2007 Fiat 500: New Interactive Site opened, design your Fiat 500

Fiat 500 officially coming in late 2007. New interactive site where you can build your personal Fiat 500

According to Fiat, in 500 days –or about 1 ½ years, the new Italian mini which will be based on the Trepiuno concept will go in production. The “500”, will also base Ford Europe’s Ka successor, as the two companies signed last year a agreement to co-operate on the joint development and production of a small car (sub-B segment). The outcome of this project will be the delivery to market of two differentiated small cars with individual exterior and interior design.

But before we see the “500” in real life, Fiat has planned an international operation known as “500 wants you”. It is a project that uses the Internet from where it will extend to other means of communication.

“500 wants you” will start as an online laboratory, where users discover the stylistic concept of the new car, express their preferences, propose ideas and contribute, for the first time in motoring history, to its creation, in a combined, active way. The www.fiat500.com site will be open to the public’s contributions and expectations, which will be assessed and possibly used during the actual development of the product.

What is more, the “500 wants you” will evolve into “500ology”, the largest online encyclopaedia of stories and pictures dedicated to the 500, written jointly with the public. Visitors will be able to enter the “Configuration Lab” to play around with and model Fiat’s concept car, and record their ideas. And there will even be a space dedicated to activities for designers, including a competition organised with Designboom (a web magazine for the design world) and an opportunity to create and customise the home page of the site specifically for the web designer community.

But, like many things on the Internet, the “www.fiat500.com” site is in progress, which will welcome new content, activities and initiatives, according to a plan that envisages several updates during the 500 days that precede the launch of the new car, and which will gradually be introduced over the coming months.

In other words, for Fiat, “500 wants you” is an innovative, revolutionary philosophy, employed to conceive a new product, which involves designers, creative people and above all future users in the process directly: “For the first time in the history of our company, and perhaps of the motor industry as a whole, a car will be created with the public and for the public,” explained Luca De Meo, Brand & Commercial Manager for Fiat.

Read more at www.fiat500.com/home.as...

Create your own unique Fiat 500 at www.fiat500.com/lab/lab...

Technorati Tags: Fiat+500, Ford+Ka, Fiat+Trepiuno, autos, auto+news, automotive, cars, automobile, press+release,business,business+news

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Volkswagen board extends the contract of Bernd Pischetsrieder

Volkswagen AG's supervisory board unanimously decided to extend the contract of Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, Chairman of the Board of Management, for another 5 years, until April 16, 2012, ending speculation that the German automaker would change leadership.

In the past two months, Pischetsrieder's future as the Chairman of the VW board was said to be unsafe, as the labor representatives who hold 10 of the 20 board seats, where against his aggressive cost-cutting plan which among others, included 20.000 job-cuts by 2008.

Adding to those speculations, was a quote from former VW Chairman and present Chairman of Porsche's supervisory board, Ferdinand Piech, who said that Pischetsrieder's future was an "open issue."

The announcement for the extension of Pischetsrieder's future in VW came late on Tuesday after a supervisory board meeting in Hamburg, Germany, one day before VW’s annual shareholder meeting. Although terms of the new contract where not released, according to sources, Pischetsrieder re-election has said to be connected with the smoothening of his plans for reform, including keeping VW's component plants.

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2007 Volvo S60 facelift: Refined with sportier profile

The Volvo S60 is being further refined, with the sights firmly set on sharpening the sedan model’s already sporty profile.

“We’re making the S60 even sportier in every respect,” says Gerry Keaney, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service “We’ve both spiced up the design and fine-tuned the chassis to create a car with even greater driving appeal.”

The front spoiler (option) has been redesigned to get a more pronounced and protruding contour at the bottom. On optional variants the entire front spoiler, including the sills and rear lower bumper, are colour coordinated with the car body. The boot lid can also be specified with a sporty new wing spoiler.

The 2007 model also gets a new grille with a larger and more pronounced Volvo emblem in the form of the classic but rejuvenated iron symbol.

The door mirrors feature integrated side indicators. At the same time, a practical new indicator function is being introduced: Press lightly on the lever and the indicator flashes three times.

Three new exterior colours – Electric Silver, Orinoco Blue and Maple Red – give increased freedom of choice, as do the three new aluminium wheels – Nodus (7x16 inches), Tucana (7.5x17 inches) and Eudora (8x18 inches).

Sportier interior with metal decor trim and twin-tone leather upholstery

The interior has a number of new features, including new Grid Aluminium metal decor panels. These panels are optional and have been designed to create a more three-dimensional impression and tactile feeling. On the column stalks, the air intake controls and the steering wheel, aluminium bright work has been added. The bright work is also included on the new three-spoke sports steering wheel in perforated leather (option).

To further enhance the sporty tone, the instrument panel can be optionally specified with the same type of watch-like instruments introduced in the new Volvo S80 and that were previously the exclusive preserve of Volvo’s sportiest model, the S60 R. Another new option is the interior rear-view mirror with built-in compass.

The range of upholstery has been renewed with a sporty leather upholstery option in two contrasting shades and textures topped with contrasting stitching.

Increased driving pleasure with advanced chassis

In order to highlight the car’s sporty nature out on the road, the standard chassis has been further developed in a number of areas. Firmer shock absorbers and springs front and rear increase the car’s torsional rigidity by about 25 percent. The anti-roll bars are also sturdier than before and the bushes are solid, which together promote a harmonious balance between reassuring road manners and supple ride comfort.

“The further-developed chassis makes the S60 even sportier and more enjoyable to drive without compromising on comfort,” says Gerry Keaney.

Active Bi-Xenon Light – turning headlights

The Volvo S60 can also optionally be equipped with Active Bi-Xenon Light – the moving headlight beams that follow the curve of the road. A mini-processor is used to measure and analyse a number of parameters and optimise the beam pattern accordingly. The headlight beams can be turned up to 15 degrees in either direction, and can thus illuminate a longer stretch of road even in curves.

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First FIA GT3 European Championship races at Silverstone

Almost a year exactly since the idea was first put on paper, the FIA GT3 European Championship will take to the track for its inaugural races on Saturday, May 6th

With a grand total of 51 cars having signed up for the season, a grid of up to 46 cars is expected to line up on the Silverstone grid on Saturday, May 6th, for the first one-hour round. The remaining cars should be ready in time for the second event in Oschersleben.

Eight manufacturers will be represented in this first race : the Ascari KZ1R, entered by British team Damax, the Aston Martin DBRS9, entered by Barwell Motorsport and BMS Scuderia Italia, the Corvette Z06 GT3, entered by Carsport Callaway and Riverside, the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, entered by Racing Logistic, Racing Box and Pouchelon Racing, the Ferrari 430 Challenge GT3, entered by JMB Racing Ferrari, the Maserati GranSport Light, in the hands of GPC Sport and AF Corse, the Lamborghini Gallardo, from Reiter Engineering and S-Berg Racing, and last but by no means least, the Porsche 997 GT3 Cup, raced by Larbre Competition, SOFREV Auto Sport Promotion and Tech 9 Motorsport.

As for the drivers, they are a mixed group, including familiar faces from the British and FFSA French GT Championships, such as Roland Berville and Raymond Narac, racing a Larbre Competition Porsche 997 GT3 Cup, or Demitri Deverikos, who won the GT3 category of the British GT Championship last year with Tech 9, and who remains with the team in the GT3 Championship. Gabriel Balthazard (Sofrev), Frederic Makowiecki (Racing Logistic), James Ruffier (Riverside) are also French GT regulars.

A number of younger drivers are also taking part, such as 19-year old Jonathan Cocker, who won the British GT Championship in 2004 and the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia last year, and who will be racing for Barwell in an Aston Martin DBRS9. Maxime Dumarey, racing for Tech 9 Motorsport, is only 17, and already an experienced Belcar driver. Dennis Retera, aged 19, will be racing for S-Berg in a Lamborghini.

Plenty have been regulars in the FIA GT Championship over the years, such as Lilian Bryner, Enzo Calderari and Toni Seiler, all racing for BMS Scuderia Italia in an Aston Martin DBRS9. Bernhard Müller and Michael Trunk return to Lamborghini competition with Reiter Engineering, having raced first a Porsche and then a Lamborghini in the FIA GT Championship. They will be joined at Reiter by former N-GT race winner Jürgen von Gartzen.

The field is not all masculine, with BMS’s Lilian Bryner being joined on the grid by Rachel Green in a Pouchelon Racing Viper.

With any drivers over the age of 55 authorised to take part, regardless of their careers, some extremely well-known names will also line up, such as 1998 FIA GT Champion Klaus Ludwig, racing a Carsport Callaway Corvette Z06 GT3. Or Anthony Reid, who has had a long career in touring and sports cars, and who will be sharing his Pouchelon Dodge Viper with paraplegic racer Gilles Duqueine. Tiff Needell, who raced as far as Formula One, and is now better known as a broadcaster, will be racing for Barwell.

All cars will be on Michelin tyres, and the performance of the cars will be balanced by the FIA, who have been running tests at Paul Ricard and Dijon over the past months.

FIA GT3 - THE BASICS

The Principles of the Championship :

* the most prestigious brands

* the most recent models

* limited racing preparation

* an original series concept

* prestigious meetings

* impeccable presentation

* an international environment with a welcoming atmosphere

SPORTING REGULATIONS

* two one-hour free practice sessions

* two 20 minute qualifying sessions, separated by 10 minutes

Each driver takes part in one session

The first qualifying session sets the grid for the first race

The second qualifying session sets the grid for the second race

The fastest driver in each car starts the second race, the slower driver starts the first race

Two one-hour races, with a compulsory driver change between the 23rd and 37th minute, with a rolling start.

TEAMS and DRIVERS

Each team must enter three cars

Each car has two drivers, who must not be ‘well-known’ drivers according to the criteria specified in the regulations

A maximum of three teams per manufacturer.

If there are less than six cars per manufacturer, no points will be scored

POINTS AND TITLES

There are three separate classifications :

* FIA GT3 European Champion for Drivers (scale : 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1)

* FIA GT3 European Champion for Teams (scale : 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 - all three cars score for the team)

* FIA GT3 Manufacturers Cups for Drivers (scale : 10 -6-4-3-2-1) - if at least six cars enter per Manufacturer

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Mazda Miata / MX-5 “Bad Attitude” Video Ads

THESE ads of the new generation Miata / MX-5 roadster are said to have been cut by Mazda officials. Both follow Mazda’s parent Ford, SportKa ads in philosophy, showing the bad side of the Japanese roadsters character. Enjoy!

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Fake Chinese Ferrari !

According to European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs, Franco Frattini, the Chinese have “managed” to produce a fake Ferrari model. In the video (click here to see the video in Reuters), you can see Frattini holding a picture of a Ferrari, but unfortunately we can’t see which model.

''A car of this model, Ferrari has produced only 6 cars of this model. This is the seventh one, produced in China'' says Frattini.

The European Commission has announced it's going to crack down on counterfeiting and piracy, with coordinated action and sanctions throughout the continent. The Commission has recommended a minimum sentence is a term of four years’ imprisonment where the infringement is committed under the aegis of a criminal organisation or carries a serious risk to the health and safety of individuals. The amount of the fine will have to be at least EUR 100 000 or EUR 300 000 where there is a link with a criminal organisation or any risk to health and safety. Member States may impose heavier penalties or fines.

The seizure of counterfeited goods at the borders of the European Union increased by 1,000 percent between 1998 and 2004, with 103 million counterfeited and pirated items seized in 2004.

EU PRESS RELEASE

Counterfeiting and piracy: Commission proposes criminal law provisions to combat intellectual property offences

The Commission has today adopted a proposal for a directive to combat intellectual property offences that amends the proposal approved by it on 12 July 2005. It is thus responding to the Court ruling of 13 September 2005 in Case C-176/03, according to which the criminal law provisions necessary for the effective implementation of Community law are a matter for Community law^[1]. Accordingly, the proposal for a Council framework decision to strengthen the criminal law framework to combat intellectual property offences^[2] has been withdrawn and its provisions incorporated into the amended proposal for a directive.

According to Commission Vice-President Franco Frattini, who is responsible for justice, freedom and security matters, the new provisions proposed by the Commission represent the criminal law dimension of the fight against counterfeiting and piracy in Europe. Effective approximation of Member States’ criminal legislation in this field is the minimum needed to pursue together a major campaign aimed at eradicating these phenomena, which are causing serious harm to the economy. Nowadays, criminal organisations are focusing on these activities, which are often more lucrative than other forms of trafficking and on which the authorities do not crack down as much. Counterfeiters and pirates undermine legitimate businesses and pose a threat to innovation. What is more, in many cases the counterfeit goods are prejudicial to public health and safety. For the most recent statistics on counterfeiting listed by Member State please see the link: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/customs/customs_controls/counterfeit_piracy/statistics/index_en.htm

The proposed measures are designed to bring Member States’ criminal legislation more closely into alignment and to improve European cooperation so as to combat more effectively counterfeiting and piracy, which are frequently committed by criminal organisations, often pose a risk to health and safety, and seriously harm the interests of many sectors in the European economy.

The arrangements will have to be applied to all types of intellectual property right infringements. In the directive, all intentional infringements of an intellectual property right on a commercial scale, including attempting, aiding and abetting such infringements, are treated as criminal offences. The minimum sentence is a term of four years’ imprisonment where the infringement is committed under the aegis of a criminal organisation or carries a serious risk to the health and safety of individuals. The amount of the fine will have to be at least EUR 100 000 or EUR 300 000 where there is a link with a criminal organisation or any risk to health and safety. Member States may impose heavier penalties or fines.
Technorati Tags: Ferrari, fake, China, Chinese, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, European+Union,

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Daewoo G2X – GM’s Korean version of the Saturn Sky Roadster

GM’s Korean subsidiary unveiled the G2X roadster at the Busan International Motor Show (April 28 until May 7). Besides the name, the G2X is identical to the Saturn Sky Roadster & the Opel GT Roadster.

Like its American brother, the two-seater G2X features a 177 horsepower, 2.4-liter engine. Equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, the G2X hopes to attract urban drivers in the 21-35 age bracket, a marketing official at the auto show said.

Pricing details were still being set and the model is expected to hit showrooms within months, according to Korean officials.

In South Korea, some analysts say GM Daewoo is on track to unseat Kia Motors Corp. as the nation's second-largest automaker. Last year, GM Daewoo sold 1.15 million vehicles at home and abroad, compared with 1.26 million units sold by Kia Motors.

On the back of such promising results, GM Daewoo announced in March it would rehire all of the 1,725 workers laid off by their former employer, the bankrupt Daewoo Motor Co., by the end of next month.

"The greatest achievement during GM Daewoo's short history is welcoming back all of the workers that our predecessor had to let go," said Rick Labelle, vice president of GM Daewoo's commercial operations.

Technorati Tags: Daewoo+G2X, Saturn+Sky, Opel+GT, GM, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, images, pictures

https://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2006/05/daewoo-g2x-gms-korean-version-of-saturn.html

Dodge “High Caliber Challenge”: Cross Country Road Trip For Students

Dodge is promoting its new compact Caliber by organizing a cross country road trip challenge aimed specifically to college students from Boston, Chicago and Dallas.

Three teams of three college students from Boston, Chicago and Dallas will compete in a five-day, cross-country road trip to Miami in Dodge Calibers equipped with a Chill Zone beverage storage bin, MusicGate Power liftgate speakers, MP3 jack and self-charging flashlight.

Members of the winning team each win a 24-month lease on a 2007 Caliber.

Along the way, each team will be challenged to use the Dodge Caliber to creatively raise awareness for the Global Music Project, a nonprofit organization that allows individuals to download songs for a minimum donation of $1 per song with proceeds going to select charities. All of the money raised during the Dodge High Caliber Challenge will be donated to Doctors Without Borders.

The student teams will stage events with the Dodge Caliber to encourage the local communities to download songs from the Global Music Project Web site. Points will be awarded to each team for successfully executing awareness-raising events in each city, involving community members in their charitable efforts and updating blog sites with photos and daily journal entries that highlight their experiences on the road in the Dodge Caliber.

On June 9th in Miami, all the teams will participate in one big activity. When that’s done, the winning team will be announced.

For more details on how students can qualify to become a member of a team, please go to http://www.DodgeHighCaliberChallenge.com That’s also where

DESTINATION CITIES

From BOSTON

Day 1 - Boston to PHILADELPHIA

Day 2 - Philadelphia to RALEIGH, N.C.

Day 3 - Raleigh, N.C. to JACKSONVILLE , FLA.

Day 4 - Jacksonville, Fla. to MIAMI

Day 5 - MIAMI

From CHICAGO

Day 1 – Chicago to NASHVILLE, TENN.

Day 2 – Nashville, Tenn. to ATLANTA

Day 3 – Atlanta to TAMPA, FLA.

Day 4 – Tampa, Fla. to MIAMI

Day 5 – MIAMI

From DALLAS/FORT WORTH

Day 1 – Dallas to HOUSTON

Day 2 – Houston to MOBILE, ALA.

Day 3 – Mobile, Ala. to ORLANDO, FLA.

Day 4 – Orlando, Fla. to MIAMI

Day 5 – MIAMI

Technorati Tags: Dodge+Caliber, High+Caliber+Challenge, auto+news, automobile, cars, press+release

https://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2006/05/dodge-high-caliber-challenge-cross.html

New 355 Hp 4.2 FSI V8 for the Audi A6 and A8

One of the world’s most modern eight-cylinder engines is now available for the Audi A6 and A8 model lines. The 4.2 FSI, closely related to the high-revving V8 in the Audi RS 4, develops considerably more power than its 335 bhp predecessor. With the aid of petrol direct injection, it now generates 350 bhp (257 kW). And at the same time, its fuel consumption is around 10 percent lower. The immense power of the eight-cylinder engine is transferred via 6-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro permanent four-wheel drive.

The new engine is available in the new 2007 model year for all A6 models and for the standard-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions of the A8. The basic prices are € 61,300 for the A6 4.2 FSI quattro saloon and € 76,200 for the A8 4.2 FSI quattro.

The A6 3.0 TDI quattro will now also receive more power – in future, like the Audi A8, it will generate 171 kW (233 bhp, instead of the previous 225 bhp).

Also available for both model lines is the Audi parking system advanced, which aids the driver with a wide-angle rear-view camera when parking. The completely distortion-free images contain guidance lines which show the line the car should follow and the distance to obstacles based on the steering angle. This is a system which has already proved itself in the Audi Q7 and which received nothing but praise from the media on making its debut.

In the cockpit of the Audi A8, a 5-inch central display will be a standard feature of the driver information system, replacing the 3-inch monitor used up to now. This has the advantage of an improved and enlarged display of information on navigation, consumption and range. Further information can also be shown in parallel on the colour display.

Rear passengers can also enjoy a new perspective in the 2007 model year of the A8 and A8L if desired: with the Rear Seat Entertainment plus system from quattro GmbH, they will in future have the option of watching TV via monitors in the head restraints of the front seats while travelling. The system is operated via remote control from the rear.

Technorati Tags: Audi, A6, A8, 4.2+FSI+V8, engine, autos, auto+news, automotive, cars, press+release, images, pictures

https://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2006/04/new-355-hp-42-fsi-v8-for-audi-a6-and-a8.html

GM, DaimlerChrysler & BMW Premiere Hybrid Technology




GM, DaimlerChrysler & BMW Team up and Present a new Hybrid Technology that promises to put an end to Toyota's "monarchy"

The state-of-the-art full hybrid system, whose components are being co-developed by General Motors Corp., DaimlerChrysler and the BMW Group for production beginning next year, represents a major automotive industry milestone due to the unprecedented fully integrated combination of electric motors with a fixed-gear transmission.

As a result of its low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, the system is commonly referred to as the 2-mode hybrid. However, the sophisticated fuel-saving system also incorporates four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities in a broad variety of vehicle applications.

During the two ECVT modes and four fixed gear operations, the hybrid system can use the electric motors for boosting and regenerative braking. In summary, the four fixed gears overlay two ECVT modes for a total of six operating functions:

•Input-split ECVT mode, or continuously variable Mode 1, operates from vehicle launch through the second fixed gear ratio.

•Compound-split ECVT mode, or continuously variable Mode 2, operates after the second fixed gear ratio.

•First fixed-gear ratio with both electric motors available to boost the internal combustion engine or capture and store energy from regenerative braking, deceleration and coasting.

•Second fixed-gear ratio with one electric motor available for boost/braking,

•Third fixed-gear ratio with two electric motors available for boost/braking.

•Fourth fixed-gear ratio with one electric motor available for boost/braking.

The result is trend-setting hybrid technology that provides superior fuel economy, performance and load carrying capability. The full hybrid system being co-developed by General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and the BMW Group has an overall mechanical content and size similar to a conventional automatic transmission, yet this full hybrid transmission can operate in infinitely variable gear ratios or one of the four fixed-gear ratios.

A sophisticated electronic control module constantly optimizes the entire hybrid powertrain system to select the most efficient operation point for the power level demanded by the driver.

Key Advantages: When compared `to conventional hybrid systems, this avant-garde hybrid technology, relying on both the ECVT modes and the four fixed gear ratios, provides advantages in combined (city and highway) fuel economy, dynamics and towing capability.

Traditional hybrid systems typically have only one torque-splitting arrangement and no fixed mechanical ratios. These systems are often called "one-mode" hybrids. Due to their less capable mechanical content, one-mode hybrids need to transmit a significant amount of power through an electrical path that is 20 percent less efficient than a mechanical path. This requires usually substantial compromise in vehicle capability or reliance on larger electrical motors, which can create cost, weight and packaging issues.

General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and the BMW Group conceive a full hybrid system featuring four fixed mechanical ratios, within the two ECVT modes, to reduce power transmission through the less efficient electrical path. Consequently, the electric motors are more compact and less dependent on engine size.

This combination of two ECVT modes and four fixed gear ratios eliminates the drawbacks of one-mode hybrid systems to allow for efficient operation throughout a vehicle's operating range, at low and high speeds. It also allows for application across a broader variety of vehicles. It is particularly beneficial in demanding applications that require larger engines, such as towing, hill climbing or carrying heavy loads.

Existing internal combustion engines can be used with relatively minimal alteration because the full hybrid system imposes no significant limitation on the size or type of engine. It enables the three automakers to package internal combustion engines with the full hybrid transmissions more cost-effectively and offer the fuel-saving technology across a wider range of vehicles.

Initial applications are suitable for front-engine, rear- and four-wheel-drive vehicle architectures, but the full hybrid system has the flexibility to be used in front-engine, front-wheel-drive architectures in the future as well.

Global Hybrid Cooperation: General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and the BMW Group have formed a cooperative effort called the Global Hybrid Cooperation, which is actively developing this next generation hybrid powertrain system. In an alliance of equals, all three partners are pooling expertise and resources to jointly and efficiently develop hybrid technology. Each company will individually integrate the full hybrid system into the design and manufacturing of vehicles in accordance with their brand specific requirements.

In Troy, Michigan, the "GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW Hybrid Development Center" houses together engineers and specialists from all three companies to develop the complete hybrid system and the individual components -- electric motors, high-performance electronics, wiring, energy management, and hybrid system control units. In addition, the "GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW Hybrid Development Center" will be responsible for system integration and project management.

A key factor in ensuring optimum development is the focus on a flexible system design that can be scaled to the size, mass and performance needs of the various vehicle concepts and brands. The extensive sharing of components and the collaborative relationship with suppliers will enable the alliance partners to achieve economies of scale and associated cost advantages that will also benefit customers. Currently full hybrid systems are under development for front- and rear-wheel-drive passenger cars, and light-duty truck and SUV applications.

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