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Saturday, 8 September 2012
CAW Threatens to Strike Detroit's Big 3 Simultaneously if They Don’t Agree on New Contract
The Canadian Auto Workers’ union (CAW) is the largest private sector union in the country with over 200,000 members. On September 5, it announced that it would strike General Motors,Ford and Chrysler, if contract talks do not progress.
This is the first time in its history that the CAW threatens to strike all three Detroit carmakers at the same time. The last strike organized by CAW was in 1996 against GM.
The union announced that all of its members will go on strike, since 99 percent of Chrysler Canada, 98 percent of General Motors of Canada and 97 percent of Ford Canada have voted in favor of the move.
“Our members support their bargaining committees and trust them to negotiate a fair settlement that shares in the success of the companies”, said CAW president Ken Lewenza.
If a deal is not reached by September 17, 11:59 p.m., when the current CAW contracts with the automaker expires then, as a leaflet from the union said, they will “shut down operations at all three”.
In the past, the CAW typically started negotiating with one carmaker, hoping that the other two would follow its lead. This time, though, it has changed its practice something that labor consultant and former GM labor negotiator Art Schwartz says, is “highly unusual”.
That’s because when the union focuses on one company, the threat is that its production will halt while its rivals will keep operating as usual. Schwartz adds that intimidating to strike all three gives them maximum flexibility: “They could strike everybody, but it doesn’t mean they’re going to.”
Ford spokeswoman Lauren More said that the company is “committed to working with CAW” in order “to improve the competitiveness of its Canadian operations”.
Chrysler Canada declined to comment and GM couldn’t be reached, according to Reuters. Nevertheless, all three have said that Canada is the most expensive place in the world to manufacture cars.
The union’s response is that the workers who helped those companies stay alive through the financial crisis should share some of their wealth now that they are profitable.
“The corporations are refusing to add any costs whatsoever”, said the CAW. “Instead, they insist on cutting costs from our existing agreements.”
Ford’s master bargaining committee chairman Gary Beck commented that the companies were putting “far-fetched” offers on the table and are asking for big concessions on the union’s part.
“We have been sitting down with all three companies and no one has taken the initiative to lead”, said Beck. “This will, hopefully, wake them up.”
source :carscoop.blogspot.com/
BMW Celebrates 25 Years of V12s with a Special Edition 760Li Priced at $159,695
In 1987, BMW took a big step towards being a real premium carmaker with the launch of its first ever V12-powered automobile, the 750iL E32, which was followed shortly after by the 850i that offered the first V12 engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox on a road car.
The 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V12 unit generated 295hp (300PS) at 5,200 rpm and a peak torque of 450Nm (330 lb·ft) at 4,100 rpm. Ever since, BMW has offered a V12 engine option on its flagship sedan series.
The Bavarian carmaker is now paying homage to the V12's 25th anniversary with the launch of a limited production version of the current 2013MY 760iL named “V-12 25 Years Edition”.
According to BMW, only 15 of these limited edition models will be offered to US customers on a special order basis only, for delivery in early 2013 at a price of $159,695 including destination and handling.
On the outside, all 15 cars are painted in the BMW Individual exterior finish of Citrine Black metallic and ride on bespoke, 20-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels.
Inside, the 25th Anniversary edition is fully trimmed in fine-grained Merino leather upholstery with black piping that's exclusive to this model. Furthermore, the black floor mats and rear footrests are complimented by contrasting piping in Champagne, while the door sills, headrests and iDrive controllers are all specially badged with “V-12 25 Years Edition”.
Other features include a rear seat entertainment with iDrive control, Alcantara headliner in champagne color, A/B/C pillars in black leather, BMW Individual Piano Black Wood trim for the dashboard, doors and steering wheel, a rear parcel shelf in Anthracite Alcantara and Shadowline exterior trim.
The 760iL "V-12 25 Years Edition" is powered by the same 6.0-liter Twin Turbo V12 found on the regular model. It boasts an output of 535 horsepower and peak torque of 550 lb-ft that good enough for a 0-60 mph (96km/h) in 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 130 mph (209km/h), which can be increased to 155 mph (250km/h) with the M Sport Package option.
On the outside, all 15 cars are painted in the BMW Individual exterior finish of Citrine Black metallic and ride on bespoke, 20-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels.
Inside, the 25th Anniversary edition is fully trimmed in fine-grained Merino leather upholstery with black piping that's exclusive to this model. Furthermore, the black floor mats and rear footrests are complimented by contrasting piping in Champagne, while the door sills, headrests and iDrive controllers are all specially badged with “V-12 25 Years Edition”.
Other features include a rear seat entertainment with iDrive control, Alcantara headliner in champagne color, A/B/C pillars in black leather, BMW Individual Piano Black Wood trim for the dashboard, doors and steering wheel, a rear parcel shelf in Anthracite Alcantara and Shadowline exterior trim.
The 760iL "V-12 25 Years Edition" is powered by the same 6.0-liter Twin Turbo V12 found on the regular model. It boasts an output of 535 horsepower and peak torque of 550 lb-ft that good enough for a 0-60 mph (96km/h) in 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 130 mph (209km/h), which can be increased to 155 mph (250km/h) with the M Sport Package option.
Aston Martin Updates 2013 Vanquish Photo Gallery and Releases First Driving Film
We got our first taste of the 2013 Vanquish a couple of months ago, both online and in the flesh at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, but Aston Martin has since made available a renewed photo gallery and the first official dynamic footage in a new promotional film.
The DBS-replacing Vanquish adopts the next generation of Aston Martin's VH bonded aluminium monocoque architecture as well as an upgraded 5.9-litre V12 engine generating 565hp (573PS) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque.
Aston Martin says that the coupe model is capable of a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph (295km/h).
The Vanquish will be available as a 2+2 or 2+0 seater with first deliveries expected to begin in the UK and Continental Europe late in 2012, and in North America early next year.
Prices will start from £189,995 RRP in the UK, US$279,995 MSRP in the States and CA$296,000 in Canada.
source : carscoop.blogspot.com/
Airlines start issuing mobile boarding passes for iOS 6′s Passbook early
Even though Apple’s (AAPL) iOS 6 and its highly-anticipated Passbook mobile wallet app haven’t been released yet, airline companies are already allowing mobile boarding passes to be saved to the developer build of Passbook for iPhone, reports Australian Business Traveller. The publication cites a reader who was traveling on Virgin Australia and was prompted to add his boarding pass to Passbook on the developer build of iOS 6 installed on his iPhone. So far, United Airlines is the only airline that’s been officially announced as a Passbook backer, but more will likely follow suit as Passbook becomes more widely available.
source: bgr.com
LG to launch cheaper 84-inch 4K TV two months before Sony
Sony (SNE) made some waves last month when it announced its stunning 84-inch LED TV with 4K resolutionthat also featured a whopping $25,000 price tag. But one of the company’s South Korean rivals is already planning to undercut its price, as LG (003550) on Friday announced the LG UD 84LM9600, an 84-inch “ultra-definition” 3D LED TV with 4K resolution support that’s priced at a comparatively low $19,999.99.
“Ultra-definition television will transform the giant-screen viewing experience in the years ahead, and LG is proud to bring this new technology to market so that discerning U.S. consumers can enjoy a fully immersive home theater experience,” said Jay Vandenbree, LG USA’s senior vice president of home entertainment.
The massive TV also includes LG’s Smart TV technology, which provides access to thousands of apps and premium content services. The LG UD 84LM9600 is expected to be available in October, two months before Sony’s 4K resolution TV launches. LG’s press release follows below.
LG ELECTRONICS ANNOUNCES U.S. AVAILABILITY OF FIRST 84-INCH CLASS ‘ULTRA-DEFINITION’ TV
LG’s Display Boasts Four Times the Pixel Resolution Of Full HD, Sets New Picture Quality Standard for Large-Screen TVs
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 7, 2012 – LG Electronics today announced U.S. availability for its enormous 84-inch (84.04 inch diagonal) LED display, boasting a native “ultra definition” (UD) screen resolution of 3840 x 2160 to match its impressive size*.
The gigantic 84-inch screen quadruples the level of detail from full 1080p HD resolution to a massive 8 million pixels. Even before so-called “4K” content is available, LG’s proprietary Resolution Upscaler Plus delivers higher detail from current HD/SD external sources. A major step forward for the display industry, ultra-definition TV makes use of the screen real estate available with today’s largest-size flat panels, much like the jump from 720p to 1080p years ago. The LG UD 84LM9600 is expected to be available in October at an MSRP of $19,999.99.
Gary Yacoubian, chairman of the Consumer Electronics Association’s 4K Working Group and president and CEO, Specialty Technologies/SVSound, said, “I couldn’t be more excited about ultra-definition 4K technology and its potential to energize our entire industry; 4K is the next big thing in television, literally. First there was analog, then digital – standard-definition, then high-definition (HDTV). Now, with four times the pixel resolution of today’s HDTVs, ultra-HD technology promises to transform the home entertainment experience on giant displays, truly recreating the movie theater in your living room.”
“Ultra-definition television will transform the giant-screen viewing experience in the years ahead, and LG is proud to bring this new technology to market so that discerning U.S. consumers can enjoy a fully immersive home theater experience,” said Jay Vandenbree, senior vice president, home entertainment, LG Electronics USA, Inc. “Beyond just the ability to produce gigantic screens, it’s important that LG offers its consumers a feature-rich TV packed with Smart TV, 3D capability, a 2.2 channel built-in speaker system and the remarkable detail of 4K. The 84LM9600 epitomizes LG’s design and innovation prowess.”
Under the Hood
Beyond the 84-inch screen, this model features LG’s CINEMA 3D technology, which provides a comfortable 3D viewing experience similar to what consumers experience in the theater. LG CINEMA 3D utilizes polarized technology, with lightweight, inexpensive and shutter free glasses (six included in the box). For ultimate comfort, consumers can customize the 3D effect to their preference with 3D Depth Control.
Also included is LG Smart TV, which offers users access to thousands of proprietary apps, premium content services including Netflix, Hulu Plus and more**. LG Smart TV features LG’s “3D World,” where users can access blockbuster 3D content. Users can easily browse and navigate through the Smart TV ecosystem using LG’s four-mode Magic Remote, which acts as an air mouse with point and click, gesture commands, a scroll wheel and voice recognition. LG’s proprietary dual-core L9 processor chipset offers ultra-fast processing speeds for shorter load and lag time when streaming content.
LG’s new UD 3D TV includes a wealth of connectivity options to make access to content even easier. In addition to built-in Wi-Fi, it supports Intel’s Wireless Display (WiDi) technology, which enables easy and quick connectivity between TVs and PCs without the need for cables or Internet access. With Smart Share Plus, users can access content stored on external devices such as PCs, tablets and smartphones through a portal on the TV. This model supports the Mobile High-definition Link (MHL) standard, for easy content sharing between the TV and mobile devices and the ability to charge devices via the connection. Finally, the 84LM9600 includes a portal to the LG Cloud, so consumers can access their personal content, such as pictures, home video and music libraries uploaded to the LG Cloud.
*No “ultra definition” or “4K” content is currently available. No broadcast or other standard currently exists for “4K” or “ultra definition” television, and the 84LM9600 may or may not be compatible with such standards if and when developed.
**Internet connection and certain subscriptions required and sold separately. Content and services vary by product and are subject to change without notice.
For a small percentage of the population, the viewing of stereoscopic 3D video may cause discomfort such as dizziness or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue using the 3D functionality and contact your health care provider.
Designs, features and specifications subject to change without notice. LG LED TVs are LCD TVs with LED backlighting.
source : bgr.com
Image, specs for ‘HTC 8X’ with Windows Phone 8 emerge
HTC’s (2498) first Windows Phone 8 device may have just been revealed as the HTC 8X. An xda-developers forum member known only as “Football” has posted an image and specifications for the handset on Twitter, showing a device that aligns well with earlier rumors. The 8X will reportedly feature a 4.3-inch display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, an 8-megapixel rear camera, an “ultra-wide angle” front-facing camera capable of capturing 1080p HD video, NFC, Beats Audio and Microsoft’s (MSFT) Windows Phone 8 operating system. The 8X is expected to be unveiled later this month during HTC’s press conference on September 19th
source : bgr.com.
PlayStation 3 ushers in augmented reality ‘Wonderbooks’ on November 13th for $79.99
One of the more interesting technologies Sony (SNE) revealed at this year’s E3 trade show was an augmented reality book experience called Wonderbook. The idea is to combine the motion sensing capabilities of thePlayStation Move with a specially designed augmented reality book to create an immersive and interactive digital book experience. Targeted mostly at children, Sony announced on its PlayStation Blog that the first Wonderbook will be J.K. Rowling’s Book of Spells. The digital book/game will allow players to bring spells to life on the Wonderbook’s flippable pages. The $79.99 bundle is the latest PlayStation 3 product to extend the console’s reach beyond traditional gaming and on-demand entertainment. Each bundle includes a PlayStation Move controller, PlayStation Eye camera, a copy of Book of Spells, the augmented reality Wonderbook and will hit U.S. stores on November 13th. Check out the tour of Wonderbook: Book of Spells in the video below.
source: bgr.com
Friday, 7 September 2012
Apple could drop iPhone 3GS next week, says report
With the debut of the iPhone 5, Apple is likely to discontinue the 3GS and offer the 8GB iPhone 4 for free, says The Telegraph.
The introduction of the iPhone 5 is expected to shake up the overall iPhone lineup.
Apple will hold a launch event on Wednesday, September 12, at which it will probably unveil the next-generation iPhone. Several reports say that the iPhone 5 will go on sale the following Friday, September 21.
The new model means that Apple could curtail the aging iPhone 3GS, leaving the 8GB version of the iPhone 4 as the entry-level edition, says the Telegraph. If so, that model iPhone 4 would probably be offered free by Apple and other vendors when paired with the usual $30-per-month contract.
Sources close to retailers also told The Telegraph that Apple may even launch an 8GB version of the iPhone 4S as another alternative to budget-conscious consumers.
Three versions of the iPhone 5 will be offered with different storage options, according to the publication, probably sticking with the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB variations available with the iPhone 4S.
If true, this tidbit from the Register isn't a huge surprise since Apple typically carries three generations of the iPhone at a time, with the earliest model usually going for free. The 8GB iPhone 4 is currently selling for $99, while the iPhone 3GS is available free with the usual contract.
The days may be numbered for the iPhone 3GS.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)
The introduction of the iPhone 5 is expected to shake up the overall iPhone lineup.
Apple will hold a launch event on Wednesday, September 12, at which it will probably unveil the next-generation iPhone. Several reports say that the iPhone 5 will go on sale the following Friday, September 21.
The new model means that Apple could curtail the aging iPhone 3GS, leaving the 8GB version of the iPhone 4 as the entry-level edition, says the Telegraph. If so, that model iPhone 4 would probably be offered free by Apple and other vendors when paired with the usual $30-per-month contract.
Sources close to retailers also told The Telegraph that Apple may even launch an 8GB version of the iPhone 4S as another alternative to budget-conscious consumers.
Three versions of the iPhone 5 will be offered with different storage options, according to the publication, probably sticking with the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB variations available with the iPhone 4S.
If true, this tidbit from the Register isn't a huge surprise since Apple typically carries three generations of the iPhone at a time, with the earliest model usually going for free. The 8GB iPhone 4 is currently selling for $99, while the iPhone 3GS is available free with the usual contract.
source : cnet.com
Wikipad gaming tablet available October 31 for $499
The ambitious Android tablet gaming system will cost the same as an entry-level iPad or the 9-inch 4G Kindle Fire HD.
The upcoming Wikipad tablet, first spotted back in January at CES, now has an official release date and price. The 10.1-inch Android handheld gaming system will be available for $499 on October 31. Starting September 7, the system will be available to preorder through game retailer GameStop, although the Wikipad is expected to be available through other retailers as well.
Wikipad is part of a growing trend of independently developed game consoles outside of the major Sony/Nintendo/Microsoft axis. Ouya, an Android-powered set-top box, recently made a big splash on Kickstarter, raising millions of dollars from individual gamers, while streaming-game service OnLive released a set-top box last year, and used a standalone Android app to bring its games to handheld devices.
Powered by an Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, the Wikipad can download games from Nvidia's Tegra Zone store, Google Play, and the PlayStation Mobile platform. Unlike other Android tablets that can also play a wide variety of games, the Wikipad's unique feature is its custom handheld controller dock, which adds two analog sticks, a directional pad, and four buttons -- all of which makes it look a lot like a PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 controller.
Both Apple's iPad and Amazon's 9-inch 4G Kindle Fire HD also cost $499, but the three major living-room consoles, as well as Sony's PlayStation Vita and Nintendo's 3DS, all cost less (as will Nintendo's Wii U when its price is announced next week). The Wikipad is an interesting concept, and its physical game controller add-on is something long overdue, but the system will have to offer a lot to convince gamers to spend that much.
source : cnet.com
'Telephonetto' stays both smart and kosher
The Telephonetto has a camera and audio player, but turns off videos and Web access to help religious Jewish teens resist digital temptation.
Because phones can be both smart and kosher.
(Credit: Screenshot by Eric Mack/CNET)
It's probably no longer a stretch to say the media overload we wade through each day of the Information Age can begin to eat away at the soul. In fact, some rabbis in Israel believe that's actually the case.
Enter the Telephonetto, which seeks to eliminate much of the temptation religious Jewish teens might encounter on a typical smartphone with access to the Web, mass media, and the many, er, less-than-kosher forms of content one might be able to consume via that tiny screen.
The phone, which has no Internet access and won't play videos, is the product of a collaboration between Eurocom Mobile Communications and some religious organizations in Israel. While it won't grant the kids access to Facebook, it still has other smartphone features like an audio player and camera.
No word yet on pricing or availability for the new phone.
Earlier this year some Israeli rabbis gave their blessing to a kosher cell phone developed by religious leaders and engineers that could be used on Shabbat by emergency personnel and others who need to be on call of the Jewish day of rest without breaking the laws. But the Telephonetto offers more features and was developed specifically with students in mind.
"Mobile phones enslave teens and lead to destructive social detachment," Rabbi Avinoam Horowitz, principal of the Kiryat Arba religious high school and one of the leaders of the initiative to create the phone, toldYnetnews.com. "They stop playing with their friends; everyone dives into his or her phone."
Not to mention that the phones are also a portal to blasphemous content and are "mutilating students' souls," according to Horowitz.
It's admirable to try to balance technology with tradition, but I can't help but think this might be overkill -- why not at least allow an exception for access to FaceGlat, the kosher social network?
It's probably no longer a stretch to say the media overload we wade through each day of the Information Age can begin to eat away at the soul. In fact, some rabbis in Israel believe that's actually the case.
Enter the Telephonetto, which seeks to eliminate much of the temptation religious Jewish teens might encounter on a typical smartphone with access to the Web, mass media, and the many, er, less-than-kosher forms of content one might be able to consume via that tiny screen.
The phone, which has no Internet access and won't play videos, is the product of a collaboration between Eurocom Mobile Communications and some religious organizations in Israel. While it won't grant the kids access to Facebook, it still has other smartphone features like an audio player and camera.
No word yet on pricing or availability for the new phone.
Earlier this year some Israeli rabbis gave their blessing to a kosher cell phone developed by religious leaders and engineers that could be used on Shabbat by emergency personnel and others who need to be on call of the Jewish day of rest without breaking the laws. But the Telephonetto offers more features and was developed specifically with students in mind.
"Mobile phones enslave teens and lead to destructive social detachment," Rabbi Avinoam Horowitz, principal of the Kiryat Arba religious high school and one of the leaders of the initiative to create the phone, toldYnetnews.com. "They stop playing with their friends; everyone dives into his or her phone."
Not to mention that the phones are also a portal to blasphemous content and are "mutilating students' souls," according to Horowitz.
It's admirable to try to balance technology with tradition, but I can't help but think this might be overkill -- why not at least allow an exception for access to FaceGlat, the kosher social network?
source : cnet.com
Apple aims to produce updated iPad Retina, says DisplaySearch
The iPad Retina could get refreshed with improvements sooner rather than later, says DisplaySearch. Production could get under way soon.(Credit: Apple)
Apple could be aiming to refresh the third-generation iPad to reduce weight and make other improvements, CNET has learned.
The updated 9.7-inch Retina iPad would address issues with the first-generation Retina product. That includes making it lighter and improving the LED backlight apparatus, according to market research firm NPD DisplaySearch.
"We are seeing [Apple] work with panel makers to come out with a display that enables a thinner overall [product] with longer battery life," said Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch.
"Of course the supply chain is dynamic, but we're seeing some early indications that this may be happening," he added. Because of the vagaries of the supply chain -- made up of manufacturers and suppliers -- orders get canceled, plans get changed, sometimes on a monthly basis.
DisplaySearch last week published a research note about the updated iPad Retina, which said "Apple is working with the LCD supply chain to refresh the display, including revising the LED backlight design for cost reduction, refining the thermal solution, reducing the weight by replacing some components, and fine tuning the panel transmittance for lower power consumption."
That would include using an IGZO display to reduce the display's thickness and heat, Shim added. Samsung would be a likely manufacturer, he said.
Raymond Soneira, the founder, president, and CEO of DisplayMate Technologies, said earlier this year that iPad Retina in its current form was actually Plan B for Apple. Plan A was an iPad that didn't have the additional heft. (While the Apple tablet's height and width remained the same, the thickness of the new iPad swelled slightly to 0.37 inch and the weight edged up to 1.44 pounds.)
"There's no question that the iPad 3 is Plan B. They pushed amorphous silicon [display tech] to a higher [pixels per inch] than anybody else. But the light throughput is not good. So it has roughly twice as many LEDs, and they had to get a 70 percent larger battery," Soneira said previously, referring to the Retina iPad.
If Apple goes forward with production, about 7 million updated Retina iPads could be produced in October, according to DisplaySearch (see chart below).
But it would be an unusual move for Apple, which would typically wait a year to offer a successor to the iPad Retina, which was announced back in March.
Apple supply chain companies include Corning, Japan Display, LG Display, Sharp, AUO, Chimei Innolux, Samsung, Radiant, Coretronic, TPK, Wintek, and Foxconn.
source : cnet.com
Cybercrime costs U.S. consumers $20.7 billion
U.S. consumers lost $20.7 billion to cybercrime over the past 12 months, with 71 million Americans falling victim to online perps, according to new research.
(Credit: Norton)Meanwhile, worldwide losses resulting from cybercrime including malware attacks and phishing hit $110 billion between July 2011 and the end of July 2012, a report by security company Symantec (PDF) has found.
On average, each victim experienced $197 in direct financial loss. In the United States, the average loss was $290.
According to the report, an estimated 556 million adults across the world had first-hand experience of cybercrime over the period -- more than the entire population of the European Union. The figure equates to nearly half of all adults online (46 percent), and is up from 45 percent a year ago.
There has been an increase in cybercrime that takes advantage of social networks and mobile technology, according to the report, with 21 percent of online adults reporting having fallen prey to social or mobile crime. The study also found that 15 percent of Web users have had their social-networking account infiltrated, and 1 in 10 have been victims of fake links or scams through a social network.
Seventy-five percent of those who participated in the study believed that cybercriminals are gearing more towardssocial networks.
Over 13,000 participants across 24 countries were interviewed for the report
source : cnet.com
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite hands-on
Of course, today's event wasn't just about the Fires. Amazon's still got a dog in the devoted e-reader race as well. The big news here, of course, is the company's entry into the world of lighted E Ink readers -- coming several months after the release of Barnes & Noble's own Nook Simple Touch With GlowLight. The front-lit technology here is proprietary, of course. Amazon mentioned some four years in R&D on glowing alone. And the difference is pretty immediately clear: it's all about distribution. Looking at the Nook for a second, you can immediately isolate the top as the light source, with a stronger concentration and somewhat even distribution. The Kindle's light however, is hard to spot, thanks in part to a much thinner bezel: you can't just angle the reader and see the lights here.
Hold the new Kindle up to the old and something else is immediately obvious: there's a reason the company is calling this thing the Paperwhite. The contrast is like night and day here. That tinted display we've become accustomed to has been traded in for something much lighter, and the text is that much sharper. There's a reason Amazon went hog wild with the font styles and sizes: they're all visible here. Also, at first glance, there doesn't seem to be any degradation in sharpness due to the addition of glow technology, which we saw in the new Nook.
The glow is quite bright, even with the lights on -- we get Amazon's point about wanting to keep it on at all times, so that increased battery life (eight weeks with the light on) is certainly a huge bonus here. We find ourselves turning it on and off a lot with the Nook -- not here. Adjusting the light is also quite nice, with a dimmer switch that runs up and down and a whole lot of brightness levels.
The reader also just looks better. Physical buttons have been dropped altogether here (which is either a curse or a blessing, depending on who you ask) and the reader is a bit shorter and thinner than its predecessor. In place of the menu button is a white Kindle logo along the bottom bezel. The silver of the last version has been dropped for a matte black, which is really just nicer to look at, with a rubberized back that makes it harder for it to slip from your hands. Weight-wise, we're talking roughly the same ballpark as the Kindle Touch. We still prefer the Nook's trademark design for long-term reading -- one of the downsides of a smaller bezel is that there's less place for your fingers to go. And while there's an indented Kindle logo on the back, we still prefer the Nook's concave rear.
source : engadget.com
Intel expands 3rd-generation CPU range, announces new 3GHz Core i7 Extreme Edition mobile processor
Intel's quad-core Ivy Bridge processors have been doing the rounds since April, but the chipmaker continues to expand its selection, now adding a new high-end Core i7 mobile processor. Clocked at 3.0 GHz and priced at $1,096, the Core i7-3940XM is a quad-core 22 nm chip, packing Intel's HD 4000 series GPU and 8MB of L3 cache. According to the recently revealed pricing list, it'll be joined by two more Core i7 models, the 2.8GHz i7-3840QM and the 2.7 GHz i7-3740QM. If you're shopping around for a new processor, visit the source for the full list of Intel's newest entries -- alongside some minor price reductions on a few older models.
source : engadget.com
20 Comments 2013 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe: Mega Gallery with More Than 400 High-Res Photos
What’s missing are the prices but it won't be long before we find out as the 2013 Accord Sedan goes on sale in the States on September 19, 2012, with the Coupe to follow on October 15, 2012.
The new, two-motor 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan will reach U.S. dealerships in early 2013, followed by a conventional hybrid based on the same powertrain architecture in the summer of 2013.
The regular Accord Sedan and Coupe are offered with Honda's new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, which in its base form delivers 185-horsepower and 177 lb-ft of peak torque.
When coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the sedan returns 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined, while with a 6-speed manual gearbox, 24 miles per gallon city, 34 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined.
In Sport trim, the Accord sedan's inline-four gets a small bump in output delivering 189-horsepower and 182 lb-ft.
At the top of the range sits Honda's tweaked 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 278-horsepower and 252 lb-ft of maximum torque. It is linked to a 6-speed automatic with the Coupe model offering the option of a 6-speed manual gearbox. According to Honda, the sedan delivers an EPA estimated 21 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.
The 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid that will launch early next year exclusively in sedan form is fitted with a new Earth Dreams 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, teamed with a potent 124kW (kW) electric motor. Electric driving is supported by a 6.7 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, with the total system output reaching 196 horsepower.
The system operates continuously through three modes including, all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive, offering the ability to run in an all-electric mode for 10 to 15 miles (16 to 24km) with Honda claiming a total driving range of over 500 miles (805 km).
The Japanese automaker expects the Accord PHEV to get a miles per gallon equivalent (MPG-e) of over 100.
As you can see in the image gallery that follows below, the PHEV features a bespoke styling kit with a different front mask, aero-optimized bumpers, spoilers and unique alloy wheels.
Honda has not yet released details on the conventional Accord Hybrid that will use the same 2.0-liter inline four as the PHEV.
When coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the sedan returns 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined, while with a 6-speed manual gearbox, 24 miles per gallon city, 34 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined.
In Sport trim, the Accord sedan's inline-four gets a small bump in output delivering 189-horsepower and 182 lb-ft.
At the top of the range sits Honda's tweaked 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 278-horsepower and 252 lb-ft of maximum torque. It is linked to a 6-speed automatic with the Coupe model offering the option of a 6-speed manual gearbox. According to Honda, the sedan delivers an EPA estimated 21 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.
The 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid that will launch early next year exclusively in sedan form is fitted with a new Earth Dreams 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, teamed with a potent 124kW (kW) electric motor. Electric driving is supported by a 6.7 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, with the total system output reaching 196 horsepower.
The system operates continuously through three modes including, all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive, offering the ability to run in an all-electric mode for 10 to 15 miles (16 to 24km) with Honda claiming a total driving range of over 500 miles (805 km).
The Japanese automaker expects the Accord PHEV to get a miles per gallon equivalent (MPG-e) of over 100.
As you can see in the image gallery that follows below, the PHEV features a bespoke styling kit with a different front mask, aero-optimized bumpers, spoilers and unique alloy wheels.
Honda has not yet released details on the conventional Accord Hybrid that will use the same 2.0-liter inline four as the PHEV.
source : carscoop.blogspot.com
Mazda Confirms Diesel and Petrol Powerplants for European Mazda6 Sedan and Wagon
Following the release of new photos of the Mazda6 Wagon last night, the Japanese automaker has now confirmed the engine lineup for the European market versions of the mid-size model ahead of its premiere at this month's Paris Motor Show.
When sales of the Mazda6 begin in Europe later this year, the sedan and wagon variants will be available with the brand's new SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine in either Standard Power or High Power versions rated at 150hp and 175hp respectively.
It's worth mentioning that the new diesel unit complies with Euro6 emissions regulation.
Mazda will also offer a pair of SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder gasoline engines that were announced during the sedan's world debut at the Moscow Auto Salon. These include a 2.0-liter unit producing 148hp (150PS) and a larger displacement 2.5-liter four-banger with 189hp (192PS).
The carmaker has not said with which engines the Mazda6 Sedan will be offered in North America where it will go on sale early next year. As for the Wagon, it is not likely to be offered on this side of the Atlantic.
SOURCE : carscoop.blogspot.com
New 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, First Details, Goes on Sale Worldwide Next Year
Together with the premiere of the European version of the Mirage, Mitsubishi will present the global debut of the new Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) at the 2012 Paris Motor Show held from Thursday, September 27 through Sunday, October 14.
The Japanese automaker says that the Outlander PHEV is the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV offering "the environmental performance of an electric vehicle (EV), the cruising range of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, and the on- and off-road performance of an SUV".
The Outlander PHEV's hybrid powertrain links a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine to a pair of electric motors, one on each axle, along with a high-capacity 12 kWh lithium-ion drive battery.
All electric systems are derived from other pure-electric Mitsubishi models such as the i-MiEV.
The vehicle offers three separate driving modes named EV, Series Hybrid and Parallel Hybrid, that can be selected manually or automatically, depending on driving conditions and remaining battery charge.
In EV mode, the front and rear motors drive the vehicle using only electricity from the drive battery. According to Mitsubishi, in this mode, the battery gives the crossover a cruising range of over 55 km or 34 miles.
When the Series Hybrid mode kicks in, the gasoline engine operates as a generator supplying electricity to the electric motors. The Japanese carmaker said that the system switches to this mode when the remaining charge in the battery falls below a predetermined level and when more powerful performance is required, "such as accelerating to pass a vehicle or climbing a steep gradient such as a slope".
In Parallel Hybrid Mode, the four-cylinder gasoline engine provides most of the power to motivate the vehicle, but is assisted by the electric motors whenever required. This mode is usually selected for higher-speed driving.
Mitsubishi said that it targets a combined fuel efficiency in excess of 61 km/liter (equal to 143.5 mpg US, 1.64 lt/100km and 172 mpg UK) on the Japanese driving cycle, though keep in mind that this figure includes the use of the battery. The crossover's driving range is said to exceed 880 kilometers or 547 miles.
The company also points out some of the advantages of the Twin Motor 4WD system:
"In addition to decreased friction loss Twin Motor 4WD delivers better response and finer control than conventional mechanical systems. It accomplishes this without a propeller shaft or other mechanical components seen in conventional mechanical systems. The Twin Motor 4WD system is integrated with Mitsubishi's well-proven S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) integrated vehicle dynamics control system to deliver high levels of stability and all-terrain performance and ensure the vehicle behaves just as the driver intends it to."
The Japanese carmaker expects to launch the Outlander PHEV in the Japanese market in early 2013 and then sequentially roll out the model in Europe, North America, and other markets around the world.
For the record, the regular 2013 Outlander with 2.0-liter petrol and 2.2-liter diesel engines went on sale in Russia in July and is to be introduced in other European markets from September, and in North America either towards the end of the year or in early 2013.
source : carscoop.blogspot.com
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
T-Mobile brushes off Apple snub, encourages users to try unlocked iPhones on its network
T-Mobile is tired of waiting for Apple’s (AAPL) permission to sell the iPhone and is taking matters into its own hands. TmoNews reports that America’s number-four wireless carrier is launching a new PR campaign that will encourage users to bring their unlocked iPhones to T-Mobile stores so they can try out T-Mobile’s HSPA+ wireless network for themselves. T-Mobile is currently the only major wireless carrier in the United States that does not formally offer the iPhone on its network and the company has had to suffer the indignity of watching prepaid carriers such as Virgin Mobile and Cricket get the iPhone in recent months.
source : bgr.com
Apple may be the exclusive supplier of its new dock adapter
Apple (AAPL) will reportedly be the “exclusive initial vendor” of a 9-pin iPhone 5 dock adapter that will allow the smartphone to be compatible with older 30-pin accessories, unnamed sources have told iLounge. Apple’s new “Dock Connector Adapter” reportedly costs $10 when sold separately and $29 when sold in a three-pack, while its new USB cables will sell for $19 each. iLounge’s sources claim that Apple estimates it will sell 10 million Dock Connector Adapters by the end of 2012, generating $100 million in revenue. Apple will announce its next-generation iPhone at a press event on September 12th.
source : .bgr.com
Hands on with Nokia’s Lumia 920 and Lumia 820
Nokia’s (NOK) press conference on Wednesday definitely had its ups and downs, and investors weren’t convinced that Nokia’s new Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 smartphones will fare well against Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone 5, which is expected to launch on September 21st following next week’s announcement, shares of Nokia stock were trading down more than 13% during Nokia’s presentation. We spent some time with Nokia’s new smartphones on Wednesday morning, however, and they really are a breath of fresh air in many ways.
First, the build quality of these Windows Phone 8 handsets is fantastic. Compared to smartphones from vendors such as Samsung (005930), Motorola and LG (066570), Nokia’s Lumia phones are in a completely different league. There are no flimsy plastic covers or cheap-feeling buttons, just a high-quality unibody plastic case that feels terrific in the hand. Granted, we were only able to spend a minute or so with each handset before our Nokia rep was informed by a colleague that the press wasn’t supposed to handle the devices, but it was long enough to confirm the same great build quality seen on the Lumia 900.
Beyond the build, the “PureMotion HD” display on the Lumia 920 was clearly the star of the show where hardware is concerned. This display is easily among the best we’ve seen on any smartphone, and a quick walk over to a window to get some direct sunlight on the screen what little sunlight there was in New York on Wednesday morning, at least did little to impact visibility. The curved glass adds a nice unique feel to the handset as well, and it really is a solid total package.
Are these two Lumia phones enough to put Nokia and Windows Phone on the map following the lukewarm reception the vendor’s previous Windows Phones received? We’re not sold just yet. Windows Phone 8 brings plenty to the table, but Nokia’s timing is terrible. The most highly anticipated handset of the year, Apple’s iPhone 5, will be announced next week, and it will probably go on sale before the Lumia 920 or Lumia 820 launch. This is a big problem for Nokia and Microsoft alike.
Beyond the competition, one of Windows Phone 8′s biggest selling points will be its deep integration with Windows 8 and likely the next Xbox as well but consumers can’t see the complete picture yet because Windows 8 hasn’t launched. Neither has the next Xbox. Instead, potential users are left looking at sleek designs, an awesome camera, and a platform they know precious little about.
Convincing users to choose the still-emerging Windows Phone platform while everyone they know carries an iPhone or an Android handset would be a very hard sell in a world where Windows 8 had already been widely adopted by consumers. In a world where Windows 8 hasn’t even launched yet, however, the task of selling Windows Phones is exponentially more daunting.
How might the pitch to consumers get even more shaky? Nokia did not share pricing or launch details for either new Lumia phone.
source: bgr.com
AT&T announces Pantech Flex with standard and ‘easy’ Android modes
You know smartphones have become too complicated when phone makers have to include an “Easy Experience” mode to simplify Android. The Pantech Flex is touted as the first smartphone to let users choose between traditional Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a toned down Android layout. “Easy Experience” mode eschews Android’s seemingly endless home screens full of apps in favor of a single screen with large and prominent shortcut buttons that contain only the user’s favorite apps. Despite its relatively low price — $49.99 with two-year contract — the Flex has decent enough specs to compete in the low-end handset market: 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display with 960 x 540 resolution, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 8GB microSD (expandable to 32GB) and 8-megapixel rear/2-megapixel front-facing cameras. The Pantech Flex will be available on AT&T’s (T) online store and at company-owned retail stores starting September 16th. A video of the device in action follows below along with AT&T’s press release.
New Pantech Flex from AT&T Provides Added Choice for Simplicity Seekers
First 4G LTE Smartphone from AT&T to Feature “Easy Experience” Mode Runs Android 4.0
The first smartphone at AT&T to offer customers the option to choose between the traditional Android operating mode and a more simplified version ideal for new smartphone users, the Pantech Flex will be available exclusively from AT&T* online and in company-owned retail stores for $49.99 with a two-year agreement and qualifying voice and data plans, beginning Sept. 16.
The Pantech Flex offers a unique dual experience system that runs on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The standard Android format is available for the customer who wants instant access to a wide range of their favorite features – social media sites, email, video and more. In addition, Flex provides the “Easy Experience” mode which prioritizes customers’ apps on the home screen in a clearly organized and easy-to-read format. Easy Experience users can enjoy an intuitive experience without sacrificing any of the latest in smartphone technology. By switching simply between traditional and easy modes, depending on preferences, Flex is a very easy to use device. To see more of the Flex’s features in action, check out this video.
In addition to its dual operating systems, Flex weighs only 4.6 ounces and has a slim design that makes it easy to slip into a pocket or purse. Flex features a full touch 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display for a vibrant picture and a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor. The intelligent Pantech SwiftKey technology makes typing a breeze – it minimizes key strokes by learning a user’s natural language for more accurate word predictions and corrections. Flex also features an eight-megapixel rear facing camera with 1080p HD video recording capabilities and a two-megapixel front facing camera.
“The Pantech Flex is a great phone because of its versatility,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices and Developer Services,AT&T Mobility. “This phone simplifies the smartphone experience and allows someone who has been hesitant to buy a smartphone a chance to get familiar with it at their own pace, and still leaves open the possibility of having the more traditional experience.”
“Flex is a smartphone that’s truly for everybody,” remarked Wyatt Whaley, vice president of product planning at Pantech. “With the option to alternate between the traditional Android interface and Pantech’s proprietary Easy Experience, Flex is ideal for users of all ages looking for an intuitive and flexible mobile experience.”
source: http://www.bgr.com/
Google reportedly plans to take its Fiber show on the road
While there have long been rumors that Google (GOOG) wants to expand its Google Fiber Internet and television service to places beyond Kansas City, Capstone analyst Rory Maher on Tuesday said he’s heard from knowledgeable sources that Google is planning to accept new bids for Google Fiber in the near future. According to Business Insider, Maher has heard directly from “people close to the situation in Kansas City” who say that “Google has made it clear more cities will likely be bidding for Fiber soon.” If Google does decide to build out fiber in other major cities, it will certainly create waves of panic among cable providers, which likely won’t be able to offer any service that’s close to matching Google’s 1Gbps fiber-to-the-home connectivity.
source : bgr.com
Acer to launch six new smartphones in 2013
In attempt to strengthen its smartphone presence, Acer (2353) is planning to release six new models in 2013, the company’s president Jim Wong confirmed to Digitimes. Five of the models will be based on Google’s (GOOG)Android operating system and one on Microsoft’s (MSFT) Windows Phone 8 platform. The company’s high-end models will be equipped with Qualcomm’s (QCOM) dual-core CPUs while the entry-level models will feature chipsets from MediaTek. Acer will sell its smartphones in Europe through existing sales channels, while in emerging markets — Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and India – the company will look to attack the entry-level to mid-range markets rather than the high-end segment. Acer will outsource the production of its smartphones to Qisda and Compal Communications. The company did not reveal plans to enter the U.S. smartphone market.
source: bgr.com
Android, iOS continue their tag-team thrashing of RIM’s market share
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: Android and iOS have gained market share at BlackBerry’s expense. The latest numbers from comScore show that smartphones based on Google’s (GOOG) Android operating system and Apple’s (AAPL) iOS once again increased their share of the smartphone market in the United States last quarter, increasing to 52.2% and 33.4%, respectively. The big loser was, once again, RIM’s (RIMM) BlackBerry OS, which saw its market share decline to just 9.5%, two percentage points lower than the 11.6% market share it registered in the previous quarter. When it comes to individual smartphone OEMs, Samsung (005930) led the way last quarter with 25.6% share of the U.S. market last quarter, followed by LG (06657011) with an 18.4% market share and Apple with a 16.3% market share. ComScore’s full press release follows below.
comScore Reports July 2012 U.S. Mobile Subscriber Market Share
Apple’s Share of Smartphone Market Grows to 1 in 3 Subscribers
RESTON, VA, September 4, 2012 – comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, today released data from the comScore MobiLens service, reporting key trends in the U.S. mobile phone industry during the three month average period ending July 2012. The study surveyed more than 30,000 U.S. mobile subscribers and found Samsung to be the top handset manufacturer overall with 25.6 percent market share. Google Android continued to lead among smartphone platforms, accounting for 52.2 percent of smartphone subscribers, while Apple secured 33.4 percent.
OEM Market Share
For the three-month average period ending in July, 234 million Americans age 13 and older used mobile devices. Device manufacturer Samsung ranked as the top OEM with 25.6 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers, followed by LG with 18.4 percent share. Apple continued to gain share in the OEM market, ranking third with 16.3 percent of mobile subscribers (up 1.9 percentage points), followed by Motorola with 11.2 percent and HTC with 6.4 percent (up 0.4 percentage points).
| Top Mobile OEMs 3 Month Avg. Ending Jul. 2012 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Apr. 2012 Total U.S. Mobile Subscribers (Smartphone & Non-Smartphone) Ages 13+ Source: comScore MobiLens | |||
| Share (%) of Mobile Subscribers | |||
| Apr-12 | Jul-12 | Point Change | |
| Total Mobile Subscribers | 100.0% | 100.0% | N/A |
| Samsung | 25.9% | 25.6% | -0.3 |
| LG | 19.2% | 18.4% | -0.8 |
| Apple | 14.4% | 16.3% | 1.9 |
| Motorola | 12.5% | 11.2% | -1.3 |
| HTC | 6.0% | 6.4% | 0.4 |
Smartphone Platform Market Share
More than 114 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones during the three months ending in July, up 7 percent versus April. Google Android ranked as the top smartphone platform with 52.2 percent market share (up 1.4 percentage points), while Apple’s share increased 2 percentage points to 33.4 percent. RIM ranked third with 9.5 percent share, followed by Microsoft (3.6 percent) and Symbian (0.8 percent).
| Top Smartphone Platforms 3 Month Avg. Ending Jul. 2012 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Apr. 2012 Total U.S. Smartphone Subscribers Ages 13+ Source: comScore MobiLens | |||
| Share (%) of Smartphone Subscribers | |||
| Apr-12 | Jul-12 | Point Change | |
| Total Smartphone Subscribers | 100.0% | 100.0% | N/A |
| 50.8% | 52.2% | 1.4 | |
| Apple | 31.4% | 33.4% | 2.0 |
| RIM | 11.6% | 9.5% | -2.1 |
| Microsoft | 4.0% | 3.6% | -0.4 |
| Symbian | 1.3% | 0.8% | -0.5 |
Mobile Content Usage
In July, 75.6 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers used text messaging on their mobile device (up 1.5 percentage points). Downloaded applications were used by 52.6 percent of subscribers (up 2.4 percentage points), while browsers were used by 51.2 percent (up 2.2 percentage points). Accessing of social networking sites or blogs increased 1.9 percentage points to 37.9 percent of mobile subscribers. Game-playing was done by 33.8 percent of the mobile audience (up 0.7 percentage points), while 28.3 percent listened to music on their phones (up 2.5 percentage points).
| Mobile Content Usage 3 Month Avg. Ending Jul. 2012 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Apr. 2012 Total U.S. Mobile Subscribers (Smartphone & Non-Smartphone) Ages 13+ Source: comScore MobiLens | |||
| Share (%) of Mobile Subscribers | |||
| Apr-12 | Jul-12 | Point Change | |
| Total Mobile Subscribers | 100.0% | 100.0% | N/A |
| Sent text message to another phone | 74.1% | 75.6% | 1.5 |
| Used downloaded apps | 50.2% | 52.6% | 2.4 |
| Used browser | 49.0% | 51.2% | 2.2 |
| Accessed social networking site or blog | 36.0% | 37.9% | 1.9 |
| Played Games | 33.1% | 33.8% | 0.7 |
| Listened to music on mobile phone | 25.8% | 28.3% | 2.5 |
source : bgr.com
EXCLUSIVE iPhone 5 cases already showing up at AT&T
One of our AT&T (T) sources sent over a few images of iPhone 5 cases that are already popping up in the company’s internal accessory systems. The images we obtained feature the iPhone 5 in two different manufacturer’s cases, and we have one additional render that shows a new screen protector. If you remember what happened last year around the same time, we posted images of iPhone 4S cases that turned out to be authentic ahead of the “disappointing” iPhone 4S, which launched instead of the much-rumored iPhone 5. Separately, iMore — which has a solid track record with information regarding unannounced Apple products — is reporting that it has confirmed the new iPhone will indeed be in line with the countless leaks that have been floating around the internet. Read on to see the rest of the photos.
source: bgr.com
Nokia announces the Lumia 920 with Windows Phone 8, wireless charging and a PureView camera
Nokia (NOK) on Wednesday announced the Lumia 920 during its press event in New York City. The company’s flagship Windows Phone 8 smartphone is equipped with a 4.5-inch “PureMotion HD+” display, a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor and an 8-megapixel rear camera with PureView technology and a Carl Zeiss lens.Nokia revealed that the Lumia 920′s camera shutter stays open longer to produce better pictures in low light. The device also includes 1GB of RAM, NFC, a microSD slot for expandable storage, a 2,000 mAh battery, 4G LTE connectivity and native support for wireless charging.
source : bgr.com
McLaren MP4-12C Spider US Debut in Detroit
The Brits have showcased a Volcano Red Mclaren MP4-12C Spider in Detroit on Thursday at the official release in Woodward’s Vinsetta Garage. Next to the roofless car they reveal the price for the US market which is set at $265,750.
The release follows the official release of the Mclaren MP4-12C Spider at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The McLaren MP4-12C Spider gets the same McLaren engineered monocoque chassis from the Coupe weighing just 75kg. It required no additional strengthening as the MP4-12C was originally designed as a convertible. The folding roof mechanism adds just 40kg of weight to the whole package and the hard top can be retracted at the touch of a button.
It takes just 17 seconds for the electronic mechanism to lower the roof into the area under the tonneau. This can be done at speeds up to 30km/h. The MP4-12C Spider also gets an electronically operated rear windscreen which acts as a wind deflector. This can be raised or lowered when the roof is raised to allow extra engine noise to enter the cabin.
source: gtspirit.com
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