Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Robot Parkour Ad by Nike

    via Gizmodo by Dan Nosowitz on 6/29/09

    \'Exploit Yourself\' Nike ad turns the average run into rooftop-vaulting craziness

    Without the limitations of, you know, human bodies and gravity and all that junk, the already-crazy sport of parkour (or "extreme running") becomes even more amazing. This bit is from a Nike ad and features a computer-animated, hoodie-wearing robot.

    Then again, its much harder to actually run up a wall in real life than it is to draw someone doing it.


Drag Race: Corvette vs F/A-18 fighter jet

    via DVICE by CharlieWhite on 6/29/09
    Drag Race: Corvette vs F/A-18 fighter jet

    What happens when you race a Blue Devil against a Blue Angel? The latest Corvette ZR1, otherwise known as the "Blue Devil," is the fastest production car GM has ever built. It takes on a $25 million Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet.

    In a one-mile drag race, can the 638hp Blue Devil compete against those 32,000 pounds of thrust powering the F/A-18? Take a look at the video of this epic race (the actual contest, sans guff, starts at 8:17):

Top Gear in Japan: Nissan GTR vs Shinkansen bullet train

Paul Raff Studio: Cascade House

    via Designboom - Weblog on 6/29/09

    photo courtesy of paul raff studio
    credit ben rahn

    paul raff studio create a sustainable contemporary home in toronto’s conservative forest hill neighbourhood.
    the family home is composed of a series of volumes stacked on top of one another. the home is clad in
    muted black slate and covered in large expansive windows to let the natural light inside. the home is two
    and half soterys and is designed in an l-formation around an outdoor swimming pool. the orientation of the
    home and its windows was particularly set to maximize sun exposure. the heavy use of glass is best
    exemplified by the 13-foot front window made from 475 vertically stacked sheets of heavy, jagged-cut
    glass. the center of the home is accented with a black slate wall that is perforated with windows, running
    through each floor. the whole home covers 325m square.

    http://www.paulraffstudio.com


    photo courtesy of paul raff studio
    credit ben rahn



    photos courtesy of paul raff studio
    credit steve tsai


    photo courtesy of paul raff studio
    credit ben rahn



    photo courtesy of paul raff studio


    photo courtesy of paul raff studio

O femeie trăieşte alături de patru gheparzi, cinci lei şi doi tigri

    via Realitatea .NET - Divertisment by Realitatea.NET on 6/30/09
    O femeie trăieşte zilnic viaţa la extrem în locuinţa sa din America de Sud. Riana Van Nieuwenhuizen împarte casa cu patru gheparzi, cinci lei şi doi tigri. Femeia, în vârstă de 46 de ani, nu se teme de riscurile la care se expune şi spune că ţine foarte mult la toate animalele sale.

    O femeie trăieşte alături de patru gheparzi, cinci lei şi doi tigri - VEZI GALERIE FOTO

    Cele 11 feline, alături de care Riana trăieşte zi de zi, au la dispoziţie întreaga casă şi se joacă cu cei doi câini ai femeii. Nu de puţine ori, felinele dorm chiar cu femeia în pat, scrie Dailymail.co.uk.

    Riana a cumpărat primul ghepard în 2006, când a realizat că felinele mari sunt în mare pericol şi pe cale de dispariţie. A renunţat la locul de muncă pe care îl avea în domeniul justiţiei de 22 ani şi a ales un job temporar la o fermă unde a putut să îşi crească ghepardul.

    Visul adevărat al Rianei a devenit realitate atunci când a înfiinţat o fundaţie non-profit care se ocupă cu ocrotirea gheparzilor.

    O femeie trăieşte alături de patru gheparzi, cinci lei şi doi tigri - VEZI GALERIE FOTO

    O femeie trăieşte alături de patru gheparzi, cinci lei şi doi tigri - VEZI GALERIE FOTO

    O femeie trăieşte alături de patru gheparzi, cinci lei şi doi tigri - VEZI GALERIE FOTO

    O femeie trăieşte alături de patru gheparzi, cinci lei şi doi tigri - VEZI GALERIE FOTO

Apelurile telefonice în străinătate, mai ieftine cu până la 60%

    via Antena3 - Hightech on 6/29/09

    Folosirea telefonului şi a internetului în străinătate este încurajată de tarife mai mici cu până 60% care se aplică de peste două zile. Acestea sunt cerinţele Comisiei Europene, obligatorii pentru toţi operatorii europeni de telefonie.

    Rămâne mai ieftin să primeşti un telefon când eşti în străinătate, cu toate că tariful scade la 0,19 euro pe minut, iar pentru apeluri efectuate, la 0,43 euro. Însă noutatea, de această dată, este că apelurările efectuate în roamnig vor fi facturate la secundă, după primele 30 şi nu la minut. Iar cele pentru apeluri primite, vor fi facturate la secundă, după prima secundă. Ceea ce poate reduce cu un sfert facturarea convorbirilor în roaming.

    Se ieftinesc şi sms-urile, chiar de trei ori. Dar noutatea absolută este că navigarea pe internet, expedierea imaginilor sau descărcarea filmelor costă mai puţin, cel mult un euro pe megabit descărcat. Tarifele trebuie să se aplice de la 1 iulie, dar deja operatorii din România le-au anunţat de două săptămâni.

First Quantum Processor Performs Simple Tasks

    via Gizmodo by Jason Chen on 6/29/09

    Yale researchers just made the first, albeit simple, quantum processor. The processor is made of two artificial atoms (each made of a billion aluminum atoms) that act like single atoms that can occupy two distinct states.

    But because of the fact that the laws of quantum mechanics are so strange, the qubits (atoms) can be placed into a "superposition of multiple states" in order for them to store more than just the standard amount of information.

    Now they're working on adding more qubits, which adds more power on an exponential scale. We're going to be Giz Explaining what's up with quantum computing soon.

Vacuum Tube Chess Set

    via Gizmodo by Jason Chen on 6/29/09

    Paul Fryer's Vacuum Tube Chess set—one of only seven made—actually have pieces that light up when they're plugged in to the board. Now you'll know exactlywhen someone picks up a piece from the board.




Toyota Scientists Succeed in Thought-Controlled Wheelchair

    via Gizmodo by Adam Frucci on 6/29/09

    Sure, brain wave-controlled robots, music, cell-phones, and games give us tech lust, but Toyota's announcement that it's developed a way to control a wheel chair—without the need for movement or voice—fills me with equal amounts of awesome.

    Seeing technology applied in a field that has the potential to help so many makes for a nice change sometimes, ya know? The breakthrough comes from scientists at the BSI-Toyota Collaboration Center, which teams various groups including Toyota Motorand the mostly-Japanese-government-funded RIKEN
    research unit
    ).

    At this stage, the system centers on an electroencephalograph (EEG) scanner cap that the wheelchair user wears so their brain waves can be scanned and analyzed by a computer. The result is the ability to make movements almost in real time. Stopping is reportedly a little harder, with the user having to puff up a cheek to trigger a detector worn on the face. Still, that's pretty freakn'cool.

Monday, June 29, 2009

1994 Renault Espace F1


    Renault Espace F1 yellow and black

1999 Leblanc Caroline


    Leblanc Caroline GTR yellow

2,7 – 2000 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Konsep


    Make Chevrolet 
    Model 2000 Camaro ZL1 Concept 
    Powertrain Layout Front Engine / RWD 
    Base Price prototype 

    Dimensions 
    WheelBase 2568 mm / 101.1 in 
    Length 1582 mm / 62.3 in 
    Height Not Available 
    Width 1600 mm / 63.0 in 
    Weight 1538 kg / 3390 lbs 
    Front / Rear Track Not Available 

    Engine 
    Configuration V8 
    Valvetrain Not Available 
    Displacement 9373 cc / 572 cu in 
    Power 574.2 kw / 770 bhp @ 6900 rpm 
    Torque 926.0 nm / 683 ft lbs @ 5200 rpm 
    Bore 114.3 mm / 4.5 in 
    Stroke 114.3 mm / 4.5 in 
    Compression Ratio 13.8:1 
    BHP / Liter 82.15 bhp 
    Redline Not Available 

    Transmission 
    Type 5-Speed Manual 
    Final Drive 3.54:1 
    1st Gear Ratio 2.86:1 
    2nd Gear Ratio 1.94:1 
    3rd Gear Ratio 1.55:1 
    4th Gear Ratio 1.30:1 
    5th Gear Ratio 1.00:1 
    6th Gear Ratio Not Available 

    Chassis & Body 
    Steering Not Available 
    Tire sizes F 335/30ZR-18 
    R 265/40ZR-18 
    Vented discs Brake Types 
    Brake Size F 292 mm / 11.5 in 
    R 292 mm / 11.5 in 
    Available ABS Not Available 
    Body Material Not Available 

    Performance 
    Top Speed 230.0 mph / 370.0 kph 
    0 - 30 mph Not Available 
    0 - 60 mph 2.7 seconds 
    0 - 100 mph Not Available 
    0 - ¼ mile 10.4 seconds 
    Lateral acceleration Not Available 
    EPA City / Hwy Not Available

2000 Dodge Hennessey Viper Venom 800TT


    0 to 60 Miles per Hour (MPH) in 2.7 seconds

Edith Sitwell

TOMMY HILFIGER Fall 2009 Menswear

A Picture Is Worth About $138 Million

    via Gizmodo by Jack Loftus on 6/28/09

    The quick lens of U.S. Navy sonar technician Ronald Dejarnett was able to capture this Air Force F-22 going supersonic over the Gulf of Alaska as the pilot did his bestTop Gun flyby impression.

Top 20 Radio DEEA (kristofer93) - 28 iunie 2009

2,6 – 1994 Dauer 962 LEMANS-Fastest car in the World

    2,6 – 1994 Dauer 962 LEMANS
    list of the fastest cars based on acceleration (in seconds) 0-60 MPH.

2009 BMW M3 ALMS Race Car


    BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

    BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: "With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters."

    BMW's 2009 entry into the American Le Mans Series will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America, LLC and Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal.

    BMW M3 ALMS Race Car 2009"We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3," states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "Sports car racing has been part of BMW of North America's history practically from day one. Just two weeks after the company was incorporated in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the Twelve Hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation M3 will continue the legacy of its two predecessors which combined to win six manufacturer's championships over nine seasons in US sports car racing. As it has been in the past we believe the ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3."

    Echoing that sentiment Bobby Rahal adds, "BMW has an illustrious racing heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is eagerly anticipating, not only becoming part of that heritage, but helping to enhance it. Our dedication to this project will be without equal and we look forward to racing at the front of the grid with BMW in the years to come."

    Martin Birkmann, Motorsports Manager, BMW of North America, adds: "We are very excited to announce our return to the American Le Mans Series with the 4th generation M3 at the same time as the road car hits the BMW showrooms. We are also excited about our partnership with Rahal Letterman Racing. The ALMS offers racing where we can compete against the finest and most renowned automotive brands from Europe and the US. Motorsport is deeply ingrained in the BMW DNA and we are pleased to partner with an organization which shares that same heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is the perfect partner to be behind the wheel of our new BMW M3 racing effort."

    http://www.autoclub.com.au/2008/02/bmw-m3-alms-race-car.html

Aerodynamics In Car Racing

    Aerodynamic efficiency is the goal of all race car designers. It is the most important element in developing a competitive race car.

NEW MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS COUPE REPLACES CLK











    In case you haven’t heard, Mercedes-Benz has dropped the CLK in favour of the E-Class Coupé. That is to say, there will be no cars called CLK in the new shape anymore. One might wonder why such a successful badge was replaced. The move is part of Mercedes-Benz’s realignment of its image. Soon enough we will not hear of the CL Coupé either but of an S-Class Coupé. Do you see the pattern?



    The Benz is aligning its coupés with its flagship cars and doing away with the letter C. Why you might ask? Marketing of course. A top Mercedes-Benz executive in America explained it best when he said people are more willing to pay top dollar for a car called E-Class Coupé than for one called CLK because the C in CLK reminds them of the smaller C-Class. The same argument will apply when the S-Class Coupé debuts in a couple of years’ time. And now that the CLK is gone, does that mean there’s space for a new C-Class Coupé? You bet!



    I was thinking about all this while driving the new E-Class Coupé over the flowing hills of KwaZulu Natal. By the way, while the car has E-Class badges all over it, it’s actually based on the smaller C-Class platform, which makes things even more curious. Anyway, Merc can call it what they like, it’s their car.



    I call it “quite good actually”. The shorter wheelbase makes driving it that much more enjoyable. As a true two-door coupé it offers retractable side windows with no B pillars and four seats. The front seats are fitted with electronically adjustable seats which can be optionally fitted with active ventilation.



    Only two engines and models will be available at this point. At the base there’s an E350 Coupé with a 3.5-litre V6 engine underneath it. It’s naturally aspirated, unlike the upcoming 3.5-litre V6 twin turbo that will make around 350kW. At 200kW the E350 Coupé cannot be accused of being a slouch. Couple that with its 350Nm made between 2400rpm and 5000rpm and you have a capable coupé with grunt to match.



    The flagship E500 Coupé has a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8. It produces 285kW and 530Nm within a narrow band of between 2800rpm and 4800rpm. Both models come standard with the AGILITY Pack which automatically adjusts the suspension to match prevailing road conditions.



    Other safety goodies include ATTENTION ASSIST and PRE-SAFE which were explained with the E-Class sedan last week. Scooter over there to refresh if you are lost. The Adaptive High beams with bi-xenon lights are said to increase visibility by up to 300 metres. Mercedes-Benz South Africa is, for the first time, giving customers the option of LED lights which up to now have been mainly the domain of Audi and to a lesser extent BMW and Porsche.



    “The safety equipment of the new E-Class Coupé goes far beyond the demands of any legal requirements. The newest technologies for the best active and passive safety are available – including nearly all of the drive assistance systems that we have introduced in the sedan,” says Eckart Mayer, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.



    To this end the car has seven air bags for example, crumple zones, ABS with EBD and other safety measures. Standard wheels are 18-inch alloy types with 235/40 R 18 front tyres and 255/35 R 18 rear tyres.



    Higher levels of comfort can be attained from interior equipment such as the CD player, satellite navigation and the Music Register which can take up to about 1000 MP3 songs.



    Sadly Merc is not planning an AMG version of the E-Class Coupé, save an AMG styling package that gives the look but not the engine. No one will say why this decision but I can certainly speculate. There basically will not be space for an E-Class Coupé AMG because Merc already has the four-seater CLS 63 AMG (new one coming in two years) and the E 63 AMG. Plus I think we will soon see a C-Class Coupé AMG which will sit alongside the C 63 AMG sedan and Estate. At least next year we’ll be able to see a convertible version.



    Mercedes has done very well with this car in terms of design and package. Younger people may not quite “feel it” as it seems more geared towards the older set. But the latter will definitely love it.



    E-Class Coupé pricing



    E 350 Coupé R670 000



    E 500 Coupé R820 000

Sunday, June 28, 2009

17 YEAR OLD V8 DRIVER WINS BIG AT KAYALAMI





    The Auby family – father and two sons - made motor sport history at Kyalami on Saturday in the WesBank V8 Supercar Championship racing by winning both events and finishing in the top three positions on the championship points table.



    Driving sensation, 17-year-old Brandon Auby (ELT International Jaguar) won pole position on the official starting grid from his championship-leading brother, Marc. He set up a new fastest lap at Kyalami of 1 minute 39.434 seconds. On the second row was 3-times WesBank V8 Champion Hennie Groenewald (Team Timken Holden) and his team-mate Richard Pinard (Team Timken Jaguar) both lapping in the low 1 minute 40’s.



    In the first race Brandon Auby led off the starting line, set up the fastest lap and won by 4.1 seconds from Groenewald, who is now making a serious attempt to win his fourth championship in a row. With just eight races to go, he now needs a lot of luck to make up the 40 points he is in arrears. He now lies in fourth spot overall on the points table.



    The two Team Timken cars of Groenewald and Pinard finished second and third to show that they are back with a vengeance. Newcomer and the third team member and team manager, Carel Pienaar, who builds the V8 racing cars for them, finished his maiden race in tenth place in the 15-car field.



    Father Deon Auby (ELT International Lumina) moved from 7th on the staring grid to finish 4th, with veteran Franco di Matteo (Varta Batteries Jaguar) moving up to 5th a few seconds ahead of Steve Smith (Cool Catz Jaguar). Marc Auby with problems slid back to 11th after holding 2nd position for half the race until a safety car was deployed.

    Using the reverse grid for Race 2 to his advantage, Terry Wilford (Fuchs Titan Jaguar) passed Claire Vale (Gatorback/RAM Mustang) who has amassed a valuable 24 points this year, and tore away to lead for eight of the ten laps. Then Deon Auby passed him with 8 kilometres to go to record his second win in ten races. Danie Correia (LiquiMoly Corvette) from Welkom drove the race of his life after his elder brother, Jaco, went off on the Goodyear sweep. Marc Auby from 7th worked his way through the field. He got into 3rd on the last lap with a photo-finish ahead of di Matteo.



    Larry Wilford (Fuchs Titan Lubricants Mustang) was back on form after a long lay-off with some quick laps and took 5th spot from the first lady of WesBank Racing, Claire Vale.



    RESULTS :

    RACE 1

    1. B. Auby. 2. H. Groenewald. 3. R. Pinard. 4. D. Auby. 5. F. di Matteo. 6. S. Smith



    RACE 2

    1. D.Auby 2. D. Correia. 3. M Auby. 4. F di Matteo. 5. L. Wilford 6. C. Vale



    POINTS POSITION AFTER 10 RACES:-

    1. Marc Auby (108) 2. Brandon Auby (89) 3. Deon Auby (77) 4. Hennie Groenewald (68) 5. Danie Correia (67) 6. Franco di Matteo (63) 7.Jaco Correia (58) 8.Richard Pinard (49)

    9. Wade van Zummeren (42) 10. Mackie Adlem (38)



    *Photography: Motorpics.co.za



    Check out AmericanMuscle.com and their large selection of Mustang Cobra Parts



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