Automobiles Review – Page 489 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Dongfeng Nissan Launches the All-Electric Venucia e30

Venucia is absolutely new brand – a product of the Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL–PV). It is part of Nissan’s global platform and will be specifically built for the Chinese market. Now the brand is introducing its fifth vehicle, the e30, which in holds credentials for affordability and pure electric-vehicle-experience. The car was unveiled just a few days ago. The model was locally developed through Nissan’s careful studies about market situations and consumer needs in China.

To go further into details, the Venucia e30 achieves an optimal balance between driving range, affordability and convenient charging. For instance, the running costs for e30 are only about one-seventh of gasoline models of the same grade. This result is due to e30’s energy consumption at only 0.146kWh/km.

Furthermore, both normal-charge and quick-charge options are also available. Thanks to them the e30 can run about 60km on a quick-charge of only five minutes. The quality and safety of e30 have been validated by the five million kilometer failure-free pilot program, accumulated by more than 300 cars on the roads of Guangzhou, Xiangyang and Dalian.

Brand’s name – Venucia, is very special and is derived from the ancient Roman goddess Venus. Her functions encompassed love, beauty, fertility and prosperity. The five stars of the brand logo represent company’s five promises: respect to customers, creation of value, always doing the best, achieving world-class quality and constantly seeking the dream.
Venucia e30 is expected to be available nationwide in 2015 at a starting price of RMB 267,800.

Venucia e30	3.6kW Standard	6.6kW Standard	6.6kW Deluxe
Powertrain
Battery Type	Manganese-type Lithium-ion
Battery Capacity (kwh)	24
Electric Motor	Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
–Peak Power (kW/rpm)	80/(3008-10000)
–Max. Torque (Nm/rpm)	254/(0-3008)
Electricity Consumption per 100km (kwh)	14.6
Suspension Front	MacPherson struts
Suspension Rear	Torsion beam
Transmission	Single-speed reduction gear
Drivetrain	Front motor, front-wheel drive
Brakes (front/rear)	Vented disc/vented disc
Braking Energy Recovery System	S
Top Speed (km/h)	144
0-50km/h Time (seconds)	4.4
Driving Range (km)	about 175, city and highway combined
3.6kW Charger	S	N	N
6.6kW Charger	N	S	S
Battery Heater	O	O	O
Slow and Fast Charging Ports	S	S	S
Charging Time under 220V (in slow mode)	8 hours	4 hours
Steering	Speed-sensing EPS
Charging Timer	S
VSP (Vechicle Sound For Pedestrians)	S
Dimensions
Overall Length (mm)	4467
Overall Width (mm)	1771
Overall Height (mm)	1549
Wheelbase (mm)	2700
Track (front/rear, mm)	1540/1535
Curb Weight (kg)	1494
Ground Clearance (mm)	131
Turning Radius (m)	5.2
Seating Capacity	5
Cargo Volume (L)	370 (VDA)
Exterior
Tires	205/55R16
Alloy Wheels	N	N	S
“Follow-me-home” Headlights	S	S	S
Front Fog Lamps	S	S	S
Timed Rear Window Defroster	S	S	S
LED Tail Lamps and Brake Light	S	S	S
Power and Heated Exterior Mirrors	S	S	S
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors	N	N	S
Interior
Eco Mode	S	S	S
Trip Computer, Thermometer	S	S	S
Intelligent Key	S	S	S
One-touch Start	S	S	S
Power Windows	S	S	S
Power Door Locks	S	S	S
Steering Wheel Multi Controls	N	N	S
Leather Seats	N	N	S
Heated Seats and Steering Wheel	S	S	S
Number of Speakers	4	4	6
Radio/CD Player/MP3	S	S	S
5-inch LCD, Blue-tooth Connectivity, iPod Port	N	N	S
Auto Air Conditioner with Pollen Filter	S	S	S
Safety
Dual Front Airbags	S	S	S
Dual Front Side Airbags	S	S	S
Side Curtain Airbags	S	S	S
Zone Body Structure	S	S	S
Front Row Seatbelt Pretensioners and Reminders	S	S	S
ABS, EBD, VDC, HAS	S	S	S
Parking Camera	N	N	S

* S=Standard, O=Optional, N=Not available

Source: Nissan

September 15, 2014

Ford Teases New C-MAX Family Range Ahead of Reveal on September 17th

Just in two days Ford will debut its all-new Ford C-MAX vehicle, promising that it has given it with an extreme makeover. The company has not only released a teaser picture of its upcoming two-car-family model, but also hasn’t released any information except for it will be spacious, comfortable and versatile. Basically, the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX multi-activity vehicles have been given an improvement to make them even better suited to the modern, active family. Also official news is that the new C-Max family will boast even more refinement, practicality and technology. And this is it!

After Ford has revealed its second generation S-MAX, obviously the company has decided to do so with its smaller sibling. From what we can judge from the teaser picture, the compact MPV is a little bit sleeker than the previous generation. In addition, it definitely looks more upscale: just take a look at the larger sweptback headlights. The trapezoidal grille has received chrome margins as well as bigger fog lights and a reshaped lower grille.

The facelifted C-Max will probably be powered by the brand-new 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine. Just like the previous generation models it will be also offered with the other powertrain options. There is a chance for the vehicle to get the 1.5-liter EcoBoost and 1.5 TDCi diesel. At the top of the range will be the 2.0 TDCi, which currently delivers 163 horsepower (120 kW).

Alongside the seven-seater Grand C-MAX both vehicles will be officially premiered at the Paris Motor Show in October, and we eagerly wait to know more details around them, which will be available on 17th of September.

Source: Ford

September 15, 2014

2015 Ford S-Max MPV

While it’s good looking from the outside its pretty stylish from the inside. The Ford S-Max is based mainly on the Galaxy, so it is seven seats standard. Although it’s a little bit shorter and lower. S-Max remains a deeply practical family car. Like the Galaxy, there is plenty of headroom and legroom. The flat floor allows 3 adults to easily fit inside. Each chair is equipped with ISOFIX point for child car seats and can move forward or backwards and recline independently of one another. You also get another 3 seats in the third tier seating. Even if all seats are used, there is still plenty of luggage space in the trunk around 285 litres, with a nice loading bay. Thanks to the fold flat seating system with you can also get an impression of a van, and the bootspace then becomes 2000 litres.

The cabin is noise isolated. Theres plenty of pracfticality in the front side as well. The car has a lot of cup holders in the front side as well as in the rear side, a spacious glove box, and the door bends provide more enough space to fir in various things. There is a lot of soft touch material inside the cabin. Sound equipment is impressive as well. All cars get Bluetooth for your mobile phone, dual zone climate control, and all-round parking sensors with lots of safety kits as well, along with an airbag next to the driver’s knee. The panoramic view is a nice addition as well.

The length of the car is 4870 mm. The wrap-around tail lights, the 18-inch alloys and even a daytime running LED front lights help to create a surprisingly stylish design of the car. The S-Max has a fantastic body control and smooth handling. The massive expansive glass allows amximum visibility. The S-Max handles way better than any other MPV.

The MPV is expected to be offered with a four-wheel-drive for the first time.The Ford S-Max MPV will come out with a118 bhp (80 kW) 2.0-liter TDCI diesel engine with a six-speed manual transmission. The more powerful 148 bhp (110 kW) and 177 bhp (132 kW) versions of the same unit will be available with either a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The petrol engines are the new 1.5-liter EcoBoost with 158 bhp (118 kW) and the 237 bhp (177 kW) 2.0-liter EcoBoost.

What I don’t like about the Ford S-Max MPV is that if you need to carry 6 passengers regularly, you would be better off with a more “boxy” MPV because the rear sets are so low that it feels like you are sitting on the floor.

Sales of the model will start from summer of 2015 and is priced at around 30,000 EUR (24,000 pounds).

Source: Ford

September 15, 2014

Toyota i-Road Brings Zero-Emissions Motoring to Europe

Toyota i-ROAD is ready to transfer its credentials of being a purely concept vehicle to being one engaged in the real life. It is currently bringing the zero-emissions motoring to Europe’s crowded city centres. A fleet of its i-ROAD and COMS ultra-compact electric vehicles are set to prove how clean and easy urban motoring can be. The first city in which these three- and four-wheelers will appear by taking part in a major pilot programme, is the French city of Grenoble.

The project, in which Toyota is taking participation, is a three-year low-carbon car sharing scheme, which is aims to transform the way people plan and make local journeys. The company will supply 35 of each type of vehicle, thus contributing its harmonious mobility (Ha:Mo) system to manage the scheme day-to-day.

Of course, the local authorities in Grenoble have also supported the project. Precisely, the French power supplier EDF manages and maintains electric charging points as well as the well-established local car-share operator Cité lib.

From the beginning of next month, anyone who holds a valid driving licence can register with Cite Lib to gain access to the Toyota electric vehicles. The users have the opportunity to subscribe to the service and download an application on their devices to see the real-time location of vehicles that are charged and ready to use.

After that, he or she will be able to pick up their car and drop it off at a different location: exactly one of 27 charging stations in the greater Grenoble area. Of course, when the vehicle is dropped off, it is plugged into the station, thus being recharged and ready for the next customer.

This exclusive and innovative programme is a way of building a better-integrated public transport service. For instance, people can collect an electric vehicle from a location near their home or office and then drive to a local transport hub to continue their journey. At the same time, those who are arriving by bus or train can step into a car on arrival to complete their trip. The network of charging stations is connected to Grenoble’s transport network IT system, so the journey planning is even made easier.

Toyota i-ROAD utilizes clever Active Lean technology, which steers in a similar way to the movements of a skier (take a look at the pictures in the gallery below). The vehicle is not much larger than a motorbike or scooter. However, it is equipped with a full canopy that protects the driver and gives them a secure feeling and comfort of a car.

At last, Toyota confirmed future plans for the program. The company will collect data on technical issues and user behaviour during the pilot the programme, thus helping shape future mobility initiatives.

Source: Toyota

September 15, 2014

Toyota C-HR Crossover Concept Makes Debut At Paris Motor Show

Toyota C-HR Concept vehicle will make its international first world appearance at this year’s Paris Motor Show, which will take place between 2nd and 19th of October. The car, carrying rather a name typical for Honda vehicle, will reveal company’s innovative vision for a compact crossover model. Alongside the news for the debut, the company has released a teaser image as well. From it we can see the slim side of the car, as well as its futuristic angular LED taillights.

Toyota has revealed that the future C-HR SUV concept is an example of a combination of powerful new design language, engaging driving experience and a hybrid powertrain. From the picture released we can’t make many judgments, but the vehicle will definitely have sporty appearance. Just take a look at the rear spoiler which is mounted on the roof, as well as the front and rear windscreens. The flowing LED headlights create one-of-a-kind look at the front.

The compact crossover will probably go into production in 2017 and we are also expecting to see it equipped with two- and four-wheel-drive. Of course, the production variant will definitely support not only a hybrid powertrain, but also a petrol and diesel ones.

Toyota will host a press conference on its stand in Hall on 2nd of October where additional details around the C-HR will be revealed. Stay tuned!

Source: Toyota

September 15, 2014

New Euro 6 Eco-Friendly Peugeot Engines

Peugeot amazes us with even greater eco-friendly technology with the all-new Euro 6-compliant versions in its most famous models. Ever since late 2013 Peugeot uses the most effective technology for emission control on the market for all diesel models.The application of the new engines has reduced the CO2 emissions of Peugeot vehicles.

Equipped with technically advanced three-cylinder “PureTech” and 1.6-litre THP four-cylinder petrol engines, and with low emission “BlueHDi” diesels, all coming along with “Stop & Start” (S&S) technology. “Peugeot” vehicles now are one of the most environmentally efficient models in. Each engine is equipped with Peugeot’s highly effective, “Efficient Automatic Transmission 6” (EAT 6) transmission.

“PureTech” engines are the new 110 hp (82 kW) version, and a EAT 6 transmission for the 130 hp (96 kW) version. In 2014 the 110 hp (82 kW) and 130 hp hp (96 kW) turbo engines were added to the “PureTech”, next-generation three-cylinder petrol engines.The 2.0-litre BlueHDi engines systems offers some of the highest level of comfort along with “Quick Shift technology” which ensures effective drag reduction and a really smooth gear changing.

Peugeot’s 308 1.2-litre “PureTech” 130 S&S is equipped with a new EAT 6 6-speed automatic gearbox. Moreover the 308 1.2-litre “PureTech” 130 S&S EAT 6 reaches fuel consumption of 57.6 mpg UK (4.9 l/100 km) and 114 g/km of CO2.

The 1.6 litre BlueHDi 120 equipped with a manual six-speed gearbox now is available in more Peugeot vehicles:

Peugeot 208, with fuel consumption of 78.4 mpg UK (3.6 l/100 km) and 94 g/km of CO2.
Peugeot 2008, with consumption of 76.3 mpg UK (3.7 l/100 km) and 96 g/km of CO2, sets the record in the large B-segment.
Peugeot GEOT 3008, with consumption of 68.8 mpg UK (4.1 l/100 km) and 106 g/km of CO2, qualifies to the top rankings in the large C-segment, setting a record in the same segment for a manual transmission.
Peugeot 5008, with consumption of 67.2 mpg UK (4.2 l/100 km) and 109 g/km of CO2 is one of the leaders in the large C-segment.

Peugeot has installed that engine in the C and D segments:

Peugeot 508, the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 BVM 6 makes CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km for the Saloon and SW and has made its mark as the best technology in the D-segment.
Peugeot 508, the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 EAT 6 achieves 111 g/km of CO2, comes with one of the best exchanges between power and consumption in the segment.
Peugeot 3008, the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 boasts 64.2 mpg UK (4.4 l/100 km) and 114 g/km of CO2, making it too one of the best when it comes to power and consumption in the large C segment.
Peugeot 5008, the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 achieves 65.6 mpg UK and 113 g/km of CO2.

The Blue Hdi technology cosily meets the Euro 6 Diesel emissions standard and sets up a potential future emission standards.

Source: Peugeot

September 15, 2014

2015 GMC Sierra Carbon Editions With New Sporty Looks

Knowing that most full size truck buyers end up customizing their pickups right of the dealership lot, GMC is keen on tapping into some of this market with special edition models. After introducing the Sierra all-terrain earlier this year, GMC has now announced the 2015 GMC Sierra Carbon Edition will be available for customers to order starting next month. Offered in three variations, the lowest priced version of this package is the standard Sierra Carbon Edition.

Starting with base 2015 Sierra double cab, the Sierra Carbon Edition brings a more ominous look with its black painted grill and carbon fiber body graphics on the hood and tailgate.
Moving up the the Sierra Carbon 29 Edition, this truck adds more features by only being offered in as SLE trim level and like the previous model, it to only comes in the double cab body configuration. As the 20, in its name might suggest, the big difference that sets this version apart is the exceptional 20-inch wheels.

Finally, the Carbon 22 Edition, available on crew cab or double cab models gets the same styling upgrades with the inclusion of the outstanding 22-inch wheels, featuring a five-spoke design and a black accent at finish. This model also comes with black tubular side steps, remote start, dual-zone climate control and fog lights.

The Carbon 22 Edition Sporting Z 71 with 4×4 badges does not seem to be losing any of its ruggedness by adding the sporty new package. The glory of the new Sierra lies within its strength and sophistication. But for customers wanting to make an even better impression, the Sierra Carbon Edition models are the answer.

Options for the 2015 GMC Sierra Carbon Edition includes choice between two and four-wheel drive. A 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V-6 engine is standard, and brings up about 285 hp (212 kW), 305 lb-ft (413 Nm) of torque, and EPA highway ratings up to 24 mpg US (28 UK) (9.8 l/100 km). A 355 hp (264 kW), 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 is optional.

Pricing for the 2015 GMC Sierra Carbon Edition starts at $33,075 for the standard model, while for the Carbon 20 Edition starts at $38,275, and if that’s enough the pricing for Carbon 22 Edition starts at $42,270.

Source: GMC

September 15, 2014

2015 Kia Soul EV Goes On Sale

After the successful “hamster” advertisement of the new 2015 Kia Soul EV, Kia Motors America is ready to introduce the electric vehicle to the market. The hugely popular urban passenger car in its electrifying trim boasts best-in-class EPA-estimated range of 93 miles and MPGe4 of 92 miles on the highway, 120 miles in the city and 105 miles combined. In addition, the model received industry-first automotive environmental validation by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) due to its innovative use of bio-based materials in the interior.

2015 Kia Soul EV is company’s first mass-market electric vehicle and it is the centerpiece of the Kia’s Clean Mobility program. The zero-emissions EV keeps the funky style and functionality of the Soul model, but it also introduces new and more aerodynamic styling cues.

The car features a 27 kWh lithium ion polymer battery which powers the electric motor. The motor produces 110 hp (81 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb.-ft.) of maximum torque, and drives the front wheels. The range that it can cover is around 80-100 miles.

The standard specifications of the Soul EV Base include an array of features such as navigation, Rear Camera Display, Bluetooth hands free operation, power windows, power driver’s seat, cruise control, 6.6kW on-board charger. The exclusive HVAC system is also included, and it was designed to extend driving range by minimizing energy draw.

Moreover, every Soul EV comes standard with UVO EV Services that provide real-time battery-level status, distance to empty, and the ability to search for nearby charging stations. There is also an UVO EV smartphone app, which owners can use to preset charging time and charging level ratios, as well as precondition the vehicle cabin with remote control of the HVAC presets.

The next trim is called Soul EV Plus and it adds EV-unique leather trimmed seats, which are tri-level heated and ventilated for front passengers. The rear outboard seats are heated for added comfort. The Plus also includes projection-style fog lamps and power-folding outside mirrors.

2015 Kia Soul EV has a starting price of $33,700 USD and is currently available to order.

Source: Kia

September 12, 2014

Vorsteiner BMW M6 Aero Package

Shady, twisted and frightening that’s everything there is about this Black Sapphire BMW M6 with a Vorsteiner aero kit and wheels. Black color always looks good on a BMW, and by far this is undoubtedly the most breathtaking we have seen. This tuning project is done by “Turner Motorsports”, and the tuning set shows us how correctly made and manufactured aero parts look like. A set of Vorsteiner BMW F13 M6 features aero parts: like a front spoiler, rear diffuser and deck lid spoiler.

With a set of Special Edition Forged VSE-003 Forged Monoblocks like: Wheel Finish: Matte Gunmetal along with wheel Size: 9.5J x 21” front, 11J x 21” rear, respectively.

BMW M6 F13 Coupe is powered by a 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 petrol (code: S63B44TU) – 560HP (412 kW) at 6,600RPM and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds , 0-200 km/h in 12.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited or 300 km/h (186 mph) with ///M Drivers package. The engine is coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels. ¼ mile in 11.7 to 11.9 seconds.

The curb weight is 1,850 kg (4,079 lbs) and the powerful sports coupe is able to cover 100 km with just 7.6 liters on Highway.

2014 BMW M6 F13 Coupe is priced from $ 112,450 in the US.

Source: Vorsteiner

September 12, 2014

2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO Enters the Gran Turismo6

2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO is now available in Gran Turismo6 and is free to download for all GT Academy entrants. The collaboration between Nissan and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has made this possible for fans of the automaker and popular game. The GT-R NISMO is the ultimate articulation of the R35 GT-R. The car was first released in 2007, and since then the Japanese team of designers and engineers have been meticulously honing the GT-R’s performance with each version of the car that has followed.

At the GT Academy 2014 European Race Camp at Silverstone, the 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO made an appearance, where it was also announced that the car would be made available for purchase from the in-game dealership. What is more, for all of the GT Academy fans, Nissan has made the car free to download. The only requirement for the Gran Turismo6 player is he or she to have had entered the GT Academy 2014 competition.

Nissan GT-R Nismo is powered by the 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine which produces 600 horsepower (441 kW) at 6,800RPM and 654Nm (481 kW) at 3,200RPM. It covers the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 311 km/h (193 mph). The powertrain is connected to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sending the power to the four-wheel drive system (4WD).

The Nismo also features advanced aerodynamics which generate additional 100kg of downforce at 300km/h (186mph) for stunning road-behavior. The real road version of the Nissan GT-R NISMO is currently being delivered in Japan. The car is also now on sale in the United States and Europe and the deliveries are scheduled for October.

Source: Nissan

September 12, 2014

Wald International Maserati Ghibli Black Bison Edition

Wald International has published two teaser images of their latest project based on Maserati Ghibli. The saloon is going to get the famous Black Bison package including a number of styling upgrades.

The exterior comes with modified front and rear bumpers as well as a pair of bigger side skirts and a set of new two-tone big alloy wheels. The front bumper features interesting air intakes and vertical LED DRLs (daytime running lights). There is also a new rear diffuser housing quad sports exhaust system. Last, but not least is the boot lid spoiler. There are also several “Black Bison” badges.

The interior features new leather upholstery, branded floor mats and some carbon fiber trim elements. No words about pricing as well as performance upgrades.

The top-of-range Maserati Ghibli S Q4 is powered by a 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 with 410HP (299 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (407 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750RPM. The power is put on the road through an 8-speed automatic gearbox and AWD (all-wheel drive) system. 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 284 km/h (178 mph). The curb weight is 1,870 kg (4,128 lbs).

Source: Wald

September 12, 2014

Mercedes-Benz CLA Gets Ready for 2015 with More Features

Mercedes-Benz CLA is getting enhanced for the 2015 model year with more technical features, appointments and available options. The most important changes made by the German company include modifications regarding safety, comfort, infotainment, ambience and output. In teerms of comfort Mercedes is offering the optional extra of KEYLESS-GO. This feature allows for keyless starting as well as opening and locking. The access and drive authorisation system makes this possible only via carrying the electronic key on one’s person.

The safety of the 2015 CLA will be additionally strengthened via the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, which extends the functions of COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST by addition autonomous partial braking. The latter helps reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. For instance, if a driver couldn’t act when the risk of a collision is detected, despite the warning light and audible alerts, the system automatically triggers the partial braking.

Furthermore, the standard ATTENTION ASSIST system has been upgraded. It operates within an extended speed range of 60 – 200 km/h and utilizes a five-stage bar display to visualize the driver’s current attention level. Next, Traffic Sign Assist now recognizes additional traffic signs, speed limits and no-overtaking restrictions.

The infotainment of the CLA will benefit from the next gen of telematics which include even more intuitive controls, animated menus and visual representations on the head unit display. As an option, Mercedes-Benz is offering an 8 inch free-standing display.

In addition, “Mercedes connect me” standard services are provided as part of the basic specification, but they can also be enhanced via other options. Convenience Telephony will be able in the future to connect in to high-speed LTE networks, while the standard Media Interface allows the connection of Apple devices using the “Apple Lightning” interface.

The occupants of the model will enjoy the improved ambient lighting system that now offers twelve colour schemes that can be selected to suit taste and mood. The trim is available in a satin-finish light brown poplar wood variant. AMG 19-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in black and with a high-sheen finish will come as optional equipment.

At last, but not least, the CLA 220 CDI comes with an extra 5 kW (6.8 horsepower). This means that this particular model will be capable of delivering 177 hp (130 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft). The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is now covered in 8.2 s, and the top speed is 232 km/h. The combined consumption is rated at 4.0 l/100 km, while the CO2 emissions – at 104 g/km. Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 CDI has now emissions of only 99 g CO2/km.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

September 12, 2014

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