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New Ferrari Portofino Unveiled, To Replace California T https://auto.ndtv.com/news/new-ferrari-portofino-unveiled-to-replace-california-t-1741059 The new Ferrari Portofino will replace the California T and will feature a 592 bhp Twin-Turbo V8 engine. The front engined sportscar is the most powerful retractable hardtop convertible in the world and will make its official debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Ferrari has just revealed the long awaited replacement for the California range - the brand new Ferrari Portofino! The new Ferrari Portofino, named after one of Italy's prettiest costal towns, also gets a new shade of red - Rosso Portofino to go along with the new car. The new Ferrari Portofino will pack a front mounted 592 bhp V8 twin-turbo engine making it the most powerful retractable hard top convertible sportscar in the world. The new Ferrari Porofino will make its official public debut at the upcoming Frankfurt International Motor Show next month and will eventually make it to India too. The new Ferrari Portofino takes the proportions of the California T and makes everything much sharper and more aggressive. The front facia features a smiling look as most other Ferraris get currently with the large central grille and sleek sharp LED headlamps. The front bumper also gets large twin secondary intakes while the front fender gets air fins and a vent to channel the air out of the front wheel arches. The profile on the new Ferrari Portofino is sharper and features a carbon fibre side skirt while the iconic rear wheel arch haunches are accentuated and lead into the tail lamps. The rear design, often the most criticised on the Ferrari California family has been completely refreshed and now is substantially more aggressive. The new Car features twin tail lamps that are set apart and a quad exhaust setup while the boot lid in a lot more contoured now. The large bootlid that featured on the California still features on the Portofino too and the metal folding roof folds neatly into the boot. As we mentioned earlier, the Ferrari Portofino will feature a front mounted twin-Turbo V8 engine from the same family that won the engine of the year in 2016 and 2017. The 3.8-litre V8 engine makes 592 bhp of peak power and 760 Nm of peak torque. The Portofino will get from 0-100 kmph in just 3.5 seconds and will have a top speed of 320 kmph. The new Portofino also gets an electronic rear differential, electronic power steering and the Ferrari signature magnetorheological suspension that uses iron filings in the suspension to stiffen or soften the damping instantly at the touch of a button. On the interior front, the Ferrari Portofino gets the new Ferrari family look with the large centrally mounted 10.2-inch touchscreen and a separate screen for the passenger side too. The Ferrari Portofino is also a 2+2 seating configuration which means that it can technically fit four adults. The Portofino also features a new wind deflector design that helps cut down air flow inside the cabin by up to 30% as compared to the older California T.

Recently, many deep sea creatures appeared in California beaches. Ancient believes that when creatures / animals leaving their habitats, its indicating that an earthquakes are coming. Animals can sense the magnetic fields changes and leave their habitats to escape. Scientist in NatGeo had indicated that the 'Big' quake is due around every 75,000 years and they are expecting anytime soon on California Tectonic Plates From Yahoo News : Rare and frightening footballfish washes up in California – again At first, the black blob spotted between rocks along the shores of San Diego this week was mistaken for a ball of tar. But as a concerned surfer approached, it became clear that this was something special. The finned creature had a gaping underbite that revealed nightmarish spiny teeth, small black eyes, a tentacle-covered appendage and bulb protruding from its head. Scientists at University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography swiftly identified it as a Pacific football fish, a deep-sea dweller so rare that only 31 specimens have been found in more than a century since it was first discovered. The recent find, however, marked an even more remarkable moment. The Pacific footballfish is the third to wash ashore in California this year, a highly unusual event given its extreme reclusiveness. At this point, no one knows how or why the fish appeared – but scientists are excited about the opportunity to learn more. “The fact that a few washed up this year might just be serendipity for us,” said Ben Frable, an ichthyologist and the Collection Manager of Fishes at Scripps Institution of Oceanography who is examining and preserving the fish. He dismissed the idea that this was an indication that something was amiss. If that was the case, he said, there would be many more. But the two that were recovered this year (a third was photographed on the beach but disappeared before scientists got to the scene) are already offering the chance of new insights about the species. Related: Fangs and tentacles: rarely seen deep sea fish washes up on California beach

This is one vehicle we will never get in Singapore! so cool the perk of living in a big nature loving country! I will get one too if I am stuck in Melbourne for COVID-19! sold out till June 2021 😂 https://www.volkswagen.com.au/en/models/california.html

source: https://www.motor1.com/news/490165/tiger-woods-hospitalized-gv80-rollover/ The golfing legend had to be extracted from the crash. Update: Added official statement from Genesis. Update 2: In a press conference, officials from the LA County Sheriff and Fire Department confirmed Tiger Woods sustained serious injuries to his legs in the accident, but was stable and conscious at the scene. Woods showed no signs of impairment at the scene. The accident occurred on Hawthorne Boulevard, on a downhill stretch with a curve that sees a higher-than-normal frequency of accidents. An estimate of speed in this crash is not available at this time; an accident investigation is underway and could take days or weeks to complete. Woods' Genesis GV80 ended up "several hundred feet" from the center divider in the roadway. Previous reports indicated the "Jaws of Life" were used to free Woods from the crash. According to LA Fire Department officials, this is incorrect. Tools were used to pry the windshield from the SUV, and Woods was extracted that way. Update 3: Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in a press conference that the Genesis GV80's cabin remained mostly intact and the airbags deployed as designed, giving Woods the "cushion" to survive the severe accident. The golfer was wearing his seatbelt. American professional golfer Tiger Woods was injured in a nasty-looking single-vehicle accident this morning. Details are filtering in, but multiple reports state Woods was alone in an SUV when it rolled over and crashed near Rancho Palos Verdes, not far from Los Angeles in Southern California. According to the LA County Sheriff's Office, the accident occurred at approximately 7:12 AM PST. A cause for the crash hasn't been determined yet, but Woods was the only person in the vehicle. LA County firefighters pried the windshield free and extracted Woods, after which he was transported to nearby Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. The LA Times reports the vehicle as a Genesis GV80, which was confirmed to Motor1.com in an official statement from a Genesis representative: ESPN cites Woods' agent Mark Steinberg as confirming the golfer was involved in a single-car accident and received multiple leg injuries that require surgery. The extent of those injuries or other possible injuries are unknown at this time. As the video shows, the GV80 was severely damaged in the crash and came to a rest in a median well off the road. Genesis recently partnered with the PGA Tour for the 2021 Genesis Invitational, which took place February 18 - 21 at Rivieria Golf Course near LA. Woods served as the host for the event, and it's believed this particular GV80 was a courtesy vehicle. A Genesis logo is clearly visible on the passenger door, with Genesis Invitational showing up beneath it. Debuting just over a year ago, the GV80 is the first SUV from Genesis.

Showing 60 of 60 comments Sort by Popular now Best rating Newest first Oldest first Subscribe by email Subscribe by RSS Real-time updating is paused. (Resume) 0 new comment was just posted. Show Swei 5 hours ago The exact same experience happened to me -- I was told my Infinity membership was revoked about a year ago due to late payments. I spoke at length to a CalFit manager, and subsequently wrote a lengthy email to headquarters in Hong Kong, but was delivered the news that the appeal was rejected. I even offered to pay an additional late fee above the $8 late payments, buy they claimed that because I had paid previous $8 fees before, I "had no excuse for unknowing late payments". Since then, I have decided to boycott California Fitness due to poor customer service. I enquired how come I wasn't even given a late notice reminder, but was rebuffed that "their policy has changed". I relate this experience to all I know, and encourage others to join gyms that provide more desirable service recovery. Flag Like ReplyReply simonyw2007 7 hours ago Boycott! Boycott! Boycott! California Fitness! All this are unreasonable. Let the whole of Singapore peoples aware of this. Should not joined the membership. Flag Like ReplyReply Ntm-song 14 hours ago Victims !Pls step forward to stop them from conning people again my brothers so called diamond or platinum membership was seldom. The manager has no sense of shame working when we threw our card into his face when they told us to complain to case if we not happy Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Chris 13 hours ago in reply to Ntm-song I am a victim! Why don't we gather and sue them together? Flag 2 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Kimakb2003 5 hours ago in reply to Chris That's a good idea. I am sure there must be hundreds who are affected. Perhaps A good way to start is a Facebook account or get a good lawyer and start a class action against cg Flag Like ReplyReply fatsparrow 15 hours ago Does California Fitness have any affiliation to the state of California, or to the Governator? And what do London Weight Management, New York Skin Solutions, and Yunnan Hair have in common? Hokkaido Ice Cream? All the way from Hokkaido? Flag Like ReplyReply Angelina Susanti 16 hours ago Thanks a million, Charmayne! I was on the verge of signing up for lifetime membership at California Fitness, when I read her ST Forum letter. I will be content with exercising at my condo gym after work and on weekends, instead of doing my workouts in the morning or during lunch hour. Flag 2 people liked this. Like ReplyReply leongfamily 17 hours ago If the intent is a lifetime membership, they should have waived the annual $8 admin fee. I'm afraid they have a reputation for such and I'm sure you are not the first to experience this. Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Phototod 17 hours ago My wife thought she was the only one when she got booted out because she overlooked the $8 admin fee. She received no reminder. When she tried to use the gym their reply was "sorry you did not pay the admin fee ". When she protested that she did not receive any reminder they bluntly told her that she should keep track of when she should pay the admin fee. You want to use the facilities then pay $3000 for the membership. This is big news. I hope all the newspapers here and hong kong and mediacorp report this unscrupulous gym operator. Flag 3 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Valerie 18 hours ago "When we tried to reason with her, she brusquely replied that the decision was final and we could complain to the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) if we were dissatisfied." The above mention quoted, i find that the CASE should STAND UP for the VICTIMS and should do somthing about it rather than nothin and there will be more and more VICTIMS like US and also the Service Provider will be more and more BULLY. Flag Like ReplyReply Gussaxy 19 hours ago I am also a victim of California Fitness's unscrupulous business practice - I was a 'LIFETIME' member who on top of that signed up about 5k worth of Personal Training sessions. To simplify my story, I suspended my menbership and personal training program because I got pregnant, had a misscarriage, took time to recover, got pregnant again and delivered a healthy baby. All these while I thought I could continue with my membership and P.T program after my delivery. To my great dissapointment, California Fitness told me that my 'LIFETIME' membership had EXPIRED bacause I had not paid my annual $8 fee. On top of that my P.T program had also expired because the max time they allow members to suspend their membership was 1 year. I had lost not only the few thousand dollars worth of membership but also estimated 3.5K worth of P.T sessions. CALIFORNIA FITNESS pls stop treating your clients like dirt and refund us those money you don't deserve to earn! Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Geraldine 19 hours ago Dear charmayne My brother who bought the $4k life membership package faced the same problem as you. His was over due for 2 weeks due to outstation but they refuse to accept the explanation instead he was told to re purchase the membership again if he is still keen to use the facilities. I think this is the way they make money hopping that members overlooked the yearly renewal. Flag 6 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Valerie Lim 18 hours ago in reply to Geraldine Yes my husband encounter that too! He was told the same thing and was handled the same manner!!! Its was very very UNFAIR for the members when they are keen in exercising and now couldn't just because of the $8!!!! i think Carlifornia should not handle member that way!!! Flag Like ReplyReply Midnight2010sun 20 hours ago NEVER EVER trust any company that sells any kind of 'lifetime membership". Thats how they scam you upfront! And 'lifetime' doesn't mean YOUR lifetime..the company can close or tajen over by another company and your 'lifetime membership' can expire much shorter than you think! Flag Like ReplyReply Gunni 21 hours ago I think it unfortunate that some people here miss the point and instead brush the writer's concern away as 'petty' and a non-issue. Yes, there may have been a clause. And yes, it is the customer's responsibility to read them even though the agent/salesperson may have failed to highlight it. However, 'throwing' out customers who have paid $3000 each for a lifetime membership just because they have missed the deadline for the $8 payment? Shocking and unbelievable. One cannot help but think that any company that prides itself on providing good service to their customers, and have basic respect and regard for them -- potential, past or current ones -- would have reacted differently. I wonder if there were any attempts made to the customers to remind them of the $8 payment. And was there any customer service officer who were present or who contacted the couple to alley their fears and questions? From the writer's experience, it sure sounds like the company adopted a firm 'No, you're out. No space for negotiation or clarifications. It's your fault you did not read the clauses nor pay up on time. Unhappy? Then bring it to CASE'. The only 'human touch' here seems to be the receptionist who conveyed the outright rejection of her superiors, and even borders on smugness with an unspoken challenge to 'bring the matter to CASE. All this does not bode well with the integrity of the company at all. In the long run, greed and a lost of good, sturdy values will bring them to their knees. They may win the battle this time around, but eventually lose the war. Flag SEAH1975 and 6 more liked this Like ReplyReply Jonathan 21 hours ago Had the same experience with california fitness centre. They dont bother about being considerate, they just care about the money i suppose. Suggest to try other gyms and stop patronizng cfc. Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply James Ong 21 hours ago Take it up with CASE. Even if one fails to pay a utility bill on time, there would be a reminder notice to pay up, before the utility is cut. I truly cannot comprehend how such a case can exist. It is mind boggling. I definitely will have to read every single fine print on all membership documents before signing them. Also, i think due to the complexity of some words on such agreement, I think it is best to be vetted by a lawyer. There must be posters put up around Singapore to remind consumers to be very very careful in taking up membership of any form, when the membership amount is high.. Flag SEAH1975 liked this Like ReplyReply Xiuxiu Wang 21 hours ago Money in the pocket is the best policy. Pay as you use, never mind the discounts. Treat discounts lost as insurance. Flag shantelle88 liked this Like ReplyReply hotwoks 22 hours ago Pay another $3K and become a member again. What a way for business to rip money off consumers when they say they can forfeit membership for late payment of fee. Really easy money for them when people are generally forgetful or late in paying up. I think you have to waste another $3k to engage a lawyer to seek redress. Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply chubbycat 22 hours ago hmmm. I happened to be a california gym member and I remembered that there was a clause stating contract termination if I fail to make payment on time, I make it a point to pay in advance and to check with the reception regularly. Since the writer didn't pay on time, why make such a fuss out of it ? Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Chris 13 hours ago in reply to chubbycat I guess you do not understand that the customer lost 3000SGD because of not paying and 8 SGD admin fee => Unreasonable! Flag Like ReplyReply Maria Loi-terer 22 hours ago Why can't clients settle their problems with the respective organisations? Why does the whole nation have to be privy to this petty woman's $8 problem? What is the total number of Singaporeans who patronise these gyms? What is their percentage as a ratio to our population? So, why does the whole nation need to know of her squabble? She is a minute minority within a minute minority. Flag Like ReplyReply Chris 13 hours ago in reply to Maria Loi-terer Sorry, you are missing the point. Its about people having the right to go after bad practices of companies. May be you don't care and don't bother but there are people trying to do something about cheating companies. Flag Like ReplyReply Burnt 21 hours ago in reply to Maria Loi-terer You obviously miss the point. The issue is not the $8 admin fee, but the high handedness and arrogance spas and fitness clubs are acting with impunity, hiding behind small print and vague conditions in contracts. It's about time this industry is regulated. Flag SEAH1975 and 3 more liked this Like ReplyReply hotwoks 22 hours ago in reply to Maria Loi-terer At least victims have an avenue through ST Forum to share their plight to the rest of Spore. It is a good thing that sufferings of people are made known publicly so that people would be more careful and not fall into similar situations. Flag 3 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Gsuest 22 hours ago in reply to Maria Loi-terer It is to the public's benefit that such underhanded practices by unscrupulous retailers are highlighted in the media so that we can watched for ourselves and avoid becoming similarly victimised. Flag 6 people liked this. Like ReplyReply taekniu 23 hours ago CASE will only try their best to help. CASE does not even have any power when it comes to such dispute. Consumers sign up at their own risk. Little is done to protect consumers. Look at the spas etc.. These are good examples. Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Valerie 18 hours ago in reply to taekniu Very very SAD to learn that!! Flag Like ReplyReply Chee Kit 23 hours ago same thing happened to me... im sure they say this to all customers in the same position! Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Zill Yvonne Tan 1 day ago have u complainted to CASE? Flag Like ReplyReply Leong 1 day ago The instructors are full of filthy filipinos Flag 32 people liked this. Like ReplyReply E2 23 hours ago in reply to Leong Shame on you. You filthy low/middle income, hdb dwelling, MRT traveling racist. Flag 5 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Bryan Choong 23 hours ago in reply to Leong I am truly disappointed with this remark. Clearly this is an unfair corporate decision that has nothing to do with nationalities or races, and nothing to do with the instructors. Why don't you say it is filthy Hong Kongers since it was the Hong Kong HQ who made the decision? What makes you think that the decision was not made by a Chinese boss in HK? Flag Like ReplyReply Antoinette Patterson 1 day ago in reply to Leong Sorry for your loss; hopefully CASE will actually do something about it once it's reported. Aside to Leong, that's just racist and irrelevant to her situation. Flag 2 people liked this. Like ReplyReply shantelle88 1 day ago I am a true fitness member and I wouldn't say it's more expensive than other gyms (you can bargain actually). They regularly maintain facilities and call in advance to inform you of any membership renewal or late payment (if there is). Before this I went to California fitness for trial and had a terrible experience with their staff attitude and the way they do things. I was speechless. When I see this article's title i knew it's gonna be somewhere Ive been. I feel sorry for you. Flag 2 people liked this. Like ReplyReply friedbeehoon33 1 day ago i used to be california gym member, i can only say the membership fee is not expensive as compared to true, pure and fitness first. and it ends there. then equipments are old, towels flimsy, crowded classes, smelly toilets. cali members used to be able to visit their overseas branches in seoul, kl, bangkok, taipei, but now the only overseas branch they can visit is hkg seems like they are not growing any more. Flag Henry Wong and 1 more liked this Like ReplyReply Henry Wong 1 day ago I have switched to Fitness First 3 years ago. Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Cherish 1 day ago I will never in my life buy any lifetime memberships. thanks for sharing this and I'm sorry for your loss! If I ever get a membership, it'll never be California fitness . come to think of it, 6k is enough for me to buy my own gym equipments! Flag 5 people liked this. Like ReplyReply RGS001 1 day ago rules are rules. too bad Ms. Lim....sometimes you have to read the fine print. Flag chubbycat liked this Like ReplyReply Chris 13 hours ago in reply to RGS001 Hi RGS You must be working for California gym or you are used to bad customer service and accept being cheated through fine prints! Flag Like ReplyReply AJ 1 day ago Now its time that we ban them her and send them packing! I think they are broke, even their towels is like my floor mat and i would gladly provide them with my floor mat and maybe the boss would like to use it for his tears when his business go belly up! Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Jousterr 1 day ago There are many ways of amassing money. Robbery is one. Calofornia Fitness does this. Flag RGS001 and 2 more liked this Like ReplyReply Tweeseeng 1 day ago Good that Ms Charmayne Lim brought this up. CASE also mentioned there were many victims of California Fitness Centre (CFC) of this case. Life Membership or Platinium? I had the same problem, I had a overseas assignment for 5 years and when I came back and happy march into Fitness Center, they refuse my entry and told me that they no longer do Life membership and I have to buy a new membership for I did not pay the yearly $8 renewal fees (without any reminders from them). The Staff the sold me the membership- Atiq Chowdhury and the Personal Trainer who became the GM of Novena Branch-Collin both said they could not do anything and that's their policy from Hong Kong. I brought this to CASE and CFC Hong Kong replied that its the T&C which I did not read despite the salesman not pointing out. Flag Like ReplyReply SEAH1975 20 hours ago in reply to Tweeseeng REALLY!!! I signed up for the Platinium Lifetime Membership with California Fitness somewhere in 2005/2006 & have not visited the gym for the past couple of years too!!! So now...instead of telling people that

another shooting ...

A chassis number 1451 GT Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione has just been recently sold in an auction for S$24 million. Built in 1959, this example is one of only two examples ever built with an all-aluminum body and comes with some racing history. Placing third in its class and fifth overall at the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours, its pedigree probably resulted in the amazingly high selling price. After that, the car was owned by Bob Grossman and races throughout the States. It has since retired from competitive racing and has undergone a comprehensive Ferrari Classiche-certified restoration. It then went on to win the prize for best in class at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and a platinum award at the Cavallino Classic.

Ferrari has not slowed down development of its other baby Ferrari, the California. The Ferrari California is already a favourite to those who never thought of owning a Ferrari before due to its easy going nature (compared to other red blooded Ferraris). It is actually the first Ferrari that you could actually drive to the market and back without its driver feeling intimidated by it. And for 2012 the Ferrari California will have more Italian horses, goes on a diet and has better running shoes. This car will be 30bhp up from the previous year's model and also up to 30kg lighter than before. It will also have a quicker steering rack and more responsive dampers than before if one opts for the new handling package. This allows the 2012 Ferrari California to reach 100km/h from zero in 3.8seconds. The car is scheduled for its first unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Ferrari has basically upped the California's 4.3liter V8 engine to 438bhp. This was achieved with new exhaust manifolds and a new engine map. Torque is about 503Nm at 5000rpm and the torque curve has been made better by having higher torque output throughout the rev range. The 2012 Ferrari California is also lighter as Ferrari has introduced new aluminium fabrication and construction methods. These new techniques have made the car 30kg lighter without any loss of structural rigidity. Ferrari has also decided to introduce a handling kit for the California. The 'Handling Speciale' package includes steering and suspension upgrades for the car. The HS pack will make the very relaxed (for a Ferrari) California into a more driver oriented car. The HS equipped Ferrari California will include reprogrammed control software for the magnetorheological adjustable dampers. The dampers themselves will have lower-friction seals that will allow the suspension, which has springs 15% stiffer to improve body control, to respond up to 50 per cent faster to bumps. The California's steering rack with the HS pack will be 10 per cent quicker. I suppose Ferrari, while noting that the California is liked by non-fans and has actually helped Ferrari gain a whole new category of customers especially those who used to drive Mercedes Benz SL, Porsche 911 and BMW 6 series cabriolets. But Ferrari has decided that the California needed a performance package to appeal to its more traditional customers therefore broadening the Ferrari California's customer base.

Ferrari recently issued a recall for all US bound California T due to a faulty part in the fuel system and it seems like the 488 GTB is affected too as a stop-sale order has been announced. A stop-sale order, rather than a recall, has been issued because no units of the new 488 GTB have reached customers in America yet. The problem of the 488 GTB is identical to that of the California T, meaning a low-pressure fuel line could leak, potentially causing a fire within the new 3.9-litre twin turbo V8 engine. Thankfully, no incidents related to the problem has been reported yet. Sales and deliveries of the 488 GTB is said to recommence once the problem is fixed with a new part for the fuel system.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x37gou5_hotel-singapura-hotel-california-parody-knn_fun#tab_embed

Four out of the 48 self-driving cars on public roads in California have been involved in accidents in the last eight months, according to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The agency began issuing permits for the testing of autonomous vehicles in September 2014. Three of the four cars belonged to Google, the fourth to parts supplier Delphi. Both firms denied their vehicles had been at fault. Under Californian law, details of car accidents remain confidential. However, Google said its driverless cars had never been the cause of an accident, and that the majority of "minor fender-benders" had been in the form of rear-end collisions from other drivers. "Safety is our highest priority. Since the start of our programme six years ago, we've driven nearly a million miles autonomously, on both freeways and city streets, without causing a single accident," said a spokesperson. It is understood that the vehicle was hit while stationary at a crossroads and was in manual driving mode at the time. "A police report indicates the fault of the accident is with the second vehicle, not Delphi. No-one was hurt in the incident," said a spokesperson. An anonymous source told the Associated Press that two of the accidents occurred while the vehicles were occupied by human drivers, and all four vehicles were going very slowly at the time of the collisions.

According to ABC7 News, there has been a wave Toyota Prius battery pack thefts in the San Francisco area recently. And it seems like the thieves are not deterred by the weight of each pack of battery which weighs around 70kg. It is said that the time to extract one pack only costs 20 minutes. So where do all these stolen batteries go to? eBay, it seems and they are going for around half the price of brand new unit that Toyota offers at around $3,300. If you are a Prius owner, don't worry. There are 12mm bolts in the market that are meant to replace the original ones in your car which would require a special wrench to undo. Hopefully no one in Singapore has to resort to this!

507 Electric Vehicles (EV) gather in a carpark in Cupertino, California during its National Drive Electric Week to set the world record for the most number of all-electric vehicles in a parade. If you enjoy looking at lots of Nissan Leafs and Tesla Model Ss (no hybrids nor plug-ins are allowed) all parked together, then this might make you very happy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FsPCqDRmDs

I love L.A.

I have no idea if I should be shocked or surprised. Just last night I was watching the 1986 hit comedy 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', and boy oh boy watching the ultra rare and exotic Ferrari 250GT California in Full-HD on Blu-Ray is the closest I could come across to an actual production model, until I visit the Ferrari museum at Maranello at least. So you must wonder the 'deja vu' surprise, I got when I came across news that the car I was drooling over last night is getting auctioned. One of just 37 ever made, a highly desirable and sexy Ferrari 250 California Spyder is expected to fetch as much as US$9 (S$ 11.2) million at an upcoming auction at Pebble Beach. Well that is the estimated amount by RM Auctions for this 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder. The car in question is built with chassis number 3119 in traditional Ferrari Rosso Corsa body colours with tan leather. It was certified as authentic by the Ferrari Classiche division and went on to take top honours in its class at Pebble Beach back in 1990. A total of just 100 California's were made between 1958 and 1963 (with just 37 of them in short-wheelbase variant). This particular car was owned by a chap in Belgium before being sold off in 1970 to an American owner. To quote the great Ferris Bueller himself, "If you have the means I highly recommend picking one up". Picture source: Carbuzz.com

The entire country machiam a 9,826,675 sqkm shooting range. Really getting outa hand From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp...1255277/1/.html At least four dead in California shooting spree Posted: 20 February 2013 1311 hrs LOS ANGELES: A gunman killed three people in California on Tuesday, including at least one execution-style, in a series of shootings and carjackings before taking his own life, police said. At least two other people were injured as the gunman fired randomly on other vehicles on a freeway, before he shot and killed himself near the city of Orange, south of Los Angeles. The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Ali Syed, who was unemployed, had no criminal record, and was living at home with his parents and taking a class at a local college. In all there were three murders and five attempted murders. The motive for the attacks was being investigated, said Orange County sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino, in an afternoon update on the early morning shootings. He described Syed as "kind of a loner (who) doesn't have a lot of friends." The first killing was a woman found dead in the early hours in Syed's family home in Ladera Ranch. The woman was not known to his relatives, and police said they were working to identify her. Syed then fled in an SUV, and "multiple incidents" occurred as he drove to nearby Tustin, about 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles, said Tustin police department spokesman Paul Garaven. In one of the first carjackings, Syed appeared "very polite" as he walked up to a gas station customer. "I don't want to hurt you. I killed somebody and today's my last day. Give me your keys," he told the customer, according to Tustin police chief Scott Jordan. He then took the man's car and drove onto a nearby freeway, where he stopped and opened fire on passing vehicles, trying to get another car. In another carjacking, Syed got out of his vehicle and confronted a motorist in a BMW. "He orders him out of the vehicle, walks him to the side of the curb, and executes (the) victim," said Santa Ana Police Corporal Anthony Bertagna. Amormino said four people were confirmed dead including the gunman. "With each carjacking there was a shooting involved," he said. Amormino added that there was no active pursuit of the suspect's vehicle until it was located near Orange, where the gunman took his own life. "He stopped the vehicle and got out and shot himself," he said. - AFP/sf

The above picture, courtesy of carnewschina.com, shows an interior of a Ferrari California with the seats covered with two layers of protectors. Interestingly, when most owners prefer to feel the exquisite leather of the Prancing Horse, this owner appears to be overly protective of his precious supercar. Making things worse is a towel placed on top of the arm rest at the central tunnel. The photo is apparently taken at city of Ningbo in Zhejiang Province, China. No doubt, the owner probably wants to protect the leather surface from stains and blemishes. But in the process of doing so, the classy feel of the interior is compromised. Probably signing up for a routine leather grooming package would be a better idea. The cost should be peanuts compared to the price paid for the car, which is 3.48 million yuan (S$682,000). Below is the interior of the Ferrari California in its virgin, luxurious state.

The Lamborghini Reventon and its Roadster counterpart is truly an iconic and head turning vehicle that no-doubt has influenced the current styling language, like the current flagship the Aventador, Aventador J and the Sesto Elemento. Ondrej Jirec, a final year Transport Design student at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California has taken Lambo's lead for a concept vehicle that has styling inspired by military aviation. Dubbed the Lamborghini Perdigon, it is named after a famous fighting bull from 1894, and its head is currently on display at the plaza Museum in Madrid. From the concept images, the Perdigon seems to be a Sesto Elemento replacement of sorts, utilising striking design with lightweight construction. The sharply styled concept's body language is inspired by the F117 Nighthawk and F22 Raptor jet fighters. A large air intake with a fan can be seen at the front, though no idea what purpose it serves, it feel reminiscent of the Batmobile from the Tim Burton directed movies. The interior looks in-line with current concepts, and looks minimal with little distraction for the driver. The orange, white and black colour layout looks interesting and simple, with a nice slice of sportiness delivered.

Hi, Just wondering if anyone has any idea what is a better alternative for a 5-day roadtrip in California. Had earlier planned a stay in Yosemite National Park but that plan was nullified by the hantavirus in the region. I am staying around the Bay Area. Another plan to drive north to Lassen Volcanic Park is dependant on the raging forest fires around the park. Does anyone has any suggestion of an alternative plan? Thanks.

[extract] When Ferrari launched the California in 2008, the hardtop roadster model was a novelty for the Maranello supercar manufacturer. Despite objections from purists, Ferrari proved to be right and the California was a major sales success. Not only did it boost the brand

[extract] Ferrari is recalling some V8 powered Ferrari 458 Italia and Ferrari California cars worldwide. It seems the recalled cars had their engines built with a slightly faulty crankshaft which may cause engine failure in the affected cars. Now unlike bread and butter cars, a Ferrari's engine may cost a kidney or two and even people who could afford a Ferrari may weep at the cost of an engine rebuild. While this s a global recall, it isn't as wide spread as you may think

Forget about erections lasting four hours or more. One California man claims he has had one that's lasted 20 months

[extract] The Ferrari California is a V8 powered Ferrari that isn't that extrovert in its looks and was built for a different sort of market compared to its other V8 powered sibling, the 458 Italia. This is one that feels at home puttering around at slower speeds, around Orchard Road, the Marina area, the Cote D'Azur, Beverly Hills and other happy shopping/pleasure/leisure zones. In fact it looks more Maserati than Ferrari. Especially its stance and posture

Check this out.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmRErF-mfv4