A mighty Outback breaks ground at Subaru's new USA HQ

Subaru is getting down to business at its new American headquarters. Announced just a year ago, the Japanese automaker just broke ground for construction of the new facility. And though it's moving from its existing location, the company is staying in New Jersey just as it has for nearly half a century now.

The new facility is being built in Camden, opposite Campell's headquarters in a development spearheaded by the soup company. As part of the project, Subaru will relocate its current offices from Cherry Hill and Pennsauken to the new Camden headquarters, which will accommodate over 600 employees in one building with 250,000 square feet and another with 83,000 – more than double the size of its current headquarters. The distribution and training center, however, will stay put in Florence, NJ. The $118 million project is earmarked for completion by the end of 2017.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place yesterday in front of an array of historic Subaru models. The earth itself was moved by a specially prepared yellow Outback wagon with a plow attached to the front. Subaru's decision to remain in Jersey comes in stark contrast to Mercedes' move out of the state and down south to Georgia. Other automakers with their North American headquarters in New Jersey include Volvo in Rockleigh, Mitsubishi (ironically) in Swedesboro, BMW in Woodcliff Lake, and Jaguar Land Rover in Mahwah.

Source: autoblog.com

9 Free Apps That'll Help You Reach (and keep) Your New Year's Resolutions

Ready or not, the new year's here. And if you're like everyone else around you right now, you're coming up with some pretty ambitious resolutions. That's awesome. Also probably a little bit scary. Sure, it's easy to say you're going to get more organized — but how are you actually going to do that?

While I can't volunteer to follow you around for the year to keep you on track (nor do I think you would want me to), I can introduce you to nine free apps that'll provide you a few shortcuts and get you closer to accomplishing your goals.

1. If your resolution is to learn more

Build your knowledge in minutes a day with the Curiosity app. Watch hand-picked videos on five fascinating topics, or if you're really pressed for time, just peek at the key facts and infographics to learn something new in seconds. Of course, this won't replace a taking a class, but it will expand your horizons and make you feel much more informed and up-to-date.

2. If your resolution is to save more

Stop wondering where your money goes and plan for your financial future with Mvelopes. This app uses the concept of "spending envelopes" to track your spending and create a plan for your income. To make your life as easy as possible, it syncs with your bank securely and seamlessly. Oh, and once you're set up, you can see in just seconds the funds you have left in each virtual envelope for your customized budget categories.

3. If your resolution is to relax more

It's crazy that we have to carve out time to relax these days, but we do. And Headspace is just the app to help you get there. It offers guided and unguided mediations lasting anywhere from two to 60 minutes. Plus, it sends you reminders to make sure you don't forget to take that break. And even better, it offers digital rewards if you make chilling out a regular habit.

4. If your resolution is to break a bad habit

Is your problem that you spend hours at work browsing YouTube videos, letting emails pile up in your inbox, or drinking coffee all day, every day? No judgment here. Personally, I'm fueled by Diet Coke. But HabitRPG can help you get your vices under control and have fun doing it. Like the name suggests, it's a role-playing game. But, instead of zapping bad guys for no reason, you play by living up to your promises — or slipping back into old habits. You can earn points and rewards for overcoming temptations, compete against your friends in willpower battles, or join a guild to find other players with similar struggles.

5. If your resolution is to read more

Remember what it's like to spend all day curled up with a good book? Me neither! But I still need to — and want to — keep up with my reading. That's where an app like ReadMe! can be a lifesaver. The app's colorized streaming text reduces the amount you have to move your eyes so you can read more quickly. You can amp up the speed if you're really in a hurry, or slow it down if you want a more relaxing experience. ReadMe! also allows syncing between devices and offline reading, so now there's no excuse for not getting caught up on that pile of books you've been collecting.

6. If your resolution is to get up from your desk more

It's great if you love your job so much that you can spend hours absorbed in it. But it's not great to spend all those hours glued to your chair. Apps like Stand up for Android or Stand Up! for iPhone will make sure that you don't let being in the zone destroy your health. Both of them let you choose the intervals when you'll get a "take a break" reminder. However, it's up to you to decide what you do during that time — maybe a few yoga stretches, a hike up and down the stairs, or just a brisk walk to grab a glass of water.

7. If your resolution is to start packing healthier lunches

Helping you make meals that are good for you is Yummly's specialty. The recipe app has a powerful search feature that sifts through top food blogs to find options that'll satisfy your cravings — but in a healthy way. Bonus! It also serves up gorgeous, full-sized photos of the mouth-watering dishes you're planning to prepare.

Try looking for "quick lunch," "simple lunch," or "hot lunch," and you'll get a load of delicious recipes you can easily compare and choose from. Even better, you can create shopping lists for each recipe and access or organize them onany device. Oh, and you can use that powerful filter to get recipes that fit your nutritional goals, avoid your allergies, and work with your tastes, or you can add your own favorite dishes to the app so that your "Yums" are always right at your fingertips.

8. If your resolution is to get organized

Does the thought of everything you have to do in 2016 already overwhelm you? Stay on top of your tasks with your very own virtual assistant from 24me. It brings your to-dos from your calendar, task manager, notes, social networks, financial institutions, and more together in one place automatically, reminding you about your cannot-be-missed errands and due dates.

The power of the app comes from both consolidating all your information and giving you one-click ways to get things done. So, paying your electric bill, ordering a birthday gift for your boss, or getting to your client meeting on time is as fast and painless as possible. And, if you're so busy that you can't even get it all done yourself, 24me will put you in touch with an actual assistant to run your errands or tackle your tasks.

9. If your resolution is to be more punctual

The last resolution tool isn't exactly an app, but it does use your smartphone to try to cure you of an annoying habit — being late. Interruptive is a Chrome extension that calls you to remind you that it's time to hit the road for your next appointment, or that you need to get started on that project you've been putting off now.

Interruptive integrates nicely with Google Calendar so all you have to do is decide how much in advance you want to be reminded of important events. The service will call you then — and keep calling you every minute for five minutes — until you confirm the call. Truly annoying, but definitely hard to ignore. And honestly, it's probably exactly what you need if you're known for being a little more than fashionably late.

New year's resolutions definitely require a good dose of stick-to-it-ness, but these apps make it easier to see them through. Good luck!

This article originally published at The Muse here

Fall Driving Safety Tips

As weather and road conditions change with the season, following fall driving safety tips will help keep you safe as you enjoy the cool crisp air and the beautiful colors of the autumn leaves.

The Dangers of Leaves on the Roads
When leaves accumulate on the roadway and become wet, they can get extremely slippery, making the driving conditions similar to driving on ice. If the temperature drops below freezing, the wet leaves will freeze and turn into dangerous icy leaves on the roadway. Besides reducing the car's traction, causing skidding and the possibility of losing control of the vehicle, leaves often cover the painted road markings, making it difficult to know the locations of the lanes.

• Slow down if you are driving on a road covered with leaves, especially when driving around turns.
• Allow yourself plenty of room to stop in an emergency. Keep a greater distance between you and the car in front of you.
• Leaves make it difficult to see potholes and bumps in the road.
• A pile of leaves raked to the side of the road is an inviting place to a child. Children enjoy jumping into the leaf piles or burrowing down into them and hiding. Never drive through a leaf pile. Use caution going around turns and where children are playing.
• Keep your windshield leaf free to avoid wet leaves getting stuck under the windshield wiper blades.
• In order to avoid the possibility of a fire hazard from the exhaust system or catalytic converter, never park your vehicle over a pile of leaves .

Changing Weather Conditions
In many areas, autumn is a damp, wet season. There are many rainy or foggy days and nights. As the temperatures drop, frost often coats the ground at night.

• When driving in fog, set your headlight to low beam. This setting aims the beam of light down toward the roadway.
• In the fall as temperatures drop, frost often forms on the roadway, causing hazardous driving conditions. Drive slowly and break gently at overpasses and bridges as these areas frost over more quickly than other roadway surfaces.
• Be aware of areas where black ice forms on the roadway.

Adjust for Fewer Hours of Daylight
In the fall there are fewer hours of daylight. In the earlier darkness it is common to see children outside playing or riding their bicycles. People are walking their dogs, jogging or taking late afternoon or evening walks. In the fading light of dusk it is more difficult to see the children and pedestrians.

• Watch out for children at their bus stops in the morning and as they return home in the afternoon.
• Halloween is a fun fall holiday. Take special care where children are out trick or treating. They may be wearing masks or costumes that limit their visibility.
• Always drive defensively.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Keep your headlights cleaned and in proper working order, making sure they are aligned.
• Replace your windshield wiper blades if they show any signs of wear.
• Keep an emergency car safety kit in your vehicle.

Additional Fall Safety Driving Tips

• Always keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle. Fall sunrises and sunsets can be very brilliant. The bright sun often creates a large amount of glare, making it difficult to see other vehicles, the roadway or the road's shoulder. Wearing sunglasses during these times reduces the danger.
• If you live in an area where there are deer, they are more apt to run into the roadway especially at dawn and dusk since the fall is an active breeding time. If you see a deer cross the roadway, proceed very slowly as they often travel in groups.

Naturally safe driving practices are essential all through the year. However, being aware of the unique autumn driving hazards and following the fall driving safety tips here will make you a safer driver.

Source: safety.lovetoknow.com

FORD ANNOUNCES APOLLO EDITION MUSTANG TO CELEBRATE INNOVATION AND INSPIRATION OF APOLLO MISSIONS

•  U.S. Apollo spaceflight program inspires one-of-a-kind 2015 Ford Mustang to be donated and sold at charity auction July 23 at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin
• Donation and sale will benefit EAA youth aviation education programs, including Young Eagles
• Unique Ford vehicles have raised nearly $3 million for EAA youth aviation programs, including Young Eagles

As far as special edition Mustangs go, this one is out of this world.

For the eighth straight year, Ford Motor Company has created a unique, aviation-inspired Ford Mustang to benefit Experimental Aircraft Association youth education programs, including the Young Eagles. The Apollo Edition Mustang will be donated and sold via auction at the Gathering of Eagles charity event, July 23, at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 – the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.

All proceeds from the sale of the car will benefit EAA youth education programs, including the Young Eagles, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.9 million young people since 1992, helping grow the next generation of aviators.

Ford serves as exclusive automotive sponsor of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015, held July 20-26 this year at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“The Apollo program delivered astonishing innovations in technology and achieved a national goal of landing the first human on the moon,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the Ford board of directors. “The entire program was extraordinary – one of our nation’s greatest technological achievements. With this year’s stunning Apollo Edition Mustang, we salute that spirit of American ingenuity with the quintessential American automobile – Ford Mustang.”

Based on a 2015 fastback Ford Mustang GT, Ford design and engineering teams transformed the 5.0-liter pony car into the Apollo Edition Mustang – a truly unique and highly valued vehicle that will excite enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Led by Ford Design Manager Melvin Betancourt, the exterior features a one-of-a-kind glossy pure white and pure black non-production paint scheme that delivers a creative connection with the NASA Apollo program. The Apollo Edition Mustang features a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, rocker moldings and accent treatments, along with unique LED underbody lighting to symbolize atmospheric re-entry.

Performance enhancements include a performance package, Ford Performance supercharger and shifter, X-pipe with side and rear exhaust, sport-tuned suspension, six-piston Brembo brakes and custom Forgiato 21-inch performance wheels. This Mustang will deliver a heart-pounding 627 horsepower and 540 lb.-ft. of torque to provide an exhilarating, controlled launch for its new owner.

The theme carries into the cabin with exclusive interior details, including performance gauges, modified instrument cluster, unique sill plates and embroidered elements in seats, trim panels and floor mats.

The auction of the Apollo Edition Mustang will be the pinnacle of the EAA Gathering of Eagles gala. The event annually draws more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts in support of EAA youth education programs, which inspire young people to become engineers, aviators, astronauts, scientists and innovators – the aviation pioneers of tomorrow.

“Ford has been a committed sponsor of EAA and AirVenture for more than 15 years – bringing incredible value to those who make Oshkosh the highlight of their aviation year,” said Jack Pelton, EAA chairman of the board. “With its eighth Mustang donation, Ford continues to excite with its specialty vehicles, which reflect the depth of the company’s commitment and which allow EAA to provide support to its valuable programs and dedicated members in helping us grow the next generation of aviators.”

The Apollo Edition Mustang joins seven other one-of-a-kind Mustangs created by the Ford design and engineering teams for the auction in support of EAA youth education. Ford vehicles donated at EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised nearly $3 million.

The unique vehicles that support EAA youth education programs including Young Eagles, are:

• 2008 – Mustang AV8R, with cues from F-22 Raptor, which helped introduce the glass-roof canopy and delivered an auction contribution of $500,000
• 2009 – AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll” Mustang, crafted in honor of the World War II aircraft
• 2010 – Two automotive icons – the late Carroll Shelby, former U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and Jack Roush, longtime P-51 pilot – collaborated for the first time to create the SR-71 Blackbird Mustang inspired by legendary reconnaissance jet
• 2011 – Blue Angels Mustang, created to celebrate 100 years of U.S. naval aviation
• 2012 – Red Tails Mustang, to pay homage to Tuskegee Airmen – courageous squadron of P-51 Mustang pilots who were the United States’ first African American military airmen
•  2013 – U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition Mustang, built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team
• 2014 – F-35 Lightning Edition II Mustang, which featured design cues from the world’s most advanced multirole fighter jet – the F-35 Lightning

The Apollo Edition Mustang will proudly be on display all week in the Ford hangar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015. To participate in the auction, interested parties must prequalify by contacting the EAA development office, (800) 236-1025 or donor@eaa.org.

The Apollo Edition Mustang was modified by MAD Industries, led by Chris Mangum. Interior enhancements were designed by Ford’s Betancourt and Nicole Rush, and created in-house by Ford’s design fabrication team. Additional contributors to the project include Ford Performance, Eibach Springs, Carbon 2 Carbon, BASF automotive refinish, Gibson performance exhaust, Pirelli tires, Forgiato wheels, Rigid Industries LED lighting, SourceSE by sPod, 3M window film, PIAA Corporation, Brembo, APR performance, FOCAL/The Source AV and Odyssey battery.

Source: https://media.ford.com

3 important chassis upgrades are coming to 2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek

Subaru UK has announced a raft of modifications and upgrades to the chassis of the 2016 XV compact crossover. What 3 upgrades did XV get?

The Subaru XV already has the lowest center of gravity in the compact crossover class, the highest ground clearance and it’s stable off-road. Subaru says they have made upgrades to all-wheel-drive vehicle’s suspension that will result in a smoother, more compliant ride.

What Subaru engineers did to the XV chassis

For the 2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek, Subaru says their main focus for upgrades to the chassis was to improve the car’s ride quality and reduce the intrusion of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) into the cabin.

Engineers at Fuji Heavy industries (FHI) retuned the front and rear suspension by lowering the pitch rate of the dampers and the coil springs get new settings. Subaru says this will improve ride quality by suppressing the transfer of vibrations into the cabin and the changes will further reduce roll for greater cornering stability.

The new spring rate settings should improve stability under cornering by ensuring greater tire contact with the road, while allowing for greater flexibility in ride over rough road surfaces.

Subaru also changed the steering ratio on XV and the 2016 model will be 10 percent quicker than before. This will improve the small crossovers steering response and provide more linear, direct and stable handling characteristics, requiring only 2.8 turns, lock-to-lock. The XV’s front cross-member has also been stiffened to improve steering stability.

NVH improvements

2016 XV also gets a quieter cabin from extra sound-absorbent material throughout the crossover and from the adoption of new under-bonnet insulators. This cuts vibrations from the engine and reduces wind and road noise in the cabin.

The XV’s under-body cover has also been reshaped to reduce wind noise around the rear of the car, while thicker glass for the front side windows and front quarter lights further reduces wind noise around the A-and B-pillars. Subaru says the new XV’s cabin is now 1dB quieter under acceleration or when traveling at high speed.

The upgraded 2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek goes on sale in the UK this month. In spite of all the chassis upgrades, Subaru was able to keep its existing on-the-road price, with the range starting from 21,995 British Pounds. There were also upgrades made to the XV’s interior and infotainment.

Source: http://www.torquenews.com/

Five Ways Chevrolet Engineered A Lighter 2016 Malibu

General Motors is on a mission to get Chevrolet back in the business of selling cars. The previous-generation Malibu should be a long distant memory once consumers hop inside the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, which has been refined in every way imaginable.

But, today, we’re going to talk about weight. Chevrolet designed and engineered the 2016 Malibu to create the most mass-efficient midsize sedan on the market. In the process, 300 pounds have been stripped from the car, while stretching the overall length. In fact, the 2016 Malibu now sits as the lightest midsize sedan when comparing curb weights.

How was Chevrolet able to engineer the car, and return those kinds of weight savings? Here are five of them.

1. Leaner, stronger body structure

Chevrolet says more than one-third of the weight savings, 120 pounds, comes from the car’s all-new structure. High-strength steel plays an important part in designing thinner surfaces, sucking the mass with them, and actually creating a safer vehicle.

The stronger, yet lighter, structure meant engineers were able to tune the suspension more precisely. Less body flex means a sharper, more tactile 2016 Malibu.

From there, extensive computational analysis, which Chevrolet says employed hours of sophisticated modeling programs, were able to target where high-strength steel would be most effective, such as the rockers and pillars, creating a lighter vehicle, but preserving its crash worthiness.

“The analysis took the guesswork out of the Malibu’s development, allowing the chassis to be developed with the just-right level of structural components,” said Amir Sewani, structural engineer. “After the structure was determined, we started looking at all the components that are attached to it, evaluating where they could be optimized for lower weight.”

2. Greater use of aluminum

We said it once before that the 2016 Cadillac CT6 would be a preview to General Motors mixed material usage strategy in upcoming cars. Here, we have the proof. Aluminum is lighter than conventional steel, and has been used in critical locations around the vehicle to lower the 2016 Malibu’s mass.

The new aluminum hood alone is 6.6 pounds lighter than the current car’s steel, but aluminum can also be found in the car’s suspension knuckles, and chassis components. Less unsprung mass creates responsiveness in return, something Chevrolet is proud of in the 2016 Malibu.

3. Streamlined instrument panel assembly and lighter power accessories

On the quest for weight savings, Chevrolet dug deeper into the car to see where unnecessary mass was hidden. The engineering team squeezed another 4.2 pounds out of the 2016 Malibu by replacing the power window regulators, and designing simpler dash components. The simplified dashboard components have less integrated parts, reducing weight by another 2.2 pounds.

That includes the center console, which benefits from a streamlined-structural shell that is 1.75 pounds lighter than the current Malibu. Not only does it save weight, but the ergonomics make it a much more pleasant place to be.

4. Lighter leather seats and other soft materials

Long gone are the days of hard plastics in the Chevrolet Malibu. Chevrolet says new soft-touch materials have been used throughout the entire car. But the biggest piece are the new, lighter leather seats. The new seats weigh in 40.6 pounds lighter than the outgoing car’s, making it quite an essential piece in designing a lighter Malibu.

The soft material Chevrolet implemented include a new trunk liner, with a savings of 1.5 pounds, and proprietary interior carpet material to save another 1.1 pounds.

5. A lighter engine

Besides the new structure in the 2016 Malibu, here is the greatest weight saver of all. The new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder strikes 86 pounds from the 2016 Malibu’s figure. While it’s no Mazda Miata, the weight savings over the old 2.5-liter help with a better front-to-rear weight balance.

Source: http://gmauthority.com

3 important updates are coming on 2016 Subaru Forester

Subaru announced pricing and updates for the 2016 Forester. What new refinements do consumers get for the modest price increase?

Subaru’s best-selling Forester gets new updates in safety and infotainment for 2016. The new model gets a modest price increase from $200 in the base 2.5i Forester to $700 for the 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and 2.5i Touring models. The 2016 Forester 2.0XT Premium with a 2.0-liter Boxer engine and Lineartronic CVT with manual mode and paddle shifters, also gets a $700 price bump and starts at $29,195. 2.0XT Touring starts at $33,795 (+$700). All models will add $850 destination and delivery. What do Forester buyers get for the price increase?

What’s new for 2016?

The 2016 Subaru Forester SUV gets several upgrades for the new model year. New for 2016, Forester models equipped with EyeSight now include Steering-Responsive Fog Lights. This added safety feature uses the pre-aimed fog lights to individually provide enhanced illumination in the direction of a turn. 2016 Forester also gets new safety and infotainment upgrades.

New STARLINK safety and security

For 2016, Forester Premium, Limited and Touring trims now feature two new Subaru STARLINK Safety and Security packages. STARLINK Safety Plus package includes SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts. The STARLINK Safety Plus & Security Plus Package adds Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights and Remote Vehicle Locator.

The fourth generation Forester received a remodel from the ground up and the SUV had its best-ever sales in its 18 year history last month. Forester is Subaru’s top seller in the lineup for the Japanese automaker and had its best January ever. The Consumer Reports picks are mirroring what’s going on in...read more.

STARLINK infotainment

All 2016 Forester trim lines now feature STARLINK, Subaru’s in-vehicle platform that gives drivers entertainment services and hands-free connectivity. Owners can use their smartphones and tap into nearly unlimited entertainment with apps like Pandora, iHeartRadio Aha, and Stitcher. The technology can deliver live traffic alerts and helps reduce driver distraction by displaying texts and allowing the driver to use voice commands for music and navigation (when equipped).

The 2016 Forester 2.5i base model features STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia with a 6.2-in. single-touch gesture display. Forester Premium, Limited and Touring trims get upgraded STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Plus with a high-resolution 7-in. LCD screen featuring multi-touch gesture controls as standard.

The 2016 Subaru Forester compact SUV begins arriving at dealerships this summer.

Source: http://www.torquenews.com/