Drugs money 'saved the banks from collapse' during global crisis, claims UN drugs and crime chief

Drugs money saved some banks from collapse at the height of the global crisis the United Nations' drugs and crime chief claimed today.
Antonio Maria Costa, head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, told the Observer that there were signs that some banks were rescued by billions of dollars that 'originated from the drugs trade and other illegal activities.'

Speaking from his office in Vienna, Costa explained that in the second half of 2008, lending was the banking system's main problem.
'The system was basically paralysed because of the unwillingness of banks to lend money to one another,' he told the newspaper.
He said he had seen evidence that the proceeds of organised crime were the 'only liquid investment capital' available to some banks on the verge of collapse last year.

Costa said that as a result, a majority of the $352bn (£216bn) of drugs profits was absorbed into the economics system, effectively laundering it.

Costa's claim comes as police launch a new anti-drugs campaign that aims to appeal environmentally-minded cocaine users with the message that snorting cocaine destroys the rainforest.

The campaign warns that for every gram of cocaine made, four square metres of rainforest are destroyed.
The campaign, headed by the police and Greenpeace, comes amid evidence that cocaine use is on the increase among young people in the UK.
It has been suggested that lower prices have contributed to the prevalence of the drug




The UNs' drugs and crime chief said that he was first made aware of evidence that illegal money was being absorbed into the financial system around 18 months ago, although he would not name countries or banks that may have received drugs money.

2010 Rolls Royce Ghost

Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Leave the chauffeur at home. A smaller, more driver-focused Rolls will soon court young high rollers with $350K to spend. It's not quite a "baby Phantom," but the new Ghost should take the Flying Lady mascot to more driveways than ever.

What We Know About the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce sold just over 1,000 cars in 2007, the first four-figure annual tally in the firm's 104-year history. That surely delights parent BMW, which took charge of Rolls in 2003. But the Bavarian bosses see greater things for their celebrated English marque beyond its current trio of hulking $400K-plus Phantoms. Specifically, they want to boost Rolls sales closer to those of former stablemate Bentley, which now moves over 11,000 cars per year as part of the Volkswagen group. That suggests a somewhat smaller Rolls model that uses BMW hardware to sell just above the $200,000-$250,000 realm that has proven so lucrative for Bentley. It might be less sporty than a Bentley, but would tilt toward the same younger, very well-heeled buyers.

That, in a nutshell, is project RR4, a.k.a. "New Generation Saloon" (sedan to us Americans). Rolls-Royce confirms this car will debut sometime in 2010. The company recently announced it will go into production during 2009 and be will be called the Ghost. Rolls-Royce gave a sneak peek, in the form of the experimental 200EX at the March 2009 Geneva Auto Salon in Switzerland. Expect coupe and convertible versions early next decade. If all goes well, the Ghost will more than double yearly production at the modern BMW-built R-R factory in Goodwood, England to somewhere between 2,000 and 2,500 units. That's still far behind Bentley, but Rolls-Royce ownership isn't for everyone, old bean. Price? Well, if you simply must know, it's being rumored at $300,000-$400,000.

The 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost was made official in late 2006, but with few specifics given. Since then, Rolls has announced that Goodwood will add a second assembly floor and a second shift to produce the Ghost. It has released two vague sketches of what the new car will look like, and several photos of the experimental 200EX the company says shows the direction the Ghost will follow. Fortunately, our spies have unearthed most of the basics, though some items remain a mystery.

Broadly speaking, the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost is based on the redesigned 2009 BMW 7-Series sedan that's due to start sale in the spring of 2009. The new 7's "F01" platform will be pulled like taffy to make the Ghost longer, wider, and taller than its German cousin. Yet, the Ghost will be almost a compact next to the Phantom--over a foot shorter by some accounts. It's also said to be nearly 500 pounds lighter despite a structure that uses less weight-saving aluminum. Still, the Ghost will be no bantam, likely to tip the scales just north of 5,000 pounds.

The Ghost will be motivated by a "unique to Rolls-Royce" turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 that packs 500 horsepower. The firm said early on that the powerplant will be "exclusive to Rolls-Royce," so some think that rules out a BMW engine. On the other hand, "exclusive" could just as easily mean a Rolls-only version of a new BMW V12 engine that is rumored to appear in the redesigned 7-Series.

Another complication is the Ghost's place in the world. In terms of power and performance, the 500-horse V12 puts it "upstairs" of the 453-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 Phantom, yet it leaves Ghost conspicuously "downstairs" of a prime competitor, the 553-horsepower 6.0-liter W12 Bentley Continental Flying Spur. In addition, the Phantom has been roundly criticized for its prodigious fuel thirst, and Bentley has announced plans to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions for all its cars, which put pressure on Rolls to follow suit. According to the carmaker, this engine, combined with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, boasts better fuel and CO₂ efficiency than the "already class-leading Phantom series of cars."

The 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost will borrow many other components from the redesigned 7-Series, mainly those that owners won't see, as one R-R source told trade weekly Automotive News. The modified new-7 architecture should bring jumbo 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, all-independent suspension with air springs and computer-controlled shock absorbers, and speed-sensitive power steering. Another given is BMW's full range of electronic driving aids, such as an antiskid system and traction control, and radar-based cruise control. Wheels are said to be 19- and/or 20-inchers, with run-flat tires a possible no-cost option.

Other features are less certain, but the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost should be loaded with gadgets, partly for the presumed tech-savvy target audience and partly because BMW loves gizmos. Among the items being widely whispered are auto-close power doors and trunklid, a navigation system with a new type of glare-proof display screen, and a headliner with multiple fiber-optic points that glow to create a "starry night" effect, a bit of set design also found in the 2-door Phantom Coupé. (And please do say "koo-PAY.") A BMW iDrive-type control knob already appears in Phantoms, and so will probably appear in the Ghost as well.

As for styling, Chief Designer Ian Cameron says the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost will have a "more informal presence than Phantom models, with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed by [a] more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions." OK, but those company sketches suggest the Ghost may look rather like the 2005 Cadillac Sixteen concept, right down to the use of rear-hinged "coach" rear doors, as on the Phantom sedan. The Ghost should also lift the senior car's retractable "Flying Lady" grille ornament. The grille itself, however, will be smaller and far less upright than the Phantom's--much like the rest of the package. Interiors, unsurprisingly, will be lavishly appointed in top-grade materials, and the artisans at Goodwood will doubtless be happy to oblige sir or madam with all manner of special-order trims and colors.

One British report recently noted that the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost is "all about scale," a sales-boosting move down-market to where buyers are more plentiful. It's the same tactic Rolls employed to get back on its feet after World War II with relatively "cheap" models like the Silver Dawn. The Ghost is no less apropos for these difficult times, especially as even some Rolls customers might now feel just a bit conspicuous being seen in a Phantom. Ah, the problems of wealth.

A Notable Feature of the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Some regard the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost as a "21st-century Silver Shadow," referencing the popular R-R models of the 1960s and '70s--the first unibody Rollers, by the way. That's such a good summation of the overall concept that we wouldn't be surprised if the Ghost is introduced with the Silver Shadow name.

There's also talk of a diesel option for the Ghost. Though an "oil-burner" might seem unspeakably plebian for even a junior Rolls, today's diesel engines boast much of the same mechanical refinement as their gasoline counterparts, plus the timely advantages of higher fuel economy, longer driving range, better low-end torque delivery, and reduced CO₂ emissions. What this engine might be is anyone's guess, and it likely wouldn't be in the catalog until at least 2012, but a diesel option would symbolize a newfound social responsibility at Rolls-Royce, which may be why it's on the table.

In the same vein, the rumor mill speaks of an eventual hybrid Ghost using the 2-Mode gas/electric drive system developed by BMW in concert with General Motors and the former DaimlerChrysler. Alas, specifics on this are elusive, too, though the upcoming hybrid option for BMW's X5 SUV and X6 "sports activity coupe" may give some clues.

Buying Advice for the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

It's pretty meaningless to speak of practical purchase considerations in a Tiffany's-level class that includes not only Bentley but also the Mercedes-Benz Maybach and Aston Martin's upcoming 4-door Rapide. All are super-luxury cars with prices to match, and are built in lower quantities than even top-line BMWs and Mercedes, which are pretty exclusive themselves. Your choice will probably come down to how you feel about the character and status of the various brands and models. If you're looking to move up to a Rolls--or want a garage mate for your Phantom--then the Ghost is the logical selection. Of course, anyone rich enough to buy one of these cars can probably afford more than one, and good for you if that applies.

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost Release Date: We've heard nothing definite yet, either from Rolls or our sources, but we'd guess the Ghost will start U.S. sale in March or April of 2010.

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost First Test Drive: The Geneva premiere mentioned above could mean media previews in late summer or early fall of 2009, but we could be wrong.

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost Prices: Rolls-Royce is naturally mum on this point, but we've seen base-price estimates ranging from $300,000 to $400,000, as noted above. We'll hedge and call it $350K, but the figure could be higher given today's unstable dollar/Sterling exchange rate and production costs being pressured by fast-rising commodity prices, especially for steel.

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost Preliminary Specifications

The Basics

Vehicle Type: premium large car

Drivetrain (CG estimates)

Drive wheels: rear

Engine: 6.6-liter V12

Horsepower: 500

Torque: 500 lb-ft

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Dimensions (CG estimates)

Wheelbase: 129.7 inches

Length: 212.6 inches

Width: 76.7 inches

Height: 61.0 inches

Base curb weight: 5,150 pounds

source:http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/

2010 Range Rover Sport

It comes as no surprise the 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport shares its upgraded engines and transmission with the 2010 Land Rover Range Rover. The Range Rover and Range Rover Sport have always been very similar with the main difference being the slightly more rakish exterior on the Sport and more demure handling on the regular Range Rover. Now there are even bigger differences between the two Range Rovers.

Aging Gracefully
Though the appearance changes for all 2010 Land Rovers are pretty slight, the Range Rover Sport is perhaps the easiest to tell apart from its predecessor. The LED headlights are sure to impress valets and two-bar grille looks a bit tidier than the outgoing design. There are new front fenders, but they are hardly revolutionary in design. Out back new taillights and a redesigned bumped balance out the changes to the front. The wheel arches have been redesigned to improve aerodynamics and highlight the 19- and 20-inch wheels.

The Real Treat is Inside
Of course owners will spend a lot more time inside the range Rover Sport than admiring the outside, so it makes sense that the majority of the design upgrades are in the cabin. We're thrilled that the Range Rover Sport now looks as upscale as its price suggests, with an abundance of soft-touch plastics, softer leather, and wood trim. Additionally, the entire infotainment system is much more intuitive and half of its buttons have been eliminated. Optional adjustable side bolsters help the front seats fit drivers of all sizes and the seats are more comfortable to boot.

More Tech Toys
Like the other 2010 Land Rovers, the Range Rover Sport has a lot of optional gadgets. The surround-view camera system is very helpful during off-road excursions, though Range Rover Sport owners would be wise to use it during parking maneuvers to keep those big wheels free of scuffs. High beam assist allows the vehicle to automatically switch between high and low beam headlights as traffic allows. The hard drive navigation system is much faster than the old system and iPod integration is very good.

A fancy, 5.0-inch TFT display is situated between the speedometer and tachometer, but currently it can only display basic information about the vehicle. We hope a software upgrade will allow information about what song is playing, or navigation directions, to be displayed in this location. It can be much less distracting to look down to the instrument cluster for navigation info rather than looking down and to the right at a nav screen. Such an arrangement could also allow navigation information to be displayed to a driver and infotainment information to be displayed to a passenger, or vice-versa

Sport Meets Muscle
For 2010, all Land Rover models get the new, direct-injection, 5.0-liter V-8. Power is up by 75 hp, to 375 hp, and torque is at 375 lb-ft - both figures represent big upgrades over the aging 4.2-liter V-8, which sometimes struggled to move vehicles as big and heavy as the Land Rover. Supercharged models share the 5.0-liter block but also get an intercooled sixth-generation Eaton blower that pushes power to 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The whole supercharger/intercooler assembly fits nicely in the valley of the engine, the revised air intake is more efficient, and supercharger whine has been reduced by more than 50%.

Both engines are mated to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission. The increase in power from the 5.0-liter engines allows the torque converter to lock up earlier, which increases fuel efficiency. An adaptive sport mode provides more aggressive shift points and "learns" an individual driver's style to provide more appropriate responses to throttle inputs. Range Rover Sport Supercharged models go one step further and include a dynamic setting on the terrain response system. Twisting the dial to Dynamic Mode firms up the suspension and makes the throttle and shift maps even more aggressive.

On the Road
We sampled both HSE and Supercharged Range Rover Sports and found the Supercharged vehicles to be brutally fast and quite a handful to drive. The subtle differences in tuning between Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are very apparent through the steering wheel - we found the Sport to be very fatiguing, like an old Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, as it tramlined over less than ideal pavement. If you've been clamoring for a 5901 lb SUV with low profile tires and a sub-6.0 second 0-to-60-mph time, this may be the least of your concerns, but we quickly grew tired of it.

The HSE seemed more manageable on the road, though we spent most of our time with it on the freeway where we had to be vigilant of speed cameras. Since the normally aspirated engine is virtually as quick as the outgoing supercharged engine, this may be the best balance of speed and comfort in the Sport line

Hypothetically, it Goes Off-Road, too
It seems unlikely the celebrity couple you see cruising around Hollywood in a Range Rover Sport will ever venture off-road, but customers in the Middle East are quite fond of playing in the desert with Land Rovers, and thus there is a new feature on the terrain response system to facilitate better launches in the sand. The sand mode now includes a launch control feature that allows just enough wheel slip to get the vehicles moving yet prevents it from digging down to bedrock. Sadly we weren't able to find any sand outside of Edinburgh, Scotland to test the system.

We did manage to take the Sport down a few hours worth of trails and were quite impressed by its capabilities in the mud. The trails were not as challenging as what the LR4 conquered, but more than demonstrated the Sport's capability, even with low profile tires and decidedly road-biased tread pattern. Suffice to say the Sport is willing and able to tackle far tougher terrain than its owner is likely to attempt.

When Can I Buy One?
Land Rover dealers should be getting shipments of Range Rover Sports any day now and have an official on-sale date of September 1. The Range Rover Sport HSE starts at $60,495 while Supercharged model stickers for $74,195 and includes the luxury and climate comfort packages. The $1000 extended leather package for Supercharged and HSE models equipped with the luxury package covers most of the surfaces you'll be touching with leather and is probably worth the upgrade. Four distinct styles of 20-inch wheels are available as individual options and command $1000-2500 depending on the design.

From www.automobilemag.com

Toyota camry 2010

From rating and reviews from the press:

The 2010 Toyota Camry ranks 8 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 72 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Camry, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Toyota Camry remains one of the best values in the automotive world. The 2009 edition won U.S. News' 2009 Best Car for the Money award in the midsize car class with its combination of a reasonable entry price and low long-term cost of ownership. The 2010 model differs little from that car, and should represent a solid investment once again.

The Camry is known for its comfortable interior and gentle ride quality. It is far from the sportiest offering in the midsize class. It's SE trim ("Sport Edition" in Toyota's lexicon) doesn't even match the base models of some competitors for athleticism. Those looking for a midsize car that can race their pulse now and then might want to consider the Mazda6 or Ford Fusion instead. However, the Camry's available V6 is one of the strongest engines in the class, and it offers a refined ride in every form.

The Camry has been the best-selling passenger car in America for seven consecutive years. The current edition was designed for the 2008 model year, and sees an update this year with a slightly more powerful four-cylinder engine (the available V6 remains unchanged), and a new six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Outside, subtle changes include a reshaped bumper and reshaped tail lights, but you'd have to look hard to notice the changes.

The Camry is available in base LE, sporty SE or more upscale XLE trim levels, with either a 169 horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 268 horsepower V6. The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid, a close variant of the gas-engine Camry, is reviewed separately.

Shoppers might want to note that the Camry is included in a massive and highly-publicized recall due to a floormat design that can trap the vehicle's accelerator pedal, causing unintended acceleration. Toyota safety personnel have informed us that customers can currently purchase a 2010 Camry with floormats. The car will be delivered with the driver's side floormat attached to the track of the driver's seat with zip ties. Customers are asked not to remove the ties. Toyota will contact buyers with a recall notice when a permanent fix is available.

Be sure to check for current Toyota Deals that may be available on a new Camry.

• "Camry is no excitement machine--not even the sporty SE version--and most test examples have suffered uncharacteristic lapses in materials and workmanship. Still, Camry deserves consideration for its powertrain refinement and passenger comfort" -- Consumer Guide
• "With so many appealing options to choose from, we strongly advise shopping around and test-driving as many models as possible. We're fans of the Camry, though." -- Edmunds
• "Since its debut in the United States nearly 25 years ago, the Camry has earned a reputation for smart design, pleasing function, build quality and durability. It's not all hype." -- New Car Test Drive
• "This is a perfectly functional, perfectly capable, perfectly reasonable, perfectly boring automobile. ... Again, all pleasant enough and functional enough, but it's duller than an empty office cubicle." -- AutoWeek
• "The latest edition of America's best-selling car has more of everything, which has to be scary for the competition. This Camry has a better interior, less bland styling, and superior powertrains than before." -- Car and Driver

Camry Performance - 7.7 (Good)

The 2010 Camry offers one of the most relaxed, comfortable rides available in this price range, but it isn't the most exciting car to drive. According to New Car Test Drive, "The Camry is thrilling in no respect, and no particular aspect of its performance is outstanding. Yet it's good in nearly every respect, bad in almost none, and it has a steady, set-and-forget quality that many drivers appreciate. It's pleasant to drive in all circumstances." Read More

Camry Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)

The automotive press generally finds the Camry attractive enough, but not exciting. Left Lane News captures the spirit of opinion on the Camry when it writes, "The Camry's styling won't offend any potential buyers and gives the car some added mass appeal. Not to say the Camry is a bad looking car, it just doesn't seem to have the character that most other cars have and could easily be lost in the crowd." Read More

Camry Interior - 8.6 (Very Good)

The Camry's passenger cabin has always been its best feature. Comfortable, spacious and logically laid out, it is one of the best in its class. New Car Test Drive says the Camry's cabin "offers a welcome counterpart to its exterior styling. While the outside has been touched with a splash of pizzazz, the inside has been brushed with shades of elegance." Some early reviewers of the 2010 model, however, have filed disturbing reports of interior build quality problems previously unheard of in a Toyota product. The car has been on the market a short time and has few reviews, so we don't yet know if those problems are common. Read More

Camry Safety - 8.7 (Very Good)

The 2010 Camry has not been crash-tested yet, but the mechanically similar 2009 model did well in both government and insurance industry crash tests. The Camry offers seven standard air bags, and new for 2010, stability control is now standard. Read More

Camry Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Toyota Camry reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Toyota Camry is covered by a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty

In Nigeria,the Toyota Camry has gradually taken over as the official cars for government officials,company and bank executives and the luxury car for the middle class.Its bold shape and size looks intimidating ,which is the main attraction of the car for Nigerians.

Apart from the Camry, other Toyota brands like Corolla,Yaris and land cruiser are also in high demand.