July 31st, 2009 at 08:55pm Under Computers
Intel is preparing for launch of the 32nm six-core processor codenamed Gulftown in 1H 2010 according to Fudzilla, and the enthusiast JC has managed to grab the sample of Core i9 Gulftown.
With support for Socket LGA1366, Gulftown is based on 32nm technology, operating at 2.4GHz (18*133MHz), with 12MB of L3 cache.
Compatible with the X58 chipset, [...]
By Mikel Add comment
July 31st, 2009 at 08:55pm Under Computers
AMD is said to release Evergreen DirectX 11 graphics cards at the end of September or early October, and the fellows at Xbitlabs has shedded more light on the codenames of RV800 family. It looks like all the products will be named after evergreen trees:
* Cypress - dual-chip flagship graphics solutions powered by two RV870 chips (originally known as [...]
By Mikel Add comment
July 31st, 2009 at 08:55pm Under Computers
Asus Eee PC T91 based on Atom Z520
Intel has reportedly informed customers that it will accept no more orders for its Atom Z processors from netbook manufacturers soon, as it’s getting close to completely digesting its inventory.
Intel is expected to completely stop the supply of Atom Z processors to the netbook market before the end [...]
By Mikel Add comment
July 31st, 2009 at 08:55pm Under Computers
The 80Plus Gold certified OCZ Z-series power supplies which was ever showcased at CeBIT 2009 have now reached newegg.com.
Available in modular and non-modular versions, the new PSUs support Active PFC (Power Factor Correction), are ATX12V 2.3/EPS12V 2.91 compliant, and have a MTBF of over 100,000 hours.
Cooled by a 135mm double ball-bearing temp-controlled fan, the Z-series PSUs [...]
By Mikel Add comment
July 31st, 2009 at 10:55am Under Motorbikes
At our wedding last summer, my wife and I made it a day to remember with a ride through Blandford, Dorset, in all our finery followed by a wonderful ceremony and party. We are dedicated Triumph enthusiasts (owning four between…
By admin Add comment
July 31st, 2009 at 10:55am Under Motorbikes
This could be the new Harley-Davidson Road Glide CVO. Very HARD!
By admin Add comment
July 31st, 2009 at 10:55am Under Motorbikes
 |
 |
Sturgis is a few days away, and for those of you who can not attend, here’s a list of webcams that are working. This way you can check your spouse or friend…
…
By admin Add comment
July 31st, 2009 at 10:55am Under Cars
Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Dodge
With Chrysler’s woes leaving plenty of room to go gangbusters with Dodge Challenger variants, Florida-based Mr. Norm’s Garage is determined to fill any gaps that need to be filled, particularly high horsepower and convertible models. The legendary Mopar performance shop unveiled the 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertibles at the Chryslers at Carlisle event in Carlisle, PA last weekend, both painted in a custom yellow hue.
When the phone call came letting us know that both cars would be in Southern California for a few days, we didn’t need much convincing to go check them out for ourselves. While the retro overdose might be too much for some, there’s no doubt that each of these modern day muscle cars was built with the utmost attention to detail. For instance, the Cuda’s shaker hood scoop is the exact dimensions as the original, the rear fenders have been reshaped to mimic the classic lines, and the rear end features genuine ‘71 taillight assemblies and ‘Cuda badge. Did we mention both have also been converted into ragtops?
Fortunately, both cars have the power to back up their looks. Under their hoods is the SRT8 Hemi V8 that has been bored and stroked to 426 cubic inches and then supercharged to produced 725 tire-melting horsepower running through a Dana 44 rearend. Sound like your idea of fun? Browse through our high-res galleries of both cars below or read about the full list of upgrades after the jump.
Gallery: Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Cuda Convertible
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertible
Pics Aplenty: Mr. Norm’s 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
By Mikel Add comment
July 31st, 2009 at 10:55am Under Racing
Here’s a round-up of F1 news and other interesting links I’ve found today.
If you’ve spotted a hot news story, interesting new website or just something funny from the world of F1, please share your links in the comments below.
Manager says Kubica now on the market
Robert Kubica's manager Daniele Morelli: "There was no sign inside the team that something like this could happen."
Massa already thinking of racing again
"Reacting to the news that seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher would take his seat in the Ferrari while he was not able to drive again, Massa reportedly joked: 'We have to see if I will let him drive!'"
Make a Wish and get yourself an F1 2008 Signed Annual
F1 Badger are running an auction for the Make a Wish charity back by Jenson Button.
David Coulthard: "Nevertheless, there is no getting away from the fact that the head is still exposed to oncoming debris, which begs the question: should there be some sort of screen to deflect flying objects? I heard Ross Brawn saying that any sort of shield would be shattered by a metal spring weighing a kilo and travelling at 170mph, but what do they use on planes?"
Michael Schumacher risks his reputation for a return to the adrenaline rush
"Michael Schumacher's decision to make a comeback as Felipe Massa's temporary replacement at Ferrari smacks of a 40-year-old superstar who has become bored."
F1 blog by American fan Victoria, definitely worth a read.
BMW – Bizarre Manufacturer Withdrawal
"It is highly unlike BMW, and especially Mario Theissen, to make positive statements if they cannot back it up with evidence. Yet that was what they appeared to do when they said they knew what their problems were, while still qualifying 16th and 19th in a grid of twenty cars."
"Kubica recently hosted a charity karting competition for current and former F1 drivers. When asked in Hungary who was quickest in a kart his answer was – 'Michael'."
FIA sets date for Renault appeal hearing
"The FIA has announced that the International Court of Appeal will hear Renault's appeal against its suspension from the European Grand Prix on August 17." Added to the F1 Fanatic calendar.
Ralf hails Michael’s return as great
Ralf Schumacher: "Nothing better could have happened for Formula 1 than my brother coming back." And nothing worse could happen to F1 than… I'll let you finish that thought.
These are links I’ve bookmarked using Delicious. You can see my Delicious profile here.
By Mikel Add comment
July 31st, 2009 at 10:55am Under Racing
Following BMW’s abrupt decision to quit F1 speculation over which manufacturer might be next if rife. Suspicion tends to fall at the feet of Toyota and Renault.
There are many reasons to suspect the latter. Title sponsor ING is leaving the team at the end of the year, talisman driver Fernando Alonso is expected to switch to Ferrari, Nelson Piquet Jnr is clearly on his way out the door and Flavio Briatore is being touted as the next Bernie Ecclestone.
The FIA’s decision to bar the team from the next race can hardly help matters. And today, the parent company issued the latest round of gloomy financial results. To top it off, the company has already quit F1 twice before - in 1985 and 1997 - and a 2009 exit would establish a pattern.
Although the company’s press release has some encouraging things to say about its performance, it’s the headline loss of €2.7bn (£2.3bn / $3.79bn) that makes you wonder if they can really afford to remain in F1.
Renault announces first-half year results
• Net loss of €2,712 million
• Positive free cash flow of €848 million
• Group global market share stable at 3.7%“We anticipated the crisis from July 2008 and made the first decisions necessary to weather it. Today, Renault is showing resilience, as illustrated by our significantly positive free cash flow. We are already preparing Renault for the post-crisis period with the mass marketing of zero-emission vehicles from 2011, the expansion of the entry-level range, consolidation of our presence in emerging markets and a drive to accelerate and expand synergies with Nissan,” said Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Renault.
Results affected by falling markets
With markets worldwide in free fall, including in emerging countries, Group revenues stood at €15,991 million in first-half 2009, down 23.7% (21.5% excluding currency effects) on the same period in 2008.
Automobile’s revenue contribution was €15,101 million on a consistent basis, down 24.2% on the first half of 2008. This figure masks a significant shift between the first and second quarters (-30.8% and -16.9% respectively). The general decline was caused by a sharp slowdown on virtually all Group markets, which resulted in a negative volume effect across all Regions.
• Europe contributed to half of the revenue decline (-11.6 points), despite scrappage schemes in a number of countries. The product mix has been pulled downwards despite the good start made by the New Mégane and New Scenic. Several currencies, including sterling and the Polish zloty, also adversely affected revenues for Europe.
• International operations were responsible for 6.8 points of the decline in revenue. Unfavourable currency effects, particularly on the Korean won, the Brazilian real, the Russian rouble and the Romanian lei, exacerbated the negative volume effect.
• Sales of sub-systems and complete vehicles to partners made a negative contribution of 5.8 points. Sub-system sales were affected by the industry-wide reduction in inventories. Sales of light commercial vehicles were hit by the downturn in the European LCV market.The revenue contribution from Sales Financing (RCI Banque) fell by 14.7% on the first half of 2008 to €890 million.
The Group’s operating margin was a negative €620 million in the first half of 2009, or -3.98% of revenues, compared with a positive €865 million, or 4.1% of revenues, in the first half of 2008.Automobile’s operating margin fell to a negative €869 million, or -5.8% of revenue in first-half 2009, down by €1,467 million on first-half 2008. This fall can be attributed to a negative exchange rate effect of €155 million, a €978 million fall in volumes that was directly linked to the slowdown on automotive markets, a negative mix/price and incentives impact of €385 million and a €176 million increase in the cost of raw materials. However, the company-wide cost-cutting policy began to take effect: purchasing costs fell €90 million excluding raw materials, and G&A declined by €106 million. At the same time, warranty-related costs continued to fall, dropping by €110 million over the first half, reflecting continuous progress in product and service quality. Like revenue, operating margin showed a significant improvement between the first and second quarters.
RCI Banque demonstrated its resilience with an operating margin of €249 million, equal to 28% of revenues. This performance can be attributed to good risk management and to real commercial momentum despite a 13% contraction in average performing loans outstanding.
The Group posted an operating loss of €946 million in the first half of 2009, compared with income of €845 million in the first half of 2008. Other operating income and expenses showed a net charge of €326 million, made up primarily of a €297 million impairment charge linked to the fact that expected volumes in the range have been revised downwards.
The net financial result showed a net charge of €181 million, compared with net income of €315 million in the first half of 2008, including a positive impact of €343 million arising on the revaluation of redeemable shares. Excluding this item, the deterioration in the net financial result is the direct consequence of the increase in Group debt and the rise in interest expense.
The Group’s share in associated companies generated a loss of €1,584 million, of which €1,217 million for Nissan, €196 million for AB Volvo and €182 million for AvtoVAZ. The negative contribution of Nissan fell considerably in the second quarter to €60 million, compared with €1,151 million in the first quarter.
The Group recorded a net loss of €2,712 million for the first half of 2009, compared with net income of €1,581 million in the first half of 2008.
Group shareholders’ equity stood at €16,548 million at June 30, 2009.
Action plan on track with positive free cash flow and a reduction in net financial debt
The action plan put in place by Renault in July 2008 to weather the crisis is bringing results. The improvement in free cash flow gathered pace in the second quarter.
Automobile generated positive free cash flow of €848 million in the first half of 2009, in advance on the action plan. This performance is attributable to cost-cutting, lower investment and a lower working capital requirement – particularly in terms of inventory. R&D spend fell by 25% on first-half 2007, well ahead of the 15% reduction target initially set for the period 2007-2009. In light of this performance, the objective has been revised to a 20% reduction. Net tangible investments were down 10% on the first half of 2007. Vehicle inventory was cut by €891 million compared with end-2008. The Group will also benefit from the successful launches of the Mégane family.
Automobile net financial debt declined by €708 million to €7,236 million at June 30, 2009, i.e. 43.7% of shareholders’ equity (compared with 40.9% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2008).
As at June 30, 2009, Automobile had improved its cash position relative to December 31, 2008 and had €3.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents and €4.2 billion in undrawn confirmed credit lines.
RCI Banque had available gross liquidity of €5.4 billion, covering more than twice all outstanding commercial paper and certificates of deposit (€2.2 billion).
2009: Market
The implementation of tax incentives already had favourable effects on automotive markets and the Group in first-half 2009. The Group has revised its 2009 world market forecasts upward to more than 57 million units, or a decrease of 12% on 2008 compared with the initial forecast of 15% decrease. After a 13.7% decline in the first half, the European market is expected to improve in the second half-year to finish at -8% for the full year.
The Group will fully benefit in second-half 2009 from the launches in the first half of the year, notably the New Mégane, the two versions of New Scenic and Clio III phase 2. The product offensive will continue with the renewal of the SM3 and SM5 in South Korea.
2009: Outlook
In this context, the Group is confirming the 2009 objectives announced at the start of the year, namely a positive free cash flow and an increase in market share.
These objectives will be achieved by pursuing the action plans on further inventory reduction, managing receivables, limiting investments, reducing costs and by improving operational performance, compared with the first half-year.
More on Renault
By Mikel Add comment
