tuned for use in the 924 and detuned for use in a VW van. Owners report 30mpg, and £1500 should get a nice one.Saab 900 T16
Turbo lag and torque steer. Right, now the stereotypes are out of the way, we can appreciate the car's unusual styling, great seats, bucketfulls of character and great performance. Not only that, but many insurers consider it a classic now, so you might be able to benefit from cheap classic insurance.Toyota MR2 mk1
Rumor has it that the MR2 project was initially developed with Lotus, but Mazda took the project on fully when Lotus had financial issues and abandoned their share. So if you squint a bit, you're looking at an 80s Lotus Elise. Maybe. Either way, it's a brilliant drivers car which does mid-30s mpg. You may have to look hard for one untainted by rust, however.Toyota Paseo
Even less known than the Mazda MX-3, and arguably not as special, but with 40mpg easily achievable it has it's own merit. And of course, being a Toyota, it'll last for ever, and ever, and ever. It enjoys a very low insurance group as well, and should be fun, if not up to Ford Puma levels.Volkswagen Bora Tdi
Although a small saloon seems a bit incongruous next to small sports cars, coupes and hatches - especially a diesel one - the Bora represents brilliant value for money. It's cheaper than the equivalent Golf both to buy and insure, yet shares the same great engines and build. The diesels get an easy 50mpg and can be tuned very easily for much more power and torque.Volkswagen Golf GTI mk1
My final suggestion is, undoubtably, a classic. If you want to spend £1500 on one, do it now because they're unlikely to stay at that price as they become more scarce and more popular for restoration. Manages 35mpg and faster to 60mph than the standard mk4 Golf GTI. Cheap to insure on classic insurance, too.An eclectic mix then, and perhaps a bit more interesting than your average hot hatch, yet likely to provide many miles of reliable, economical and fun motoring. If you're lucky, you may even find a little practicality to add to the mix. £1500 really does get you a lot of car.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Obama: Reading The Signs
This is a photo I took near my neighborhood the other morning. It sums up my position nicely.
(c) TheAutoProphet. Photo may be freely distributed and used as long as attribution is given.
(c) TheAutoProphet. Photo may be freely distributed and used as long as attribution is given.
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