Welcome to Exhaust Notes, our self-titled, semiregular roundup of automotive bits and pieces from around the Web.
Unlike other posts on this blog, these are truly notes, but they're worth a few moments of your precious time.
This week, we look at Nissan's scuffle with Facebook ads, Henrik Fisker looking to buy back his bankrupt company and the final performance stats from the Corvette's new V8 engine.
Facebook controversy leads Nissan to pull ads
Social media giant Facebook hit a big snag this week as it continues to roll out its targeted advertising program. Several companies, including Nissan, Dove and Nationwide, pulled their campaigns after their ads were featured next to a graphic image that appeared to support domestic violence.
In an effort to make itself a leader in online advertising, Facebook has been gathering user data to tailor unique ad experiences. In a statement, Facebook's vice president of global public policy, Marne Levine, said: "We have been working over the past several months to improve our systems to respond to reports of violations, but the guidelines used by these systems have failed to capture all the content that violates our standards. We need to do better – and we will." As of now, there is no word from Nissan as to when or if its ads will begin running on Facebook again.
Fisker, Hong Kong group attempt to salvage Fisker Automotive
After leaving the company that bears his name in March, Henrik Fisker is now working with a Hong Kong group led by one of Fisker Automotive’s investors in an effort to regain control of the beleaguered plug-in hybrid builder. Fisker and Richard Li, a Hong Kong billionaire, head a group attempting to buy the Department of Energy’s loan to Fisker Automotive before the company faces bankruptcy.
The Fisker-Li group isn’t the only party interested in gaining control of Fisker Automotive. Wanxiang Group, a Chinese auto parts builder, is also in the game, partnered with former General Motors executive Bob Lutz. Wanxiang builds and supplies the Fisker Karma’s lithium-ion battery, while Lutz has already produced the Destino — a Fisker Karma body with a Corvette engine instead of a plug-in powertrain — under his VL Automotive badge. Lutz has recently stated that he wants Fisker to survive, if for no other reason than to keep producing Karma bodies that he can convert into Destinos, and with Fisker’s current battery supplier as a partner, Fisker Automotive could potentially be folded up into a larger company rather than have to struggle on its own.
Henrik Fisker has reportedly been in touch with board members of Fisker Automotive about a new role within the company should he and Li’s proposed buyout of the Department of Energy's failed loan become a reality. Lutz and Wanxiang have a $20 million offer on the table. Figures and intrigue stand to escalate as discussions continue.
Corvette Stingray power figures confirmed
After supposedly leaked documents hit the Internet earlier this week purporting to show the power ratings for the new seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette’s LT1 engine, Chevy has come out and released official numbers of its own — and they’re big.
Initial rumors had the Corvette coming out with around 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque; Chevrolet’s final numbers are 455 horsepower and 460 lb-ft from the V8 LT1. Those figures jump to 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft when equipped with the available performance exhaust.
Not only will the new Stingray be the most powerful base model Corvette ever, but at just over $50,000, it will be a steal compared with its sports car brethren. Combined with the exciting new design, the LT1 makes the 2014 Corvette one we can’t wait to take for a spin.
[Sources: Business Spectator; Reuters; Reuters; Auto News; Motor Authority; photos via MSN Autos, MSN Autos]
Source: MSN
No comments:
Post a Comment