Mitsubishi Evolution X

First previewed in 2007, the all-new tenth-generation Lancer Evolution was introduced by Mitsubishi for the 2008 model year, continuing the nameplate's tradition of high performance in a small-displacement four-passenger sedan.

The Evolution X is offered in two trim levels. The entry-level GSR is offered with a five-speed manual transmission, Recaro Sport seats and Enkei wheels, as well as optional spoiler, HID headlights, and upgraded sound system.

The upgraded MR includes Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers, lightweight brake rotors and BBS forged-alloy wheels, and extra sound insulation, as well as optional navigation, upgraded audio with Sirius Satellite reception, and leather seats.

Both trim levels feature the new all-aluminum 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder MIVEC4 motor producing 295 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque and Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) drive system.

The S-AWC system, which regulates torque and braking at each wheel includes a bevy of acronyms: ASC (Active Stability Control), ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control) and Sport ABS, an ABS system designed for aggressive driving. The biggest difference over the outgoing car is the large number of yaw sensors included in the system, all designed to keep the Evo X on its intended path. The S-AWC system can be set for three different road surfaces: tarmac (standard), ice and gravel

The Twin Clutch SST on the MR appears similar to Audi/VW's DSG system; even and odd gears are on separate clutches for rapid-fire shifting and no torque loss between gears. Shifting of the TC-SST is controlled by alloy paddles on the steering wheel or the gear shift lever when in manual mode, and by the engine computer in automatic mode. The system has three modes: Normal, Sport and S-Sport, the latter providing the most aggressive, fast shifts.

Safety measures include the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) unibody system to disperse energy in front and side impact collisions and protect the fuel system from rear impact, and front and side impact air bags, plus a driver's knee air bag.

Lexus RX 350

MECHANICAL

3.5L DOHC SFI 24-valve V6 engine -inc: dual variable valve timing w/intelligence (VVT-i)

6-speed sequential-shift automatic electronically controlled transmission -inc: OD, snow mode

Front wheel drive

Independent MacPherson strut front suspension w/coil springs

Independent double wishbone rear suspension w/coil springs

Front/rear stabilizer bars

Pwr rack & pinion steering w/pwr assist

Pwr front ventilated & rear solid disc brakes

Tool kit

EXTERIOR

8" x 7.5" 5-spoke alloy wheels

P235/60R18 tires

Compact spare tire

Integrated rear spoiler

Automatic on/off headlamps w/delay-off feature

Integrated front fog lamps

LED brake lamps

Pwr heated mirrors w/built-in LED turn lamps

Acoustic noise-reducing windshield glass

Water-repellent front door glass

UV ray-reducing window glass

Privacy glass

Variable intermittent windshield wipers

Intermittent rear wiper

Chrome door handles

INTERIOR

Cloth seat trim

10-way pwr front bucket seats -inc: pwr lumbar, adjustable headrests

Driver seat easy exit -inc: auto away/return

Reclining/sliding rear 40/20/40 split fold-down seat -inc: adjustable headrests, 1-touch fold levers

Center console -inc: storage bin, cupholders

Rear center armrest -inc: cupholders, storage box

Cut pile carpeting

Carpeted front/rear floor mats

Pwr tilt/telescoping steering wheel w/audio controls

White LED instrument cluster display -inc: maintenance indicator

Front seat belt warning light

Pwr windows -inc: 1-touch auto up/down, jam protection

Pwr door locks -inc: anti-lockout feature

SmartAccess remote entry system -inc: multi-function remote, remote window down, volume-adjustable confirmation tone, rolling code technology

Lexus personalized settings

HomeLink programmable garage door opener

Pwr fuel door release

Vehicle theft-deterrent & immobilizer system

Automatic dual-zone climate control -inc: dust filter, pollen filter, deodorizing air filter, rear seat heater ducts

Rear window defogger

Wood trim -inc: center console, switch plates, doors

Metallic accents -inc: center instrument panel

Chrome inside door handles

Front door map storage pockets

Dual sun visors -inc: adjustable-illum vanity mirrors, slide extensions

Dual front/rear assist grips

Lighting -inc: LED glove box, center console box, incandescent dome light w/white LED spot lights, incandescent foot lights, door courtesy lights, front cupholders, front/rear map lights, cargo area

Front seatback pockets

Coat hooks

(2) 12V auxiliary pwr outlets -inc: rear of center console box, cargo area

Rear storage compartment under cargo area floor

Auto-retracting tonneau cover

SAFETY

Wheelanti-lock braking system (ABS) -inc: brake assist

Vehicle stability control (VSC) w/cutoff switch

Traction control (TRAC)

Side-impact door beams

Enhanced side-impact protection

Daytime running lights

Dual front advanced airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) -inc: crash severity & occupant detection sensors

Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags

Front/rear side-curtain airbags w/roll sensor

Dual front knee airbags

Dual front seat active headrests w/whiplash protection

3-point front seat belts -inc: pretensioners, force limiters, anchor height adjusters

3-point rear seat belts -inc: pretensioners

All-outboard seating emergency locking retractor (ELR)

Front passenger and rear outboard seating automatic locking retractor (ALR)

Child safety rear door locks

Tire pressure monitoring system

Impact-dissipating upper interior trim

Brake pedal regression prevention

First aid kit

Honda Civic Type S

Honda Odyssey

Designed around the concept of emotive quality that will move all who experience it, the new fourth generation Honda Odyssey provides an advanced fusion of the human/machine interface, a liberated feeling for all occupants, and a distinctive presence. So, the all-new Odyssey was developed with the goal of generating strong feelings in every circumstance: riding in it, driving it, and looking at it.

To fulfill customer expectations for excellent fuel economy related to growing awareness of environmental issues, the all-new Honda Odyssey is equipped with a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engine and torque converter-equipped CVT, a combination that enables the vehicle to achieve both superior performance and class leading fuel economy of 13.2km/L. Moreover, the all-new Odyssey features DBW (drive-by-wire) control and an ECON mode which improves fuel economy by applying collaborative control of the CVT and air conditioner to reduce engine load.

Exterior design

• The exterior is designed around a concept of sensual dynamism, with richly contoured surfaces to express both dynamism and solidity for conveying elegance and power.
• The front view features sharp graphics, with headlights flowing out from the chromed bumper center portion and a sculpted V-line extending up over the hood from the front grill to impart a sense of speed and power. The narrow headlights add an intrepid feel.
• The side view features a fluid silhouette with a one-motion line from front nose to roof end. This combines with the strongly contoured surface in an expression of sleekness and power.
• For the rear view, the cabin has been strongly tapered and the rear window rounded to impart a compact feel for the cabin. Horizontally oriented rear combination lights add a feeling of breadth.
• The voluptuous body contours are further highlighted with a super platinum coating.
• Six color variations are available, including two new colors.

Interior design

• The interior is designed to achieve an advanced feel in a refined and comfortable space.
• The double-layered, gently sculpted instrument panel imparts a feeling of comfort and spaciousness.
• The 3D self-illuminating gauges and indicator lamps are laid out around the centrally positioned speedometer in a 3D arrangement and grouped into functional zones for instantaneous recognition.
• The audio, climate control, and navigation controls are positioned for easy operation in a highly intuitive center panel.
• The front seat cushions employ low-resistance urethane for low fatigue and an outstanding hold.
• A telescopic & tilt steering mechanism helps maintain the optimum driving position.
• Power train
• The 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine combines outstanding fuel economy with powerful performance, featuring class-topping 13.2km/L and strong, torquey response at all speed ranges.
• The torque converter-equipped CVT combines outstanding fuel economy with smooth and seamless acceleration, for a more comfortable driving feel in a wide range of situations.
• Efficiency improvements and weight reduction in the engine and transmission have helped boost fuel economy, while ECON mode supports even more economical operation.
• Utility
• The second-row seats feature a three-way split back that allows the left, right, and center seatbacks to be independently folded down, allowing a variety of seating arrangements with a single action.
• The third-row seats employ an under-floor storage mechanism to create a flat, easy to use luggage space.
• The tailgate has been made thinner and shaped to secure more luggage space than the previous model. The luggage space is even easier to use, with a flat floor and a flexible luggage board that extends all the way to the backs of the second-row seats when the third-row seats are stowed.

Body

• Improved joint efficiency at the upper and lower front pillar ends and other innovations result in a frame construction with outstanding rigidity. Optimized front/rear rigidity balance and stronger joints throughout also contribute greater dynamic rigidity.
• Strong, lightweight, high-tensile steel has been effectively deployed along with a larger cross-sectional area to allow the use of thinner materials while ensuring efficient strengthening.
• Road and wind noise have been kept to an absolute minimum by reducing sources of noise and vibration while making the body and chassis more rigid throughout to effectively prevent the vibrations caused by engine and road noise from reaching the cabin. Damping and absorption materials are also strategically located to block out unwanted noise.

Chassis

• The low center-of-gravity chassis combines nimble handling with a comfortable ride for all occupants.
• In the front, a double-wishbone suspension delivers outstanding straight-line stability and ride comfort.
• In the rear, the reactive-link, double-wishbone suspension achieves a compact design that significantly contributes to the low-floor platform.
• A more compact powertrain and innovative body design secure ample tire turning angle to achieve an outstanding, class-leading minimum turning radius of 5.4m.

Driver support functions

• Active Cruise Control (ACC) and the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) help alleviate the burden on the driver during highway driving. Availability varies depending on the type.
• All types come equipped standard with Motion Adaptive EPS, which works in concert with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) to provide steering assistance for more stable vehicle control.
• Camera images are displayed on the navigation screen to reduce blind spots around the vehicle and facilitate smoother parallel and garage parking, as well as enhancing feelings of safety and security when driving along narrow roads or approaching 3-way intersections where visibility is poor. The Multi-view Camera System is available as a factory option on all types.

Safety

• The vehicle's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body provides a higher level of protection to vehicle occupants while also helping to mitigate impact on the other vehicle in a collision.
• The vehicle is also designed to mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision, particularly to the head and legs, thanks to the use of impact-absorbing structures.
• The Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) with E-Pretensioners (driver and front passenger seats) helps anticipate collisions and mitigate injuries and vehicle damage should an accident occur. Availability varies depending on the type.
• A side-curtain airbag system helps mitigate head injuries due to a side collision in all three rows. Availability varies depending on the type.
• ISO FIX-compatible child seat anchoring bars and tether anchors (left and right second-row seats) are standard on all types.

Environmental performance

• All models are certified by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as having emissions levels 75% lower than what is required by 2005 standards.
• The M, L, and Li FWD types exceed Japanese government fuel economy standards for 2010 by 25%; the M, L, and Li 4WD types by 10%; and the Absolute by 5%.

BMW 335d BluePerformance 2009 wallpaper

BMW-335d_BluePerformance_2009_1600x1200_wallpaper_08, originally uploaded by keanu_721.

Mini Cooper S

The Cooper S is a high-performance variant of MINI's iconic hatchback. Like the regular Cooper, the "S" model was fully redesigned for the 2007 model year. The second-generation Cooper S is powered by a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine producing 172 horsepower, eclipsing the desirable "100-hp-per-liter" measure revered by enthusiasts.
he engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger, which provides 177 pound-feet of torque maintained consistently throughout from 1600 rpm all the way up to 5000. When accelerating, torque is briefly increased even further to 192 pound-feet by the "overboost" function. All this translates into zero-to-60 mph acceleration in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 139 mph.

Compared to the first-generation MINI , the new model has a lower center of gravity, wide track and the wheels moved to the extreme corners. This helps ensure go-kart like handling and increased safety during spirited driving. The EPAS Electrical Power Assisted Steering helps to make the MINI even more nimble and agile on the road, speed-related assistance ensuring low steering forces when parking and precise control at high speeds.

While the 2.76-inch-longer exterior is mostly evolutionary, BMW describes the new interior as "revolutionary." For increased safety, curtain airbags now protect all passengers.

Despite the car's increased measurements, its weight has been reduced by 192 lbs for the Cooper S manual, 72 lbs for the Cooper S auto.

The Cooper S comes standard with six standard airbags, plus a number of electronic safety features. Anti-lock ABS brakes are standard, as are Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) is standard on the MINI Cooper S with an on/off switch. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is optional.

A new Hill Assist feature for manual gerabox models maintains brake pressure for up to 3 seconds after the brake pedal has been released and before the clutch has been engaged.

MECHANICAL

6-speed manual Getrag transmission

1.6L OHC 16-valve turbocharged I4 engine

Fully electronic throttle control

Front wheel drive

Engine start/stop button

MacPherson independent front suspension w/single-joint spring-strut front axle

Multi-link rear suspension w/multiple-control-arm rear axle

Speed-sensitive pwr rack & pinion steering

Ventilated front & solid rear disc brakes

Twin-pipe exhaust system

EXTERIOR

16" X 6.5" S-winder alloy wheels

P195/55R16 all season tires

Hood scoop air intake

Body color sport bumpers

Rear spoiler

Black honeycomb grille

Halogen headlights -inc: follow-me-home function, beam throw control

Front fog lights

Body-color pwr mirrors

Heat insulated green glass

Speed-sensitive front intermittent wipers

Auto rear window wiper

Chrome fuel filler cap cover

INTERIOR

Leatherette front sport bucket seats -inc: manual seat adjustment, seat height adjustment, seatback easy-entry

50/50 split-folding rear bench seat

Center console -inc: storage compartment, (2) cup holders

Aluminum alloy foot pedals

Sport leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Sport button

Instrumentation -inc: tachometer, center-mounted speedometer w/digital "actual speed" indication, date/time, trip odometer, engine oil level indicator, brake fluid level

On-board computer -inc: outside temp, average fuel consumption & speed, trip computer

Pwr windows -inc: one-touch up & down, automatic window lowering when door is opened, trap release

Pwr locks

Remote keyless entry -inc: central locking open/close, liftgate unlock feature

Central locking system -inc: fuel filler cap release

Pre-wiring for alarm system

Engine immobilizer

Air conditioning

Rear window defogger

Climate controlled glove box

Checkered interior trim finishers

Door panel storage pockets

Front sun visors w/vanity mirrors

Side sun visor for driver

Roof-mounted grab handles

Color-adjustable ambient lighting

Lighting -inc: front map/reading, luggage compartment

Front seatback storage nets

(1) rear cup holder

Rear storage trays

12V auxiliary pwr outlet in luggage compartment

SAFETY

4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)

Electronic brake force distribution (EBD)

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Traction control w/automatic stability control (ASC)

Dynamic stability control (DSC)

Dual stage front air bags -inc: passenger occupant sensor

Front seat-mounted side-impact air bags

Front/rear side curtain air bags

Crash sensor -inc: fuel cutoff, activate hazard lights & interior lights, doors unlock, airbag deployment

3-point seat belts for all positions w/belt stopper, pyrotechnic belt tightener, belt limiter

ISOFIX child seat attachments w/(2) rear anchorages (LATCH)

Laptops in class

From updating Facebook statuses to chatting on AIM, wireless Internet provides plenty of opportunities to do anything other than pay attention in class.

Because of the growing number of students bringing laptops to lecture in recent years, many professors across the nation have started banning laptops from their classrooms in order to ensure student participation and discussion.

In 2003, Cornell researchers Prof. Geri Gay, communication, and Helene Hembrooke ’83 conducted a study examining the effects of multi-tasking on a laptop during a lecture. Two groups of students watched the exact same lecture and took a memory test immediately after. One group of students was allowed to use their laptops and browse the Internet during lecture, while the other group was banned from using their laptops. Results showed that multi-tasking on a laptop limited the students’ memory of the lecture, while the group without laptops scored higher on the memory test.

Elina Kagan ’12 does not bring her laptop to class for these reasons, but she admitted that “Sometimes, I even catch myself watching other people on their Facebook or buying clothes online.”

To prevent distractions such as these, several professors and teaching assistants from Yale University have recently banned or discouraged the use of laptops in classrooms, claiming they want students’ active participation and utmost attention. Other universities, such as the University of Chicago, went a step above the “no laptop” policy by banning Internet access in their law classrooms altogether.

As other universities ban laptops and Internet access in classrooms, several professors at Cornell do not believe that these measures will solve typical classroom problems.

“It’s not that much different from years ago when students used to pass notes,” said Prof. Michael McCall, marketing. “People have been passing notes and not paying attention in class since the first class anywhere ... they’ve been finding other things to do in class other than paying attention. It’s now just a technology-based activity.”

Prof. Michael Goldstein, psychology, reiterated these thoughts.

“I feel like I take notes much faster and better on my laptop … it puts me in an active learning mind set, and I’m much more likely to participate than I would if I were taking notes by hand,” said Nicole Offerdahl ’12.

“I hate handwriting,” said John Armstrong ’09, as he scrolled through his PowerPoint lecture notes. “I use my laptop in classes that I have to take a lot of notes in.”

Other students use their laptops for other important purposes besides taking notes. Engineering student Deven Roy ’12 stores e-textbooks in his laptop that he references during lecture.

Moreover, Cornell professors also argue that Internet access may provide valuable real-world resources in class.

Prof. Bruce Rusk, Asian studies, noticed, “whenever I wrote something on the board, students would actually Google what I was talking about and read about it as I’m lecturing.”

Rusk continued by saying that if students were genuinely interested in the topic he was lecturing on, they are provided the opportunity to quickly responsible enough to attend lecture, then they should recognize the fact that they are responsible for their own grades. Ultimately, the individual student must decide if they want to take notes or not. Attention cannot be forced or guaranteed in any given lecture with or without the his developmental psychology course, but he asserted that it is not his , I’m relying on them to pay attention as well,” Goldstein said. “It’s not our job to be theizarro said. “I try to make my lectures as interesting as possible, but at the end of the day, I can’t compete with Facebook