THE OFFICIAL GUIDE FOR THE URBAN ENTREPRENEUR
®
DORROUGH WALKING THAT WALK
NEW BOYZ PERFECT JERKS
I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S GREEN MB SLS FISKER SUNSET AND MORE!
12 DREAM CARS 12 MUST HAVE GADGETS AND GAMES INSIDE MADDEN 10
+
CAR GUYS
WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT THOSE TEXAS BOYZ
myspace.com/ownersillustrated
$5.99 US $7.99 CANADA
PAUL WALL
IAN CALLUM ED PEPPER EARL LUCAS
LIVING THE FAST LIFE
Table of Contents
AUTOMOTIVE TEST DRIVES
4 VW Tiguan, Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV 4 5 Camaro V6, Dodge Challenger R/T, Audi TTS 6 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 V6, Pontiac G8 GXP, Mazda 6
I CAN’T BELIEVE ITS GREEN
7 Tesla Model S, Mercedes Benz S400, Mercedes Benz SLC AMG Electric Drive 8 Cadillac Converj, Dodge Circuit
DREAM TOYZ
9 Rolls Royce Ghost, Maserati Granturismo S Automatic
DRIVE EVENTS
10 Nissan EV 11 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
INTERVIEWS 12 13 14 15
Ed Peper Earl Lucas Fairuz Jane Schlecht Ian Callum
GREEN ENERGY
16 The Peak Load Management Alliance
EVENTS 17 18 19 20
CIAA Auto Show Samsung Green Technology Paul Wall Release Party NFL Draft
TECH MOBILE
21 SPB Mobile Shell 3.0 Application Review, Making Money Selling Apps
ALL ACCESS
22 Microsoft @ E3 23 Madden XX
GADGETS & GAMES
24 12 Must Have Gadgets 25 12 Must Have Games
ENTERTAINMENT NEW SCHOOL 26 27 28 29
Dorrough: What You Know About Them Texas Boyz New Boyz: From B-Boyz To Jerkz RP & Evagrind Entertainment Present JVanizz RJ
COVER FEATURE
30 Paul Wall: Living The Fast Life
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher Damola Idowu Copy Editor Keyla McNeely for Keywords Communications Daniwu Photography RichardFlood.com Wil David Banks Damola Staff Writers Damola Da Great Deity Dah Andrea “Misery” Wilson Keyla McNeely
Change is strange. It is as inevitable as our end, a constant, yet it has become the source of deep fear. I remember an album by rap group Public Enemy “Fear of A Black Planet” as I watch all these ‘Tea Parties’, Town Hall meetings, marches and as such I can help but wonder why the fear of change runs so fervent? To build a new and stronger America we need a new Green Economy, reformed healthcare, and better education for our citizens who now have to contend with a global economy to prosper. While this has been the chorus line of the new administration the tune rings true for without a new entrepreneurial foundation the effects of the financial collapse we just witness may ruin several generations to come. Our challenges are no longer the cold war and Russia, rather its a rapidly expanding China, and similarly advancing India, with both nations boasting over a billion citizens committed to the goal of global superiority. We need to unify and utilize the gifts of our entire nation to remain the greatest country known to man. There are tax credits and grant to go back to school at community colleges, a new healthcare bill on the way, and new green initiatives including over $88 billion appropriated in the stimulus bill for green technology and energy. The game has changed, either adapt or get left behind, and by the way 1865 is not an option. Yours Truly,
Marketing & Promotions Damola Quincy Taylor Mike Ernest Dawoud Shadeidu Brian Williams Reggie Mathews RW Collection Models Advertising Damola RichardFlood.com Quincy Taylor Jay Alexander Sales Damola Richard Flood Jalil (Southwest Rep.) Russel E. Blowe College Representative Kunle Idowu Intern Chris Barnes Newsstand Consultant John Blassingame Legal Counsel Reginald E. Greene, Esq.
THE HUSTLENOMICS ACADEMY “I sponsored the movement.” Damola “Da Great Deity Dah” Idowu Publisher/Editor-in-Chief/Founder Owners Illustrated Magazine
www.myspace.com/ownersillustrated www.myspace.com/hustlenomicsceo The Hustlenomics Way “Don’t Play with Your Life Own Your Destiny” Coming Holiday 2009 Amazon.com
BRING THEM TOYZ OUT!
Owners Illustrated Magazine is published by Published by Owners League, LLC P.O. Box 92354 Washington, DC 20090 Sub. rates: 1 year – $14.99, 2 years – $28.99 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.Visit us online: www.ownersillustrated.com Phone: 202.607.3629 Fax: 202.591.1697
AUTOMOTIVE > TEST DRIVES « VW TIGUAN Volkswagen has a very aggressive strategy globally. VW, having acquired premium brands: Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and now entertaining talks of merging with Porsche, has the luxury end of the auto spectrum well covered. To expand sales in the consumer segment, VW has venerable cars like Jetta and Golf, which have long been bestsellers in Europe and are making footprints in North America. VW is also launching new vehicles like the Tiguan, a premium crossover SUV, representing VW’s voyage into this highly lucrative market. I had a delightful time during my week of driving the Tiguan in the DC metropolitan area. One thing I noticed is the premium feel that Volkswagen’s public relations informed me is imported and actually costs more in Europe, where consumers are used to premium small cars. The Tiguan I drove was loaded with leather and a 30GB hard drive with 10GB for navigation and 20GB for audio. I was also able to watch DVD video in the navigation screen while parked, with the screen also doubling as a monitor for the backup camera. The Tiguan handles well and better than its competitors as I drove a mix of highway and urban driving. The Tiguan is no slouch in the power department with VW’s sweet 2.0 L turbo 4-cylinder as its base engine making 200 HP and 207lb-ft of torque with a 4motion all-wheel drive system and 6-speed transmission. Fuel economy on the 4motion model I drove is 18mpg city and 24 mpg highway with the base model rated at 19/26. Pricing on the Tiguan starts at $23,200 and is available at dealerships. Visit www.vw.com for more information.
TOYOTA PRIUS » Years ago when Toyota took the gamble on the hybrid powertrain, other manufacturers were slow to react and did not see the wisdom in the technology. Imported from Japan, the Prius has been the standard of green cars with over a million units sold and with its technology licensed to other manufacturers. The third generation Prius had a high standard to reach and did not disappoint when I spent a week behind the wheel in the DC metropolitan area. The 2010 Prius is a technological wonder that has three driving modes: EV, ECO, and Power. The Prius can drive in electric mode for up to ½ mile at up to 25mph then switch to ECO mode which alternates between gasoline and electric power for better fuel efficiency. You also have the option to utilize the 98hp gasoline and 80hp electric engine in Power mode. I loved the gear shifter which could be electronically moved to battery, drive, and reverse. The Prius has a futuristic feel and look on the on the interior with a voice-activated touch screen DVD-based navigation system, backup camera, solar roof which also powers the cooling system, Bluetooth connectivity with music streaming from wireless devices, XM traffic, dynamic adaptive cruise control, and many other advanced technology options. The leather seating surfaces were very comfortable. With a base price of $22,990 the Prius is also economical though it becomes much pricier with additional options. The 2010 Prius is also one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles with a 51mpg city and 48 mpg highway rating for a combined 50 mpg rating. The 2010 Prius is available at dealerships now. For more information visit www.toyota.com.
« TOYOTA RAV 4 Fun, practical, efficient, and loaded are words I can use to describe the Rav 4’s I got to test drive recently. The compact SUV market is one of the most competitive, with nearly every manufacturer having an offering. The Rav 4 was newly refreshed and enters the arena, bigger than before with ton of options, and Toyota’s trademark reliability. I drove the 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder models and found them both to be efficient and durable haulers of light duty items. For a family of 4 traveling on vacation both power trains of the Rav 4 would have no problems carrying luggage and seating the family comfortably. Though not as luxurious as some other compact SUV’s I have drive the Rav 4 had a back up camper that is integrated in the rear view mirror, touch screen navigation, a premium sound system, in dash 6 disk changer, push button ignition, 4 wheel drive system, alloy wheels, integrated buttons on the steering wheel, and many others. I drove the Limited trim in both and boy can they move. A 2.5 L 4 cylinder is the base engine and it develops 179hp with 172lb-ft of torque. The V6 has the same 3.5 L 6 with 269 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque found through Toyotas product lines but the 6 is capable of towing up to 3500lbs! Fuel efficiency is 22city /28 highway in the 4 and 21 city/ 26 highway in the 6 cylinder model. The 4 cylinder had a 4 speed automatic, while the 5 had a 5 speed, both have the manual shift option. Base pricing in a Rav 4 is $21,500 with the limited 4X4 starting at $25,880 for the 4 cylinder and $27,810 for the 6. There are a variety of configurations possible suitable to each individuals needs. The Rav 4 is at dealerships, you can visit www.toyota.com for more information. 4 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
AUTOMOTIVE > TEST DRIVES CAMARO V6 » I am a Transformers junkie. There, I said it. Now with that stated I also have to admit I am a huge EPMD fan and I fondly remember the line, “I drive a Roc. I drive a Benz,” in tribute to the 1988 IROC-Z model Camaro, which was photographed on their album cover. I am also a M.A.S.K. fan and fondly remember the Camaro-inspired Thunderhawk featured there. The Camaro has personally been an icon in my life. Somewhere in the 90’s something went wrong and the Camaro died, but like Optimus Prime in Generation IV Transformers, the Camaro has enjoyed a rebirth and boy is she kicking. I can personally say I witnessed the birth as I was there when Ed Welburn drove the concept out at the Detroit auto show in 2006. She was silver then but took on various forms as she made appearances at several places, sometimes topless and eventually took a movie role where she transformed into a giant robot named Bumblebee, growing a legion of fans worldwide as a result. Based on the rear-wheel drive platform developed in the now discontinued Pontiac G8, the Camaro is just what the doctor ordered. With 10,000 sold every month and waiting lists across the nation, GM cannot build enough to meet the satiating demand for the beauty. Inspired by the 1968 Camaro, the 2010 LT RS model I drove had an intoxicating effect on my family, especially; my brother immediately ordered one for himself. Powered by the same 3.6L high output V6 found in the Cadillac CTS, the Camaro gets 304 hp with 273lb-ft of torque with an amazing 29mpg on the highway. Sitting in the Camaro gives a retro feel with unique gauges, shifters, and dials not found in any other GM vehicles worldwide. The RS package, included on the test model I drove, really makes a difference as the 20-inch wheels, spoiler, and HID headlamps with LED halo rings seem to add more mean to the Camaro. Pricing on the Camaro is very aggressive, with a starting price in the $22,000-range for a base model V6 and running about $27K for a well-equipped V6 with leather and an RS package. The SS V8 model starts at $30K but that test drive is coming in the near future. For more information visit www. chevy.com. There is a waiting list so order yours today.
« DODGE CHALLENGER R/T I remember meeting designer Michael Castiglione years ago when the Challenger concept was introduced. Though the design was retro, based on the award-winning LX platform that underpinned the 300, Charger and Magnum, the touches were modern and the technology was ahead of its rivals. The Challenger’s amazing technology makes it capable of turning into a Wi-Fi hotspot through a full uconnect system that has DVD video, touch screen navigation, a hard drive and other comforts. But that’s not why you buy a Challenger. The Challenger is a pure muscle car with modern refinements to its mechanics, making it an instant collector’s item as evidenced by some enthusiasts paying over $200,000 for the limited 2008 edition SRT-8 model. I had time behind the wheel of a 2009 model and to say there is a passion for the Challenger is an understatement. I honestly feel Chrysler erred when they withheld marketing support for the comeback, because everywhere I went from New Jersey to the D.C. metropolitan area, people wanted to look under the hood, hear the exhaust note, sit inside, and ask questions about performance. I even ran into owners of the SE model who had customized their cars with carbon fiber touches, dual exhaust, paint touches, and painted wheels. The Challenger brings out enthusiasm in people. The Challenger R/T has a recently refined HEMI which now gets 372hp and 401lb-ft of torque from a 5.7L V8 engine with a multi-displacement system that switches it from eight to four cylinders when eight cylinders aren’t needed, improving fuel economy. Fuel economy ratings on the Challenger are 16mph city and 25 mpg highway. A two-mode hybrid HEMI engine had been developed for the discontinued Durango and got 399 hp out of the powertrain. It would be an interesting display of power and efficiency in the Challenger, but I digress. The gauges, the seats, and the entire cockpit just ooze fun and when you hit the accelerator the resonant howl gives an intense rush. I could gush for days but the Challenger is something you have to experience personally to truly appreciate. Pricing on the R/T starts at $34,000 and is available at dealerships. Visit www.dodge.com for more information.
AUDI TTS » The TT has always been my favorite, so the chance to get behind the wheel of the new TTS more than delighted, it thrilled me. Sitting in the cockpit, everything from the gauges, to the metallic pedals, the multi-media interface, and the rumble of the exhaust note were a source of pure ecstasy. Bob Lutz once told me GM used Audi’s interior build quality as a benchmark and sitting inside the TTS you can tell as fit and materials were tight and stitching was immaculate. The TTS has chrome tipped quad exhausts that provide the rumble note to a turbo charged 2.0L 4 cylinder engine with 265hp and 268lb-ft of torque. Naturally the TTS has the Quattro all wheel drive system and you can experience the handling precision as you shift thru the 6 speed S tronic transmission. Fuel economy is 21mpg city and 29 mpg highway and as I cruised on the highway the adjustable spoiler elevated. O-60 mph is achieved in 5.1 seconds in the TTS. You have the option of manually shifting thru the paddles or the gear knob and I enjoyed the fast responses and the nimbleness of the little demon .I hated to part with the TTS but the TTS is available at dealerships, so for more information visit www. audiusa.com. ISSUE XIII• OwnerS Illustrated • 5
AUTOMOTIVE > TEST DRIVES
« HYUNDAI GENESIS 3.8 V6 Having driven the Genesis at the launch event in Santa Barbara, California last year and beating a BMW 750i in a 0-60 race, I was more than delighted to spend a week with the 3.8L V6 edition. The 2009 Detroit Auto Show Car of the Year is a remarkable machine that teaches a lesson for the “Big Three” to follow. Aiming for the BMW 5 series segment with 7 series refinement and 3 series pricing, the Genesis is a well-crafted car that has excellent fit and finish and great driving dynamics. In my week spent around the Washington, DC metropolitan area I got plenty of compliments with several drivers pulling up beside me to just pay homage. The 3.8 liter Lambda engine is efficient and develops 290hp and 264lb-ft of torque on a rear-wheel drive platform with a six-speed transmission. Fuel economy is 18mpg city and 27 mpg highway. With an aggressive lease program and Hyundai Assurance, the 2009 car of the year is a must-buy. Pricing for the V6 Genesis is slightly north of $32,000. For more information visit www.hyundaiusa.com.
« PONTIAC G8 GXP When you know the people who put in the hard work to engineer the cars people love it is difficult to accept great work going to waste. I was fortunate to meet Al Oppenheiser at the G8 drive just last year in San Diego, California and had a spirited discussion about our kids, Soulja Boy, Yums, shopping online, and other topics fathers of young adolescents deal with. Al, lead engineer for GM’s rear-drive program, spoke with joy about their work on the G8, the then upcoming testing on the Camaro, and future work on a full size Cadillac. To see the Pontiac brand go, pains me, as I am truly a fan of the global design work done on the G8 and view the sports sedan as a world class great. The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP shares the LS3 engine with Corvette and the results are outstanding. A 6.2L V8 yielding 415hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six speed automatic or manual transmission. The engineering on the G8 is truly remarkable. You have the option of 3 shifting modes in the automatic, sport, and a manual option. With a 0-60 time in the mid 4-second range, the G8 is blinding fast yet handles precisely and firmly. I have had the delight of driving the GT thru the hills of San Diego, comparatively the GXP is even firmer and precise. With the GXP you can feel the difference in the extra 45 horses, and the tighter springs. It is unfortunate most people will never even gain awareness of the fine piece of work that is the Pontiac G8 GXP. An instant collector’s item, visit www.pontiac.com for more details.
« MAZDA 6 A fine sedan with a sporty dna the Mazda 6 has long earned praise for its engineering and performance. The past generation Mazda 6 was so well constructed it served as the platform Ford used for the top selling Fusion sedan. For 2009 the Mazda 6 is all new and as I spent a week with the four cylinder model I was quite impressed with its offering. Well appointed and premium feeling the 6 is even sleeker, with flowing lines and a more pronounced front end. The leather feels great and the ergonomics and placements of controls were spot on. The 2.3L engine has been upgraded to 2.5L I-4 which now gets 172hp and 167lb-ft of torque. A 5 speed sport automatic, and a 6 speed manual are available along with a list of technology including a touch screen navigation system, backup camera, a bose audio system, and Bluetooth audio capabilities. The Mazda 6 is very fuel efficient getting 21mpg city/30 mpg highway in the 4 cylinder model I drove. There is also a great safety feature, a blind side monitor which illuminates in your side mirrors. I also enjoyed the push button ignition, which I think is a nice modern touch. The Mazda 6 starts at $19,300 and is available at dealerships. Visit www.mazdausa.com for more information. 6 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
AUTOMOTIVE > I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S GREEN
« TESLA MODEL S Having succeeded in bringing an all-electric vehicle to the market, Tesla has goals of expanding their product line. Flushed with experience and favorable government loans, Tesla is poised to make its brand more mass market with the introduction of the Model S. Priced at roughly over $49,000, with the aid of a $7500 tax credit and even more in some states like California, the Model S costs more than half the $109,000 Roadster and will seat 7 people in the sports sedan. The Model S will have performance with a promised 0-60mph time of 5.6 seconds, all in an extended-range powertrain that can run 300 miles between charges. The Model S will be able to quick charge in 45 minutes, and will have a plethora of multi-media options including a 17” in-dash touchscreen infotainment center. Delivery will begin in 2011, but reservations are being taken now. For more information visit www. teslamotors.com.
« MERCEDES BENZ S 400 The Mercedes Benz S-Class has long been the benchmark for luxury sedans. Mercedes Benz, with the introduction of the new S400 Hybrid, has set a new standard for ultra luxury sedans and fuel efficiency. More fuelefficient than any offering in the market, the S400 promises a combined output of 220 kW (299 hp) with a 3.5L gasoline engine supplemented by an electric powertrain. Fuel economy in the S400 is estimated at 20mpg in city driving and an outstanding 33mpg in highway driving, compared to 14mpg in city and 21mpg in highway in the S550. The S400 is bound to find buyers among early adopters in the tech sector and trendsetters in Hollywood. Pricing is expected to be comparable to the S550 with a base price around $88,000. The S400 is available this fall. Visit www.mbusa. com for more information.
« MERCEDES BENZ SLS AMG ELECTRIC DRIVE Though filled with tremendous promise, the relationship between Mercedes Benz and McLaren was mired in problems. The SLR, built and engineered with their joint technologies, never met anticipated sales results so the principals decided to go their separate ways and create new competing supercars. Mercedes Benz looked to the fabled SL 300 for inspiration to create the AMG division’s first car built entirely from scratch, the SLS. The SLS has excited enthusiasts worldwide with the famed gull-wing doors returning with modern interior touches. Eco-conscious Mercedes Benz is also launching an electric-powered version of the SLS with no emissions and 0-60 mph times of sub 4 seconds. The electric-powered version of the SLS is very comparable to the 6.3L supercharged V8 that delivers 571hp/420kW. The electric-powered version has a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm. The SLS will debut this fall and will be available for delivery early next year. Visit www.mbusa.com for more information.
ISSUE XIII• OwnerS Illustrated • 7
AUTOMOTIVE > I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S GREEN « CADILLAC CONVERJ
The team of Bob Lutz and Ed Welburn has created some of the best products in GM’s history. I shared the joy of many car enthusiasts alike when Bob Lutz was kept on to champion their product development pipeline that rivals any global manufacturer’s. The Cadillac Converj concept is one such product. Based on the same technology as the Chevy Volt, the Converj is a sleek extended-range coupe that frankly should have been built yesterday. Full of elegant lines, a dazzling array of technology, and a 40-mile range, the Converj can be the premium vehicle to offset the costs of the Volt. The Converj uses an electric propulsion system that allows the vehicle to be driven electrically for up to 40 miles without fuel. It also delivers 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of torque. There have been rumors of both a sedan and a coupe launching in the 2011 model year. For more information visit www.GM.com and write your representative if you would like to see the Converj make it to production. Visit www.cadillac.com
« DODGE CIRCUIT The Lotus-based Dodge Circuit EV is sure to amaze when it debuts sometime in 2011. A more cost-conscious alternative to the Tesla roadster which is also based on a Lotus platform, the Circuit will have 268hp from a pure electric powertrain with 0-60mph times in the sub-5 seconds range and a top speed of over 120 mph. A rearwheel drive, two- person sports car, the Circuit will go up to 200 miles before requiring additional charging. More details are to be announced. Stay tuned at www.chrysler.com
8 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
AUTOMOTIVE » DREAM TOYZ
ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST Since its acquisition by BMW, Rolls-Royce has enjoyed, arguably, the most successful period in its illustrious history. Phantom sales have been brisk since its 2004 model year introduction. Despite economic hardship, the Drophead Coupe and Phantom Coupe have only bolstered sales, creating room for more product lines like the new Ghost. Based on the 200EX concept, the “Baby” Rolls will have a shorter wheelbase than the Phantom and will be more driver-friendly. The Ghost is set to debut with a new 6.6L 12V turbocharged engine with horsepower north of 500 mated to a new 8-speed transmission. Meant to be driven, not chauffeured, the Ghost will be sure to feature every technological marvel one can dream of along with sportier driving dynamics. The Ghost will debut this fall. For more information visit www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com.
MASERATI GRANTURISMO S AUTOMATIC Maserati has had tremendous success returning to the American market. After re-launching its new Pininfarina - commissioned design with the 2005 Quattroporte sedan, annual sales exceeded 2000. In 2007 Maserati redesigned their coupe and renamed it GranTurismo with great results. Maserati has enjoyed great sales by combining breathtaking design and Ferrari-sourced engines. For the newly launched Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic, Maserati mated a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with the Ferrari-sourced 4.7LV8, 440hp engine giving a 0-60mph time of sub 5 seconds. The GranTurismo S coupe is priced north of $133,000 and is available in dealerships today. For more information visit www.maserati.com
ISSUE XIII• OwnerS Illustrated • 9
AUTOMOTIVE » NISSAN EV DRIVE EVENT
N
issan has a lot to cheer about with the introduction of their new electric powertrain. On a calm spring day in Washington, D.C., I joined some of my colleagues on a test of the powertrain of Nissan’s upcoming EV product offering. Using the youth-oriented compact Cube as a mule, we were able to drive around Hains Point park. The electric cars and zero-emission vehicles I have driven have been generally smooth and weird to drive at first because there is no noise, but once you get the hang of it, they are a blast to drive because similar to a CVT (continuously variable transmission), there are not any gears to shift. Nissan has a CVT in the Rouge and they outfitted the paddle shifter in the steering wheel to give a more sporty character to the compact crossover. I can envision performance models with zero-emissions, especially with the available torque at start. Though Nissan has shown the Leaf as one of their Electric vehicles I can envision performance models down the line. Nissan has invested heavily in battery
10 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
technology and has developed their own Lithium-ion battery pack through their partnership with NEC. The battery pack would be able to power the forthcoming vehicles for 100 miles of driving on a single charge with a 110-volt and 240-volt charging option available. Already in partnerships with several cities in the US for EV infrastructure, including charging stations, Nissan has been approved for $1.6 billion from the available $25 billion in Department of Energy loans to further develop the technology and vehicles. I have attended other events on green energy solutions and charging solutions are convenient and available. With the combination of tax credits and incentives, residents and landlords can easily comply and benefit through charging fees. In fact there are portable charging stations that cost comparable to some office equipment so small businesses can be able to purchase them for their employees in the future. The Leaf is set to debut in 2010. For more information on Nissan cars and vehicles visit www.nissanusa.com.
AUTOMOTIVE » HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE DRIVE EVENT
H
yundai has put the world on notice with their 2009 car of the year the Genesis sedan, but what will they do with the Coupe? That was the question I pondered at I spent time with Hyundai CEO John Krafcik, and the PR team in northern Virginia on thrill ride thru the hills behind the wheel of the Genesis coupe. For starters Hyundai means business as performance is at the forefront of the driving experience with the Genesis Coupe. There is a variety of power and tuning options with a 2.0L Turbo 4 that develops 210hp and 223lb-ft of torque with a hard core track version also available to tighter suspension and sharper handling. I also spent some time with the 3.8L V6 which gets 306hp, and 266lb-ft of torque from a six speed automatic transmission. There are manual transmission options for both powertrains and the manual is smooth shifting and very responsive. The Genesis coupe is also loaded with plenty of the amities you find in the Genesis sedan sans the Lexicon audio system but including touch screen navigation, Bluetooth, climate control, and a lot more. The rear wheel drive Genesis Coupe is in a rare category with a base price slightly north of $22,000 and a long list of included options in the base car. Fuel economy on the Genesis Coupe is 21mpg city/30mpg highway in the 2.0L 4 cylinder and 18mpg city and 26mpg highway in the 3.8 L V6. Hyundai recently reported profits of 48% and the brisk sales of the Coupe and their emphasis on engineering, and value has been a winning combination for customers who have given the manufacturer high marks for quality as Hyundai has also scored high on the J.D. Power list. The Genesis Coupe is available at dealerships in an array of dazzling colors, for more information visit www.hyundaiusa.com
ISSUE XIII• OwnerS Illustrated • 11
AUTOMOTIVE » INTERVIEWS
VP AND GENERAL MANAGER OF CHEVROLET ED PEPER
R
ecently celebrating their centennial, GM has been at the forefront of the American automobile industry for over 100 years. GM has been deeply woven into the fabric of American culture and history, most notably through their efforts to manufacture war machines for World War II and the introduction of several technologies that are commonplace in automobiles today. Over the course of their illustrious history GM enjoyed dominance as a global sales leader with sales so profitable they were able to be a leading provider of home mortgage financing through finance arm GMAC. What a difference a year makes. After a bankruptcy filing, government ownership and the sale or death of 4 brands, GM is poised to command dominance again. With only Buick, Cadillac, GMC, and Chevy remaining and over 2300 dealer franchises terminated or scheduled to do so by 2010, the success of any recovery plan will hinge on GM’s most popular Brand, Chevrolet. Ed Peper, VP and General Manager of Chevy, has been at the helm of the Chevy brand for some time and he has great confidence in the products and consumer reaction sales wise. Of the newly launched 2010 Camaro, Ed stated, “Even in tough economic times we have all faced in the past several months we have over 10,000 bonafide orders and getting more every day for Camaro. It’s the 21st century sports car.” The 2010 Camaro, a star of the biggest summer blockbuster, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, has wowed critics and consumers alike with its styling and engineering. “[It’s] got great built-in technology,” Ed chimes with pride. The success of Camaro alone, however, would not be enough, so Chevy has an aggressive product launch schedule with the re-designed Equinox crossover, Volt extended-range sedan, Orlando crossover, Spark sub-compact, and Cruze compact car, all scheduled to launch by November of 2010. “Chevy in [and] of itself, we have to carry a lot of the sales and revenue for the company anywhere from 55-60%. That’s going to be even more as we get all these new products like Camaro, like Equinox, like Spark, like Orlando, and Volt. We are going to have to carry more of the load even more so for the company…We start building the Cruze in April next year and of course we are going to bring the Volt to market by November of 2010.” With almost $50 billion in government funding behind GM, one can conclude that a lot is riding on the shoulders of Ed Peper and the Chevy division, yet when you meet Ed you get a sense he is up to the task. His approach and philosophy is simple, “We build cars and trucks that people love and we build cars and trucks that have great styling; they Editors Note: Ed Peper is now General Manager of Sales for Cadillac have great fuel economy, and provide great value.”
12 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
2010 FORD TAURUS DESIGN MANAGER EARL LUCAS
AUTOMOTIVE » INTERVIEWS
F
or as long as I can remember I have owned Fords. The first vehicle I bought was a Ford Tempo followed by a Bronco II. I have also owned an Expedition and a 1990 Taurus SHO, which gave me an added perspective and delight when I interviewed design manager of the 2010 Taurus, Earl Lucas. Many years ago I attended Syracuse University as a double major in mechanical engineering and economics with a dream of designing cars and one day creating my own company. My calling was obviously different but, my experience has enhanced my admiration both for the success achieved by Earl Lucas and the resultant car Ford CEO, Alan Mulally, has pegged as the key to Ford’s success as a car company. In our conversation regarding the new design silhouette on the 2010 Ford Taurus Earl stated, “If you look at it, the lines are a little bit more relaxed.…The lines are a little bit more sculpted, more agile, more athletic…much more bolder shape than we ever had before.” By looking at the new Taurus one can concur with Earl. The 2010 is a total reworking of the Ford 500-turned-Taurus and the styling evokes a flair that has been long forgotten from what was once America’s top-selling car. Using a global design approach under the “one Ford” initiative, its European influences are identifiable. “There is definitely a connection between the European products and the current products,” Earl muses. I identified examples in the front end, fenders, and roofline. Tasked with a total redo, Earl explained the approach to me, “Mainly it’s a reinterpretation of the Taurus….When you look at the front grille, look at the headlight placement, it’s a total reworking.” The Taurus won’t win by the exterior looks alone, though. Most people spend more time in their cars commuting to work than at home, so the interior has to delight and Earl and his team succeeded there. Regarding the interior he said, “The interiors are brand new too…Like mama used to say, it’s not just the outside that counts….On the inside it’s much more like a Mustang feel.…It creates a unique space for the occupant.” One of the challenges in automotive design is projecting the marketplace and consumer tastes during the typical 7-year design cycle. “These cars are going to be with us for some time to come so they need to be graceful…. In a couple years the shape will still be relevant. The shape will still be beautiful,” Earl opines about the design work. As my time with Earl Lucas drew to a close, I asked him what allowed for his success and how others can follow his path. He told me simply, “The number one key is the ability to sketch and be able to create your ideas so that others could enjoy it….The biggest advice to give anyone who wants to be a car designer is to love to draw.”
ISSUE XIII• OwnerS Illustrated • 13
AUTOMOTIVE » INTERVIEWS
FISKER SUNSET
H
aving won awards for design work on the Karma, Henrik Fisker is not one to rest on his laurels. The Fisker Sunset is the retractable hardtop companion to the Karma and will debut a year later. Powered by the same Q DRIVE powertrain that’s in the Karma, the Sunset also has 403hp and can travel 50 miles without fuel. We spoke with Feruz Color, an interiors design manager who told us about the special features and process in the design of the Sunset.
Inside the Sunset with Fisker Automotive Color & Materials Design Manager Fairuz Jane Schlecht On the interior materials “What we are showing is our highest interior offering which is the eco sheik. This is our premier interior the eco sheik is compromised of 100% bamboo textiles all over the ip, the doors, the package trays, and the seats” The seat insert is comprised of wool, which is a natural fiber content and the flooring is wool which is also natural fiber content. If you were to flip it over it reveals a flax backing which is a plant fiber.” “The wood on the interior is a rescue wood strategy, which we have trademarked. The rescue wood comes from trees in orange county that have burned as a result of fires that have been occurring there over the last 18 months so instead of Fisker going and taking trees that are alive we have strategies to take wood that have already been killed due to natural disaster. That is one of 3 strategies that we have.” On the exterior color “Inferno is just a clear coat base coat, it’s beautiful red metallic. It’s not a tri coat, it’s just a simple red base coat clear coat that we made as banging as possible.” “All the colors are derived from something natural, we have inferno red, white sand white, silver wind, we have devotion, we have shadow, we have eclipse, all of the colors came from something inspired from the earth. On working with Fisker Automotive after her stint with Ford “Joining Fisker went from a singular experience to a group experience. There is not one thing I do that is derived only solely from me it’s absolutely a team experience and its because of a group brilliant people that all of this is achieved.” 14 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
“It comes thru with a small team efficiently with so much fun and so much hard work” Sometimes I think was this what Henry Ford was doing in his first 8 months…sometimes when we are working late Henrik (Fisker) will come in and be casual with his jacket off and he will sit down with us and say hey how is everybody doing, how are you and he is so kind and he will just hand out with us and talk to us about what is inspiring us and how we are doing so sometimes I think is this how it was with Henry Ford when it was a small team. “ If Henry Ford used to hang out with his design team take off his hat and hang out and they would go out sometimes and talk about the day” “It’s a beautiful a beautiful thing its just a very nice place to be and we are going to preserve that.”
AUTOMOTIVE » INTERVIEWS
Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum
J
aguar, the quintessential British luxury nameplate has been enjoying a rebirth for some time. Ford Motor Company took over Jaguar in 1989, improving quality and reliability and ushering in a new modern design language with the 2007 introduction of the new XK coupe. Though Jaguar was sold to India’s Tata Motors in 2008, Ford left Jaguar in great hands with technologies already developed and product planning firmly in place along with a brilliant design chief at the helm, Ian Callum. Taking a glance at the new XJ sedan tells enough of the new passion and craftsmanship infused into Sir William Lyons’ legendary company. “I always felt Jaguar really needed to be a modern car company….We have [had] a lot of retro stuff in the past, a lot of heritage and now it’s time to move on,” Ian told me as we perused over his work on the XF sedan. Affable and down to earth, Ian has his thumb on the pulse of the next generation of luxury car buyers. “I want young people to like this car...because that’s the future customer,” he remarked. His design ideas reflect modern philosophy that has resonated in the marketplace, “If I had my way I’d have 21-inch wheels.…I’m sure some of your friends would pick 21-inch wheels….The bigger the better.” Though management made him settle for the 20-inch wheel option, he was able to get other ideas through. “The grille [has] got a lot of sparkle to it,” he told me in regard to the chrome wire mesh that adorns the nose of the XF along with a new Jaguar symbol. Most notable, however, is his work on the interior, especially
the innovative gear shifting knob and the motorized vents. “I wanted something that will be fun when you get into the car….It really feels like a theatrical event when [you] get into the car….Is it necessary? No. Is it fun? (Yes.) And that is what it’s all about,” Callum expressed. The new energy and approach is evident in Jaguar’s breathtaking products. “I think it’s (XF) the best proportioned car in its class…a full five-seater,” Callum commented. The final iteration of the XF surprisingly retained a lot of the concept C-XF that debuted in Detroit two years ago. My query of this fact prompted Ian to reveal a secret,“[It is an] actual fact. When we did the C-FX concept, this car was done….The concept is derived from this car.” In theory, concept cars provide the template to create the design language for products to come. “The thing about concept cars is that designers want to express themselves….It gets us to the next level of creating,” opined Ian. Before Ford sold Jaguar, the XJ was already in the works and a previous conversation with Ford Global Design Chief, J. Mays, reiterated the process. This is captured by the XJ’s stunning looks which are based on the “maturing” of the XF’s design language in which a stretching of its lines produced a brilliant ultra luxury sedan. With an extended-range version of the XJ planned and a new E-Type coupe rumored, Ian and his design team are sure to amaze the public for years to come, bringing a profitable renaissance to Jaguar. ISSUE XIII• OwnerS Illustrated • 15
AUTOMOTIVE » GREEN ENERGY
The Peak Load Management Alliance (PLMA) Meeting Spring 2009
C
hange was the mandate during the historical presidential campaign of President Barack Obama, and with victory comes expectations. The Obama Administration has placed creation of a green economy at the forefront of their agenda to create a new economy, prompting the question: what is the green economy? Saving you from an extensive environmental engineering discourse, in essence, the green economy will be based on the management and conservation of our use of the Earth’s natural resources and the United States’ independence and self-reliance for energy sources. To grasp the potential of such an environment, just look at the record profits petroleum companies have made in the past four years and the cost of oil and gas and one can begin to see the need for a shift. In the new stimulus bill, over $88 billion was allocated to green technology for everything from a new energy grid to broadband access to undeserved communities to research and development of new technology to tax credits. There are allocations for improvements to the electric grid, wind farms, and a slew of other developments that will hopefully create the next boom in the economy, while preventing the doomsday prospects of global warming. The Peak Load Management Alliance is a group of organizations united to cope with the large price fluctuations experienced in electricity supply markets during the past decade. I attended their conference this past spring and was enlightened to the various challenges, solutions, and innovation that will power the new green economy. Chaired by Gardner McBride, Vice President of Business Development, Aztech Associates, Inc, the panel entitled Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids: Effect on the Grid was very fascinating with presenters representing utility companies, battery technology, portable charging stations, and the auto industry. The thought of “green living” tends to turn off most consumers as they assume wrongly that they have to dramatically alter their lifestyle, like eating raw foods or a strictly vegetarian diet, saving the whales, and a slew of other “spooky” restrictions. The facts are green living can actually enhance 16 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
everyone’s way of life and need not drastically change everyone’s lifestyle to make a huge impact. Simple things like cutting off your air when you are not home, for example, can have a tremendous ecological and financial impact. Electric cars are also going to have a tremendous impact on global warming and as Fisker Automotive has displayed, green cars can look exciting and be fun to drive. So what if everyone buys into electric cars and will now add their automobile to their HD TV’s, mobile phones, DVD players, home appliances, light bulbs, and assorted energy draining items that tax the electrical grid. That is where the organizations in PLMA come into play with several solutions from smart boxes that cut off power in certain appliances when they are not in use to portable charging stations to more efficient batteries that can hold more power and require less charging. ZENN Motor Company CEO, Ian Clifford, spoke of new developments in battery technology that can revolutionize the EV market with the ability to retain more power and have more functionality for in-car electronics. Richard Cromie of Southern California Edison Company spoke about a pilot program they ran with EV Rav 4’s and even a chance visit by the president to their facility. Steve Rosenstock, Manager, Energy Solutions at Edison Electric Institute had an engaging presentation on energy challenges in the future. Praveen Mandal, President, Coulomb Technologies spoke about their charging stations which are cost effective starting at $2500 and can be a great form of revenue for landlords. Overall I was enlightened and excited about the opportunities the innovators at the conference presented. Companies such as ZENN Motor Company, who already hold the worldwide rights to a solid-state electrical energy storage unit projected to be released by EEStor, may shift the extended range paradigm with their 300-mile-range battery that can be recharged in as little as 5 minutes this year. For more information you can visit the following sites: www.peaklma.com, www.coulombtech.com, www.aztechinc. com, www.zenncars.com, www.sce.com, and www.eei.org.
EVENTS » CIAA AUTO SHOW
ISSUE XIII• OwnerS Illustrated • 17
EVENTS » SAMSUNG GREEN TECHNOLOGY
18 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
EVENTS » PAUL WALL RELEASE PARTY
ISSUE XIII • OwnerS Illustrated • 19
EVENTS » NFL DRAFT
20 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
TECH » MOBILE » SPB MOBILE SHELL 3.0 APPLICATION REVIEW
W
hile I was at the 2009 International CTIA Wireless, I stopped by the Windows Mobile booth and though the EA Games display caught my attention, I was more intrigued by the application on a Palm Pro owned by one of the demonstrators on hand. This app was truly amazing and the demonstrator was able to use the touch functionality in manners I hadn’t seen on Windows Mobile yet. Actually, I was envious so I inquired and he told me it was from a Russian company, Spb. He informed me they have lots of cool applications including international TV channels. I have now got my hands on the Mobile 3.0 thanks to the great people at Spb and to be honest, it has truly enhanced my Windows Mobile experience; so much so, I have to admit that I am not as eager to upgrade to the Palm Pre. According to Spb, the 3.0 is an upgrade of the 2.0 which was the best-selling application for Windows Mobile in 2008. The user interface is what wins for me. If
you have seen the HTC Touch you can get a good idea of the functionality. I am able to shift through pages seamlessly and have several customization options for my home screen. I can adjust the size of the clock, the battery use percentage, the weather, my messages, my missed calls, my widgets, and icons. I can add pictures to contacts all with an easy-touse carousel screen where you can change the main screen from professional layout to lifestyle layout to contacts. You can also easily integrate your Facebook account. There is a Media Player widget as well. The contacts widget is what will probably win over most users since you can grab pictures of contacts from their Facebook page or your phone or take new ones with your camera. You can also sort through your contacts and have favorites displayed more prominently. You can edit pictures on the phone, too. Price for the Spb Mobile Shell 3.0 is $29.99. For more information visit www. spbsoftwarehouse.com.
TECH » MOBILE » MAKING MONEY SELLING APPS
T
Mobile Applications Development he wireless industry has had a tremendous impact on the American economy, $100 billion worth, according to a report by industry organization, CTIA. According to the same report there are 266 million active wireless subscriptions representing 86% of America’s population. These customers generate $182 billion in annual revenue, with 268 thousand direct employees, and 2.4 million total including related fields. One of the biggest growth segments in the industry is in mobile applications as Apple and Blackberry have shown representing only 3% of cell phone sales but 35% of operating profits with projections to 58% in the next two years, according to Deutsche Bank analyst, Brian Modoff’s report. The mobile application business represents a robust opportunity for growth and there are few barriers to entry. An amazing tidbit in Apple’s revenue report is that they offer a 70-30 revenue split with developers. Blackberry has an even better split with an 80-20 revenue split on applications, To date there are 65,000 apps and 1.5 billion downloads in Apple’s app store. Over 21 million iPhones have been sold to date and when you add iPod touch, which also runs the same apps as the iPhone, you have over 37 million devices to date. This is an outstanding number when you factor in that this is a first attempt and the iPhone and Touch launched last year. There is tremendous opportunity in the application space and young developers can get in on the action for free or for as low as a $99 fee with Apple. Below are some links
to Windows mobile, Nokia, Blackberry, Apple, and Android (Google phones). There is a wealth of information at these links including instructions for downloading developer kits. Owners Illustrated will also be holding a conference in the D.C. area some time in October on gaming and mobile applications development and opportunities. In addition there are tax rebates available for community colleges where you can enroll in classes teaching application development. A huge development in the mobile industry is adoption 4G technology, and I had the fortune to experience the technology in a presentation at CTIA where a 300MB file was downloaded in 20 seconds. To put this in perspective, an average song is 4MB, a movie 1024MB (1GB). There are endless possibilities and in the next two years mobile devices and netbooks will connect via 4G technology, so the mobile applications industry will explode as people develop new ways to utilize mobile devices. In fact your mobile device will be your primary source of receiving media and communicating with the world. Visit the following links for more information: • • • • •
developer.android.com/guide/index.html forum.nokia.com/I_Want_To/Develop_Mobile_Applications/ na.blackberry.com/eng/developers/appworld/ msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsmobile/default.aspx developer.apple.com/iphone/
Also visit www.toyznation.com
ISSUE XIII • OwnerS Illustrated • 21
TECH » ALL ACCESS » MICROSOFT @ E3
Y
ou had to be there to believe it. The Beatles were live onstage at Microsoft’s press conference at E3! Well, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, and Dhani Harrison all appeared onstage to promote the latest edition of Rock Band, The Beatles: Rock Band. As if that wasn’t enough, Steven Spielberg introduced Project Natal. Part of the Project Natal presentation featured an A.I. friend, Milo, created by Lionhead Studio. Milo is an interactive, imaginary friend of epic proportions that can interact with users and even comment on pictures that are placed in front of the special camera that attaches to your T.V. set. I’m not sure that I’m quite ready for Milo, but the technology showcases the scope of the investment Microsoft has made into the next generation gaming experience. I enjoyed another Natal feature where an elephant was painted creating a whole new possibility for the casual gaming experience. There were also new collaborations of Facebook and Netflix with Xbox Live that make the gaming experience even more interpersonal and connected. You can update pictures of your performance in games via Facebook, and your friends can interact with your gaming experience. Now Xbox Live features 1080p HD videos which, through Netflix, are sure to accelerate the demise of a number of video rental stores. What is also great about the Netflix partnership is that you can also watch movies and stream live to up to seven friends. The Facebook, Netflix, Xbox Live news was great, but was for naught without the impressive new games. I can’t wait for Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction to come out. The game play looks surreal and Sam’s new ability to swing off objects will only add to the intrigue. Modern Warfare 2 is self-explanatory with a two-worded comment: kicks ass. Forza Motorsport 3 is the best and the Audi R8 (my dream car) shines; the graphics and video footage are unbelievable and the wrecks look real. Alan Wake seems very intriguing with the plotline set within a novel and the author fighting to illuminate things. Shadow Complex arrives via Epic Games, the studio that produces Gears of War 2 and the game play seems fun. Speaking of Gears, there is a new expansion and map, Dark Corners, which is a must have for the over 5 million fans who bought Gears 2. Halo also returns with ODST and a new prequel, Reach, due next year. Metal Gear is coming to Xbox with a new Raiden title. Tony Hawk debuted a new game, Ride, with a skateboard controller that is sure to be loads of fun. Crackdown 2 and Left 4 dead 2 seem like some real bitchin’ sequels, along with Final Fantasy® XIII. But The Beatles: Rockband is my bet for game of the year with real cool merchandise and some of the greatest songs of all-time available for playing. What is also great is that proceeds from downloads of “All You Need is Love” will benefit Doctors Without Borders. There was also some Twitter info and Last.fm music. Did I mention a new Lips: Number One Hits? Anyway, I was so floored I’m sure I might have missed something, but fret not, visit www.xbox.com for more info. 22 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
TECH » ALL ACCESS » MADDEN XX
F
or 21 years the Madden Franchise has been the standard of the gaming Industry. Offering a realistic NFL experience Madden has become the favorite of fans, and the athletes themselves who are deeply passioned about their abilities, both in the game, and in gameplay among themselves, family and friends. This year marks the 21st edition of Madden, and in homage to this momentous event I made a pilgrimage to Madden headquarters at Tiburon Studios, in Orlando Florida where I met Designer Donny Moore, and Senior Designer Ian Cummings. They were generous with their time and gave me an insider’s look into the new Madden 10. Ian has worked on Madden for years but this marks his inaugural year as head of the team and one of the main things they wanted to do was make the game as realistic as possible. No longer are there “unbeatable” plays, and the player rating for everyone has come down, with their being a more curve style rating system as opposed to everyone getting the benefit of the doubt. This and several topics were the subject of our discussion, so thank me later as you get this exclusive access to madden 10. On Roster Creation And Gameplay “You can start one or 2 ways, real life roster or 54 rounds and draft every player. “ “Fantasy draft you could be at work checking stuff out new comprehensive franchise mode you can be commissioner of up to 5 leagues. “ “We could have put the fantasy draft on the iPhone, but chose not to. That’s not the ideal experience filtering thru 100s of players on an iPhone is not ideal. The iPhone has pretty much everything else.” “If you are not able finish the draft you can simulate” “We spent a lot of time on accessibility to make sure the game is easy to play” “We are trying to make the game more user friendly trying to make it more fun for any NFL fan out there” “You can save up to 10 highlights and you can store 5 online” “We had Josh Looman who came over from Head coach. He was lead designer of that game he came over and turned franchise mode inside out cleaning up the draft logic, cleaning up the free agent logic, all that type of stuff that should enhance your franchise experience.” “This year we tried to build around core aspects of the game. We built the technology to have up to 9 man tackles” On 2 Players On Cover “Fight for every yard was our slogan and we tried to find two athletes that fit that the best and those two were the best players from last year that crossed most people’s mind, plus we had a relationship with Larry (Fitzgerald) on the cover of NCAA05” On Vick “ (generally) We pretty much wait for the official move to happen in the NFL before we pull the trigger in madden.”
“We knew he might be coming back this season so early in the process, probably back in March we put him into the game and let our testers test him out and make sure that the new things like with the Wildcat and our new gameplay tuning supported a guy like Mike Vick who almost breaks certain elements of our tuning because he is such an aberration as a player. He brings that speed and power so this year being that he’s been out of the league for a few years. He is still going to be fast close to 90 speed, his throw power is going to be 92 but his accuracy is going to be much more in line with his career numbers in the 50 percent range, 60 and low 80 at the best.” On Player Rating The big focus this year is less about the one or 2 point kind of ticky tack up and downs it more about he’s playing very good plus 4 plus 5, and that next week he needs to stay at that level or otherwise he will go down 3 or 4 points because he is not playing at that higher level now. The goal is to have as many weekly updates as possible and accurately reflect what’s going on in the league. “ “There are approximately 50 player ratings per player and there are about 2000 players in the NFL. So that’s about 100,000 ratings we have to focus on. It all starts when the guys are coming into the league. A lot of these guys have been playing college football and have been stars. We got a lot of film on em we know a lot about them. There is a lot of scouting reports, The NFL combine comes around, there is more information then a guy gets selected. If a guy lasts till the seventh round in the draft that tells me we can’t have him as one of the top 10 rookies in Madden whereas the top 10 players that get drafted the expectation are the are going to be some of the better players in Madden and we are going to make sure they are rated accordingly.” “The big goal this year is highlight the strength and weaknesses a little more so than ever before and less about giving people the benefit of the doubt because of what they were 3 or 4 years ago. “ “ (for example) The way Randy Moss loses points is that just like every player in the game he was port of the rating stretching out. Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, Steve Smith, Randy Moss, they are the top receivers in football right now with 99,98,97,96 (rating) Randy goes down because his numbers certainly weren’t at the level they were in 2007. Larry Fitzgerald was the most dominant player in the playoffs. “ On Madden Retirement “Really it helps us because he has time to look at the game and give us feedback. We have already met with him more times than we would in a typical year. For us its not that big a loss, its actually a gain. “ On No Historical Teams This Year “We don’t do Historical teams on PS and 360. A lot of that is rights of the players.”
ISSUE XIII • OwnerS Illustrated • 23
TECH » 12 MUST HAVE GADGETS
HTC TOUCH PRO2 SMART PHONE WWW.HTC.COM
BLACKBERRY TOUR SMART PHONE WWW.BLACKBERRY.COM
SAMSUNG RECLAIM WWW.SAMSUNG.COM
PALM PIXI SMART PHONE WWW.PALM.COM
NOKIA N97 MINI WWW.NOKIA.COM
LG GD910 WATCH PHONE WWW.LGE.COM
MICROSOFT ZUNE HD SOCIAL.ZUNE.NET
LG LH90 LED BACKLIGHT HDTV WWW.LGE.COM 24 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
PLAYSTATION 3 SLIM WWW.US.PLAYSTAION.COM
APPLE iPOD NANO (5TH GENERATION) WWW.APPLE.COM
PSP GO WWW.US.PLAYSTATION.COM/PSP
JVC HAFX20 IN-EAR HEADPHONES WWW.JVC.COM
TECH » 12 MUST HAVE GAMES
LEFT 4 DEAD 2
FORZA MOTORSPORT 3
THE BEATLES ROCKBAND
HALO 3: ODST
SPLINTER CELL: CONVICTION
MADDEN NFL 10
NBA 2K10
MODERN WARFARE 2
SHADOW COMPLEX
GOD OF WAR 3
TEKKEN 6
DJ HERO ISSUE XIII• OwnerS Illustrated • 25
ENTERTAINMENT » NEW SCHOOL
DORROUGH
WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT THEM
TEXAS BOYZ
A
n old saying goes, “don’t mess with Texas” and one would be wise to heed the message. The Texas music scene has enjoyed resurgence this year in hip-hop with one of the best years in the genre, mainly in the independent music arena, where the mice are separated by men in an ever-difficult environment to sell music. An alum of Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas, Dorrough, a baller in the true sense, is a fierce competitor. He made the basketball team as a walk-on while making hits like “Do Tha Muscle” on campus which earned him a spot, winning the Hometown Showdown, on his hometown Dallas radio station, K104 FM. As I caught up with the budding superstar, he confessed, “It started with the grind. I always did mixtapes back in high school. I started putting out singles. By the time I did that single (Walk That Walk) I already had a Texas buzz. It was huge and everything started connecting out of that.” In a lesson on momentum, one must persistently pursue and stay the course as Dorrough proves, “Sh*t hit the fan with Walk That Walk. Sh*t hit the fan with Ice Cream Paint Job, but they got hot from the mixtapes and the clubs.” Following those fundamentals, Dorrough has stuck with solid fundamentals like his focus on songs true to the culture of his region and himself. He notes, “Texas is real big on the car scene...Dallas is real big on the car scene whether it’s old schools or Chevy’s, Grand Marquis, or Lac’s, that’s what we ride in my family.” Putting this in mind, it should serve as no surprise that Ice Cream Paint Job has been climbing up the charts. Of the song’s success, Dorrough said, “By the time I signed (a recording contract), Walk That Walk was already the biggest song in the south, especially in Texas. Ice Cream Paint Job was already taking over the West Coast. It was big in San Francisco and Oakland. It didn’t even break in my hometown. By the time I signed I already had two records that were charting. They did their research and realized this cat already got two big records and one of them in the West Coast. At this time I had never been to the West Coast a day in my life.” Signing with E1 Music formerly known as Koch records would seem strange for an artist with multiple charting singles, yet Dorrough said, “I’m used to being independent and I was comfortable with what they were offering.” To gain an even greater appreciation of Dorrough’s independent grind, take into account he had two videos playing simultaneously on top video show, BET’s 106 & Park. “ The same day Walk That Walk was number three on the countdown, I was invited to 106 & Park and I performed Ice Cream Paint Job. I performed a song that was getting hot in the country while my other song was on the countdown. When I left 106 & Park, two weeks later, Ice Cream Paint Job entered the countdown. It got so big in the country people were voting it in,” Dorrough said. Even more succinct he told me, “You got to start your own movement. When you start your own movement, the tastemakers, DJ’s, radio, they will come to you.” A large part of Dorrough’s fanbase, however, is the legendary Houston scene. “We show a lot of love to H Town. They show us love. Shout out to my boy, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Lil Flip. It’s just a laid back swag in Houston, (but) pretty much Texas swag is Texas swag,” Dorrough concurs. Dorrough, the original composer of a “Hale Berry” tribute song would be remiss if he didn’t pay tribute to the ladies who have made his success possible. Of the women in Dallas, Dorrough stated, “Most females got their nice figures, got their D-Town swag.” With multiple singles charting, it’s safe to say, a star is born. His debut album, the self-titled Dorrough Music is in stores now. 26 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
ENTERTAINMENT » NEW SCHOOL
New Boyz FROM B-BOYZ TO JERKZ
rom the beginning, hip-hop culture has always been the DJ, MC, Graffiti artist, and the B-Boy as the foundation. As park jams evolved and the culture grew, new forms of the foundation evolved and newer expressions developed. As hip-hop enters its 30’s, its children are now expressing their own voices, and as such a duo hailing from Los Angeles, the New Boyz, have made their point with a loud and clear message of bravado, braggadocio, fashion, dance, and a new craze, The Jerk Movement. New Boyz are not the originators, as confirmed by group member Ben J™ (who along with partner Legacy makes up the New Boyz), “about it (the jerk dance), we didn’t create the dance itself. We just happen[ed] to make the biggest jerk song there was out there.” And boy, did they create a song, featuring minimal instrumentation, thumping drums, and a repeated reminder through a sample chanting, “you’re a jerk.” “I’m from L.A. and the little crews be dancing and we picked up on it. Like this got potential to be something bigger. It got a style with it, a culture. It’s a family and we do this to have fun and it’s positive…so we just made a song,” Ben J™ claimed about their catchy ditty. This song has all the teenage girls in a frenzy and adolescents call each other jerks in an affectionate way, but the song is only one part of the craze. The dance and the video are a huge part of the craze, too, as Ben J™ states, “If you know about breakdancing back in the day, jerking is the new breakdancing.” It’s rare for a guy who wasn’t even born during the breakdancing era to make an ode to the culture, but such are events when children grow their own identity and find their own voice, influenced, yet different from their parents. Skinny Jeanz & A Mic is going to be released under the “independently major” (a tribute to one of their distributed labels Swishahouse), Asylum Records on September 15th. Search www.youtube.com to watch the video and get into the Jerk craze.
F
ISSUE XIII• OwnerS Illustrated • 27
ENTERTAINMENT » NEW SCHOOL RP & Evagrind Entertainment present
Jvanizz
T
he culture of hip-hop is now global, yet there are cities in the U.S. that have yet to be fully represented. Save for Tech n9ne, Kansas City, Missouri has yet to fully participate commercially in the culture and to change that the brother duo of RP and Jvanizz are forever on their grind. “We are trying to put the town (Kansas City) on the map. With us we are trying to get that sound out there that aint nobody heard yet so with us we are trying to come out with something different.” I was told in a recent conversation with the duo. Of his decision to fund and support his brothers dream RP told me “I was giving Jvanizz a ride to school, he was attending a small college locally here, and he wanted me to hear some of his music. I listened to it and it sounded pretty good. I said ‘you cats got potential but how about school?’ A year later we revisited and came back to it. And he let me know ‘we really serious about this music’ and that’s how I got involved.” A true big brother, RP enthusiastically told me “you want him to be the best….this is my investment right now. This is my retirement.”To achieve that goal Jvanizz would have to become highly successful yet the brother due has the right approach “You got to get out here on the hustle and really really push it….we out here to show Kansas City we could do this too. Just like Nelly opened it up for the Lou’ Evagrind going to open it up for KC”. While hunger is a great ingredient for success a good product helps and to that end they have a hot single “Giggity” on their hands. Already winning the attention of record label executives nationwide the single is a catch ditty with a good instrumentation and rhythm about having a certain swagger. One can envision the song as a new phenomenon with visuals of the Kansas City culture. With a stated goal “to make Jvanizz a household name “ Jvanizz and RP stated of the relationship “we approach it as a partnership” and they are off to a great start, yet they understand “cats are really trying to make it out here.” And to that end they have provided opportunities to local producers. “we try to use local producers as much as possible…we really want that sound to come out of Kansas City as much as possible”. If my Giggity is any indication they are off to a good start. Visit www.myspace.com/vanizz to get on your Giggity and get up on the evagrind movement.
28 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII
ENTERTAINMENT » NEW SCHOOL
RJ
R
eppin’ the mid west with a Dirty South sound, RJ is on a mission to conquer the hip-hop world. Presenting a vivid picture of his musical landscape RJ creates an emotional and energetic sound that is laced with grimy street tales and head bangin beats. Making an even greater impression thru his shows, RJ features a full ensemble with everything from his back up dancers, to tossing roses in the crowd, and giving away free items such as Cd’s poster and shirts. With a dearth of memorable new talent currently in the industry RJ is poised to make his mark and determined to create a legacy for years to come. Check him out on his myspace page www.myspace.com/rjjohnsonent to check out videos, and other content.
CONTACT INFORMATION: (785) 969-2223
BRING YOUR TOYZ OUT! CAR AND BIKE EXTRAVAGANZA HOWARD HOMECOMING WEEKEND SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
FREE ADMISSION
LOCATION: House of Dubs 13603 Baltimore Ave Laurel, MD (301) 419-3827 Call (202) 607-3629 or email toyznation@live.com to register your vehichle.
PHOTOGRAPHY: REELZ PHOTOGRAPHY AND WIL CREATIVE
Madden Tournament with Prizes and EA Games Giveaway!
ISSUE XIII• OwnerS Illustrated • 29
ENTERTAINMENT » COVER FEATURE
A Day In The “You don’t grind you don’t shine” ,
“If you don’t shoot you ain’t gonna make it”, “Don’t make excuses just do it”, This slogan has been the mantra of “The House” home of Paul Wall and the birthplace of the careers of every notable artist out of Texas from the Northside. Getting his mind correct in the beginning, Paul is now living the Fast Life and even though we are in a recession he still can count the blessing of a loving wife and two children. Paul Wall is a cultural icon, a legend who built his brand from hard work “grinding” getting a start promoting for Swishahouse and coming up to his present position as the Franchise artist on Swishahouse records. Paul’s Journey has had many twist and turns from his well publicized split with rhyming partner Chamillionaire to his closeout verse in the classic single “Still Tippin”, to his lucrative enterprise selling “grillz”. Always a hustler Paul now is hawking his new album Fast Life out on the Swishahouse Label thru a distribution partnership with Asylum records. Baby bash, Too Short, Lil Keke, Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, The Federation, Yung Redd, Tech-9 are some of the many stars who lent a hand to Paul’s “Fast Life” effort. Paul also has Skinhead Rob from the Transplants featured on the album along with his other Expensive Taste partner Travis Barker. Expensive Taste, a group the three had formed with plans of recording an album has found successes in the apparel industry as a line of T-Shirts with Paul’s famous friends wearing them and his legion of fans ordering them on his website www.grillsbypaulwall. com. Paul’s website has been a tremendous boon , with a variety of goods and merchandise available for sale including his popular”grillz’ line from his partnership with TV Johnny. An urban phenomenon, grillz have taken various forms across the country, but the Houston brand has its own unique twist with elaborate gems and stones integrated seamlessly into the setting. So craved are these “grillz” Paul and Nelly won a Grammy for their hit tribute “grillz”and sold millions of downloads. Paul has always had an ability to generate immense chemistry with other artist and it was a delight for fans to see Paul united with former partner in rhyme Chamillionare at his album release party in Houston, TX. Several other colleagues attended and paid homage including longtime collaborator Slim Thug, and Swishahouse bosses Mike “5000” Watts, and G Dash. All Pro Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson was also in attendance enjoying the festivities as the Houston Rockets were pushing the Los Angeles Lakers to the brink in their series. Though they will ultimately fail in their championship quest, the Rockets enjoyed a resurgence in the NBA, likewise the Texas rap scene is enjoying a resurgence in the music industry. Albums, by Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Bun B, Scarface, Mike Jones, and others have be released to varying degrees of success inspiring the energy felt in 2005 when Paul had us Sitting Sideways, after we were Still Tippin with Slim and Mike Jones. A well put together album, The Fast Life is available in stores, iTunes, Amazon.com, and your local convenience retailer.
30 • OwnerS Illustrated • Issue XI
LAST MAN STANDING
ISSUE XIII • OwnerS Illustrated • 31
32 • OwnerS Illustrated • ISSUE XIII