Study after study has been performed on the effects of alcohol on an individual's ability to operate a motor vehicle. Myth Busters, however much you believe in their application of the scientific method, has shown significant impairment even under .08 BAC. But even given the wide spread use of marijuana (In the US nearly 50% of high school seniors have tried it, and in 2001 nearly 1/4 claimed to be current users) few studies have illustrated pot's effect on a vehicle operator. A UK study used simulators, but in this video Top Gear uses a real car, and a real stoned driver:

Hyundai Sets Scottsdale Loop 101 Speed Record

According to the six cameras along a 7.8-mile stretch of Loop 101 between Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard, he was never traveling at less than 100 mph, and his maximum speed reached 147 mph. That's 16 mph more than the previous highest recorded speed just recently set by an unknown motorcyclist.

And about that vehicle--it was a Hyundai Sonata. According to the manufacturer the Hyundai Sonata has a top speed of 137 mph. Some people would say that this might indicate that the cameras are faulty and the charges will be dismissed. We'll see what happens.

-via phoenix.about.com

Photo Radar Profits Well Below Expectations

The photo-enforcement cameras on the Loop 101 are generating less money than expected during the first three months of Scottsdale's freeway speeding-ticket experiment. City officials said the number of tickets processed is about one-third below the city's projections.

But officials said it is too early to judge the program's success.
Mary O'Connor, Scottsdale's transportation general manager, said the city will look for trends as it determines whether to continue the program beyond October.

In the three months since citations were first issued, Scottsdale reported Loop 101 cameras flashed 20,763 drivers in the program's first month. That number jumped to 29,402 in the second month before dropping to 25,062 in the third month. Less than half resulted in a citation being issued.

Scottsdale City Court processed a total of 33,559 freeway speeding tickets through May 31. The city is on pace to collect as many as 11,186 each month, about one-third less than the 16,541 transportation experts projected when the freeway cameras idea was proposed to the City Council in October.

-via AP

Odds Double Fighting Photo Radar

Motorists flashed by speed cameras on Scottsdale streets last year were nearly twice as likely to beat their tickets in court than those nabbed by police officers.

Arizona Republic analysis found that of the nearly 46,700 tickets generated by speed cameras on Scottsdale streets last year, 412 defendants went to court and 13 percent, or 52 people, walked out with no fine.

Motorists speeding through Scottsdale are not alone in beating the odds on a photo-enforcement ticket. Speeders in Mesa are nearly twice as likely to wiggle out of camera citations, and the odds are almost even in Phoenix.

But be wary in Tempe, where drivers are more than twice as likely to beat a ticket issued by an officer than one generated by a speed camera.

Scottsdale judges would not discuss why they dismiss cases, and court records don't give a reason.

-via azcentral.com

Scottsdale is set to begin a photo enforcement project on Jan. 22 on a 7.8-mile stretch of the Loop 101 freeway from north of 90th Street to Scottsdale Road.

The city will kick off the program with a 30-day warning period, when drivers traveling 11 mph over the speed limit will receive warning letters in the mail. The city will begin issuing citations on or after Feb. 21.

The Arizona Department of Transportation issued a right-of-way use permit on Dec. 21 allowing the city to install the photo enforcement equipment. The photo enforcement demonstration project will continue up to nine months after the city begins issuing citations.

Redflex Traffic Systems, a for-profit company, makes about $90 each time the city of Scottsdale collects on a photo radar ticket. Traffic attorney Susan Kayler alleges that Redflex poses a legal conflict of interest. "The same company that testifies to your speeding in court makes money off the verdict," she says. "That's a conflict of interest."

From the AZBMW Department of Bling
The legitimate and undeniable coolness of some of British luxury cell phone maker Vertu-- (actually a spin off of Nokia) design innovations as well as their use of insanely fancy materials is made a non-issue for most of us by their equally insane price tag. But flourishing one of these big-ticket items (some models go for upwards of $10,000) at a polo match is the kind of thing that future trophy wives and fellow plutocrats alike take note of.

Now Vertu-- targeting the micro-market of luxury car racers, owners, and their admirers with its Ascent Motorsport Limited Edition cell phone to celebrate? their participation in The Porsche Michelin Supercup and the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. Crafted from Liquidmetal and petrol-resistant automotive leather (get it?) and featuring its usual needlessly elaborate, Swiss-watch grade innards, the phone-- price isn-t even announced stateside yet. But, of course, that-- all part of their if you have to ask you can-t afford it- cache. So hurry and pre-order, anyway: they-re only making 997 of them.

Neiman Marcus Vertu Collection. Prices range from $4000 to $8300.

High Definition Radio (HD Radio(TM)) will be available as an option on 2006 BMW 7 Series models, beginning with September 2005 production.

HD Radio(TM) Technology, developed by iBiquity Digital, is one of the most significant advances in radio broadcasting in recent history. This technology offers radio broadcasters and listeners enhanced digital audio quality, while extending future possibilities for an on-demand interactive radio experience. Many AM and FM stations across the country have started employing the HD Radio(TM) technology to broadcast both in analog and digital formats.

With this option, customers will have the choice of listening to their favorite AM/FM stations in the traditional analog format or switch to digital, provided that those stations broadcast using HD Radio(TM) Technology. The benefits of the HD Radio(TM) broadcast include:

- Enhanced sound quality on digital AM stations.
- CD-like sound quality on digital FM stations.
- Clear reception with no static noise, hisses or pops.
- Possibility to receive streamed data, including artist and song information, from those radio stations that provide such content within their digital broadcast.

Nearly 500 radio stations are already using this new broadcast technology in the US, and many more are expected to join in. A list of radio stations can be found at the following link: http://www.ibiquity.com/hdradio/hdradio_hdstations.htm

The HD Radio(TM) Option marks another historic first for BMW. The 7 Series will be the first production car in the world to offer this leading edge technology, adding to the many technological and design innovations it has pioneered so far in the US and worldwide.

The HD Radio(TM) Option will have a Suggested Retail Price of $500.

The 2002tii is arguably the one vehicle that really defined BMW as a company. Sure, these days we all regard BMW as a manufacturer of high-class, high-performance coupes and sedans, but there was a time when no one (especially the U.S.) knew of the Bavarian auto company.

BMW knows that this car still has a loyal following. In fact, its Mobile Tradition range still makes replacement parts for the 2002. Even more amazing, Mobile Tradition can supply about 90 percent of the parts required to make a "new" 2002. So, BMW is going to dive into the Mobile Tradition parts bin and make a "new" 2002 tii.

This new 2002 tii will look exactly like a 2002 tii that rolled off the showroom floor in 1973. A donor shell was stripped, restored, primed and painted "Inka" -- a bright orange color that was the "hallmark" color of the car. The paint looks vibrant, and we're sure that the Hot Import Nights crowd will try to paint their own cars this color for the next show season.

As we said earlier, Mobile Tradition can only supply about 90 percent of the necessary parts. Should BMW need a part that isn't offered in the Mobile Tradition catalogue, it will either make a new part from scratch, or it will take the easy way out and steal a part from an available donor car.

Those car junkies that want to see this restoration job in action are in luck -- provided you live in Germany. This whole project will take place in the Glass Workshop at the BMW Heritage Museum. Visitors to the BMW Heritage Museum are welcome to walk up to the shop and gaze at the workers as much as they like.

BMW has announced that it is to take over the Sauber Formula 1 team and establish its own works squad from 2006.

"For the first time in the history of BMW, we will be entering the Formula 1 contest under the BMW name," announced BMW board member Dr. Burkhard Goschel.

"We will be taking responsibility for the engine, for the chassis, for the entire package. It will enable us to demonstrate our competence as a car manufacturer. We do not expect to have instant success, but we want to be a world champion in this class."

The new factory team will take over and expand Saubers existing base in Hinwil, Switzerland.

"I am very happy that I can hand over this team to good hands," said Peter Sauber.

BMW is currently in a long-term partnership with Williams a relationship that has turned increasingly sour in recent months. However, Dr Goschel said that BMW is prepared to continue supplying engines to Williams in 2006.

We would be happy if Williams would still use BMW engines next season,” he said.

Williams is understood to have already entered into discussions with other engine suppliers, including Honda and Cosworth. BMW Motorsport Director Dr. Mario Theissen explained the companys belief that it would achieve more success as a full works team than as an engine supplier.

The decision is based on two insights,” he said.

Firstly, that the influence of the engine on the winning potential of the overall package has diminished. The car, tyres and drivers play a greater role than they used to. “

The second insight is that an optimum overall package can only be achieved with a fully integrated team and coherent processes throughout.

"Over the past few years we have proved that we can produce an excellent F1 engine. Maybe the best, I would say. Now we are faced with the more sophisticated task of handling everything else."

BMW initially offered Sauber a straightforward customer engine supply deal for 2006, before seeing the opportunity to take control of and rebrand the team. The current plan is for the existing Sauber team to remain largely intact, but under the BMW name and management. The BMW management preferred not to discuss potential drivers at this stage. The paddock rumour mill has already suggested that current Williams driver Nick Heidfeld would be a strong candidate for a seat with the new team.

In an incident that could damage beyond repair Formula 1's image in the United States - and perhaps worldwide - the 14 cars equipped with Michelin tires parked on the formation lap of the USGP at Indy this Sunday.

Under the booing of 100,000+ paying customers, only the cars of Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi started as the red lights went off. The Renault, McLaren, Toyota, BAR, Sauber and Red Bull teams withdrew from competition.

The letter from Michelin said it was not safe to race under this configuration," said Renault team boss Flavio Briatore. "We cannot put our drivers safety at risk.”

"We didn't have a choice," added BAR sporting director Gil de Ferran. "Unfortunately, it was impossible to race, and it was a decision that was actually outside our hands.

"It's a very sad, hard situation. I've never lived anything like this in all my career in racing," he added.

"A chicane was necessary for the race to take place," McLaren team principal Ron Dennis summarized.

If you need to ask the price, you are not important enough to warrant it.

It is identical to any other model in the company's executive range and the difference can only be spotted when the electric windows are lowered and you realise that they are over two inches thick. This is what BMW refers to as the world's most secure car and the interior is standard with air conditioning, full leather and all airbags in situ.

Sitting alongside a standard model it is impossible to distinguish the armoured version from the standard range, yet the credentials of the vehicle are impressive, complying with the requirements of ballistics protection level B6/B7 which specifies calibre and spread of projectiles into the glass area as well as grenade protection levels.

The armoured 7-Series, designated E67, is the only such vehicle to be built on a manufacturer's own production line, hence its adherence to original specifications and looks.

Despite having a passenger cell of state of the art multi-layer armoured steel and an almost three tonne weigh-in, lower gearing, modified suspension and special tyres help the 6.0 litre V12 to perform as readily as the standard car.

The market is an expanding one for BMW with Russia and Germany the main customer bases while the United States and South American markets prefer a version built to lighter B4 protection levels where the main fear is attack from hand guns. These vehicles however are still able to withstand shots from a .44 calibre Magnum.

In addition to selling the cars, BMW maintain a pool of armoured vehicles that can be made available to customers almost anywhere in the world at short notice. They also produce armoured versions of other selected model ranges.

Note: And it could all be your for just $450,000

Rock sensation the Goo Goo Dolls will headline an unprecedented 18-hour marathon of unique programming on a special SIRIUS Satellite Radio BMW channel. Preceding the Goo Goo Dolls live performance, to be broadcast from Los Angeles, the 18-hour marathon will showcase dozens of the best driving songs of all time and a series of "travelogues," vignettes from the road gathered during a historic grassroots 44-day cross country tour dubbed "3 Across America." The broadcast celebrates the May 6th US on-sale date of BMW's New 3 Series.

BMW and SIRIUS say the 18-hour broadcast will be part cultural diary, and part entertainment, with the Goo Goo Dolls simulcast as its centerpiece.

The broadcast begins at 6:00 AM (ET) on May 6th as anchors Sal D'Aleo and Elise Brown kick off BMW Radio on SIRIUS with an energetic four hours sharing a love of driving, cars, and music. Knowing what it's like to roll down the windows and turn up the radio, Sal and Elise also double as tour guides on a city-by-city travelogue of BMW's "3 Across America," mixing music with stories from each city and interviews with attendees.