A spaghetti dinner will benefit the families of Gary Wilson and Ken Stiver

spaghetti dinner

A spaghetti dinner will benefit the families of Gary Wilson and Ken Stiver, the two Struthers men who were burned in an explosion March 1 at the Struthers Wastewater Treatment Plant.

When: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 14.

Where: St. Nicholas Hall, 764 Fifth St., Struthers.

Donations: Tickets are $8 per person and are available at the door or from Bill Cabuno. Cabuno, Wilson’s brother-in law, is organizing the event. He is also the person businesses can contact about donations for a silent auction at the dinner. Call him at 330-519-0031.

Barrett-Jackson to build permanent $40 million facility in Scottsdale

The massive tent at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction is an impressive sight. Occupying 120,000 square feet and stretching a quarter mile, it sufficiently houses the hundreds of collector cars and thousands of visitors that pass through it every January. Even so, the tent needs to be rebuilt annually, and the auction company has been pushing for a permanent facility for more than a decade. Now it looks like their wish will be granted, as the Scottsdale, AZ city council has approved construction of a new building on the WestWorld grounds where the current event is held.

The new facility is estimated to cost around $40 million, but Barrett-Jackson says that it'll save money in the long run on temporary infrastructure costs. The building will also be designed to better accommodate the constant flow of cars driving up to the auction block as, well as have dedicated areas for SPEED's TV crews and food and vendor services. Barrett-Jackson says that it also plans to build a new headquarters and car museum on land adjacent to WestWorld.

Official details on the plans for the new building are in the press release from Barrett-Jackson after the jump.
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SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (March 21, 2012) – It has been talked about for years. Now, thanks to collaboration among Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, a majority of the Scottsdale City Council, city staff, Barrett-Jackson, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show and others a $40 million expansion of the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center is a reality.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, site of Scottsdale's signature horse and horsepower events, has seen a variety of improvements recently, but none bigger than Tuesday night's landmark decision.

It will create expanded opportunities for new and existing equestrian shows and, for the "World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions™," a permanent, main auction arena, replacing the 120,000 square foot tent now dominating WestWorld.

"For over a decade we have been talking with the City of Scottsdale about a permanent facility like this in order to make what has always been a desire for a long-term agreement with our hometown," said Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson. "Thanks to the leadership of this Mayor and Council it finally got done."

Jackson said the decision is terrific news for the event's guests, bidders, consignors, vendors and sponsors.

"We get to replace a challenging, temporary tent with a better, permanent auction arena. We can park fewer cars on the polo field with more on higher ground. And, this will allow us to realize a long-time goal of building our new corporate headquarters and car museum on private land I own next to WestWorld," Jackson said.

Jackson said his relationship with the City of Scottsdale and equestrian users at WestWorld has never been better. While Barrett-Jackson will continue to erect hundreds of thousands of square feet of tents for automobiles, vendors and lifestyle components, WestWorld's new facility will allow Barrett-Jackson to save money on certain, temporary infrastructure costs, amounts that will now be used to help pay for the expanded Equestrian Center, as the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show are doing.

Jeep blacks out with crowdsourced Altitude edition Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot

If you were in Houston back in January for the car show there, you may have seen a murdered-out Grand Cherokee there which Jeep dubbed a "production-intent concept." The most iconic of Chrysler brands then rolled into Geneva with a similar GC with more of a Storm Trooper look, joined by a blacked-out Compass. These, too, were called "production-intent concepts" – a name that wasn't all that dynamic. So Jeep opened a contest called "Name My Ride," and the handle chosen was "Altitude." Now Jeep is putting the Altitude into its product catalog for the Grand Cherokee, Compass and the Patriot, too.

Like the concepts, the production Altitude special editions are characterized by their blacked-out approach. For the Grand Cherokee, that means a black grille surround, black headlamp trim, black liftgate light bar, blacked-out 20-inch alloys and a black interior, complemented by "platinum chrome" on the lower fascia and the mesh grille. For the Compass, the Altitude edition blacks out the grille, headlamp bezels, roof rails, step pad and 18-inch alloys (as well as the interior), whole the Patriot Altitude gets black 17-inch alloys and cabin but trades in most of the rest for chrome and polished steel.

If this all strikes you as just too dark, each model is available in other colors for the bodywork, in which case the black trim provides the contrast. They all come packed with optional extras as well, with prices starting at $20,240 for the Patriot Altitude edition, $22,190 for the Compass Altitude and $35,595 for the Grand Cherokee Altitude. Like what you see? Check 'em out in the high-res image gallery and the full press release after the jump.
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Jeep® Introduces New Limited-edition 'Altitude' Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Models

- Unprecedented consumer interest in Jeep® Grand Cherokee concept confirms production; drives creation of Compass and Patriot limited-edition models
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude first shown as concept at Houston Auto Show in January
- Winning "Altitude" name chosen from more than 100,000 entries in Jeep "Name My Ride" consumer contest
- New Jeep vehicles boast "blacked-out" exteriors with distinct, aggressive flair
- Jeep brand vehicle sales up 34 percent in 2012 (through February)

March 26, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Following an overwhelmingly positive consumer response to the recently introduced Grand Cherokee concept and related "Name My Ride" contest, the Jeep® brand has announced it will produce not just one, but three new limited-edition Jeep vehicles: the Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models.

In January, Jeep introduced a distinctive, "blacked-out" production-intent concept Grand Cherokee at the Houston Auto Show, and connected with consumers to name the model. With more than 100,000 entries from enthusiasts of the Jeep brand – which boasts more than 2 million Facebook fans – "Altitude" emerged as the winning vehicle name.

"The fact that well over 100,000 consumers entered our 'Name My Ride' contest reinforces the passion behind the Jeep brand, and its position as one of the most recognizable and popular brands in the world," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The extraordinary response to both the concept and the contest resulted in an easy decision to produce 'blacked-out' editions of the Grand Cherokee – and the Compass and Patriot. These new Jeep Altitude editions will clearly have a broad appeal among consumers, especially those looking for something distinctive, edgy, and just plain cool."

The new, limited-edition Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models will arrive in Jeep showrooms in May.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude
Jeep's premium icon – the Grand Cherokee – is the most awarded SUV ever over its lifetime compared to any other SUV. The Grand Cherokee Altitude edition combines a variety of exterior design changes to create a unique model with an aggressive chrome and "blacked-out" look.

The vehicle's grille surround appears in black gloss, and mesh grille texture in platinum chrome. A platinum chrome lower fascia applique completes the unique front-end appearance. Black headlamp bezels and a black liftgate light bar continue the "blacked-out" theme throughout the vehicle's exterior.

The Grand Cherokee Altitude rides on 20-inch tires that surround black-gloss aluminum wheels.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude model includes standard leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 9-speaker 506-watt amp sound system with subwoofer, iPod/MP3 connectivity, Parkview™ rear back-up camera, ParkSense® rear-park assist system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Chrysler Group's Uconnect hands-free communications system, and more than 50 advanced safety and security features.

Available in Deep Cherry Red, Brilliant Black, Mineral Gray, Bright Silver Metallic, Maximum Steel Metallic and Stone White, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude starts at a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $35,595 for 4x2 models and $37,595 for 4x4 models.

Jeep Compass Altitude
The new limited-edition Compass Altitude continues the "from-the-factory" customized look first seen in the Grand Cherokee concept shown in January.

A distinctive black gloss finish surrounds Compass' trademark seven-slot Jeep grille and headlamps, and the treatment continues with black roof rails and a black step pad. The Compass Altitude rides on exclusive 18-inch black gloss aluminum wheels wearing Firestone BSW all-season performance tires.

The Jeep Compass Altitude model is available in three drivetrain configurations (including available Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II Off-Road packages), and features power heated exterior mirrors and heated seats, remote start, continuously variable automatic transaxle, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and includes numerous safety and security features, such as electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist (with manual transmission), and side-curtain air bags that cover all rows.

Available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Mineral Gray and Bright White, the Jeep Compass Altitude's starting U.S. MSRP is $22,190 for 4x2 models and $23,940 for 4x4 models.

Jeep Patriot Altitude
The Jeep Patriot Altitude continues the "blacked-out" theme found on Grand Cherokee and Compass versions, but features more chrome and polished steel than its Compass sibling.

Riding on 17-inch high-gloss black aluminum wheels and Firestone BSW all-season touring tires, the Jeep Patriot Altitude boasts a bright chrome lower fascia and rear step pad appliques, and bright polished steel roof rails.

Jeep Patriot is the best-priced SUV in America, was recently named an Edmunds.com Lowest True Cost To Own® vehicle, and has earned an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick."

The Patriot Altitude edition is available in three drivetrain configurations (including available Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II Off-Road packages), and features power heated exterior mirrors and heated seats, power windows (driver one-touch) and locks, continuously variable automatic transaxle, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and includes numerous safety and security features, such as electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist (with manual transmission), and side-curtain air bags that cover all rows.

Available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Mineral Gray and Bright White, the Jeep Patriot Altitude's starting U.S. MSRP is $20,240 for 4x2 models and $23,275 for 4x4 models.

Jeep "Name My Ride" Contest
For several weeks following the Houston Auto Show, consumers had the opportunity to name the Jeep Grand Cherokee concept vehicle by visiting Jeep.com. The brand then compiled entries and narrowed them down to three favored choices:

- Altitude: representing the new heights the Jeep brand is reaching, with an array of new vehicles and special-edition models consumers have been seeking, a wide variety of vehicle and brand awards, and a string of recent sales successes that includes 23 months of increased sales – up 24 percent in 2010, 44 percent in 2011 and 34 percent so far in 2012

- Midnight: for the distinctive, mysterious, deep and dark "blacked out" appearance of the vehicle; and

- Obsidan: a dark-colored – usually jet black – volcanic rock that displays curved surfaces – and may tie to a potential future Jeep model name.

After two weeks of online voting, "Altitude" was chosen as the winning name. Mark Johnson, of Sanger, Calif., submitted the name and will receive a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Jeep Sales Highlights
In 2011, Jeep brand sales increased 44 percent in the U.S. – with each Jeep model up more than 30 percent – while industry sales rose 11 percent. Globally, Jeep sales increased 41 percent in 2011. Through the end of February, Jeep sales are up 34 percent in 2012 (versus industry increase of 14 percent), and 35 percent globally.

Jeep Brand
Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

Bentley to show SUV concept unaltered in Beijing

Automotive News reports Bentley is staying the course with the company's EXP 9 F SUV Concept. The ultra-luxury automaker plans to bring the vehicle to the Beijing Motor Show exactly as it appeared at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, despite the fact that the concept didn't exactly debut to resounding acclaim. Critics described the design as awkward and unbecoming of nameplate like Bentley, but the automaker says it wants to vet the design in as many markets as possible before finalizing the exterior. Here's hoping the crowds in China are as repulsed as those in Switzerland.

The EXP 9 F has already been green-lit for production, and while we have no qualm with the thought of a high-riding luxury brute with a twin-turbo 12-cylinder engine under the hood, we'd like to see something a little less muddled outside. Bentley says an SUV will give the company a leg up in markets like the Middle East and China, where luxury SUVs remain king. Through the first two months of this year, the company's sales are up 66 percent in China, putting the country ahead of the United States as the largest market for Bentley products.

2013 Subaru models to see with optional EyeSight safety system

Trickle-down technology is how four-wheel anti-lock braking systems went from their production debut on a 1978 Mercedes-Benz S-Class to being standard equipment across the board for all vehicles on the road today. It also explains how advanced technologies like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision auto-braking and, to a lesser extent, lane departure warning, has made its way down the funnel to Subaru's mainstream sedans, the 2013 Legacy and Outback.

Beginning with the 2013 model year, both models will be available with the new Subaru EyeSight driver assistance system that consists of a pair of charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras mounted at the top of the windshield on either side of the rearview mirror. This is different from most car-based camera systems on the market today that use a radar-based system mounted somewhere in the front of the car, usually in the grille or front bumper. Subaru says the placement of its EyeSight cameras should help reduce the potential for damage – and likely very expensive repairs – from minor collisions.

What can EyeSight do exactly? For one, it takes stereo images of the view ahead and can detect obstacles, including pedestrians. Under 19 miles per hour, a Pre-Collision Braking System can slow the vehicle or stop it completely if an obstacle is detected and the driver doesn't act. Above 19 mph, EyeSight can still detect objects and slow the car to mitigate damage from a collision. Likewise, the system can see when you wander outside of a lane without using your turn signal and issue an alert. Finally, EyeSight allows for Adaptive Cruise Control that's functional between a wide range of speeds: from 1-87 mph.

Pricing for this option isn't known yet, but EyeSight will officially debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show on the 2013 Subaru Legacy and Outback, though buyers interested in the brand's other products won't have to wait long for it to trickle down to the rest of the lineup.
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Subaru Debuts New EyeSight™ System

- Stereo Camera Based Driver Assist System
- Pre-Collision Braking
- System Capable of Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure and Sway Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Optional in 2013 Legacy and Outback

CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. has announced the debut of its EyeSight™ driver assistance system. The suite of safety and driver assist technologies will debut at the New York International Auto Show on 2013 Legacy and Outback models. EyeSight will subsequently appear on other products in the Subaru line-up. EyeSight integrates adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and vehicle lane departure warning. The new technology, which can also detect obstacles in front of a parked car and limit potential damage in an impact, will become available later this year.

Combining safety and convenience features, the Subaru EyeSight system will be one of the most affordable of such technologies available in the United States market. EyeSight uses two charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras developed by Subaru. EyeSight is mounted inside the car on the upper edge of the windshield, thus reducing the potential for damage that could occur in bumper-mounted systems, such as radar. The EyeSight system processes stereo images to identify the vehicles traveling in front, as well as obstacles, traffic lanes and other items. The video information is relayed to the EyeSight computer, which is also networked with the car's braking system and electronic throttle control. Below speeds of approximately 19mph, EyeSight is capable of detecting pedestrians in the vehicle's path and can activate in order to mitigate or even avoid the collision. Under certain circumstances, Eyesight is able to bring the car to a complete stop, thus avoiding a collision.

Pre-Collision Braking Control and Collision Mitigation

At relative speeds under approximately 19 mph, EyeSight's Pre-Collision Braking System can detect obstacles in the car's path and, if the driver has not applied the brakes in time, the system can do so to slow the vehicle or bring it to a full stop to help avoid the potential collision. Pre-Collision Braking is always on in the background to act like a second set of eyes for the driver. It can also be turned off temporarily for off-road or rough road travel.

At relative speeds above approximately 19 mph, EyeSight can apply the brakes when an object is detected, and will attempt to brake if the driver takes no evasive action, or does not brake appropriately. In this way it will mitigate potential damage from a collision. The system, which can recognize programmed objects such as vehicles, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians, can help mitigate collision damage.

Lane Departure and Sway Warning

By monitoring traffic lane markers and lines, the Subaru EyeSight system can detect if the car begins to wander outside the intended lane without a turn signal being used, or if the car begins to sway within the travel lane. Using the turn signal cancels the warning.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Intended for freeway use, Eyesight's Adaptive Cruise Control system can maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, braking and/or accelerating the car as needed to maintain the driver-selected target speed and traveling distance. Adaptive Cruise Control is operational from 1-87 mph and can fully brake the vehicle to a stop if the system "locks on" to a vehicle ahead.

As an added convenience, Adaptive Cruise Control assists the driver in heavy "stop and go" freeway traffic by maintaining distance from the vehicle ahead. This feature can help reduce driver fatigue, which can therefore help keep the driver alert.

Additional EyeSight Benefits

In heavy traffic conditions, EyeSight will also alert the driver when the vehicle ahead has moved if he or she doesn't react within several seconds. The technology can also help reduce collision damages by cutting the throttle when it senses an obstacle in front, but the accelerator pedal continues to be pushed. The system is also effective when a driver shifts into 'Drive' inadvertently instead of 'Reverse' when backing out of a parking space. The stereo camera design of EyeSight provides a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems.

Cautions

EyeSight is not designed as a substitute for due care and attention to the road. The system may not react in every situation. There are certain operational limitations, such as when weather conditions obscure the view of the cameras. Finally, even with the advanced technology used, a driver with good vision and who is paying attention will always be the best safety system.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

Volkswagen to start building Porsches this fall

Volkswagen still has to go over the river and through the woods before it can close the deal to take over Porsche, but this fall it will begin building them. Primary Boxster production will commence this summer at Porsche's factory in Zuffenhausen, where the 911 is also built.

Overflow production will be handled by VW at its Osnabrück plant, which also handles assembly for the VW Golf Cabriolet and overflow Porsche Cayman production. The arrangement isn't unexpected, with plans for the Osnabrück option mentioned as far back as 2010.

EVERYONE HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE ST. PATRICKS DAY FROM THE HAUS AUTO GROUP!!!!