You can't buy publicity like this. USA Today reports a California man is suing both BMW and motorcycle seat manufacturer Corbin after a four-hour motorcycle ride left him with a severe case of priapism. Henry Wolf claims he's had an erection since stepping off his 1993 BMW after a ride in September 2010, or some 20 months ago, if we're counting. According to the suit filed in California Superior Court, the seat's "ridge-like" design caused the painful condition. Wolf's lawyer says the man is unable to engage in sexual activity, and as a result, has endured "substantial emotional and mental anguish." Wolf is suing for compensation from both BMW and Corbin for lost wages, medical expenses, emotional distress and general damage. Neither company has commented on the case.
Australian billionaire to build Titanic II
Labels: Australian billionaire to build Titanic IIOne of Australia's richest men, Clive Palmer, on Monday unveiled plans to build a 21st century version of the doomed Titanic in China, with its first voyage from England to New York set for 2016. Palmer, a self-made mining billionaire, said he had commissioned state-owned Chinese company CSC Jinling Shipyard to construct Titanic II with the same dimensions as its predecessor. "It will be every bit as luxurious as the original Titanic but of course it will have state-of-the-art 21st century technology and the latest navigation and safety systems," Palmer said in a statement. "Titanic II will sail in the northern hemisphere and her maiden voyage from England to North America is scheduled for late 2016." He added that he had invited the Chinese navy to escort the Titanic II to New York. The announcement comes just weeks after the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic, which went down on April 15, 1912 after striking an iceberg on its first voyage, from Southampton to New York. Palmer said the new ship would be a tribute to the spirit of the men and women who worked on the original, which sank with the loss of 1,514 passengers and crew. "These people produced work that is still marvelled at more than 100 years later and we want that spirit to go on for another 100 years," he said. Titanic was commissioned by White Star Line and was the largest liner in the world at the time. Palmer said he has established his own shipping company, Blue Star Line, with the new vessel having the same specifications as its predecessor -- 270 metres long (885 feet), 53 metres high and weighing some 40,000 tonnes. It will have 840 rooms and nine decks with design work in conjunction with an historical research team underway. No figure was given on how much it would cost. The only changes to the original would be below the water line including welding and not riveting, a bulbous bow for greater fuel efficiency, diesel generation and enlarged rudder and bow thrusters for increased manoeuvrability. "Titanic II will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury with on-board gymnasiums and swimming pools, libraries, high class restaurants and luxury cabins," Palmer said. The ship would also include an exhibition room which will be located in the space of the original's coal boilers which will showcase his home state of Queensland. Palmer is estimated to be Australia's fifth richest person, worth more than Aus$5 billion (US$5.2 billion), thanks to his vast coal and other mining assets in Queensland and Western Australia. He has also branched out into tourism and owns the luxury Coolum resort on the Sunshine Coast, while recently saying he wants to move into the media industry, a sector dominated by Fairfax and Rupert Murdoch's News Limited. His decision to commission a Chinese shipbuilding yard, which will also construct other luxury liners for the tycoon, reinforces his ties to the country, which is a key buyer of his coal and iron ore. "The Chinese are renowned for building commercial cargo and container ships," he said. "China currently produces around two to three percent of the world's luxury ships but is looking to challenge the Europeans who have around 75 percent of this market. "The Chinese ship building industry with our assistance wants to be a major player in this market." The original Titanic was built in Belfast.
Hundreds of new car shows have sprung up across Britain in the wake of the British Motor Show’s demise. Here are the country’s best.
Labels: Hundreds of new car shows have sprung up across Britain in the wake of the British Motor Show’s demise. Here are the country’s best.The last “proper” British Motor Show – once the undoubted and much-loved highlight of the UK motoring calendar – is now just a fading memory.
For years it thrilled enthusiasts at London’s Olympia, then Earls Court and Birmingham’s NEC, before moving to ExCeL in the capital in 2008, where it attracted nearly half a million show-goers.
But when the economic downturn hit the industry and major manufacturers began opting for bigger international shows instead, it was reluctantly killed off by the organisers.
Its demise was mourned by sections of the motor industry and car enthusiasts alike, but what few foresaw was that its passing would kick-start an exciting new era with hundreds of alternative new shows bursting onto the scene, and existing ones vying to fill the vacuum.
Today, the best-known is Goodwood’s Moving Motor Show on June 28, the day before the Telegraph-partnered Festival of Speed. But hundreds of others, large and small, have sprung up across the UK, each attracting a loyal following and allowing enthusiasts to cherry-pick their favourites throughout the year.
Shows range from thoroughbred classic car events to those showing new – or even “clean green” cars – and those that feature commercial and passenger vehicles and motorcycles.
Here are some of our favourites so that you can start planning your own motoring summer.
Footman James Bristol Classic Car Show
When: April 21-22
Where: The Bath and West Showground, Somerset
Timed to coincide with the popular Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs’ Drive it Day – when owners are encouraged to drive their classics on the roads – this lively show attracts enthusiasts from all over the UK, and no wonder. Seventy clubs will mount displays indoors, with more than 900 classic cars on view outside.
There’s an eclectic mix of new and second-hand parts, tools, books and memorabilia. There’s a car boot jumble on both days and a classic cars and automobilia auction on the Sunday, with viewing on the Saturday.
When: May 10-13
Where: ExCeL London
Now a stand-alone part of the Grand Designs Live show (based on the Channel 4 series), this event lets you drive the latest crop of ultra-frugal eco cars including electric, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and other CO2-busting vehicles. Visitors to both shows will be able to pass freely from one to the other.
When: May 25-27
Where: The Playing Fields, Great Cambridge Road, Enfield, Middlesex
Extensive displays including 2,000 trucks, motorcycles and cars, with entries from the Whitewebbs Museum of Transport. Expect an unlikely mix of American and British classics alongside historic commercial – and even beautifully restored passenger – vehicles, and live music. There’s also more than 400 autojumble stalls to choose from.
When: June 2-4
Where: Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire
Celebrating the “golden age of motoring”, this event is a three-day Jubilee special with 2,000 cars on display from 80 car clubs, a two-day autojumble and a wide range of general trade stalls. Organisers are also looking for owners who want to take part in a classic car mart. They are promising family attractions and an “Italian supercar feature”.
When: June 11-17
Where: Canary Wharf, London
A free-to-visit show that transforms this London business district with displays of more than 250 vehicles from the world’s leading manufacturers. Names confirmed so far include Bentley, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Kia and Volvo, and this year’s event is expected to be the biggest yet, drawing an anticipated audience of 425,000.
Best of all, the vehicles are unlocked, with show-goers invited to get in and look around. Organisers are even offering test-drives on the Canary Wharf estate.
Brooklands Double Twelve Motorsport Festival
When: June 16-17
Where: Brooklands Museum, Weybridge, Surrey
Expected to be the biggest motoring competition held at Brooklands since 1939, this event, organised in conjunction with the Vintage Sports Car Club, will see 144 classic and vintage cars taking part in exciting driving challenges and a concours d’élégance, as well as up to 100 pre-war cars competing in the Double Twelve Speed Trials. There will be a sprint on the adjoining Mercedes-Benz World circuit on the Saturday, with everything from Sinclair C5s to bicycles and pre-war racing cars tackling the Test Hill Challenge on the Sunday.
When: August 4-5
Where: Croft Circuit, Dalton on Tees, North Yorkshire
Described as a “magical trip down memory lane”, this event not only features on-track single-seater, saloon, GT and sportscar races for cars from the Forties to the Seventies, but also boasts Second World War attractions including tanks, jeeps and buses, and fashion. There’s also an aerial display and – as at the Goodwood Revival – show-goers are encouraged to dress in period style to help the party go with a swing.
When: August 25-26
Where: Pentillie Castle and Estate, St Mellion, Saltash, Cornwall
A colourful, lively new event aimed at celebrating “all that’s good about motorsport” and based around an exciting, twisting hillclimb that starts at a private quay on the banks of the beautiful Tamar, before taking in hairpin bends and exhilarating straights and passing within metres of the castle. As well as extensive displays of classic cars, there will be laser clay-pigeon shooting, racing simulators, off-roading and giant Scalextric.
When: September 1-2
Where: Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derbyshire
Not everybody likes their cars straight out of the showroom in one piece; some prefer the DIY approach. This show will include 40 kit car manufacturers and 60 owners’ clubs as well as interactive events such as “how to build your car” demonstrations and Q & A sessions with experts. There will also be racing on the circuit.
When: September 8-9
Where: Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire
The best-known autojumble of them all. In fact, it is claimed to be the biggest outdoor autojumble this side of the Atlantic, and all within the inspiring grounds of the National Motor Museum. Complete with more than 2,000 stands groaning with all kinds of vintage and classic bits and bobs. Includes a 200-vehicle “automart” sale and Bonhams’ collectors cars sale.
2013 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost officially rated at 23/33 MPG
Labels: 2013 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost officially rated at 23/33 MPG
When we drove the all-new Escape recently, Ford was still awaiting official EPA certification for fuel economy. Now, though, the numbers are in, and the Blue Oval can confidently state that it offers the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the small crossover segment... with an automatic transmission, that is.
The hero engine for the new Escape is Ford's new 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four, offering up 178 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine is good for 23 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg highway, besting the highway numbers of the Chevrolet Equinox,Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and others. At 33 mpg, this means the new Escape is not only more efficient than the outgoing four-cylinder model, but it bests the numbers of the old Escape Hybrid, too.
But again, this only pertains to automatic transmission-equipped vehicles (the Escape does not offer a manual transmission with any of its powertrains). The 2013 Mazda CX-5 with its 2.0-liter Skyactiv inline-four and six-speed manual 'box is rated at 35 mpg highway, but opting for the six-speed auto drops that number to 32 mpg.
The other powertrains offered in the Escape are returning some pretty impressive fuel economy numbers, too. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter base engine is rated at 22/31 mpg, and the range-topping 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque is good for 22/30 mpg. Scroll down for the full details in Ford's press release.
Nissan's luxury Infiniti car brand will expand its partnership with Formula One champions Red Bull next year
Labels: Nissan's luxury Infiniti car brand will expand its partnership with Formula One champions Red Bull next yearNissan's luxury Infiniti car brand will expand its partnership with Formula One champions Red Bull next year, both sides announced at the Korean Grand Prix on Sunday.
The deal will feature more prominent branding on the Renault-powered cars as well as new areas of technical and product collaboration.
Nissan executive vice-president Andy Palmer told reporters that brand awareness in the first year of the association with Red Bull, who won both titles last season and have again taken the constructors' championship and the drivers' crown with Sebastian Vettel, had been "tremendously successful".
Germany's Vettel has won ten of the 16 races so far, while Red Bull had, until Saturday, racked up 16 pole positions in a row dating back to last year.
"We use a system of measuring seconds of TV time...and by that measure we are the most visible car manufacturer on the grid," said Palmer, who recognised that 24-year-old Vettel was about 11 years younger than the target customer.
"It looks like Infiniti will have a record year for sales so there is obviously some correlation between one and the other."
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said the relationship with Infiniti - under the Renault-Nissan alliance - would make available more technology and know-how for future developments, particularly from 2014 when the engines change.
"It opens avenues of technology that previously as an independent team wouldn't have been available to us and that obviously would to the likes of Ferrari or Mercedes or even McLaren," he said.
Horner did not rule out the engine one day being 're-badged' from Renault to Infiniti.
"Obviously in 2014, nothing is decided yet in terms of whether it will be a Renault or even an Infiniti engine," he said.
