Autoblog UK http://uk.autoblog.com Autoblog UK http://uk.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog UK http://uk.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New concept from Subaru]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/new-concept-from-subaru/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/new-concept-from-subaru/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/new-concept-from-subaru/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Subaru Hybrid Tourer was the main attraction on the company's stand at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. The PR people had even worked out a catchy slogan for it: "Take a Moment to Free Your Mind." Subaru envisage the Hybrid Tourer as a new approach to designing the Grand Tourismo vehicles of tomorrow, which will need to combine the two virtues of reliability and eco-friendliness in equal measure. In the case of this concept tourer, the Japanese manufacturer has gone for a two-engine hybrid system, with a motor under the bonnet busy generating electricity and powering the front wheels while another electric motor at the back drives the rear axle. Particularly eye-catching are two gull-wing doors providing easy access to the four individual seats. Large expanses of glass give an impression of airy spaciousness in the cabin of this 4.63-metre-long vehicle.

Gallery: Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept

 

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]]>SubaruSubaru Hybrid Tourer2009-11-25T04:21:00+00:00<![CDATA[Cadillac CTS heading for Europe?]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/cadillac-cts-heading-for-europe/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/cadillac-cts-heading-for-europe/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/cadillac-cts-heading-for-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The new CTS Coupe is due to arrive in showrooms throughout the USA some time in spring 2010. Cadillac are keeping their options open about a market launch in Europe. This two-door model bears a strong visual resemblance to the design study presented at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2008. At 4.79 metres in length, the 2+2-seater takes the marque's current angular line of styling one stage further. Striking features are the front windscreen sloping at an angle of 62 degrees and a large, almost horizontally inclined rear window. The American designers have dispensed with conventional door handles, preferring touchpad technology to open the vehicle. Underneath the elegant bonnet is a 3.6L direct-injection six-cylinder engine pumping out 311 horsepower.

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Coupe

 

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]]>Cadilas CTSCadillac2009-11-25T02:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[Volkswagen step in to save Karmann]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/volkswagen-step-in-to-save-karmann/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/volkswagen-step-in-to-save-karmann/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/volkswagen-step-in-to-save-karmann/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Volkswagen are girding up their loins to take on the might of market leader Toyota. Over the next three years, they intend to plough €25.8bn into their car making business. Following the integration of Porsche, the group has now taken over Karmann. The Wolfsburg-based giant will be setting up a new subsidiary to manage its involvement in the insolvent supplier company and plans to retain more than 1,000 of the present Karmann workforce. Volkswagen have secured machinery, plant and premises from the former open-top specialist manufacturer and also have ideas for a new vehicle project. Despite the global downturn, Volkswagen are set to produce 6.2 million units during the current financial year.

Gallery: Karmann

 

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]]>KarmannPorscheVolkswagenVW2009-11-24T04:40:00+00:00<![CDATA[The duck resurfaces]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/the-duck-resurfaces/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/the-duck-resurfaces/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/the-duck-resurfaces/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The VW Beetle, the Mini and the Fiat 500 are all brilliant examples of small cars from the good old days that have gained an ever-increasing number of new admirers and buyers after relaunch. The retro trend has been a resounding success for those manufacturers. The next cult car is now in the pipeline. Citroen are to resurrect the 2CV, better known as the 'Duck'. Around five million examples of the Duck sold worldwide between 1948 and 1990. In truth, there's not much left of the old body shape but at first sight, the car looks very zippy. The Citroen DS2's design is largely based on the REVOLTe concept car that so fascinated visitors to September's Frankfurt Motor Show. The treatment of the rear holds the greatest nostalgia value for former fans - it's very accomplished. The lack of a roll-up roof is sure to be addressed in a future model. Expected price is a not unreasonable 13,000 euros, (around £11,700).

Gallery: Citroen REVOLTe Concept/DS2



Gallery: Citroen 2CV

 

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]]>CitroenCitroen DS2Citroen REVOLTe Concept2009-11-23T02:35:00+00:00<![CDATA[Porsche as sweet temptation]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/porsche-as-sweet-temptation/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/porsche-as-sweet-temptation/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/porsche-as-sweet-temptation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If you're looking for an unusual Christmas decoration, Porsche Gelderland in the small Dutch town of Heteren could provide you with some inspiration. The local dealership has had a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S completely coated in chocolate. Master chocolatier Jan Blancken melted 175 kilos of the stuff and used it to covert the bodywork of the Porsche. For good measure, he spread a few kilos of white chocolate onto the headlights. The photo gallery shows each stage of the creation of this masterpiece which is set to decorate the showroom in the run-up to Christmas. The Porsche has 385 horsepower tucked away under its sweet bonnet. The technical specification of the brown racer will now presumably have to be supplemented with its calorie count.

Gallery: Porsche Chocolate 911

 

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]]>Jan BlanckenPorsche2009-11-21T04:42:00+00:00<![CDATA[Horsepower miracle from Denmark]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/horsepower-miracle-from-denmark/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/horsepower-miracle-from-denmark/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/horsepower-miracle-from-denmark/#commentsFiled under: ,


Since 2004, Zenvo Automotive based in the small Danish town of Viby have been developing an incredible supercar. The Zenvo ST1 can compete effortlessly with the big names such as the Bugatti Veyron, Maserati MC12 and Pagani Zonda. There aren't many vehicles with an output of over 1,000 horsepower but you can now add the 1,104bhp Zenvo ST1 to the list. A 7.0-litre V8, turbocharged and supercharged engine sees service in the Zenvo ST1 to produce a staggering amount of grunt. Around 1,430nm of torque haul the rear-wheel drive car from 0 to 100km/h (0-62mph) in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds.

Gallery: Zenvo ST1

 

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]]>Zenvo AutomotiveZenvo ST12009-11-21T02:39:00+00:00<![CDATA[Lingenfelter planning to build a Firebird]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/lingenfelter-planning-to-build-a-firebird/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/lingenfelter-planning-to-build-a-firebird/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/lingenfelter-planning-to-build-a-firebird/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Since 2004, a string of muscle cars from the sixties and seventies have been making a comeback. Mustangs, Challengers and Camaros can again be found in places other than America. Iconic names bristling with new technology sell well. All that's actually still missing is a retro version of the Firebird, Pontiac's last great cult car.

In 2009, General Motors announced Pontiac's demise due to the worldwide economic crisis. Unfortunately for fans, there won't be a successor to the Firebird. But in the USA, there's one customizer itching to turn dreams into reality. For many years, drag racer John Lingenfelter has belonged to the cream of the US tuning scene. At the SEMA show in Las Vegas, the Indiana-based tuner displayed a Pontiac 455 T/A built on Chevrolet Camaro underpinnings. Lingenfelter intends to gauge the public's response before finally deciding whether to put the Firebird into production. One thing in favour of this relaunch must surely be the performance of the V8 engine under the shaker scoop that should put out 655bhp.

Gallery: Lingenfelter T/A Concept

 

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]]>FirebirdLingenfelter2009-11-20T02:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[Calendar plant]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/calendar-plant/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/calendar-plant/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/calendar-plant/#commentsFiled under:


Every New Year, sales of calendars boom and men's hearts beat faster at the sight of the glossy pictures produced by Pirelli, Hugh Hefner or some other nice publisher. The month indicated is relatively unimportant. It's the girls that make the year bearable. Of course, it doesn't always have to be naked flesh hanging there on the wall. The sight of heavy construction equipment also appeals to the boy inside of every man. Childhood memories of playing in the sandpit are rekindled. Twelve of these fascinating monsters were photographed by Bauforum24 for Heavy Equipment Calendar 2010. Take a quick look at the gallery...

Gallery: Heavy Equipment Calendar 2010

 

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]]>Heavy Equipment Calendar 20102009-11-19T02:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[The car of the future]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/the-car-of-the-future/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/the-car-of-the-future/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/the-car-of-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


Organisers of the Los Angeles Auto Show invited design studios based in Southern California to set out their vision for Mobile Teens in 2030 (Youthmobile 2030). Studies were drawn up by design studios at General Motors, Audi, Honda, Nissan, Mazda and Toyota. 2009 is the sixth year that this Design Challenge has been held. The winner will be announced on Press Day at the Los Angeles Auto Show, 2nd and 3rd December 2009.

Car Hero by General Motors can drive itself and is steered by mobile phone (that's if they are still around in 2030). Audi designers submitted two very bold design studies, the eSpira and the eOra, that are guided to their destination by hand movements (not a good idea for those of us who are not at our best in the mornings but nevertheless need to get to work). Nissan's V2G is an eco-friendly electrically powered car. This e-car has an aerodynamic egg shape and six wheels. In Mazda's Souga, the car's two occupants sit diagonally behind one another. According to its designers, buyers of the Souga will configure the car to suit their needs. Both Nissan and Toyota designers believe that, in 2030, vehicles travelling in the rush hour will often be joined together in groups of two or more. The Toyota's appearance can be digitally altered and tyre friction converted back into energy.

Gallery: LA Design Challenge 2009

 

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]]>AudiHondaMazdaNissanToyota2009-11-18T02:26:00+00:00<![CDATA[Outsider view: Better late than never]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/outsider-view-better-late-than-never/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/outsider-view-better-late-than-never/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/outsider-view-better-late-than-never/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The new compact 5008 MPV is Peugeot's fourth new offering this year. They're really putting their foot down at Peugeot. Despite the credit crunch, new registrations are up for the French manufacturer with the lion on the bonnet. Their success is down to an extensive small-car line-up and a large range of low-emission vehicles, plus their efforts at breaking into new segments of the market, as with the new Peugeot 5008. Pleasing, flexible and offering good value for money, the car takes consumers by surprise. Fans of the marque have had to wait a long time for such an MPV. All good things are worth waiting for... so the saying goes. How true when referring to the 5008.

Gallery: Peugeot 5008

 

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]]>PeugeotPeugeot 50082009-11-17T04:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[New model at Bugatti]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/new-model-at-bugatti/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/new-model-at-bugatti/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/new-model-at-bugatti/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


There's going to be an addition to Volkswagen's luxury marque. The Veyron supercar is getting a big brother. The model is still at the design stage but is now being presented to customers around the world. With the Bugatti 16C Galibier, the manufacturer intends to offer a saloon as well at a future date.

First pictures show that this Bugatti has an elegant shape with a long bonnet, which opens on both sides. This high-class motor car has the obligatory two-tone colour paint job. Doors and wings are made of polished aluminium, the remaining bodywork is carbon fibre. And the rear is sheer poetry. In the cockpit, your gaze immediately alights on the small round gauges. And what do you see? A speedo needle that goes up to 260mph! The Galibier is four-wheel drive and, as in the Veyron, power comes from an 8-litre, 16-cylinder 1,001bhp engine with two-stage supercharging.

Gallery: Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept

 

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]]>BugattiBugatti 16C Galibierfeatured2009-11-16T02:16:00+00:00<![CDATA[Renault: Gordini comeback ]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/renault-gordini-comeback/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/renault-gordini-comeback/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/renault-gordini-comeback/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Iconic tuning brand Gordini is set to return. French manufacturer Renault announced in Paris that the Gordini name will be reintroduced for a new series of high-powered small cars. Renault Sport is to develop these models. First car in the new Gordini line-up will be a converted 133bhp Twingo Sport. Model launch is scheduled for late November and sales will commence in spring 2010. A second 201bhp Gordini-badged car will be unveiled in 2010, based on the Clio RS.

The current wave of nostalgia should increase sales for the French marque. The Gordini name has been synonymous with fast cars from France since the Thirties. Amedee Gordini, born 1899 in Italy, even built Formula One racing cars. Gordini's biggest success came in 1964 with the Renault R8, which secured four out of five top places on the Tour de Corse rally.

Gallery: Renault Gordini

 

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]]>GordiniRenault2009-11-15T04:35:00+00:00<![CDATA[Outsider view: more exclusive than the saloon]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/outsider-view-more-exclusive-than-the-saloon/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/outsider-view-more-exclusive-than-the-saloon/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/outsider-view-more-exclusive-than-the-saloon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The latest E-Class range is gaining an additional model in the shape of the traditional T model estate. This vehicle is popular mainly in Germany, and the home market continues to take around half of all the E-Class Estates produced. But the numbers sold will probably never overtake those of the saloon. Whereas with other manufacturers, estate cars often outsell saloons of similar construction, the E-Class Estate is a vehicle for discerning individuals. In some respects, the estate car is a more exclusive version of an E-Class, just like the coupé. That's shown rather impressively in that 50% of buyers are self-employed and 25% are managers, and by the fact that the T version is mainly for leisure and family use.

Gallery: Mercedes E-Klasse T-Modell

 

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]]>Mercedes-BenzT-Modell2009-11-15T02:16:00+00:00<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Girls, Part Two]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/sema-2009-girls-part-two/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/sema-2009-girls-part-two/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/sema-2009-girls-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Apart from souped-up cars, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas has, of course, the hottest girls of any motor show in the world. Some of the girls' body bits are far superior to any of the cars. This is Part 2 of Motor Show Girls in Las Vegas...

Gallery: SEMA: Girls, Part Two

 

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]]>featuredGirlsSEMA2009-11-14T02:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: the hottest hot rod]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/sema-2009-the-hottest-hot-rod/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/sema-2009-the-hottest-hot-rod/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/sema-2009-the-hottest-hot-rod/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



A quite special hot rod was on display at the SEMA Tuning show, a1934 Ford EcoBoost Hot Rod. This superb example is from tuning company, Detroit Street Rods. It's the first rear-wheel-drive EcoBoost car ever. Under its blue bonnet, a 3.5-liter V6 lump from Ford's EcoBoost range pumps out a colossal 400bhp. A ZZ Top album is ready and waiting in the CD player.

Gallery: 1934 Ford EcoBoost Hot Rod

 

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]]>1934 Ford EcoBoost Hot RodDetroit Street RodsfeaturedSEMA2009-11-13T04:18:00+00:00<![CDATA[Green Steering Wheel Awards 2009: Toyota Prius & VW Blue Motion]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/green-steering-wheel-awards-2009-toyota-prius-and-vw-blue-motion/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/green-steering-wheel-awards-2009-toyota-prius-and-vw-blue-motion/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/green-steering-wheel-awards-2009-toyota-prius-and-vw-blue-motion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Two cars shared this year's eco prize - the Toyota Prius and the VW Blue Motion. Toyota's most fuel efficient hybrid car and Volkswagen's world-beating fuel economy car took the honours for this award, which has been in existence for only three years. The two winners beat the other finalists, the Ford Mondeo LPG, the Mercedes-Benz S400 hybrid and the Smart Car2Go, to the prize.

Gallery: Toyota Prius



Gallery: VW Golf BlueMotion

 

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]]>breakingDas Grne LenkradDas Gruene LenkradGreen Steering WheelToyotaToyota PriusVolkswagenVWVW Blue Motion2009-11-13T02:20:00+00:00<![CDATA[Milan: Eicma motorcycle show 2009]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/milan-eicma-motorcycle-show-2009/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/milan-eicma-motorcycle-show-2009/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/milan-eicma-motorcycle-show-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The biggest motorcycle show of the year was due to start in Milan on Tuesday morning, but Ducati likes to do things its own way on home turf and presented its fresh line-up of 2010 models at a special event on Monday night, attended by the world's media.

Italy's most iconic motorcycle manufacturer took two hours to reveal how it's dealing with the sales crash that has blighted the industry before introducing us to its new bikes. Put simply: Ducati's market share is up but, like everyone else, its sales are down.

Despite the economic doom and gloom, the press conference concluded positively with the unveiling of the new Multistrada 1200; Ducati's crucial offering to the adventure touring segment, one of the only areas of the market that's still growing. It's a bike that has all the right ingredients to challenge BMW's class-leading R1200GS, with stand out features like the trick new Ride Mode Selector, which adjusts the set-up of the bike to suit sport, touring, urban or off-road riding; plus keyless go - a first on a production motorcycle. Expect the new Multistrada in showrooms early next year, with prices starting from £10,995.

When we arrived at the show proper on Tuesday morning, the mood and atmosphere was more muted than we expected. The recession had clearly taken its toll - Honda and Yamaha has both stayed away - and it was left to BMW and Ducati to create the most impressive stands in the halls.

Gallery: Eicma: Girls



Gallery: Eicma: Girls & show report



Gallery: Milan: Eicma motorcycle show 2009

Continue reading Milan: Eicma motorcycle show 2009

 

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]]>Eicma 2009Milan2009-11-12T11:49:00+00:00<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Girls, Part One]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/sema-2009-girls-part-one/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/sema-2009-girls-part-one/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/sema-2009-girls-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


At the SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Market Association) from 3rd - 6th November, the focus was on gas guzzlers - muscle cars, hot-rods, souped-up compact cars, mainly Japanese, and refined luxury European motors. But of course, there were also other highlights, sporting high heels. Here is Part One of Girls in Las Vegas...

Gallery: SEMA: Girls, Part One

 

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]]>GirlsSEMA2009-11-12T04:52:00+00:00<![CDATA[Golden Steering Wheel Awards 2009: Renault Scenic]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/golden-steering-wheel-awards-2009-renault-scenic/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/golden-steering-wheel-awards-2009-renault-scenic/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/golden-steering-wheel-awards-2009-renault-scenic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


As with the supercars, the Golden Steering Wheel for MPVs was decided by readers' votes. Of the six vehicles in the frame, four were French. The Renault Scenic notched up 30.6% of over 250,000 readers' votes in 25 countries. The cars up for an award were: the Fiat Fiorino Qubo, Peugeot 3008 and 5008, Renault Kangoo Be Bob, the Scenic and the Toyota Verso.

Gallery: Renault Scenic

 

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]]>Das Goldene LenkradGolden Steering WheelRenaultRenault Scenic2009-11-12T02:42:00+00:00<![CDATA[Golden Steering Wheel Awards 2009: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG]]>http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/golden-steering-wheel-awards-2009-mercedes-benz-sls-amg/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/golden-steering-wheel-awards-2009-mercedes-benz-sls-amg/http://uk.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/golden-steering-wheel-awards-2009-mercedes-benz-sls-amg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


It appears that there's always a big demand for supercars. At least, that's what you would think looking at the many newcomers in this expensive section. In the Golden Steering Wheel awards, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG beat off its ten competitors in the supercar class. The darling of the Frankfurt Motor Show garnered almost a third of the votes in a poll of readers in Europe.

Amongst the hopefuls were: the Alfa 8C Spider available in a limited production run of 500 units, the beautiful Aston Martin One-77, the hottest 911 ever, the Porsche 911 GT3, the sweet-sounding Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, the mighty 1,001bhp Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport convertible, the new Ferrari California and the Audi R8 Spyder. Other cars in search of an award were: the Japanese cult car, the Nissan GT-R, the new iconic Mercedes SLS, plus the ZR1, which heralds the start of a new era for Chevrolet and the LF-A from Toyota subsidiary, Lexus.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

 

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]]>Das Goldene LenkradGolden Steering WheelMercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz SLS AMG2009-11-11T02:09:00+00:00