Rumormill: GMC Acadia's future uncertain

2011 GMC Acadia Denali - Click above for high-res image gallery

Word on the web is that the GMC Acadia is back on the chopping block. You may recall that the big crossover found itself in dire straits once before when the entire GMC brand underwent a strategic review during the General Motors bankruptcy proceedings. After that brush with death, the decisionmakers at the company decided to give the entire brand – and by association, the Acadia – a stay of execution. Now a new report suggests that the next-generation Acadia may be scrapped to reduce product overlap within the GM dealer network.

General Motors currently produces three Lambda-based crossovers – the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia – and the company says that it wants to keep overlap to a minimum for its Buick-GMC dealers. The next-generation Lambdas are expected in 2014 as 2015 models, but even if the Acadia gets axed, it's likely that GM will still keep a trio of models based off of the three-row platform, only with Cadillac getting the third model instead of GMC. Thanks for the tip, Ed!
[Source: GMInsideNews] 

Land Rover promises Range_e plug-in diesel hybrid for Geneva

Land Rover Range_e plug-in diesel hybrid is heading to Geneva – Click above for high-res image gallery

Land Rover is gearing up for the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and it's bringing four new models to show off, one of which shows the automaker is thinking a bit more green: the Land Rover Range_e plug-in diesel hybrid.

Power for the electrified Range Rover Sport comes courtesy of a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as an electric motor. The Range_e's driving range is said to be nearly 700 miles and it can drive approximately 20 miles on electric power alone, which should be good enough to get the SUV into the heart of London.

Also getting the bright light auto show treatment are the luxurious Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition, Evoque in two and four-door guise and the 2011 Discovery/LR4 Landmark Edition. The Autobiography Ultimate is described as the most luxurious Land Rover ever produced and features yacht-inspired teak flooring and Apple iPad tablets for the rear passengers. The Evoque will be featured in a handful of trims that offer unique customization options for consumers. Finally, the limited-edition Landmark LR4 will be available in either a Black or a White theme with upscale interiors and unique color treatments.

[Source: Land Rover] 

First Drive: 2012 Nissan GT-R

Invincible. According to Webster's, the word means "incapable of being conquered, overcome or subdued." The adjective is often used to describe something so superior that it's nearly impossible to overthrow. Want to know what invincibility feels like? Strap yourself into the driver's seat of the 2012 Nissan GT-R, and then press the start button.

Just three years after successfully launching its flagship performance vehicle on our shores, the engineers at Nissan have introduced a subtly but completely reworked supercar. The engine has more power, the suspension has been revised, the wheels are lighter, the seats have been redesigned, the brakes are bigger, the chassis is stiffer and the aerodynamics have been reconfigured to improve cooling and provide more downforce. This isn't a manufacturer's token "mid-cycle refresh" to boost sales; these are changes that improve the overall drivability and performance of the GT-R so significantly that most will be inclined to consider it nothing short of a second-generation rebirth.

For starters, how does 0-60 in 2.88 seconds sound?

This story really started three years ago this April. That was when we first drove the then-all-new 2009 Nissan GT-R, the spiritual descendant of a long lineage of epic Nissan Skyline sports cars.

Its performance was mind-boggling at the time. Under the hood was a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 developing 480 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a standard six-speed sequential dual-clutch rear transaxle, power was sent to the ground through the automaker's ATTESSA E-TS all-wheel-drive system. Nissan didn't officially quote performance figures at the time, but most publications clocked the GT-R's sprint to 60 mph in a scant 3.5 seconds. Quick on the street, it was even more capable on the track. Succinctly delivering this point, its Nürburgring time of just 7:38 put it ahead of the famed Porsche 911 Turbo and Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

As good as the sports car was, the GT-R's chief vehicle engineer, Kazutoshi Mizuno, never considered the car "done." In fact, Mizuno promised the "real GT-R" would arrive in a few years.

Today, I find myself sitting in a meeting room at the Carlton Hotel in Atascadero, California, smack in the middle of the state's central coast. Mizuno is explaining to a handful of journalists the changes that Nissan made to the GT-R for the 2012 model year. Like a proud father (and with every bit as much boast), he goes over each of the vehicle's upgraded subsystems methodically. The details are impressive.

While the GT-R has aged very well, Nissan refuses to let its flagship supercar fall from the front of the pack. Pursuing that sole objective, the automaker has made minor changes each year. And, with the exception of the launch control debacle and a series of not-so-insignificant price increases, enthusiasts have welcomed these tweaks that have continued to improve the coupe's performance envelope. However, none of the revisions have been as significant as the changes for 2012.

Beginning with the exterior, Nissan has improved the GT-R's aerodynamics by reducing overall drag and increasing downforce. The front fascia has been enlarged and the grille openings altered slightly to reroute air precisely around the vehicle. As Mizuno explains, air forced through the front intake is channeled through the radiators and intercooler before being released into the back of the brakes for cooling. Airflow that normally would have spilled over the hood has been redirected to the sides. Not only does this improve air volume through the radiator and front brakes, but the overall coefficient of drag is down to .268 (last year, it was .272) and downforce on both axles has been increased by 10 percent. From the outside, the new front fascia is visually distinguished by its double rectifier fins and integrated white LED running lights.

In the back, the diffuser has been extended and resculpted to improve airflow over the exhaust components (plus, it also serves to lower air resistance). The new rear fascia outlet and slots on the lower rear fenders are both engineered to help pull air from the rear wheel wells to improve brake cooling. More visible to the naked eye are the new vents behind the rear wheels and the larger diameter exhaust tips, which are purely cosmetic.

The seven-spoke forged alloy wheels found on 2009-2011 Nissan GT-R models have been replaced in 2012 with new ten-spoke forged alloys that are reportedly more rigid and slightly lighter than their predecessors, coming in at 26.4 pounds each. Knurling inside the 20-inch wheels has been modified to help keep the tires from slipping during extreme acceleration or braking, and the finish on the wheels has also been slightly darkened. While predecessors were fitted with rubber from different manufacturers, tires for all 2012 models are specially constructed Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT ultra high-performance run-flats (filled with nitrogen). The fronts are size 255/40ZRF20 while the rear tires are 285/35ZRF20. If Godzilla is forced to endure colder climes, customers may also order all-season run-flat tires as part of the Cold Weather Package.

Stiffening of the chassis has been accomplished by adopting a carbon composite strut support bar in the engine bay (connected just behind the front strut towers). The dampers are now fitted with aluminum free pistons, and the front caster and rear geometry have been altered to slightly lower the roll center height.

In addition to the aforementioned increased airflow to the brakes, the coupe's standard Brembo monobloc six-piston front calipers clamp down on slightly larger 15.4-inch rotors (up from 15-inches), while the rear four-piston calipers and rotors are carried over from last year. The system utilizes a full-floating cross-drilled two-piece rotor with special low-steel high-stiffness brake pads.

Saving the go-fast news for last, Mizuno explains how his team of engineers made several significant changes to the VR38DETT twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine. To increase power, boost pressure was increased and modifications were made to both the valve timing and mixture. The intake and exhaust system was also opened up to improve breathing. The result is a big jump in output, now 530 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque. The torque curve has also been widened, with peak twist now available from 3,200 rpm all the way up to 6,000 rpm. And it's not a coincidence that the horsepower rating is identical to the Porsche 911 Turbo S. And, if you are one of those debating between a Nissan Leaf and a Nissan GT-R, fuel economy for the 2012 model is up to 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway (the 2011 was rated 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway).

The engineering team also tweaked and massaged the GT-R's dual-clutch six-speed transmission. Most of the work focused on eliminating the brutal shock of engagement during periods of maximum stress (leaving more than a few early owners with shattered gearboxes). According to Mizuno, software remapping upgraded the vehicle's so-called "clutch control" to deliver launches that were quicker, yet less traumatic to the mechanicals. That said, owners of the 2012 model are offered "launch control" with a 4,000-rpm launch, with one caveat: The software will allow only four sequential runs back-to-back. After that, the car must be driven one-and-a-half miles to reset the system (the pause is said to allow the system time to cool down). The last minor change: The transmission's lethargic "snow mode" has been replaced with a "fuel economy mode" for wishful eco-boosting hypermilers. Suuuuurrrre.

In a rare move for Nissan, the automaker has released performance figures (well, at least Muzuno has). Thanks to the increased power and torque, and the subtle mapping tweaks to the dual-clutch transmission's software, the 2012 GT-R will crack 60 mph in 3.0 seconds. Its top speed is now 197 miles per hour (up from its predecessor's 193 mph). The evening before we arrived, Nissan engineers were at the track trying to improve the already impressive acceleration number. Their best was a reported 0-60 sprint in just 2.88 seconds. It may be difficult to repeat, but the lesson learned is don't mess with the GT-R.

Nissan dropped trim levels last year, but two will be offered in 2012. All models receive new carbon fiber accents on the center console and re-sculpted sport bucket seats. Standard models are labeled GT-R "Premium" – they come loaded with everything including navigation, heated seats and the Bose audio package. A new-for-this-market GT-R "Black Edition" (the dark blue vehicle in our gallery) features red-trimmed Recaro seats with accenting red and black interior trim and a dark headliner. To further differentiate it from its Premium sibling, the wheels on the Black Edition coupes are unique six-spoke forged-aluminum Rays (wrapped in the same tires as found on the Premium models). In addition to the standard exterior colors (Solid Red, Gun Metallic and Pearl White), Nissan has added Deep Blue Pearl and Jet Black to the color palette for 2012. A sixth color, the four-stage metallic Super Silver, is still offered in limited volumes.

While the 2009 Nissan GT-R arrived with an aggressive base price of just $69,850 three years ago, the 2012 Nissan GT-R commands a significantly thicker wallet. The Premium model is priced at $90,950. The sole option is the Cold Weather Package (with Dunlop SP Sport 7010 all-season run-flat tires and a 30/70 coolant/water mix). The Black Edition models have a base price of $96,100.

After an early breakfast with Mizuno, a convoy of GT-Rs left Atascadero for the three-hour back road drive to Buttonwillow Raceway, just west of Bakersfield. Our scenic route took us to the Pacific coast at Morro Bay, then back over the hills to Buttonwillow via California Highway 58. Settled into the new front seats (noted for their additional bolstering and firmer cushions), the ride was comfortable without being awkwardly harsh. The brakes are strong and squeak-free, and the steering is nicely weighed. The sound level within the cabin is loud, attributed to the noise from the performance tires. Visibility to the rear quarters is challenging and the transmission still makes an unpolished rattling noise at crawling speeds (somehow, it doesn't seem to affect gearbox operation). The reality is that none of those irritants would have deterred us from driving all the way to the Atlantic coast, had that been the assignment.

When driven with temper and patience, the powertrain quickly shifts through its gears to maximize fuel economy. Again, no worries from the driver's seat as instant acceleration is but a quarter-throw of the accelerator pedal away. The GT-R is much, much more enjoyable when driven hard.

A simple three-finger salute is required to activate "Launch Control" mode. The easy one-handed operation refers to the process of lifting the trio of console-mounted switches from their standard neutral resting position into "R-Mode" (simply hold them for two seconds). Press the brake firmly with one foot and floor the accelerator with the other. Once the engine speed levels off at 4,000 rpm, situate your skull against the head restraint and side-step the brake pedal. The tire-shredding act feels a bit childish after a dozen or so times, but it never gets old. Watch a demonstration of it in action in our Short Cut video above.

Spending the afternoon on Buttonwillow's West Loop reinforced favorable memories of the GT-R's competency, and its voracious appetite for devouring a road circuit. It's not easy to hide a curb weight of 3,829 pounds (identical to last year), but Nissan's flagship overcomes the handicap with savage power and all-wheel-drive grip. Speeds are fast, easily passing triple digits on each of the short straights. I personally have been fortunate to run dozens of cars on this exact track over the past decade, but none have propelled me with such velocity.

Nissan thoughtfully provided us with some 2011 models to compare against the 2012 GT-R. It offered excellent back-to-back driving impressions, but it also almost cost me some pride. After grabbing a random key at the start of the session, I drove the new model first. It seemed nearly unflappable at speed on the circuit. Any slight error in trajectory was easily corrected with the steering wheel or accelerator pedal. Lifting mid-corner would bring the tail around, and Nissan's ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive worked full-throttle miracles on the exits. I tried the identical moves in the 2011 model and ran out of track (dropping the two outside wheels in the mud) with frustrating understeer exiting the Sweeper. It doesn't take an expert to notice the 2012 upgrades to both power and handling.

As it was before, the 2012 GT-R is still faster around the track when driven in manual mode (with the column-mounted paddle shifters). With all settings in "R" mode, the dual-clutch gearbox does a decent job grabbing the next higher gear when coming out of a corner, but it still lacks the anticipation needed to be in the thick of the torque band and get a jump on the exit. Subjectively speaking, Porsche's PDK (a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox) still feels faster and seems to deliver more effective neck-snapping shifts in performance mode.

The brutality of this particular road circuit took its toll. The GT-R's upgraded brakes were overly taxed at the limit. More than once I found myself at the end of a straight coming up on 120 mph, pressing the brakes as hard as I could (according to the multi-function digital display, they were maxed at 100 percent), yet I couldn't activate the ABS. The tire's rubber compound afforded plenty of stick but the street-compound brake pad material just couldn't deliver the friction against the expansive rotor surface at the limit. Pro Tip: Those who track the GT-R will need to invest in some race-compound brake pads.

Nearly three years ago, we reviewed Godzilla and concluded that the fresh young two-door coupe delivered "robot-like mechanized perfection," yet it lacked the subtle qualities that help to create a bond between man and machine. Its individuality has improved with the arrival of the 2012 model. Now in its fourth year, the GT-R has matured and aged well. Emerging after an extensive list of focused upgrades and refinements, the sports car demonstrates poise, confidence, authority and continues to show no signs of fear. We'd go so far as to argue the GT-R finally possesses something that it lacked in the past: character.

Spy Shots: Subaru FT-86 spied again ahead of Geneva reveal

Subaru has already announced that it plans to debut its version of the rear-wheel-drive FT-86 concept at next month's Geneva Motor Show. It's safe to say that the joint venture between Toyota and Subaru is one of the most highly anticipated debuts of the year, and while the vehicle that takes the stage in Switzerland will still be designated as a concept, it should give us a very good glimpse as to what's in store for the production car.

Our trusty spy photographers have caught Subaru's version of the sports car out testing, and while we've been quick to label the Toyobaru as a coupe, this latest set of photos suggests a hatchback configuration. There's still a small deck out back, though, so perhaps the term 'fastback' is more appropriately used in an instance like this (sort of like the Scion tC). Either way, the bodywork looks similar to evaluation mules we've seen periodically over the last couple of years, but it isn't known for certain if the bodywork shrouded in camouflage is production.

In any case, you can expect to see a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four under the hood, producing something like 260 horsepower. Subaru will break its all-wheel-drive-only mantra with this new car, as the automaker has confirmed that power will run solely to the rear wheels.

[Source: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company]

The Turmoil Continues

Is the world finally cracking up? It certainly seems so...at least in that fiery patch of land claimed by the world's three major monotheistic religions. This is serious stuff. Are you paying attention, Fellow Reckoner? Are you looking at the situation closely? In any case, here's a freebie:

"Warning: Riots may be closer than they appear."

Every day we sit down at the computer to read stories of chaos, government overthrow and "anarchy" (as incorrectly defined by the news media) breaking out across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Here are a few headlines the Associated Press led with this morning:

Permalink: [585] Top Stocks To Buy - The Turmoil Continues

"Egypt: Death toll put at 365 as strikes continue..."

"Anti-government protests spread to Libya..."

"Thousands of police confront protesters in Yemen..."

"Bahrain protesters urge more pressure..."

What are these people so angry about? So they're oppressed, under the thumb of the state and barely able to earn enough to feed themselves. But so what? Tunisia's ousted thug, Ben Ali, held sway over his countrymen for some twenty-three years before finally being given the proverbial boot. In Egypt, the poor, unwashed masses endured three decades of Hosni Mubarak's disastrous policies. In fact - and perhaps not coincidentally - Egypt was the birthplace of the state. A dubious accolade, indeed. For 6,000 years they've suffered the experiment of state-sponsored aggression. So why rise up now? What makes 2011 so special?

Well, for one thing, it's getting more and more expensive to live from hand to mouth, as the overwhelming majorities in these countries do. More than 40% of the Egyptian people live on $2 per day or less. A whopping 70% rely on food subsidies and handouts. A few percent increase in the price of milk and honey may not break the bank for the average American or European (at least, not yet)...but for those living in Egypt and her surrounding states, it's the difference between eating and going hungry. These people, it may fairly be said, are quite literally starving for change.

"Global food prices are rising to dangerous levels and threaten tens of millions of poor people," World Bank chief Robert Zoellick announced yesterday. "It's poor people who are now facing incredible pressure to feed themselves and their families."

Chimes Addison in today's edition of The 5-Minute Forecast, "The World Bank's latest data on food prices reveals an overall 15% increase from October through January. Its index now sits just 3% below the 2008 record, although a separate index maintained by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization has already surpassed 2008 levels."

According to the World Bank's own data, global wheat prices have doubled between June and January. The price of corn - which is used to feed the cattle, hogs and chickens that populate the meat shelves at your local grocery store - has surged 73% in the same period. Prices for sugar and edible oils have also risen "sharply," the bank said.

"Zoellick acknowledges rising food prices were 'an aggravating factor' behind the downfall of dictators in Egypt and Tunisia," writes Addison.

But the story doesn't stop there. Not even close. And here comes our second free tip of the day:

"Warning: Inflation may be closer than it appears."

In fact, according to some measures, it may be so close it's already here.

Back in the good ol' US of A, continues Addison, "Wholesale prices jumped 0.8% in January, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The producer price index has now jumped 3% over the last four months. And no, that's not an annualized figure.

"Note that the PPI headline number is for 'finished goods' - stuff that's ready to be sold direct to consumers. In the category of 'crude goods,' the figures are far worse - up 3.3% in January, and up a staggering 15.8% over the last four months."

For his part, the man printing all the money chasing these commodities, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, flatly denies any wrongdoing. The trillions of dollars he has injected into the world's economy have nothing to do with the escalating price of commodities, he contends; commodities coincidentally priced in those very same dollars. Instead, Bernanke blames the "two-speed recovery" - where emerging markets are, shall we say, "out-recovering" developed economies - and a failure of these emerging markets to tackle their own inflation.

To blame the increase in dollar supply for the soaring prices of items measured in dollars is "entirely unfair," complained Bernanke. Again, are you listening to all this, Fellow Reckoner? Are you paying attention?

We wonder how long it will be before we wake to read news of uprisings and riots at the source of the world's central fiat currency supply. Can't be long now...

In today's essay, guest columnist and eloquent critic of the Federal Reserve, Fred Sheehan, lends us his thoughts on the real price we pay for our central banks. Please enjoy...

Warren Buffett’s Advice – Expect Less – For Next 20 Years!

Multi-billionaire Warren Buffett, the third wealthiest man in the country, has a flawless record of long term-market timing.

As a successful young money manager for wealthy investors in the mid-1960s bull market, he withdrew from the market entirely as the 1969 market peak approached, liquidated his partnerships, and returned the assets to his investors.

By doing so he avoided the 36% market plunge of 1969-1970, and the 45% bear market of 1973-1974.

Permalink: [584] Top Stocks To Buy - Warren Buffett’s Advice – Expect Less – For Next 20 Years!

Then listen to what he had to say in August 1979. The Dow was at 848. After being mauled by several bear markets, the public had no interest in the stock market. Bonds were the popular investment.

In a 1979 magazine interview Buffett said, “Stocks are now selling at levels that should produce long-term returns far superior to bonds. Yet pension managers and investors are pouring their money in record proportions into bonds, while placing orders for stocks with an eye-dropper.”

“Dow type stocks can now be purchased at around their book value and their earnings are liable to be 13% per year.” He said. “If price/earnings ratios expand over the next twenty years then purchases made now at book value will result in even more than a 13% return.”

His prediction was on the button. From August 1979 to August 1999 the S&P 500 has had an unusual total annualized return of 17.2%.

Throughout the bull market he predicted, Buffet has remained steadfastly in the bullish camp. As a “value” investor he refused to chase the latest fad stocks, totally avoiding each craze as it came along, whether it was the rise and subsequent fall of the exciting biotech sector or early computer stocks, or his current avoidance of anything connected with the Internet.

Yet he amassed an incredible fortune, and investors in his holding company for the bull market, Berkshire Hathaway, have enjoyed exceptional returns.

However, Buffett recently revealed his expectations for the next twenty-year period. Investors should pay attention.

Speaking to a group of business leaders at a bash in Sun Valley, Idaho, and in a recent magazine article, Buffett said,

“First, let’s look at the last 34 years.”

“In 1964 the Dow was at 874. Seventeen years later, at the end of 1981, it was at 875. Now I’m known as a long-term investor and a patient guy, but that is not my idea of a worthwhile holding.”

“The problem was that from 1964 to 1981 there was a tremendous increase in interest rates, from 4% in 1964 to more than 15% by 1981. Stocks can’t handle rising interest rates, so even though the economy was strong, with Gross Domestic Product quintupling over the period, it was not a good time for stocks.”

He went on to say, “In the early 1980’s however, the situation reversed itself. Paul Volcker stepped in as Chairman of the Federal Reserve and broke the back of inflation. Interest rates began to fall, which was great for stocks. So over the last 17 years, through last year, the Dow’s annual return has averaged 19%. That beat any 17 year period in history.”

What should investors expect from here?

Buffett says, “Investors are expecting far too much of the next twenty years, following their unshakable habit of projecting the future by looking through the rear-view mirror at what has been happening, instead of looking through the windshield at what lies ahead.”

Buffet’s assessment is supported by a recent Gallup poll. Investors who have been investing less than five years expect annual returns over the next ten years of 22.6%. That pretty well parallels what they have seen through the rear view mirror, since the Dow has gained an average of 24% per year over the last five years.

According to the poll, those who have invested for the last twenty years, expect returns of 12.9% over the next twenty years, which has pretty well been their experience.

But Buffett says, “Given the current low interest rates, and high valuation levels being applied to the market, the exact opposite of conditions seventeen years ago, it’s very hard to come up with a persuasive case that the stock market over the next seventeen years will perform anything like – anything like – it performed over the last 17.”

“If I had to pick the most probable return”, he said, “If interest rates and inflation can remain constant, it would be 4%. And if 4% is wrong, I believe that percentage is just as likely to be less as more.”

Buffett has apparently acted on his cooled-off enthusiasm for the stock market. It’s been reported he raised as much as $40 billion in cash over the last 12 months or so. His comment to investors in his Berkshire Hathaway holding company on the subject, “I dislike cash. But I dislike being foolish even more.”

While the return of favorable seasonality, with its impressive history of producing market rallies, has me bullish on the market for the next few months, Buffett’s reputation and sobering words serve to cool-off any temptation toward irrational exuberance.

Review: 2011 Ford Explorer Limited

They call it a reboot. It happens all the time in Hollywood when a movie franchise falls flat. After a blockbuster wears out its audience with a string of lesser sequels, the studio starts over, retelling the story from an entirely new angle.

The best example is Batman. The combination of Michael Keaton and director Tim Burton produced critical acclaim and big box office numbers for the first two Caped Crusader films in 1989 and 1992. Then came a new director, Joel Schumacher, who just about killed the franchise with Batman Forever in 1995 and Batman & Robin in 1997. Eight years passed before someone in Hollywood realized the Dark Knight's name could still fill theater seats, and the franchise was rebooted in 2005 with the dark and gritty Batman Begins.

The totally redesigned 2011 Ford Explorer is the Blue Oval's Batman Begins. Ford's most famous sport utility vehicle has desperately needed a reboot ever since the Firestone tire recall in 2000 made it Rollover Enemy Number One. Rising gas prices haven't helped either, but the tire debacle hurt the brand badly, with the Explorer going from this country's third best-selling vehicle in 2000 with 445,157 sold to just over 60,000 bought in 2010. But just like Batman, the Explorer name had value that Ford couldn't let go to waste. And so the 2011 Explorer is the sport utility story retold by Ford from an entirely new angle. The question is whether or not the Explorer's name can still put butts in seats.

Continue reading...


Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD: Review

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Photos copyright ©2011 John Neff / AOL


The new SUV story that Ford is telling is truly different from the original because the new Explorer isn't an SUV at all – it's a crossover utility vehicle. Whereas prior Explorers could trace their lineage all the way back to the body-on-frame Ranger pickup, the new Explorer uses a unibody platform derived from Volvo and Ford sedans, albeit heavily modified to withstand some light off-roading.

Underneath its skin, the 2011 model is most closely related to Ford's other three-row crossovers, the Flex and Lincoln MKT, and it's now being built alongside Taurus and Lincoln MKS sedans at Ford's Chicago Assembly plant. The curious thing is that the Explorer is still called an SUV in Ford's new story. Despite it technically being a crossover, the Explorer gets lumped in with the Expedition and Escape (also technically a crossover) in Ford's portfolio of SUVs. The Edge and Flex, meanwhile, are Ford's official CUVs.

2011 Ford Explorer Limited side view2011 Ford Explorer Limited front view2011 Ford Explorer Limited rear view

What the new Explorer looks like, however, is a Taurus station wagon with a lift kit. Many of the Explorer's new design cues are lifted straight from Ford's large sedan, like its Remington shaver grille sporting a familiar pair of perforated crossbars. The two vehicles also share some surface sculpting, which is most evident on the sides where both feature the same indented door panels and dimpled sheetmetal behind the rear wheels. Ford designers haven't totally broken with the past, however, as some original Explorer elements remain. The B- and D-pillars, for instance, are blacked-out just like they've been on every Explorer since 1991. Ford's designers also made the new Explorer's A-pillar disappear, which further reduces visual bulk and makes the roof look like it's balancing on the strong, thick C-pillars.

Dimensionally, the new Explorer is similar to the one it replaces – a little smaller here, a little bigger there. It's longer, lower and significantly wider than the 2010 model and has more headroom for all passengers. There's a little less legroom for the driver, front passenger and people riding in the very back, but passengers in the middle seats are treated to almost three more inches of legroom. And while overall cargo capacity with all of the seats folded and/or stowed is down from 84 cubic feet to 81, the new model's extra inches of length were put to good use behind the third row of seats, where luggage space has grown from 14 to 21 cubic feet.

2011 Ford Explorer Limited interior2011 Ford Explorer Limited front seats2011 Ford Explorer Limited third row2011 Ford Explorer Limited rear cargo area

Our Limited 4WD tester proved to be comfortably roomy for passengers sitting up front and in the second row of seats, the latter of which were optional dual buckets ($750) with a second-row console ($100). While they do sacrifice a seat compared to the standard 60/40 split bench, the buckets make the third row less claustrophobic and give passengers in the way-back some extra knee room for their inboard legs. It's still not as comfortable as a minivan's most aft seating, but the Explorer's third row is one of the most comfortable in its class.

Our tester also came equipped with the top shelf Rapid Spec 302A package ($4,810) that, in addition to such niceties as Active Park Assist (useful in a vehicle this size), Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring System, rain sensing wipers, HID projector headlamps, a power liftgate, luxury seating package (heated, cooled, 10-way adjustable front seats) and voice-activated navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link, included an impressive power-folding 50/50 split third row. Check it out in the Autoblog Short Cuts video below.


Being the most expensive model with all-wheel drive and all the trimmings, this Explorer's $44,610 price tag ($39,190 base MSRP) did include Ford's controversial MyFord Touch system. We say 'controversial' because it's a love-it-or-hate-it infotainment system. You either love it for its forward-thinking user interface, excellent graphics and industry-leading features, or you hate it because it's a distraction, difficult to learn and slow to respond to inputs. Consumer Reports doesn't like it very much and the Autoblog team is split down the middle, though we universally dislike the stereo and climate controls that come with the separate upgraded Sony sound system.

In addition to nice things like a rear subwoofer, 12 speakers and 390 watts of power, the Sony system also replaces the lower part of your center dash with a completely smooth, glossy black panel of touch sensitive controls for the climate system and a single rotary knob for the stereo controls. With no contours, it's very difficult to perform simple tasks like finding the controls to change fan speed or turning on the rear defroster. Unfortunately, the Sony system is standard on Limited models.

2011 Ford Explorer Limited MyFord Touch2011 Ford Explorer Limited Sony stereo system

What's also standard is Ford's 3.5-liter TiVCT V6 engine. It's the only drivetrain available at launch, though will soon be joined by a high-tech 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder. For now, however, the 3.5-liter is all one needs thanks to respectable power figures like 290 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 255 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The EcoBoost four-cylinder will have less power (237 hp at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. from 1,750 rpm), but should easily beat the 3.5-liter's EPA fuel economy figures of 17 miles per gallon city, 23 mpg highway and 19 combined. Not opting for all-wheel drive will improve those numbers to 17 city, 25 highway and 20 combined, though we managed to achieve an average of 20.4 mpg over the course of a week with our Explorer Limited 4WD.

An engine is only as good as the parts to which it's mated, and fortunately the rest of the Explorer's mechanicals are equally up to moving and stopping this 4,752-pound vehicle without drama. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and intelligently, making manual gear selection via the gearshift lever's rocker switch somewhat superfluous. The brakes are confidence-inspiring with a firm pedal feel, addressing one of the long-standing complaints we've had with Ford vehicles on this platform for the last couple of years. And the steering is yet another incremental improvement for Ford's electronic power-assisted rack-and-pinion system, which continues to feel more natural with each iteration. Combined, these elements do their work without being noticed, which is exactly what the busy mom or dad who's behind the wheel wants.

2011 Ford Explorer Limited engine

What they also want are class-leading technology and safety features, and Ford is happy to oblige. Our Explorer Limited 4WD featured common items like a blind sport warning system, rear view camera and electronic stability control system with traction control, but also included unique features like the industry's first second-row inflatable seat belts. Next up is Curve Control, a new system that can sense when the driver is taking a turn too fast, as on a highway entrance or exit ramp, and reduce engine torque and independently apply braking to each of the four wheels to keep the Explorer on its intended arc. The most trick piece of new tech, however, and the one which we used the most, was Ford's new Terrain Management system.

Controlled by a knob right behind the gearshift lever, Terrain Management offers Explorer owners four selectable modes for the all-wheel-drive system: Normal, Mud and Ruts, Sand and Snow. Each of these situation-specific modes will individually adjust the engine, throttle, transmission, traction and stability control systems for that particular environment. We got caught in a nasty snow storm between Detroit and Cleveland while driving the Explorer and were able to at least put Snow mode to the test.

2011 Ford Explorer Limited Terrain Management System

We weren't able to feel any of those adjustments from behind the wheel during our hours of driving through inclement weather, which is a credit to the system's calibration, but we know it works if for no other reason than we're still here to write this review. We also noticed that the Explorer could generally accelerate quicker and cruise faster in the snow than the traffic around it, which could have been the Terrain Management's Snow mode doing its job or just our false sense of security from turning a knob on the dash until a snow flake lit up – a real danger for any well-marketed all-wheel-drive system. Terrain Management also includes Hill Descent Control, though we never found a big enough hill in Ohio to test this system's ability to slow down the Explorer with the assist of engine braking.

What we do have in Ohio is plenty of flat, straight roads on which to evaluate a vehicle's ride, and the Explorer offers a fine compromise between controlled and comfy. The longish 112.6-inch wheelbase, big 20-inch aluminum wheels and general immensity of the Explorer are able by their nature to handle bumps in the road without the vehicle becoming unsettled, while the shocks and springs themselves actually feel firm when being loaded up in a turn. With momentum in all directions under control, the Explorer actually drives like a smaller vehicle, though looking out of that high, expansive hood will never let you forget its size.

2011 Ford Explorer Limited headlight2011 Ford Explorer Limited grille2011 Ford Explorer Limited wheel2011 Ford Explorer Limited taillight

Some 20 years after America met the first Explorer, size is the main thing that's holding this latest model back from ever achieving the big box office numbers of its predecessors. That kind of money is reserved for much smaller vehicles these days. In fact, the top ten best-selling vehicles of 2010 included only one utility vehicle, the much smaller Honda CR-V, which nearly slid off the list at number nine. The CR-V sold just over 200,000 units last year, or less than half what the Explorer sold at its height of popularity back in 2000. Clearly, this size vehicle can't be a blockbuster anymore (unless it's got a bed in the back).

That doesn't mean, however, that the 2011 Ford Explorer can't be a huge success. Batman Begins was a huge success, even though the 1989 original earned a lot more money. Michael Keaton's original cost $48 million to make and earned $411 million worldwide, while the Christian Bale reboot cost $150 million and made $373 million. Nobody would argue the reboot was a bad idea, because that's not what reboots are about. They're about getting back to making a great product, which is exactly what Ford has done with the 2011 Explorer.

2011 Ford Explorer Limited rear 3/4 view

Bonus Fun Fact: The original Batman remained the highest grossing caped crusader film until the reboot's sequel, The Dark Knight, arrived in 2008. That film rediscovered the sweet spot with a little help from Heath Ledger's Joker and knocked the first film from its pedestal grossing over one... billion... dollars. If our little analogy holds true, Ford may have the utility vehicle to end all utility vehicles up its sleeve for this new Explorer's encore.

McLaren MP4-12C full specs finally released

McLaren has released full details on the MP4-12C and the model's specs are definitely in line with the uncompromising performance that the supercar-maker has promised.

Under the mid-rear bonnet is the M838T power plant in the McLaren MP4-12C - a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces a total of 600 PS (441 kW / 592 bhp) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. The MP4-12C does the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 3.3 seconds (3.1 with special Corsa tires) and has a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) comes in at 9.1 seconds, 8.9 with the Corsa racing tires.

The MP4-12C's MonoCell carbon-fiber chassis, which weights only 75 kg (165 lbs), helps makes for a sprightly vehicle that could weigh-in as low as 1301 kg (2868 lbs) with the lightweight options that McLaren will make available once the model goes on sale.

Transmission on the MP4-12C is a seven-speed SSG gearbox which offers three drive modes: Normal, Sport and Track.

The MP4-12C also comes with adjustable roll control, which replaces mechanical anti-roll bars, and the new supercar features a suspension control module with 3 modes too, Normal, Sport and Track, just as with the transmission but which acts independently of the gearbox setting.

"I am immensely proud of the 12C development team. I don't believe any car company in the world has put as much effort, innovation, passion and sheer determination into launching a car as McLaren has with the 12C...Both in simulation, and in the real world on road and track, we have gone to extremes to ensure the 12C stands up to the performance and quality we know our prospective customers demand," said Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive's Managing Director, in a statement.

McLaren is currently still testing the MP4-12C with four prototypes having gone on the road for further tests in Portugal and Spain just last month.

The MP4-12C will be available through a network of 35 retailer locations in 19 countries at a price of around $229,000 in the US and about £168,500 (including 20% VAT) in the UK.

2011 Lancia Delta facelift and new Ypsilon revealed

Lancia has taken the wraps off the redesigned Ypsilon and facelifted Delta, ahead of their debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Described as the "alternative premium city car," the new Ypsilon is available exclusively as a five-door model. It measures 3840mm long, 1670mm wide, 1510mm tall, and rides on a wheelbase that spans 2390mm. Design highlights include a bold grille, hidden rear door handles, and distinctive LED taillights.

Inside, the cabin boasts ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a center-mounted instrument cluster. Options include leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE.

Under the hood, a variety of engines will be available. Petrol choices include a 1.2-liter with 69 hp (51 kW / 70 PS) and a 0.9-liter TwinAir with 85 hp (63 kW / 86 PS) and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque. If you're a fan of alternative fuels, the 1.3-liter MultiJet II diesel produces 95 hp (71 kW / 96 PS) and 200 Nm (147 lb-ft) of torque, while the 1.2-liter dual-fuel (petrol-LPG) cranks out 69 hp (51 kW / 70 PS).

No word on pricing, but the new Ypsi will go on sale in June.

For the facelifted Delta, designers added a new grille and revised trim levels. Engine options carryover, but there's a new 1.6-liter MultiJet that produces 105 hp (78 kW / 106 PS) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the MPV to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 10.7 seconds, hit a top speed of 186 km/h (116 mph), and have CO2 emissions of 120 g/km.

The updated Delta will go on sale in March, shortly after being unveiled in Geneva.


Source: Lancia

Novitec Rosso Race 606 based on Ferrari California

We've seen our fair share of tuning packages for the Ferrari California, but we may have a new contender for the best of the bunch.

Dubbed the Race 606, the car features a front lip spoiler, a ventilated hood, an aggressive rear diffuser, and plenty of carbon fiber accents. Other goodies include a lowered sport suspension (which reduces the ride height by 35mm), a hydraulic front lift system, and three-piece NF3 wheels with Pirelli PZero tires.

Under the hood, the 4.3-liter V8 has been outfitted with a supercharger, an intercooler, a new intake manifold, larger fuel injectors, a revised ECU, and a high-pNovitec Rosso Race 606, Novitec Rosso Race 606, Novitec Rosso California, Novitec Rosso, Ferrari California, California, Ferrari tuners, Ferrari tuning, California tuners, California tuerformance exhaust system. Thanks to these tweaks, the engine produces 606 PS (446 kW / 598 hp) and 603 Nm (445 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 146 PS (107 kW / 144 hp) and 118 Nm (87 lb-ft). This enables the roadster to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

No word on pricing, but the Novitec Rosso Race 606 will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

Source: Novitec Rosso

2011 Stock Picks: Cambiar Small Cap (CAMSX),Novavax (NVAX)

2011 Stock Picks: Cambiar Small Cap (CAMSX)

What are our favorite funds for 2011? Among US funds, we particularly like Cambiar Small Cap (CAMSX); the fund combines many characteristics for long-term success with good positioning for the current investment environment.

Cambiar Small Cap is managed by Andy Baumbusch and Jeff Susman. Baumbusch specializes in the analysis of industrial, media and telecommunications stocks. Susman specializes in the consumer-discretionary and technology sectors.

In 2010, their efforts produced a total return of 35.7%, among the top performances of all the funds we track.

Permalink: [632] Top Stocks To Buy - 2011 Stock Picks: Cambiar Small Cap (CAMSX),Novavax (NVAX)

And, they aren’t looking for stocks that are just a little cheap, historically speaking. They search out stocks whose valuations fall in the bottom 25% or so of these historical ranges.

In this way, they hope to increase the odds of picking stocks that gain at least 50% over the next 12 to 24 months, which is their goal for performance.

One key to doing so, they believe, is to find companies that are likely to benefit from near-term catalysts including new products and services, or from restructuring, such as the closing of an unprofitable business unit or product line.

We also like how the fund’s current sector weightings shake out from the managers’bottom-up (i.e., stock by stock) stock picking.

Cambiar Small Cap has especially large allocations to industrials and technology, whichh are among our favorite sectors for equity investment in 2011.

2011 Stock Picks: Novavax (NVAX)

Novavax (NVAX), one of our new buys last year, has basically been flat since our initial recommendation at $2.44.

The stock was recommended because we believe that they are a industry leader in the development, manufacture, and commercialization of innovative vaccines for a variety of viral diseases.

The company is currently testing two vaccines based on its virus-like particle (VLP) technology in late stage trials; vaccines for seasonal and pandemic influenza are in Phase II and the company is preparing for Phase III trials.

We believe that NVAX has substantial potential to develop a vaccine platform based on their VLP technology.

NVAX has differentiated itself from its competitors within the vaccine development space with a proven management team, including CEO Dr. Rahul Singvhi, a recognized vaccine industry leader.

He has worked in vaccines for entire career, including substantial experince at vaccine-giant Merck.

When we recommended NVAX, we said we exepcted the following events to occur for NVAX.

First, we expect the company to receive a government contract in the $100+ million range that will be used to finish developing and bring both their pandemic and seasonal flu vaccines to the market.

Then in the Q1 of 2011 we expect NVAX to start a Phase 1 clinic trial for their respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to prevent infection in neonates and the elderly.

We are still waiting for the government contract, which we still exepct at any time. The Phase I RSV trial recently starte.

The trial is a blinded, placebo-controlled, escalating-dose study of healthy adults 18 to 49 years old, a total of 100 subjects will be allocated to four cohorts and randomized to receive vaccine treatment or saline placebo in a 4:1 ratio.

It is expected that interim top-line data from the trial will be available in the third quarter of 2011.

We want to emphasize that this is a substantial market opportunity with very large potential sales around the world.

For example, the passive RSV vaccine Synagis for just infants exceeded $1 billion in sales in 2009.

There are currently no cost-effective measures for protecting elderly people against RSV, so a new solution would significantly enlarge what is already a billion dollar market. NVAX is a buy under $3.

Who's Next in the Exchange Merger Mania?

On Wednesday of last week, the Deutsche Boerse announced that it was in advanced talks with NYSE Euronext (NYX) to combine into the world's largest exchange. This came just hours after the London Stock Exchange (LSE) announced its merger with the TMX Group, which runs the Toronto and Montreal exchanges.

Both of these mergers followed last year's proposed acquisition of the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) by the Singapore stock exchange, which has yet to be approved by the Australian government, but appears to be making progress.

Of course, the NYSE/DB tie-up took center stage in the US since it is the only one easily accessible by US investors, and also because it was hailed as an assault on an American institution.

Permalink: [633] Top Stocks To Buy - Who's Next in the Exchange Merger Mania?

Come on people, the nostalgia is nice and all, but this is about dollars and cents, not baseball and Mom's apple pie. According to the NYSE February 8 earnings conference call, only 53% of its revenue was dollar denominated, while 47% was either pound or euro denominated. It probably would have been closer to 50/50 if they didn't have to account for $19 million in unfavorable currency translations.


Synergies and Survival

Both boards are expected to approve the deal this week; then it will be in the hands of the regulators. Surprisingly, it might be European regulators who raise objections, since the combination of Deutsche Boerse and Euronext operations will effectively control nearly all European futures trading and may require separating the clearing and trading portions of the merged company.

Regardless of regulatory outcomes, it's worth taking a look at what is motivating the potential merger. Exchanges worldwide have experienced margin pressures in the equities business as the advent of electronic exchanges has sliced execution costs to the bone. For now, the futures and options business is where the money is, and the pot is growing.

According to the Options Clearing Corporation, average daily contract volume in options has grown from 5.9 million contracts per day in 2005 to 15.6 million contracts in 2010, while futures volume has increased from 22,600 contracts per day in 2005 to 105,600 contracts per day in 2010. And 2011 is off to a rip roaring start at 18.9 million option contracts per day and 153,800 futures contracts per day.

As exchanges continue to move from floor based operations to electronic trading, volume is everything. The few extra electrons it takes to send an additional order to an electronic exchange is minimal from the exchange's cost perspective, so the bigger the exchange, the greater the volume and the larger the margins.

Additionally, the combined exchange will offer previously unavailable ease of access to markets across the pond. It is likely to become much less complex for the US investor to access European markets, and vice versa. Again, another avenue for increasing volumes.

The Deutsche Boerse is projecting synergies of $410 million from increased volumes and cost cutting in redundant divisions.


Who's Next?

You would think that this would be an easy question, since there are only four publically traded US exchanges: CBOE Holdings (CBOE), The CME Group (CME), The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), and the Nasdaq OMX Group (NDAQ). However, both Hong Kong and Tokyo have indicated that they would consider combinations, and the upstart BATS Exchange is not publicly traded.

BATS (Better Alternative Trading Systems), a Kansas based ECN, came into existence in 2005 and has since jumped to third in equity volume market share, behind the Nasdaq and NYSE, and its options business is growing strong.

Additionally, on the futures side, ELX Futures has been growing in the Eurodollar and interest rate space. ELX was created in 2007 by a consortium including Bank of America, Barclays Capital, Citi, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs and 5 others.

The table below provides a quick comparison between the publicly listed options and the current value of the NYSE.


What is striking is how far these stocks are from their all-time highs. Even if the Deutsche/NYSE deal crests $40, it is still a far cry from its 2006 peak of $112. And the CBOE, which went public in June 2010, has yet to recover its IPO price of $29. This just goes to show what a tough business being an exchange is.

Nevertheless, we have to look forward, and NDAQ certainly has the best earnings outlook and a very digestible market cap. Additionally, the stock has been strong since the October announcement of the Singapore/ASX deal. The market seems to have a lot of faith in this one.

The CBOE has held up rather well since the lock up expired in mid-December. It is clearly the cheapest on the board, and could bring $3-$3.5 billion in the best case scenario. Also the CBOE owns the VIX and other branded products, but mergers of late have been about synergies, volumes, and cost savings, and it's not clear what they offer on that front. Notably, volume declined 2% in the most recent quarter compared to the year ago quarter.

The CME dominates the US futures markets, which makes it attractive, but its size might make it more of an acquirer rather that an acquiree.

Finally, the ICE is interesting, though not talked about as much. The company beat estimates in last week's earnings release and is growing its presence as a credit derivatives clearing house. Price wise it has held up well and management has a history of executing well.

There is no question that another tie-up or two in the exchange sector is likely on the horizon, but which players will be at the table is still up for discussion.

Betting on Lower Gold Prices

The Spyder Gold Trust (GLD) challenged the 50% retracement resistance last Wednesday but has been unable to move much higher. A majority of investors are still long gold, and while the major trend is positive, I am still expecting lower prices over the next month or so. This is the week that gold could turn lower. So is there a good way to bet on lower gold prices?


Click to Enlarge

Chart Analysis: The weekly chart of GLD shows that it has closed higher for the past two weeks. Rallies against the trend often only last for two bars.

* The key 61.8% resistance is at $135.05, which still could be tested before the rally reverses
* A drop below key short-term support at $131.25 will indicate the rebound is over
* Further chart support is at $129.25 with initial Fibonacci support at $125.40 - $126.40
* The weekly on-balance volume (OBV) formed a negative divergence at the recent highs and has broken its uptrend. It rebounded, but it is still below its declining weighted moving average (WMA). This is consistent with a failing rally
* The monthly OBV confirmed the recent highs, so the major trend is positive

Permalink: [634] Top Stocks To Buy - Betting on Lower Gold Prices

The Powershares DB Gold Double Short ETN (DZZ) is a bet against lower gold prices that may not be appropriate for all investors due to its risk. (See the Powershares Web site here). Technically, DZZ appears to be completing a bottom formation but needs to move through key resistance at $9.30 to confirm that the lows are in place.

* From the December lows at $7.88, DZZ rallied to a high of $9.26
* The 50% support level of this rally is now being tested with the 61.8% support at $8.40
* There is further support at the gap between $8.08 and $8.26
* The daily OBV surged in early January and is acting much stronger than prices, which is consistent with a bottom formation
* Volume has contracted on the pullback
* The 38.2% resistance from the July highs is at $9.23 with the 50% resistance at $10.07

What It Means:As I mentioned last week, this still looks like a rally within the downtrend for gold futures, GLD, and the Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX). Therefore, all three should drop below the lows made at the end of January. From my in-depth article on the correction (see Gold and Silver: How Low Will They Go), I still have a first downside target for GLD at $125.40 - $126.40 and then the $123.20 - $121 area, as represented by the green box on the above chart.

How to Profit: Before the rebound in gold is completed, we may see a brief drop and then one more rally above the recent highs, but a lower close is likely this week. Previously, I recommended hedging long positions in GLD by selling the March 130 calls against long holdings in the ETF. These were established at around $4.15 and they closed on Friday at $3.75. This is still the favored strategy if you have a long position in GLD.

An alternative way to offset a potential loss in your long gold position or take a speculative trade is to buy DZZ at $8.56 or better with a stop at $8.11. The first target is in the $10 area. Remember that these ETNs are very speculative and are meant to be held only for the short term.

The iShares Silver Trust (SLV) exceeded all Fibonacci retracement levels, but if my view on gold is correct, the rally in SLV should also fail, but I have no position or recommendation on SLV for now.