Mercedes-AMG GT S will take on Porsche, Jaguar

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PARIS (AP) — If there's one car that can challenge Lamborghini for drawing gaping crowds at this year's Paris Motor Show, it's the AMG GT S on display at Mercedes' stand.
The bright yellow sports car from Mercedes' performance division screams speed. It's also just the second sports car developed entirely in-house by AMG, which aims to compete in the same class as the Porsche 911 and the Jaguar F-Type.
INSIDE: AMG designers have gone with an "aviation" theme for the GT's cabin. The spacious interior features a wing-like dashboard. Leather seats are accented by several trim options including silver chrome, matte carbon fiber, high-gloss carbon fiber, black diamond and matte silver fiberglass.
OUTSIDE: "Muscular" and "dramatic" are the two words that AMG uses to describe its new sports car, and they are apt. A gracefully arched roof line and frameless doors, matched with sculpted tapering side walls make the AGM GT look fast even when parked.
UNDER THE HOOD: An all-new AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine and 7-speed dual clutch transmission delivers 510 horsepower and a zero-to-60 time clocked at 3.7 seconds. AMG says it's the world's first sports car engine with the turbos inside the V of the engine, which makes for a more compact engine and improves throttle response and fuel economy, AMG says.

GAS MILEAGE: 30 miles per gallon advertised.

Patient with Ebola symptoms enters Washington hospital

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Howard University Hospital, where a patient with Ebola-like symptoms is being treated. The hospital reported the unidentified patient, who had traveled to Nigeria recently, has been admitted in stable condition, and is under isolation. The medical team is working with the CDC to determine whether the patient has the deadly Ebola virus. Oct. 3, 2014 - Washington, DC, U.S. (© Jay Mallin/ZUMA Wire via Corbis)

Washington (AFP) - A patient with symptoms that could be associated with the deadly Ebola virus and a recent travel history to Nigeria was admitted Friday to a Washington-area hospital, a spokeswoman told AFP.

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1. US Ebola case is first diagnosed outside Africa AFP
2. Nigeria Ebola free, president tells UN AFP
3. CDC confirms first case of Ebola virus in the U.S. -- reports MarketWatch
4. Dallas Ebola patient vomited outside apartment on way to hospital Reuters
5. US doctor exposed to Ebola virus admitted to NIH Associated Press

"We can confirm that a patient ​has been admitted to Howard University Hospital in stable condition, following travel to Nigeria and presenting with symptoms that could be associated with Ebola," said Howard University spokeswoman Kerry-Ann Hamilton.

"In an abundance of caution, we have activated the appropriate infection control protocols, including isolating the patient."

No further details were released about the patient.

Symptoms of Ebola can include fever, aches and pains, vomiting and diarrhea.

The virus is spread through close contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.

The first diagnosed case of Ebola in the United States was announced on Tuesday, after a man from Liberia who had traveled to Texas fell ill days after he arrived.
Nigeria is one of five West African nations that have battled Ebola this year, but has had fewer than two dozen cases and as many as eight deaths linked to the arrival of a sick airline passenger from Liberia, far less than the thousands of infections in neighboring countries.
Nigeria's president declared the nation Ebola-free at a UN meeting late last month.

US and global health authorities have said Nigeria was near to being able to announce an end to the outbreak there, which can only be established once 42 days have passed since the last infection.

More than 3,300 people have died across Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria and Senegal already this year, in the world's largest outbreak of Ebola in history.

4 things Chase customers should watch out for

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FILE - This file photo made April 13, 2010, shows the door of a branch Chase Bank in New York. JPMorgan Chase revealed during the first week of October 2014 that 76 million households were affected by a cyberattack against the bank this summer. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — JPMorgan Chase revealed this week that 76 million households were affected by a cyberattack against the bank this summer.

Related Stories

1. JPMorgan hack exposed data of 83 million, among biggest breaches in history Reuters
2. Info on 76 mn households hit in data breach: JPMorgan AFP
3. 5 Things You Need to Know About the J.P. Morgan Cyber Attack The Wall Street Journal
4. JPMorgan Breach Heightens Security Doubts CBS Dallas Fort Worth (RSS)
5. Massive JPMorgan data breach hit 76 million household accounts The Week (RSS)

The nation's largest bank said there is no evidence that hackers stole account numbers, passwords, birth dates or Social Security numbers. But the hackers were able to get access to customers' names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.

That's still a problem. Hackers will likely sell that information on the black market, says Gartner security analyst Avivah Litan. Then scammers will try to use the data to trick you into giving up more personal information so they can steal your money or open new credit card accounts in your name.
Here are four things Chase customers need to watch out for:
1. DON'T CLICK ON EMAIL LINKS

After big data breaches, scammers start sending out emails. The emails may mention Chase, or past breaches. Never click on any links. Malware could be downloaded to your computer and steal account passwords and other information, Litan says.

2. WATCH THE MAILBOX TOO

Scammers could also send letters. Some might claim you've won a tablet, vacation or other prize and give you a phone number to call. Don't do it. It's probably a way to get more personal information from you.

3. HANG UP THE PHONE AND IGNORE TEXTS

Since phone numbers of Chase customers were stolen, be wary of calls asking for account numbers or other information. Crooks are sending texts now too, so don't click any links from numbers you don't know. "You can't trust any communications anymore," Litan says.

4. DON'T OVERLOOK SMALL CHARGES

Crooks will charge smaller amounts to your credit card, usually under $10, to see if you notice, then charge a bigger amount later. It's best to check online statements for suspicious activity once a week. But if you don't have time for that, scan statements every month. "It's a pain in the neck," says Litan, "but that's what you have to do."

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Follow Joseph Pisani at http://twitter.com/josephpisani

Out with the air: Bridgestone shows off tires you never have to inflate

Bringing new meaning to the term flat tire, the Japanese company shows a second-generation prototype of its airless tires at the Paris Motor Show.

Bridgestone's Air Free concept tire at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Stephen Shankland/CNET

PARIS -- Maybe it's time to move beyond those donut-shaped balloons that connect our cars to the road.
At the Paris Motor Show here, Bridgestone showed off a second-generation prototype of its Air Free tire, which replaces conventional tires' cushion of air with an array of shock-absorbing resin bands that resemble thick, angled spokes. The outside of the airless tire is coated with a replaceable tread made of a thin band of solid rubber.
Why mess with the proven design of tires? Of course, there's no such thing as a flat tire, but the main reason is to improve recyclability compared to conventional tires, said Olivier Monbet, leader of Bridgestone's technical department for France and Benelux.
"Every part of this tire is recyclable," Monbet said.

Bridgestone's second-gen airless tire prototype (pictures) See full gallery

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Bridgestone is a global powerhouse in the tire industry, with eight tire-making plants around the world. So it's got some clout. But it's not the only one trying airless-tire technology.
The Britek Tire has its Energy Return Wheel for bicycles and military vehicles. The Michelin Tweel is suited for loaders, a type of construction vehicle. The Hankook i-Flex is designed for passenger cars.
Bridgestone debuted the airless tire in 2011, but it's now improved over that first prototype. Monbet said Bridgestone is now comfortable with how well it absorbs shocks. That's because a new design is better able to handle heat buildup.
The next priority is to deal with lateral stiffness. Right now it's too stiff, which isn't good when the driver steers, he said.
That issue should be addressed with new prototypes due over the next two to four years. Bridgestone plans to begin testing them within a year on small Toyota single-passenger electric vehicles that run in Tokyo, he said.
When the rubber part of the tire wears out, a new one can be fitted by heating it up and slipping it on, Monbet said.
It's too soon to talk about cost. "The cost will decrease as we increase production," Monbet said.

Things You Can Buy if You’re a Billionaire

Being a billionaire means you have access to a lot of money. What would you do with this money? What do other people do with their money when they have billions out there? You’ve probably got an idea of some of the things that you would want. They are probably on the expensive side and you really cannot afford them at this particular time, but what if you could? What would you buy? Here is a list of some of the things to buy if you were a billionaire.

Source: www.dose.com

A luxury waterfall and bath right in your home. Make it pool sized and don’t skimp on any luxuries. Hey, you can afford it now! Bathe in luxury or invite friends to come just swim in the pool sized bath tub with you.

Samsung’s iPhone 6 nightmare is getting even worse

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Samsung’s iPhone 6 nightmare is getting even worse

Despite having to fight against a new iPhone each year, Samsung was surprised to see Apple’s record iPhone 6 launch in past weeks and had to move up its Galaxy Note 4 launch in South Korea and China as a result. But that might not be enough to keep customers from buying the iPhone 6 like hot cakes, especially in China, where a recent estimate revealed that more than 2 million people reserved a new iPhone in the first six hours following Apple’s official iPhone 6 announcement from the region.
FROM EARLIER: Is the iPhone 6 Plus even hotter than we thought?
Now, a second report from the region says that iPhone 6 reservations have now topped 4 million units, even though the official iPhone 6 preorder date isn’t until October 10th.
Chinese online publication Tencent says that some 4 million customers have already reserved their iPhone 6 handsets with local mobile operators and other retailers. The publication even offers specific numbers for a particular retailer, which said that 1,106,379 people reserved the iPhone 6, and 1,189,083 went for the bigger iPhone 6 Plus model, suggesting the phablet version is slightly more popular than the 4.7-inch version.
Interestingly, a questionable report from Digitimes suggested that Apple might have ordered more iPhone 6 Plus units than iPhone 6 models from its suppliers.
While it’s not clear whether all these reservations will convert to actual purchases, the number is not that surprising. Apple announced it sold 10 million combined iPhone 6 and 6 Plus units during the first weekend, with China left out of the first iPhone 6 wave. Comparatively, in 2013 Apple sold 9 million iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c units, during launch, with 2.75 million of them being sold in China.

Meanwhile, Samsung has sold out its initial Galaxy Note 4 stock in South Korea, although reports suggested it might have had just 30,000 units on hand, and numbers for China haven’t been mentioned. Samsung will start selling the phone in other markets on October 10th (when actual iPhone 6 preorders start in China), with the U.S. getting it on October 17th (when the iPhone 6 launches in China).

What happens when a diehard Android fan uses the iPhone 6 for two straight weeks

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Here’s what happens when a diehard Android fan uses the iPhone 6 for two straight weeks

There’s a difference between being a fan and a fanboy. Whereas a fanboy absolutely cannot see the value in any rival companies’ products, a fan will actually acknowledge that rivals’ products do have some real appeal even while preferring to stay with their own favorite brand. Droid Life’s Kellex squarely falls into the “Android fan” category and he’s just posted a sharp essay on the iPhone 6 after he spent two weeks using the device. His conclusion is that while he thinks the iPhone 6 is a fantastic phone and that he sees why so many people have chosen to buy it, he does not understand why the device is generating such a borderline religious fervor from its users.
RELATED: Apple fanboy explains why he couldn’t stand using the Nexus 5 for more than 24 hours
“If there are two conclusions that I can take from this experience, it’s that I now understand why millions upon millions of people want this phone each year, but also that I am still confused at the obsessive, often times obnoxious, need for all-things-Apple, especially involving the iPhone,” he writes. “This is a nice phone, don’t get me wrong. However… you should not stand in lines for days to own one.”
From there, he goes through all of the iPhone 6’s features and in particular finds that he loves the simplicity and ease of use of the device’s camera while also showering praise on its display quality and battery life. However, when the rubber meets the road, he finds that the device is still too locked down and doesn’t offer nearly as many customization options as Android phones do.

“I feel like with this iPhone, I’m using someone else’s phone and that I can’t actually make it my own,” he writes. “The only controls I have are how many apps I want in a folder, how many folders I want on a screen, and the arrangement of those folders and their surrounding apps… It’s obvious that Apple has created an experience that they feel is the best for everyone, except they forgot about the tinkerers of the world and those of us who want ultimate control, who want to customize a phone’s experience, and who don’t want to be told that their phone should be used a certain way.”

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

About This Car

- Quick Specs -

• Make Dodge

• Model Challenger

• Year 2015

• Engine 6.2L Supercharged V8

• Price $59,900

• HP 707

The newly consolidated Dodge and SRT brands are launching out of the gate at full throttle – introducing the new 600-plus horsepower 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine and its stablemate – the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT just one month after taking the wraps off the new Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI® Scat Pack Shaker at the New York Auto Show.
Driven by the five SRT performance hallmarks, the new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT and Challenger SRT with the Hellcat engine are re-designed and totally re-engineered to be the most true-to-form muscle coupes on the market with performance-enhancing technologies inside and out. The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat will feature the most powerful V-8 engine ever produced by Chrysler Group – the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8.
“The new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the ultimate performance muscle car,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Dodge is the Mainstream Performance brand, and now combined with SRT, we are able to unleash a true GT car with an all-new driver-focused interior and the TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission combined with the most powerful V-8 Chrysler has ever produced. The Challenger Hellcat has been released!”
The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT coupes will be built at the Brampton (Ont.) Assembly plant. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2014.
Awe-inspiring powertrains
For 2015, the Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine is propelled by the new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8. Its 600-plus horsepower rating will be the highest of any V-8 engine in Chrysler Group’s celebrated history. The all-new V-8 engine can be mated with an upgraded six-speed manual transmission or a beefy, new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic – the first such gearbox ever offered in the Dodge Challenger SRT’s time-honored segment.
This new HEMI® Hellcat engine is Dodge and SRT’s first application of V-8 supercharger technology, delivering the full brand experience with fresh potency.
The breakthrough supercharged engine features a forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces. The result is a crank so well-engineered it can withstand firing pressures of 110 bar (1,595 psi) – the equivalent of five family sedans standing on each piston, every two revolutions. And its unique, specially tuned crank damper has been tested to 13,000 rpm.
High-strength, forged-alloy pistons – developed using advanced telemetry measurement – are coupled to powder-forged connecting rods with high-load-capacity bushings and diamond-like-carbon-coated piston pins.
The new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 has premium-grade, heat-treated aluminum-alloy cylinder heads that are optimized for superior thermal conductivity. And its die-cast aluminum rocker covers are HEMI Orange.
In addition to the supercharged HEMI V-8 in the Challenger SRT Hellcat, the new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT model also gets a power boost with upgrades to the 392 HEMI V-8. Horsepower climbs to 485 from 470, while peak torque jumps to 475 lb.-ft. from 470 lb.-ft.
The 392 also can be mated with a new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic or the proven six-speed manual transmission.
All-new Drive Modes tailor the driving experience to each individual driver
Whether its on-road or on-track, Challenger SRT owners can personalize their drive experience via the all-new Drive Modes feature. Drive Modes tailor the driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering (Challenger SRT only), paddle shifters (automatic transmission only), traction and suspension. Drive Modes are pre-configured for Sport, Track and Default settings, while the Custom setting lets the driver customize the drive experience to their favorite settings.
Custom - Allows the driver to personalize the vehicle’s performance
Sport - Delivers increased vehicle performance capability over the Default Mode
Track - Delivers maximum vehicle performance capability on smooth, dry surfaces
Default - Activates automatically when starting the vehicle
The Drive Mode feature is controlled through the Uconnect system and may be accessed by performing any of the following:
Pushing the SRT button on the instrument panel switch bank
Selecting “Drive Modes” from the “SRT & Apps” menu
Selecting “Drive Modes” from within the Performance Pages menu
Unlocking the power
For the first time in Chrysler Group history, the all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine comes standard with two key fobs – red and black. The red key fob is the only key that can unlock the full horsepower and torque potential of the Challenger SRT Hellcat engine; while the black key fob limits the driver to a reduced engine output.
Valet Mode is offered on both Challenger SRT and Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine. When Valet Mode is activated, the following vehicle configurations are enabled:
Engine is remapped to significantly reduce horsepower and torque; limited to 4,000 rpm
Transmission locks out access to first gear and upshifts earlier than normal
Transmission will treat the manual shifter position the same as the drive position
Traction, steering and suspension are set to their “Street” settings
Steering-wheel paddle shifters are disabled
Drive Mode functions are disabled
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is enabled to Full-on
Launch Control is disabled
The driver can activate and deactivate Valet Mode with a four-digit PIN code they create.
Outstanding ride and handling
The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT rides on new, SRT-exclusive “77” eight-spoke 20 x 9-inch forged-aluminum “Hyper Black” wheels. Standard 245/45ZR20 (front and rear) Goodyear RSA2 All-Season or available Goodyear F1 Supercar Three-Season tires deliver serious grip and handling.
Standard wheels on the Challenger SRT with the Hellcat engine are new SRT-exclusive “Slingshot” split-seven spoke 20 x 9.5-inch, lightweight forged-aluminum wheels with a matte black finish; available on the SRT 392 as part of the SRT Track Pack. New P275/40ZR20 Pirelli P Zero Nero tires (front and rear) provide all-season traction while the newest tire technology from Pirelli includes the class exclusive four-season tire that is Y-Plus rated to handle the extreme speeds. Pirelli P Zero tires are available for three-season performance driving.
Available on the Challenger SRT Hellcat are 20 x 9.5-inch, lightweight forged-aluminum wheels with a Brass Monkey/dark bronze finish.
Benchmark braking
Standard on the 2015 Challenger SRT with the Hellcat engine is the largest front-brake package ever offered in an SRT vehicle, featuring all-new 390-mm (15.4-inch) Brembo two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers for outstanding heat management/thermal capacity and longevity. This upgraded high-performance brake package is available on the 392 HEMI® SRT model as part of the SRT Track Pack.
New anti-lock braking system (ABS), ESC and traction control systems are uniquely tuned and configurable for specific tire and powertrain configurations.
Aggressive and functional exteriors
Dodge and SRT designers and engineers spent 35 percent more time in the Chrysler Group’s full-scale wind tunnel in Auburn Hills, Michigan, (compared with the previous-generation Dodge Challenger SRT) developing and further refining the aggressive and functional exteriors on the Challenger SRT and Challenger SRT Hellcat. The result is a re-engineered Challenger capable of maximum aerodynamic performance for spirited driving on the road or the race track.
At the front, new fascia designs and all-new vertical-split grille provide a menacing update of its 1971 inspiration. A larger, power-bulge aluminum hood features a dedicated “cold-air” intake – a visual styling cue from the first Viper coupe built in 1996.
The hood on the new Dodge Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine also includes dual air extractors to ensure effective removal of heat and reduced air turbulence in the engine compartment. The hood is standard in body color and is available in a Satin Black finish. Both models of the Challenger SRT feature all-aluminum hoods designed to reduce weight.
Another key design element on the Challenger SRT Hellcat is the exclusive Air Catcher inlet port, which feeds ram-air directly into the engine air box through the driver-side parking lamp.
All-new quad projector headlamps give a more detailed appearance, while a more aggressive brow “chops” the upper portion of the lamp design for an even more sinister attitude.
Integrated projector fog lamps on the Challenger 392 SRT are pushed to the lower corners to help accentuate the car’s width while illuminating the road. A new duck-bill fascia splitter helps improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics.
The Dodge Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine features a larger front splitter designed for optimal downforce to minimize lift.
From the side, the signature muscular proportions and large thruster rear-quarter panels stand out from the crowd, while fender and belt lines tie together at the front and rear of the car to create a sleeker appearance. Differentiating the Challenger SRT Hellcat from the rest of the Challenger lineup are its “SUPERCHARGED” fender badges. Black sills accentuate the proportions of the muscle coupe and have been tuned in the wind tunnel to improve aerodynamics.
Out back, the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT recalls the historic 1971 model’s styling with a new split tail-lamp design and rear fascia. The tail lamps feature the new signature LED graphic with its smooth glow of light that can be seen from blocks away. A redesigned rear valance helps the 2015 Challenger SRT models look more planted on the ground. A unique, taller rear spoiler on the SRT Hellcat features a raised SRT logo.
Race-inspired, high-performance interiors
Inside the 2015 Dodge Challenger is an all-new enthusiast-centric cockpit with world-class materials, execution and technology. Key elements are inspired by the interior of the 1971 Challenger.
The performance cockpit of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT carries an essence of the 1971 Challenger, in an artistic and more organically styled way.
The all-new cleanly executed instrument panel features a stamped aluminum bezel, which sets the tone for the driver’s display. For a high-tech look, an innovative 7-inch driver-selectable driver information display (DID) screen is centered in the gauge cluster and provides an almost infinitely customizable display. The all-new DID screen is flanked by new analog speedometer and tachometer gauges, which provide a heritage-inspired look with concave shapes and a hub-covered needle design, reminiscent of the “tic-toc-tach” gauges from the 1971 Challenger. For the Challenger SRT with the Hellcat engine, the fixed gauges and digital graphics are finished in a Dark Radar Red tone to make it even more unique.
Additionally, the dashboard’s center stack neatly houses the new standard 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen. New for 2015 drivers can select one of the many offered backgrounds to connect the digital look and feel with their chosen interior package.
A new, trapezoidal shaped stamped aluminum center console provides Challenger SRT’s interior with a fresh look. The aluminum trim gets one of two finishes, “Hectic Mesh” for the Challenger 392 SRT and “Dark Engine Turn” for the Challenger SRT Hellcat. The console also exudes craftsmanship and style with leather-wrapped surfaces and French-seamed accent stitching running from the back to the front. Employing a unique, elevated design, the all-new center console houses ergonomically located redundant button and knob controls for audio and climate functions. An all-new media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and audio jack is neatly housed inside the center console’s flocked armrest.
For those who opt for the segment-first TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, an all-new and class-exclusive electronic shifter with an all-new driver-oriented T-handle provides the driver with intuitive gear selection and offers an Auto Stick selector gate for added control. For those who prefer having a third pedal, the precise and track-proven Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission is fitted with a throwback ball shifter.
A redesigned SRT-branded heated steering wheel features a flat bottom for the high-performance driver. Available paddle shifters (with automatic transmission) are located on the back of the upper spokes. The buttons to control the driver-configurable full-color thin-film transistor (TFT) display are large and illuminated. Buttons for Uconnect and phone access now reside along the bottom edge of the horizontal spokes. Optional adaptive cruise control is configured by buttons that are symmetrically opposite on the right hand side of the wheel. As before, the highly praised audio controls are still found on the back of the upper spokes. This new tilt-telescoping steering wheel also has a 360-degree heat element.
To make cruises more pleasurable, the new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT features redesigned seats with improved cushioning and more comfortable contours. For improved comfort and convenience, new for 2015 are standard heated and ventilated front seats. The passenger seat also has an easy exit/entry function to provide access to the rear seat – this is controlled by a release handle on the top shoulder of the seat.
Challenger SRT offers performance seats with large side bolsters for maximum lateral support in hard cornering. The seats can be covered in Nappa leather/Alcantara material with embroidered SRT logos. Laguna premium leather, colored either sepia or black with embossed SRT logos, is available as part of an equipment package.
High-impact exterior colors
Many of the most memorable paint colors in automotive history have been found on the Challenger. The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 and SRT with the HEMI Hellcat will be available in 11 exterior colors: B5 Blue Pearl Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Pearl Coat, Ivory White Tri-Coat Pearl, Jazz Blue Pearl Coat, Phantom Black Tri-Coat Pearl, Pitch Black Clear Coat, Redline Tri-Coat Pearl, Sublime Metallic Pearl Coat and TorRed Clear Coat.
Twin, full-body stripes are available in Black Satin Gloss and Silver High Gloss on the SRT 392.
Source: Dodge Press

Elon Musk says next year's Tesla cars will be able to self-drive 90 percent of the time

 

 

In an excerpt from a CNNMoney interview, Tesla boss Elon Musk says that the self-driving car — or "autopilot," the term he prefers — is basically just months away from retail. Here's the language:

Autonomous cars will definitely be a reality. A Tesla car next year will probably be 90 percent capable of autopilot. Like, so 90 percent of your miles can be on auto. For sure highway travel.

How's that going to happen?

With a combination of various sensors. You combine cameras with image recognition with radar and long-range ultrasonics, that'll do it. Other car companies will follow.

But you guys are going to be the leader?

Of course. I mean, Tesla's a Silicon Valley company. If we're not the leader, shame on us.

Many automakers and suppliers have congealed around 2020 as reasonable guidance for when publicly available cars are capable of running in a substantially autonomous mode, though key features of self-driving cars are coming sooner — GM has promised a hands-free mode for some 2017 models, and Audi has been making the PR tour this year for its "piloted driving" features. Hands-free highway driving is easier to process than rat's nests of traffic- and obstacle-filled surface streets, which helps explain his "90 percent" target.
Possibly related, Musk has a set of Tesla announcements lined up for October 9th, where he has promised "the D and something else." It's not known what either of those reference, but the company is expected to release an all-wheel-drive version of the Model S and the production version of the Model X in the near future.

Full glory: Aston Martin releases official photos of production Lagonda super sedan

 

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Aston Martin Lagonda

Fanboys of esoteric, indulgent, four-wheeled delights, the wait is over: Aston Martin has finally released official images of its new Lagonda flagship super sedan in production form. And yes, it is just as stunning parked in front of a glass building as it is bombing through the Omani desert as a prototype, or sitting on the tarmac at the Oman airport in Muscat, which is where it was first seen, sans camouflage, in August as it arrived there for hot-weather testing.

While the Lagonda’s most recent predecessor, one of which is encased in glass mere feet away in one of the new photos, appears to have designed exclusively with a T-square, the new Lagonda appears more fluid and organic. Yet it remains far and away the most formal Aston Martin product in decades. Compared to the Rapide S on which it appears to be based (more on that later), the Lagonda casts a stern gaze, with brooding headlamps, an upright grille with seven horizontal slats above a discreet, full-width lower air intake. Further back, the stretched wheelbase makes for long doors, while the flat waistline and formal roofline terminates in a Kamm-style rear end with minimal jewelry. The wheels are large yet simple, and as with all current Aston Martins, all of its doors open at a slight angle, making it all the easier to exeunt the rear seat without smacking a curb when driven to a gala being put on by one of your many friends who trade oil fields for fun.

If the Lagonda’s exterior is sleek and minimalist, the interior is purely decadent. The architecture itself appears to borrow heavily from the Rapide S, albeit with far greater head- and legroom for rear seat passengers. As with the Rapide S, a large transmission tunnel bisects both rows of seats, and the dashboard and steering wheel appears to be common to its lower-slung sibling, for better or worse (we think worse, at least ergonomically, though we have to see the car in person before casting aspersions). The photos show a seat buck upholstered in diamond-quilted leather that appears to have been sourced from gilded calves. This may indeed be the first car in which the leather comes with a carat rating.

Aston still isn’t ready to disclose full details of the Lagonda’s platform-related underpinnings, engine and drivetrain, but based on what we can tell by the car’s stance and interior architecture, we expect that it is closely related to the Rapide S. As Aston Martin spokesman was willing to give us a few more details than we had before, including that its crisply tailored body panels are made completely from carbon fiber, and that its weight remains “neutral over the Rapide S.” Performance data also remains undisclosed, but our source said that it has attained speeds of over 175 mph during testing.

As we reported before, the entire world’s allotment of a projected 150-200 Lagondas is being offered only to Aston’s valued customers in the middle east—which may say something about its estimated fuel consumption—with deliveries commencing during the first quarter of 2015. Price? We’ll have to wait to bring you that information once Aston is willing not just to show us the car, but to tell us about it, too.