Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Volvo Jacob: Modern Hot Rod Inspired by Volvo’s First Car


Made in honour of Volvo’s 80th birthday, the Jacob is a retro-penned hotrod inspired by the first series-produced Volvo car, the ÖV4 (the Swedish abbreviation for Open Car, 4 cylinders) that gained the nickname “Jacob”. The hand-built aluminium body hotrod is based on a carbon-fibre chassis and it’s equipped with Volvo’s Flexifuel, five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that generates 265 Hp. The Jacob hotrod will be unveiled at the Volvo Museum in Göteborg before setting off on a tour of the Nordic region and the USA later on this year.



Ducati 1098R Arriving In North American Dealerships

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

Cupertino, Ca (4 March 2008) – Hot on the heels of a World Superbike double victory at Phillip Island, the Ducati 1098 R is targeting success in North American showrooms.

Since the 1098 R’s unveiling at the EICMA International Motorcycle Exhibition in November 2007, the revolutionary homologation base for the Ducati F 08 World Superbike has been in the limelight of the motorcycle press. Upon announcement of the 1098 R’s revolutionary features such as 8 way adjustable traction control, Ohlins TTX suspension, Brembo Monobloc callipers, a body skinned with lightweight materials, and an engine crafted from precious metals; Ducatisti have eagerly awaited the initial race results.

In anticipation of the motorcycle arriving stateside, Ducati North America has decided to deliver each new 1098 R with an upgraded standard component package not available in any other world market. Most noteworthy is the inclusion of a full Termignoni 70mm exhaust system, unlike the slip-on variant offered elsewhere. The 1098 R will also feature a beautifully machined number plate on the upper triple-clamp signifying its limited production status.

The aforementioned hard parts will be accompanied by a 1098 R owner’s kit that will be shipped directly to the owner. This kit will include a framed and autographed picture of the 2008 Ducati Xerox World Superbike riders with a plaque that corresponds to the owner's numbered bike. For the first 300 1098 R’s registered by May 15, 2008; Ducati will also include two General Admission tickets to the Miller Motorsports Park World Superbike races on May 29 - June 1, 2008. These tickets will be accompanied by two VIP passes gaining the owner and one guest entrance to a series of exclusive Ducati events being held during the race weekend.

Due to the demand and exclusivity of the 1098 R as well as the level of commitment shown by those Ducatisti who have placed reservations, Ducati has developed a new process at www.ducatiusa.com allowing customers to notify dealers of their intent to purchase a 1098 R.

Enthusiasts are encouraged to visit www.ducatiusa.com for more information on this revolutionary Superbike, and to register for a priority reservation—thereby securing order status.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Storm watch: Continually updated information on power outages, downed trees, vehicle collisions, canceled flights and more

Some power has been restored around the county. About 7,930 customers are still without power, according to PG&E, with power restored to 31,000 customers within the last 15 hours. The majority of outages are in San Luis Obispo, where 1,100 customers are without power.

9:00 p.m.

PG&E has under 10,000 customers without power in San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara county, includes 1,800 customers in San Luis Obispo.