Saturday, December 31, 2011

Is Joe Jackson finished at Memphis?

Memphis sophomore guard Joe Jackson will be sitting out the Tigers’ game against Charlotte on Saturday night "due to a personal matter," according to head coach Josh Pastner. But a source close to the program said that Pastner hasn’t been happy with Jackson’s attitude while he has been struggling on the court. And Jackson isn't exactly happy either, as first reported by CBSSports.com's Gary Parrish. His former AAU coach, Eric Robinson, told Parrish that Jackson is considering a transfer and “might not wear a uniform in Memphis again.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/43286/is-joe-jackson-finished-at-memphis

Claudio Langes Christopher Beltram New Orleans Hornets GEICO Toyota Red Bull Toyota Music Center Toyota

Mercedes S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC Declared Greenest in Their Class

Source: http://www.carsession.com/car-news/mercedes-s-250-cdi-blueefficiency-and-ml-250-bluetec-4matic-declared-greenest-in-their-class.html

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Donkervoort D8 GTO Unveiled

Source: http://www.carsession.com/car-news/donkervoort-d8-gto-unveiled.html

Cleveland Cavaliers Elliott Sadler Masami Kuwashima Luis Scola Kurt Busch Jason Kidd

Byron Mullens' prison ball

When I read this story by Anna Katherine Clemmons about Byron Mullens' working on his game during the lockout at a medium security prison, I was reminded of my all-time favorite segment on "This American Life" from 2002. Prisoners at a high security facility in Missouri staged a production of "Hamlet" and, in the process, the actors realized how much their life experiences mirrored the play's themes. Mullens has been playing prison ball dating back to high school, when he'd visit a nearby juvenile detention facility to play pick-up with kids who were locked up and offer them some advice.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/34865/byron-mullens-prison-ball

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Official: Saab Files for Bankruptcy

Source: http://www.carsession.com/car-news/official:-saab-files-for-bankruptcy.html

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2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Edition

Source: http://www.carsession.com/car-news/2012-chrysler-300-luxury-edition.html

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No Panic Yet, But Reality Check Time

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2011/12/29/2669555/no-panic-yet-but-reality-check-time

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Quick take: Gottlieb on Gonzaga-Xavier

Saturday night's Gonzaga-Xavier game in Cincinnati (ESPN2, 8 ET) should be a telling barometer for both teams. The Zags have two studs down low, especially Elias Harris. ORU assistant coach Sean Sutton said, "He looks totally different from last year. I know people said he was playing hurt or whatever, but he looks well, has a ton of skill and he is such a difficult matchup." Nevertheless, Gonzaga is still seen as somewhat "soft" by most opposing coaching staffs across the country.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/43249/quick-take-gottlieb-on-gonzaga-xavier

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My New Year's Eve date: College hoops

A few weeks ago, I received a call from college basketball's version of the Dear Leader at ESPN.com (my editor, Edge). I can't remember the exact conversation, but it went something like this: Edge: "Hey, so, curious, but do you have any plans for New Year's yet?" Me: "I do not, at least not yet. My friends are freaking out about it via email right now, actually. It's always a big hassle. Why?" Edge: "How would you feel about spending New Year's Eve in Cincinnati?

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/43239/my-new-years-eve-date-college-hoops

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First Drive: 2013 Lexus GS 450h [w/video]

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Lexus' Best Compromise Yet



Ever since the Prius unexpectedly became the Xerox of hybrids and a greenie icon, Toyota has been trying to figure out how to apply the technology to its other models. Its results have been decidedly mixed, nowhere more so than with its luxury lineup. But with the 2013 Lexus GS 450h, Toyota thinks it has finally figured out what a hybrid luxury car should be.

From a sales perspective, the first-generation GS 450h was a disappointment. While we liked it quite a bit when we test-drove it a couple years ago, Lexus just hasn't been able to move the metal. Introduced to much fanfare in 2006 as a 2007 model, the GS was Lexus' second hybrid and the first rear-wheel-drive hybrid on the market. Lexus touted it as a performance sedan, even as Toyota was heavily marketing its hybrids as fuel sippers. Whether consumers were confused or not, they never took to the hybrid GS. Sales peaked at just below 1,800 in that first year and have gone down in each successive year. In 2010, Lexus sold barely 300 GS hybrids, roughly four percent of total GS sales, which were about 7,000.

The cognitive dissonance presented by Lexus hybrids has been an issue since the brand launched its first, the 2006 RX 400h SUV. Only marginally more powerful than the standard RX, its improvement in fuel economy was similarly slight at launch. The LS 600hL - the brand's halo car before the LFA sports car came along - is a six-figure, 20-mile-per-gallon hybrid marketed as having V12 performance with V8 fuel economy, the rough equivalent of ordering a Diet Coke with your Super Size Big Mac Extra Value Meal. The "Lexus Prius" HS 250h, with neither particularly good fuel economy (35 mpg combined) nor any sporting aspirations, has been a critical and sales disaster and is rumored to be on the chopping block. While Toyota's simple, "better mileage" definition of its hybrids is clear, Lexus has combined green machine and muscle car in varying doses, such that you never quite know what you'll be getting with a gas-electric Lexus.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus GS 450h [w/video]

2013 Lexus GS 450h [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2013-lexus-gs-450h-w-video/

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The Who? York Knicks

The Knicks are just as disconnected in the locker room as they are on the court. There’s no one voice that speaks for them, just as there’s no player setting the tone, creating a template on either offense or defense that the rest of the team can follow. Consider, in chronological order in which they were said, these quotes from the starting frontcourt after the Knicks lost to the Lakers, 99-82, Thursday night. “With the way this season is, we didn’t get much time to come together and get things said and get an understanding of where we’re going to get our shots.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/34843/the-who-york-knicks

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BMW M5


Just a few months before the car’s official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW has decided it was time to reveal the official specs on the fifth generation M5 sports sedan. After seeing the first concept version at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show, now we can see the M5 in all its glory. And we sure like what we are seeing.

The M5 name was used for the first time back in 1984, but since then, the car has evolved into an impressive sedan that combines track potential with the comprehensive practicality of a luxurious business sedan. The new generation brings a high-revving 4.4-liter V8 engine with an M TwinPower Turbo package that delivers an impressive 560 hp at 6,000 ? 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 502 lb-ft from 1,500 rpm. The model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and, when the speed limiter is removed, is capable of hitting an impressive top speed of 190 mph. Despite these impressive performance numbers, the car will deliver an estimated fuel economy of 28.5 mpg.

UPDATE 12/23/2011: BMW USA has unveiled a new video of their new M5 sports sedan. Called From 0 to 90 seconds, the video offers a new presentation of the sedan from its North American debut.

UPDATE 12/30/2011: A few days ago, BMW released a video showing the M5 in action at the Pendine Sands Beach in Whales. Today, they’re providing a play by play on how that video was created. Hit the jump to watch it.

More details about the BMW M5 after the jump.

BMW M5 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 December 2011 13:00 EST.

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Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/bmw/2012-bmw-m5-ar100010.html

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Friday, December 30, 2011

Ford Teases All New Global Vehicle

Source: http://www.carsession.com/car-news/ford-teases-all-new-global-vehicle.html

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Mercedes ML63 AMG by TopCar


Now that Mercedes has officially unveiled the high-powered 2012 ML63 AMG, the tuning birds have been circling the SUV to see who can make the first tuning program for it.

Now it appears the winner is Russian tuning firm, TopCar.

Wait, you didn’t just read TopCar, did you? Those boys who are known for Porsche and BMW programs are actually making one for a Mercedes?

Well, it appears that way after they released a few renderings of what their program for the new 2012 ML63 AMG is going to look like. The program, as you can see from these images, shows an extensive aerodynamic wide-body kit that includes a restyled front bumper fascia with LEDs, flared out fenders, side skirts, door skin panels, flared quarter panel wheel arches, and a new rear bumper fascia. All the materials, according to TopCar, are made entirely out of Kevlar and carbon fiber using vacuum molding technology, which only goes to show you that with all the technological elements used on the program, it probably won’t come cheap.

Performance upgrades have not been announced yet, but knowing these guys and their history for some pretty off-the-wall projects, they won’t hesitate to put some extra beef under that hood. After all, the ML63 AMG’s 518-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 engine is certainly ripe for some bad ass modifications.

Mercedes ML63 AMG by TopCar originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 December 2011 10:00 EST.

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Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercedes/2012-mercedes-ml63-amg-by-topcar-ar122201.html

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Rutgers grows up in a hurry vs. Florida

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Before his team faced No. 10 Florida, Rutgers coach Mike Rice sat the Scarlet Knights down for a home movie, hoping that celluloid evidence of what a team could accomplish with a little faith might somehow spawn some belief in their skeptical minds. The video was less than 12 months old, made on Feb. 9 of this year, when Rutgers upset then-No. 10 Villanova. It might as well have been the Zapruder film. Films of victories over top-10 programs are rare, grainy artifacts in the Rutgers archive room.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/43205/rutgers-upsets-no-10-florida

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Top Gear India Special Teaser Video

Source: http://www.carsession.com/car-news/top-gear-india-special-teaser-video.html

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Top Gear India Special Teaser Video

Source: http://www.carsession.com/car-news/top-gear-india-special-teaser-video.html

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Lowry, Martin key Rockets' rout of Spurs (AP)

Houston Rockets ' Kevin Martin (12) looks to pass the ball as San Antonio Spurs ' Kawhi Leonard (2) defends during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, in Houston. The Rockets won 105-85.

Kyle Lowry didn't mind coming up just short of a triple-double in the Houston Rockets' home opener. With a challenging early season schedule, the Houston point guard is more interested in victories than statistics. Lowry had 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, Kevin Martin scored 25 points and the Rockets beat the San Antonio Spurs 105-85 on Thursday night.


Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nba/SIG=11ksaratm/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2011122910

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Rumormill: 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible to debut in Detroit

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At the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, Ford officially put all other muscle cars - and even some supercars - on notice. The 2013 Shelby GT500 made its public debut, and while it doesn't look much different than the models that came before it, the huge change for 2013 lies under the hood: an all-new 5.8-liter supercharged V8 capable of sending 650 horsepower to the coupe's rear wheels.

Since the modern GT500's debut in 2007, Ford has always offered a convertible variant, and that isn't expected to change with this new 2013 model, especially since the rival Camaro ZL1 will be offered in both hardtop and droptop forms. According to TopSpeed.com, the GT500 Convertible will debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in just a few weeks, packing the same 650-hp powertrain and - at least, we hope - some added chassis tweaks for structural rigidity. We can't even imagine trying to handle 650 supercharged horses through a willy-nilly rear end.

The only thing that isn't expected to carry over from the coupe is the GT500's 200-plus-mile-per-hour top speed. It may be possible to achieve this with the soft top in place, but we think the 200 Club will exclusively be reserved for the coupe and its sleeker shape.

Assuming the GT500 Convertible shows its face in Detroit, we'll have the full details in just two weeks.

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible to debut in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/2013-ford-shelby-gt500-convertible-to-debut-in-detroit/

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Mercedes SLS AMG by Senner Tuning

Source: http://www.carsession.com/car-news/mercedes-sls-amg-by-senner-tuning.html

Dave Blaney Kurt Kuhnke Nate Robinson Sacramento Kings Indiana Pacers Utah Jazz

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R


Power. Speed. Handling. Dominance. Sometimes, bikes just come with all the elements that make for a perfect sports bike. In a nutshell, that’s what you get with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. It’s got the kind of potent strength that will satisfy even the most discriminating enthusiasts. For the 2012 model of the ZX-6R, you can expect the same tradition of middleweight performance that harkens back to the day of the ZX600-A1.

The ZX-6R is powered by Kawasaki’s famous 599cc 16-valve, DOHC inline-four engine that provides top-shelf middleweight power, a trademark value of the Japanese bike builder. Squeezing big power from small displacement has always been a hallmark for the manufacturer and that tradition continues with the Ninja ZX-6R. The midrange power the bike has provides arm-stretching drive out of corners with the sort of precise throttle control that allows riders to enjoy the full, breath-taking experience of the Ninja ZX-6R. The bike’s engine is likewise mated to a cassette-type transmission that greatly simplifies gearing changes at the track, reducing set-up time and allowing more time for riding.

In terms of handling, the Ninja ZX-6R comes with its class-exclusive Big Piston front fork, a fully adjustable shock, ideal engine placement, optimum frame rigidity, and the very latest in mass centralization. Looking at the svelte profile of the bike, it’s easy to point out that the ZX-6R was designed with superior handling in mind. The bike’s twin spar aluminum frame is both lightweight and rigid, and places the engine in the optimum position for superb handling and rider feedback. Meanwhile, the bike’s sub-frame constitutes a two-piece aluminum die-casting consisting of a front and rear section while the lightweight sub-frame is very narrow, providing a compact and slim rear end that completes the overwhelmingly positive characteristics of the ZX-6R.

Find out more about the Kawasaki ZX-6R after the jump.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 29 December 2011 20:00 EST.

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Source: http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/kawasaki/2012-kawasaki-ninja-zx-6r-ar121036.html

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Autoblog Podcast #262

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AOL Car and Truck of the Year, new GM pickups, Dodge Caliber all done

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Episode #262 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, and Zach this week. Topics include the first-ever AOL Autos Car and Truck of the Year, speculation about what the next generation of General Motors pickup trucks will have in store for us, and the end of the Dodge Caliber. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #262:
In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Toyota 4Runner Trail
2012 Toyota Yaris
2012 Chrysler 200
2012 Infiniti QX56
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman
Runtime: 01:28:45

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #262

Autoblog Podcast #262 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/autoblog-podcast-262/

3M Ford Philadelphia 76ers Kevin Garnett Ben Gordon NAPA Brakes Toyota Charter Air Transport Ford

2012 Acura TSX Improve Fuel Economy & Reduce Internal Operating Friction 3.5 L SOHC VTEC V6 Aluminum Engine 280 hp Torque 254 lb-ft

2012 Acura TSX - Front SidePress Release: The TSX has long been one of Acura?s most popular models. As an all-new, clean sheet design for 2009, the automotive media was immediately impressed and TSX sales were strong. Thanks to a great mix of styling, sporty performance, luxury appointments, good fuel efficiency and outstanding value, the TSX has remained the volume leader within its segment according to Global Insight. Rather than resting on its laurels, for 2011 Acura debuted an all-new TSX variant? the TSX Sport Wagon. With crisp styling and added ...

Source: http://www.distrocars.com/2012-acura-tsx

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Celtics 0-3 after 97-78 loss to Hornets (AP)

Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers reacts to an official in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Hornets in New Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011. The Hornets won 97-78.

Jarrett Jack gave NBA fans in New Orleans their first real taste of life without Chris Paul. The standing ovation as the clock wound down indicated they liked what they saw. Jack had 21 points and nine assists in his season debut, and the Hornets dominated their home opener despite missing Eric Gordon, beating the winless Boston Celtics 97-78 on Wednesday night.


Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nba/SIG=11kiceqj9/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2011122803

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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Celtics Close out Road Trip in the Big Easy

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2011/12/28/2666482/celtics-close-out-road-trip-in-the-big-easy

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Video: Illustrator Draws The Fastest Christmas Card in the World in M5

Source: http://www.carsession.com/car-news/video:-illustrator-draws-the-fastest-christmas-card-in-the-world-in-m5.html

Nicola Larini Jamie McMurray J.R Smith David Ragan Martin Lee Truex Jr Kenyon Martin

Lexus LF-LC Concept Leaked

Source: http://www.carsession.com/car-news/lexus-lf-lc-concept-leaked.html

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First Drive: 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

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Exhilaration At 1 MPH

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

When thinking about the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, one tends to picture an orange meteor barreling across the desert at absurd velocities, flying through the air, long-travel suspension dangling its dirty bits below. That's partially because desert storming and bombing down muddy, root-strewn fire roads was the Special Vehicle Team's design brief, and partially because those environs have dominated Ford's advertising efforts. Marketing shtick aside, there's little doubt that the Raptor has that Kool-Aid Man "Oooh, Yeah!" wall-crashing thing going on better than any other vehicle on sale today.

In fact, if you tend to picture the Raptor exclusively in terms of yumps and dry creekbeds, you're not alone. Ford and SVT kind of admit they did, too. But in building this street-legal trophy truck, they've come to realize that they unwittingly created a vehicle that's far more versatile than originally envisioned. Case in point: Back in 2009, a massive snowstorm crippled the ability of Ford staffers and media members trying to reach the Chicago Auto Show. In particular, Mark Fields and other key execs had to journey from Dearborn to the Windy City, and company pilots refused to take off in the horrible weather. Fields and some other executives settled on boarding the train, arriving haggard eight hours later and barely making their press conference. SVT boss Jamal Hameedi and his crew elected to travel by Raptor. Driving their trucks through inches of thick slush and ice in the fast lane at more-or-less normal highway speeds (while what little traffic was sharing the road crawled along with hazard lights aglow) was a revelation. Despite building the thing, Team SVT simply didn't expect something with wide, knobby tires and a higher center of gravity to cut through the frigid slurry like that.

It's exactly this sort of discovery process that led us to the foot of the smoothly picturesque red rocks seen here. We had arrived in a convoy of eight 2012 Raptors, having taken the easy hour's drive from Grand Junction, Colorado to Moab, Utah to tackle Hell's Revenge, a well-known 4x4 trail over this otherworldly terrain that doesn't take kindly to larger vehicles like our full-size SuperCab pickups. Solid bets for tackling Hell's Revenge include Jeep CJs and Wranglers, Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4s and so on - vehicles with exceptional approach, departure and breakover angles. Even with its raised suspension and ground clearance of 11.2 inches front and 12.1 rear, we couldn't help but feel a bit sheepish about the Raptor's chances.

Continue reading 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-first-drive-review/

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Video: Illustrator Draws The Fastest Christmas Card in the World in M5

Source: http://www.carsession.com/car-news/video:-illustrator-draws-the-fastest-christmas-card-in-the-world-in-m5.html

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Suzuki Boulevard M109R


The ’M’ in the Suzuki Boulvard M109R stands for ’muscle.’ That alone should be enough to tell you what this beastly machine is all about.

The bike’s unique body styling, coupled with its incredible performance, will most definitely make you feel like you’re riding a bike that’s meant to contort your face when you’re blasting off into the road. That’s what happens when you’re sitting on top of a 1783cc, 8-valve DOHC, 54-degree, liquid-cooled, fuel injected V-Twin engine that has been designed for strong throttle response and quick acceleration while also being tuned to produce massive torque all the way from idle to redline. This translates to an acceleration that you can’t possibly believe until you feel it yourself. The performance of M109R is no laughing matter, especially if you’re the type that likes your adrenaline to be jacked up to the moon. Certain elements about the bike’s powertrain set-up include a class-leading electronic fuel injection system that features the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system (SDTV) with 56mm throttle bodies, maintaining optimum air velocity for smooth low to mid-range throttle response.

To go along with its unspeakable performance credentials, the Boulevard 109R needs to have the right handling characteristics for those awesome numbers. To that, Suzuki used a high-tensile double cradle steel frame that has been built to comfortably handle all the power and torque while delivering agile handling and a plush, smooth ride. Inverted front forks feature race-proven cartridge internals with 46mm stanchion tubes and provide 5.1" of wheel travel while a cast aluminum alloy swingarm works with a progressive shock linkage and a preload-adjustable single rear shock delivering 4.6" of wheel travel.

All boasting aside, the Suzuki Boulevard M109R is the kind of powerful cruiser riders dream about and other cruisers have nightmares about.

Find out more about the Suzuki Boulevard 109R after the jump.

Suzuki Boulevard M109R originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 29 December 2011 15:00 EST.

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Source: http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/suzuki/2012-suzuki-boulevard-m109r-ar121956.html

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2012 Dodge RAM 1500 6 New Colors, Electronic Range Select (ERS) & Shockingly Fast Performance 5.7 L HEMI V8 Engine 390 hp Torque 407 lb.-ft.

2012 Dodge RAM 1500 - Front SidePress Release: Ram 1500 Continues to Offer Innovative Features and Products for Truck Customers - New Tradesman HD with an 11,500-pound maximum trailer rating, 3,100-pound payload and 17,500-pound gross combined weight rating (GCWR) tops all half-ton pickups in the market - New Ram 1500 Mossy Oak� Edition model that further extends the multi-tiered relationship between the Ram Truck brand and America?s top camouflage brand - Ram Express popularity leads to expansion of the model to Crew Cab and Quad Cab - Industry-first RamBox cargo management system includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage bins ...

Source: http://www.distrocars.com/2012-dodge-ram-1500

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Followup: Galpin widebody Mustang ready for its charity auction at Barrett-Jackson

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Galpin Widebody Mustang

The annual Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ is less than a month away, and car aficionados from around the country are already gearing up for the six-day collector car sell-a-thon. One of the vehicles up for grabs will be this custom widebody Mustang that we first told you about in August. At the time, this ponycar was a mere rendering, but since then Galpin has completed the Mustang and readied it for the auction in January.

Like several of the cars that cross the block, the proceeds from the sale of the widebody Mustang will be donated to charity, specifically the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, thanks to the generosity of SPX, the company that financed the construction of the car. We're guessing there won't be any trouble finding eager bidders to donate their hard-earned cash, as this Mustang comes with a 700-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8 between the front fenders, a red suede interior, custom PPG paint, a 1000-watt stereo and more.

You can read more about the Galpin widebody Mustang and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the press release after the jump, and be sure to look out for our live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson auction next month.

Continue reading Galpin widebody Mustang ready for its charity auction at Barrett-Jackson

Galpin widebody Mustang ready for its charity auction at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/galpin-widebody-mustang-ready-for-its-charity-auction-at-barrett/

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Pacers spoil Raptors' home opener, 90-85 (AP)

Toronto Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani walks off the court after the Raptors' loss to the Indiana Pacers in NBA basketball game action in Toronto on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011. The Pacers defeated the Raptors 90-85, spoiling the Raptors' first regular-season appearance at the Air Canada Centre in nearly nine months.

The Indiana Pacers learned plenty about what it takes to win close games during last season's playoff loss to Chicago. Now, with David West on their side, they've got another option for those late-game situations. Danny Granger scored nine of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Pacers held on to beat the Raptors 90-85 on Wednesday night, spoiling Toronto's home opener.


Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nba/SIG=11k2rpkup/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2011122828

Oklahoma City Thunder Travis Kvapil Old Spice Office Depot Chevrolet Nicola Larini Jamie McMurray J.R Smith

Rapid Reaction: Baylor 54, Miss. State 52

DALLAS -- Here are a few quick observations from Baylor's 54-52 victory over Mississippi State on Wednesday at American Airlines Arena in Dallas. Overview: Baylor point guard Pierre Jackson scored a team-high 14 points -- including the game-winning layup with 22 seconds remaining. Quincy Miller added 12 points for the Bears, who are off to their best start ever at 13-0. Baylor trailed for nearly all of the second half -- but never by more than four points.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/43059/rapid-reaction-baylor-54-mississippi-state-42

Mattias Ekstrom Jud Larson Memphis Grizzlies Lamar Odom Dwayne Wade Cleveland Cavaliers

Kawasaki KX 250S


When you need a nimble and versatile bike that can also pose as an effective commuter, look no further than the Kawasaki KX 250S.

The bike is built to be a double-duty machine, capable of traveling on any surface with the kind of all-world versatility that Kawasaki bikes are known for. The KX 250S blends excellent craftsmanship with performance capabilities few other bikes in its class can match. As a bike that’s suited for the rigors of off-road riding, the KX 250S boasts of additional protection for the exposed underside of the machine in the form of an aluminum engine guard. Dual lightweight, high-capacity Denso radiators and an electric fan are also part of the set-up, providing ample cooling, especially when the bike is exposed to the radiant heat of the sun.

The KX 250S is powered by an efficient 249cc single-cylinder engine that’s best suited for maneuvering through urban traffic or exploring the trails. The engine is mounted in a light, high-tensile steel perimeter frame, providing a low center of gravity that then translates into superior maneuvering on tight trails. A highly refined six-speed transmission is then mated to the bike, boasting of the right gears that can take on any terrain it travels on, be it the dirty trail or paved open road. The engine set-up also boasts of a 34mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK carburetor that gives great throttle response and broad, smooth power across a wide rpm range.

Some bikes are built for a single purpose while others are built to become everyday rides. The Kawasaki KX 250S is a card-carrying member of the latter group, and for all of its qualities, it’s definitely deserving of your attention.

Find out more about the Kawasaki KX 250S after the jump.

Kawasaki KX 250S originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 28 December 2011 19:00 EST.

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Source: http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/kawasaki/2012-kawasaki-kx-250s-ar121808.html

Bradley Reed Sorenson Stanley Ford Robert La Caze Josh Howard Giovanni Lavaggi Michel Leclere

Suzuki RM85


Even the best motocross riders in the world will tell you: if you ever want to become good at the sport, you have to start at the bottom and work your way up.

When talking about a bike that can give you that introductory feel, the Suzuki RM85 is a pretty good choice. Nothing about this bike screams power and all-world performance - and that’s a good thing. The appeal, as far as the RM85 is concerned, is manifested in its simple and reliable offering of high-quality design, optimum performance, and sturdy durability.

At the heart of the RM85 is a relatively light, albeit highly effective 84.7cc, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, reed-valve engine that has a bore and stroke of 48.0mm x 46.8mm. The cylinder on the engine comes with the Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM), further enhancing its durability, weight reduction, and effective heat transfer for superior class performance. The engine set-up also comes with a Keihin PE28 carburetor that provides smooth throttle response, while a digital CDI map has been fitted to provide optimum engine performance at higher rpms.

Even novice bikes like the RM85 need to be equipped with superior handling characteristics to be considered an effective dirt bike. A tubular steel frame and thick wall aluminum swing arm comes with class-leading performance on the track, especially in the corners. In designing the frame, Suzuki wanted to build one that not only increased rigidity, but also increased its durability and straight-line performance. Showa 37mm inverted front and rear forks were also fitted in which come with a cartridge damping system with fully-adjustable rebound damping and 20-way adjustable compression damping.

With all these elements in tow, the Suzuki RM85 is an ideal start-up motocross bike to get all the young ones acclimated in the sport. Even the pros will tell you that if you want to learn the ropes, you have to start simple.

Find out more about the Suzuki RM85 after the jump.

Suzuki RM85 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 28 December 2011 16:00 EST.

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Source: http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/suzuki/2012-suzuki-rm85-ar122182.html

Mike Bliss Denver Nuggets Mattias Ekstrom Jud Larson Memphis Grizzlies Lamar Odom