Drew Dowdell

Why do we have more carrier groups than the rest of the world combined? If you were a country with a large sovereign debt problem and you knew that the U.S. was required by treaty to come galloping to your rescue.... what would you do with your carrier fleet?

There might be a Toronado wandering westward in the Spring, just a tad low on R-12

Who sings/what is the title of that new song with a bit of a 60's/70's jingle talking about "riding around town with a girl I know, tryin to forget you"

Hercule Poirot Jedediah Bartlet

Toyota recalling 1.53 million cars globally Malcolm Foster / Associated Press Tokyo— Toyota is recalling 1.53 million Lexus, Avalon and other models, mostly in the U.S. and Japan, for brake fluid and fuel pump problems, the latest in a string of quality problems for the world's No. 1 automaker. Toyota Motor Corp. said today it will call back for repairs about 740,000 cars in the U.S. and 599,000 in Japan. The remainder are in Europe and other markets around the world. Over the past year, Toyota has recalled more than 10 million cars and trucks worldwide for a variety of problems, from faulty gas pedals and floor mats that can trap accelerators, to braking problems in its Prius hybrid. In August, Toyota called back 1.33 million Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks in the U.S. and Canada because their engines may stall. The majority of vehicles this time around need to be fixed for a problem with the brake master cylinder, which could lead to weaker braking power, said spokesman Paul Nolasco in Tokyo. Some models in Japan and elsewhere — but not in North America — have an electrical problem with the fuel pump, which could lead the engine to stall, Nolasco said. No accidents have been reported from the two defects, he said. Ryuichi Saito, auto analyst with Mizuho Investors Securities in Tokyo, said the latest recalls are coming on top of more recalls that came from earlier this year and so they won't have that much of an impact. "There have been various recalls for some time," he said. "So one more isn't going to mean anything." But he said Toyota may have learned a lesson from earlier this year, when it harsh criticism, particularly in the U.S., for dragging its feet on safety problems and recalls. American regulators hit Toyota with a $16.4 million fine for failing to promptly tell the government about its car defects. The automaker has been working to overhaul its quality controls and respond more aggressively to customer complaints in the fallout from its recall crisis. "Toyota's image suffered because it was slow, and so it is trying to be quick with its response," Saito said. The models affected by the latest recall in the U.S. include the 2005 and 2006 Avalon, 2004 through 2006 non-hybrid Highlander and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 vehicles, the company said in a release from its U.S. headquarters in Torrance, California. The release said a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp. Toyota will notify owners around the world by mail to come for repairs at no charge, Nolasco said. The models affected in Japan include the Crown, Crown Majesta, Harrier, Mark X, Alphard, Kluger, Lexus GS350, Lexus IS250, and Lexus IS350. The production date of the models ranges from May 2002 to November 2005. Two models in Japan — the Lexus GS350 and the Crown — are affected by both problems. In Japan, Toyota's image has taken less of a beating. And despite the safety woes, the Prius has been Japan's top-selling model this year. From January through August, Toyota has sold 5.6 million vehicles globally, up 13 percent from a year ago. From The Detroit News: Toyota recalling 1.53 million cars globally Recalled in 2010: 10 million plus Sold in 2010: 5.6 million

People who's work I admire: Raymond Loewy Frank Lloyd Wright Virgil Exner Harley Earl

Macro, not micro.

Your "special" group strikes again. I'll have it fixed in a minute. edit: Try it now.

I can't say that I look up to anyone of celebrity at all. The only hero I have is my Great-Grandfather.

What was that I posted then? A really good photoshop? Anyway, here's a Touran as well.... I didn't post it at first because it's a good bit smaller than the Journey, but again still the same basic idea.

If Ford sold a competitor here: If Volkswagon sold a competitor here: If Opel Saturn Buick sold a competitor here. Now they may vary slightly in size compared to the Journey, but they're the same basic package. Just add a butch "American" nose to them and they become a Crossover instead of a people mover? I... don't think so. That said, I still like the Journey better than any of the above choices. (not counting the ability to buy the Euros in a diesel, but hey, can't have everything) Any one know if the Journey is available in Europe for sale? It would probably do relatively well there if offered with a diesel.

It just looks a lot more like a Euro style people mover to me, albeit with a butch American grill. It doesn't sit up high like a 'Nox and has better interior packaging than the Chevy as well. It's more a short wheelbase Caravan yet without the baggage that the mini-van classification carries.To me, it's a modern Dodge Colt Vista... and that's not a bad thing. I think it's one of the most compelling vehicles in the entire Chrysler lineup and probably one of the best value for dollar prospects on the market. But hey, if calling it a CUV instead of a people mover makes you feel better and helps Chrysler with sales.... then have at it.

Behind what though? The main competition is the Mazda 5... and it's certainly not behind that interior. They're calling this thing a crossover... but it's certainly more minivan than SUV. And that's not a bad thing. The Mazda5 and the Journey are the only two real entries in this segment. This is the ideal young family car for those who aren't ready to step up to a mini-van and don't want the mileage penalty or initial cost of a CUV.

Dodge launches new Journey for 2011 2011 Dodge Journey Crosses Over: A Gorgeous New Spirit and a Driver’s Soul October 20, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - It’s not over yet. Dodge continues to unleash new products to the market; today, introducing the new 2011 Dodge Journey, its mid-size crossover with “right sized” proportions, five- or seven-passenger seating, innovative storage solutions, abundant safety and security features, all-wheel-drive capability and models packaged for a variety of lifestyles. For 2011, Dodge takes what was good and makes it better. The Dodge Journey receives a major overhaul with a completely redesigned and retuned suspension, a new V-6 engine and a gorgeous new interior. And that’s not all. Journey also features the latest and greatest in vehicle connectivity and customization with the Chrysler Group’s new PowerNet electrical architecture. Owners will feel like they have the world at their fingertips with the Journey’s available touch-screen command center, Uconnect Touch. From navigation to dual-zone climate controls to the ability to check fuel prices, the all-new Uconnect Touch media center makes life in the new 2011 Dodge Journey an excellent adventure for the driver and passengers. Four Uconnect Touch models are available, all featuring easy-to-use controls and class-leading technology. With its touch-screen display and user-friendly touch-key categories, connecting and controlling personal devices is simple, intuitive and customizable. The 2011 Dodge Journey is nimble, composed and handles well in all driving and road conditions. Chrysler Group engineers improved routine ride handling by re-engineering the suspension geometry, adding new, improved premium tires and redesigning the steering for a more precise and coordinated response. Overall, customers will be treated to an energetic, fun-to-drive experience behind the wheel. In addition, at 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2011 Dodge Journey equipped with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers a 20 percent boost in power compared with the V-6 engine it replaces. It’s mated to the smooth-shifting six-speed transmission. Drivers also will be treated to a smooth, quiet ride. Engineers reduced noise, vibration and harshness by installing new, premium sound-deadening treatments and insulation throughout the vehicle. But perhaps the most rewarding surprise is Journey’s new interior. Customers will step into world-class levels of craftsmanship and comfort. A beautifully crafted one-piece instrument panel sets the tone. A new, larger cluster with standard electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) is positioned in the center of the new gauges. It’s a full-color display backlit in Dodge red lights, giving it a soft glow unlike any in the segment. New, integrated center stack bezels are less angular and more sculpted, and designers softened the radius to make more room for the driver’s knees. The heating and cooling outlets are also redesigned to make them better looking and better functioning. The center console gets a lot of extra cushion on the tilt-and-slide armrest. Lift the lid, and there’s a larger center storage bin with a 12-volt outlet and USB port where owners can hook up their MP3/iPod charging connections and hide them away. The design team also worked to make the Journey’s interior more comfortable. They moved the shifter and cupholders, making it easier for drivers and passengers to get their coffee and soda without having to lean over and under the dash. There’s also a larger front storage bin with side nets. The new multi-functioning three-spoke Dodge brand steering wheel with integrated controls and a wider, longer, soft-touch armrest transform the driver’s seat into a cockpit-like experience. Comfortable new seats might just make drivers want to take the long way home to get a little extra seat time. The Dodge Journey offers six new interior color and trims to complete the makeover. On the outside, Journey maintains its sculpted, clean, aggressive lines, and adds a new front fascia that sports the signature Dodge Brand “split crosshair” honeycomb grille. The fog lamp bezels are bigger and bolder, and Journey models with the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 get a new, unique more aggressive lower fascia with the honeycomb texture in the grille (late availability). New 19-inch wheels, a new, less angular rear fascia and “ring of fire” LED taillamps wrap it up from front to back. Journey also is loaded with an abundance of safety and security features, including: standard advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, active head restraints, electronic stability control (ESC) with all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation and brake assist, new driver-side knee blocker air bag, supplemental side-curtain air bags covering all three rows, supplemental front-seat-mounted side air bags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, LATCH child seat anchor system and trailer sway control. The Dodge Journey is built in at Chrysler Group LLC’s Toluca Assembly Plant in Toluca, Mexico. It will arrive in U.S. dealerships in fourth quarter of 2010.

New Tech Article Series: Lesser Known Tech Today we begin a new series of article on lesser known technology. Many of us gear heads hear of different technologies in vehicles and have a general understanding of why they exist, but sometimes there are things that don’t generate much thought because...well.. they seem to always have been there. These articles are to help you understand the background of the technology.... the “how?” and the “why?” that are more than just one or two word answers. In this, our first article, we cover EGR. Read on after the jump: C&G Feature: Lesser Known Tech: The In and Out of In and Out - EGR Explained

Lesser Known Tech: The In and Out of In and Out - EGR Explained Today we begin a new series of article on lesser known technology. Many of us gear heads hear of different technologies in vehicles and have a general understanding of why they exist, but sometimes there are things that don't generate much thought because...well.. they seem to always have been there. These articles are to help you understand the background of the technology.... the "how?" and the "why?" that are more than just one or two word answers. In this, our first article, we cover EGR. Most people even vaguely interested in automobiles know what EGR means, but just in case you're not one of those people, EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. EGR is the process of returning some of the hot exhaust gas leaving the cylinder chamber and returning it back into the intake stream. Simple right? Yes, but why would you want to do that? IN: EGR was introduced in the 1970s as an emissions control measure. The initial systems were simply on/off vacuum switches depending on the load of the engine. Early systems were lambasted (properly I might add) for robbing engines of performance and causing reliability issues. The maze of rubber hoses found in late 70s through late 80s cars is mostly attributable to the addition of pollution controls. When a strong intake manifold vacuum was pulled (the less the throttle was opened i.e. you took your foot off the gas) the EGR valve opens to let exhaust gases into the intake manifold. As more throttle is applied, vacuum drops and the EGR valve closes. That explains the basics behind "how?", but still doesn't explain the "why?". So why would you want to send exhaust back into the intake? I asked resident powertrain expert Dwightlooi to help explain. EGR enables much less fuel to be burned during low load situations such as when idling or cruising at a constant speed. When power is not needed, the engine typically only needs to burn a only very small amount of fuel. The problem is that very little fuel with a lot of fresh air means a very lean mixture -- simply: a lot of air, not much fuel. A state known as "running lean". Lean burning increases combustion temperatures, and more relevantly, increases the production of Nitrous Oxide, Nitrogen Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide,Nitrate Free Radicals, among others, which are considered smog agents. High cylinder temperatures increase the possibility of premature detonation (pinging/knocking). By feeding exhaust back into the intake, you are reducing the oxygen content of the intake charge. Therefore, even though the metered fuel amount doesn't change and the volume of gases drawn into the cylinders doesn't change, the fuel-to-oxygen ratio is now not as lean. This allows the engine to use less fuel without getting too hot and/or make too much pollution. As EGR systems became more sophisticated, they began to actually contribute to the fuel economy performance of the engine rather than detract as early systems did. By introducing inert exhaust gas into the intake manifold at low throttle, it allow for an increase in manifold pressure at a given power output. Increased manifold pressure equals reduced pumping losses (the effort the engine puts into sucking air in) equals greater efficiency. So what happens when an EGR valve fails? It depends if it's stuck open or stuck closed. An EGR valve stuck in the open position will rob an engine of power during acceleration. In worst case scenarios, it will cause stumbling and hesitation under part throttle. An EGR valve stuck in the closed position will cause a rough idle or stalling at idle. Under acceleration or at cruising speeds it can cause pinging an knocking. OUT: But even after 30 years of technological advancement to reduce exhaust pollution and increase fuel economy, the EGR valve itself is slowly going the way of the Dodo. The reason? Variable Valve Timing. Dwightlooi continues: Engines with VVT can dial in huge amounts of valve overlap in the same conditions as you would open an EGR valve. By having both the intake and exhaust valve open at same time you allow exhaust gases to backflow into the cylinder through the exhaust valves even as the intake air is being drawn in. The effect is the same an EGR valve would have accomplished, except you are doing it directly through the exhaust valves instead of feeding gases from the manifold to the intake. It is more precise and no additional hardware over the existing VVT system is needed. By removing the older EGR valves and designing similar functionality into the VVT system, automobile manufacturers are removing a point of failure in engines while continuing to provide the pollution control and fuel economy benefits the older system gave. I hope you enjoy this series and if you have any suggestions for topics in future articles, please PM them to me.

Did you burp your baby?