News ) Thursday said in a Form 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that the Higher Learning Commission has raised questions about the oversight of its recruitment, admissions and …
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Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Videos
Remember the Embrace Life PSA that urged auto occupants to use their safety belts? It’s a beautiful safety ad with a very powerful message. The Road Safety Council of Western Australia must have been watching, because they’ve taken their safety message to the next level of serenity.
Beyond the jump is a three-minute ad titled “Enjoy The Ride.” The first two minutes of the video explain how important it is to slow down in every day life. If you don’t, the PSA explains, you’re on the fast track to early aging, heart disease and even erectile dysfunction. You wouldn’t know this is an auto safety spot until the last minute of the PSA, when the real message reveals itself. Slow down and enjoy the ride. Hit the jump to view the video – just be prepared to breath a little deeper… you may want to join yoga after this. Hat tip to Chris!
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading Video: Australian safety council urges you to slow down… naturally
Video: Australian safety council urges you to slow down… naturally originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Kia
Our man Jeremy Korzeniewski is attending a Kia event in Phoenix, Arizona this week, and during a press briefing this morning, JK learned that the Korean automaker will be unveiling its 2012 Rio sedan at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The four-door Rio will complement the hatchback bodystyle that bowed at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.
Four powertrains will be available on the Rio overseas – two gas and two diesel – and while mum’s the word on which engine(s) will be available here in the United States, we’re putting our money on the 1.4-liter gasoline four. This mill produces 108 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed(!) automatic transmission.
In other news, Kia also let slip that the KV7 concept from this year’s Detroit Auto Show previews what’s in store for the next-generation Sedona minivan. We hinted at this after a conversation with Michael Sprague, Kia’s vice president of marketing, though it’s still unclear exactly what elements from the KV7 will be incorporated into the next-gen Sedona. The concept focused on a more traditional conversion van setup rather than the family-centric Sedona that currently graces our streets.
Gallery: 2012 Kia Rio
2012 Kia Rio sedan confirmed for New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Government/Legal
President Obama has outlined a new target for the White House energy policy, one that focuses on variety. According to news reports, the plan will include ways to generate more low-carbon electricity, reduce reliance on foreign oil, expand domestic oil production and ethanol production and push up the amount of natural gas used in vehicles.
The New York Times says that the administration has been asking “outside groups” for their input in order to get the widest possible consensus on the matter. In fact, the President is so confident in the plan that the Times’ headline on the story says he is “daring Republicans to call it ‘Froufrou.’” Here are some highlights:
Read the full text of the President’s speech after the jump.
[Sources: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal | Image: WhiteHouse.gov]
Continue reading Obama: Entire federal fleet purchases to be alt-fuel by 2015
Obama: Entire federal fleet purchases to be alt-fuel by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo
Milanese coachbuilder and design house Zagato is known for some unspeakably beautiful works of rolling art. The Perana Z-One and Fiat 500 Coupe are two recent examples that have caught our eye, but even Zagato managed to out-do itself with the stunning TZ3 Corsa.
Unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este nearly a year ago, the TZ3 stands as Zagato’s continuation of a line that started in the 1960s with the TZ1 and TZ2 specials, which remain collectors’ favorites to this day. The TZ3 was commissioned by a private customer and was set to be a one-off, but the latest reports from Europe suggest that Zagato is preparing to roll out a limited production run of street versions – which could have been what Zagato was hinting at with its holiday greetings.
Dropping the race-specific Corsa designation, the TZ3 Stradale would not be, as the concept car was, based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Instead, itsborrow its underpinnings would reportedly be borrowed from the Dodge Viper, no doubt facilitated by the fact that Alfa and Dodge are under common management these days. The Viper’s 8.4-liter V10 engine would reportedly be part of the mix as well, tuned to deliver as much as 612 horsepower, making this one report we hope comes to fruition… and to our driveways.
UPDATE: Zagato has confirmed to Autoblog the development of the project, as the second step that started with the pictured TZ3 Corsa one-off.
Gallery: Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa Live
Gallery: Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa
[Source: AutoBild (translated)]
Zagato to build Viper-based Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Motorsports, Audi
The Audi R18 LMP1 enclosed prototype endured four days of rigorous testing at Sebring last week. Audi engineers used their time at the famed facility to test aerodynamics, fuel economy and reliability, using the R15 as a control.
You won’t be able to see the R18 compete until the six-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps on May 7th, but luckily you won’t have to wait that long to see the diesel-powered race car on the track.
Hit the jump to watch a two-minute clip of the R18 as it takes to Sebring like a duck takes to water. A second post-jump video is an interview with Audi Motorsport chief, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. The good doctor gives tells us about the R18, including how the 3.7-liter V6 diesel is all-new – a necessary step taken by Audi to conform to the sport’s ever-changing rules. Next, Ullrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Development at Audi Sport, tells us that if Darth Vader had a car, “this would be his.” We don’t know about that, but dark side is definitely strong with the R18. Hat tip to Earwole1!
Gallery: 2011 Audi R18
[Source: Quattro World]
Continue reading Video: Audi R18 racer testing at Sebring in high-def
Video: Audi R18 racer testing at Sebring in high-def originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: China, Crossover, Buick, GM, Shanghai Motor Show
Buick has a huge presence in China, where customers have placed the Tri-shield brand on par with the world’s leading luxury automakers. It makes sense, then, that Buick would choose the Shanghai Auto Show as the location of choice to showcase the brand’s new compact crossover concept.
General Motors says the Envision integrates global design with local Chinese-oriented aesthetics. GM says that the concept was made to have an “elegant and smooth exterior that emphasizes its modern styling and contemporary sportiness.” The concept is also said to pack the new technology that the company hopes will eventually be a staple of the Buick brand, including an advanced plug-in hybrid system.
The Buick team isn’t showing us much with this teaser sketch, but we can at least see plenty of sharp lines, a pair of sinister-looking taillamps and a lower rear fascia treatment that might look good on the Buick Regal GS. The General will officially unveil the Envision concept at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 18. Hit the jump to look over the brief press release.
[Source: General Motors]
Continue reading Buick Envision crossover concept teased ahead of Shanghai reveal
Buick Envision crossover concept teased ahead of Shanghai reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Egypt’s ministry of foreign affairs on Thursday refused to hold any negotiations with Somali pirates who are holding Egyptian citizens and demanded for ransom, according to the relatives. The relatives of the Egyptian held by Somali pirates as hostages renewed their efforts to secure the release of their members of families. Abdurrahman Rushdi, a brother of the one of the captives, said the minister of foreign affairs spurned to open dialogue with pirates.
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style, Electric
The name Naimo is Korean for “square,” and the new Kia EV concept certainly fits its name. But we’re not talking about a total box, as you can see from the photo above. The B-segment vehicle, which will debut this week at the Seoul Motor Show, looks primed to take on all comers in the emerging small car segment, with interesting lines, plenty of LEDs all around and a touch of Korean heritage. The Naimo has no B-pillars, and the rear doors open up clamshell-style, an auto show staple that almost never makes it to production. The concept also features massive 20-inch wheels, which almost look comical on such a small vehicle, and the square-themed wheels are wrapped in low rolling resistance rubber.
On the inside, Kia designers were looking for a tranquil feel, with Korean oak covering the concept’s floor and adorning the trim. A transparent organic LED display instrument panel and full connectivity gives the Naimo that futuristic concept interior look without going too Buck Rogers.
And since the Naimo is a 21st century concept, an electric powertrain is a near must. The permanent magnet synchronous motor provides a maximum output of 80 kW (107 horsepower). Battery power comes from a 27 kWh lithium ion polymer twin battery pack, giving the little concept a range of 124 miles on a charge. Speaking of charges, Kia says the Naimo features a special rapid charge mode that enables the driver to charge the battery to 80 percent capacity in a scant 25 minutes. A full charge will reportedly take five and a half hours. Hit the jump to look over the Kia press release and click on the gallery below to peruse our high-res image gallery.
Gallery: Kia Naimo Concept
[Source: Kia]
Continue reading Kia Naimo EV concept ready for Seoul Motor Show debut
Kia Naimo EV concept ready for Seoul Motor Show debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that with the sustenance of the on-going investments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry by both government and Organized Private Sector (OPS) Nigeria will soon meet the Vision 20:20 target of being among top economies in the world by the year 2020.
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