 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Photo: The Lincoln MKR concept marks the rebirth of Lincoln with this romantic four-door coupe delivering elegant simplicity and modern refinement for the premium buyer. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:49 PM | View the original post
Photo: Asiana Airlines of South Korea celebrated the 100th aircraft to join its fleet by taking delivery of an A330-300 at Airbus’ base in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the fifth A330 to be delivered to Asiana and the first to appear in the airline’s bold, new livery. A further A330 is scheduled to join the fleet in 2007. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:40 PM | View the original post
• Chrysler brand reinforces its leadership position as America’s favorite convertible company with all-new Sebring Convertible.
• Three automatically latching tops, including a retractable hard top, can drop with the press of a button on the key fob.
• Spacious interior makes comfortable room for four adults; exceptional cargo room easily fits four golf bags, two golf bags when top is dropped.
• Exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency of 31 mpg and Flexible-fuel Vehicle (FFV) engine availability.
View Larger Picture of 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
View Another Larger Picture of 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
The Chrysler Sebring Convertible has long held the honor of America's favorite convertible, solidly leading the segment for the past decade. In fact, Sebring Convertible has earned the title of best-selling convertible in the United States for seven of the past 11 years. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is poised to reign supreme when it becomes available in U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2007 and in global volume markets in the second half of 2007.
Photo: Joe Eberhardt, ÂChrysler Group Executive Vice President - Global Sales, Marketing and Service, and Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt introduce the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible to media at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show.
In markets outside North America, Sebring Convertible will be the first D-segment cabriolet for the Chrysler Group to offer both a diesel engine and right-hand-drive availability, thereby equipping the vehicle to become a stronger competitor in the segment.
Photo: Chrysler Sebring Convertible features class-leading innovations like the MyGIG™multi-media information center, a heated / cooled cupholder and room for two sets of golf clubs in the trunk even with the top down. A retractable hard top that can drop with the press of a button on the key fob is one of three automatically latching convertible top offerings. Sebring Convertible also offers exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency of 31 mpg. A flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) engine and, for the first time, a 3.5-liter V-6 engine also are available.
“America’s favorite convertible is now better than ever,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. “The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible offers the unprecedented combination of unmistakable road presence, athletic handling, innovative technologies, as well as plenty of room for people and gear. In fact, the all-new Sebring Convertible is the only convertible in the segment that can pass the two-golf-bag test. The sky’s the limit on what this vehicle can accomplish in the marketplace.” [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:29 PM | View the original post
SEATTLE, Jan. 2, 2007 The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Mumbai-based Jet Airways today announced an order for 10 787-8 Dreamliners.
Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 46 Classic and Next-Generation Boeing 737-400/-700/-800/-900 airplanes. The airline will take delivery of its first of 10 777-300ERs in April.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2008, provides passengers with a better flying experience and operators with a more efficient commercial jetliner.
Jet Airways, with an average fleet age of 5.3 years, has one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world. The airline operates more than 330 daily flights to 49 destinations that span the length and breadth of India and beyond including London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo and Kathmandu. The airline plans to extend its international operations to North America, Europe, Africa, China and Asia in the coming years with the introduction of twin-aisle aircraft into its fleet in 2007. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:43 PM | View the original post
DELIVERS SEGMENT-TOPPING COMBINATION OF STYLE, PERFORMANCE AND FUEL ECONOMY.
Photo: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT
View Larger Picture of 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT
DETROIT – The all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu delivers great performance, fuel economy and refinement, wrapped in a clean, tailored design that carries the new face of Chevrolet. The new Malibu will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show. It arrives at Chevrolet dealerships later this year.
Photo: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT Front View
“The 2008 Malibu rewrites Chevrolet’s midsize car strategy, offering a stylish, uncompromising package that stacks up against the most popular competitors,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “We know the competition is very good, and this new Malibu has the goods – both tangible and intangible – to assert a leadership position in the segment and re-affirm Chevrolet’s commitment to expressive cars.”
Photo: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT Rear View
The 2008 Malibu brings a fresh perspective and new proportions to the midsize segment. It is more than three inches (76 mm) longer than the current model, with a six-inch-longer (162 mm) wheelbase that delivers a poised, wheels-at-the-corners stance and helps provide a smoother, more direct driving experience. In fact, Malibu's wheelbase is three inches (76 mm) longer than Toyota Camry.
“ Malibu is the car our customers have been looking for,” said Peper. “There is more style and content on the new Malibu than any other competitor in the segment.”
The new Malibu is offered in three well-equipped trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ – all with standard head-curtain side air bags and front-seat thorax air bags, OnStar Gen 7 with remote diagnostics, and XM Satellite Radio. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models. [GlobalGiants.com]
Highlights of the redesigned 2008 Malibu include:
• All-new refined and contemporary exterior with new dual-port grille design that represents the new face of Chevrolet
• Twin round taillamps
• Upscale interior design with available two-tone trim; gauges with Chevrolet blue backlighting
• Standard head-curtain side air bags and front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags
• Available 110-volt household-type AC power outlet
• Refined and technically advanced family of economic DOHC powertrains, including a 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder and a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing
• Fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission available with both four-cylinder and V-6 engines – a segment exclusive for four-cylinder engines
• Five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Four-wheel independent suspension and longer wheelbase that deliver a more controlled, satisfying and confident driving experience
• Family of large wheels, including 18-inch ultra-bright polished wheels on LTZ
• Available large, panoramic sunroof
• Standard tire pressure monitoring system
Design details
With its strong stance and bold proportions, the 2008 Malibu has a profile that reinforces its substantial feel. Clean, pure lines and wheels pushed to the corners, as well as a visually lower yet longer greenhouse and a shorter deck suggest motion, agility and attitude. The body sides are clean and elegant, interrupted only by distinctive, wheel-oriented forms that communicate an aggressive, stable stance and a rear profile that connects to Chevrolet’s rich performance heritage.
The Malibu's dual-port grille is characteristic of the new face of Chevrolet cars and the twin round taillamps are Chevrolet cues, too, with LTZ models distinguished by front fog lamps and LED-lit taillamps. The design elements are complemented with precise details, including minimized panel gaps, a tight wheel-to-body relationship and select use of chrome trim. V-6 models also receive dual chrome exhaust outlets.
The interior’s attention to detail matches the Malibu's exterior, with an ergonomic design using premium materials that convey quality and value, including a cast skin material on the instrument panel. The integrated, flowing instrument panel features a Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit design, with prominent gauges backlit in blue, and metallic or wood grain accents.
The new Malibu has greater storage, too, with thoughtful features that maximize utility, including a deep center console with a sliding cover that opens to accommodate larger items. Also standard is an auxiliary in-dash storage compartment on the instrument panel for sunglasses, CDs and other items. An available rear power center provides a household-style 110-volt AC power outlet.
Safe and secure
The 2008 Malibu has a comprehensive roster of standard and available features that helps protect occupants before, during and after a crash. They include:
• Dual-stage frontal air bags with GM Passenger Sensing System
• Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seats)
• Front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags
• Front safety belt pretensioners
• LATCH child safety seat anchors
• Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
• Traction control
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with panic brake assistance (LT and LTZ models)
• Tire pressure monitoring system
All 2008 Malibu models come with OnStar Gen 7, which features standard automatic crash notification service and OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation – the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:02 AM | View the original post
Preparations Continue As The Detroit Auto Show Nears.
Photo: A worker vacuums the floor at the Saab display in the General Motors exhibit as preparations for the North American International Auto Show continue Tuesday, January 2, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens to the public on January 13. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin)
Photo: A worker assists with the lighting at the Cadillac display in the General Motors exhibit as preparations for the North American International Auto Show continue Tuesday, January 2, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens to the public on January 13. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin)
Photo: Workers cover a Chevrolet Corvette to keep the dust off of it as preparations for the North American International Auto Show continue Tuesday, January 2, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens to the public on January 13. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin)
Photo: Workers assemble the Buick Enclave display in the General Motors exhibit as preparations for the North American International Auto Show continue Tuesday, January 2, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens to the public on January 13. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin)
Detroit – Just days away from one of the largest gatherings of stars and cars Detroit has ever seen, GM has confirmed three celebrity additions to its runway for the Saturday, Jan. 6, GM Style event.
Widely touted for her breakout performance in the film “Dreamgirls” and an “American Idol” favorite, Jennifer Hudson will strut the catwalk at GM Style as one of the featured celebrity models.
Famed film and television star Christian Slater will also grace the runway at the unique event.
Late night television host Jimmy Kimmel of ABC-TV’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will act as emcee of the GM Style red carpet providing up-to-the-minute interviews and commentary from the moment they walk through the door.
Other talent slated to participate in GM Style include actress Carmen Electra, “Dancing with the Stars” favorite Mario Lopez, Emmy-nominated actress Cheryl Hines, supermodel Petra Nemcova and actress Vivica A. Fox. DJ Momjeans – aka “That 70’s Show’s” Danny Masterson -- is on board as guest DJ. A final list of celebrities is slated for release this week.
The first-ever invitation only GM Style will showcase 17 GM vehicles paired with celebrities and the latest fashions. GM is finishing a pavilion just east of the Renaissance Center on the Detroit Riverfront to host this salute to style. The pavilion, the first of its kind, will be longer than a football field, climate controlled and able to accommodate a runway for cars and stars. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:27 PM | View the original post
World's largest New Year's Eve celebration draws more than 2 million music lovers to 5 "party capitals" of the world.
More than 150 million viewers tune into global TV and Internet broadcast.
Performances by The Black Eyed Peas, Scissor Sisters, Nelly Furtado, John Legend, Sugababes, Atomic Kitten, Ludacris, Rihanna, KT Tunstall, Sergio Mendes, among others.
Photo: Firework effects mesmerized the audience after countdown in Hong Kong
Espoo, Finland - On December 31st, Nokia New Year's Eve delivered on its promise to connect millions of people around the world through five spectacular events being held as part of the biggest New Year's party of 2006. Five party capitals -- Hong Kong, Mumbai, Berlin, Rio and New York -- all played their part to celebrate the beginning of 2007. Those in attendance at the live show, or watching the global broadcast on television or online saw some of the biggest names in music celebrating a truly unforgettable night.
Photo: Grammy-Award winning artist Nelly Furtado performs at Nokia New Year's Eve in Mumbai.
Nokia New Year's Eve began at Hong Kong's Ocean Terminal with Atomic Kitten topping the bill and making their first international appearance since splitting in 2004. They performed hits such as Whole Again and Tide Is High after an impressive roster of local stars including DJ Jamaster A, Eason Chan, Grasshopper, Hacken Lee, Joey Yung, Josie Ho, Jun Kung, Paul Wong, Soler and Twins entertained the crowd throughout the evening. Despite the massive Internet challenges created by the recent earthquake in Taiwan, Hong Kong music fans were also able to stream the live concert footage directly to their mobile thanks to a select group of local operators.
Photo: Nokia New Year's Eve party in Berlin.
Moving west, Mumbai's Andheri Stadium played host to a star-studded celebration that featured performances by Grammy Award-winning Nelly Furtado, Indian music maestro A.R. Rahman, and Bollywood superstars Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor, Koena Mitra, among others.
Photo: The Black Eyed Peas and Sergio Mendes at Nokia New Year's Eve party in Rio
The night rounded off in New York with performances from Rihanna, Ludacris and KT Tunstall appearing in "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2007". [GlobalGiants.com]
Furtado, a Canadian performing in India for the first time, captivated the crowd by singing two Hindi ballads, Kabhi Kabhi and Yeh Sama, in addition to her international hits Powerless, Maneater and I Am Like A Bird. Nokia New Year's Eve also marked the public debut of the first English language composition by Indian musical legend A.R. Rahman - Pray For Me, Brother - an anthem dedicated toward the eradication of world poverty. As the clock closed on midnight, Rahman, also known as the "Mozart from Madras", got the crowd into the party spirit with his all-time hit Humma Humma as well as his Oscar-nominated single Khalbali.
"Thank you Nokia for making this happen. I have wanted to come to India all my life," said Nelly Furtado after the show. "The crowd was amazing and it was so much fun to perform on the same bill as so many talented Indian artists."
Berlin's Brandenburg Gate was the largest Nokia New Year's Eve celebration with an estimated 1.2 million party-goers in attendance. In front of this massive audience, headline act Scissor Sisters played their hit singles I Don't Feel Like Dancin' and Comfortably Numb in a ninety-minute set that wowed the audience before a spectacular 10-minute pyrotechnics display erupted at midnight. Sugababes then took to the stage to carry on the party well in to the night.
"This will be the biggest audience we've ever played to so we were really excited! We love coming to Berlin simply because nobody parties harder and longer than the Berliners," said Ana Matronic from Scissor Sisters before they took the stage. "After the show we plan on having an excessively fun and ridiculous evening which we hope will set the tone for the rest of 2007! Happy New Year everyone!"
In Rio, Brazilians showed that a bit of rain would not stand in the way of an amazing night. More than one million people celebrated Nokia New Year's Eve in a nine hour concert on Ipanema beach. The crowd was treated to unforgettable performances by the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend and Brazilian music legend Sérgio Mendes as well as local artists Funk'n Lata and DJ Marlboro, amongst others.
The Black Eyed Peas played all of their hits including Where Is The Love? and Pump It as well as an unforgettable collaboration with Sérgio Mendes for the hit song Mas que Nada. Sergio Mendes was making his first Brazilian live performance for 28 years and treated the crowd to a host of hits from his country's musical history. Speaking after the show, Mendes said "This was a night of magic. Sharing my music with the Brazilian audience was emotional and unforgettable. This was without a doubt one of the happiest days in my life".
"With more than 2 million music lovers celebrating with us in person, and more than 150 million television and Internet viewers, Nokia New Year's Eve was certainly the biggest New Year's party of 2006," said Jo Harlow, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Nokia. "Nokia New Year's Eve clearly lived up to our mission of "Connecting People" and delivered on our promise of leveraging the power of television, the internet, live events and the world's most exciting music artists to get people talking, sharing and celebrating on one incredible night. Our thanks to the artists who performed -- and the millions of people who celebrated with us in person and around the world." [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:28 AM | View the original post
Airbus has delivered the first VIP version of its ultra long-haul A340-600, the world's longest airliner, to the private business group SAAD Air Ltd of Saudi Arabia, the first customer for the type.
The Airbus A340-600, which has yet to be outfitted with its VIP cabin, will seat around 80 passengers and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines.
SAAD Air is both global and growing, and is an established corporate jet user - it already has an Airbus A320 Prestige - so the move to a larger Airbus widebody was a natural step. SAAD Air will benefit from a more spacious cabin, ultra-long range and four-engined flexibility, giving it the freedom to transport VIPs in style, where they want, when they want. SAAD Air is also in negotiations to double its fleet in the near future, with a wide range of aircraft types for its private aviation business with VIP clientele. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:37 PM | View the original post
Deal Consolidates Ownership of Cingular Wireless.
BellSouth and Cingular Brand Transition to Begin Soon.
PHOTO: New Year, New Company -- Workers install the new AT&T logo at the former BellSouth Atlanta headquarters over the weekend. BellSouth and Cingular came together Friday to form a premier global communications company. (AT&T photo by Michael Pugh).
San Antonio, Texas, -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has closed its acquisition of BellSouth Corporation, creating a premier global communications company committed to driving convergence, continued innovation, and competition in the communications and entertainment market.
The transaction consolidates ownership and management of Cingular Wireless, the USA's leading provider of wireless voice and data services, and YELLOWPAGES.COM, a leading Internet Yellow Pages and local search site.
PHOTO: Wireless home networking lets families share their AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet connection.
AT&T will immediately start to implement a carefully planned integration process to converge the AT&T, BellSouth, and Cingular wireless and wireline Internet Protocol (IP) networks, combine product portfolios and integrate customer care capabilities. The new company will be able to accelerate the introduction of innovative broadband services, such as IP-based services, while expanding the reach of broadband access in remote and rural locations in the traditional BellSouth region.
PHOTO: A Cingular store employee demonstrates the simplicity of recording up to four programs simultaneously with AT&T U-verse TV. The red dots next to the program titles indicate that the program will be recorded.
With the merger complete, AT&T enhances its U.S. leadership position in broadband, wireless services, voice services for consumers and businesses, and data services to Fortune 1000 companies.
In the coming days, AT&T will launch extensive new advertising, which will begin the transition of the BellSouth brand name to AT&T. AT&T will re-brand Cingular through a co-branded transition, which is scheduled to start in 2007.
AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company in the United States and worldwide, with operating subsidiaries providing services under the AT&T brand. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:47 AM | View the original post
Photo: The 2007 Suzuki SX4 compact sport X-over (crossover), named "Best Kept Secret of 2007" by Autobytel, is designed for those who live an adventurous life and is sure to be a year-round standout in any driving conditions. The all-new SX4 (the name stands for (S)port (X)-over for (4) seasons of weather) features a handsome five-door hatchback design, a sophisticated standard all-wheel-drive system, excellent stability and crisp handling characteristics. Built in Japan, the SX4 features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, in-line four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine rated at 143 horsepower. SX4 is also fitted with intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD) as standard equipment. The i-AWD system operates in three modes for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement or to facilitate traction in case of snow or mud. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:16 PM | View the original post
Mazda CX-7 SUV, code-named Adrenaline is designed and built by Mazda Design North America in Irvine, Calif. Adrenaline is a high-performance sport-crossover vehicle designed to promote the essence of all Mazdas, best described as the “Emotion of Motion.”
Based on the all-new Mazda CX-7, Adrenaline is a fully running prototype that showcases Mazda’s commitment to performance. “Adrenaline is athletically inspired for people who demand a car that is as lean and fit as they are and represents their passions, yet doesn’t sacrifice in hauling those passions around,” said Franz von Holzhausen, design director, MNAO. “Adrenaline is tuned like an avid cyclist, and delivers on the promise.”
A wider, lower stance and a bold new face give the all-wheel-drive Adrenaline an aggressive and firmly planted sporty stance. Unique design cues include new front and rear exterior styling, a clam shell front clip, wrap around rear spoiler and an innovative rear glass design. New fenders and doors give Adrenaline a three-inch wider overall stance.
Inspired by the yellow jerseys worn by bicyclists to signify stage and overall winners, Mazda designers chose gradating yellow paint theme, which gives the impression of the vehicle punching through the atmosphere. It is bright, bold and sporty. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:43 PM | View the original post
New Year's Eve will debut Chevy's new permanent timepiece in Times Square.
Photo: 2007 Chevrolet Impala LTZ
DETROIT – Chevrolet will return to New York City with a permanent presence in Times Square. Representing Chevy’s first long-standing presence in Times Square since the 1950s, Chevrolet is installing an iconic clock on the One Times Square building, just below the “Ball Lowering” location on New Year’s Eve that will mark the time in the “crossroads of the world.” The timepiece will alternate between a series of animated clock faces…a signal of things to come.
Photo: Times Square
Chevrolet is the “Official Ride of New Year’s Eve in Times Square” as part of its marketing partnership with Countdown Entertainment, the Times Square Alliance and the City of New York. For the second straight year, Chevrolet will provide tens of thousands of festive hats for revelers. And in addition to co-branding on the Mayor's Stage and media riser, Chevy branding will appear on the crystal podium used by Mayor Bloomberg to begin the midnight “Ball Lowering” from the top of the One Times Square building. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:14 PM | View the original post
DETROIT -- Chevrolet will debut the HHR Premiere Edition at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it announced Wednesday, December 27, 2006. The HHR Premiere Edition features 17" black chrome wheels, black chrome exterior package, a special Cappuccino Frost Metallic exterior color and a special Ebony/Gray two-tone interior. The HHR Premiere Edition will begin production early in the first quarter of 2007. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:08 PM | View the original post
Best-in-class horsepower, towing capability and fuel economy extend GM’s legacy and heritage in full-size trucks.
Photo: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Extended Cab
DETROIT – General Motors introduces its all-new, 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra – comprehensively redesigned pickups that incorporate new exterior and interior designs, and powertrain, chassis and safety systems. The vehicles take GM’s truck legacy to a new level. They lead the segment in performance, efficiency, capability, refinement and safety. The new trucks offer more power and better fuel economy than the vehicles they replace.
Photo: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Interior
Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are offered with three cab styles, three cargo box lengths and several specially tuned suspensions. All have distinct identities, including brand-exclusive sheet metal and design cues yet share fundamental traits that support segment-leading capability, quality and performance.
Photo: 2007 GMC Sierra
“Nobody has a deeper well of truck experience than GM, and it shows in the all-new Silverado and Sierra with their segment-leading V-8 power, fuel economy and towing capacity,” said Gary White, General Motors North America vice president and vehicle line executive for full-size trucks. “While power, pulling and payload used to define the full-size truck segment, today that’s the price of entry and consumers demand more. Our new trucks feature spacious and refined interiors and a host of exclusive features. Simply put, they have what it takes to continue their leadership position in the industry.”
“There are no peers when it comes to the depth and breadth of GM’s truck offerings,” said White. “The new trucks represent a well thought-out range of models and capacities, meaning customers can find the exact truck they need, whether it’s for work, personal driving or – as is more the case today – both.” [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:24 PM | View the original post
Photo: The 2007 Suzuki XL7 blends SUV versatility and safety to increase driver and passenger comfort and features available all-wheel drive and seven-passenger, three-row seating to provide adaptability for active, mobile lifestyles. The 3.6-liter, V6, DOHC engine rated at 252 horsepower with 243 lb.-ft. of torque is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission fitted with manumatic controls. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:30 PM | View the original post
Photo: The Chrysler Nassau concept is a four-door, four-passenger luxury coupe with an emphasis on driving dynamics. The artistic exterior design leans toward an exploration as to what could be a future sedan in the brand's lineup. The Chrysler Nassau concept highlights sweeping curves to define the front and rear fasciae.
Photo: The Jeep Trailhawk concept merges the spectrum of the Jeep brand by combining the core features of the Jeep Wrangler with the sophistication of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Derived from the all-new 2007 Wrangler architecture, the Jeep Trailhawk concept taps into "Jeep Rugged" attributes to provide classic proportions, unsurpassed off-road capability and a new approach to open-air freedom. The headlamps, cropped and peering out from beneath a diagonal brow, produce the countenance of a bird of prey, and the inspiration for the "Trailhawk" name.
Sneak Peek of Concepts
It's 31 seconds of drummin', thumpin', flyin' frames. If you look quickly enough you can catch a glimpse of the Chrysler Nassau and the Jeep Trailhawk — the two concept vehicles that will be unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. [GlobalGiants.com]
View the Video!
Click and wait till the Video loads (1.8 MB)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:13 AM | View the original post
Highlighting Style, Spirit and Pride of African American Musicians.
SEATTLE, Dec. 27 -- In celebration of Black History Month, Nordstrom will showcase a photography exhibit by Kamoinge, a talented group of African American photographers. These images illustrate life and culture as expressed through music over the past 40 years. The exhibit will be displayed in select Nordstrom stores and at www.nordstrom.com throughout the month of February.
Photo: Joey Morant, Rainbow Room, 2005. Photographer: Mark Lee Blackshear
Appearing for the second year at the Nordstrom exhibit, Kamoinge is a group of New York City-based photographers whose work has been featured in books, museums, newspapers and magazines throughout the United States. Kamoinge (a Swahili word meaning "a group of people acting together") was established in 1963 in Harlem to alleviate the sense of photographic isolation generally felt by black photographers. Today their mission has evolved to produce visual images of time that reflect human relationships, political and social interactions and the spiritual world of imagery. Nordstrom has recognized Black History Month over the past five years with in-store exhibits.
The exhibit will feature 11 photographers: Salimah Ali, Anthony BarBoza, Mark Lee Blackshear, Adger Cowans, Gerald Cyrus, Colette Fournier, Herbert Randall, Herb Robinson, Radcliffe Roye, Jamel Shabazz, and Shawn Walker.
Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the USA's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 157 US stores located in 27 states. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 99 Full-Line Stores, 50 Nordstrom Racks, five Faconnable boutiques, one free-standing shoe store, and one clearance store. Nordstrom also operates 35 Faconnable boutiques in Europe.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:52 PM | View the original post
Detroit, Dec., 2006 -- At the 2007 North American Auto Show Detroit, Mercedes-Benz is adding to its reputation as a pioneer and design trendsetter among premium carmakers with the presentation of its Concept Ocean Drive four-door convertible. This study is a one-off creation by Mercedes-Benz which revives the tradition of large luxury convertibles. Not having to work to a design brief or production specifications left the designers free to get on with the job of developing the world's most comfortable and elegant convertible.
According to Mercedes-Benz, "The Concept Ocean Drive is an aweinspiring jewel on wheels. As a four-door convertible, it belongs in a luxury genre that has almost disappeared from our roads. Like the luxury convertibles of years gone by, this showpiece from Stuttgart features the maximum in elegance, lifestyle sophistication and exclusiveness. To put it another way, it represents automobile culture at its most attractive and desirable.
The one-off special has an all-new body with an almost classic flavour and with clearly defined lines and vibrant two-tone paintwork which are exceptionally charismatic. Although on one level the Concept Ocean Drive displays the restraint of an elite and aristocratic automobile, it is also an open invitation to go on a "top-less" cruise along the world's finest ocean promenades. Luxurious, exotic materials have been crafted with consummate skill to create a showpiece of unparalleled perfection.
The unique luxury convertible design study from Stuttgart turns a "dream car" vision into reality. At the same time it is also an affirmation of the design excellence and values of the Mercedes-Benz brand, including the brand's traditional basic principles like excellent build and quality, comfort, effortless superiority, value retention and safety. These values have now been joined by three further key messages: passion, fascination and innovation. " [GlobalGiants.com]
Styling conveys effortless superiority and elegance
Apart from the four doors, the outward distinguishing marks of the concept car include a very large and upright radiator grille, LED headlamps and taillights, two-tone paintwork and a striking interplay between taut lines and large, restful surfaces. This lends the one-off special an air of effortless superiority, power, elegance and forward-flowing energy.
The long side-window opening which, typically of a convertible, is not interrupted by a B-pillar or window frames, ensures seamless continuity between the exterior and the interior, even when the top is up. Extensive use of high-value materials –such as finest-quality leather, 3D-effect materials and large bird's eye maple trim panels (in the interior and even on the soft-top compartment cover) – and many other thoughtfully designed interior details, highlight the luxurious, unique character of this design study.
Top-level engineering
The design study is based on the twelve-cylinder Mercedes-Benz S 600, on account of this model's long wheelbase. The technical highlights include:
• the innovative soft-top mechanism resulting in smooth operation and fast closing times;
• the innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which is featured on all four seats, allowing occupants to enjoy top-down motoring even in the colder months of the year.
The on-board equipment also includes top-level Mercedes-Benz innovations, some of which are unique worldwide – including Brake Assist PLUS, the innovative PRE-SAFE brake system (in combination with radar-based DIS-TRONIC PLUS) and the PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection system.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:37 AM | View the original post
PHOTO: Research shows by replacing a higher calorie evening snack with a lower calorie snack, like a bowl of Special K(R) Chocolatey Delight(TM) cereal, women may lose weight. (PRNewsFoto/Kellogg Company)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:43 PM | View the original post
Photo: First introduced as a 2006 model, the Grand Vitara has garnered much media and consumer praise and has won numerous awards, including a "Best Buy" from Consumer Guide. The 2007 Grand Vitara features a standard 185-horsepower, 2.7-liter, V6, 24-valve DOHC engine, a sophisticated available Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system, tough unibody construction enhanced with a built-in ladder frame and an extensive list of interior amenities and standard safety features.
The list of standard safety features is extensive: ABS with EBD and ESP, including traction control, six airbags, three-point driver and front-passenger seat belts featuring shoulder height adjustment; in the rear seat, each passenger is provided with a three-point seat belt system and a headrest. With its carefully engineered control layout and close attention to materials and fit-and-finish, the interior of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is functional and attractive.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:38 PM | View the original post
 |
 |
