Autoblog

Fender teams up with Panasonic for Volkswagen audio systems

Noah Joseph — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Ask a car guy what a fender is and he'll point to the front corners of a car. A musician, meanwhile, will show you his guitar. (A sailor will toss a rubber bumper over the side, but that's neither here nor there.) But now the two are coming together as reports indicate that the iconic guitar company is getting into the auto industry.

Well, almost. That'd be one bridge too far, but they are closing the divide by developing car stereos. The project is reportedly being undertaken with Panasonic, and developed specifically for Volkswagen.

The Fender-Panasonic systems will reportedly be deployed first on the Jetta, then the New Beetle and finally the new Tennessee-built Passat. Whether the VWs carrying the new audio systems will be special editions with unique "fender badges" remains to be seen.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Fender teams up with Panasonic for Volkswagen audio systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Volkswagen Passat is German bred, Chattanooga born [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Passat - Click above for high-res image gallery

As part of the Volkswagen quest to carve out an ever-larger slice of the American auto market, the German manufacturer has unveiled the newest addition to its lineup - the 2012 Passat. Penned specifically to cater to big-boned tastes of American buyers, the next-generation sedan wears a 110.4-inch wheelbase to make it larger than any of its predecessors. Even so, VW says that when the Passat goes on sale later this year, it will arrive with a price tag of less than $20,000. Buyers will be able to choose one of three different power train options, including two gasoline engines and one diesel powerplant.

Things get started with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder gasoline engine with 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, followed by a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder with 140 ponies and 236 pound-feet of twist. Those who opt for the top-of-the-line mill will be rewarded with a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The 2012 Passat will be built at the new VW manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee later this year. Check out our high-res image gallery below, then hit the jump for a video and full press release.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Passat

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading 2012 Volkswagen Passat is German bred, Chattanooga born [w/video]

2012 Volkswagen Passat is German bred, Chattanooga born [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen opens floodgates on 2011 Passat

Zach Bowman — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen, Diesel

2011 Volkswagen Passat Wagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fresh after the 2011 Volkswagen Passat unveil at this year's Paris Motor Show, VW has unleashed a deluge of information and photos of the new sedan and its wagon counterpart. As with most manufacturers, Volkswagen seems bent on giving buyers all the tech they can stand. The 2011 Passat will ship with goodies like a fatigue detection system, the VW equivalent of the Volvo City Safety system and adaptive cruise control, among other tricks. Volkswagen says that it has also made the new Passat as quiet as can be thanks to in the dash and doors to keep exterior noise at bay.

The 2011 Passat will launch with a variety of engines depending on the market, including three diesel mills and four gasoline plants. The company also says that two DSG gearboxes will ship along with those mills in both six- and a seven-speed configurations. For those that prefer to row your own cogs, a six-speed manual will also be available.

We mustn't forget, however, that the United States will not be getting this version of the Passat. Instead, Volkswagen has an all-new sedan (tentatively called "NMS" or "new mid-size sedan") slated for U.S. consumption in the not-too-distant future. The 2011 Passat you see here is scheduled to go on sale in Germany at the beginning of November. The rest of Europe will have to wait a few more months after that. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Passat

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen opens floodgates on 2011 Passat

Volkswagen opens floodgates on 2011 Passat originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW sets single-tank distance record with 1,527-mile Passat BlueMotion

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, UK, Diesel

What's the most you've ever gotten out of a single tank of gas? 400 miles? Maybe 600 miles if you're under diesel power? Volkswagen wanted to put its Passat BlueMotion to the test and see just how many miles it can cover on one tank. A team from the UK's Sunday Times set off from Kent, England with a full tank of diesel - then drove to the south of France and back.

Averaging just over 45 miles per hour, the team watched as 1,527 miles came and went. The 1.6-liter TDI-equipped VW Passat BlueMotion used was a standard production model which features a lower standard ride height, Stop/Start tech, longer gearing and low rolling resistance tires. As two witnesses drove behind them to verify the attempt for the Guinness Book of World Records, the Passat rolled along to the tune of nearly 90 miles per gallon - much higher than the 64.2 mpg rating the vehicle carries.

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Passat

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW sets single-tank distance record with 1,527-mile Passat BlueMotion

VW sets single-tank distance record with 1,527-mile Passat BlueMotion originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Passat says hello in person

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Passat - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen was so eager to unveil its new Passat that it revealed the car a day before the Paris Motor Show actually begins. It's received the Jetta treatment to some degree, but the softer looks may actually work better on the Passat than for its smaller brother.

The all-new Passat is intended for an older demographic and the styling seems to reflect that. We look forward to seeing it on our shores. Speaking of which, the 2011 goes on sale in the United Kingdom this October and then will roll out to other European and global markets, not including North America. Us Yanks will wave bye-bye to the Passat next year and welcome the New Midsize Sedan, or NMS, that Volkswagen's developing just for us.

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Passat

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Passat

Paris 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Passat says hello in person originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Volkswagen Passat unveiled ahead of Paris Motor Show

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Passat - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen is slowly in the process of refreshing its entire product portfolio, and right on the heels of the recently introduced 2011 Jetta comes the seventh-generation Passat. The automaker's new corporate design language is in full force here, and observations of the new Passat looking like a big Jetta will not be disagreed with.

A full range of gasoline and diesel engines will be available when the Passat launches later this year. In North America, it's safe to assume that we'll receive the 207-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as well as the 296-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6, but we won't rule out the possibility of Volkswagen offering its well-liked 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine, as well. All engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and like previous Passats, 4Motion all-wheel drive should be available on top-end models.

The Passat will also be available with Volkswagen's XDS electronic differential, which first debuted on the GTI hatch. This system helps reduce understeer and improve overall traction in slippery conditions, and we imagine that it will quickly make its way to the vast majority of VW products. What's more, a new optional city emergency braking function automatically stops the car at speeds below 18 miles per hour when an imminent collision is detected, sort of like the self-stopping systems by Volvo (which, as we've seen, don't always work correctly).

Both the sedan and ~~wagon~~ Estate models go on sale in the UK next month, though don't get too attached to the cars if you live in the U.S. The new Passat will only be sold in Europe and other global markets, while North America will get specially-designed-for-us New Midsized Sedan, or NMS. Hit the jump for the full details in VW's press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Passat

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading 2011 Volkswagen Passat unveiled ahead of Paris Motor Show

2011 Volkswagen Passat unveiled ahead of Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First image of 2011 Volkswagen Passat leaks out? [UPDATE]

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen, Diesel

2011 Volkswagen Passat - Click above to enlarge

A Norwegian website claims to have snagged the first official photo of the 2011 Volkswagen Passat from one of the automaker's European retailers (they didn't, see the UPDATE below), and sources suggest we could see the restyled mid-size sedan as early as the Paris Motor Show this October.

There's still some question about what engines will be available when the new Passat arrives in Europe, but VW's ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is sure to make an appearance, while a new 300-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 will be available in higher-spec trims, along with the normal assortment of diesel mills. A hybrid model has also been confirmed by VW, and soon after the sedan launches abroad, the wagon variant will debut, along with a possible R36 model. Expect the full details to be revealed before the end of the month.

UPDATE: Looks like the Passat pic is a rendering by the artists from Autobild.

[Source: DadBladet via WCF]

First image of 2011 Volkswagen Passat leaks out? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Videos: KBB awards $10,000 to winning reader car reviews [w/poll]

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Humor

KBB reader-submitted auto reviews - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

We've seen a lot of consumer-grade video in our day (we've made a few, too), and the quality can be less than astounding. So when we got wind of the fact that Kelley Blue Book was hosting a contest awarding $10,000 to the best consumer car review video, we were skeptical of the quality of product we were expecting to see. Good news. We were wrong, and the top videos are pretty darn good.

The top prize has been awarded to Clark Olson for a very funny critique of the 2000 Corolla with actual production-quality video work. In second place was Joel Moss Levinson, who managed to crack us up with a very clever rap featuring a somewhat problematic 2001 Volkswagen Passat. Seriously, it's pretty hilarious and is jam-packed with actual insight. In third place was an also entertaining take on the 2004 Subaru Forester by Patrick Latimer. Latimer sounded like a full-on auto enthusiast with 0-60 times and a very valid mention of the value of rowing one's own gears.

The winner was rewarded with $10,000 in cold, hard cash and a trip to sunny California for a video shoot with the KBB video crew. Second prize netted $5,000 and the third place winner received $1,000. Nicely done fellas. Hit the jump to watch the videos for yourself, and chime in via the post-jump poll to tell us if KBB correctly numbered the top three.

[Source: Kelley Blue Book]

Continue reading Videos: KBB awards $10,000 to winning reader car reviews [w/poll]

Videos: KBB awards $10,000 to winning reader car reviews [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Passat Wagon reveals its roomy rump

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat Wagon spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the 2011 Volkswagen Passat sedan launches later this year, a wagon variant won't be too far behind. Our spies recently snapped these photos of the next-generation Passat ~~estate~~ ~~touring~~ wagon running around, and even though a leaked photo has revealed what the car's face should look like, we're still squinting and staring to see if we can make out the wagon's rear features.

From what we can tell, it looks to be all business out back, which means that interior load space should be pretty darn capacious, especially with the rear seats folded flat. Will it come to America? That's hit or miss right now, but if it does, expect Volkswagen's 2.0-liter turbo four to be under hood, while other markets will get a range of diesel powerplants. We'll have a better idea of what to expect closer to the Passat sedan's reveal at this year's Paris Motor Show. In the meantime, take a look for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Passat Wagon

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Passat Wagon reveals its roomy rump originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Volkswagen Passat leaks out

Zach Bowman — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen

Those crazy kids over at Auto Express have managed to get their hands on a leaked photo of the next generation Volkswagen Passat. The car is set to debut at this year's Paris Motor Show, and so far, the German manufacturer has been quiet about exactly what we can expect from the mid-sized fighter. From what we can tell from the leaked photo, it looks like the company will be giving the Passat a dose of familial styling. A sharp chrome-laced grille replaces the black plastic of the current generation, and crisp headlights similar to what's currently found on the Golf have been swapped in place of the old units.

It looks like the car will also wear slightly more aggressive body work all over, including aggressively arched fenders. Details are still scarce as to exactly what will crop up under the hood, but we don't expect too many big surprises. American buyers will likely still be able to get their Passat with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower while our European cousins will be able to enjoy a range of diesel and small-displacement gasoline powerplants.

[Source: Auto Express]

2011 Volkswagen Passat leaks out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 VW Passat is ein kleiner Phaeton

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 22 May 2010 11:06:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen

The first leaked shot of the 2011 Volkswagen Passat has apparently surfaced in Germany's Auto Bild. Assuming it's accurate, the mid-size sedan boasts one of the straightest interpretations of VW's new design language.

In fact, its wide, strongly-horizontal bearing is as much a reminder of the freshly updated Phaeton as it is of the Touareg. Following the lines of the heavily-chrome-accented front end back along the absolutely flat shoulder, the new Passat presents itself as upscale middle-management transport that acts as a stepping stone to the range-topping Phaeton. It'll arrive later this year, and we expect to get our first in-person look at it at the Paris Motor Show.

[Source: Auto Bild (translated)]

Spy Shots: 2011 VW Passat is ein kleiner Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 May 2010 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: All-new Passat debuting in Paris?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen, Rumormill

According to Auto International, Volkswagen is set to release the latest update its Passat mid-size sedan at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. Further, the German automaker could have both the sedan and wagon versions already in European dealerships before the end of the year.

If there's any truth to the rumor, the next Passat will get new bodywork but will share it basic structure with the current car, with major elements such as the roof going completely unchanged. In keeping with VW's upscale theme for the Passat, the next-gen model is expected to offer such luxuries as reversing cameras, active cruise control and intelligent lighting.

Power will surely come from a number of gasoline and diesel engines, most employing some form of forced induction and displacing between 1.2 and 2.0 liters. In what appears to be a growing industry trend, larger V6 engines are said to be gone from the specifications list, although a hybrid and full electric model are supposedly planned for the next full redesign for the 2015 model year.

[Source: Auto International]

Rumormill: All-new Passat debuting in Paris? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Sedan, Europe, Volkswagen, Design/Style

2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen just opened the order book on the Passat CC with the R-Line package in Europe. We saw this car at the Frankfurt Motor Show and were completely smitten with it. Taking the regular CC's swoopy coupedan shape and adding the R-Line package makes it just about perfect. What stops it from being perfect is the fact that the R-Line package doesn't add any oomph. Just like Audi's S-Line, its alterations are mainly cosmetic.

The R-Line package adds an aero kit, surprisingly modest "Mallory" pattern 17-inch wheels, R-Line emblems, smoked taillights, R-Line aluminum sill plates, a unique three-spoke multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, front foglamps, and the Park Pilot system.

It becomes the eighth R-Line model in Volkswagen's lineup and will add 2,200 euro to the price of your CC - about $3,200 in Yankee bucks. Full press release after the jump and plenty of live and press pics below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volkswagen CC R

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe

Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen CC racks up the design awards

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen

2009 Volkswagen (Passat) CC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen is usually known for its simple, basic, iconic styling; the classic Beetle and the previous-generation Jetta are perfect case studies. Which is why the svelte and streamlined CC - known overseas as the Passat CC - has come as a refreshing change of pace for the German automaker. We're not the only ones who think so, either, as the four-door coupe from Wolfsburg has been accumulating design awards the world over.

Adding to the list that already includes the coveted iF Product Design Award and the Australian International Design Award, the Volkswagen CC has now been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Design Award. The prize has bestowed annually since 1955 by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, the legendary design museum housed in the reclaimed Zollverein coal mine. The Best of the Best award was accepted by designer Martin Kropp on behalf of VW's Exterior Design Studio 1 and you can get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

Continue reading Volkswagen CC racks up the design awards

Volkswagen CC racks up the design awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another new (old) Passat: Shanghai VW Lingyu

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a gallery of the Chinese market VW Lingyu

China's already got Volkswagen's Passat in R36 guise, as well as a locally-made, Passat-derived model called the Magotan. Now it's going to have another car based on the Passat called the Lingyu. Built on a revised, long-wheelbase version of the 4-year-old PQ46 platform and using the previous-generation Passat body style, the Lingyu is shaping up to be the longest Passat sedan variant available in China.

Three engines have been mentioned, along with a 15% increase in fuel efficiency: the 1.8T, 2.0 FSI, and 2.4 V6. The changes are being made by VW's Chinese partner Shanghai VW, with the aim of increasing interior space and comfort. The car should be available in Q2 of this year, and might make an appearance at next month's Shanghai Auto Show.

Gallery: China FAW-VW Lingyu

[Source: Gasgoo]

Another new (old) Passat: Shanghai VW Lingyu originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculations + Spy Shots: Volkswagen Passat "Coupe"

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Volkswagen

In case you've been wondering what would happen if a VW Eos and a Mercedes CLS were left in a garage overnight with some oysters and an open bottle of Spanish Fly, VW has your answer: the Passat 4-door-coupe. It's essentially got the new Mercedes tri-sectioned face with Eos overtones, and a CLS body reworked to VW proportions. Neither parent is really flattered in the mash-up. If nothing else, it is supposed to raise the stakes in VW's interior quality campaign.

Motors will start at the 1.4-liter TSI that also appears in the Golf and Tiguan, with diesels to include the 2.0-liter common rail variant. The car is scheduled to bow next year, perhaps at Geneva, and be in showrooms by the end of '08. Here's to hoping the sketch artists didn't get it quite right.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculations + Spy Shots: Volkswagen Passat "Coupe" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holy... Safe! Could coarse car ads attract FCC attention?

Chris Tutor — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:07:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Dodge, Volkswagen

In its quest to clean up television, could the Federal Communications Commission go after automotive advertising? USA Today wonders how the cuddly-wuddly FCC may react to some of the in-your-face commercials currently being shown in your home.

The story cites Volkswagen's "Safe Happens" Passat ads as well as Dodge's Caliber ad (shown after the jump) featuring the foul-mouthed Binky in a Caliber focus group. "It scares the BEEP out of me," Binky responds to the ominous black Caliber.

Regarding V-Dub's recent crash-centric commericals, VW's General Manager Kurt Schneider reponds to USAT's questioning, by saying, "One of the most critical things was to have the dialog and whole scene be extremely natural. For anyone who's been in an accident, one of the first things you do is curse."

One of the next things you might do is buy a new car. Either because of, or in spite of the ads, lots of drivers have bought new Calibers and Passats this year.

The fact that the FCC hasn't brought this issue to fore, yet, may be an indication that either these spots are flying under the radar of the agency's boffins or that the ad's tactics are a drop in the bucket when it comes to foul language and violence on TV. Either way, it's a safe bet that we'll be hearing more about this issue as advertisers continue to up the ante in 30-second increments.

[Sources: USA Today, YouTube]

Continue reading Holy... Safe! Could coarse car ads attract FCC attention?

Holy... Safe! Could coarse car ads attract FCC attention? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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