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Oil, Gas Up on Hurricane Worries

Energy futures rose Friday, rebounding from a big drop a day earlier as some new forecasts said Hurricane Dean will turn into the central Gulf of Mexico and threaten oil and gas installations, according to the Associated Press.

The Federal Reserve's interest rate cut and a fire at a big Chevron Corp. refinery in Mississippi also supported energy prices, but storm impact worries were the big news of the day for energy investors, analysts said.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 3:46 PM to Oil | Permalink | Comments 0

Latest crash tests a blow to the side for BMW

BMW may have a longstanding (and well-deserved) reputation for safety, but the results of the latest round of IIHS crash testing may cloud that perception a bit in the U.S., at least for safety-conscious shoppers, according to thecarconnection.com

In a batch of six sedans recently tested, the 2008 BMW 5-Series sedan was rated 'Marginal' - the next-to-lowest possible score - in the agency's side-impact tests despite having standard head and torso side airbags.

In the side test, a barrier - meant to simulate the bumper of an SUV or pickup - bashes into the side of the car at 31 miles per hour.

On the other hand, Volvo again took the top spot in safety; with the S80's 'Good' ratings and low overall chance of serious injury in this test, combined with its 'Good' ratings in front and rear crash protection, it earns the organization's 'Top Safety Pick' label.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 10:16 AM to Safety | Permalink | Comments 0

Car Trivia Quiz

Here is thecarconnection.com's latest auto trivia quiz.

1. What average speed is required to lap the 2.5 mile Indy 500 track in 40 seconds?

2. Which NASCAR track has 29-acre Lake Lloyd in its infield?

3. Which tire brand was on all Indy 500-winning cars from 1920 to 1966?

4. What car did James Bond drive in For Your Eyes Only and The Spy Who Loved Me?

5. This term may apply to pizza and certain automotive wheels.

6. Some cars have a special left-foot resting place. What is it called?

7. Which 1961-1963 General Motors model had an unusual flexible driveshaft?

8. In 1999, the Great Race cross-country event terminated in Anaheim, Calif . Where did it commence?

9. What car does Bob Seger mention in his song Night Moves?

10. Where is the Automotive Hall of Fame located?

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 10:12 AM to Fun | Permalink | Comments 0

Porsche Cayman Goes All-Black

Buy a car and get a briefcase, watch, pocket knife, sunglasses, pen and keyring for free. That's the deal with the launch of the Porsche Design Edition 1 of the Cayman S, according to thecarconnection.com.

Exactly 777 of the two-seaters will be built by the German firm. The car has been developed in conjunction with Porsche Design Studio, created by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche 35 years ago.

The Design Edition 1 is only available finished in black. Inside there's leather and Alcantara upholstery, centre console, fascia and door trims, all finished in black. The Porsche badge is embossed on the seat head rests.

It's now a top international industrial style firm working on luxury items and consumer goods. And because of that each car comes with the briefcase of unusual extras.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 10:05 AM to Porsche | Permalink | Comments 0

GM says new Malibu could be answer to Camry

With the newly redesigned Chevrolet Malibu, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz says General Motors finally has the high-volume midsize sedan that can win buyers away from other models -- even the Toyota Camry, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Lutz characterizes the new Malibu's ride and handling as "silent and silky" and for somewhere in the high-teens to low-$20,000 range, it drives like something that costs $35,000 to $40,000.

The newly redesigned Chevrolet Malibu is arguably General Motors Corp.'s most important new car launch this year, as the automaker defends its title as the world's largest against fast-growing Japanese rival Toyota Motor Corp.

GM allowed journalists the early peek at its latest sedan on the condition they not write about their driving impressions until Nov. 2, when the car is expected to hit showrooms.

Chevrolet's director of car marketing Cheryl Catton confirmed this week that the automaker will spend at least $100 million to promote the Malibu against the Camry.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 9:55 AM to GM | Permalink | Comments 0

Chrysler's boss shows his metal at car rally

Bob Nardelli, chairman and CEO of the new Chrysler, made his first public appearance yesterday since taking charge, according to the Detroit Free Press.

The former GE executive and Home Depot chief drove his black-and-silver Prowler onto the company's museum parking lot in Auburn Hills, a little self-conscious that his is a simple stock version of the eye-catching coupe. There he rallied with fellow Prowler owners.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 9:53 AM to Chrysler | Permalink | Comments 0

Oil Prices Climb After Overnight Slide

Oil prices rose today after an overnight slide, signaling diminishing concerns about a possible U.S. economic downturn and declines in world stock markets, according to the Associated Press.

Yesterday, the Nymex crude contract fell $2.33 to settle at $71 a barrel as investors turned their attention to the cooling U.S. economy and falling stock markets. In the U.S., the stock market tumbled in intraday trading as concerns about economic conditions were exacerbated by more bad news from the mortgage sector, and by dismal reports on housing construction and employment.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 9:37 AM to Oil | Permalink | Comments 0