Auto Trends

expired sfp driver’s license, originally uploaded by sir fanceepants

Let’s face it, when we have to make a trip to the DMV, there is usually little cause for smiling… Except perhaps for the photo portion. We figure, after going through such hell, the least we could have is a decent photo of ourselves to show to our local law enforcement when they pull us over for a ticket. To help with the current battle against fraud however, several states are ordering their grumpy bench waiters to cease that solitary grin and instead maintain a neutral scowl for their drivers license photo.

What this is exactly is a new campaign to fight against fraudulent licenses. When we go to renew our license, many states use a software program designed to scan the new photo and compare it to the old in the attempt to identify if someone is trying to receive a fraudulent identification. Sounds easy enough, but it turns out it doesn’t always work.

What happens is certain forms of computer driven software that the DMV uses to detect facial features, are unable to scan for the features as accurately when the faces they are comparing are smiling. These computers tend to see differences much more accurately when a photo depicts a neutral stare rather than a toothsome grin.

So far there are four states that have adopted this rule, Nevada, Virginia, Indiana, and Arkansas. Approximately 600 folks are caught each year in attempting to receive a fraudulent license, and the DMV hopes to catch even more by adopting this new ruling. There is talk of several other states adopting the “no smiles” rule, leaving your local DMV an even more non-joyous place to spend half the afternoon!

Okay, well we can deal with this as none of us wants to have our identity stolen. But there is a kicker to this story…

Not every DMV has the exact same system. Some states claim that their face recognition software works regardless of whether a person is smiling, smirking, scowling, or picking for golden nuggets. Pennsylvania, for example, claims that they will not be moving to a “no smile” rule, because quite simply, it is not necessary. So, wouldn’t it just be easier to adopt the same software in every state, rather than take away the few smiles a DMV clerk will see in a given day.

But, then again this is state government we are dealing with, and simplicity would be just too… well, darn simple!

Source: USA Today

Porsche Headquarters, originally uploaded by getaroundbetter

Oh, how the mighty have fallen

We sometimes forget that even the coup de grace of auto manufacturers are suffering right now. Just because an automobile is being sold for scarcely under $50,000, does not necessarily mean they are making bank.

Der Spiegel magazine reported recently that the bankruptcy shadow is now looming over Porsche. At the moment it is believed that they are approximately $12 billion in debt, with no sign of improvement any time soon. Part of the reason they are in the position they are is their determination to take over the majority stake of Volkswagen.

Fittingly, it was Volkswagen (VW) who stepped-in to save the faltering Porsche with a $978 million cash infusion. The nearly one billion is unfortunately just a strip of duck tape holding the German sport car maker together, as it is estimated they still need another $3.5 billion just to maintain minimum operations for the next several weeks.

Following suit with the American and Japanese manufacturers, Porsche has reportedly asked for a $140 million in emergency funds from the German government to keep their operations afloat. Considering the economy, and the fact the loan will only cover a small portion of their looming financial troubles, the German government has so far expressed reluctance to move forward with any relief.

Or… might there be another reason for their reluctance???

While it is true that Porsche may be in some trouble, saying they are close to bankruptcy is like telling people they are drowning in a 2-foot deep kiddie wading pool. Ahem, just stand up Porsche and save yourself, which loosely translates to selling some of your VW stock. That should more than cover your operations for awhile.

Of course, Porsche does not want to lose any of the grip they have worked so hard to achieve with VW. So, instead they are going to flail themselves amongst the shallow waters like a three-year-old in a temper tantrum, hoping the German government will take pity and buy them that new pony! Good luck…

Source: Left Lane News

2009_GSX-R1000_pr-08, Photos by gorm gnuis deamhan

We usually do not cover motorbikes here on Auto Trends, but the new 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9 deserves to be made an exception. It has been 10 years, if you can believe that, since the last Gixxer was put through a full revision.

Redesigned Engine

To begin with, the 999 cc inline-four has been completely redesigned for this year. The valvetrain features larger titanium valves, the compression ratio has been beefed-up from 12.5:1 to 12.8:1, it features a race inspired oil and coolant radiator, as has been given a slick set of dual titanium pipes. Quiet… and lethal!

Most reviews will tell you about the experience of dropping the clutch on one of these bad boys, but truth be told, there are very few riders who would ever want to try this at home. The acceleration from this Gixxer makes adult diapers part of its standard safety equipment, considering 0 to 60 will come at somewhere around 2-seconds (¼ mile 9-seconds).

The bike reaches maximum power at 13,500 rpm, although many amateur riders will never need to see much over 6,000 or 7,000 rpm for short thrilling bursts. While the power to weight ratio of the Gixxer maybe its main course, the real bread and butter comes from its world-class handling.

Redesigned Chassis and Suspension

The chassis has received its fair share of upgrades to ensure the bike can keep up with all its newfound muscle. It has shed around 11 pounds of excess weight (down to 470 pounds) thanks to a number of engineering improvements, including a shorter wheel base, trimmed brake calipers, and lighter alloy wheels.

This bike was designed for the racer in mind, and truth be told, it would take one to realize its full potential. With that said, this Suzuki GSX R1000 has been refined to allow even the amateur to toy a little with its potential without getting into too much trouble. This is thanks to its smooth, predictable, and beautifully damped suspension.

The new Gixxer is actually very well-behaved as long as it is treated with respect. Beyond its refined handling, riders will also appreciate a new ergonomic body positioning, which will not only make longer treks more comfortable, but reduces wind agitation at high speeds.

Let’s Talk Turkey

So how much is it going to cost to put one of these in your driveway? Around $13,000, adult diapers not included!