Autoblog

Next BMW X6 to be larger, more aggressive

Michael Harley — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

If the current BMW X6, introduced in 2008, is looking a bit too bland for your tastes, have no fear as the next-generation model is reportedly going to be larger and more aggressive than its predecessor.

Autocar is reporting an insider has revealed that the all-new second-generation X6 will make its world debut at the 2014 Moscow Motor Show, going on sale just after summer. More aggressive styling will help BMW distinguish its sportier X6 from the brand's more practical models, such as the X3 and X5, said the source.

The next X6 will again share platforms with the X5, but it will be stretched slightly to provide second-row passengers more legroom. Powerplants will also likely mirror those of its mainstream cousin, including a range of turbocharged six- and eight-cylinder engines and a range-topping M model (the 2013 BMW X6 M is show above).

Next BMW X6 to be larger, more aggressive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moscow Auto Show gaining importance

George Kennedy — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 08:43:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Russia

Has the Moscow Motor Show reached international relevance? If one were to look at the recent unveilings from Russia, the evidence may support that theory.

A Road & Track report makes the assertion that Russia, like many other automotive markets, has matured independently to the point where it has less interest in the major international auto shows that are not held on their soil. As a result, formerly relevant auto shows in Italy, Japan and the UK have downgraded in size and, in some cases, aren't even being held.

Additionally, R&T points to automakers using local ride and drive events for sparking more interest in buyers than an auto show may be able to.

Meanwhile, in growing markets, such as China, India and Russia, automakers are making bigger and bigger plays. Buick's significance in China played a major role in the American car brand's survival, while Ferrari has made a move to strengthen its showing in India. As for Russia, the internationally-sold Mazda6 debuted at the Moscow Motor Show, along with news that the car would be produced in Russia, just as the only Mazda factory in the U.S. shutters. The times, they are, a-changin.

Moscow Auto Show gaining importance originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The details of the Lada XRay concept

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Videos, Crossover, Russia

When is the last time you watched five minutes of video on a Lada that didn't involve dual power windows, fires or Fifth Gear? Don't feel bad if the answer is, "What's Russian for 'never'?", but now's a good time to change that. Lada wants the world to know that it's no longer the old Lada, revealing its very brown and rather sleek XRay concept at the Moscow Motor Show, and it didn't stop at taking a mound of photos in order to show it off.

Penned by the brand's Milan-based design team - which is headed by Steve Mattin, an alumnus of Mercedes-Benz and Volvo - the XRay is a sign of both Lada's aspirations and the design language we should eventually see on its production cars. You can get a closer look at it in the two videos below.

Continue reading The details of the Lada XRay concept

The details of the Lada XRay concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lada steps into the present with Xray Concept

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Misc. Auto Shows, Russia, Design/Style

We've seen the tactic plenty of times before: an automaker that wants to up its game, so it hires a designer from a brand it seeks to emulate, then releases concepts that make people go "Ooh la la." Lada is the latest, having hired Steve Mattin to be its design head. Mattin is coming off tenures as senior designer at Mercedes-Benz and chief designer at Volvo before emigrating to the Russian side of life (although the company's design bureau is in Milan, Italy).

The new Lada he wants to introduce us to is led by an X-shaped front fascia on the Xray concept just unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show. The frontal treatment is to be the signature face for Lada's coming production models, but the Buck Rogers cockpit probably won't make it to the assembly line.

Lada is obviously proud of its creation, having unleashed a giant gallery of photos taken from just about every possible angle. If they can keep this up and translate it to their production vehicles, well, the Volga might go back to just being a river and not also a punchline.

Lada steps into the present with Xray Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda working on range-extended, rotary-powered vehicle

George Kennedy — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

The Moscow Motor Show may be hotter than we previously though. Right on the heels of the debut of the next Mazda6, the Japanese automaker has revealed that it will continue to develop rotary engines and is also working on a range-extended vehicle.

When word came that the RX-8 would drive off to the big salvage yard in the sky, it was feared that it would spell the end for the stupendously high-revving mill, but Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi stated that the company will "continue to explore ways to improve the fuel efficiency and capabilities of the rotary engine so it can be the primary source of power again." That sounds very promising, coming form Yamanouchi, who said that interest in the rotary motivated his decision to come work for the automaker in 1967.

Part of the equation to maximize the potential of the rotary is to incorporate range-extending technology. Sure, Mazda's rotary engines loves to play with its RPMs in the stratosphere, the company knows this mill is most efficient at about 2000 rpm. Starting and stopping require a good amount of energy to change the momentum of the Reuleaux triangle-shaped rotor. Range extenders would keep the rotor spinning at that ideal 2000 rpm while idling.

Rotary fans will hopefully rejoice at the idea of the Wankel mill continuing on for some time. Anyone worried about the engine's fate will appreciate word that as long as Yamanouchi works for Mazda, research into the uses of the rotary will continue.

Mazda working on range-extended, rotary-powered vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan launches rough and ready Almera in Moscow

George Kennedy — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows, Russia

Nissan has taken advantage of the Moscow Motor Show to unveil a new Russian-specific sedan with an old name. The Nissan Almera is a new offering that will be built in Russia and feature attributes that, according to Nissan, "meet the unique demands of the Russian market." What exactly does that mean? The Almera features raised ground clearance (just check out the gaps in the wheel wells), special anti-corrosion treatment for the chrome bits and added production for the underbody.

The new Almera will be be built in the Russian city of Togliatti, which is also home to plants for automaker AutoVAZ.

The emphasis here is on basic, robust construction - even underhood, where a yestertech 102-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine is protected by a steel skid plate. The Almera rides on a ground clearance of 6.3 inches, which according to Nissan, is best in class, as is trunk room.

The Almera is the latest move stemming from Nissan's desire to expand its Russian automobile business - as of late May, the brand represented 5.9 percent of the market. This is the first step in a plan that Nissan hopes will bring its market share to ten percent by 2016.

Check out the gallery for images and the press release below for more information on the new Nissan Almera.

Continue reading Nissan launches rough and ready Almera in Moscow

Nissan launches rough and ready Almera in Moscow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Mazda6 finally breaks cover in Moscow

George Kennedy — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mazda, Russia, Design/Style

Mazda has made the unusual choice of selecting the Moscow Motor Show to unveil its all-new 2014 Mazda6. The mid-size sedan looks very sharp, and powered by the Japanese automaker's latest line of Skyactiv engines, it ought to be efficient and solid to drive, as well.

Visually, the Mazda6 is the company's latest expression of their Kodo ("Soul of Motion") design language and draws heavily from the company's well-received 2011 Takeri showcar. A widened, stretched version of Mazda's five-point grille is employed and it's perhaps the most attractive version of that design element to date. The grille is connected to the LED headlights via shiny bits, a design tactic reminiscent of the new BMW 3 Series.

According to chief designer Akira Tamatani, "We have created a design in which the wild and dynamic expressions of motion artistically realize a powerful presence." The color seen here is called Soul Red, and was enveloped by Mazda to accentuate the shapes of the new 6.

Inside, the layout is a clean and straightforward one, which has become a hallmark of Mazda cabin design. The cabin is highlighted by a color-matched interior accent panel. A trained eye will even notice a rotary selector to control the navigation system, à la BMW's iDrive.

At least in Russia, the 2014 Mazda6 gets the new range of Skyactiv engines, including the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G (gas) engine that makes 110 kW (148 horsepower), sending power to the front wheels through either a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic, or a six-speed Skyactiv-MT manual gearbox. The uprated engine is a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter unit, developing 141 kW (189 horsepower). This engine is mated to the aforementioned automatic. A diesel engine is also expected, but it's not yet clear whether the U.S. will receive an oil-burning option (Mazda has committed to bringing an unnamed diesel model to the States in the next few years).

Also incorporated into the powertrain is Mazda's new "i-Eloop" system, which is essentially regenerative breaking. This is combined with "i-stop", stop/start technology. Actual EPA fuel economy estimates have not been released at this time, nor has price or availability, though Mazda says global deliveries are slated to begin later this year.

Check out the gallery of the all-new Mazda6 and more info on the mid-size sedan in the press release below.

Continue reading 2014 Mazda6 finally breaks cover in Moscow

2014 Mazda6 finally breaks cover in Moscow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First official Mazda6 wagon pic revealed as plant comes online

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

Mazda has officially kicked off production of the 2014 Mazda6 at its Hofu No. 2 plant in Japan's Yamaguchi prefecture. The car in the photo above is a European-spec Mazda6 wagon, equipped with the automaker's 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline inline-four, and it's the first undisguised look we have at the rakish estate.

The 2014 Mazda6 will be seen for the first time at the Moscow Motor Show in August, and the rest of the world will get their first glimpse at market-specific models during September's Paris Motor Show festivities. The third-generation Mazda6 will go on sale in Europe and Japan before the end of the year, while North American cars will start hitting dealerships sometime in early 2013.

Mazda plans to produce approximately 120,000 units of the Mazda6 annually at Hofu. 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of Mazda6 production there, with the original car (the official 626 replacement) first rolling off the line in 2002.

To review, Mazda will also offer the new mid-sizer with its Skyactiv-D diesel engine in other markets (and possibly the U.S.), and the car will be the first to use the automaker's new i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology. We'll have all the official details later this month.

Continue reading First official Mazda6 wagon pic revealed as plant comes online

First official Mazda6 wagon pic revealed as plant comes online originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault Latitude debuts in Moscow

Dan Roth — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:37:00 EST

Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows, Renault, Russia, Luxury

2011 Renault Latitude - Click above for high-res image gallery

Renault does well in Russia, and the market is important enough to the French automaker that it's unveiled its latest car in Moscow. The Renault Latitude is described as a "business class" sedan, which translates to a crisply-styled, generously-sized car carrying luxury and tech features. The Latitude will spread into other markets this fall, and the European version will debut at the Paris Motor Show, carrying powertrains and some altered styling details from the Russian-spec versions that just bowed.

Powering the Latitude are a 2.0-liter, 139-horsepower four-cylinder backed by a CVT, or a 2.5-liter, 177-horse version of Nissan's VQ V6 mated to a six-speed automatic. Drivers are attended to by massaging seats, and niceties like three-zone climate control, sound systems by Arkamys and Bose, and a Carminat TomTom navigation system are some of the equipment details. Chassis bits are borrowed from both Renault and Nissan cars; the front reportedly comes from the Renault Laguna and the rear multi-link setup is from the Nissan side of the family.

Buyers can start lining up to buy the Latitude at the end of September in Morocco and Algeria, and the car will be rolled out in Russa, Ukraine and Africa shortly thereafter. The Latitude is definitely coming to continental Europe, and a decision on whether to offer the Latitude in the United Kingdom will be forthcoming. Want to know more? The press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Renault Latitude

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault Latitude debuts in Moscow

Renault Latitude debuts in Moscow originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai RB concept for Moscow revealed [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Sedan, Hyundai, Russia, Design/Style

Hyundai RB Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has dropped its new RB concept on the crowd at this year's Moscow Motor Show, and according to our Spanish-speaking sister site, the car you see above is likely to evolve into a genuine Russian-market production model with one of two engines.

On the base side of things, buyers can opt for a 1.4-liter four-cylinder with around 109 horsepower, while those looking for a bit more grunt will be able to snap up a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with around 124 ponies. Both engines should be available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.

The mechanicals aren't the kind of hardware we typically get excited about, but we do like the compact sedan's lines. The design borrows plenty of cues from the similarly sultry Sonata, and the look wears well on a smaller craft. So far, it looks like the RB will stick to its Russian borders, but that doesn't mean we won't see a similarly handsome mug on our shores. From what we can gather, the next-generation Accent will be very similar to what you see above. Small things like fascias and tail lights may change, but the overall car is the successor to the Hyundai compact throne. Hit the jump for a look at a video of the concept as well as the full press release.

Gallery: Hyundai RB Concept

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Continue reading Hyundai RB concept for Moscow revealed [w/video]

Hyundai RB concept for Moscow revealed [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Toyota Highlander debuts in Moscow

Zach Bowman — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Toyota, Russia

2011 Toyota Highlander - Click above for high-res image gallery

Right on cue, Toyota has debuted the 2011 Highlander at this year's Moscow Motor Show. As we first showed you earlier this month, the refreshed crossover now wears a slightly reworked nose, complete with hood, front fenders, fascia, grille and headlights as well as a mildly massaged rear end. Look for new taillights and a new bumper cover to help differentiate the 2011's rump from its predecessors. Buyers in the motherland can look forward to a single engine - a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 delivering 273 horsepower through a five-speed automatic transmission.

Can we expect a similar treatment when the 2011 Highlander hits our shores? Perhaps. We're currently awaiting a response from Toyota as to whether this is the face of things to come for the U.S.-spec CUV, but we'd be surprised if our version was terribly different from what you see above, as the Highlander is only built in three factories - China, Japan, and Indiana, making a Russia-specific model unlikely. Chances are that our Highlander will continue to soldier on with the same engine choices available right now. That means that buyers can have their choice between a 3.5-liter V6 with 270 horsepower, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower or a hybrid drivetrain.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Highlander at the Moscow Motor Show

[Source: Toyota]

2011 Toyota Highlander debuts in Moscow originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Look: 2011 Toyota Highlander to launch at Moscow Motor Show next month

Zach Bowman — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Toyota, Misc. Auto Shows, Russia, Design/Style

2011 Toyota Highlander - Click above to enlarge

Toyota Europe has confirmed to Autoblog that the automaker's popular Highlander crossover will go on sale in Russia and the Ukraine for the first time ever. Why should Statesiders care? Because the new-look model above will be unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show on August 25, and it's almost certain to be the refreshed CUV that we will receive in North America.

From the looks of things, the 2011 Highlander will retain its strong body lines, but ditch the conservative front fascia of the 2010 model in favor of a leaner, more aggressive nose with angry looking headlamps. With appropriate helpings of chrome in all the right places, the new Highlander is downright handsome. As this is the only shot that we have, we don't know what's going on at the rear, but we would expect redesigned taillamps and perhaps some revamped trim. From what we can see, the Highlander's profile appears unchanged, save perhaps for a new wheel pattern and a very discreet set of turn signal repeaters in the mirrors.

While we have no confirmation that we will receive this same model, European officials believe that it will make it to North America with "more or less the same look." The Highlander is only built in three places at the moment - China, Japan and in Indiana, so it doesn't seem likely that Toyota would bother to develop new sheetmetal for select European markets without disbursing it elsewhere.

Unfortunately, we don't know too much about what's going on under that hood or in the cabin. So far, the only thing that Toyota Europe has confirmed with us is that the hybrid version of the Highlander won't be available in those markets. We'll just have to wait for details from the Moscow Motor Show for more information. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

First Look: 2011 Toyota Highlander to launch at Moscow Motor Show next month originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford reveals refreshed 2011 Mondeo with 237-hp 2.0L Ecoboost

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford

2011 Ford Mondeo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford of Europe has dropped the first official photos of the refreshed 2011 Mondeo, along with some details on the mechanical updates. The only substantive visual change is a reshaped front fascia with a larger trapezoidal lower grille similar to the Fiesta and the upcoming 2012 Focus, as well as reworked driving lights.

Behind that new grille Ford has added the same type of active shutters the Focus is getting to restrict air-flow at higher speeds or colder temperatures, reducing turbulence and aerodynamic drag.

The rest of the engine compartment is occupied by two new powertrain options, including a more powerful 237 horsepower version of the 2.0-liter Ecoboost inline-four that debuted earlier this year. At 179 grams per kilometer of CO2 emissions, the new Ecoboost will have the same fuel consumption as the lower power unit and 20 percent less than a V6 of similar power. This more powerful unit is likely the one that we will get in the Edge and Explorer for 2011. All of the Ecoboost engines are mated up a six-speed dual-clutch Powershift gearbox similar to the unit that just debuted in the Fiesta in North America.

The second new engine is a reworked 2.2-liter diesel inline-four that now puts out 197 hp, a 12 percent bump from the previous edition. The new Mondeos will will be shown publicly at the Moscow Motor Show in August and go on sale in the fall.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mondeo

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford reveals refreshed 2011 Mondeo with 237-hp 2.0L Ecoboost

Ford reveals refreshed 2011 Mondeo with 237-hp 2.0L Ecoboost originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moscow 2008: Lada shows off C-Cross concept

Alex Nunez — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Lada C-Cross concept

The Moscow Auto Show is underway and Damon's on site with camera in hand. The car you see here is the Lada C-Cross Concept, which looks kinda like a Chinese knock-off of a last-gen Euro Ford Focus with added ground clearance. The C-Cross show car presumably gives a sneak peek at what a future AvtoVAZ car-based crossover might look like, and if we had to guess, a production version probably isn't too far off. We'll pass on it, though. Our hearts and minds forever belong to the Lada Niva, whose old-school looks are like visual comfort food. Plus, something tells us that this C-Cross thing wouldn't do nearly as well underwater.

Gallery: Lada C-Cross

[Source: The Auto Channel]

All photos Copyright (C)2008 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

Moscow 2008: Lada shows off C-Cross concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault

Click for a hi-res gallery of the Renault Symbol/Thesis

As Russia develops into an increasingly important market for many Asian and European carmakers, the Moscow Motor Show is becoming a more important venue. Alongside such new launches as the Lexus LS460 AWD, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Audi RS6 sedan, Renault will be unveiling a new version of its simple Symbol sedan. The car will be sold in such markets as Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, Turkey and North Africa, labeled alternatively as the Symbol or Thalia. The styling is rather uninspired, and the mechanics are nothing to write home about, with power anticipated to come from the same range as found in the new Dacia Logan unveiled by Renault's budget subsidiary just last month. Hard to believe we almost didn't notice this one.

You know the drill: Follow the jump to read the press release, and click on the thumbnails below to view the images in our high-resolution gallery.

Gallery: 2009 Renault Symbol

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia

Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda Kazamai concept unveiled ahead of Moscow debut

Alex Nunez — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:25:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Kazamai

Mazda has unveiled the first official images of the new Kazamai concept ahead of the car's official debut on August 26 at the Moscow International Auto Salon. In Japanese, "Kazamai" means "swirling crosswinds." In English, that means "Nagare-styled compact CUV." If Mazda were to make a small crossover using the Nagare design language, it would probably look something like this. Only with four doors, because we all know that the 2-door configs are just to make the show cars sexier. So, does this mean that Mazda's working on a stylish, downsized CUV to join the ranks of the CX-7 and CX-9? Well, probably, given expensive gas prices and the resurgence of smaller vehicles in general. With any luck, it'll look this cool if and/or when it arrives.

Gallery: Mazda Kazamai Concept

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda Kazamai concept unveiled ahead of Moscow debut

Mazda Kazamai concept unveiled ahead of Moscow debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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