2009 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG
The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG is the most potent version of the German automaker's C-Class sedan. The car delivers a whopping 457 horsepower, putting it comfortably ahead of BMW's all-new M3. With that amount of performance on tap, and a price to match the M3, Mercedes looks to steal at least a few sales away from its cross-country rival.
In typical AMG fashion, the C63 features large performance-oriented tires and wheels, an aggressive bodykit, a much sportier interior, and suspension and chassis improvements.
Unlike the M3's small displacement V8, the C63 uses a big 6.2L V8. The C63's powerplant is good for 443 lb-ft of torque and 457 horsepower. The torque curve of the engine is just as impressive as its output: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 360 pound-feet on tap - ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range.
The sprint to 62 mph takes a scant 4.5 seconds according to Mercedes -- and that's likely a conservative estimate: real world acceleration is typically even quicker than claimed times.
Maximum torque of 443 pound-feet comes at 5000 rpm. The torque curve is equally impressive: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 360 pound-feet on tap -- ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range.
A new seven-speed AMG automatic transmission with paddle shifting provides a wide range of driving modes. The different modes are "S" (Sport), " C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual). Gearshifts in "S" mode are around 30 percent faster than in "C", and no less than around 50 percent faster in "M" mode.
The C 63 AMG owes its outstanding handling dynamics to the AMG sports suspension and an all-new three-link front axle design. The stiff configuration of the springs and gas-pressure shock absorbers ensures optimal road contact and low body movements when negotiating serpentine bends at speed.
The new front axle has a 35-millimetre wider track - visible by the more widely flared wheel arches - and therefore ensures lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering.
The front brakes have size 360 x 36-millimeter discs with six-piston fixed callipers, while deceleration at the rear is handled by 330 x 26-millimeter discs with four-piston fixed callipers.
The Electronic Stability Program offers a variety of settings. In "ESP ON" mode, the onset of handling instability leads to braking intervention at one or more of the wheels, accompanied by a reduction in engine torque. Briefly pressing the ESP key activates "ESP SPORT". In this mode the braking intervention to counter oversteer or understeer, as well as the accompanying reduction in engine torque, allows a higher dynamic threshold. Prolonged pressure on the ESP key activates "ESP OFF," whereby there is no intervention.
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Maryland Environmental Services Takes Delivery
Pictured here right to left is Maryland Environmental Service Director James M. Harkins, smart Finance Manager Kim Barnhardt and smart Brand Specialist Richard Denman.
On October 24, Richard Denman and Kim Barnhardt from smart center Annapolis delivered a smart fortwo Passion Coupe to the Maryland Environmental Services. James Harkins, the director of the MES, was on hand to take delivery of the car that will be used by MES staff traveling around Maryland.
The Maryland Environmental Service first contacted smart center Annapolis in September requesting one of the smart cars be brought out to the ribbon cutting event for MES’ solar panel project. The focus of this event was to celebrate the decision to construct a solar power system that will generate approximately 300 kW of power at the agency’s headquarters in Millersville. When the installation is complete, anticipated for late 2008, it is expected to be the first of its kind among Maryland State agencies. While at the event, the smart fortwo was test driven by various MES employees and even Governor Martin O’Malley took the car for a spin around the premises.
The smart vehicle is a perfect fit for companies like Maryland Environmental Services, who are trying to help Maryland pave the way as a leader in renewable energy and protect the states’ air, land and water resources. The smart fortwo is not only a gas sipper, but the smart’s entire production process is environmentally friendly. From their painting which uses 40% less energy than tradition methods and has zero solvent emissions, to using recyclable materials throughout the vehicle.
We hope the team at Maryland Environmental Services enjoys their smart fortwo!
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MileOne Announces the Official Launch of their new Social Media Site, MyMileOne.com
MileOne Automotive today announced the official launch of their first social media site MyMileOne.com. The site allows customers to engage with MileOne through blogs, videos, photos, social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter, local events, downloads and games.
Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) Friday, October 31st, 2008 -- Today, MileOne Automotive launches their social media site MyMileOne.com. The new site will allow visitors to watch videos, discuss new and used cars, learn about upcoming events, download automotive wallpaper for their computer or mobile device, play games and get the latest updates on discounts and specials from MileOne's 28 different manufacturers. Fans of MyMileOne.com can stay connected to the site's updates through RSS feeds and any of the major social networks like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
"Over the last year, we have been shifting our online philosophy to better mirror the online behaviors of our customers," said MileOne's Chief Marketing Officer, David Metter. "People are spending more and more time online watching videos, playing games, writing and commenting on blogs and we want to provide information in these more informative and exciting formats. Who wants to read about a new car when you can actually see it speeding down the road and slamming on the brakes? Who wants to be told information and never be given the chance to comment? Some say it's not a good idea to give your customers a voice because you might not like what you hear, but we say just the opposite! If people are unhappy, we want to know and we want to be given the chance to take action and we certainly hope when the reverse is true, customers will come to MyMileOne to share their stories. I really think customers are going to enjoy using MyMileOne to connect with not just MileOne, but the world of cars and trucks as a whole."
MileOne hopes customers, enthusiasts and anyone who wants to learn about and discuss cars, will come to the site and take advantage of the great new car videos on MileOneTV and YouTube that include professionally shot and rough cut videos. Visitors are also encouraged to use the "My Ride" section to share photos and videos of their own cars through Flickr and YouTube. Customers can even post pictures on the MileOne's MySpace and Facebook walls.
"In addition to creating an online community, we use MyMileOne to promote events in our local communities which span from Northern North Carolina through Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania," said Event Manager, Jeannetta McGettigan. "We participate and sponsor events ranging from local non-profit events like Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer by the American Cancer Society or the Dragon Boat Races from Catholic Charities, to large sporting events such as the Baltimore Ravens Games and NASCAR in the Poconos. You can ask anyone that works for MileOne...we don't just want to be in your neighborhood, we want to be a part of it!"
To see what events MileOne has recently participated in or to read about their upcoming new car models and ongoing building renovations, go to MyMileOne.com.
About MileOne Automotive (www.mileone.com)
MileOne Automotive operates 65 retail automotive franchises representing 28 different brands and 9 collision centers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia with a focus on the Baltimore-Washington, Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach, Nags Head/Elizabeth City and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton major metro areas. MileOne.com allows customers to research new, used and fuel-efficient luxury, import and domestic cars and trucks, send information about vehicles to their mobile device, schedule service appointments, buy parts and accessories, play automotive games, and download automotive wallpaper and mobile ring tones. For more information or to find a quality MileOne dealership near you, please visit www.mileone.com.
How to Use Proper Text Message Etiquette
By Kelly185
The text message is a widely popular communications method of our generation. Anyone with a cell phone can participate in text messaging and many mobile carriers include texts in their wireless plans. Not only are texts convenient, they are downright fun! However, to avoid annoying friends, coworkers, or family members, it's wise to heed proper text messaging etiquette.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
One of the most important rules in text messaging etiquette is keeping your phone on vibrate when at work or in a quiet public place such as a movie theater. Nothing is more annoying than the perpetual texter who doesn't silence there phone. No one wants to hear your text beep every five minutes.
Step2
Text messaging can be a great means to keep in touch with importants in your life while at work or school, but keep it to a minimum. Your boss, professor, or teacher don't appreciate you punching out digital messages when you have other duties to fulfill.
Step3
Keep them short and sweet. If you need to write someone an in-depth message, send an email. Otherwise, give them a ring or see them in person. Long texts can be confusing or tough to respond to.
Step4
Text messages can be a viable means of communication. If you know a friend is at work or in a meeting, being courteous and sending a text such as "Can you call me when you get the chance?" is a great alternative to calling their phone directly.
Step5
Use fun graphics, but don't be a "smiley freak." There is nothing quite like getting a wink or kiss from a partner or spouse via text message, as this encourages flirtation and fun. But, reserve smiley's for a few text messages to keep your messages special.
1 one (Use Some1, instead of Someone)
2 to/too/two (Use ME2, instead of Me Too)
4 for/four (Use B4, instead of Before)
8 eight (Use GR8, instead of Great)
Some Text Lingo is easily interpreted, others you just have to know:
AFAIK - As Far As I Know
ASAP - As Soon As Possible
B4 - Before
BBL - Be Back Later
BRB - Be Right Back
CYA - See You
FYI - For Your Information
GR8 - Great!
ILU - I Love You
IMO - In My Opinion
LOL - Laughing out loud
L8R - Later
NOOB - Newbie
NP - No Problem
OXOXO - Hugs and Kisses
RUOK - Are You Okay?
ASL - Age, Sex and Location
THNQ -Thank You
THX - Thanks
TTYL - Talk To You Later
W8 - Wait
2NITE - Tonight
The Ravens' current stadium has been known by each of these names except for which?
A. M&T Bank Stadium
B. Memorial Stadium
C. PSINet Stadium
D. Ravens Stadium
See answer under Car Doctor.
Ask the Car Doctor
How to Remove Ice from Your Windshield
Winter is upon us and one thing that is a hardship that all drivers face is ice on the windshield. We spend a long time trying to get the ice removed before we drive our car. This is a cold chore that everyone dreads; however it has to be done to assure a safe trip. I will explain how to remove ice from your windshield without spending a long time scraping the wind shield out in the freezing cold.
There are a few methods you can use to do this besides scraping. One way is to turn on the car. Put the cars defroster on the hottest setting and then turn on the air conditioner. Then set the defroster setting to low. Next brush snow off the windshield and spray de-icing solution on the windshield. Turn your wipers on and go inside you warm home for a few minutes waiting for the ice to come off.
You can also use lukewarm water to get the ice off your windshield. Do not use hot water as this can crack your windshield. Make sure the water is lukewarm and you can comfortable stick your hand in the water before poring on the windshield. Start your car turn on the wipers and slowly pour the lukewarm water over the windshield. The wipers will get the water off the windshield quickly.
If you do not have any de-ice on hand this can easily be made with water and vinegar or water and rubbing alcohol. Mix the solution half and half and pour into a spray bottle.
You can also prevent ice forming in the first place n your windshield. When you know it is going to be cold enough to ice up your windshield or you know snow is coming and you do want to have to clean it off the windshield, simply put a blanket or a tarp over your windshield and you back glass. This will keep the ice and/or snow off the windshield. Then when you go to leave just pull the blanket or tarp off and you are ready to go.
Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule.
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The Ravens' current stadium has been known by each of these names except for which?
B. Memorial Stadium
