Archive for February, 2010

February-25-10

Ford v. Chevy: The Battle Rages On

Posted by admin under New Ford News

As much as auto critics love to wring their hands over GMs and Fords misfortunes the two automakers are locked in a perpetual battle for the coveted big pickup truck category. The Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F Series continue to duke it out for the number one spot. There is more at stake here than meets the eyeand just what would that be?

For 28 years running the top selling vehicle in the US has not been a car, rather a pick up truck. Thats right, Americas love of pick ups extends to the point where the Ford F Series traditionally outsells the bestselling car by a factor of nearly 2 to 1 [the Toyota Camry is the best selling car, FYI]. Indeed, the second best selling truck for most of that time has been the Chevy Silverado, nemesis of the Ford.

If you are a GM fan, your immediate thought is to cry foul over the whole matter. In reality, Chevrolets parent company — General Motors — sells more full size pick up trucks than Ford year in and year out. However the general markets its truck under two different nameplates: Chevrolet and GMC. So, what appears to be a long running streak for Ford is just not that. At least according to GM fans.

Beyond the pick up truck sales, the matter of who is number one is a source of pride for the big automakers as they have been beaten and bruised over the years by increased competition. Asian automakers continue to take away sales, as even Toyota and Nissan are now building full sized pick up trucks. Dodge, too, has grown in size and influence ever since its redone Rams hit the market in the early 1990s. So, the last area of dominance for Ford and GM is also being chipped away and no one wants to be the first to admit defeat.

If you want to influence the battle, you have only one month to make a difference. Both manufacturers are certain to have amazing end of the year clearances, so shop smartly and you will come out as a winner no matter whose product you choose.

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Innovative Design For Those Who Are Driven: The 2006 BMW 3 Series

BMW will tell you it isnt so, but the new 3 Series is the start of a softening of Chris Bangles most angular design language. The car you see is not an evolution of an existing car but a ground up model, an energetic attempt to re-invent the most popular BMW model with unarguably good looks that match its top class driving dynamics.

The first thing you notice is that the car has dropped the current teardrop headlamps and done away with the aircraft carrier trunk lid. Next to go are the cut lines and the aggressive mix of concave and convex panels. Its still recognizably a BMW though. The big news underneath is the new multitude independent suspension (borrowed from the 5 series) is designed to combine unrivalled ride comfort, with taut handling. On top of that you can expect Dynamic Drive (thats adjustable anti-roll bars), Active Steering, and a four wheel drive system as options. The fifth generation BMW 3 Series superstar shines brighter than the predecessor with a torque loving, direct injection, and environmentally conscious engine. (Dont rule out a hybrid just yet by 2009 BMWs partnership with DaimlerChrysler and GM will have born a fruit, enabling the Germans to catch up with Lexus.) Additionally, the new 3 Series features increased passenger room and enhanced safety features.

Step inside the cabin of the 2006 BMW 3 Series, youll find the interior has an instinctive feel to it; every switch and readout is ergonomically placed for a reason, where you will look for it. The surrounding materials are made from high quality wood, leather and plastics enhancing the appeal of this sports machine. The seats offer ample support to the lower back and thigh while enhancing the bodys disposition for spirited driving. And the intuitively placed center display rewards the enthusiast spirit by enabling the driver to easily read every dial and be in touch with the engine.

Turn the key and put the car in gear, youll find the car engineered to move. The smooth delivery of speed is exhilarating. The engine pulls like a conditioned sprinter all the way up to its 6800 redline. The real joy is experiencing the sound of the engine. The loud, visceral scream is clean and mechanical, distinct from any muffler or aftermarket accessory. Additionally, the optional Active Steering reduces steering inputs at high speed and increases inputs at low speeds, enhancing the overall tactile responsiveness of the car. The 2006 BMW 3 Series features the first magnesium block engine to reduce engine weight. The new inline six-cylinder produces 215 horsepower in the 325; and 255 horsepower in the 330i. Linear velocity is smooth due to BMWs revolutionary Valvetronic system that helps the engine breathe more efficiently even at low RPMs. To experience more fully, simply find an open road and press the accelerator.

In terms of handling and cornering, the 2006 BMW 3 Series also features a perfect 50:50 front to rear weight distribution, making it extremely responsive in turns and at the limits. The rear wheels provide the thrust while the front steers the vehicle with exceptional feedback. The new suspension with double-joint aluminum control arms in front and a five-link fully independent system in the rear is borrowed from the larger 5 Series. Additionally, the new 3 Series also features BMWs most sophisticated Dynamic Stability Control with more sensors to monitor and enhance the ride.

For those of you who prefer the stick shift, the 2006 BMW 3 Series transmission and gears have also been refined; a six speed manual, an optional six speed automatic, or the six speed electro-hydraulic Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) are three very promising choices. The SMG is a manual with no clutch pedal, a welcome relief for the enthusiast drivers who prefers sporty shifting but dislikes using the clutch in toe-to toe traffic.

Additionally, the 2006 3 Series builds on BMWs lineage on passive and active safety by adding advanced, intelligent safety systems. The passive safety begins with BMWs rigid safety cage that surrounds the occupant with deformable energy absorbing tubes. In case of an extreme crash, impact energy is absorbed and routed around the passenger cabin. Sensors throughout the car measure crash severity and deploy airbags as needed. Six airbags are on hand to shield occupants from harm, two in front and the rest as part of the side curtain that protects from the A-pillar in front to the C-pillar at rear. All BMW 3s are also equipped with Dynamic Brake Control which is designed to help you stop more quickly during emergency braking. Brake sensors determine how forcefully you step on the brake pedal and apply maximum braking power to stop the car if needed.

As BMWs most successful model, the 3 Series was first introduced in 1977, and now accounts for 40 percent of all sales worldwide. Gradually, the car has formed a loyal following. To meet enthusiast drivers individualistic needs, the 2006 3 Series is available in nine iterations: 325i sedan, 325xi sedan, 325Ci coupe, 325Ci convertible, 325xi sports wagon, 330i sedan, 330xi sedan, 330Ci coupe and the 330Ci convertible, with MSRP ranging from $30,900 to $44,900. Although not available as a Hybrid yet, the 2006 BMW 3 Series averages 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway to successfully reinvent a top automotive performer.

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February-23-10

New Hybrid Cars

Posted by admin under New Cars

If you have been in the market for a new car recently, you may have seen advertisements and articles about the new hybrid cars. These automobiles sound quite attractive on the surface, since they can get up to 20-30 more miles to the gallon than their traditional counterparts. Many of the big auto manufacturers have jumped on the new hybrid car bandwagon, including Toyota, Honda, Lexus and Saturn. But what are these new hybrid cars and what can one of them do for you?

A new hybrid car combines two different power sources that work together to create an engine that is incredibly fuel efficient and much less polluting than the typical gasoline engines of today. A small gasoline engine is found in the new hybrid car that is designed for maximum fuel efficiency. In addition to the gasoline engine, there is an electric motor that is powered by batteries located inside of the car. These batteries are recharged through the running of the car, alleviating the need for an elaborate charging system at home and limited use of the car. The new hybrid cars combine the best of both worlds. You get the long-running, easy maintenance of a traditional gasoline engine. You also get the environmentally friendly, low fuel requirement of an electric motor. The result is a new hybrid car that will run efficiently and cleanly on gas and electricity. This concept has made these new hybrid cars a popular choice for many who are in the market for a new vehicle. However, the technology is still new, and the supply is still greatly limited.

Today, there are only a handful of the new hybrid cars on the market. They come in a variety of manufacturer names, and in a choice of styles, including SUVs and compact sedans. However, it is not easy to find these types of cars at many locations, since the supply was bought up rather quickly after they made their appearance on new car lots. The good news is that plans are in the works for even more car manufacturers to make even more models of these new hybrid cars in the months and years to come.It is possible that the new hybrid cars will gradually take their place as the most popular vehicles on the road. Keep your eyes open for the hybrid cars at the auto dealers in your town or city.

For information on buying and selling new and second hand cars and bikes visit http://www.bharathautomobiles.com/index.php

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February-22-10

Its Not a Ferrari for Nothing

Posted by admin under Sports Cars

The classic look of the Ferrari is its blazing race red color (Rosso Corsa) alongside the prominent black steed on canary yellow background topped by the Italian flag. Colors have been the essence of luxury when it comes to luxury cars. But what is the Ferrari, and how did its popularity come to be?

The Ferrari in fact began Italian Enzo Ferraris establishment of the Scuderia Ferrari in 1929. He didnt exactly build the company for the purpose of selling luxury sports cars built for the road, but to simply provide sponsorship for the Modena-based amateur car racers and enthusiasts. Its founder, for a time, successfully raced drivers in Alfa Romeos until he learned of Alfa Romeos intent to purchase Scuderia.

This forced Enzo to inevitably carry on with Scuderia Ferrari on his own. What made this great man begin the huge Ferrari sports car empire? It was a result of the need to finance the Scuderia that he actually reluctantly sold the very first Ferrari, dubbed the 125 S, in the year 1947.

However, the force that was Ferrari did not come to be as a result of just an image of luxury and prestige, since Enzo did not desire to even begin sales of his racecars. What gave the Ferrari its niche market was its beautiful design and breakneck driving speeds.

Knowing this particularly interesting history; speed up to the present and we have the sports car giant Ferrari still holding true to its reputation of beauty and speed.

The fastest Ferrari sports car to date is the 2002 Ferrari ENZO, designed by the Pininfarina design house. The new-found speed of the Ferrari ENZO comes from the fact that every bit of the design aspect of this model serves a particular speed or aerodynamic function.

The Ferrari ENZO is a testament to its Formula 1 participation, creating a statement both on the race track and on the exotic and fast sports car lists. For one, its sleek and pointed front were designed to facilitate the airflow, helping cool the brakes and the engine during the heat of a race. The entire bodys shape is to create effective aerodynamics and reduce drag.

Beginning with the Ferrari ENZO is the option for buyers to personalize the Ferraris cockpit in order to best suit their taste and needs.

Enzo Ferrari built an empire on the statement of beauty and speed. With its continued patronage for these two values through the years, expect Ferrari to continue being a force to be reckoned with.

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February-17-10

How Fast Does Your Car Go?

Posted by admin under Sports Cars

Given money to spend and a world of options when selecting a car, every car enthusiast goes for one optiongetting a sports car. In the world of sports cars, however, there stands the basic criteria of speed, speed, speed, and, well, speed.

The fastest sports car according to various critics is the 1994 Dauer 962 LeMans, with acceleration speed of 2.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. The fastest Ferrari car is the 2002 Ferrari ENZO, and this one can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph at breakneck speed of 3.5 seconds. Other fast cars include a Chevrolet, a Dodge, a LeBlanc, a Renault, an Audi, and a Corvette, all of which have acceleration speeds of not more than 2.9 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.

Now, the question that begs answering is: what makes a fast sports car?

While stylistics make for a very good standard when getting a sports car, theres more to the sleekness than just style. The very sleek and streamlined designs of these fast sports cars actually contribute to fantastic aerodynamicsmaking it much easier to drive the car fast without worrying about air resistance, air pressure, etc. In effect, the hot and sexy car design actually makes for more than aesthetics, but gives a boost to the speed and performance of the car.

Another feature that contributes to the speed of the car is its reduced weight. Its evident in the reduced cargo capacity of a sports car. Luckily, this isnt much of an issue with sports car enthusiasts. Related to cargo capacity and reduced weight is the fact that some sports cars may have smaller seating capacities, and usually are characterized by firmer, tighter rides, compared to the more spacious and comfortable rides offered by sports utility vehicles or sedans.

A last consideration in speed, however, is its general dynamics which include handling and drag when driving. A sports car has very little value if it cannot sustain its straight-line speeds when driving in tight curbs and ends up crushed after it hit a dead end. It is for this precise reason that even the fastest sports cars are usually rear-wheel driven rather than front-wheel driven, because of the fact that the rear-wheel drive provides greater traction and allows for the weight to be distributed evenly as the car makes a turn.

While theres more to a sports car than just speed, it also doesnt hurt that your sports car is fast. After all, the 1994 Dauer 962 LeMans is prized precisely because it rises above the speeds of every other fast sports car.

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February-15-10

Bmw Z4 Coupe Or Porsche Cayman?

Posted by admin under New Porsche News

Among the compact sports cars, the BMW Z4, Porsche Cayman and Porsche Boxster stand out. But which is you? And why did BMW and Porsche wait so long before making the coupes? There is no Boxster coupe, but the Cayman is almost the same thing but uprated.

It might seem odd that the two German companies, well-known for high-performance and sporty cars, waited to announce their coupes at the same time. The answer lies in why they introduced the roadsters in the first place.

Porsche wanted a new, smaller model to increase its market coverage. Not everyone likes the 911, and not everyone wants a coupe. So it made sense to opt for the mid-engine layout – the 911 is rear-engined – and the better balance that gives in designing the Boxster. At the same time, the addition of an open-top roadster would also increase sales. And both tricks worked.

But what about BMW? Well, BMW wanted to build cars in the USA, and did not want to build the same cars it built in Germany as that would increase costs. So it decided to build a roadster for the US market, although it would be marketed elsewhere.

At that time there was more potential volume for a boulevard cruiser type of two-seater than an out-and-out sports car in the USA, so the BMW Z3 was born. It was a rather tall car for a sports car, and although a hardtop was offered, it looked odd, making the car look even taller than it was.

Z4 more sporty than Z3

The BMW Z3 did not really catch on in Europe, so the Z4 was designed as a more sporty car than the Z3, and with its 3-liter engine which develops 265 bhp, is a good match in performance for the Porsche Boxster. Meanwhile, Porsche decided to fill out its range with an extra model, to be priced between the Boxster and the 911. In fact, the Cayman is based on the Boxster, but has more sporty suspension, and has a larger engine. Now, though you can get a Cayman with a 2.7 liter engine as well as the 3.4 liter job. The Boxster gets 2.7 and 3.2 liters.

Because Porsche makes flat-six engines, it can easily produce engines of different capacities from 2.7 to 3.8 liters, and many parts are common to all of them.

If you are looking for a sporty car, then you will want to look at the Z4 3-liter, which produces 265 bhp, and reaches 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, a time matched by the Boxster 3.2. The Cayman is a fraction quicker, getting to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Mind, if you want maximum performance from these cars, you can get the BMW Z4 M, with over 300 bhp on tap.

Choosing between Z4 and Cayman

But when it comes to the choice between the Z4 and Cayman coupes,you will be influenced by which one looks better. Although the Z4 looks a lot better than the Z3 it does have a few quirky lines, which don’t appeal to everyone, and the coupe is no better.

The Cayman has the usually slick Porsche lines, with a long tail and built-in spoiler which looks pretty good. On the road performance is not much different, and both have super engines and gearboxes, but they don’t do things in quite the same way. The Cayman is a beautifully balanced car that can be driven fast with confidence, but if you want to hang the tail out, the Z4 might be more to your liking.

Both are great sports cars, and will give you a lot of fun. What else should you consider? Nissan’s 350Z is also quite a car, with a lusty V-6, the Mercedes-Benz 350 SLK 350 and new Audi TT are also worth looking at.

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February-15-10

Ford Extended Warranty – Know The Facts

Posted by admin under New Ford News

An extended warranty is something extrasomething you add-on when you purchase a vehicle. It is different from a regular warranty. Often, a regular warranty will be thrown-in when you buy a vehicle, and it will cover some repair work on certain parts. Usually, such warranties are for a specific amount of time or vehicle use, such as 3 years or 25,000 miles.

An extended warranty, though, covers your vehicle for a longer period of time, for example, 5 years or 50,000 miles. You can usually buy an extended warranty when you buy a vehicle. An extended warranty will be added on to your purchase and worked in to your monthly payment. For as little as it will cost, you will receive peace-of-mind, knowing that your vehicle is covered around the time when you might expect something to go wrong.

You can buy an extended warranty from the dealer, through a broker, or even from the manufacturer. Take the Ford extended warranty, for example. They offer a number of extended warranties for their vehicles. If you drive a Ford Focus, you are offered these Ford extended warranty options: pre-paid maintenance plan, powertraincare extended service plan (covers 29 components), basecare extended service plan (covers 84 components), extracare extended service plan (covers 113 components), and the premiumcare extended service plan (covers over 500 components).

There are many options for a Ford extended warranty. You need to look at your vehicle, study the plans, and decide how much comfort and peace-of-mind you want or need. For example, if you trust Ford, you might select the pre-paid maintenance plan. This plan will cover basic maintenance, and make sure that your car is kept optimal. But if you want more protection, you might choose the powertrain plan, or any of the other plans that offer more-and-more protection.

A Ford extended warranty offers you the peace-of-mind directly from the manufacturer and helps you feel secure driving your vehicle.

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February-14-10

Loans – New Cars For Old

Posted by admin under New Cars

Thinking of buying a new car? Unless youre paying cash, presumably youre looking for the best way to finance the car of your choice.

For people who choose to buy a new car every two or three years, personal contract purchase, or PCP, is gaining in popularity. Your car dealer or the manufacturer effectively lends you the balance of the car, after youve paid a deposit of 20 to 25 per cent. A fixed trade in price is promised at the end of the deal. An annual mileage limit will be agreed and as long as this isnt exceeded you will be offered a choice of options when the contract ends.

The choices will be

1. To return the car and change to a new one.

2. To trade it in at its second hand value this may be more than the guaranteed figure, which makes it well worth doing.

3. To keep the car, making a final payment of the outstanding balance.

Many people simply replace their car every couple of years, using the first option and keeping to the same dealer or manufacturer.

An alternative to personal contract purchasing is a simple car lease plan. An initial deposit is paid, which works out at three times the monthly lease payment. The lease payment is then made for 24 or 36 months, depending on the contract. At the end of the time you simply return the car and walk away. There are no obligations and youre free to go ahead and choose your next vehicle without the complications of selling a second hand one.

To make a comparison on costs using the two methods shown above, if you take a vehicle costing 14,995, bought through a personal contract purchase plan from a dealer, on a 3 year plan, you would pay a deposit of 1,548. There would then be a repayment period of 36 months @ 309 per month. The deal would guarantee you 3,861 towards a new car if you were staying with the same dealership. Alternatively you could purchase the car outright for this sum and sell or use it in part exchange it towards your new car.

If you take the same vehicle on the second (lease) plan, you would make an initial payment of 969 and the monthly payment would be 323.

The other choices to consider for vehicle finance are personal loans or hire purchase. With hire purchase the loan is secured on the vehicle. Because of this, if you get behind on your repayments, the vehicle can be repossessed by the lender. Obviously, having completed the payments on the car, at the end of the period, the vehicle is yours, without any ties, limitations on mileage etc.,

Offers of low or even no-cost credit can be found. Unfortunately theyre often unavailable on the model of your choice. In common with many other manufacturers, Vauxhall have some excellent offers with several models currently being offered at 0% interest over four years. For models not in the 0% range, for example the Astra Life 1.6 16v, the offer is considerably higher and in fact doubles the interest rate which most people pay via GMAC, the company that offers loans for customers buying directly from Vauxhall.

Of course, you dont have to go along with the manufacturers deals and can work out your own comparisons by comparing the cost of personal loans. Log on to the internet and find a broker to check out the various loans available.

In general most car manufacturers will be able to offer some good deals when it comes to finance and its worth finding out whats on offer for the car of you choice. Its always a good idea to check what the same vehicle would cost using a personal loan and weighing up the final price paid is always worthwhile.

So, whatever your choice, personal loan, hire purchase, personal contract purchase or a simple lease plan, there are plenty of ways to finance your new car. Do your sums right and there are big savings to be made.

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February-14-10

The 2007 Chevrolet Impala: A Review

Posted by admin under New Chevrolet News

The Chevrolet Impala has always put a premium on comfort and convenience as well as a nice, clean look that makes it attractive to the eye. Besides that, it’s also a lot of fun to drive. For 2007, the Cheverolet Imapala has also been redesigned and upgraded.

For starters, the 2007 Impala impresses with its new generation V6 engines, particularly the 3.9 liter V6 which offers improved fuel economy through GM’s Active Fuel Management System in its engine.

The new models have the standard tire-pressure monitor as well as the OnStar service, which has been upgraded with a new navigation service that guides you turn by turn. If you’re in a crash, Onstar will tell 911 how severe the damage is and automatically communicate your location.

As a mid-size sedan, it’s a big car but the Impala is nearly a full-size too large for that class. The Imapala is big enough to allow you easy entry and exit, plus thh front and back seats are pretty spacious. The trunk is huge and you can flip and fold the back seats for even more cargo space.

On the road, the Impala cruises easily and is very stable. Handling is superb and even surprising given its size. The V6 engine, especially the larger 3.9 liter V6, provides plenty of low-end torque.

The 2007 Chevrolet Impala comes in several models, ranging from reliable family sedans to sleek performance cars. An excellent example of the model line is the mid-level Impala LT because it’s strong, reliable and fuel efficient with its 3.5 liter V6 engine, which is standard for both the LT and LS. The 3.5-liter V6 has 211 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque.

The LT also has an option for the 3.9 liter V6 engine which generates 232 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the LTZ has all that as well as leather interiors. The SS boasts of the 5.3 liter V8 engine, with 303 horsepower and 323 pound-feet torque for superb acceleration. The SS has the most power and torque among all the models in this class.

All models are equipped with the four-wheel disc brake system, which is a vast improvement over past models. It has new front brakes and stronger rear brakes as well as a brake booster.

In terms of competition, the Impala is usually ranged against the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Dodge Charger and Ford 500.

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February-10-10

When Style Meets Performance: Exotic Cars 101

Posted by admin under Sports Cars

Searching for a quality luxury car will inevitably bring anyone to the rather apt adjective, exotic. Exotic food or exotic beauty may be more clearly defined, but what really makes for an exotic sports car?

Sleek and Elegant Design

Part of what makes an exotic sports car is the vehicles streamlined, sleek, and smooth designs, all of which serve functional purposes to the overall performance of the car albeit being so highly aesthetically pleasing.

Indeed, even exotic sports car makers know emphasis that car enthusiasts and racers put on design per se. After all, owning an exotic sports car in contrast to owning a car is, in itself, a status symbol. This status is endowed not only by the make of the car but also the style and visual appeal.

In fact, companies like Ferrari even employ design houses to come up with their car designs. Design powerhouse Pininfarina, for example, designed the 2002 Ferrari ENZO.

Breakneck Speeds

While design is one of the considerations of many car enthusiasts, the primary characteristic that by-far differentiates a sports car from the rest is its acceleration and maintainable road speed. When it comes to sports cars, its all a matter of speed, speed, and more speed. A pretty car wont cut it if it cannot deliver the exhilarating ride that is expected of every sports car.

Exotic cars are continually challenging the rate at which a car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. Designs are beginning to be shaped from the engineering needs of the car, in order to suitably deliver a new record speed. As of the moment, the 1994 Dauer 962 LeMans continues to reign with 2.6 seconds. However, with the likes of the 2002 Ferrari ENZO being designed based on the specifications of making a fast car, expect faster sports cars in the near future.

One-in-a-Million

Indeed, exotic sports cars arent the type that mass produced and you cant but then off-the-lot. Part of its exotic appeal is the fact that you can only have a certain number of models made available for sale. The rarer and more difficult to acquire, the greater a cars exotic value.

Its in the Name

Most cars dont need visualization to be called exotic, they just are. These would include your cult sports car classicsyour Porsche, your Ferrari, your Lamborghini.

While an exotic sports car may be subjectively defined over a huge stratum, its safe to believe that these qualities are more or less held in commonality by any definition. At any rate, one look at a car may be enough to give you a clue.

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