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24th August 2008

“Death Race Makes The Road Warrior look like The Little Mermaid”

Personally, I am offended by this “remake.” While Death Race 2000 wasn’t exactly Five Easy Pieces, Paul Bartel’s 1975 cult classic featured motorized combatants competing to cut pedestrians into at least that many bits. Which was– and still is– deliciously politically incorrect. The new movie pits convicts against convicts for mass entertainment. Been there, Running Man’d that. Ho-hum? Nope. “The car chases and most of the characters are thrillingly executed, with 5,000-horse-power smash-’em-ups shredding the screen,” writes New York Post critic (or not) Kyle Smith. “If you run over the right manhole cover, you can activate additional weapons or bloodthirsty traps, and there aren’t a lot of environmental restrictions (”Give me the napalm” is as routine a command as “find something on the radio”). If the warden feels like cheating, and that feeling often comes over her, she can throw into the mix something called the Dreadnought, which is to the other cars what a Chevy truck is to a roller skate.” 

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24th August 2008

GM Canada’s $5b Pension Shortfall

When CAW Prez Buzz Hargrove told me a GM C11 is inevitable, I wondered if Canadians might have a more realistic idea of The General’s financial health, or lack thereof. The Toronto Star provides confirmation. The paper reports that GM’s Ontario workers have noticed that the automaker has taken full advantage of a company- specific exemption allowing them NOT to fully fund the workers’ defined-benefit Canadian pension plan. Which GM hasn’t done since 1992, to the tune of $5b. [A defined-benefit plan obliges GM to pay out a fixed, agreed upon amount to its beneficiaries– no matter what’s in the fund.] “My concern is that, if GM goes into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. or they go bankrupt altogether and out of Canada,” a retiree worried. “My pension is going to be cut nearly in half.” It seems GM’s legislative loophole was worth every penny the company spent acquiring it. For GM, anyway.

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24th August 2008

E85 Boondoggle of the Day: “Ethanol boom will help lower gasoline prices”

Timothy Gardner and Rebekah Kebede of Reuters [via the Calgary Herald ] claim that an increase in America’s output of cheap, subsidized ethanol, along with additional gasoline refining capacity coming online, may lower U.S. gas prices. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, American production will rise by 130k barrels of ethanol per day in 2008 (up to 550,000). Gardner and Kebede note that the government subsidizes blenders to the tune of $0.51/barrel of blended ethanol, and that “the subsidies have made ethanol cheaper than gasoline and a much sought after component for blending into motor fuel.” Another factor that could contribute to falling prices: the slowing of American demand for gasoline. While demand grew by 1.3 percent annually from 1971 to 2007, growth has slowed down 0.7 percent in 2007 and the government forecasts a paltry 0.4 percent for 2008. And what of transportation costs and logistics? (Ethanol can’t be transported via existing pipes; it must be transported by diesel burning tanker trucks.) Or consumer reluctance to use corn juice once they figure out the (often hidden) fact that 85 delivers significantly less bang-for-the-buck? Nothing. 

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24th August 2008

Conti-Schaeffler

Conti-Schaeffler


22nd August 2008 15:33

I guess it was inevitable that a deal would eventually be struck and it has. Schaeffler takes a stake in Conti that gives it a big say, but it won’t be able to do any of the more radical things it might have been eyeing (like selling tyres) for another four years at least. It does however, get access to Conti technology through this alliance.

And former German Chancellor Schroder acting as referee ought to provide some reassurance to Conti employees. The offer from Schaeffler has been upped and the shareholders ought to accept it.

I guess the only person not smiling is the Conti CEO who has very honourably fallen on his sword. He said some things that probably made it difficult for him to continue in the role. Mind you, he will probably be well looked after with a golden handshake which might just take the edge off any bad taste in his mouth.

GERMANY: Deal buries Conti-Schaeffler hatchet as CEO quits



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24th August 2008

Military and aerospace companies ensure electronic systems with test and measurement tools


Via
Military & Aerospace Electronics

By Courtney E. Howard

The test and measurement of electronics is an important part of any development and production process, yet testing for military and aerospace applications is especially critical because failures might put lives and missions at risk, recognizes John Barfuss, aerospace &defense program manager at test giant Agilent Technologies Inc. in Palo Alto, Calif.

“If a business person’s phone stops working it is an inconvenience but if a soldier’s radio quits working, it could leave him in grave danger,” continues Barfuss. “If a cellular base station breaks it may cost the provider thousands of dollars. If a satellite payload breaks it could cost millions.”

With military and civilian lives and billions of taxpayer’s dollars potentially on the line, test and measurement is at the forefront in the minds of systems designers, systems integrators, and end users in the military and aerospace market. Makers of test and measurement solutions serving the mil-aero community continue to advance the technology, keeping pace with electronics technologies and the standards and deadlines to which they must adhere.

Time is of the essence

Much has been written about warfighters in the field waiting for armaments. In an effort to deliver ample electronics systems and supplies rapidly that are safe and reliable, industry organizations are partnering to speed and perfect test and measurement processes and procedures — and they are accomplishing these goals through automation.

Engineers at Agilent Technologies, Raytheon Co. in Waltham, Mass., and the U.S. Navy have teamed to develop an automated test system for Raytheon’s system missile business. The joint efforts of these three organizations culminated in the Presidio Automated Test Line, considered a breakthrough in testing automation and used in the production of Raytheon’s Standard Missile 2.

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    24th August 2008

    A Minivan is Better Than What You’re Driving

    (Note from Chris: We’ve touched on this subject in the past, but this bears repeating. Besides, David’s is better–and it’s fun to watch him rant.)


    I don’t care what your current ride–or even pie-in-the-sky dream ride–might be. A minivan is better.
    “But wait!” (I can hear you say)… “A minivan will make me look, well, like a minivan-driving loser.” Get over yourself. If your self-image is based on what you drive, just put a Ferrari Owners Club license plate frame on the minivan. Awestruck onlookers will assume that your Ferrari is in the shop, which it probably would be anyway.



    Minivan vs. SUV
    What’s
    that? You need the Escalade to haul the boat to the lake? Let me tell
    you about towing. In 1992 I hauled 4,000 pounds worth of trailer and
    motorcycles from upstate New York to Daytona Beach, and back again, using a
    1984 Dodge Caravan. It wasn’t even the 2.6-liter hot-rod version, but a
    base 2.2 with three speed automatic. With three drivers, the trip took
    21 nonstop hours in each direction, and we repeated it with the same
    vehicle in 1993. Granted, the engine blew up in Hackensack on the way
    back north in 1993, but three out of four ain’t bad. Besides, today’s
    minivans don’t have lame-ass 2.2-liter engines, and ours had 180K on
    the clock and needed to die anyway. Bottom line, I don’t care what the
    lawyers make them say. A modern minivan will tow whatever a normal
    person needs to tow. And it’ll let you sit nice and high, just like the
    Escalade does.


    But what about when the going gets rough? Surely an SUV is better
    than a minivan when the road is nothing more than a distant memory?
    Maybe so, but who do you think you’re kidding? Most SUVs–and
    especially not yours–never make it off the pavement, or if they do
    it’s not on purpose. And sorry, dirt roads don’t count as off-road.
    Besides, a truly avid off-roader is more likely to head into the
    wilderness in a highly-modified (or even purpose-built) vehicle. Being
    as near as matters to useless on the highway, that vehicle will have
    reached the edge of the wilderness on the back of a trailer. It might
    have been towed by a big SUV or pickup, but it could be towed by a
    minivan, which would also be able to cope with those nasty dirt roads
    that you think call for an SUV. You’re such a baby.




    Minivan vs. Luxury Car

    But,
    really, what is a luxury car these days? The old-school signifiers–a/c, power windows, cruise control, et al–no longer apply, and their
    high-tech replacements are often more trouble than they’re worth.
    (iDrive or adaptive cruise control, anyone?) You might make try to
    make a case for exclusivity being tantamount to luxury, but you’d be
    wrong. It seems hard to believe today, but there were years in which
    Cadillac sold 250,000 cars. They were all pretty luxurious by the
    standards of the day, but exclusive? Not so much.


    Luxury,
    in my world, means a roomy, quiet, and comfortable cabin; a
    cushy-but-controlled ride; and convenience features that are easy to
    use and work well. Guess what? Tick the appropriate boxes on the option
    list, and your minivan will swaddle you in luxury. Four occupants (the
    maximum that can experience luxury in any
    vehicle) will be way more comfortable than they would be in a
    conventional luxury sedan, and when the revolution comes they won’t be
    lined up against the wall and shot.




    Minivan vs. Prius

    Be
    honest here. You didn’t buy a Prius to save gas. You bought it because
    you think that it makes you appear to be environmentally conscious.
    Believe me, it doesn’t. For proof I refer you to the always-spot-on
    social commentators at South Park, who devoted an episode to a hybrid
    called–wait for it… –the Pious. Besides, a fully-loaded minivan,
    while horrible to contemplate, gets better per-passenger mileage than
    the Prius. And if image is that big a deal, have “hybrid” painted on
    the minivan’s flanks and liftgate. But better still, get over yourself.
    (Besides, the Prius looks goofy. What’s with those tiny wheels?)


    Minivan vs. Genuine Sports Car

    Are
    we talking mid-life crisis sports car, or just sports car? If the
    former, it would be good to remember that when you toss the keys at the
    valet and head into a club you have no business going to, you’ll still
    be old, fat, and bald. Or at least that’s what those young girls you
    want to impress will think.


    If, on the other hand, you want a sports car because it’s fun, then
    you might want to expand your definition of fun. I like a vehicle
    that’s a challenge to drive. One whose handling limits show themselves
    during real-world driving, at real-world speeds. A real sports car’s
    handling presents no challenge to the driver until the speed limit has
    long been left behind. A minivan, by contrast, keeps you on your toes
    when the road gets interesting.



    I
    will, however yield on one point. If the sports car in question is a
    ragtop, that single feature trumps anything a minivan can offer. In
    fact, even if the ragtop in question isn’t a sports car, even if it’s a
    clapped out three-cylinder ‘89 Geo Metro, it trumps a minivan. But
    other than that, a minivan is better, so get over yourself.




    –David Drucker

    This is syndicated from Car Lust, and written by David Drucker.

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    24th August 2008

    Bantamweight: Jetstream SC250 Roadster Unveiled

    CORNWALL, England — Embracing the basic minimalist concept behind the Ariel Atom and Lotus Elise is the new Jetstream SC250, a lightweight roadster designed for the track, but still legal on the streets.

    The vehicle’s distinctive look comes from Brian Rossi, who is known for his retro Ford Thunderbird design back in 2002.

    A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-banger from the Vauxhall Astra VXR powers the vehicle, which puts out 250 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The engine is also E85-capable, and performance will increase by as much as 10 percent when ethanol is used. The two-seater uses an Emerald ECU that features different modes, Standard and Sports, depending if you are cruising around town or tearing up the track.

    Thanks to the ultralow 1,550-pound curb weight, the car is propelled to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds and tops out at 165 mph. It runs the quarter-mile in a mere 11.8 seconds while still managing to get a combined fuel economy rating of almost 32 mpg.

    The SC250 has ventilated 11.2-inch front brake discs and 11-inch discs in the rear, which come standard with GM calipers. Handling is helped out by a complete set of adjustable coil-overs and the 16-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels, which are wrapped in Toyo Proxes rubber.

    The interior is pretty much meant for the track, with the only amenities being a standard power point for an iPod and an available heating system.

    Jetstream plans to build 50 cars in the next year, and has a more powerful 300-hp version in the works for early 2009. Pricing starts at $43,644, which includes a 12-month warranty for parts and labor.

    What this means to you: Jetstream provides another option for those looking to curb their appetite for a lightweight track car. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent

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    24th August 2008

    2008 Volkswagen Scirocco GT24

    Base Price: 2008 Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 - Racing Version Only - N/A

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    24th August 2008

    2009 Acura MDX – Introduction


    Press Releases

    PrintFriendly Format

    08.15.08
    2009 Acura MDX - Introduction

    OVERVIEW

    Benchmarked against some of the best performance SUVs in the world and tuned
    on the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany, the MDX clearly establishes itself
    as a driver’s SUV. Outfitted with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel
    Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system and an available Sport Package with Active
    Damper System, the MDX yields a combination of handling and comfort that is
    truly on the cutting edge.

    The 2009 MDX is equally daring in its styling and thorough in its safety and
    environmental responsibilities. The MDX has an expansive array of safety features
    included as standard equipment. The MDX’s 300-hp VTEC® V-6 makes as
    much power as some competitive V-8s, yet delivers ultra-low emissions and excellent
    fuel economy. Inside the 7-passenger interior, the MDX offers thoughtful luxury
    and an unmatched range of advanced technologies, including the Acura Navigation
    System with Voice Recognition™ and AcuraLink® Satellite Communication
    System with real-time traffic and a spectacular 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround®
    Premium Sound System.

    Altogether, the 2009 MDX embodies Acura’s commitment to performance,
    luxury, quality and style, along with an emphasis on safety and environmental
    care. The 2009 MDX is the seventh Acura project to be designed and engineered
    in the United States (including the 1997 CL, 1999 TL, 2001 CL, 2001 MDX, 2004
    TL and 2009 TL) along with several award-winning Honda products.

    POWERTRAIN FEATURES

    • 3.7-liter, SOHC, V-6 engine
    • 300 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
    • 275 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
    • VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) valvetrain
    • 2-piece, dual-stage magnesium intake manifold
    • Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission
    • Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)
    • EPA estimated mileage of 15/20 mpg* (city/highway)
    • EPA TIER 2 - BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV emissions standards

    *Based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods
    beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare
    to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive
    and maintain your vehicle.

    BODY & CHASSIS FEATURES

    • Unit body structure with extensive use of high-strength steel
    • Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) low-beam front headlights
    • MacPherson strut fully independent front suspension
    • Multi-link independent rear suspension
    • Torque-sensing, variable power-assist rack-and-pinion steering
    • 18×8-inch aluminum wheels
    • P255/55R18 104H M+S all-season tires
    • 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution
      (EBD) and Brake Assist
    • Vehicle Stability Assist™(VSA®) with traction control and Trailer
      Stability Assist
    • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
    • 5,000-pound tow rating
    • LED tail lamps and Center High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL)
    • Heated outside mirrors with Reverse gear tilt-down and integrated LED directional
      turn signals

    INTERIOR FEATURES

    • 7 passenger seating
    • Driver-oriented cockpit
    • Driver’s 10-way power seat (8-way power seat with 2-way power lumbar support)
    • Electronic tilt and telescoping steering column
    • Two-driver custom memory system
    • Front passenger 8-way power seat
    • Heated front seats
    • Tri-Zone automatic climate control system with air filtration and humidity
      control
    • 253-watt Acura Premium Sound System with AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/WMA
      changer, XM® satellite radio, AUX jack connectivity along with 8 speakers,
      including 8-inch subwoofer
    • HomeLink® remote control
    • Multi-Information Display (MID) allows access to multiple electronic functions
    • Maintenance Minder™
    • Adaptive and flexible cargo space with multiple configurations
    • Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface
    • Auto dimming rearview mirror

    SAFETY FEATURES

    • Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
    • Side impact door beams
    • Impact-absorbing crumple zones (front/rear)
    • Driver and front passenger dual-stage, dual-threshold airbag Supplemental
      Restraint System (SRS)
    • Driver and front passenger knee bolsters
    • Driver and front passenger side airbags with front passenger Occupant Position
      Detection System (OPDS)
    • Side curtain airbags for all three rows with rollover sensor
    • Active front head restraints
    • 3-point adjustable-height front seat belts with automatic tensioning system
      and load limiters
    • 3-point seat belts at all seating positions
    • Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractors (driver has ELR
      only)
    • LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child-seat mounting system
      for the second-row seats

    Technology Package

    • Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ and rearview camera
    • AcuraLink® satellite communication system with real-time traffic
    • 410-watt, 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Sound System with
      6-disc CD/DVD-Audio and DTS® changer, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio
      and AUX jack connectivity
    • GPS-linked, solar-sensing, tri-zone, automatic climate control system with
      air filtration and humidity control
    • Power operated rear tailgate

    Sport Package (in addition to the Technology Package features)

    • Active Damper System
    • Perforated, premium full-grain leather seating surfaces with high-damping
      front-seat cushion foam
    • Exclusive alloy wheel design
    • Auto-leveling headlights
    • Textured metallic accents on radio, cupholder and shifter bezel

    Entertainment Package (available with Technology or Sport Package)

    • DVD Rear Entertainment System with wireless headphones and remote control
    • 115-volt power outlet in center console
    • Heated second-row outboard seats

    MARKET SUMMARY

    MDX has been very important to Acura, accounting for about 30-percent of the
    division’s sales since the vehicle’s introduction as a 2001 model.
    Equally important, the original MDX attracted buyers from competitive luxury
    makes including BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, starting new relationships for
    Acura. The 2009 MDX competes in the Mid Premium CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle)
    segment.

    TARGET CUSTOMER

    Focus groups with luxury customers were conducted in Seattle, Detroit, Chicago
    and Los Angeles. These cities were carefully chosen to explore how customers
    use their SUVs in cold climates, in areas that are traditional domestic-vehicle
    strongholds and in areas known for their trend-setting character.

    Early in the study process Acura also benchmarked performance SUVs such as
    the BMW X5 - and polled their owners - to ensure that the second
    generation MDX would exceed its performance. Satisfying these highly discriminating
    customers means that the MDX would be well positioned to attract a wider group
    of potential buyers.

    With the MDX, added performance and handling capabilities boost its appeal
    for performance enthusiasts, while the luxurious and functional interior continues
    to satisfy the needs of traditional luxury customers.

    ENGINE & POWERTRAIN

    Developing 300 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, the MDX’s 3.7-liter
    V-6 output is competitive with many V-8 engines - without the fuel-economy
    penalty most V-8’s suffer. To widen the powerband and improve fuel economy,
    the 3.7-liter engine has VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic
    Control) valvetrain, a dual-stage intake manifold and an electronic Drive-by-Wire™
    throttle system. EPA estimated mileage of 15/20 mpg* (city/highway) and a large
    21-gallon fuel capacity mean the MDX has a long cruising range. The MDX is designed
    to meet the latest emissions requirements including strict EPA TIER 2 -
    BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV standards.

    A 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift is designed to
    satisfy the most performance-oriented drivers. Tuned on the famed Nürburgring
    circuit in Germany, the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)
    system provides handling precision that sets a new benchmark for SUVs.

    SH-AWD® actively varies the torque distribution between front and rear
    axles - then between the left and right rear wheels - to provide
    maximum grip under all driving circumstances. Such torque vectoring operates
    seamlessly and allows the SH-AWD® to overdrive the outside rear wheel up
    to 1.7-percent faster than the front wheels to create a “yaw moment”
    allowing the MDX to better rotate around a corner while minimizing understeer.

    *Based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods
    beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare
    to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive
    and maintain your vehicle.

    BODY & CHASSIS

    The 2009 MDX sets new standards for SUV styling, engineering, handling and
    safety standpoints. Its dramatic styling utilizes large surface areas, sweeping
    curves and decisive angles. Longer, wider and lower (and with a longer wheelbase)
    than the original MDX, the dimensions create a more athletic appearance.

    In an effort to keep mass out of the vehicle, the MDX features widespread
    use of light weight materials such as high-strength steel, aluminum and magnesium.
    In addition, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body
    structure is intended to bring new levels of front crash safety to the MDX.

    Befitting its position as Acura’s flagship SUV, the MDX is equipped
    with Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) low-beam front headlights, a dramatic
    array of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in the rear tail lamps and center high-mounted
    stop light (CHMSL), and exterior mirror-mounted turn signals. The Acura signature
    front grille reflects a fresh look for the MDX. Careful aerodynamic tailoring
    reduces drag noise and high speed dynamic stability.

    The 2009 MDX features a track-tuned chassis to complement its 300-horsepower
    VTEC® V-6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®).
    Engineers targeted the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne when developing the MDX chassis,
    and then tested and refined it at Germany’s famed Nürburgring circuit.
    The Active Damper System, available in the Sport Package, has proprietary fully
    active dampers that adjust (in less than five milliseconds) to road conditions
    on a real-time basis. The MDX is also at home off-road where its excellent engine
    torque, responsive suspension, and generous ground clearance enable it to cross-step
    through rough terrain.

    For family recreation, the MDX tows as well as it goes. With a 5,000-pound
    tow rating, standard trailer pre-wiring, high-capacity radiator with twin cooling
    fans, transmission fluid cooler and Trailer Stability Assist, the MDX needs
    only a dealer-installed hitch and wiring to tow a substantial trailer.

    INTERIOR

    The MDX features a luxurious yet functional interior. The cockpit environment
    is focused on the driver, and features a host of technologies to make driving
    simultaneously rewarding and relaxing. The interior styling and functionality
    perfectly coexist with a driver’s cockpit that features a 10-way power
    seat including power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver, electronic tilt
    and telescoping steering column, a 2-position custom memory system, and a Multi-Information
    Display (MID) that allows access to multiple electronic functions.

    The interior design is as dynamic and contemporary as the exterior, with a
    “4+3 seating” concept that luxuriously hosts four passengers in
    the first and second row seats, while also offering comfortable accommodations
    for three additional passengers (one in the second row and two in the third
    row). The front passenger enjoys an 8-way power seat, while everyone on board
    will appreciate the MDX’s Tri-Zone automatic climate control system. All
    occupants will enjoy the 253-watt, 8-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with
    in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/WMA changer, AM/FM tuner, and XM® Satellite Radio.
    An auxiliary jack for personal audio devices is also included. Standard convenience
    features include HomeLink®, Maintenance Minder™ and adaptive and flexible
    cargo space with six configurations.

    SAFETY

    The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
    along with several passive-safety technologies help bring the 2009 MDX to the
    next level of safety. ACE™ more evenly distributes collision forces and
    helps maintain the integrity of the passenger cabin in the event of a severe
    frontal collision. The MDX is also less intrusive to smaller vehicles in a head-on
    collision thanks to a special frame member located below the front bumper that
    is designed to engage the front bumper of smaller vehicles.

    The MDX is equipped with an active front head restraint system for front seat
    head restraints along with knee bolsters for the driver and front passenger.
    The driver and front passenger are also protected by dual-stage, dual-threshold
    airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and side airbags with front passenger
    Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). Side curtain airbags help reduce
    the likelihood of injury to the occupants in all three rows of outboard seats
    A rollover sensor adds a further level of protection.

    The 2009 Acura MDX furthers Acura’s commitment to “Safety Through
    Innovation” with pedestrian injury mitigation features such as a deformable
    aluminum hood and hood hinges along with breakaway windshield-wiper pivots.

    MANUFACTURING QUALITY

    Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario, is the assembly plant for
    the MDX. A special dynamic quality-control process is employed to ensure the
    highest possible level of attention to detail for every MDX produced. After
    assembly is completed, each MDX enters a special Acura Quality line. The ability
    to immediately respond to the smallest quality issue allows the MDX to excel
    in quality - and in customer satisfaction.




    ©2008 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. All information contained herein applies to U.S. vehicles only.
    Please see our Privacy Policy and Legal Terms and Conditions. Visit Honda.com. View Contact Us.
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    24th August 2008

    Russian advertising

    Do you think that its a crazy party? No. Its a russian advertising. Owner of a destroyed Shevrolet Niva (cheap and small russian SUV) was happy. He’s got a new Jeep.

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