US NAVY Test fires Laser

US Navy Test Fires Laser Gun

The US Navy has fired a laser gun from one of its
ships for the first time. Researchers used the high-energy
laser (HEL) to disable a boat by setting fire to its engines off the coast of
California. Similar systems had previously been tested on
land, however moist sea air presented an extra challenge as it reduces a beam's
power. The navy said that ship-borne lasers could eventually
be used to protect vessels from small attack boats. The US
military has been experimenting with laser weapons since the 1970s. Early systems used large, chemical-based lasers which tended to produce
dangerous waste gases. More recently, scientists have
developed solid state lasers that combine large numbers of compact beam
generators, similar to LEDs.

The US
Navy system uses a Joint High Power Solid State Laser mounted on
deck

Until now, much of the development of HELs has focused on
shooting down missiles or hitting land-based targets. The
latest round of tests showed its wider possibilities, according to Peter
Morrison from the Office of Naval Research. While a
weaponised system would likely be restricted to military vessels, merchant
shipping has also expressed an interest in laser technology. A gun which uses visible laser light to temporarily blind pirates was
announced by BAE Systems in 2010. The technology is still
being tested, ahead of a commercial launch.

Chevy Sonic Recall

General Motors is recalling 4,296 Chevrolet Sonic subcompact
models to inspect for missing brake pads. The missing part could lengthen the
stopping distance, potentially contributing to a crash, the company said today
in a statement. The recall targets 2012 Chevy Sonic models.
The subcompact car. GM said the company isn't aware of any
crashes or injuries resulting from missing pads. The problem was discovered when
a rental Sonic was brought in for warranty service. Customers affected by the recall will start receiving letters from their dealers Jan. 14. If a brake pad is missing, the dealer will
install a new one, and if necessary, a new brake caliber or rotor. There will be
no cost to the customer.

2011 Stigza.com Car of The Year

The 2011 STIGZA.com Car of The
Year The Hyundai Genesis
Coupé.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupé is a rear-wheel drive sports coupe.
It is Hyundai's first rear-wheel drive sports coupe, and shares its basic
platform with the Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan.

The Genesis Coupe arrived in United States dealerships on
February 26, 2009 as a 2010 model. Hyundai USA acting President and CEO John
Krafcik has described the Genesis Coupe as being designed "...to deliver a
driving experience that challenges cars like the Infiniti G37."
The Genesis Coupe is available with two engines. The standard
engine is a 2.0L Theta turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 210 hp and 223 ft·lbs
of torque, with an optional 3.8L Lambda V6 engine producing 306 hp and 266
ft·lbs of torque.
The 4-cylinder turbocharged engine shares many components with
the Mitsubishi Evo X. Both engines are the result of the Global Engine
Manufacturing Alliance, a joint venture among Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and Chrysler,
with Hyundai’s engine using a different computer, from Siemens. Interesting
features of the engine include oil injectors under the pistons to keep them
cooler. The TD04-13t turbo from the factory flows 10psi under full load, and
reduces to 7psi at shift points before respooling.
A 6-speed manual transmission is standard equipment, with an
optional 5- or ZF 6-speed automatic (depending on engine choice).
Optional equipment includes a Torsen Limited slip differential
and four-piston Brembo brakes with 13.4" rotors in the front and 13" in the
rear. 18" wheels are standard, while optional 19" wheels using 225/40 tires in
the front and 245/40 in the rear are packaged together with the Brembo brake
upgrade. The curb weight of the coupe is 3,389 lb for the V6 and 3,294 lb for
the 4-cylinder.
0–60 mph performance records of 3.8
V6

• Car and Driver review 0–60 : 5.7 sec

0–60 mph performance records of 2.0 I4

• Motor Trend review 0-60 : 6.8 sec

Warranty

• Basic: 5 yr./ 60000 mi.
• Drivetrain: 10 yr./ 100000 mi.

2011 STIGZA.com Truck of The Year

The 2011 Ford Explorer has been completely made over. Ford has
replaced the Explorer's truck Frame with unibody construction it's more carlike
driving dynamics and safety; the only problem is reduced maximum towing
capacity.

Nearly 4 inches longer in overall length and 5 inches wider.
Big changes under the hood. The standard 2011 Ford Explorer engine is a new
3.5-liter 290-horsepower V6 that's not only more fuel efficient than the old
292-hp V8 but also able to provide quicker acceleration. A cabin that is not
only roomier, but also considerably more stylish and of higher quality. Ford put
in all the latest technological goodies, including Sync, MyFord Touch and MyKey.
On the safety front, the Explorer gains inflatable second-row seatbelt airbags
(a first for the automotive industry), which promise to improve safety for
smaller occupants.

A standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 255
lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are
standard. Four-wheel drive is optional and includes Ford's Terrain Management
System, a selectable four-mode system that optimizes traction in different
conditions. Hill descent control and hill start assist are also included. The
4WD Explorer 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. Towing capacity is 5,000
pounds.

The Explorer is a large crossover SUV available in base, XLT and
Limited trim levels. Standard equipment includes 17-inch steel wheels, privacy
glass, integrated blind spot mirrors, roof rails, cruise control, a six-way
power driver seat (manual recline), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel,
MyFord advanced trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player
and an auxiliary audio jack.
SAFETY: Every Explorer comes with stability and traction
control, trailer sway control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and
MyKey, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo
volume. The Explorer's stability control system also includes Ford's Curve
Control, which can reduce the vehicle's speed if it senses that it's travelling
too fast for a particular corner.
The all new 2011 Ford Explorer is the 2011 STIGZA.com Truck Of
The Year, it is much more in tune with what today's crossover shoppers are
looking for. It drives well, gets good fuel economy for its class and still
retains the versatility that made people like SUVs in the first place

2011 STIGZA Rookie Car of The Year

The 2011 STIGZA.com Rookie Car Model Of The Year : The
Fisker KARMA

The Fisker Karma, a 400-horsepower
luxury sedan that can accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.1 seconds, is one
of the most efficient, lowest emission automobiles available despite its size,
performance and visual appeal. These figures are possible due to the Karma’s
cutting-edge EVer™ (Electric Vehicle extended range) powertrain technology,
which combines the zero-emissions and efficiency of electric drive with the
range and freedom of petrol-powered cars. Technically a series plug-in hybrid,
the Karma gives drivers the ability to run emission free on demand, as well as
travel long distances without the range anxiety or long recharge times
associated with pure electric vehicles. While the Karma can run on all-electric
power in Stealth mode for 51.6 miles, it has a total range of up to 300 miles
(483 km) before a stop for gas or recharge is required. When driven in
charge-sustaining Sport mode the Karma achieves 26 mpg (9.2 l/100km) combined
fuel economy in TÜV tests, the best of any full size, US-market luxury
car.

ABOUT FISKER AUTOMOTIVE,
INC.

Fisker Automotive is an American car company, founded in
2007, committed to producing electric vehicles with extended range (EVer) that
deliver uncompromised responsible luxury. The company is designing and
developing the world’s first line of premium electric plug-in hybrids
representing the company’s firm belief that environmentally conscious cars need
not sacrifice passion, style, or performance. Fisker Automotive is a global
company that is redefining luxury for the modern sports car buyer. For more
information on the brand and the Fisker Karma Sedan, please go to http://fiskerautomotive.com.