Amazing Lamborghini, Chevrolet and Ferrari

In 1967 Valentino Balboni was hired as a Lamborghini test driver. We've mentioned him in the pages of Road & Track on more than one occasion. Our Design Director Richard Baron remembers him clearly as the young Italian who managed to drive a Countach while sitting on its open door sill. Valentino has given thrill rides to many of us over the years. He's the classic Italian who does everything with flair and, in this case, tire smoke. We all love tire smoke, and he's a master.

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That Lamborghini would honor him with a special edition of the Gallardo, the most successful Lamborghini of all time, is no surprise. Nor is the fact that they built this 250 limited edition model as a rear-wheel-drive drift-car special. (This not only saves weight, but allows for the ultimate power slides and tire smoke.)

lamborghini-gallardo-neraThe 550-2 identifies the mid-mounted V-10 making roughly 550 horsepower; the 2, the fact that the car is rear drive. Don't let the numbers fool you, the engine is the same as that in the 560-4. The last 560-4 we tested weighed in at 3595 lb. and losing the front-drive portion of the Gallardo's all-wheel-drive system shaves roughly 550 lb. off the car. To handle the change in balance, custom springs, dampers, roll-bars and tires are incorporated. A limited slip differential and revised stability control system help keep the rear-wheel-drive Lambo on the road even in novice hands. But turn it off and in the hands of a skilled driver like Balboni, the 550-2 is promised to make him smile. The Corsa ESP mode is also set to permit greater drift angles for those who want to have fun, but with a bit of moderation.

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The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette
One can't help but wonder if there are any connections to the Audi R8 GT (also rear-drive.) Although the limited run of 250 cars is small, the Lamborghini can be ordered with optional carbon ceramic brakes and e-gear transmission. The list price of $219,800 is only slightly higher than the last 560-4 we tested and, for those with the skill of Balboni, likely very worth the fun.
-The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette

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2010-chevrolet-corvette-1The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette lineup gains a new model, the Grand Sport. Chevy's performance car comes as a coupe and convertible. Both body styles are available in Base and Grand Sport trim levels. Grand Sport replaces the Z51 option package and includes specific styling cues, suspension tuning, brakes, and transmission gearing. These models have a 430-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine. An optional "dual-mode" exhaust system increases horsepower to 436. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Chevy offers other high-performance Corvette models, the Z06 and ZR1, both available only as coupes. Z06 has a 505-hp 7.0-liter V8, 6-speed manual transmission, specific suspension tuning, tires, and brakes. ZR1 has a supercharged 638-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine and 6-speed manual transmission. ZR1 differs from other Corvettes by its unique suspension tuning and use of lightweight carbon fiber on the hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter, and rocker moldings. All manual-transmission Corvette models incorporate GM's new Launch Control, which modulates engine speed in order to maximize grip during full-throttle launches. The ZR1 adds a "Performance Traction Management" system, which automatically adjusts the traction control and suspension to suit high-performance driving. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags. Among the available features are a head-up display, navigation system, and wireless cell phone link.
Absent since the C4's demise, the Corvette Grand Sport is back for 2010, this time sporting wider Z06 bodywork, larger brakes and the option of either a Coupe or Convertible. Another commemorative sticker package? Not-so-much.
We know what you're probably thinking and to be perfectly honest, we were thinking it too. This is not another commemorative package, nor is it a sticker package, instead the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport is a bonafide performance package that will help to distinguish the different Corvette models even more so.
Chevrolet's plan is to rid the lineup of the Z51 package Vettes, instead replacing it with a uniquely designed new Grand Sport model. Everything that you know and love about the Z51 will be here, but now, with the help of new Z06-derived bodywork you won't be confused with those driving lesser base-model Vettes.
The 6.2-liter LS3 V8 remains, pumping out the same extremely capable 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft or torque (436 horsepower and 428 lb-ft with the optional two-mode sport exhaust) and is easily manipulated to do your bidding through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Sport's calipers are distinguished by their silver with red lettering and the rotors have been enlarged to Z06-spec, 14-inch with six-piston calipers in front and 13.4-inch with four-piston grabbers in the rear. Also equipped are revised shock/spring settings and heavier duty stabilizer bars. The 2010 Grand Sport rides on unique 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels wrapped in sticky 275/35ZR18 and 325/30ZR19 tires, front and rear.
For those that opt to equip their Grand Sport with the six-speed manual transmission, Chevrolet will throw in a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery. All-in-all, these improvements should net an enthusiastic 2010 Grand Sport driver with a 0.2-second improvement over the existing Z51-model.

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The Grand Sport can be equipped in either Coupe or Convertible body styles, but regardless of which you choose, you'll be rewarded with a wider Z06-style front fascia with a Z06 lower lip spoiler, the only thing missing is the scoop on the nose. Z06-width front fenders replace the stock Vette's with a Grand Sport badge sitting atop dual vertical gills. The rear fenders have been replaced with Z06 units with functional brake cooling ducts. You can have your Grand Sport in any available Corvette color as well as all four different available trim levels (1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT). A heritage package is also available, adding a pair of dual stripes on the front fenders in either silver or red. The interior features special Grand Sport embroidery on the seat head rests.
The 2010 Corvette Grand Sport is publicly being announced at the 12th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky this weekend. Pricing is yet to be announced, but expect it to be somewhere around current Z51-package pricing. We'll take ours in Coupe-spec painted in Le Mans Blue (Okay fine, Jet Stream Blue) with the red stripes please.

-2010 Ferrari Millechili

What it is: A lightweight two-seater (2200 pounds or even less) loaded with Formula 1 technology. In many ways it will be a successor to the Enzo, but instead of adding power, Ferrari will add lightness. Don't worry-the Millechili name won't be making it to production.

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Why it's important: F1 goodies make their way onto a road car. The technology and light weight will make this car spectacularly quick but also fuel efficient.
Platform: A derivative of the F430's aluminum space frame on a slightly longer, 104.3-inch wheelbase. The mid-engine layout will carry a new V-10 of unknown displacement making upwards of 600 horsepower.
Noteworthy technology: Active aerodynamics will manage airflow over the vehicle, thus reducing drag.
Competition: Not much in sight as the current crop of supercars (Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Murciélago, Mercedes SLR McLaren) are either too heavy or expensive to be considered worthy competitors.
What might go wrong: Not much. The idea of an ultra-lightweight Ferrari sounds plenty good to us.

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Estimated arrival and cost: Production is set to begin in 2010. An estimated 300 cars will be built over a couple years. Start saving your Benjamin Franklins as the successor to the Ferrari Enzo will be at least $500,000.

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Holland

First of all, let me start by saying, "Hallo" which is Dutch for hello! I will do my best to post a blog about each of the 20 countries that I visited this year, but for now, I'd like to start with my recent trip to Holland.

Here's a bit of really good advice to anyone planning a trip to Holland: Do Not Drive! Wow, the city roads are packed, the street markings are difficult, and here's the scariest part of all..... the bicyclers! Thousands of people bike every day on the streets of Holland and they weave in and out of traffic like Nascar drivers! It took us an eternity to finally find our Hotel (Grand Hotel Amrath) and once we did we parked our car for good, thanking the good Lord that we hadn't harmed anyone! Don't let this deter you from visiting though because this country and its people are fabulous. Everyone was warm and welcoming, the streets were lined with gorgeous tulips of every shade and color, charming waterways and canals criss-crossed throughout the city, and this small European capital was bursting with energy and brimming with history.

This proved to be one of my favorite trips for more than just the mere charm and allure of Amsterdam city. This trip included a visit to The University of Amsterdam in Holland to meet with a very special team of doctor's who are pioneering new testing techniques for adult dyslexic learners.

Outside the University of Amsterdam

 I was invited to collaborate with Dr. Judith Bekebrede and Professor Aryan van der Leij, who along with a team of researchers, have developed an interactive computer based dyslexia test for upper secondary education, otherwise known as college students! This research is sorely needed because very rarely are adult learners screened for reading disabilities and far too often they have fallen through the cracks as young students. It's important to note that most dyslexic students are highly intelligent and are therefore able to muddle their way through elementary, middle, and high school. When they reach college, however, they often hit a wall and their strategies for success often fail. When this happens, many dyslexics will drop out of college and find other avenues for success....This is why 1/3 of all American entrepreneurs are dyslexic!

With Dr. Judith Bekebrede

It's not really so hard to believe once you learn that entrepreneurial dyslexics include Steve Jobs (founder of Apple), Charles Schwab (legendary investor), David Boies (famous trial lawyer), Jay Leno (comedian), Tom Cruise (actor), John Chambers (CEO of Cisco), and even Walt Disney himself (the father of Mickey Mouse!), and the list goes on and on! I learned this factual statistic during my reign this year while visiting the Cass Business School in London where extensive studies have been done to uncover the percentages of dyslexic entrepreneurs in both the UK and the US. Unfortunately, many dyslexics end up frustrated, fail to reach their full potential, and end up in jobs far below their capabilities. And as a dyslexic college student myself, this research and new software for screening is very near and dear to my heart.

This newly developed screening tool had just completed its standardization trials which occurred between January and September and had just been launched prior to my visit. So, as Miss Teen International 2009, I was lucky enough to be one of the first to test it out! It is called The Interactive Dyslexia Test Amsterdam-Antwerp and it is designed to screen first year college students for dyslexia as well as additional learning difficulties. The amazing thing is that the test only takes 35 minutes!

Testing the Interactive Dyslexia Test for College Age Students

The test includes flashing words on a computer screen that stay briefly followed by asking the student to recall whether the word was spelled correctly. Another portion of the test includes asking the student to type a word after it flashes briefly on the screen. Sometimes the word is an actual word that has meaning or it is often a 'pseudo word'. Pseudo words are ones that are made up and have no real meaning, however, they are designed to sound very similarly to real words. Research has found that dyslexics often have difficulty reading and spelling these words because they cannot be retrieved from memory and this can be a red flag for dyslexia.

Okay, enough about the technical side of things. Let me tell you about one of my favorite Dutch treats and I'll start with how it all began.....

At one point we decided to take a break from our work and I was offered a batch of eight unique Dutch snacks called a Stroopwafel (aka syrup waffle). I was skeptical as I eyed these strange cookie-waffle hybrids that I was told were considered a true delicacy. A cup of hot coffee was poured for me as and I was instructed to dip my stroopwafel before each bite. Well you know what they say.... When in Rome do as the Romans do. Well, that's not exactly what I did, but I did choose to "do as the Dutch do!" It was love at first bite as I sank my teeth into this distinctly unforgettable classic Dutch cookie.

Stroopwafel & Coffee

Tradition says that the Dutch have Napoleon to thank for the Stroopwafel. In the early 1800's the French emperor dictated that sugar be grown in Holland, which was part of the French empire at that time. I'm told that Napoleon wanted to free France from reliance on foreign sugar and not long afterward the Stroopwafel appeared in the Dutch town of Gouda. These wafer like cookies are made with 100% real cream butter and have the most delicious cinnamon caramel syrup sandwiched between two paper thin coaster sized waffle disks. And I can tell you from first hand experience that the best way to eat them is with a cup of hot coffee or tea because it allows the cookie portion to warm a bit- just enough to soften the caramel filling......Yyyuuummmm!

Other highlights of my trip were visiting the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House. Seeing the beautiful artwork, historical artifacts, and recounting the sad story of young Anne Frank and realizing the tremendous impact that she has made through her experience was so moving. We shopped in the open air boutiques that lined the cobble stone streets and enjoyed gelato at my favorite spot, San Remo's. And one thing worth noting is that if you ever visit Amsterdam make sure you take a canal cruise because its a great way of putting the city into perspective. As Miss Teen International I was given a VIP private cruise with special access to parts of the city not typically included on the tour! It was fun to sit back, relax, and take in all the 17th century mansions, medieval architecture, centuries old bridges, windmills, and general scenery. At the end of the cruise I was asked to sign autographs and I was overwhelmed by the response. People stood in line, one after the other, to get my autograph and/or a photograph with me. What an honor this was!

On my last day I visited an old friend that attends the prestigious Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Holland. The campus was absolutely stunning, the students were so friendly, and I had a fantastic time! I can't wait to go back soon! Later that night we enjoyed dinner at the The Harbour Club Restaurant in an area outside the city called The Hague. Fresh Fish straight out of the ocean, dry aged steaks, desserts to die for, and the most spectacular harbor view complete with sailboats, yachts, ocean, and seagulls made this a perfect ending for my trip.

That's it for now! Stay tuned for the next chapter from my year as Miss Teen International 2009. I'll give you a hint....it involves someone who is 7'1" tall, weighs 325 pounds, won three consecutive championships with the L.A. Lakers, and is now playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers! I think I may have just spilled the beans but it was exciting and I can't wait to share my next experience with you.........

Gauw tot ziens (Until then),

Jessica Byington

Great Reads in Teen Fiction

As "Eclipse" week comes to a close and the initial excitement has wained, we figured we would remind our readers that there are plenty of things to fill the time until "Breaking Dawn" is released. We love "Eclipse" and the Twilight Saga... but at this point we're sure many of you have probably already finished the series in it's entirety, including Breaking Dawn and also the newest novella The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner.  Now until Ms. Meyers comes out with some new things, we've got to keep ourselves busy and explore some other options.  But, let's get serious here -- will we continue to subject ourselves to more and more teen novels even though we're halfway into our twenties? You bet! With so many similar books out there, we've got to wonder, is there anything that can compare to the excitement that Twilight brought us?  Luckily, there is!  Here are a few easy reads in the area of Teen Fiction/Fantasy that we think are perfectly acceptable and engaging for young adults and the young at heart.

Craving some more Meyer?  Then "The Host" is the perfect one to start with.  Although technically categorized as Sci-Fi, it is certainly as addicting and enthralling as Twilight but without the teeny bopper overtones.  This is a more adult book in general in terms of the theme and writing, but still involves the love triangles that we so adore in a good romance.  We went into this book quite skeptical and came out extremely pleased with it.  We don't want to give too much away with this one; you really need to read it for yourselves! We promise you will not be disappointed!

The Vampire Diaries, now a hit TV show on the CW, is probably your best bet if you are seeking another dangerous and seductive vampire romance.  Elena Gilbert is the main character of these novels, by L.J. Smith,  and in this story she quickly gets wrapped up in a love triangle with the handsome and irresistibly charming vampire brothers, Stephen and Damon.  The twist: Elena is a dead ringer for Stephen's first love and now the boys are fighting to win her love.  Many people might be upset with us for saying this, but we think these books are on par with, if not better than, Twilight because they have a stronger, more alluring plot and much more well developed characters.

"The Hunger Games" will quickly pull you into it's post apocalyptic world of politics and corruption in which working families starve while the rich just get richer.  In this book, children are chosen at random to fight, to the death, in a ring where people watch from home much like a reality TV show. The clever reader will notice that this story bares a striking resemblance to "Battle Royale," a controversial Japanese film released in Japan (currently not distributed in the US), but as the plot progresses, the book develops into a unique and entertaining piece of fiction.  It focuses on the main character, Katniss, and her relationships with her family back home, her allies and romance in the games, and her struggle to survive not only for the sake of living, but to ensure that she wins and is able to feed and provide for her family back home.  It's an emotional, thought provoking, adventure that we're certain you won't be able to put down!

You wake up in a metal box that opens up inside a large area surrounded by big stone walls.  You have no memory of your life, except for your name, and have no idea how you got there or where exactly you are at all.  All you know is you are in the "Glade" and there are other boys there with you, all with a similar lack of memory.  You then come to find out that every day the stone walls open up into a maze and every night the stone walls close and the maze changes itself; no one has ever solved the maze and no one has gotten out. To make things more interesting, the next day a girl arrives, the first and only girl ever to arrive in "The Glade", and she has something mysterious written on her hand. Sound like something that might interest you?  Then, "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner is for you. While it does get off to a slow start, keep reading because the ending is certainly worth it. It is the perfect mix of adventure, action, and mystery that keeps you entertained and you'll be pleased to know this book is 1 or 3, so there are more to come.  

"Shiver", by Maggie Stiefvater, is the only one of these that neither of us have read yet.  We put it on here because of the fabulous reviews it has received from our most trusted friends, and also because it has been on our "to read asap" list for months.  Anyway, the synopsis: Grace, one of the main characters, is obsessed with the wolves that live behind her house and one wolf in particular, the one with the yellow eyes, is obsessed with her right back. Sam lives two lives, one as a wolf and one as a human...but the longer he spends as a wolf, the harder it is for him to go back to human form until one day he won't be able to change back at all.  The story, told from the alternating perspectives of the two characters, deals with the relationship, romance, and struggle of the characters as they fall in love and fight to stay together.  How does this not sound like a captivating story?  Plus..it's a series!  Woohoo!

And, finally, there's "Beautiful Creatures" - co-written by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.  This book features Ethan, a high school aged boy, as the main character (weird..right?).  Ethan's life is pretty normal, until he starts having recurring dreams of a girl that he has never met before.  Then, one day, Lena arrives in town and Ethan realizes that she and the girl from his dreams are one in the same.  He also learns that she has seen him in her dreams as well and for some reason there is a very strange connection between them that leads him to wonder if his dreams are really dreams or visions of a past life.  As they work together to uncover the mystery behind their dreams, Ethan discovers things about Lena and her family's dark curse that threaten to ruin their relationship for good. For those of you tired of the whole vampire fiction category, "Beautiful Creatures" offers a  refreshing and uniquely told story that pays homage to the witchcraft, curses, and magic that was so popular back in the mid 1990's. 

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Motor Show 2010 in Vienna

 

Motor Show 2010 in Vienna on the 14th at the Vienna International Exhibition Center from 31 automobile manufacturers around the world, about 300 cars participating, many of which model reflects the characteristics of energy-saving environmental protection.

The size of the Vienna Motor Show Frankfurt Motor Show and so far inferior to the world's top auto show, its function is also to open up markets, and promote sales. Therefore, the Vienna Motor Show has been mainly aimed at ordinary consumers, displaying mainly has entered the market or preparing to enter the market in passenger cars practical.

 

The auto show is a popular energy-saving eco-car for a reason. First, the spread of the global financial crisis and energy shortage on the global automobile market and formed a tremendous impact on the market need for cheap and energy-efficient models. In addition, the cars produce greenhouse gases, while the voice of global greenhouse gas emissions is very high. Therefore, less emissions, energy efficiency and miniaturization are becoming middle and low passenger cars, especially the car's development direction. At this auto show, Volkswagen, Opel and other manufacturers, even offers a 100 kilometers fuel consumption of less than 4 liters per kilometer of carbon dioxide emissions to less than 100 milligrams of "energy-saving clean" cars.
Other manufacturers also introduced energy-saving environmental protection, small and medium sized cars, these models through a more rational design, expand the interior space to achieve a "small but not crowded," well positioned to meet the requirements of many automotive consumers.

Auto show, many automobile manufacturers have been exhibited to the market or to be put on the market of hybrid, electric cars and so on, showing that the new energy vehicle technology is to mature. Some power-driven, highly intelligent auto show concept cars appearance, become the focus of attention.
Vienna Auto Show is held biennially, this year is the fifth. Organizers Auto Show this year is expected to attract 150,000 visitors visitors.