Monday, October 10, 2011

Collection


Bed Time Radio Program



Today's picture is from Pie Town, New Mexico, and was taken about 1940. The mother and daughter are pictured listening to a radio above the bed at bed time. This family was one of the few in the area to have a radio, so they had many evening visitors.

I enjoyed reading the comments yesterday as people reminisced about old times listening to the radio. When I was growing up we barely got any TV reception, but I had an old Short Wave radio that would pick up radio stations all over the world. It was a little tricky to tune, and you often had to slam your hand on the top of it to get it to work. There was a program from Holland that was in English that I liked to listen to on Sunday evening. The radio had vacuum tubes, and would really heat up if you had it on for a while. I don't know if they even make shortwave radios any more.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Welcome to Old Radio Week



Yes, yesterday's mystery person was  Guglielmo Marconi, who is generally remembered as the inventor of the radio and wireless communication. I say "generally remembered" as others could equally lay claim to that distinction. There were many people working on this at the same time, and the actual inventor could be disputed. Certainly Tesla played a large role, and the work in creating a working radio relied on the theoretical and practical work of innovators going back at least a hundred years.

Today's picture is from 1940, and shows a father and his daughter listening to an old radio. The picture was taken in California.

Roll like an F1 Champ with Schumacher's Scuderia Ferrari Motorhome


Vehicle auctions usually make headlines for automobiles sold for ridiculous amounts of money, for being very rare or very famous. At the very least, they must have been owned at some point by a rock star, an F1 driver or some other kind of celebrity in order to attract attention.

Can you imagine a bus making it in that list? Probably not unless of course, we’re talking about an original Iveco Domino Ferrari Formula 1 driver’s coach that will hit the auction block on October 26 by RM Auctions.

What makes the Iveco coach even more special is that is was used by Scuderia Ferrari during the Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichelo era from 2001 to 2005. As befitting the seven times Formula 1 world champion, it was highly customized.

Read more »

Saturday, October 8, 2011

The Ghost of Chuck Norris Approves This Video [VW Polo Content]


Why did the Volkswagen Polo hatchback cross the road? [Insert joke/answer here]. But seriously now, we don't know.

What we can tell you is that we see is a sliver Polo 5d parked in what is probably a dealership (or perhaps a rental car office) seemingly somewhere in Europe and then, all of a sudden; the Polo begins to roll out the shop.

The German supermini drives through the entrance and falls down onto a busy road full of cars, and then, as if Chuck Norris a guardian angel was looking over the shoulders of anyone involved in this clip, the car goes straight through the traffic without causing any trouble.

Read more »

POLL: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Which is the Most Beautiful of All?


The results of a collaborative project between two or more automotive partners can vary deeply, depending on how far the participating companies are willing to take the rebadging process.

For example, the differences between the original Fiat Doblo and GM's Opel Combo spinoff (a RAM variant will also be introduced in early 2013) are more or less limited to the design of their front bumpers.

The French PSA Peugeot Citroën group on the other hand, gave its designers a little more breathing room when it came to the development of its new compact SUVs / crossovers, the Peugeot 4008 and the Citroën C4 AIRCROSS.

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Lil' Monster: Romeo Ferraris Fiat 500 Abarth Stradale Packs 300HP


The first photos of Romeo Ferraris Cinquone Stradale hit the web on Saturday giving us a taste of the limited production model.

We're still waiting for the Italians to share the full details but in a previous email, Romeo Ferraris told us that its over-the-top Fiat 500 Abarth will be an "extreme" street-legal version of its racing model powered by a highly modified 1.4-liter turbo engine delivering 300-horsepower.

Read more »

Mystery Person Contest


Let the Contest Begin!

Toyota Warns Suppliers to Lower their Prices, or Else…


The strong yen is harming the profitability of Japanese carmakers. After Honda, which plans to halve its domestic production over the next decade, Toyota, Japan’s number one automaker, told its parts suppliers to severely reduce their prices or risk being replaced by overseas manufacturers. Read more »

Friday, October 7, 2011

2012 Nissan Rogue

2012 Nissan Rogue and get MSRP, invoice price, used car book values, expert reviews, photos, features, pros and cons, equipment.
2012 Nissan Rogue


2012 Nissan Rogue

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2012 Nissan Rogue
 2012 Nissan Rogue. More details about this model is presented in the below 2012 Nissan Rogue review.

2012 Toyota RAV4 and 2012 Honda CR-V are the two closest rivals for 2012 Nissan Rogue. The base model will be designed with 16 inch steel wheels, SV model with optional 18-inch wheels, and the Krom level with 18-inch wheels. The 2012 Nissan Rogue is the best compact SUV for you if you’re comfortable on the conservative side of the crossover aisle.

The 2012 Nissan Rogue is expected to carry over largely unaltered, repeating the mid-cycle freshening that gave the 2011 Nissan Rogue a nose job and some new features. Should you wait for the 2012 Nissan Rogue or buy a 2012 Nissan Rogue? Buy a 2011 Rogue. Styling: The 2012 Nissan Rogue styling will carry over the look of the 2011 Rogue. Expect the 2012 Nissan Rogue to continue in base S, midline SV, and top-line Krom models. With introduction of the smaller 2011 Nissan Juke, Rogue occupies the middle of a crossover roster topped by the midsize 2011 Nissan Murano. In Rogue’s case, that would be an adaptation of the 2011 Nissan Sentra compact car chassis but with a taller wagon body, elevated ride height, and available all-wheel drive (AWD). Rogue has been among the longest compact crossovers, but front-seat roominess is the only area in which it feels notably spacious; rear-seat room is merely average and maximum cargo volume -- 57.9 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded -- is slightly below par.

Count on the 2012 Nissan Rogue to be mechanically unchanged. Every 2012 Rogue model will again come standard with front-wheel drive, which places the weight of the engine over the tires that propel the vehicle to the benefit of traction on slippery surfaces. As in most compact crossover, Rogue’s AWD system normally operates in front-drive but automatically transfers power rearward if the front tires slip. Maximum towing capacity should remain 1,500 pounds, about par for a four-cylinder compact crossover. Expect the 2012 Nissan Rogue S to continue with 16-inch steel wheels, the Krōm with 18-inch alloys and the SV with 17-inch alloys standard and 18s optional.

Nissan bolstered Rogue’s credentials by introducing a navigation system and USB iPod connectivity for model-year 2011. Once the best-selling compact crossover, the CR-V was overtaken by the Ford Escape during 2010. It starts with surprising passenger and cargo volume, more than in many more overtly SUV-like rivals, Rogue included. Forester won’t change extensively before model-year 2014.

The value-oriented package includes steering-wheel stereo controls, a backup camera, a USB port, satellite radio and fog lights.

Meanwhile, the SL Package gains Nissan's Around View Monitor.
An available flat-folding front passenger seat allows longer items to be carried inside the crossover, and the second row features a 60/40-split folding bench seat. Interior features include:
The Rogue is available with front- or all-wheel driv
e. Steering-wheel paddle shifters are available.
 Explore pictures, 360 photo galleries, videos, first drive reports, spyshots, specs and price quotes Read reviews of the 2012 Nissan Rogue
 2012 Nissan Rogue

2012 bentley continental

2012 Bentley Continental GTC: First photos. | bentley. You've enjoyed (or not!) A few days ago the new Bentley Continental GT 2011.
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The prototype of the 2012 Bentley Continental GTC Speed has been spotted. With the least amount of subterfuge that has been employed here, one can make out that the vehicle will feature certain styling changes compared to the current model.

The revamped 2012 Continental GTC Speed will be equipped with the 6.0-liter W-12 engine that powers the entire Continental GT lineup. Nonetheless, an increase in output from the current GTC Speed’s 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque limit is expected. As for performance figures, the 2012 GTC Speed is anticipated to go from 0-60 mph in around 4.4 seconds with a top speed likely to be more than 195 mph.

Transmission of the forthcoming Bentley Continental GTC Speed will be the same ZF six-speed unit. Though gear changes are likely to be quicker due to a Quickshift function that allows double downshifts. Incidentally, this unit was introduced on the revised 2011 Bentley Continental GT.

The spy shots reveal that the GTC Speed has a new bumper design that incorporates larger intakes, as well as revised exhaust tips and upgraded brakes. According to motorauthority, Bentley engineers will likely improve the drivetrain, reduce overall vehicle weight and increase rigidity, while retaining exterior dimensions similar to the current model.

Meanwhile, the modified 2012 Bentley Continental GTC Speed is expected to debut in early 2012, a few months following the launch of the standard Continental GTC.
More news from Frankfurt as Bentley unleashes the next generation of their Bentley Continental GTC. This W-12 monster has some serious upgrades this year, with new headlights, body styling, wheels and a host of other features. The car looks gorgeous, with a starting price of $212,800 it’s still on the more accessible side of Bentley’s line-up. Have a look…
Our esteemed colleagues from Motor Authority have managed to grab a few spy shots with the upcoming facelift for the 2012 Bentley Continental GTC Speed. The prototype you see in these photos comes with minimal camouflage so we can catch a glimpse of the car’s styling. You probably noticed already the design of the new bumper which now incorporates bigger intakes, along with the new exhaust tips and probably some updated brakes
Most likely, the engineers from Bentley will probably shave off a couple of pounds and increase the rigidity of the car. The Continental GTC Speed will be powered by a massive W12 6.0-liter engine that is available on all the models in the Continental GT lineup. The output will probably surpass the 600 hp / 553 lb.-ft mark. This engine will be linked to the same 6-speed gearbox from ZF, but it will be considerably faster thanks to the implementation of the Quickshift function which allows double downshifts. If all of these will turn out to be true, the car will be able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in a mere 4.4 seconds, before reaching a top speed of more than 195 mph.
Explore pictures, 360 photo galleries, videos, first drive reports, spyshots, specs and price quotes Read reviews of the 2012 bentley continental
2012 bentley continental

2012 volvo s40

2012 Volvo S40 ratings, 2012 Volvo S40 safety ratings, 2012 Volvo S40 reliability ratings, 2012 Volvo S40 mileage.
2012 volvo s40


2012 volvo s40

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2012 volvo s40
 Volvo’s V50 compact wagon returns for 2010 with a choice of normally aspirated or turbocharged five-cylinder engines.

Standard on the base 2.4i model is a 2.4-liter inline five. Known as the B5244S4, the 2.4-liter engine is part of Volvo’s Modular Engine family. It is all aluminum, with 20 valves, belt-driven dual overhead camshafts, and continuously variable valve timing on the intake cam only. With a compression proportion of 10.3:1, it has 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque.

The 2.4-liter engine’s low-speed torque is modest for the V50′s weight, so it must be worked hard for good passing response. Its unusual five-cylinder layout produces a raspy sound on hard speedup and an unpleasant drone at high speeds, although changes for 2008 made it quieter than before. It produces good fuel economy; EPA ratings ar 20/31 city/highway, although Volvo recommends premium fuel.

The T5 R-Design comes standard with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. Known as the B5254T3, the 2.5-liter five is similar to the 2.4, but has a yearner stroke, a 9.0:1 compression ratio, and variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams. The B5254T3 features a Volvo-designed light-pressure turbocharger, reinforced into the exhaust manifold. With up to 10 pounds of boost, it produces 227 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Volvo claims that 100% of maximum torque is available from 1,500 to 5,000 rpm.

Despite Volvo’s efforts to reduce turbo lag, the 2.5-liter engine feels unenrgetic at low speeds, although it produces reasonably strong performance when pushed. Most critics find it noticeably quieter than the 2.4-liter engine.

In the past, the turbo engine was no thirstier than the 2.4-liter, but the T5 R-Motion is now available only with all-wheel drive, which is not available on the 2.4i. EPA estimates have dropped to 19/27 with automatic, 20/26 with manual transmission.
When the current generation of the Volvo S40 and V50 was introduced in 2003, Volvo Cars, the places were securely fastened to the young buyers of the high demands of sportiness and premium feel.

The new Volvo S40 and new Volvo V50 have made a joint statement in the market with a very refined design. A range of additional new features sharpened its competitive edge in search of discerning buyers of small cars.

“When the car came almost four years ago, we pointed out that they gave buyers the property of Volvo’s larger models, but the more compact form. Now we take this approach one step further by adding” “perception of quality adult even more. At the same time, we exacerbate the differences between the two models. The new S40 moves closer to the Volvo S80 while the new V50 is more than the new Volvo V70, “says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.
Recent data in the United States and Europe show that the company focus on younger target audience has made a significant contribution to sales.

Buyers under 35 years of more than 20 percent of

And the data in the United States, which are the most important:

The proportion of S40 buyers under 35 increased from 23 to 45 percent.

The proportion of singles has risen by 10 percent from 30 percent to 40 percent.

The average age of customers was reduced by ten years of S40 50-40.

“Moreover, the reasons for choosing the S40 are much more emotional than ever. Today’s buyers speak enthusiastically of its sporty design and driving pleasure. We are also increasingly winning the image and prestige match against our toughest competitors, “reveals Fredrik Arp
European share of V50 buyers whose main alternative was a premium car such as the large German makes is now touching 47 percent – compared to 24 percent of the previous Volvo V40.

Some clients are under 44 years increased by ten per cent of 45-55 percent. And even in Europe, more emotional reasons for purchase that are gaining ground among V50 buyers, mostly families with children in the case of S40.

Improved storage

Both design and technical refinements of the new Volvo S40 and V50 focused on improving the characteristics of the models already popular and the fight against the weaknesses identified by customers, for example when it comes to space interior storage.
The design team exploited every cubic inch possible, and with intelligence. The new design of the center console and door panels, for example, include greater storage capacity and added even more flexibility within the country,” says Fredrik Arp.

Sharp transmission range

The driving characteristics are already among the most renowned strengths of both models.

A new feature is that the T5 engine gets a performance hike of 10 horsepower, giving an output of 230 hp. There are also five other petrol engine versions available, plus a bio-ethanol Flexifuel variant:
2012 Volvo S40 ratings, 2012 Volvo S40 safety ratings, 2012 Volvo S40 reliability ratings, 2012 Volvo S40
 2012 volvo s40

2012 volvo c30

2012 Volvo C30 car: review, official photos, features, pictures, engine specifications and prices.Volvo C30 cars including car prices, Volvo C30 pictures, expert car reviews ... 2011 2012 New Volvo Cars.
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You will be able to obtain the features which are very supportive that you should have a nice driving. You will get the good performance within the machine. With the performance from the machine, you will get the best and efficient driving because you can have more pace. Furthermore, you can also drive the 2012 Volvo C30 in a long-distance as this vehicle has more energy that can support you to definitely have long traveling. Furthermore, an additional feature that is superior is the security system. It is possible to find the optimum protection against any accident since there are options that come with seat belt, breaking, and airbag that can protect you from the shock that could occur in your traveling.

Moreover, this vehicle also has the very best appearance in the body style. You will get the modern appear of the sedan car and the interior planning can also be encouraging to produce a comfy environment when you generate. The new type of Next year 2012 Volvo C30 can be the best choice that you should have a automobile that may support your own range of motion for a number of types of activity. Search for more details associated with the features of the vehicle.

If you want now new car information update and about this concept, you can go >> 2012 Volvo C30 and also we hope you can full information and complete, also you will be happy to come again for read more news.
Exterior colours

The following exterior colours are available for the Volvo C30:

Hello Yellow 618
Cosmic White Metallic 481
Orange Flame Metallic 701
Black Stone Solid 019
Passion Red Solid 612
Ice White Solid 614
Silver Metallic 426
Black Sapphire Metallic 452
Titanium Grey Metallic 455
Electric Silver Metallic 477
Chameleon Blue Metallic 490
Caspian Blue 498

INTERIOR

Four-seater with iconic centre stack

The C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two separate seats in the rear, with generous head- and legroom. The rear seats are slightly centred to provide a feeling of space and a good forward view. It also makes communication between front and rear occupants much easier.
The space between the seats also makes the thin, visually floating centre stack clearly visible from the outside through the glass tailgate.
The interior is inspired by Scandinavian product design with the emphasis on uncluttered surfaces, honest materials and functionality.

Guitar-inspired centre stack

Volvo's ultra-thin centre stack is available in a Oyster Burst Déco version, inspired by the surface texture of the classic Swedish Hagström guitars that became world-famous in the hands of stars such as Elvis Presley back in the 1950s.
The centre stack's floating theme flows smoothly with similar elegant soft curves all the way to the rear seat. The storage space between the seats has also been designed with the help of Scandinavian design tradition's most renowned hallmark - smart functionality.
The sliding cover over the larger storage compartments, in which there are also two holders that provide secure support for large and small cups, is complemented by a flexible armrest for the driver.

Espresso/Blond interior

The Volvo C30 offers a range of interior options. Among other things, there is a combination known as Espresso/Blond, consisting of a dark brown upper section and a blond, fresh shade on the lower door sides. The blond tone, somewhere between grey and beige, is an expression of Volvo's strong Scandinavian design tradition. The Espresso/Blond interior permits the integration of energetic new highlight colours such as orange, green and blue in the fabrics, as well as leather upholstery in Cranberry.

Audio and information

The Volvo C30 can be equipped with Bluetooth® technology that enables wireless communication. The Bluetooth connection has been upgraded to allow not only hands-free phone conversations but also music streaming from your preferred Bluetooth enabled portable music player. Volvo is actually the only brand to offer Bluetooth music streaming throughout the entire vehicle range.

The High Performance and Premium Sound systems have a USB port, making it easy to attach an iPod® or other MP3 player or even a digital camera to the audio system.

Keep in touch via mobile application

New is also a mobile application that makes sure that the driver can stay in touch with the parked car via an iPhone or Android smart phone. The mobile application is an extension of Volvo On Call, which is presently available in 12 European countries plus Russia and Brazil.

Now, the system has been reinvented. Owners of all new Volvos from Model Year 2012 with Volvo On Call can download the new application that opens up a range of connectivity possibilities. The mobile app is free and downloaded via the iPhone and Android application stores. The app is designed to offer the owner an intuitive, easy-to-use relationship with the car from a distance.

CHASSIS

Thanks to its small size, the Volvo C30 is very nimble to handle, even in limited space. It is built according to the same principles as the rest of the cars in the Volvo range.
A very torsionally rigid body, a wide track and a relatively long wheelbase all help give it responsive and stable driving characteristics.

The chassis, with spring struts at the front and Multilink axle at the rear, is set up for controlled, reassuring driving manners and alert steering response. The Multilink rear axle is an independent rear suspension system featuring a number of links and it is designed to offer a good combination of controlled wheel movements and a high level of ride comfort.

DSTC standard
Volvo's advanced DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) stability-enhancing system is fitted as standard. DSTC intervenes and helps stabilise the car if it registers any tendency to skid.

Optional sports chassis

The optional sports chassis (also available together with R-Design) has been modified in several areas. The steering is more precise owing to the installation of stiffer bushings. The steering ratio is lower, giving 10 percent faster response to steering wheel input. Spring stiffness has been increased by no less than 30 percent in order to improve the car's poise in enthusiastic driving. The dampers are also stiffer and the exclusive mono-tube technology builds up pressure much more quickly. The roll stabilizers are stiffer to reduce any leaning tendency when cornering.

The new sports chassis makes the C30 a better-balanced and more agile car. Road contact is more distinct and feedback from the wheels is faster and clearer, promoting a more alert feeling while driving. This is something that also benefits safety.

DRIVELINE

Transverse engines
The engines in the Volvo C30 are transversely installed in-line units. Together with large displacement, the five-cylinder configuration provides high torque across a broad rev band, and thus also swift acceleration and excellent driveability within a wide speed range. Four-cylinder engines are also available.

T5 with 230 hp The Volvo C30 T5 is the top model, featuring a turbocharger and five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. It produces 230 hp and 320 Nm of torque. 
Other petrol engine versions are also available, as well as a 2.0-litre bio-ethanol Flexifuel variant on certain markets.

2-litre diesel The five-cylinder 2-litre turbodiesel introduced in the all-new Volvo S60 is now available throughout Volvo Cars' model range. The five-cylinder D3 is in principle the same engine as the well-established 2.4-litre diesel, but its displacement has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. The engine has been optimised for low fuel consumption and the injection system has a different type of piezoelectric fuel injector compared with the D5 engine. These injectors minimise consumption with exceptionally rapid and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This promotes extremely efficient combustion.
In the Volvo C30 the 2-litre turbodiesel is available in two variants:

D4 with 177 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
D3 with 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque.

Both the D3 and D4 meet the Euro 5 emission standards. All the variants of the two-litre turbodiesel can be specified with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.

D2 with 114 g CO2 emissions

The S40 is in addition available with the 1.6-litre D2 diesel engine, which also complies with the Euro 5 standards. Fuel consumption is 4.3l/100 km (EU Combined), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.

The engine produces 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque and now comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

DRIVe with 99 g CO2 emissions

The can also get the upgraded 1.6-litre diesel engine that meets the Euro 5 exhaust emission regulations being implemented in January 2011. The further-developed engine combined with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop function keep CO2 emissions down to 99 g/km.

SAFETY AND SUPPORT
IDIS promotes safer driving
Volvo Cars has developed various information systems and functions designed to help the driver while on the move. One such system is IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), which for instance delays incoming phone calls in complex traffic situations that require the driver's undivided attention.

Systematic safety approach
Protective safety in the Volvo C30 is structured around a network consisting of exterior and interior safety systems that interact with one another to reduce the risk of occupant injury in a collision.

The body of the Volvo C30 features immense torsional rigidity and the car has a sturdy chassis, a combination that results in consistent, predictable behaviour on the road.

Incoming collision forces are distributed so the passenger compartment remains as intact and undamaged as possible. The car's body is therefore built in the form of a metal cage made from different grades of steel, where all the components interact with one another to ensure controlled deformation.
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2012 volvo c30

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