BMW Blog

How a BMW E30 Beater Placed Third in Rally Mexico

2010-03-22T21:15:00.000+02:00

Jalopnik’s Sam Smith has put together one of the best pieces I’ve read in a while about how a guy from Chicago named Bill Caswell built up an FIA legal rally car out of a $500 BMW E30 he found on Craigslist. He entered it in Rally Mexico a few weeks back and after many trials and tribulations ended up on the class podium, beating out several $400,000 purpose built Imprezas and Evos. Much respect. You and I now have no excuse. Follow the link below to see how he did it.

-Jamie Wolfcale

[Jalopnik]

[Via http://drivecult.com]

Morning News | Slog | The Stranger, Seattle's Only Newspaper

Assorted grab bag of stuff we like - week of 3/22

2010-03-22T13:23:00.000+02:00

No further commentary needed, so let’s get right to it.

All images via tcl.

[Via http://bulgogibrothers.wordpress.com]

C&C4 DRM causing problems News | PC | Eurogamer

Velocity Motoring Wheel V710 PYSpeed Solar Black on BMW E92 M3

2010-03-19T21:46:00.000+02:00

VMR V710 (HRE P40 Style)

Check the classic look of VMR V710 custom powder coated in PYSpeed’s Signature Solar Black. It’s a high quality two tone custom powder coat look depends on the light. What you guys think?

[Via http://blog.pyspeed.com]

Obama to Appear on Fox News to Sell Health Care Reform -- Politics ...

The Top 20 Best Cars

2010-03-19T13:51:00.000+02:00

My Top 20 Best Cars, and it actually wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped to put together. Many things needed to be considered: price, performance, design, historical importance, exclusivity and overall desirability. Here are numbers 20 to 11.

20. 2010 Ford Focus RS

I’ve always had a thing for fast Fords, and this one is, without any shadow of a doubt, in that category. And yes, I will have it in green please. This hot hatch has been hailed by most automotive journalists as the best handling front wheel drive car ever made. The turbocharged 2.5l straight five puts out 305hp and 325 lb/ft of torque, which used to be considered a ludicrous amount of grunt for the front wheels to handle. But Ford’s limited slip differential keeps the torque steer under control while the suspension keeps the grip coming. I know, it’s anything but subtle, but RS Fords aren’t supposed to be. Unfortunately, North America doesn’t get to see this amazing car. None the less, move to Europe and it’s yours for around $55 000.

19. VW Golf GTi Mk.VI

Volkswagen introduced the Golf in 1974, unknowingly having created what would become the benchmark of the hot hatch market. Over the years, the shape got rounder and the car gained a lot of weight. Stronger engines were being put under the bonnet, but the car lost some of it’s magic, it’s personality. Six generations down the line, it’s back and better than ever! The looks have been reviewed and it looks amazingly aggressive now, it’s 2.0l, turbocharged inline 4 moving it along under the supervision of 200hp and 207 lb/ft of torque. Starting at $28 675, it might just be the best bang for your buck and, once again, the epitome of hot-hatch culture.

18. 1996 Lotus Esprit V8

Lotus is a relatively small sports car manufacturer founded in 1952 and based in Norfolk, UK. It’s founder, engineer Colin Chapman, went by the motto “Simplify and add lightness”, and the company has a reputation for being the best in the business when it comes to chassis development and handling abilities. The Esprit has a long history, it’s pinnacle being the ‘96 V8 version. Weighing only 1380 kg, it’s 350hp twin-turbocharged V8 gets it moving very quickly. Not only is it fast, it gives an incomparable driving experience. The simplistic styling definitely has a certain charm to it, and it manages to appear so big, even though it’s only 4.3m long, 1.8m wide and 1.15m tall. One of these in mint condition will go for around $70 000.

17. BMW M3 E30

The E30 was the first generation of M3’s BMW produced. They’ve become more refined and powerful over the years, but none remain as desirable as this one. From it’s looks to the sound it makes to the way it drives, this car will go down in the history book as one of the best drivers cars ever built. Production started in 1983 based on the current 3 series. BMW’s M Division is the in house tuning shop that develops cars for those whose sole interest is performance. Arguably, the best version of the E30 is the Sport Evolution, at 235hp to the rear wheels, originally designed for the World Rally Championship. It lasted 9 years before it was replaced by the more modern looking E36 generation. Depending on condition and rarity, an E30 M3 can easily fetch $20 000.

16. Ford Escort RS Cosworth

In my opinion, the best of all the fast Fords ever made. Being the predecessor of the Focus, the RS stands for Rally Sport, having been introduced as Ford’s venture into the World Rally Championship. It was produced between 1992 and 1996 in very small numbers, some 7000 or so. The Cosworth YBT engine, a highly tunable turbocharged 2.0l power plant, which had an output of 224hp, was unquestionably the car’s best feature. It’s history and racing pedigree is what makes it such a sought after car, picking up 10 WRC titles for different teams in it’s career. It was discontinued when the European Union passed new laws on noise regulation, so yes, it was loud. They’re not available in North America, but across the ocean they’ll get $25 000 in good condition, maybe more.

15. Lamborghini Miura P400SV

This is one of the most revolutionary cars ever built. It is the foundation on which today’s supercars are designed, being the first production car to feature a mid-engined layout, meaning the engine sits in the middle, behind the driver, for better weight distribution. Not only is it a milestone in the automotive industry, it’s unbelievably gorgeous. It was released in 1966 and was updated a handful of times until 1972. The most popular generation was the P400SV, the third rendition of the Miura. The 3.9l V12 produced a whopping 385hp, all very big numbers in it’s day. But then again, so was the price. It cost $25 000, which is $120 000 in today’s currency. If you want one in good condition, and there were only 150 built, you can cough up more than $600 000 given it’s classic status.

14. Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera

Gallardo is the spanish word for striking, which is definitely a fitting name for a car that looks like this. It is the most recent incarnation, announced March 2010, of the Gallardo, Lamborghini’s smallest model. In 1999, Audi took ownership of the Italian supercar maker established in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini. This was the first car they produced, and it was a perfect blend of german engineering and italian panache. Superleggera means super-light, which Lamborghini took very seriously. On this latest version, they have cut an incredible 230 kg off the original Gallardo, bringing it down to a mere 1340kg. Combined with a mid-mounted, howling V10 producing 570hp shredding the road through all four tires, it’s needless to say that it is ridiculously fast and handles better than just about anything. The use of carbon-fiber was very liberal and anything that could be removed or lightened was. Prices have not yet been released, but put aside a good $250 000 if you want one.

13. 1968 Shelby Cobra GT500 KR

The infamous GT500, one of the most legendary muscle cars ever. Carroll Shelby was a race car driver turned tuner who worked closely with Ford. He particularly liked the Mustang, producing several special editions of just about every version of it, including today’s models. The KR meant “King of the Road”, and this version may have been the best. Under the hood is an enormous 7.0l Cobra-Jet V8 which was rated, for insurance reasons, at a mere 350hp, but actually produced closer to 450hp. Yes, the suspension may have been medieval, but it doesn’t matter. The looks, the sound, the speed; this is what true American Muscle is all about. This car now having been deemed a classic, the few remaining original GT500 KR’s can go for up to $300 000.

12. Nissan GT-R

Arguably the most influential car of the last decade, the GT-R changed the way we look at cars. This is more than just a fast car, it is one of the most technologically advanced machines on four wheels the world has ever seen. It continues the legendary Nissan Skyline series, which has often been considered the best mass produced car to come out of Japan. They are built in hermetically sealed rooms by hand, which is why horsepower levels vary from one engine to another. Nissan puts it at around 470hp, but some have over 500hp. The onboard computer controls virtually every aspect of the car, but what’s amazing is that this doesn’t interfere with the driving experience. Power is delivered through all four wheels with variable torque distribution, giving it unmatched handling abilities. At $81 900, it’s hard to call it a bargain. But when you look at the near $175 000 you’ll pay for its competitors, its hard not to… it even has rear seats and a trunk!

11. Ferrari 250 GTO

Touted as the Ferrari that most successfully embodies the traits of the marque, only thirty-six 250 GTO’s were built. In the US, they were sold for $18 000 dollars, which is around $110 000 today, and you had to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari himself to buy one. It is one of the most handsome cars to ever grace our retinas, and the 300hp, 3.0l V12 graced our eardrums with a sensationally hearty bellow that turns into an unbelievably invigorating high-pitched scream at higher revs. The handling was revolutionary in its time, coming second in the 1962 12 hours of Sebring to the Testa Rossa, a full-race designed Ferrari. Today, it is one of the most sought after cars by collectors. In fact, it holds the record for the most expensive car in the world. At an auction in 2008, an anonymous british buyer paid an eye watering £24.7 million! Thats $38 270 000 canadian!

My Top 10 Best Cars will be revealed this weekend.

[Via http://carthing.wordpress.com]

Mexico-bound tour bus rolls over, killing 2 near San Antonio ...

Top 5 Zealotry Brands - What Are Yours?

2010-03-17T21:16:00.000+02:00

BMW. The ULTIMATE driving machine. They don’t care what others think about their owners’ attitudes towards their car. And, yes there is an attitude and a swagger to a BMW owner.

Apple. Think DIFFERENT. Uh, are you a nice, don’t make waves corporate type? Check in at the Dell stand dude. Mac people are more creative and smarter. Just ask them.

Jif Peanut Butter. Only a abusive mother would not buy Jif for her family. After all, choosy moms choose Jif.

Coca-Cola. First, Pepsi ran campaigns for years touting blind taste test wins. And, arguably the biggest market research faux pas was about replacing brand Coke with “New Coke.” Coca-Cola Zealots would rather go without than drink a competitive brand replacement. For a soft drink that costs less than a buck at retail and with a myriad of competitors, this brand has many fans that believe you are desecrating their family lineage if you offer them anything other than a Coke.

Green Bay Packers. You probably know the “Cheeseheads” have a waiting list to endure sub-zero degree game (and tailgating) conditions. And, they consider the all-time Packer – Brett Favre – a traitor, because he “deserted” to a rival team. Did you know they have a “FANS” hall of fame? Or, that the team is a non-profit and owned by the community? Packer fans are legendary and unique to all of sports.

What are your top 5 Zealotry Brands? Share them with us…

[Via http://zealotrymarketing.wordpress.com]

Apple bans protective screen film from Apple Store | iLounge News

Our Homie Pavel was featured

2010-03-17T04:29:00.000+02:00

Stanceworks is a very large blog very similar to Fatlace with about 30 bloggers and they have great photographers too.These pictures are from stanceworks.com/canibeat

Pavel had some wonderful pics done for his ride take a peek

Glad to see all the friends cars getting featured. all that hard work as paid off and you get noticed !

He had a shoot with another car with very nice fitment. Congrats to the two of ya

Lets let the pictures talk for me

The PavelK’s BMW 5 Series is on CCW LM20’s, 18×10 225/40/18 and 18×11.5 255/35/18

[Via http://vipxnextlevel.wordpress.com]

Here's My News: Erick Erickson Joins CNN's Roster of Political ...

A Side Show We Shouldn't Even Let You Hear!

2010-03-15T19:07:00.000+02:00

Side Show Podcast | 03/15/2010

PLEASE NOTE:

Contains EXPLICIT Material and is not suitable for younger listeners.

The guys are on fire today as they discuss bad movies, good movies like Twilight, Fernando’s new car, and some gossip that shouldn’t have even made it into the Side Show!

Click here to download (Right-click on the link & select “Save-As”)

[Via http://movin997.radio.com]

Crackdown 2 dated for July News | Xbox 360 | Eurogamer

Internet Connectivity Comes to Car

2010-03-15T13:47:00.000+02:00

Online, on the Road

The definition of a hot car is about to change. Speed? Style? That’s all well and good, but how can a car be hot if it doesn’t have an internet hotspot?

Yes, after several false starts, the telecom industry is about to do what it has long promised – or threatened, depending on your view: turn your car into a mobile office and multimedia playpen.

Web-surfing smart phones and Bluetooth connections have opened the pipeline and automakers are going with a flow whose direction has become clear: networking portable devices rather than installing pricey and rapidly obsolete hardware in the car.

Mercedes-Benz and BMW took baby steps for 2009, letting users send Google Map addresses and data from a home computer to a car’s navigation system. For 2010, all BMW models with the fourth generation iDrive system take the next step, letting drivers to connect to Google Maps’ powerful database using the car’s navigation screen.

BMW’s2010 7-Series will go a step further, offering full internet connectivity. But that’s only for Europe. (Sorry friends!!!)

Chrysler, however has no such qualms. For every Chrysler , Dodge and Jeep can be equipped with a WiFi connection for laptops,music players and other devices. At a cost of just dealers will install and activate a wireless router with a built in modem, with subscribers paying an additional $29 for monthly service. The web service is the latest in Chrysler’s suite of UConnect features, which includes Bluetooth phone synchronization and Sirus satellite television.

Ultimately, the point won’t be to outlaw four-wheeled Web-surfing (a quixotic quest) but to make it work smarter, via improved voice controls and interfaces-and improved drivers. Let’s just hope that the guy in the other lane is watching the road, not YouTube.

[Via http://flamingeagle94.wordpress.com]

Fox News' Major Garrett Interviewed By Twitter | Mediaite

M5 E28 CSL

2010-03-12T21:10:00.000+02:00

Lo he encontrado en el foro gentebmw y fue posteado por josecoy el pasado 05 de Febrero. Os dejo con las fotos…

Si, el motor proviene de un M5 E34…

[Via http://r32taka.com]

Brad Friedman and Desi Doyen: Green News Report -- March 11, 2010 ...

Free Practise 1 - F1 @ Sakhir

2010-03-12T13:11:00.000+02:00

With McLaren rear wing being approved and Ferrari all fired up, it was a private battle to see which is fastest. Ferrari was faster, but it was the Force India of Adrian Sutil that has taken 1st in the first practise session of the new season. We knew that they had pace, with his team-mate coming in 7th place. Ferrari came 2nd and 4th with Alonso and Massa, while McLaren came 5th and 6th with Button leading. 3rd place went to Robert Kubica in the Renault, that great result, but not for his rookie team-mate of Vitaly Petrov, was placed in 16th place. Both Mercedes cars finish in the top 10 with 7 time world champ Michael Schumacher finishing 10th. The RBR and STR all were pretty much the same, with Williams closely be behind. The BMW Sauber Ferrari were 17th and 18th followed by the 3 new teams with HRT and di Grassi not setting a time.

Full Results

A Sutil (Force India) – 1.56.583
F Alonso (Ferrari) – 1.56.766
R Kubica (Renault) – 1.57.041
F Massa (Ferrari) – 1.57.055
J Button (McLaren) – 1.57.068
L Hamilton (McLaren) – 1.57.163
V Liuzzi (Force India) – 1.57.194
N Rosberg (Mercedes) – 1.57.199
M Webber (Red Bull) – 1.57.255
M Schumacher (Mercedes) – 1.57.662
J Alguersuri (STR) – 1.57.722
N Hulkenberg (Williams) – 1.57.894
S Vettel (Red Bull) – 1.57.943
S Buemi (STR) – 1.58.399
R Barrichello (Williams) – 1.58.782
V Petrov (Renault) – 1.58.880
P de la Rosa (BMW Sauber) – 2.00.250
K Kobayashi (BMW Sauber) – 2.01.388
Timo Glock (Virgin) – 2.03.680
H Kovalainen (Lotus) – 2.03.848
J Trulli (Lotus) – 2.03.970
L di Grassi (Virgin) – No Time
B Senna (HRT) – No Time
K Chandhok (HRT) – No Time

Look out for Practise 2 later on tonight!

[Via http://f1racingmad.wordpress.com]

Memo puts WGN news staffers at a loss for words | Feder | blogs ...

Random AC SCHNITZER

2010-03-08T21:26:00.000+02:00

My friend wanted me to take some pictures of some random AC SCHNITZER things that he bought… And so I did. He got a new E-Brake handle cover as well as some pedals. He also got his Gintani X-Pipe installed the other day and so we were having fun just driving around. It just so happened that we drove through a parking lot going 5 mph in 2nd gear and accidentally set off a few car alarms along the way…

His e-brake + bokeh

His pedals

And another picture of his fender vent. Gotta love the car x]

[Via http://eseeramorihs.wordpress.com]

AMERICAblog News: The voters have voted in Iraq

Bavarian beauties

2010-03-05T21:32:00.000+02:00

...

[Via http://thestreetsofturin.wordpress.com]

The Fox News story that nearly sank a Bush presidency before it ...

TechExperience: Searching for used cars?

2010-03-05T05:30:00.000+02:00

If you’re searching for used cars online, then the best place to go to is buyyourcar. There are so many choices and the navigation through the website is so simple! The different cars you can get from this website include:

Fords

Volkswagens

BMWs

Vauxhalls

Mini’s

This website is amazing if you’re looking to buy a car. It’s got lots of varieties to choose from and it offers lots of options too!

Happy car searchin’!

- Millie

[Via http://techexperience.wordpress.com]

Local Marketing with Hyperlocal Blog and News Aggregators | Search ...

BMW reveals X5 M Sports package sum, photos

2010-02-26T19:25:00.000+02:00

Originally published at Autosnewspaper.com. Please leave any comments there.

Initially, BMW revealed that for the 2011 X5 would be removing dual new turbocharged engines, as good as alittle really teenager visible tweaks to both the front and rear fascias. Rightaway, however,

Read the rest of this entry »

[Via http://autosnewspaper.wordpress.com]

Dishwasher: Vampire Smile revealed News | Xbox 360 | Eurogamer

The car's the star (of the song)

2010-02-22T21:30:00.000+02:00

Cars in popular culture? We all know about Prince’s Little Red Corvette and Wilson Pickett’s Mustang Sally, but what about cars that are contained within the lyrics?

Here’s Petrolblog’s rundown of the top tunes with cars within the lyrics. In true chart show style, we start with number 10.

10. Can I ride with you in your BMW?: Oasis – Supersonic

9. I’ve been driving in my car, it’s not quite a Jaguar: Madness – Driving in my car

8. Drove my Chevy to the levee: Don McLean – American Pie

7. Her mind is tiffany twisted, she’s got the Mercedes bends: The Eagles – Hotel California

6. There’s a girl my lord in a flatbed Ford: The Eagles – Take it easy

5. So why don’t we make a little room in your BMW – George Michael – Fast Love

4. Cos Tony’s got a new motor, SR Nova driving like a joyrider: The Streets – Has it come to this?

And the all important top three…

3. I drive a Rolls Royce, cos it’s good for my voice: T-Rex – Children of the Revolution

2. Out on the road today, I saw a deadhead sticker on a Cadillac: Don Henley – Boys of Summer

1. He’s got a brand new car, looks like a Jaguar: Feeder – Buck Rogers

Still waiting for the first song to feature the Kia Pride or Hyundai Accent.

And finally, by way of a tribute to the awesome Feeder, here’s the song itself. Looks like a Jag-uuu-aaarr!

[Via http://majorgav.wordpress.com]

FFVII remake "unrealistic to happen" News | PS3 | Eurogamer

Car shoot - BMW M Coupe

2010-02-22T05:34:00.000+02:00

Photoshoot for a client:

[Via http://graphicsdump.wordpress.com]

iPod, iPhone feature poll ends, App Store content poll begins ...

BMW S 1000RR

2010-02-19T21:35:00.000+02:00

The video lets you appreciate the loading your valve springs go through. The motor has a redline of 14,200. “BMW’s most powerful production motorcycle engine cranks out 193 horsepower at 13,000 RPM and 82.5 pound-feet of torque at 9,750 RPM. Reliably. Perhaps the most impressive piece of engineering in such a high-strung engine is the valvetrain.” Taken from Autoblog, sent to me courtesy of Dang from Hellfish Racing.

[Via http://earlqhan.wordpress.com]

Project Ten Dollar confirmed for BC2 News | Eurogamer

Apology to BMW

2010-02-17T21:26:00.000+02:00

… Sort of…

I have spent the last 5 years of my life hating BMW drivers and, in turn, hating the BMW brand.

I hate how people who drive them always refer to them as “my Beamer,” rather than, “my car.” (I have similar opinions about these arrogant d-bags who walk around in Northface jackets. It’s never, “hand me my jacket.” It’s, “hand me my Northface.” It is a mother eff’ing jacket. Get over yourself).

I hate how they look (looks the same as an Accord to me).

I hate how they are rarely taken care of (almost always dirty and the wheels are ALWAYS covered in break dust… take some pride in your car for God’s sake).

And most of all, and I mean most of all, I hate how they are driven by so many people who can’t afford them.

I am of the belief that a car is a reflection of the driver. It reflects a combination of your needs, income and personality.

So why do I constantly see college kids driving BMWs? Are college campuses a safe place to keep a car? Can college kids afford to buy a BMW? Is there a need for a BMW in college? Last time I checked most college kids eat Raumen Noodles, drink Keystone Light, and pile as many of their drunk friends as possible into one car to get from place to place. Definitely a place for a “Beamer.”

Obviously these wannabe’s can’t afford their car, mommy and daddy bought it for them, which is impossible to comprehend. Let’s review:

Suzie is going to college. Suzie wants a car. Suzie has a high school reputation to up hold so she can’t drive just any ol’ car, she needs a BMW. Mommy and Daddy decide, “Suzie has to have this BMW, she is way too good for a Kia.” Now Suzie rolls around campus in her 3 Series BMW, acting like she is too good for everyone else. Oh, and mommy and daddy pay for her gas and don’t make her get a job because she needs to “focus on her grades.”

If you are in college, drive a BMW and are reading this right now thinking, “This guys is a total a-hole. That’s not how I got my car, I earned my car. Blah blah blah blah.” Stop for a second and really think about how you got your car. Did you pay your down payment? Do you pay your insurance? Do you make monthly payments? Do you need a BMW? You’re the person I am talking about.

Then there is the young professional who gets their first paycheck and thinks they have to own a BMW to show everyone that they make $30k/yr. Enjoy your car… and your food stamps.

Over the years I have become bitter towards BMW. Not because I am jealous, trust me, I’m not a BMW person. I LOVE my Acura. It’s just that I know too many people who have no business driving these cars, but drive them anyway and act like they are somehow superior to everyone because their parents happened to be successful. I have built this persona of a BMW driver in my head and I hate it. Whenever I see one, I immediately despise the driver and the car, usually for no good reason.

Then I moved to South Beach.

You know what doesn’t exist down here? 3 series BMW’s, stuck-up college students and dirty cars. All you see is CLEAN, well kept 6 and 7 Series BMW’s, driven by grown adults who have careers and make their own car payments. I almost feel guilty for all the hating I have done on BMW over the years. Turns out BMW is a luxury car line, and are driven by more than just spoiled college students and over zealous young professionals.

So here is my official apology to you, BMW (as if you care). I’m sorry for all the nasty things I said about you and your drivers. More than anything, I think I am impressed that you were able to take what is basically a Honda Accord, slap a BMW logo on the front and sell it for twice as much as its worth, to people who can’t afford them so they can feel better about themselves. Well done, BMW.

[Via http://steveopalko.wordpress.com]

Platform Computing on Federal News Radio | insideHPC.com

Fascinating Brand Stories | BMW

2010-02-15T20:47:00.000+02:00

By Dian Hasan | February 14, 2009

Every major brand on the global stage comes with a story as illustrious as the journey it took to where it is today. Brands evolve and go through different stages. Just like people, brands are born, learn to crawl, take baby steps, go through stages of growing pains, and mature. Along the way some brands perish, re-emerge, re-incarnate into something completely new… while some others simply continue to sail through… going from strength to strength.

Here’s an interesting fact behind the brand journey of BMW, the inventors of the now famous tagline “The Ultimate Driving Machine”.

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) was founded in 1916 in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. BMW’s famous logo made its first appearance on a 1929 Dixi. A remarkably simple symbol; silver lettering on a circular black band with four equal segments of solid blue and white – an homage to the colors of Bavaria. The origins trace back to World War I, when the Bavarian Luftwaffe flew planes painted in Bavarian colors, affording the pilot a view through his propeller of blue and white segments.

This inspired the stylized design into one of the world’s most recognizable brand logos. The consistency is legendary, with only minor touches over the years. BMW is On-Code with the smart, clean-cut, upscale and sporty image that is portrayed through the precision-engineered cars and motorcycles.

[Via http://dianhasan.wordpress.com]

AMERICAblog News: NY Times picks up Goldman link to Greek ...

E39 E46 325I 525I WATER PUMP , BMW VS MEYLE

2010-02-15T05:24:00.000+02:00

bmw water pump meyle 325i 525i

Check out the build quality of the BMW water pump (left) vs. the Meyle water pump (right). The BMW pump on the left is a used part, the meyle is brand new! Beware of the cheap stuff!

[Via http://sandiegobmwservice.wordpress.com]

News Fail - FAIL Blog: Epic Fail Pictures and Videos of Owned ...

Bullrun Season 3: Team BMW - 10 Questions

2010-02-10T05:43:00.000+02:00

10 Questions with the Brother and Sister Team from Bullrun’s 3rd Season

Michael Schlee

Excitement is building as the 3rd season of Speed TV’s hit reality show Bullrun is set to return February 18th. The automotive gauntlet is set to excite viewers once again as 12 teams race across America in hopes of claiming the $200 000 grand prize.

Over the past few weeks I have been conducting interviews with several of the competing teams from the 3rd season of Bullrun. This time around I had the pleasure of interviewing Team BMW, the only brother sister team on this year’s rally. Consisting of driver Jason Arias and co driver Kristina Arias, Team BMW entered Bullrun with their BMW 335i.

As one of the youngest teams to enter the rally, it is anyone’s guess how they will fare. We will all have to watch the show to see what happens. Read below to see their answers to the 10 questions.

1. How did you first hear about Bullrun?

-Kristina: I randomly saw it on tv one day and immediately was hooked!

-Jason: We watched season 2 every week! We weren’t lucky enough to know about the show during season 1. After the 2nd season ended we watched every episode of season 1 we could online.

2. What was it like when you received the final call indicating you would be on the Bullrun Reality show?

-Kristina: I was driving and pretty much had to pull the car over because I was so pumped. I swear I had a heart attack.

-Jason: When my sister called me, I didn’t know what the hell she was saying because she was talking so fast. All I heard was “freaking Bullrun!” (laughs)

3. Were you at all apprehensive about bringing such a new vehicle into an automotive challenge like this one?

-Jason: Helllll yeah! It’s our daily driver for god’s sake!! There were some advantages to having a newer car. It should definitely be more reliable than an older car would be. It also has its disadvantages if something were to happen its not necessarily as easy to fix when you have limited tools and technology available to you.

4. Team BMW is Bullrun’s first Brother and Sister Team. What made you two decide to do this together?

-Jason: Pretty much, we’re a badass team

-Kristina: And we knew we’d be amazing.

-Jason: I get sick of people very easy so I couldn’t imagine being in the car for that long with anybody but my sister.

5. Most siblings wouldn’t be able to handle the pressure of Bullrun together. I take it you and your sister are close?

-Jason: Bullrun is intense! I’m not gonna lie. I wanted to throw her out the window more than once!! (Laughs). But yeah we are very close.

-Kristina: Super close. I hate to admit it but I totally idolize him. Great, now his heads gonna get all big. We get along most of the time.

6. The last BMW team to appear on Bullrun was in Season 1. Many BMW enthusiasts wanted to see a better finish. Did you feel the pressure heading into the rally?

-Kristina: I felt the pressure to do well not just because of BMW enthusiasts but in general. I mean who wants to be the lame team.

-Jason: Of course we wanted to make BMW enthusiasts proud. But it’s hard to say what they will think of us and our performance because when you’re at home watching it’s easy to say “I could have done that better.” or “my BMW is more vicious.” All I know is we did our best and let it all hang out!

-Kristina: Its hard to compare us to the other teams from previous seasons because a lot has changed and we had the advantage of watching 2 seasons before. We kinda knew what to expect.

7. When you arrived at the start line for Bullrun Season 3, what went through your head as you saw who and what your competition would be?

-Jason: The first thought in my head was “Am I really on Bullrun!?” It was a lot to take in. We were so lucky!

-Kristina: I still can’t believe we were on Bullrun. We definitely were the least qualified to be there.

-Jason: There were a lot of crazy cars and for a second I thought we might have been in over our heads.

8. You are one of the youngest competitors to ever be on Bullrun; in any season. Heading into the competition, did you feel this could be an advantage or disadvantage?

-Kristina: We’re young and ready to do whatever it takes. Go big or go home! That mentality definitely is an advantage I think.

-Jason: If you think about it, we were at a big disadvantage because between the 2 of us we only have about 8 years of driving experience. The other teams were older and more experienced. And I’m not even talking about track or rally experience; I’m talking about driving period.

9. I have interviewed a few of the teams already that you competed against in Season 3. I keep hearing that this year is going to be colossal. Do you agree?

-Jason: Yeah, each season gets better. The challenges get harder and crazier.

-Kristina: It will rock your world!

10. If given the chance would you do it again?

-Kristina: Definitely. I had so much fun. Living out of a suitcase, going place to place, even if it’s a random town with a total of 3 people, it was totally exciting.

-Jason: Probably the most exciting thing I’ve done in my life. And I would love to do it again.

Catch the 3rd Season of Bullrun on Speed TV Starting February 18th.

Team Mach 1

Team Corvette

Team Lexus

Team Challenger

Team HemiCuda

[Via http://autoshow.autotrader.ca]

News Corp. Got $12.5 Million In Flixster Stock For Rotten Tomatoes ...

Perhaps the real reason I hate the X6 and Accord Crosstour

2010-02-08T21:39:00.000+02:00

I’ve hated them in the past too.

Yea, these kinds of cars were ugly in the 70s and 80s too.

[Via http://ragingpandabear.wordpress.com]

'Ghostbusters 3' News: Murray Confirms Rumors, Possible Villain ...

Tim WSBK BMW Siap Bertempur

2010-02-08T12:56:00.000+02:00

Ini adalah tahun kedua BMW akan berlaga di ajang World Superbike. Di bawah pengasuh baru, David Tardozzi, troy Corser dan Ruben Xaus siap berkompetisi dengan tim-tim lainnya.

[Via http://tugulawet.wordpress.com]

Good News Pilipinas » Standard & Poor bullish on Philippine economy

Pitchlist

2010-02-08T04:58:00.000+02:00

Some notable pitches spotted in the last week…

Print: BMW’s glorification of new car smell and Kitchen Aid’s appeal to OCD foodies, courtesy of Ads of the World.

Video: The new E class forcibly takes its place in the Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart (designed by UN Studios). In case you missed the hallowed Super Bowl commercials, they’re all available for viewing here. Not brand new, but Google’s “Search On,” which appeared during the third quarter, was a fave.

[Via http://inthepitch.wordpress.com]

NYT To Break David Patterson News Tomorrow, Resignation To Follow ...

Guest contributor: Brandon Miller on his Five and Dime

2010-02-05T21:04:00.000+02:00

I had wanted an E34 5-Series BMW since I saw my first one in high school. While looking for ideas on mods, I found one for sale, and I finally decided to pull the trigger. I contacted the owner, who parked it in his garage until I could get the funds together. After a few weeks, she was mine.

The car was already tastefully modded with Euro trim, Vogtland springs, Euro lights, and AC Schnitzer Type III replica wheels. When I got it, I added Koni sport shocks and Kmac adjustable trailing arm bushings, and replaced the Type III replicas with real ones. I then replaced all the Euro trim as it had been pitted from highway driving. In addition, I resprayed the front and rear bumpers due to chips and scratches. I removed the one piece crappy door panels and replaced them with 95 multipiece panels. I removed the wood trim and sanded, primed, based and cleared them with PPG black, followed by wetsanding and buffing. I did the same thing to the outside pillars as they were flat black from the factory. I then upgraded to aftermarket HIDs but hated them. So I bought a set of Acura TSX projectors and Philips D2S bulbs and went to town cutting the housing apart. I made adjustable brackets and was able to fit the TSX housings neatly behind the BMW glass. The headlight output is incredible now! One of the best mods ever.

Next, I decided the current powerplant had to go. I had previously had a 1995 Nissan S14 (that I did a Silvia conversion on) and then a Volvo 850R wagon, so I knew I wanted a turbo. After some research, I decided to lose the non-VANOS M50 engine and drop in an M52 with VANOS from an E39. I pulled it apart; cleaned and painted the block; honed the cylinder walls; dropped in some S52 cams, ARP head studs, and a thicker head gasket; and had aluminum bungs welded on the oil pan and filter housing for turbo feed and return.

I made an appointment with BMW tuners Turbo Charging Dynamics to do a forced induction install. I gave them a deposit and gave the freight company a deposit to have the car shipped from VA to MI.

And then it happened.

The night before the car was to be sent to TCD, I found one of my other dream cars: a clean 1972 Datsun 510 with a race motor which the then-owner knew nothing about. I used the turbo money to buy the 510, as I had wanted one since I was a kid (my dad had a number of 510s and 240Zs when I was growing up). Unfortunately, I lost quite a bit of money in the deposits to TCD and to the freight company, but after getting the 510, I realized it was well worth it.

I picked up the 510, which was near rust-free and straight, but had lots of minor cosmetic and wiring issues. It also ran like crap. I removed the BRE stripes, the M3 mirror, and the ugliest hood ever. I found a free parts car which I got all kinds of good bits from: hood, driver seat, dash, door panels, mirrors, etc. I even sold the parts car shell for $500 in addition to selling $600 of leftover parts.

I pulled the L20 engine from the car and measured the bore. Turned out the motor was a rare, Robello-built L20 bored and stroked to 2.3L. The car also had an Isky cam, Nissan comp headers, twin Mikuni 44 carburetors with short Mikuni manifold, ITG filter, Crane fireball XR700 ignition, Roadster 5-speed mid-close ratio transmission, Troy Ermish front and rear coilovers (cranked up too high), front and rear sway bars, a Sparco racing seat, and a roll cage. Good mods overall, but poorly executed and some no longer working. So I took it all apart, cleaned, and rebuilt everything. I also painted the engine bay, added full dynamat and a new carpet kit to the interior, and wetsanded and buffed the whole car. Lastly, I went through and cleaned up all the wiring, trying to hide as much of it as I could.

I recently dynoed the car at 128 HP at the rear wheels, but I need smaller pump nozzles in the carbs, and am hoping for 135 RWHP.

The Datsun is currently the top-rated 510 on Cardomain and the second or third-rated of all models and years of Datsuns registered on that site (approximately 3000).

It is a blast to drive and gets lots of looks.

More of the 5er:

Words and images: Brandon Miller

[Via http://bulgogibrothers.wordpress.com]

EyePet sequel on the way this year? News | PS3 | Eurogamer

Orange cars

2010-01-27T13:35:00.000+02:00

I think orange on cars looks great, especially when it’s combined with carbon or black accents. Here are some examples of some orange cars which i’ve collected over time.

[Via http://loveitlow.wordpress.com]

News Ticker: AC/DC, Justin Timberlake, Jack White, Paul Weller ...

Cycle World IMS New York: Meat the Press

2010-01-22T21:21:00.000+02:00

While pretty much all the press attention during the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show stops is directed toward the motorcycles, it’s kinda cool to turn that focus around to the journalists themselves.

If you’ve never been a part of this roving crowd of camera snappers and flashers (CAMERA flashers) it’s often been described as a scrum al a rugby, and for good reason. As the media schedule skips from OEM announcement to OEM annoucement, the press follows in a tight bunch, each jockying for position and camera angles. It’s even crazier at the European shows (like EICMA) where it seems that a fist fight is only a shove or elbow away. This roving band of moto-journos tends to break up as the hours progressive until it’s the niche guys getting the niche news. Good times for sure.

At the opening of the New York IMS stop, show representative and extremely debonair motoguy, Robert Pandya, was directing the first few hours of the press event. At 9:30 a.m. Friday morning, the show floor was still chockablock with unopened wooden crates, union workers, cleaners, assemblers and other assorted workers. Forklifts whirred and honked their way through the crowds, impatiently navigating the crowds to deliver payloads of whatnot.

There were reps from blogs, magazines, radio shows and newspapers, a span of media representation ranging from Roadbike to All About Bikes magazine, from Popular Science to American Iron. Oh year, don’t forget the Motorcycle Radio Network and Rider. In other words, the show gets some pretty damn good press from a wide range of media. We like this.

“Move in here folks,” Pandya says while trying to start the show at the Cycle World booth. “We don’t want to play journalist shish-kabob.”

From here the group moves en masse to BMW to hear head media-man Roy Olliemuller tout the OEM’s 2009 sales numbers before introducing the BMW crew and the S1000RR. There were those forklifts again in the background (and almost in the foreground!)

Boom, off to Victory Motorcycles. Then the Suzuki Busa Beats 2010 launch. Next, Star and the Performance Machine Raider. Honda? You’re up. Harley-Davidson’s got a new bike. Let’s go see it. A Ducati fashion show AND the 2010 Multistrada 1200? Bellisimo! Hardcore Choppers. TapouT. Ducati freestyle stunt team. Phew. It’s a busy schedule.

[Via http://dealernewsblog.com]

BBC - Douglas Fraser's Ledger: Paperless news

Newcomers- 2009 BMW 750Li

2010-01-20T21:49:00.000+02:00

I can’t even describe what a big improvement this car is from its predecessor. It features the latest generation of BMW’s notoriously bad iDirve, as well as an ergonomically correct shifter, and seat functions. The latest generation seven series also looks much better on the inside than the previous one. The overall feel, and design of the cockpit is just outstanding, and the ambient light at night is unlike any other.

The new 4.4L V8 twin turbocharged engine is a screamer, putting out over 400HP and 450 pound-feet of torque. A six speed automatic transmission with paddle shifting mode, delivers the power to the rear wheels. There are four settings you can choose to adjust the response and speed of the transmission, as well as the shock absorber firmness, and the throttle response which are all a part of BMW’s Driving Dynamic system. I personally love the new motor being that it moves the new 7 Series almost effortlessly. It is by far the best turbocharged motor I’ve ever driven.

The exterior styling is also much nicer than its predecessor. The lines are more smooth, and flow much better towards the rear of the car. The interior is very simple to use, and is almost better than that of the Panamera. The iDrive is a definite step up from its outgoing brother, however there are still improvements to be made. I love the new larger screen, and the way things are ordered in a list form- rather than bumping the knob to the left or right to choose which feature you would like to use. Radio preset buttons are also a huge welcome, as well as the climate system with its own display.

If you have any questions about what any of these features do, or have a purchase interest, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment! Select Luxury is here for YOU! Please let us know how we can better serve you, or if you have any suggestions for future posts.

[Via http://selectluxury.wordpress.com]

Do You Google the News? ~ Chris Pirillo

Assorted grab bag of stuff we like

2010-01-18T13:32:00.000+02:00

Happy MLK.

No further commentary necessary, so let’s get right to it.

These would appear to be rather gruesome, but miraculously (judging from the photos), the driver survived.

All photos via tcl.

[Via http://bulgogibrothers.wordpress.com]

Metaprinter – Covering the News from Haiti via Blogs and Twitter

Cool old BMW

2010-01-15T19:44:00.000+02:00

If you’re looking for a clean old ride that will be reliable, cool to putt around on and draw attention wherever you go, take a look at this BMW. The owner has put a good amount of money time and effort into the bike but he didn’t go overboard. Looking at the photo’s you can see that there is some age on the bike, but I think that adds to the cool factor.

The auction is almost over but the reserve hasn’t been met. Maybe it will get relisted? In my opinion, as a vintage BMW owner, the price is a little up there. It’s your call. It is a nice bike though

1965 BMW R60/2

[Via http://vintagemotorcycles.wordpress.com]

Ravens Insider: Garcon gets a bit of good news - The inside scoop ...

http://www.dchtustinacura.com/dealership/inthenews.htm

2010-01-13T21:29:00.000+02:00

Acura Honored Again

It beats Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz

Great news for Acura owners! For the second consecutive year, Acura has received the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) 2010 Residual Value Award for Best Luxury Brand. According to ALG, Acura’s line of luxury performance vehicles is expected to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a three-year period. Acura beat out other luxury brands such as Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz for the highly coveted award.

This means when you lease a new Acura you’ll get a much better rate.

Also, when you sell your Acura later, you’ll retain much better value than the other cars.

via http://www.dchtustinacura.com/dealership/inthenews.htm.

http://wp.me/pEkhA-y

[Via http://dchtustinacura.wordpress.com]

Sarah Palin to Contribute to Fox News - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com

BMW Indonesia Pindah Kantor

2010-01-13T13:52:00.000+02:00

Jakarta, 13 Januari 2010 - Kantor baru PT BMW Indonesia yang berlokasi di The Plaza hari ini diresmikan oleh Graeme Grieve, Vice President BMW Group yang tengah melakukan kunjungan dari Munich, Jerman. Johannes Seibert, Managing Director BMW Asia, serta Ramesh Divyanathan, Presiden Direktur PT BMW Indonesia juga turut meresmikan kantor yang berlokasi di gedung yang moderen dan ramah lingkungan ini.

“BMW Group bangga telah beroperasi di Indonesia melalui anak perusahaannya sejak 2001,” kata Graeme Grieve yang menangani pasar-pasar yang sedang berkembang di Asia, Afrika, Timur Tengah, Eropa Timur, Amerika Tengah dan Selatan. “Indonesia merupakan negara demokratis yang tengah berkembang dengan potensi yang besar. Pertumbuhan ekonomi Indonesia yang meyakinkan tahun lalu di tengah krisis ekonomi serta pelaksanaan pemilihan umum yang berlangsung lancar berperan dalam mengangkat citra negara ini. Indonesia juga memainkan peran yang kian penting di antara negara-negara ASEAN serta G20 yang menggambarkan posisinya yang semakin kuat di panggung dunia.”

Ia menambahkan bahwa peresmian kantor baru tersebut selaras dengan komitmen perusahaan dalam menjalankan usahanya di Indonesia, dengan serangkaian program untuk menghadirkan model-model yang menarik di tahun 2010 ini. “Relokasi kantor ke gedung yang terbaru dan moderen di Jakarta ini menunjukkan keyakinan BMW Group terhadap anak perusahaan dan bisnisnya di Indonesia.”

Dengan lokasinya yang berada di pusat kota Jakarta dan berdampingan dengan Bundaran Hotel Indonesia yang terkenal, kantor baru ini memberikan kesempatan lebih banyak bagi BMW untuk mengadakan berbagai acara di pusat perbelanjaan kelas atas yang juga berdekatan. Kantor baru BMW Indonesia yang berada di lantai 21 ini didesain memenuhi karakter BMW yang moderen, inovatif, estetis dan elegan. Lingkungan tempat kerja bersifat transparan serta mendorong komunikasi yang terbuka antar karyawan. Bangunan gedung ini mengikuti konsep ramah lingkungan dengan menerapkan teknologi low E-coating dengan tujuan untuk menghemat energi, pengolahan kembali limbah air, serta penggunaan mesin pembangkit listrik bertenaga gas yang menghasilkan emisi lebih rendah.

“BMW Group memiliki strategi untuk mengintegrasikan aspek sustainability dalam seluruh rantai operasionalnya untuk menciptakan nilai tambah bagi perusahaan, lingkungan, serta masyarakat. Konsep hijau pada gedung perkantoran ini adalah salah satu alasan dalam merelokasi kantor kami disini,” lanjut Graeme.

Berkenaan dengan komitmennya terhadap kelestarian lingkungan, BMW Group mendapat predikat sebagai perusahaan mobil yang paling sustainable sedunia selama lima tahun secara berturut-turut, menurut Dow Jones Sustainability Index. BMW terbukti berhasil menekan emisi gas CO2 lebih besar dari produsen kendaraan mobil mana pun yang beredar di Amerika Serikat dan Eropa. Komitmen serta visi tersebut juga akan membawa serta dampak yang positif bagi kegiatan usahanya di Indonesia.

“Kami memahami bahwa segmen mobil mewah di Indonesia tak begitu besar, tapi tetap saja mobil-mobil BMW yang dilengkapi teknologi EfficientDynamics serta kesadaran perusahaan akan pentingnya aspek sustainability dalam tiap kegiatan serta kebijakannya akan ikut membantu Indonesia dalam memenuhi komitmennya dalam hal pengurangan emisi setidaknya sampai 26 persen pada tahun 2020 nanti,” tambah Graeme.

BMW Indonesia memproyeksikan pertumbuhan sebesar dua digit di Indonesia pada tahun 2010 ini. Perusahaan telah menyiapkan investasinya untuk memperkuat brand image, perkenalan 10 model baru, perbaikan showroom dealer-dealer resminya termasuk fasilitas purna jual, pelatihan, serta pengembangan sumberdaya manusia.

Penjualan BMW di Indonesia mencatat rekor pertumbuhan yang impresif sebesar 25% tahun lalu, yang menempatkan BMW sebagai merek mobil premium dengan pertumbuhan paling cepat. Pencapaian ini telah memposisikan Indonesia diantara beberapa pasar di dunia yang telah membukukan peningkatan penjualan BMW secara signifikan, yaitu China, Brasil, dan India.

[Via http://rajufebrian.wordpress.com]

Sarah Palin's Fox News Debut On The O'Reilly Factor | NewsBusters.org

Topless

2010-01-11T13:42:00.000+02:00

YES! This IS the infamous JDM Internet celebrity s15 varietta. Tra Kyoto went with an s15 varietta this time, slapped on a Supermade kit with 19″ BMW wheels and Voila!! –> Instant Internet celebrity.. Yes this car was pictured in that very same petrol station where the rest of Tra Kyoto’s creations (namely the s13s, 180sx and the s14) were photographed.

Was never a big fan of variettas but this one looks pretty spot on. Trust Tra Kyoto to come up with the shit everytime!

[Via http://jaydeemmm.wordpress.com]

Fox News' Shameless Christian Crusade | Media and Technology ...

Leakage! BMW's next M5 rendered

2010-01-11T05:52:00.000+02:00

Car Magazine has put out a wonderful rendering of the next BMW M5. People all over the world are drooling in anticipation waiting to get their first glimpse of this twin-turbocharged V8.

This photo is an artist’s rendering; not an official BMW image

The car is expected to hit 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds thanks to 578 brake-horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. The great news is that while the new engine is more powerful, BMW is also aiming to reduce the car’s overall consumption and emissions figures by 30%!

[Source: Car Magazine]

[Via http://brakebanzeen.com]

Vanguard News Online

The True Meaning Behind BMW’s Iconic Roundel

2010-01-08T21:08:00.000+02:00

Few corporate logos are as recognizable and renowned as BMW’s blue and white roundel. The Planters’ top-hatted peanut guy is pretty recognizable, so too is KFC’s Colonel. But neither logo carries the same degree of respect or ganas, as Edward James Olmos would say, as the BMW logo.

If you asked an aficionado to decipher the meaning behind the BMW roundel, they’d probably tell you that it’s supposed to represent a white airplane propeller against a blue sky. Why? Because the Bayerische Motoren Werke (aka, Bavarian Motor Works (aka BMW)) started out building engines for airplanes. Thus, it’s an homage to their heritage.

Seems like a reasonable explanation, right? Wrong!

The real meaning behind the alternating blue and white colors does coincide with the company’s heritage, but not its engine-building legacy. Instead, the colors were inspired by the flag of the Free State of Bavaria, where BMW was founded. Take a look at the flag:

Now that the mystery has been solved, there’s still one lingering question: how did the rumor about airplane propellers and blue skies start? The most plausible theory is that the rumor sprang from a 1929 BMW advertisement. The ad shows a single-propeller plan mid flight, and the letters B-M-W are spelled out in the whirl of the blade. Take a look:

Sources: NYTimes.com, 318ti.org & Motorcycleinfo

[Via http://autoanything.wordpress.com]

AMERICAblog News: Obama sides with Senate on tax on higher cost ...

Imitation is the sincerest flattery... NOT! How China elevates it to an art-form... ??

2010-01-06T21:47:00.000+02:00

As Charles Caleb Colton once said: “Imitation is the sincerest of flattery”, and in China, the world’s largest manufacturing plant, this adage is adopted wholeheartedly… and literally to build brands. Drawing inspiration from the myriad of global brands that have made a name for themselves, and ones that understandably doing well in China, and have a strong brand recognition.

As demonstrated impeccably by Chinese-made car brand: BYD, aptly spelled out as “Build Your Dreams”, impeccably capturing China’s zest for learning the art of car-making fast… wait! Make that super fast! All it takes is, tinker with the original model, BMW, and tinker with the logo design a bit and… presto!! You’ve got yourself a brand. Well, not so fast!

After all, imitation is one of the oldest tricks in the book! In our recent modern history of industrialization, it was the underlying force that drove countries like Japan to rise from the ashes of Post-World War II and innovate their way into global dominance in electronics and automotive, among other economic sectors. Stories of Toyota engineers shipping in American-made Chevrolets, Buicks and Cadillacs by the boatload just after the war, abound. Dismantling the precious cargo, down to the minute nut and bolt, to understand what made these cars tick. Determined to use them as a blueprint and find innovation to make better cars. Fuel efficiency and smaller sized cars are probably the two innovations they introduced early on to the global stage.

The little Tiger Economies across Asia (starting with South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong) followed suit, manufacturing everything cars and computer mouse, drugs to detergents, and refrigerators to roof shingles.

Of course, it wouldn’t be fair to box all the newly industrialized countries as imitators. But to a degree, all countries, at some point in their “building-its-foundation-of-an-industrialized-nation” stage, were culpable of copying something. It could be argued that perhaps this was all done with a certain elegant aplomb. Comparing this to what is happening in China is quite another story.

China is literally twitching with international brands, and adopting them for their own domestic markets. Unfortunately very little adopting is done, except make everything from cheaper materials, keeping the look of the product, from the brand name to the physical appearance. China likens it to the fast route to brand building, in what they believe is “borrowing” the positive attributes that are intrinsincally attached to major global (read: Western and Japanese) brands. And voila! … Puff! A Mercedes Benz look-alike magically appears… fooling the eye!

Nowhere is this more evident than China’s Automotive Industry. The need to provide cars fast to a huge domestic market of car consumers who’ve evolved from bicycle to bike to car, faster than the time it takes most countries to clear land to build roadways!

So, welcome to the new world of imitation, China style. Which is more in-your-face, sheer “copy and paste” mentality. Ridiculously silly, its almost seems like an art-form. Enjoy the visual ride of the many examples in this blog.

Inspiration: Friskodude

[Via http://dianhasan.wordpress.com]

Lost Remote | News Corp sells Digital Publishing Group

spring is in the air!

2010-01-06T05:30:00.000+02:00

Well, actually my car is in the air, and lowering springs are the cure. Not only does the car look terrible sitting at stock height, the stock springs are too soft for my taste. My daily driver has Cusco coilovers, so my frame of reference is different. This car just doesn’t feel as stable or controlled to me, and the rear shock mounts make a squeaky rubber noise because they are probably made out of decroded rubber dust and spider poo by now.

Since the rest of the suspension’s’ glory days were probably over 20 years ago, I also have some top-adjustable Konis, camber/caster plates, spherical rear top mounts, roll center spacers, and adjustable sway bar links to bring it up to snuff for 2010.

Even after wrestling with the spring compressor for a while and trying to figure out how to remove it after uncompressing the spring, I got the fronts in fairly quickly. Unfortunately the 26mm roll center spacers were a little bit too thick and the tie rod just barely touched the wheel after a test fit. Hopefully I can trade someone for a set of 20mm soon. I’ll let it settle for a day before I install and adjust the front sway bar links.

Also, the strut bar mounting plate interferes with the new adjustable shock, so I’ll have to make a notch for clearance so I can keep some of the bling under the hood.

I started on the rear before it got too dark (at 5pm!), and took the old blown rear shocks out, so tomorrow I’ll throw in the rear shocks/mounts and springs.

[Via http://teampogi.wordpress.com]

Hottest Stories on Network News for the Decade and the Year ...

Tuesday's Obscure Car of the Day

2009-12-30T05:22:00.000+02:00

Welcome to another installment of Tuesday’s Obscure car of the day. I know I have been missing in action for the past few weeks but I should pick up on it soon. Today’s car is not obscure however, the way you can order is. If you know the right people and have enough bank you can order you car painted in a Silver Matte called Frozen Grey Metallic from your local BMW dealer. This is possible through BMW’s Individual, Munich’s custom-trim and personalization arm. At the cost of five thousand, if you’re the enterprising/conniving/begging type, you might be able to convince BMW of North America to sell you a car painted in an appealingly shine-free shade of silver as follows.

Naturally, there’s a catch: Individual paint is only available by special order, and many dealers are either ignorant of the process or refuse to admit that it exists. Ordering an Individual color often adds several months to the build and delivery rigamarole. Lastly, only a small number of American Individual requests are granted each year, and there’s often no rhyme or reason to the veto process. So for $5000, if persuasive enough you can gain access to a seemingly endless palette of color choices which is the only way to get a factory-sprayed, matte-finished production sedan in America.

Courtesy of M5board via Jalopnik

[Via http://escoben.wordpress.com]

Gosselin Break-In a Publicity Stunt? | Fancast News

Better Customer Service Through Transparency, Tribes, and Talent

2009-12-23T21:09:00.000+02:00

John Sviokla

Here is a brief excerpt from an article written by John Sviokla for the Harvard Business blog. To read the complete article, check out other articles and resources, and sign up for a free subscription to Harvard Business Daily Alerts, please visit dailyalert@email.harvardbusiness.org.

* * *

Better Customer Service Through Transparency, Tribes, and Talent

I confess that I have a warm spot in my heart for customer service operations. It is probably because I met my wife of 29.5 years when she and I were on the customer service phones at the Polaroid Corporation. As an old phone jockey, it is apparent to me that the world of customer service is transforming. If we look back at history, we can see that the central tendency of consumer businesses is to move more and more function to the end consumer and to provide them more visibility to the availability of the product or service. As the phone grew in this country as a consumer device, clever pundits predicted that in order to meet the emerging demand for phone calls, the entire country would have to become telephone operators, and that is exactly what we are: We dial our own service. Likewise, when Michael J Cullen opened his first King Kullen store in Jamaica, Queens with 6,000 square feet, on August 4, 1930 with the wonderful catch phrase, “Pile it High, Sell it Low,” he ushered in the world of supermarket self-service at low prices. When they can, firms let customers roll their own.

Today, technology is enabling new capabilities and I see three trends which are recreating customer service in a new, more responsive, and economically efficient manner: transparency, tribes, and talent.

Transparency is best exemplified by Federal Express’ efforts over the years. They were among the first companies to “expose” their internal systems so that not only could the customer schedule pick-ups, print labels, and manage his account, but he could also see the same level of detail the firm had about the location of his shipment. Many firms could benefit by letting customers see where their product or service truly is. BMW allows people who have configured and ordered a Mini Cooper to check the status of the order, and see it location on the high seas as it is shipped across the Atlantic. So what? Well, just think about how the dynamic with your cable company would change if you could actually see if the service truck was on its way to your house. It certainly would change the attitude between the customer and the company. Heck, even the government enables you to track tagged polar bears!

* * *

So my questions for you are:

• Are you transparent?

• Do you lead your tribe?

• Have you unlocked the talent latent in your customer base?

What will you lose except the illusion that you are in control of your customers?

* * *

John Sviokla is vice chairman of Diamond Management & Technology Consultants, Inc. He is a former professor at Harvard Business School in Marketing, MIS, and Decision Sciences.

To read the complete article, check out other articles and resources, and sign up for a free subscription to Harvard Business Daily Alerts, please visit dailyalert@email.harvardbusiness.org.

[Via http://ffbsccn.wordpress.com]

Organizing for America | Cloe Axelson's Blog: Morning News

Worn tires.

2009-12-21T20:28:00.000+02:00

At home, I often park my motorcycle on the street, facing out with its rear tire backed up against the curb. It is a blue BMW K100RT, with a four cylinder motor that displaces nearly a liter. This bike’s major problem is that its fuel tank only holds a little more than 5 gallons, enough for perhaps 180 – 200 miles between stops. What it really needs is a 9 gallon tank.

Looking through my living room window, I contemplate its thoughts as I sip my morning coffee.

“North South East West,” it thinks.

“North? South? East? West?”

It doesn’t know. It doesn’t have a passion for any particular direction. It just wants to go.

I understand. That’s why we get along so well, my motorcycle and me. Today, like the days of years before, I have no destination planned. I just want to ride, to cover ground, watch the miles tick away, burn fuel, feel the machine humming below me, feel the fairing slice through the wind, tuck myself into the ergonomics of the machine.

I have no desire to push it, or drive fast. Most days, I set the throttle for 60 mph and feel the bike settle into a comfortable, humming glide. The BMW K100RT can handle speeds far quicker than this, but at such low speeds, the bike feels refreshingly confident and upright. I ride it like a trotting horse, with my shoulders directly above my hips, my lower back straight and my elbows down at my sides. At 60mph, the engine turns about 3800 revolutions per minute, dead smooth, with a light “diesel” clatter from the cams and valves and gears connecting the crank and output shaft.

The K100 engine has a history of “buzzing” somewhere between 4500 and 4900 rpm. The buzz is caused by an imbalance in the firing pulse of the four pistons. If one or two pistons are firing more strongly than the others, a pulse will be felt in the driveline. At speed, this feels like a buzz. This problem is remedied by balancing the flow of air into each cylinder so each produces the same amount of power throughout the operating range of the engine.

Some vibrations are to be expected and BMW, in their infinite wisdom, isolated the engine from the frame using rubber bushings. However these bushings need to be mounted in a neutral and stress free position in order work effectively. The problem occurs because the K100 uses the engine as half the frame of the motorcycle. A sectional frame is bolted to the top of the motor and transmission and holds the seat, fuel tank and steering head. Small differences in size and position means that no two frames or engines will be exactly the same dimensions. Thus, there may be gaps between the engine mounting lugs on the frame and the surface surrounding the bolt holes on the engine.

Mine does buzz a bit at these speeds, but I’ve diminished the effect by shimming the engine mounting points to take up the slack, or space between the engine and frame. If the engine mounting bolt is tightened with a space left between the frame and the engine, it distorts the rubber bushing used to isolate these parts. When the bushing is under tension, it can not isolate the vibrations effectively.

And so my bike sits contemplating its next run. And I sip my coffee and watch it, contemplating mine.

My home is situated in the confluence of five major freeways: 280/680, 101, 880/17. Another route, “The Alameda” or Route 130, passes by a few blocks from my home . Following it east would take me through downtown San Jose, where it is named Santa Clara Street, and up into the foot hills east of town. There Route 130 becomes Mount Hamilton road, a tight and twisty mountain road that winds up and over the foot hills, around ravine switchbacks, to the Lick Observatory on the peak of Mt Hamilton. Two more hours of twisty one-and-a-half-lane lead to the central valley. A full tank of fuel is recommended as there is little in the way of civilization between the observatory and there. A whole new world opens up on the other side: the central valley, Interstate 99 and the towns of Modesto. Head northbound and one can reach Carson City and Reno; head west through Yosemite, over snowy Sequoia mountain passes to the valleys beyond; south on 99 to Fresno and points farther south.

Several other major freeways radiate from my home. Clockwise from eastbound Route 130, interstate 101 heads south, past the farms of Salinas and Hollister where the rich aroma of farmland stretches for miles, and further south, through the Pacific mountains towards the beach cities: 3 hours to San Luis Obisbo, 2 more to Santa Barbara, and a few more to Los Angeles, San Diego and Mexico.

Continuing clockwise, another southbound option is Route 17. It heads south over the Santa Cruz mountains, past Scotts Valley and into Monterey Bay area. It’s my most direct path to the Pacific coast, and also provides residents of Santa Cruz commuter access to the Bay Area. Commuters on 17 are a strange breed, having grown numb over the years to one of the world’s most challenging high speed freeways. On a typical weekday morning, the column of local cars can reach speeds up to 75 mph over a dizzying array of high speed mountain switchbacks. Oblivious to the constant blanket of thick fog, the solo commuters fiddle with their radio tuners, seeking the strongest FM signal up high in the mountains.

However descending into Santa Cruz, the freight train pace of 17 comes to an abrupt column of slow-moving traffic as the highway ends on the edge the town. As the pace of traffic slows, so does the pace of life, and one is tempted to park and walk through town, perhaps buy a slice of pizza or a sandwich and enjoy it on a café table while watching the local hippies and freak parade. One can air out the helmet and decide, as there is much to ponder.

For northbound, Route 1 leads up the peninsula coast past rugged coastal towns like Half Moon Bay and Pacifica. At any time, one could hang a right into the hills and drive for days on some of the most highly rated motorcycle roads in the world: skyline drive, Route 9, Route 84, Old Santa Cruz road, Sandhill Road. They all lead to the premier hangout for west coast motor heads: Alice’s Restaurant.

Just as easily, one could also head south on Route 1: the Pacific Coast Highway. It is perhaps the most spectacular road in the world, a destination for motorcycle tourists worldwide. Descriptors such as “awe inspring” and “breath-taking” seem mundane where the Pacific ocean grinds away at the Continent in a god-scape of views and driving thrills.

In some places the road travels high up on the mountains. Far below, the pounding surf cuts into the rock, slowly chipping away at its base, and causing rock and mud slides and sheer cliff faces, 100 feet high. Yet, where the road descends and passes along a long flat beach, and waves lap gently across 200 yards of sandy beach, the two seem to caress one another in a love embrace.

Here, two old VW buses can be seen parked along the side of the road, their owners nearby, wearing wet suits and bare feet, chatting with one another, or out riding the surf. The pacific wind sculpts the beach and tears at the VW’s ragged curtains through its open windows.

Back at home, many other routes are available, too. Interstate 280 leads west then north, up the crest of the Santa Cruz mountains north to San Francisco. 101 north rolls north through the many towns and cities stacked up the peninsula towards San Francisco. And I 880 North is the major thoroughfare linking San Jose with Oakland and all “East Bay” cities and towns.

“North? East? West? South?” For my motorcycle, the Pacific Coast Highway is just another temptations in a long list of temptations. The tug of the road is strong. The bike wears worn tires to prove it.

Worn tires but has reached no particular destination.

At 41, I am beginning to feel the same way.

[Via http://scottiesharpe.wordpress.com]

Steve McIntyre on Fox news special tonight about Climategate ...

The Six Is Back: 2011 BMW 7-Series Adds 740i, 740iL

2009-12-16T20:58:00.000+02:00

The 2011 BMW 7-Series is bringing back six-cylinder engines.

confirms today that its range-topping 7-Series sedan will get two additions in 2011. The new 740i and 740iL will join the existing ActiveHybrid, eight-cylinder, and twelve-cylinder models in the 7-Series lineup.

The new engines are twin-turbo in-line six-cylinders, with the short- or long-wheelbase body being the primary difference between the two. The new engine will put out 315 horsepower at 5800 rpm, and 330 pound-feet of torque from 1600-4500 rpm.

does not confirm it, but the powertrain seems technically similar to the twin-turbo six-cylinder engine in today’s sedan, which would mean a displacement of 3.0 liters–not the 4.0 liters indicated by the badge. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

last offered a six-cylinder in the 7-Series in the 735i model, which joined the lineup in 1988 and was sold until 1992.

The new 2011 740i and 740iL go on sale in the spring, with a long list of available features including an M Sport package, seating for the rear passenger cabin, a DVD entertainment system, and individual options for leather and wood trim.

[Via http://carspk.wordpress.com]

Surfing The Mets - NY Daily News

F1 News Book – All the latest F1 news and views (16th December 2009)

2009-12-16T13:33:00.000+02:00

Trulli, Kovalainen confirmed at Lotus

from F1 news – autosport.com

Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen will race for Lotus next year, after the newly-formed Formula 1 team confirmed its line-up in a press conference held in Malaysia today

Lotus reveals new team logo

from F1 news – autosport.com

Lotus F1 Racing revealed its new team logo today, retaining the famous green/yellow colours of the legendary Lotus marque – but at the same time providing the F1 team a completely new identity

Mosley: I could have averted pull-outs

from F1 news – autosport.com

Former FIA president Max Mosley believes he might have kept BMW and Toyota in Formula 1 had he visited the manufacturers’ bosses to explain the reasoning behind his budget cap plan

Lloyds invests in Manor F1 team

from F1 news – autosport.com

The private equity arm of the Lloyds Banking Group has taken a stake in the new Manor Formula 1 team, which will run under the Virgin Racing banner

Henkel says Mercedes deal is invalid

from F1 news – autosport.com

German company Henkel says a sponsorship deal apparently agreed with the Mercedes GP team was put together by an ex-employee acting without authorisation, and that it will not be honouring the partnership

Ferrari: Schumacher deal ‘not binding’

from F1 news – autosport.com

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says his company would not prevent Michael Schumacher from racing for Mercedes in Formula 1 if he wished to do so – but added that the German had not yet discussed any such situation with him

Di Grassi to partner Glock at Virgin

from F1 news – autosport.com

Virgin Racing has confirmed that Lucas di Grassi is to race alongside Timo Glock at the team next year.

Campos still in talks with de la Rosa

from F1 news – autosport.com

Campos team president Jose Ramon Carabante says the Spanish squad is still in talks with Pedro de la Rosa to fill the second seat for its debut season.

Parente, Razia join Virgin as testers

from F1 news – autosport.com

Virgin Racing has announced Alvaro Parente will be its test driver in its debut season in 2010.

Rosberg: Pressure is on to win title

from F1 news – autosport.com

Nico Rosberg has admitted that the pressure is on Mercedes GP to win the world championship next year – amid continued speculation that Michael Schumacher could be on his way to the outfit.

Virgin car set for February run

from F1 news – autosport.com

Virgin Racing’s new Formula 1 car is on schedule to run for the first time in February – with technical director Nick Wirth confirming it will not be tried out in a wind tunnel before that maiden test.

Branson: Virgin can go all the way

from F1 news – autosport.com

Richard Branson believes the sky is the limit for his new Virgin Racing Formula 1 team, as he predicts a bright future for the outfit.

Virgin promises innovative approaches

from F1 news – autosport.com

Virgin Racing chiefs have promised to bring some innovative approaches into Formula 1 next year – as the eyes a closer relationship with the sport’s fans.

Virgin aims to earn respect from rivals

from F1 news – autosport.com

Virgin Racing sporting director John Booth says the team’s first target is to earn the respect of its rivals at the start of next season.

Di Grassi: F1 drive a dream come true

from F1 news – autosport.com

Lucas di Grassi says securing a deal to race in Formula 1 is a dream come true, after the Brazilian was confirmed as Timo Glock’s team-mate at the Virgin Racing team for next year.

Virgin eyes success with lowest budget

from F1 news – autosport.com

Richard Branson believes Virgin Racing can make a success of Formula 1 through talent rather than its chequebook – after revealing that the team will run with the lowest budget of any in 2010.

Massa commences F2007 test

from F1 news – autosport.com

Felipe Massa returned to the track in a 2007 Ferrari at Mugello yesterday, but was only able to complete 30 laps

Renault announces Genii partnership

from F1 news – autosport.com

Renault has confirmed it remains committed to Formula 1, after announcing on Wednesday that it has sold a large stake in the team to Luxembourg company Genii Capital Investment, as AUTOSPORT predicted

Red Bull retains Renault engines

from F1 news – autosport.com

Red Bull Racing will continue with Renault engines in 2010 as part of the company’s renewed commitment to Formula 1

Genii aims for Renault resurgence

from F1 news – autosport.com

Renault’s new partner Genii Capital is confident that it can give the French car manufacturer the support and finances it needs to return to the top in Formula 1

Stand-in drivers to get test days

from F1 news – autosport.com

Formula 1 teams will be allowed to give mid-season substitute drivers a day of testing from 2010 as part of rules tweaks announced by the FIA

Profile: Genii’s Gerard Lopez

from F1 news – autosport.com

For a bright businessman who speaks fluently in seven languages, and has been at the cutting edge of new technology business for more than a decade, it was almost inevitable that Gerard Lopez would eventually end up in Formula 1

“We want to be here longer than Ferrari”

from Racing news from en.espnf1.com

Virgin Racing’s team principal Alex Tai speaks to Claire Furnell about the 2010 season

Fry hints Schumacher return is on

from Racing news from en.espnf1.com

Speculation that Michael Schumacher will return to Formula One hit its highest point yet after Mercedes CEO Nick Fry hinted Schumacher was at the top of his list to partner Nico Rosberg at the German team

Ferrari won’t stop Schumacher comeback

from Racing news from en.espnf1.com

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has said his team would not stop Michael Schumacher from making a comeback in Formula One

Button misses out on top BBC award

from F1-Live.com

Jenson Button has finished runner-up in the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year award at a star studded ceremony in Sheffield

Trulli and Kovalainen to race at Lotus

from F1-Live.com

Lotus has confirmed Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen as its race drivers for next year

Virgin is F1’s only fully British team – Branson