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Linus Torvalds


Linus Benedict Torvalds (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈliːnɵs ˈtuːrvalds] ( listen); born December 28, 1969 in Helsinki, Finland) is a Finland-Swedish software engineer best known for having initiated the development of the Linux kernel. He later became the chief architect of the Linux kernel, and now acts as the project's coordinator.

Linus Torvalds was born in Helsinki, Finland, the son of journalists Anna and Nils Torvalds, and the grandson of poet Ole Torvalds. His family belongs to the Swedish-speaking minority (5.5%) of Finland's population. Torvalds was named after Linus Pauling, the American Nobel Prize-winning chemist, although in the book Rebel Code: Linux and the Open Source Revolution, Torvalds is quoted as saying, "I think I was named equally for Linus the Peanuts cartoon character," noting that this makes him half "Nobel-prize-winning chemist" and half "blanket-carrying cartoon character". Both of his parents were campus radicals at the University of Helsinki in the 1960s.

Torvalds attended the University of Helsinki from 1988 to 1996, graduating with a master's degree in computer science. His M.Sc. thesis was titled Linux: A Portable Operating System. His academic career was interrupted after completing his first year of study when he joined the Finnish Army, selecting the 11-month officer training program, thus fulfilling the mandatory military service of Finland. In the army he held the rank of second lieutenant, with the role of fire controller, calculating positions of guns, targets, and trajectories, finally telling the guns where to shoot. In 1990, he resumed his university studies, and was exposed to UNIX for the first time, in the form of a DEC MicroVAX running ULTRIX.

His interest in computers began with a Commodore VIC-20. After the VIC-20 he purchased a Sinclair QL which he modified extensively, especially its operating system. He programmed an assembly language and a text editor for the QL, as well as a few games. He is known to have written a Pac-Man clone named Cool Man. On January 2, 1991 he purchased an Intel 80386-based IBM PC and spent a month playing the game Prince of Persia before receiving his MINIX copy which in turn enabled him to begin his work on Linux.

Linus Torvalds is married to Tove Torvalds (née Monni) — a six-time Finnish national karate champion — whom he first met in the autumn of 1993. Torvalds was running introductory computer laboratory exercises for students and instructed the course attendants to send him an e-mail as a test, to which Tove responded with an e-mail asking for a date. Tove and Linus were later married and have three daughters, Patricia, Daniela, and Celeste.

After a visit to Transmeta in late 1996, he accepted a position at the company in California, where he would work from February 1997 through June 2003. He then moved to the Open Source Development Labs, which has since merged with the Free Standards Group to become the Linux Foundation, under whose auspices he continues to work. In June 2004, Torvalds and his family moved to Portland, Oregon to be closer to the OSDL's Beaverton, Oregon-based headquarters.

From 1997 to 1999 he was involved in 86open helping to choose the standard binary format for Linux and Unix.

Red Hat and VA Linux, both leading developers of Linux-based software, presented Torvalds with stock options in gratitude for his creation. In 1999, both companies went public and Torvalds' net worth shot up to roughly $20 million.

His personal mascot is a penguin nicknamed Tux, which has been widely adopted by the Linux community as the mascot of the Linux kernel.

Although Torvalds believes that "open source is the only right way to do software", he also has said that he uses the "best tool for the job", even if that includes proprietary software. He has been criticized for his use and alleged advocacy of the proprietary BitKeeper software for version control in the Linux kernel. However, Torvalds has since written a free-software replacement for BitKeeper called Git. Torvalds has commented on official GNOME developmental mailing lists that, in terms of desktop environments, he encourages users to switch to KDE. However, Torvalds thought KDE 4.0 was a "disaster" because of its lack of maturity, so he switched temporarily to GNOME.

Olga Kurylenko


Olga Kostyantynivna Kurylenko (Ukrainian: Ольга Костянтинівна Куриленко; born November 14, 1979) is a Ukrainian model and actress. She is perhaps best known as the Bond girl in the 22nd James Bond film, Quantum of Solace and for portraying the character of Nika Boronina in the movie adaptation of the video game Hitman. She became a French citizen in 2001.

Olga Kurylenko was born in Berdyansk, Ukraine. Her father, Kostyantyn Kurylenko, is Ukrainian. Her mother, Marina Alyabusheva, an art teacher of Russian and Belarusian descent, was born in Irkutsk Oblast, Russia.

Her childhood was a poor one; she shared an apartment with her aunt and uncle, grandparents and cousin. She never had any fancy clothes, often wearing hand-me-downs and re-sewing torn sweaters instead of buying new ones. Her discovery led to a drastic change in lifestyle, "I couldn't have anything, basically. I couldn't have any clothes I wanted, shoes, beds, clothes for school - because my mum couldn't buy them [Olga, on her childhood]".

When Kurylenko was three years old her parents divorced, leaving her to be raised by her mother. Kurylenko rarely had contact with her father, meeting him for the first time when she was 8 years old, and later again when she was 13.

Kurylenko was discovered by a female model scout while on vacation in Moscow at the age of thirteen. When she was 17 she signed a contract with the Paris-based Madison modeling agency. By the age of 18 she had already appeared on the covers of Vogue and Elle. While working as a model in Paris, Kurylenko supported her mother back home in Ukraine.

She also dazzled the covers of Madame Figaro and Marie Claire.

Also, she became the face of Lejaby lingerie, Bebe clothing, Clarins and Helena Rubinstein. Furthermore, she modelled for Roberto Cavalli and KENZO, and briefly appeared in the Victoria's Secret catalog.

In 2005, Kurylenko began her film career in France. She received the certificate of excellence award at the 2006 Brooklyn International Film Festival for her performance in L'Annulaire, and also starred in the Paris, je t'aime segment Quartier de la Madeleine opposite Elijah Wood. This same year, she was selected to be the face of Kenzo's new fragrance, Kenzo Amour. She has appeared in all subsequent Kenzo Amour ads. In 2007, Kurylenko starred in Hitman alongside Timothy Olyphant in which she did a full nude scene. She played Bond girl Camille Montes in the 2008 James Bond film, Quantum of Solace. The film was released in the United States on her twenty-ninth birthday.

Kurylenko was featured on the cover of the December 2008 issue of the US edition of Maxim magazine and on the cover of the February 2009 issue of the Ukrainian edition of Maxim magazine.

The fact that she is the first Bond girl from a post-Soviet state received mixed reactions in post-Soviet countries. The Saint-Petersburg based Communist group KPLO has accused her of "moral and intellectual betrayal" in starring in a film about the "enemy of the Soviet people" (meaning James Bond), but the mayor of Berdyansk has suggested naming a street after her and Kurylenko and her mother met Ukraine's First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko in President Yushchenko's family country house.

Meraih Mimpi: Film 3D Karya Anak Bangsa


Indonesia berhasil membuat film animasi 3D pertama yang ditayangkan di layar lebar. Film yang berjudul Meraih Mimpi tersebut diproduksi Infinite Frameworks (IFW), studio animasi yang berpusat di Batam. "Kami bangga bisa meluncurkan Meraih Mimpi ke pasar Indonesia," ujar Managing Director IFW, Mike Wiluan, dalam konferensi pers yang berlangsung di Hotel Grand Hyatt, Jakarta, Senin (27/7).

Film Meraih Mimpi sebenarnya merupakan adapatasi dari buku karya Minfung Ho berjudul Sing to The Dawn. Buku tersebut bercerita tentang kakak beradik yang berusaha melindungi tempat tinggal mereka dari kontraktor penipu. IFW membuat adapatasi buku Minfung Ho tersebut atas permintaan pemerintah Singapura yang ingin buku wajib baca di beberapa SD di Singapura tersebut dibuatkan filmnya. Begitu mendapat tawaran, IFW langsung memulai pengerjaan film Sing to The Dawn. Untuk diketahui dari 150 animator yang turut dalam pembuatan film tersebut hampir semuanya orang Indonesia dan hanya lima orang asing.

Pengerjaan dilakukan sepenuhnya di Batam selama tiga tahun dan memakan biaya sebesar 5 juta dolar AS. Setelah film selesai dibuat pada tahun 2008, film Sing to The Dawn mulai didistribusikan ke berbagai negara mulai dari Singapura, Korea, dan Rusia.

Sing to The Dawn tidak langsung diluncurkan ke Indonesia karena IFW ingin memperkenalkan film ini ke penonton di luar negeri terlebih dahulu. "Sing to The Dawn tidak langsung kami luncurkan ke Indonesia karena kami ingin meraih international recognizition terlebih dahulu. Setelah itu, kami baru meluncurkan di Indonesia agar masyarakat tahu bahwa ada studio animasi di Indonesia," begitu jelas Wisnu Triatmojo, Jubir IFW.

Setelah sebelumnya gagal dengan Homeland, akhirnya Sing to The Dawn baru dilokalisasi ke dalam versi Indonesia pada tahun ini dengan judul Meraih Mimpi. Nia Dinata direkrut untuk membantu proses script writing dan Erwin Gutawa diminta langsung untuk mengomposisi ulang musik yang akan mengiringi film.

Di samping itu, beberapa artis terkenal seperti Gita Gutawa, Cut Mini, dan Shanty juga terlibat sebagai pengisi suara. Film Meraih Mimpi akan mulai tayang di bioskop-bioskop pada tanggal 8-9 September 2009, dimulai dari jaringan bioskop XXI Indonesia.


Facebook


Facebook is a social networking website that is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. Users can join networks organized by city, workplace, school, and region. People can also add friends and send them messages, and update their personal profiles to notify friends about themselves. The website's name stems from the colloquial name of a book given to incoming students at Zuckerberg's high school alma mater, Phillips Exeter Academy. The book shows the faces and names of the school's students and faculty.

Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook with fellow computer science major students and his roommates Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes while he was a student at Harvard University. Website membership was initially limited to Harvard students, but was expanded to other colleges in the Boston area, the Ivy League, and Stanford University. It later expanded further to include any university student, then high school students, and, finally, to anyone aged 13 and over. The website currently has more than 250 million active users worldwide.

Facebook has met with some controversy over the past few years. It has been blocked intermittently in several countries including Syria, China and Iran, although Iran later unblocked Facebook in 2009. It has also been banned at many places of work to discourage employees from wasting time using the service. Privacy has also been an issue, and it has been compromised several times. Facebook is also facing several lawsuits from a number of Zuckerberg's former classmates, who claim that Facebook had stolen their source code and other intellectual property.

A February 2009 Compete.com study has ranked Facebook as the most used social network by worldwide monthly active users, followed by MySpace.

The Rolling Stones


The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in 1962 in London when multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones and pianist Ian Stewart were joined by vocalist Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards. Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early lineup. Stewart, deemed unsuitable as a teen idol, was removed from the official lineup in 1963 but continued to work with the band as road manager and keyboardist until his death in 1985.

Early in the band's history Jagger and Richards formed a songwriting partnership and gradually took over leadership of the band from the increasingly troubled and erratic Jones. At first the group recorded mainly covers of American blues and R&B songs, but since the 1966 album Aftermath, their releases have mainly featured Jagger/Richards songs. Mick Taylor replaced an incapacitated Jones shortly before Jones's death in 1969. Taylor quit in 1974, and was replaced in 1975 by Faces guitarist Ronnie Wood, who has remained with the band ever since. Wyman left the Rolling Stones in 1992; bassist Darryl Jones, who is not an official band member, has worked with the group since 1994.

First popular in the UK and Europe, The Rolling Stones came to the US during the early 1960s "British Invasion". The Rolling Stones have released 22 studio albums in the UK (24 in the US), eight concert albums (nine in the US) and numerous compilations; and have sold more than 200 million albums worldwide. Sticky Fingers (1971) began a string of eight consecutive studio albums that charted at number one in the United States. Their latest album, A Bigger Bang, was released in 2005. In 1989 The Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2004 they were ranked number 4 in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. Their image of unkempt and surly youth is one that many musicians still emulate.

Bill Gates Nyerah dengan Facebook


Menggunakan Facebook, menambah banyak teman di laman jejaring sosial itu merupakan sesuatu yang menyenangkan. Namun itu tidak lagi berlaku bagi Bill Gates.


Pendiri Microsoft yang juga berstatus orang terkaya di dunia itu rupanya sudah risih dengan begitu banyaknya orang yang ingin menjadi temannya di laman Facebook. Dia mengaku banyak orang yang tak dikenal yang mau menjadi friend. Akhirnya, Gates sudah tak tahan sehingga tak mau lagi mengaktifkan akun di Facebook.

Demikian curhat Gates dalam forum para pebisnis di New Delhi, India, Sabtu 25 Juli 2009. Gates mengaku pada awalnya dia tertarik bergabung masuk Facebook - laman jejaring sosial dan pertemanan yang didirkan Mark Zuckerberg pada 4 Februari 2004. Namun, Ia kewalahan menampung permintaan banyak orang yang ingin menjadi teman di Facebook. "Bayangkan, lebih dari 10.000 orang mau menjadi teman saya," tutur Gates seperti yang dikutip laman stasiun televisi NBC.

"Bagi saya itu sudah keterlaluan, akhirnya saya menyerah," lanjut Gates. Dia pun mengaku tidak begitu suka main SMS atau berlama-lama di depan layar komputer. "Saya bukan pengguna teknologi selama 24 jam penuh dan lebih suka membaca buku," tutur Gates, yang berada di India untuk menerima penghargaan atas perannya sebagai donatur lembaga amal.

Sumber: VIVAnews

The Final Destination (Final Destination 4) (2009)


The Final Destination (known within the franchise as Final Destination 4) is an upcoming 3-D supernatural thriller/horror film written by Eric Bress and directed by David R. Ellis, both of whom also worked on Final Destination 2. Set for an August 28, 2009 release, it is the fourth installment to the Final Destination franchise, and the first of which to be shot in HD 3-D.

On December 13, 2008, Warner Bros. released the following plot summary for the film:

On what should have been a fun-filled day at the races, Nick O'Bannon (Bobby Campo) has a horrific premonition in which a bizarre sequence of events causes multiple race cars to crash, sending flaming debris into the stands, brutally killing his friends and causing the upper deck of the stands to collapse on him. When he comes out of this grisly nightmare Nick panics, persuading his girlfriend, Lori (Shantel VanSanten), and their friends, Janet (Haley Webb) and Hunt (Nick Zano), to leave... escaping seconds before Nick's frightening vision becomes a terrible reality. Thinking they've cheated death, the group has a new lease on life, but unfortunately for Nick and Lori, it is only the beginning. As his premonitions continue and the crash survivors begin to die one-by-one — in increasingly gruesome ways — Nick must figure out how to cheat death once and for all before he, too, reaches his final destination."
The film will be released in 3-D as well as in conventional theaters on August 28, 2009.




Starring :
Bobby Campo, Shantel VanSanten, Haley Webb, Nick Zano, Krista Allen, Andrew Fiscella, Jessica Ritchie

Haley Webb


Haley Vianne Webb (born November 25, 1985) is an American actress. Haley Webb was born in Woodbridge, Virginia. She has five siblings: two younger brothers; a younger sister; and two older sisters. In 2001 she moved, with some of her family, to San Diego, California where she attended La Costa Canyon High School. While at LCCHS she was active in the theater department winning various awards for acting and dance. In 2003, while competing in the Talent America Competition, she was discovered by long time casting director/manager Gary Shaffer. Later that year she moved to Los Angeles, California, (where she currently resides) and began studying with legendary acting instructors Howard Fine and JoAnne Baron & D. W. Brown.

Haley's theater credits include: Kim in Bye Bye Birdie; Claire in Rumors; Belle in Beauty and the Beast; Idgie in Fried Green Tomatoes; Nina in The Seagull; Catherine in Proof; Diane in Ring Around the Moon; Jessica in This is Our Youth; and Nia in Fighting Words.

Haley's television credits include: Close to Home (as Danielle, 2007) and Shark (as Kayla Philby, 2006).

Haley's movie credits include: Janet in The Final Destination, Nick Stahl's Girlfriend in In Northwood and Toni in Big Game.

Public Enemies (2009)


Public Enemies is a 2009 American crime film directed by Michael Mann. Set during the Great Depression, it focuses on the true story of FBI agent Melvin Purvis's attempt to stop criminals John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd. The film is an adaptation of Bryan Burrough's non-fiction book Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933–34. Christian Bale plays FBI agent Purvis, Johnny Depp plays Dillinger, Marion Cotillard plays Dillinger's girlfriend Billie Frechette, Channing Tatum plays Floyd and Giovanni Ribisi plays Alvin Karpis.

The film opens in 1933 as John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) is brought to the Indiana State Prison by his partner John "Red" Hamilton (Jason Clarke), under the disguise of a prisoner drop. Dillinger and Hamilton overpower several guards and free members of their gang including Charles Makley (Christian Stolte) and Harry Pierpont (David Wenham). The jailbreak goes off without a hitch, until gang member Ed Shouse (Michael Vieau) beats a guard to death. A shootout ensues as the gang makes its getaway. Dillinger's friend and mentor Walter Dietrich (James Russo) is killed, and a furious Dillinger kicks Shouse out of the car. The rest of the gang retreats to a farm house hideout, where crooked Chicago cop Martin Zarkovich (John Michael Bolger) convinces them to hide out in Chicago, where they can be sheltered by the Mafia.

In East Liverpool, Ohio, Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) and several other FBI agents are running down Pretty Boy Floyd (Channing Tatum). Purvis kills Floyd and is promoted by J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup), who is struggling to expand his Bureau into a national police agency, to lead the hunt for John Dillinger, declaring the first national "War on Crime."

In between a series of bank robberies, Dillinger meets Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard), his love interest, at a restaurant, and proceeds to woo her by buying her a fur coat. Frechette falls for Dillinger even after he tells her who he is, and the two quickly become inseperable.

Melvin Purvis leads a failed ambush at a hotel where he believes Dillinger is staying. An agent is shot and killed by the occupant. After the man escapes, Purvis realizes the killer wasn't Dillinger but Baby Face Nelson (Stephen Graham). After this incident, Purvis demands that Hoover bring in professional lawmen who know how to catch criminals dead or alive, including Texas "cowboy" Charles Winstead (Stephen Lang).

Police finally find Dillinger and arrest him and his gang in Tucson. Dillinger is extradited back to Indiana where he is locked up pending trial. Dillinger and a few inmates escape. Dillinger is unable to see Frechette, who is under tight surveillance. Dillinger learns that Frank Nitti's (Bill Camp) Chicago Outfit associates are now unwilling to help him; Dillinger's crimes are motivating the U.S. government to begin prosecuting interstate crime, which imperils Nitti's lucrative bookmaking racket.

Later, Dillinger meets fellow bank robber Tommy Carroll (Spencer Garrett) in a movie theater; with him is Ed Shouse, who wants to rejoin the gang. Carroll goads Dillinger into a bank robbery job in Sioux Falls, promising a huge score. Even though Baby Face Nelson is involved, whom he doesn't like, Dillinger agrees. A shootout (triggered by Nelson shooting a cop outside the bank) occurs in which Dillinger is shot in the arm, and Carroll is shot and left for dead. They retreat to Nelson's wilderness lodge hideout at Little Bohemia, where Dillinger's wounds are treated; the gang is disappointed to find that their haul is only a fraction of what they expected. Dillinger expresses hope he can free the rest of his gang still in prison, including Pierpont and Makley, but Red convinces him this is unlikely to happen.

Purvis and his men apprehend Carroll (who is still alive) and torture him to find the rest of the gang's location. They arrive at Little Bohemia and Purvis organizes another failed ambush, in which several civilians are killed in the cross-fire. Dillinger and Red escape separately from Nelson and the rest of the gang. Agents Winstead and Hurt (Don Frye) pursue Dillinger and Hamilton through the woods on foot, engaging them in a running gun battle in which Red is shot and fatally wounded. Trying to escape along the road, Nelson, Shouse and Homer Van Meter (Stephen Dorff) hijack an FBI car, killing several agents in the process, including Purvis's partner Carter Baum (Rory Cochran). After a car chase, Purvis and his men kill Nelson and the rest of the gang. Further down the road, Dillinger and Hamilton steal a farmer's car and make good their escape; Hamilton dies later that night and Dillinger buries his body, covering it in lye.

Dillinger manages to meet Frechette, telling her he plans to do one last job that will pay enough for them to escape together. However, Dillinger drops her off at a hotel he thinks is safe and helplessly watches as she is captured. An interrogator, Agent Reinecke (Adam Mucci) viciously beats Frechette to learn Dillinger's whereabouts, but she refuses to talk; Purvis and Winstead arrive and angrily break up the interrogation. Meanwhile, Dillinger is meeting with Alvin Karpis (Giovanni Ribisi), who tries to recruit a disinterested Dillinger in a train robbery with his associates, the Barker Gang. Dillinger receives a note from Billie through his lawyer, Louis Piquet (Peter Gerety), telling him not to try and break her out of jail.

Through crooked cop Zarkovich, Purvis enlists the help of madam and Dillinger acquaintance Anna Sage (Branka Katic), threatening her with deportation if she is not cooperative. She agrees to set up Dillinger, who is hiding with Sage.

That night Dillinger and Sage see a Clark Gable movie called Manhattan Melodrama at the Biograph Theater. When the movie is over, Dillinger and the women leave as Purvis move in. Dillinger spots the police and is shot several times before he can draw his gun. Agent Winstead, who fired the fatal shot, listens to Dillinger's last words.

Later, Winstead meets Frechette in prison. He tells her that Dillinger's dying words were "Tell Billie for me, 'Bye bye Blackbird.'" The closing text reveals that Melvin Purvis quit the FBI shortly afterwards and died by his own hand in 1960, and that Billie lived out of the rest of her life in Wisconsin following her release in 1936.

Puteri Indonesia, Rating Tertinggi Miss Universe 2009


Zivanna Letisha Siregar Miss UniversePuteri Indonesia 2008 Zivanna Letisha Siregar difavoritkan menang di ajang Miss Universe 2009. Berdasarkan hasil voting hingga 23 Juli 2009 di situs resmi Miss Universe, Zizi, sapaan akrabnya, berada di posisi pertama sebagai puteri yang diunggulkan memakai mahkota Miss Universe. Dalam polling Zizi, bersaing ketat dengan Miss Vietnam, Hoang Yen Vo.

Miss Universe 2009 akan digelar di Bahama, 23 Agustus 2009. Zizi akan berangkat ke pulau yang berpenduduk sekitar 330 ribu orang itu pada 2 Agustus 2009.

Sama seperti para pendahulunya, Zizi pun berharap bisa menang di ajang Miss Universe 2009. Ia meminta dukungan pada seluruh masyarakat Indonesia agar dirinya bisa menjadi orang pertama yang memakai mahkota Miss Universe.

Bali named the world's best island 2009


Tourism magazine Travel and Leisure has named Bali as the best island in the world 2009, against the backdrop of the recent twin bombings of the JW Marriot and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta last Friday (July 17, 2009). The magazine surveyed its readers between Jan. 15 and Mar. 29 2009. In the survey, the respondents were asked to comment on the islands' natural attractions, activities, people and food.

Bali beat out nine other islands; the Galapagos in Ecuador, Cape Breton in Canada, Kauai in Hawaii, Mount Desert in the United States, Maui in Hawaii, the Aeolian in Greece, the Maldives, Big and Vancouver which were also nominated for the title.

Bali Tourism Board head Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya said Tuesday he hoped the victory would be further proof that Bali was a favorite tourism destination.

Bali previously won the honor in 2006.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)


Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simmering with jealousy but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

Leona Lewis


Leona Louise Lewis (born 3 April 1985) is an English pop/R&B singer. Lewis rose to fame in 2006 as the winner of the third series of the British television series The X Factor.

Lewis has become a multi-platinum selling artist and three time Grammy Award nominee. She has released one album to date, Spirit, in 2007. It became the fastest-selling debut album and the biggest seller of 2007 in both the UK and Republic of Ireland, and made Lewis the first British solo artist to top the Billboard 200 with a debut album. Her second album, Echo, is due for release in November 2009.

Lewis's debut single "A Moment Like This", became the fastest selling UK single after being downloaded over 50,000 times within thirty minutes of its release. Her second single, "Bleeding Love", reached number one positions in over thirty singles charts around the world. In November 2008 she set a record in the UK for the fastest selling download-only release with her cover version of the Snow Patrol song "Run" which sold 69,244 copies in two days.

Lewis was born in the London Borough of Islington, to Aural Josiah "Joe" Lewis of Afro-Guyanese descent and Maria Lewis of Irish and Welsh descent. Her parents enrolled her at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, and from there she attended the Italia Conti Academy and the BRIT School, where she learned to play instruments such as the guitar and piano, and began to write her own songs in the hope of becoming a singer-songwriter, writing her first full-length song at the age of 12. She initially trained in opera, but went on to singing jazz and blues, eventually leading to popular music, citing Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Eva Cassidy as her main influences. After leaving the BRIT School, she took a number of jobs to fund studio recordings sessions; she wrote and recorded songs for a demo album called Twilight, and another demo album, Best Kept Secret, was recorded under licence from UEG Entertainment. However, neither album was released and she considered taking a hiatus from her music career to attend university until her boyfriend persuaded her to enter The X Factor which subsequently severed her connections with UEG.

Lewis auditioned for the third series of The X Factor in 2006, singing "Over the Rainbow". She was mentored by Simon Cowell and was announced the winner on 16 December 2006, winning a £1 million recording contract.

Lewis's debut single, a cover of Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This", was released on CD on 20 December 2006, and was available as a digital download from midnight on 17 December. It broke a world record after it was downloaded 50,000 times in thirty minutes. On 24 December, "A Moment Like This" was crowned the 2006 UK Christmas number-one single, having sold 571,253 copies, outselling the rest of the Top 40's sales combined. The single became the most downloaded song in 2006; it stayed at number one for four weeks and stayed at the top spot in the Irish Singles Chart for six weeks. It went on to sell in the region of 830,000 copies.

In February 2007, Lewis signed a £5 million ($9.7 million) five-album contract in the United States with Clive Davis's record label, J Records, and showcased for several American music executives. A press release was sent out revealing that Cowell and Davis would work together in a first-of-its-kind partnership on both the song and producer selection for Lewis's debut album, entitled Spirit, which was released in November 2007. The album entered both the Irish Albums Chart and the UK Albums Chart at number one, becoming the fastest-selling debut album in both countries, and the United Kingdom's fourth fastest selling album of all time. It was released in several other nations in January 2008, and went to number one in New Zealand, Australia, Austria, Germany, South Africa and Switzerland. It was released in the United States in April 2008 and entered the Billboard 200 at number one, making Lewis the first British artist to reach number one with a debut album. To date the album has sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide and has a 9× platinum certification in the UK.

Lewis recorded tracks for the album in London, Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta, where she worked with several songwriters and record producers including Dallas Austin, Walter Afanasieff, Salaam Remi, Steve Mac, Stargate and Ne-Yo. Two further tracks were recorded in 2008 for the U.S. release of the album: "Forgive Me", produced by Akon, and "Misses Glass", produced by Madd Scientist.

Lewis's second single, "Bleeding Love", produced by Ryan Tedder and written by Tedder and Jesse McCartney, was released in October 2007 in the UK, where it sold 218,805 copies in its first week, giving it the biggest first-week sales of 2007 to date. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number one, where it stayed for seven weeks and in the Irish Singles Chart it remained at number one for eight weeks. It reached number one in the singles charts of New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, Canada and the United States. "Bleeding Love" won The Record of the Year in December 2007.

In October 2007, Lewis appeared on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, with acoustic performances of "Bleeding Love" and a cover of Snow Patrol's 2003 single "Run". She won 'Newcomer of the Year' at the 2007 Cosmopolitan Ultimate Woman of the Year Awards, and was nominated for four BRIT Awards, in the categories British Female Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act, British Album for Spirit, and British Single for "Bleeding Love", but despite being the favourite to win the most awards, she received none.

In February 2008, "Bleeding Love" entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 85 and then went on to peak at number one for four non-consecutive weeks. The song became the first track by a UK female to reach number one since Kim Wilde's "You Keep Me Hangin' On" in 1987. Lewis's third single, a double A-side featuring "Better in Time" and "Footprints in the Sand", was released in the United Kingdom in March 2008, in aid of Sport Relief, and she visited South Africa for the charity. The single reached a peak of number two in the UK singles chart selling over 40,000 copies in its first week of physical release. "Better in Time" was released as Lewis's second single in the U.S., where it peaked at number 11 in the Billboard Hot 100.

Lewis performed at the MTV Asia Awards 2008 where she won the award for Breakthrough Artis and in August 2008, she performed "Whole Lotta Love" with guitarist Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin at the 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in Beijing, representing the handover to London as the host of the 2012 Summer Olympics. In September 2008, she joined several female singers to perform a single for the anti-cancer campaign Stand Up to Cancer. The single, titled "Just Stand Up!", was performed live during the one-hour telethon that aired on all major U.S. television networks. She won two awards at the 2008 MOBO Awards: Best Album for Spirit and Best Video for "Bleeding Love".

"Forgive Me" was released as Lewis's fifth single in November 2008; it reached number five in the UK. A special edition of Spirit was re-released in November 2008 in Europe, including the songs "Forgive Me", "Misses Glass" and a studio version of "Run". The album again went to number one in the UK Albums Chart. "Run" was released as a download-only single in the UK, reaching number one, and becoming the UK's fastest-selling download-only single with 69,244 copies sold in two days. Lewis received three nominations for the 51st Grammy Awards in December 2008. "Bleeding Love" was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Spirit was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album. Lewis's last single from Spirit, "I Will Be", was released in January 2009, only in North America; it peaked at number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 33 on the Pop 100.

Lewis's second album, Echo, is planned for a worldwide release in November 2009. Production was said to have begun in February 2009, including work with Ryan Tedder, Justin Timberlake and Timbaland. Timberlake has contributed production and vocals to several songs, and produced the album's first known success from recording sessions, "Don't Let Me Down", written by Timbaland's protegé James Fauntleroy. Two songs co-written by Ina Wroldsen and produced by Arnthor Birgisson, "My Hands" and "Heartbeat", have been confirmed for inclusion in Lewis's second album. Novel and John Shanks have produced two songs, a ballad and an uptempo song. Production and songwriting duo Xenomania are reported to have written five songs for Lewis's second album. Ne-Yo has confirmed that he has written songs for the album, and Will.i.am and Jay-Z are said to be working with Lewis on the album, which will contain ballads, racier tracks and dancefloor anthems. It has been reported that Lewis has collaborated with Aqualung, and she has also worked with DJ Infamous, Claude Kelly, Kevin Rudolf, Toby Gad, The Script and Los Da Mystro.

It has been reported that Lewis is planning a 14-month world tour starting in 2010, which will be supporting Spirit and Echo. It is said that Lewis has hired choreographer Travis Payne for the tour, which is reported to have a Garden of Eden theme. Her label have apparently said that money is no object.

The first single to be released from Echo is "Happy", which Lewis will premier the live on the VH1 Divas concert on 17 September 2009.

Maria Sharapova


Maria Yuryevna Sharapova (Russian: Maria_sharapova.ogg Мари́я Ю́рьевна Шара́пова​ , Mariya Yur’evna Shara'pova [pronounced Sha-RA-po-va]; born April 19, 1987) is a formerly World No. 1 Russian professional tennis player and three time Grand Slam champion. In 2004 at the age of 17, she won Wimbledon, defeating Serena Williams in the final. She has since won the 2006 US Open, defeating Justine Henin in the final, and the 2008 Australian Open, defeating Ana Ivanović in the final. Sharapova has represented Russia in Fed Cup, although her appearances have been controversial.

She has been featured in a number of modeling assignments, including a feature in Sports Illustrated. Sharapova was the most searched-for athlete on Yahoo! in both 2005 and 2008. In July 2008, as a result of her success both on and off court, she was the world's highest-paid female athlete earning $26 million. Sharapova is on track to repeat this feat again in 2009; despite playing few matches due to injury Sharapova made $22 million between June 2008 and June 2009.

Starting in 2007, Sharapova began to suffer from a right shoulder injury. She underwent surgery and as a result did not play a professional singles match from August 2008 to May 2009. Because of her inability to play because of injury, she was unable to defend her ranking points. As a result, she was ranked #102 on May 18, 2009. She is currently ranked World No. 60 as of June 21, 2009.

Selena Gomez


Selena Marie Gomez (born July 22, 1992) is an American actress and singer best known for playing Alex Russo on the Disney Channel Original Series, Wizards of Waverly Place.
Gomez, an only child, was born in Grand Prairie, Texas to Ricardo Gomez and Mandy Teefy (née Cornett), a former stage actress who was 16 when Selena was born. Gomez's parents split when Gomez was five years old. Gomez's mother later remarried in 2006 to Brian Teefy. Gomez was named after singer Selena. Her father is from Mexico, and she has Italian ancestry on her mother's side.

Acting

Gomez began her acting career at the age of seven, playing Gianna, a recurring role in the children's television series Barney & Friends. Gomez said of being on the show during an interview in 2008: "I was very shy when I was little," and "I didn't know what 'camera right' was. I didn't know what blocking was. I learned everything from Barney" but after two seasons, "[producers] felt like I was getting a little too old, so I got the boot." In 2003 she had a cameo role in Spy Kids 3D. She also had a cameo role in Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial By Fire.

In 2004 Gomez was discovered by Disney at a nation wide scouting. Her first Disney role was in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody as Gwen. In 2007, she appeared on Hannah Montana as Hannah Montana's enemy, Mikayla.

In 2007, Gomez was cast in the Disney Channel Original Series, Wizards of Waverly Place as one of the three main characters, Alex Russo. In 2008 Gomez had a voice-over role as the Mayor's 96 daughters in Horton Hears a Who!. Also in 2008, Gomez appeared in Another Cinderella Story as Mary; the film was released as direct-to-DVD movie and then premiered on ABC Family in January 2009, the premiere was watched by 5.3 million viewer and was ranked as January 2009's No. 1 cable movie across all key demos. She was cast as Carter, an insecure tomboy in Princess Protection Program alongside Demi Lovato. In July 2008, Gomez appeared in the third annual edition of the Disney Channel Games. In 2008, Gomez hosted the second show of Disney Channel Original Series short-show Studio DC: Almost Live. In October 2008, Gomez launched a production company, July Moon Productions.

Music


Gomez recorded the theme song, "Everything Is Not What It Seems" for Wizards of Waverly Place. She contributed a cover of "Cruella de Vil" for the 101 Dalmatians platinum DVD; the song was also featured on DisneyMania 6. In 2008 She recorded three songs for soundtracks, including "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" for Another Cinderella Story.

In July 2008 she signed a record deal with Hollywood Records. During an interview with MTV in August 2008, Gomez announced that she was planning on releasing a debut album in 2009. Gomez said during the interview on the album that "I'm going to be in a band — no Selena Gomez stuff," and continued with "I'm not going to be a solo artist. I think that I don't want my name attached to it". People Magazine reported in May 2009 that the album was set for a September 2009 release. Gomez said during an interview with MTV that the album's music genre will have a pop rock feel to it, and that she plans to play instruments on some of the album's tracks, Gomez said "I will be singing, and I'm learning drums and playing electric guitar." In 2009, Gomez also recorded "One and the Same", a duet with Demi Lovato for Princess Protection Program; the song also appeared on the Disney Channel Playlist. Gomez recorded 4 songs for the Wizards of Waverly Place Soundtrack. Gomez also recorded a duet version of Whoa Oh! with Forever the Sickest Kids.

Personal life


Gomez is best friends with Demi Lovato, whom she has known since they met at the Barney & Friends auditions. After Gomez and Lovato posted a video on YouTube in March 2008, Miley Cyrus uploaded a parody of that video, which caught the interest of entertainment media. Reports included the theory that Gomez and Cyrus were arguing over Nick Jonas, or that Gomez and Lovato might replace Cyrus. On the issue of replacing Cyrus, Gomez clarified, "I'm not interested in being anybody but myself, and I'm not here to replace anyone. I think that she's a wonderful performer, and of course it's a compliment. But I would like to take a different route."

In July, 2008, shortly after Gomez was featured in the Jonas Brothers music video Burnin' Up, playing Nick Jonas's love interest, media outlets began to speculate that Gomez was in a relationship with Nick Jonas but Gomez responded by saying, "I've gotten really close to the entire Jonas family this past year," and, "Nick and I are getting to know each other, but we're not confirming anything".

Charities

Gomez participated in UR Votes Count campaign, the campaign helped encourage over teenagers to learn more about their Presidential Candidates (Barack Obama, and John McCain). In October 2008, Gomez was named a spokesperson for the 2008 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. Gomez said of being a spokesperson, “I am extremely excited to be this year’s Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF spokesperson”.

In October 2008, Gomez participated in St. Jude's Children's Hospital "Runway For Life" benefit. Gomez is the ambassador of Do Something.org after being involved with the charity Island Dog, which help dogs in Puerto Rico. She got involved with the charity while she was filming the Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie in Puerto Rico.

Gomez was featured in State Farm Insurance's TV commercials, which help inform drivers of the dangers of the road, and how to be a good driver. Gomez is also involved with the charity RAISE Hope For Congo. Gomez is involved with the origination's charity events and fundraising efforts. Gomez is also involved in Disney's Friends for Change. She recorded "Send it On" with fellow Disney stars for the charity.

The Beatles


The Beatles, a pop/rock group that formed in Liverpool, England in 1960, were one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands in the history of popular music. During the band's years of stardom, the group consisted of John Lennon (rhythm guitar, vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar, vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar, vocals) and Ringo Starr (drums, vocals). Although their initial musical style was rooted in 1950s rock and roll and skiffle, the group worked with different musical genres, ranging from Tin Pan Alley to psychedelic rock. Their clothes, style and statements made them trend-setters, while their growing social awareness saw their influence extend into the social and cultural revolutions of the 1960s. After the band broke up in 1970, all four members embarked upon successful solo careers.

The Beatles sold over one billion records internationally. In the United Kingdom, The Beatles released more than 40 different singles, albums, and EPs that reached number one, earning more number one albums (15) than any other group in UK chart history. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, The Beatles have sold more albums in the United States than any other band. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked The Beatles number one in its list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. According to that same magazine, The Beatles' innovative music and cultural impact helped define the 1960s, and their influence on pop culture is still evident today. In 2008, Billboard magazine released a list of top-selling Hot 100 artists to celebrate the chart's fiftieth anniversary, with The Beatles at #1.

Frank Sinatra


Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra (December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was an American singer and actor.

Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became a successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, being the idol of the "bobby soxers." His professional career had stalled by the 1950s, but it was reborn in 1954 after he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He signed with Capitol Records and released several critically lauded albums (such as In the Wee Small Hours, Songs for Swingin' Lovers, Come Fly with Me, Only the Lonely and Nice 'n' Easy). Sinatra left Capitol to found his own record label, Reprise Records (finding success with albums such as Ring-A-Ding-Ding, Sinatra at the Sands and Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim), toured internationally, was a founding member of the Rat Pack and fraternized with celebrities and presidents, including President John F. Kennedy. Sinatra turned 50 in 1965, recorded the retrospective September of My Years, starred in the Emmy-winning television special Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music, and scored hits with "Strangers in the Night" and "My Way".

Sinatra attempted to weather the changing tastes in popular music, but with sales of his music dwindling, and after appearing in several poorly received films, he retired in 1971. Coming out of retirement in 1973, he recorded several albums; scored a Top 40 hit with "(Theme From) New York, New York" in 1980; and toured both within the United States and internationally until a few years before his death in 1998.

Sinatra also forged a career as a dramatic actor, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in From Here to Eternity, and he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for The Man with the Golden Arm. He also starred in such musicals as High Society, Pal Joey, Guys and Dolls and On the Town. Sinatra was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in 1983 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Ronald Reagan in 1985 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997. Sinatra was also the recipient of eleven Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Trustees Award, Grammy Legend Award and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Winner vs Loser


The Winner is always part of the answer;
The Loser is always part of the problem.

The Winner is always has a program;
The Loser always has an excuse.

The Winner says,"Let me do it for you;
The Loser says;" That is not my job."

The Winner sees an answer for every problem;
The Loser sees a problem for every answer.

The Winner says," It may be difficult but it is possible";
The Loser says,"It may be possible but it is too difficult."

When a Winner makes a mistake, he says," I was wrong";
When a Loser makes a mistake, he says," It wasn't my fault."

A Winner makes commitments;
A Loser makes promises.

Winners have dreams;
Loser have schemes.

Winners say," I must do something";
Losers say,"Something must be done."

Winners are a part of the team;
Losers are apart from the team.

Winners see the gain;
Losers see the pain.

Winners see possibilities;
Losers see problems.

Winners believe in win/win;
Losers believe for them to win someone has to lose.

Winners see the potential;
Losers see the past.

Winners are like a thermostat;
Losers are like thermometers.

Winners choose what they say;
Losers say what they choose.

Winners use hard arguments but soft words;
Losers use soft arguments but hard words.

Winners stand firm on values but compromise on petty things;
Losers stand firm on petty things but compromise on values.

Winners follow the philosophy of empathy: "Don't do to others what you
would, not want them to do to you";
Losers follow the philosophy, "Do it to others before they do it to you."

Winners make it happen;
Losers let it happen.

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

Cristiano Ronaldo


Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH (Portuguese pronunciation: [kɾɨʃˈtiɐnu ʁuˈnaɫdu]; born 5 February 1985) is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a winger for Spanish club Real Madrid and as captain for the Portuguese national team. He previously played for Sporting CP in Portugal and Manchester United in England. Ronaldo transferred to Real Madrid on 1 July 2009 in a deal worth £80 million (€94m, US$132m), making him the most expensive player in football history. His contract with Real Madrid is also expected to make him the highest-paid player in the world.

Ronaldo began his career as a youth player at CD Nacional and his successes with the team led to a move to Sporting Clube de Portugal two seasons afterwards. Ronaldo's precocious talent caught the attention of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and he signed the 18-year-old for £12.24 million in 2003. The following season, Ronaldo won his first club honour, the FA Cup, and reached the UEFA Euro 2004 final with Portugal, in which tournament he scored his first international goal.

In 2008, Ronaldo won his first UEFA Champions League title, and was named player of the tournament. He was named the FIFPro World Player of the Year and the FIFA World Player of the Year, in addition to becoming Manchester United's first Ballon d'Or winner in 40 years.

Three-time Ballon d'Or winner Johan Cruyff said in an interview on 2 April 2008, "Ronaldo is better than George Best and Denis Law, who were two brilliant and great players in the history of United."

Alex Ferguson


Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson, CBE, more commonly known as Alex Ferguson, Sir Alex, or Fergie (born 31 December 1941 in Govan, Glasgow) is a Scottish football manager and former player, currently managing Manchester United , where he has been in charge since 1986. He has won more trophies than any other manager in the history of the English game.

With 22 years as manager of Manchester United, he is the second-longest serving manager in their history after Sir Matt Busby, while his tenure is the longest of all the current League managers. During this time, Ferguson has won many awards and holds many records including winning Manager of the Year most times in British football history. Manchester United have won more honours during Ferguson's tenure than they did in all the years combined prior to his appointment.

He was an inaugural inductee into the English Football Hall of Fame for his great services to the English game, was knighted in 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II and currently holds the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen for his services to the city, having managed the city's football club to a host of major trophies in the early to mid 1980s.

Ferguson previously managed East Stirlingshire and St. Mirren, before a highly successful period as manager of Aberdeen. Briefly manager of the Scotland national team – in a temporary capacity owing to the death of Jock Stein – he was appointed manager of Manchester United in November 1986.

At Manchester United, Sir Alex has become the most successful manager in the history of English football, having guided the team to eleven league championships and two Champions League titles. In 1999, he became the first manager to lead an English team to the treble of league championship, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. As well as being the only manager to win the FA Cup five times, he is also the only manager ever to win three successive league championships in the top flight in England with the same club (1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01), repeating the feat again in 2006–07, 2007–08 and 2008–09. In 2008, he joined Brian Clough (Nottingham Forest) and Bob Paisley (Liverpool) as only the third British manager to win the European Cup on more than one occasion.

One recurring theme of Ferguson's management of Manchester United has been his view that no player is bigger than the club. He has consistently taken a "my way or the highway" approach in his dealings with players and the pressure of this management tactic has often been the cause of many notable players' departures. Over the years players such as Gordon Strachan, Paul McGrath, Paul Ince, Jaap Stam, Dwight Yorke, David Beckham and more recently, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gabriel Heinze have left the club after varying degrees of conflict with Ferguson. It is also suggested that one of the most inspirational players in the club's history, Roy Keane was a victim of Ferguson's wrath following damning criticism of his team mates on the club's in-house television channel, MUTV. This disciplinary line that he takes with such highly paid, high-profile players has been mentioned as a reason for the ongoing success of Manchester United.

Manchester United


Manchester United Football Club is an English football club, based at Old Trafford in Trafford, Greater Manchester, and is one of the most popular football clubs in the world. The club was a founding member of the Premier League in 1992, and has played in the top division of English football since 1938, with the exception of the 1974–75 season. Average attendances at the club have been higher than any other team in English football for all but six seasons since 1964–65.

Manchester United are the reigning English champions and Club World Cup holders, having won the 2008–09 Premier League and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup. The club is one of the most successful in the history of English football and has won 22 major honours since Alex Ferguson became manager in November 1986. In 1968, they became the first English club to win the European Cup, beating Benfica 4–1. They won a second European Cup as part of a Treble in 1999, before winning their third in 2008. The club holds the joint record for the most English league titles with 18 and also holds the record for the most FA Cup wins with 11.

Since the late 1990s, the club has been one of the richest in the world with the highest revenue of any football club, and is currently ranked as the richest and most valuable club in any sport, with an estimated value of £897 million (€1.333 billion / $1.8 billion) as of September 2008. Manchester United was a founding member of the now defunct G-14 group of Europe's leading football clubs, and its replacement, the European Club Association.

Alex Ferguson has been manager of the club since 6 November 1986, joining from Aberdeen after the departure of Ron Atkinson. The current club captain is Gary Neville, who succeeded Roy Keane in November 2005.

Toyota Corolla


The Corolla is a line of subcompact/compact cars produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota, which has become very popular throughout the world since the nameplate was first introduced in 1966. In 1997, the Corolla became the best selling nameplate in the world, with over 35 million sold as of 2007. Over the past 40 years, one Corolla car has been sold on average every 40 seconds. The series has undergone several major redesigns.

The name Corolla is part of Toyota's naming tradition of using the name Crown for primary models: the Corona, for example, gets its name from the Latin for crown; Corolla is Latin for small crown; and Camry is an Anglicized pronunciation of the Japanese for crown, kanmuri.

Corollas are manufactured in Japan and in Brazil (Indaiatuba, São Paulo), Canada (Cambridge, Ontario), China (Tianjin), India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom (Derbyshire), the United States (Freemont, California) and Venezuela.

The Corolla's chassis designation code is "E", as described in Toyota's chassis and engine codes.


Alternative versions

Using the Corolla chassis

A slightly upmarket version called the Sprinter was sold in the Japanese home market. It was replaced in 2001 by the Allex, which was then replaced by the Blade in 2009.

There have also been several models over the years, including the Corolla Ceres (and similar Sprinter Marino) hardtop, Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno sports coupés and hatchbacks, and the Corolla FX hatchback, which became the Corolla RunX. The RunX was replaced by the Auris in 2006. A compact MPV named the Corolla Verso has also been released in European markets. Its Japanese counterpart is the Corolla Spacio, which has been discontinued as of the 10th generation. The US-market Scion xB is also sold in Japan as the Corolla Rumion.

The Corolla Matrix, better known just as the Matrix, shares the E120 and E140 platforms, and is considered the hatchback/sport wagon counterpart of the North American Corolla sedan, as the Corolla hatchback is not sold there. Toyota frequently combines the sales figures of the Corolla sedan and Matrix. The Pontiac Vibe, which is the General Motors badged version of the Matrix, also shares the Corolla platform.

Over the years, there have been rebadged versions of the Corolla, sold by General Motors, including the 1980s' Holden Nova of Australia, and the Sprinter-based Chevrolet Nova, Chevrolet Prizm, and Geo Prizm (in the United States). The Corolla liftback (TE72) of Toyota Australia was badged as simply the T-18. The five-door liftback was sold with the Corolla Seca name in Australia and the nameplate survived on successive five-door models.

The Daihatsu Charmant was produced with the E30 through E70 series.

Using the Corolla name

The Tercel was a front wheel drive spin-off of the rear wheel drive Corolla introduced in 1980, called the Corolla Tercel which later became its own model in 1984.

The Tercel chassis was used again for the Corolla II hatchback.

History

First generation (E10)

The first Corolla generation was introduced in October 1966 with the new 1100 cc K pushrod engine. The Corolla Sprinter was introduced as the fastback version in 1968.

Second generation (E20)

In May 1970, the E20 was restyled with a more rounded body and the 1400 cc T and 1600 cc 2T OHV engines were added to the range. The now mutually exclusive Corolla and Sprinter names were used to differentiate between two slightly different treatments of sheet metal and trim. The Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno names were introduced as the twincam version of the Corolla and Sprinter respectively.

Third generation (E30, E40, E50, E60)

April 1974 brought rounder, bigger and heavier Corollas and Sprinters. The range was rounded out with the addition of a 2 door liftback. The Corollas were given E30 codes while the Sprinters were given E40 codes. A facelift in March 1976 saw most Corolla E30 models replaced by equivalent E50 models and most Sprinter E40 models were replaced by equivalent E60 models.

Fourth generation (E70)

A major restyle in March 1979 brought a square edged design. The Corollas had a simpler treatment of the grill, head lights and tail lights while the Sprinter used a slightly more complex, sculptured treatment. The new 3A and 4A SOHC engines were added to the range as a running change. This was the last model to use the K "hicam" and T series of engines.
Fifth generation (E80)

A sloping front bonnet and a contemporary sharp-edged, no-frills style was brought in during May 1983. The new 1800cc 1C diesel engine was added to the range with the E80 Series. From 1985, re-badged E80 Corollas were sold in the U.S. as the fifth generation Chevrolet Nova.

Most models now used the front wheel drive layout except the AE85 and AE86, which were to be the last Corolla's offered in the rear wheel drive or FR layout. The AE85 and AE86 chassis codes were also used for the Sprinter. This model was identical to the Corolla, differing only by minor body styling changes such as pop-up headlights.

Sixth generation (E90)

A somewhat more rounded and aerodynamic style was used for the E90 introduced in May 1987. Overall this generation has a more refined feel than older Corollas and other older subcompacts. Most models were now front wheel drive, along with a few 4WD All-Trac models. Many engines were used on a wide array of trim levels and models, ranging from the 1.3 liter 2E to the 165 horsepower (123 kW) supercharged 4A-GZE. The E90 Corolla was also rebadged and sold as the Geo Prizm (US) or Holden Nova (Australia).

Seventh generation (E100)

In June 1991 Corollas received a redesign to be larger, heavier, and have the completely rounded, aerodynamic shape of the 1990s. The Corolla was now in the compact class, rather than subcompact, and the coupe still available known as Corolla Levin AE101. Refinement reached new levels, as development chief Dr. Akihiko Saito strove to create a "mini-Lexus".

Eighth generation (E110)

May 1995 saw a minor redesign for the Corolla. External differences from the E100 series were minimal. Evolutionary technological improvements continued, however, and in 1998 non-Japanese Corollas received the new 1ZZ-FE engine. The new engine was the first in a Toyota to have an aluminum engine block and aluminum cylinder heads, which made this generation lighter than the E100 Corolla.

Ninth generation (E120, E130)

In November 2000 the ninth generation Corolla was introduced in Japan, with edgier styling and more technology to bring the nameplate into the 21st century. It is also called the Corolla Altis in the ASEAN region. The station wagon model is called the (Japanese: Corolla Fielder) in Japan.

Tenth generation (E140, E150)

The tenth generation of the Corolla was introduced in October 2006. Japanese markets called it the Corolla Axio, with the ASEAN markets retaining the Altis branding. The station wagon retains the Corolla Fielder name.

Safety

In Australia, Corolla models built between 1982-2004 were assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006:

  • (1982-1984) — significantly worse than average level of occupant protection
  • (1986-1988) — worse than average
  • (1989-1993) — worse than average
  • (1994-1997) — average
  • (1998-2001) — significantly better than average
  • (2002-2004) — average
In North America, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the 1998-2002 models as "Acceptable" in their 40 mph (64 km/h) frontal offset crash test. Initial 2003 models had an overall "Good" rating, but received a "Marginal" on left foot injury protection. A rebuild beginning December 2002, which continues through to the 2007 model, gives the Corolla a "Good" rating in all aspects of the test. Corolla models from model year 2005 to present with optional side curtain air bags received an "Acceptable" rating in the side impact crash test, largely due to a "Marginal" rating in structure/safety cage design. Otherwise, injury protection ratings for driver and rear passenger were all good except for driver pelvis/leg injury protection, which was "Acceptable".
Euro NCAP ratings are as follows:
  • 1998 (EE110 1.3 5-door liftback LHD): 3 stars (23 points) adult occupant, 2 stars (15 points) pedestrian (pre-2002 rating system)
  • 2002 (ZZE120 1.4 5-door hatchback RHD): 4 stars (28 points) adult occupant, 2 stars (11 points) pedestrian
  • 2007 (E150 4-door sedan): 5 stars (34 points) adult occupant, 4 stars (39 points) child occupant, 3 stars (23 points) pedestrian

Mitsubishi Lancer


The Mitsubishi Lancer is a family car built by Mitsubishi Motors. It has been known as the Colt Lancer, Dodge/Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, Mitsubishi Carisma, and Mitsubishi Mirage in various countries at different times, and will be sold as the Galant Fortis in its home market from 2007. It has also been sold as Lancer Fortis in Taiwan with a different facelift compared to Galant Fortis from September 15, 2007.

Since its introduction in 1973 over six million Lancers have been sold.


First generation (A142A - A145A)

The Lancer (LA series in Australia, where it was called the Chrysler Valiant Lancer initially) was first launched in 1973 and proved to be particularly successful in rallies, a claim that it retains to this day. At the time of its launch, Mitsubishi had the Minica kei car and the compact Galant, so the Lancer served to fill the gap in the small to lower-medium segment of the growing Japanese market. Twelve models were launched, ranging from a basic 1.2 L sedan to a more powerful rally-derived 1600 GSR model.

There were three body styles, 2-door coupes, 4-door sedans, and a rarely seen 5-door station wagon.

Celeste

In 1975, the Lancer was complemented by a hatchback coupé called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste (also called the Mitsubishi Celeste or Colt Celeste in some markets; it was the Chrysler Lancer Coupé in Australia and the Plymouth Arrow in the United States), and sold with 1.4 L and 1.6 L options (a 2.0 L model was added later).

Facelift and exports

A facelifted Lancer followed soon after, called the LB series in Australia (and without the Valiant tag). It was this series that emerged in the United States as the Dodge Colt for the 1977 model year, taking over from a badge-engineered Mitsubishi Galant from the previous year. It was offered for one more model year before the Dodge Colt name was transferred to the front wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage.

Second generation (A172A - A176A)

In 1979, the Lancer EX was unveiled in Japan. Two engines were only offered back then, a 1.4 L MCA-JET equipped engine paired with Mitsubishi's Silent Shaft Technology, which generated 80 hp (60 kW) and a 1.6 L engine that generated 85 hp (63 kW) and 100 hp (75 kW). The MCA-JET system was something new than the used carburetor system. The MCA stands for Mitsubishi Clean Air which meant that the EX passes both Japan and US emission standards whilst the new cylinder head design of the engine gave way for a third or Jet valve that introduces an extra swirl of air to the combustion chamber swirling the fuel-air mixture for a cleaner, efficient and thorough burn. Another new breakthrough in the Lancer is the Silent Shaft Technology which is actually two counterbalancing shafts that rotate in opposite directions, cancelling the power pulses a normal 4 cylinder engine would be inherent back then, reducing engine noise and vibration providing a smoother ride. The 1.8 L Sirius 80 engines was then introduced in the Lancer in 1980, along with a new 70 hp (52 kW), 1.2 L engine a year after providing a wider choice of engines for the Lancer. Also, a turbocharged, 135 PS (133 hp/99 kW) engine was added in 1980 for a sportier performance and an Intercooler system was integrated in the existing turbocharged engine to produce 165 PS (163 hp/121 kW) in 1983.

Lancer EX 1800GSR and GT Turbo

In 1980, The Lancer EX was introduced with a 1.8 L turbocharged 4-cylinder option known as the 1800GSR and GT Turbo. The first generation 1800GSR and GT only came out with a turbocharged, non-intercooled 135 PS (133 hp/99 kW). And in 1983, an Intercooler was then introduced, making it achieve 160 PS (158 hp/118 kW).

Japan Model and Trim Levels

  • 1400SL - 4-door sedan powered by a 1.4L engine, with a 4-speed Manual Transmission. 5-speed was also introduced. (1979-1987)
  • 1200SL - Same as the SL, with a 1.2L engine option. (1979-1983)
  • 1400GL - 3-speed Automatic version of the SL (1979-1983)
  • 1400SL A/T - Same as the GL, with minor changes. (1983-1987)
  • 1600XL - 4-door sedan powered by a 1.6L engine, with a 3-speed Automatic Transmission. (1979-1983)
  • 1600XL Super - Same as the XL, with minor changes. (1983-1987)
  • 1800SE - 4-door sedan powered by a 1.8L producing 100 hp engine, and available with a 5-speed Manual Transmission or a 3-speed Automatic Transmission. (1981-1983)
  • 1800GSR Turbo - 4-door sedan powered by a turbocharged 1.8L engine producing 135 hp, with aesthetic upgrades.(1981-1983)
  • 1800GT Turbo - Same as the GSR, but with a different body trim. (1981-1983)
  • 1800GSR Turbo Intercooler - Intercooled version of the first turbo version, producing 160 hp, and with minor changes to the aesthetics. (1983-1987)
  • 1800GT Turbo Intercooler - Same as the GSR Turbo Intercooler, again with different body trim. (1983-1987)
  • 1800GSL Turbo - Same as the GSR Turbo Intercooler, only it used the engine from the GSR/GT Turbo, and equipped with a 3-speed Automatic Transmission, and with a more luxurious interior. Along with an AM/FM Multi-Cassette Stereo System. (1983-1987)
Lancer EX 2000 Turbo

In Europe, the Lancer EX was offered with a turbocharged 2.0 L 4–cylinder engine known as the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo. It was the first Lancer to use the very first 4g63 engine which was then used in succeeding models such as the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 and the Lancer Evolutions I to IX. It achieved a maximum output of 168 bhp (125 kW) and manages a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h) in less than 15.5 s. A new feature on this model is that it is equipped with ECI or Advanced Electronically-Controlled Fuel Injection which gave the Lancer more power and outstanding fuel economy as it did 23.0 mpg in city driving and 28.8 to 37.2 mpg in highway driving. A rally version of the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo was made for the 1000 Lakes Rally that gave out 280 PS (276 hp/206 kW). Sales of this model were low because of emission regulations Japan imposed at that time.

Philippines (1979-1989)

In The Philippines, the Lancer EX (which is popularly known as the Box Type Lancer) was offered with three variants. These variants are the SL, GSR, and GT. All engines were equipped with the Silent Shaft Technology (the SL had the 1.4 L MCA-JET engine) and soon after, Automatic was available for SL and GSR variants. Sales stopped in 1989 since it was to be replaced by the Fourth generation Lancer.

Model And Trim levels
  • SL - Base Model. 4-door sedan powered by a 1.4L engine with a 4-speed Manual Transmission and later introduced with the 1.2 L engine (4G11) alongside with the 3-speed Automatic Transmission
  • GSR - Mid Range Model. 4-door sedan powered by a 1.6L engine with a 5-speed Manual Transmission. 3-speed Automatic Transmission along with a 1.8L engine option (4G62 - carb ver.) was then introduced.
  • GT - Limited Edition version with the Lancer EX Turbo Bodykit, 14" alloy rims, and same 1.6L engine.

Other Markets

The Lancer EX (the Lancer name was used, and excluding Japan) was sold throughout the Asia and the Pacific (Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Australia, New Zealand). It was also sold in South America.

Engines Used

4G63 (A176A)
  • ECI Turbocharged SOHC 1997 cc (2.0L) I4, 170 hp
4G62/G62B (A175A)
  • ECI Turbocharged SOHC 1795 cc (1.8L) I4, 160 hp
  • ECI Turbocharged (Non-Intercooled) SOHC 1795 cc I4, 135 hp
  • Carb SOHC 1795 cc I4, 100 hp
4G32/G32B (A174A)
  • Carb SOHC 1597 cc (1.6L) I4, 85 hp
4G33/G12B (A173A)
  • Carb "MCA-JET" SOHC 1410 cc (1.4L) I4, 80 hp
4G11/G11B (A172A)
  • Carb SOHC 1244 cc (1.2L) I4, 70 hp

Third generation (C12A - C18A)

In 1982, a new model was launched called the Lancer Fiore also known as third version, based on the Mitsubishi Mirage. The Fiore was often sold as a Lancer in international markets, but also the Mirage Sedan and, with the five-door hatchback model, remained in production for a good part of the 1980s. In Australia, it would eventually be sold as the Mitsubishi Colt Sedan although cosmetically different. Thus, Mitsubishi had two similarly sized models competing in the same market segment.

The following year, both Mirage and Lancer lines were renewed from the third generation. The Mirage four-door and Lancer sedan became the same car. Fuel injected and turbocharged models were an integral part of this range. A station wagon was added in 1985, and it spawned a raised, four wheel drive version. Often, the Mirage (or Colt) would be the name used on the three-door hatchback, and the Lancer name used on the remainder.

This model formed the basis of the original Proton sedan, the Saga, which was still in production until early 2008.

Fourth generation (C61A - C65A)

In 1988, a more aerodynamic-looking Lancer was launched, following the shape of the Galant. A five-door hatchback was added to the range. The Mirage and Lancer nomenclature continued. The station wagon continued on the old platform and shape, as did, in some markets, a five-door version of the Mirage. In Australia, all models were sold as the Mitsubishi Lancer, initially designated as the CA series and from 1990 as the CB. By that time, the Lancer name was shared with the Dodge Lancer sold in North America. The sedan was sold as the Mirage Aspire in Japan.

In some markets a 'van' model was produced, being the three-door hatchback (which had an upright profile) without rear side window (this triggered a reduced sales tax burden in the Dutch market).

Fifth generation (CB2A - CD9A)

It was only in 1991 that there was greater differentiation between the Mirage and Lancer. Although both were on the same platform, the Lancer sedan received different sheetmetal from the Mirage four-door. The Mirage variant was sold in North America under the Eagle Summit name. Minivan models, such as the Mitsubishi Space Runner and Mitsubishi Chariot, were mechanically related. In 1993, the Lancer wagon, named the Libero in Japan, was launched. An electric version was also released named the Libero EV that ran on NiCd batteries. A V6 variant was also introduced with only 1.6 L, making it the smallest mass-produced V6. The high-performance, turbocharged GSR version formed the basis of the contemporary Lancer Evolution (or 'Lancer Evo') from September 1993, using the drivetrain of the successful Galant VR-4 rally car.

The Mirage Asti Coupé in Japan was offered as the Lancer Coupé in many export markets.

The fifth generation Lancer was rebadged as the Proton Wira sedan and 5-door hatchback models in Malaysia in 1993 with 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 L engine capacities. A short-lived 2.0 L diesel model was also available. Currently, the car has stopped production as one of the longest running Proton models in Malaysia after Proton Saga, which is also based on a previous Lancer model. The Proton Wira was recently replaced by Proton's latest model, the Proton Persona.

Australia (1992–1996)

In Australia, this generation was officially referred to as the CC series. It was sold as a 2-door coupe, as well as a 4-door sedan, wagon and 5-door hatchback (essentially carried over from the previous generation). The GL trim model was the last Lancer to use a carburetor internal combustion engine. The rest of the range used an electronic fuel injection engine. This generation was sold until 1996, when it was replaced by the popular CE series model.

Model and trim levels:
  • GL - 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and station wagon. Powered by a 1.5 L engine (67 kW)
  • GLXi - 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 1.8 L engine (4G93 SOHC - 86 kW) (sold from new with 1.8 instead of 1.6 variant, due to Australia's poor quality "91 octane" fuel)
  • Executive - 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 1.8 L engine (4G93 SOHC - 86 kW)
  • GSR - 4-door sedan. Powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L engine (4G93t DOHC - 141 kW)
Philippines (1993-1996)

Described as "Lancer itlog"/Lancer egg (also known as Lancer hotdog type), because of the shape of its body and its rear signal light.

Model and trim levels:
  • EL - 4-door sedan and no tachometer. Powered by a 1.3 L Cyclone Variable Venturi carbureted engine (4G13 SOHC) (59 kW)
  • GLi - 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.5 L Cyclone ECI-MULTI engine (4G15 SOHC) (66 kW)
  • GLXi - 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.6 L Cyclone ECI-MULTI engine (4G92 SOHC) (86 kW)
  • EX - 4-door sedan. Same specifications as the EL, and released in 1996.
Europe (1992–1996)

Model and trim levels:
  • GLi - 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 1.3 L ECI-MULTI engine (4G13 SOHC) (55 kW)CB2A
  • GLXi - 4-door sedan and wagon. FWD or AWD. Powered by a 1.6 L ECI-MULTI engine (4G92 SOHC) (84 kW) CB4A
  • GLX - 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 2.0 L DIESEL engine (4D68) CD8A
  • GTI -(gera from over there) 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.8 L ECI-MULTI engine (4G93 DOHC) (103 kW) CB4A
  • GSR - 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.8 L ECI-MULTI turbo-charged engine (4G93 DOHC turbo) (150 kW) CD5A
Latin America (1993–1997)
Model and trim levels:
  • GL - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.3 L carburated engine (4G13 SOHC) (58 kW)
  • GLX - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.5 L carburated engine (4G15 SOHC) (65 kW)
  • GLXi - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.6 L ECI-MULTI engine (4G92 SOHC) (84 kW)

Sixth generation (CK2A - CM5A)

In 1995, the Lancer was renewed for its sixth generation, building on the earlier model's format. Apart from the Evo models' continuation, it did not depart from the established Lancer formula. A sedan and wagon (Libero in Japan) were offered, with a related Mirage model. The coupé continued as the Mirage Asti in Japan, known as the Lancer Coupé elsewhere. The 1995 Lancer (Model from 1995-2002 in some countries) is more popularly known as the 1997 Lancer. A turbocharged GSR version continued to be sold until the end of the 1990s. This platform was also the basis for the Mirage, as it was known in North America and various other markets.

From 1996-2004, the Mitsubishi Carisma replaced the Mitsubishi Lancer in some markets.

It is of note, that the Lancer Evolution V was the only Lancer Evolution to gain Mitsubishi the WRC constructors championship. However, driver Tommi Makinen was able to claim four WRC driver's championships for himself, in 1996-1999, driving Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution III, IV, V & VI.

Australia (1996–2004)

In Australia, the sixth sold from 1996-2004. It was designated as the CE series. Like the previous generation, it was available in a variety of body styles, which helped to cater for a more broad audience. The introduction of a sporty MR coupe helped to target this model directly towards a younger audience. The station wagon continued on as a CE model, even though it was essentially carried over from the previous generation. This model had an unusually long model run, becoming increasingly uncompetitive as the years went by and often heavily discounted by dealers. Towards the end of its model run, Mitsubishi introduced some limited edition models (based on the GLi) to remain competitive with its rivals, these editions featured extras such as sports interiors, alloys and body kits off higher spec models. Generally, this generation sold well throughout its production run.

It should be noted that despite the introduction of the eighth generation Lancer Cedia in 2002, the CE series continued to be sold alongside it until mid-2004. The sedan was available in GLi trim, until it was finally discontinued in 2003. The coupe was facelifted and now only available in GLi and MR trims.

Due to its appearance, affordability, and the rise in status of the Lancer Evolution, this generation was quite popular with young car enthusiasts and the aftermarket modified Japanese car scene. Some popular modifications include exhaust systems, suspension, after market stereos and replica Evolution body kits.

Model and trim levels:

Series I (96-98) and Series II (98-99)
  • GLi - 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.5 L engine (4G15 SOHC - 69 kW)CK2A
  • GLXi - 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8 L engine (4G93 SOHC - 88 kW)CK2A
  • MR - 2-door coupe. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8L engine (4G93 SOHC - 86 kW)CK2A
  • MR - 4-door coupe. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.6L MIVEC engine (4G92 DOHC - 130 kW)
  • GSR - 4-door sedan. Powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L engine (4G93t DOHC - 141 kW)CM5A
  • MXd - 4-door sedan. Powered by a Diesel Turbocharged 2.0L engine (4D68T SOHC - 65 kW)
Series III (99-03)
  • GLi - 2-door coupe (1.5 L or 1.8 L) and 4-door sedan (4 cylinder, 1.8 L)
  • GLXi - 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8 L engine
  • MR - 2-door coupe. Powered by a 4 cylinder (6 cylinder, 99-00), 1.8 L engine
Series IV (02-04) coupe update only
  • GLi - Choice of 1.5 L engine (discontinued in 2003) or 1.8 L engine, 4 Cylinder
  • MR - Powered by a 1.8 L engine, producing 86 kW (115 hp) & 163 N·m (120 lb·ft) of torque (1500-4500 rpm) out of a 4 cylinder
Philippines (1996–2002)

Described as "Lancer Pizza" such for their pizza-shaped rear lamps.

  • EL - 4-door sedan with 1.3 L carb engine (4G13 - 55 kW)
  • GL - 4-door sedan with 1.5 L engine (4G15 - 65 kW)
  • GLXi - 4-door sedan with 1.6 L SOHC engine (4G92 - 85 kW)
  • GLX - 1999-2002 model 4-door sedan with 1.5 L carb engine
  • GLS - 1999-2002 model 4-door sedan with 1.6 L Fuel injected engine
  • MX - 1999-2002 model 4-door sedan top of the line with 1.6 L EFI SOHC engine with INVECS automatic transmission.
  • GSR - 2-door coupe (97-02) Powered by 1.6 L 4G92 SOHC engine
Seventh generation (CS2A - CS5W)

The year 2000 saw the release of the seventh-generation Lancer Cedia in Japan (meaning - Century Diamond); though in most markets the seventh generation Lancer continued, built at Mitsubishi's Mizushima plant in Japan. The new model was available in sedan and station wagon forms. The Mirage, apart from the export models, became a different car in Japan that was unrelated to the Lancer. In Europe, the Lancer was not offered in some countries, being too close to the size of the Dutch-built Carisma, so the Evo VII model sold there bore the Carisma name. This is the first generation in many years where the Lancer nameplate is universally used. It is still sold in Japan where the eighth generation Lancer is known as Galant Fortis

In North America, the Lancer Cedia was introduced in 2002 as a direct replacement for the Mirage. It is powered by a 2.0 L 4G94 engine producing 120 hp (89 kW) and 130 ft·lbf (176 N·m) of torque.

In Australia, the seventh generation Lancer was introduced as the CG series in July 2002 with the 2.0 L 4G94 engine. It was introduced as a replacement for the seventh generation sedan, and was sold alongside the popular seventh generation coupe.

Mid-generation facelift (2003-06)
For 2004, a heavily restyled Lancer surfaced with a front facia that brought it into line with the Mitsubishi corporate look, as well as a restyled rear, to further differentiate itself from the Lancer Evolution and for a more modern appearance.

North America

In North America, additional minor styling changes also occurred for 2005 and 2006. For the 2005 model year, the grille was changed to include more fins to reflect a closer similarity to the North American Galant. For the 2006 model year, the fascia was changed again from a bridged fascia to one with an open vent after Mitsubishi received complaints from current owners regarding its similarity in appearance to General Motors Division Pontiac's corporate look, and to bring the appearance closer to its bigger brother, the Evolution.

In Mexico, the Lancer was available in DE, ES, LS and GS trims with a 2.0 L DOHC 4G63 engine. There were no estate versions: only the four-door saloon.

Ralliart

In addition to the facelift, North America received two additional models to the Lancer line in 2004 - Sportback and Ralliart. The latter slated in between the base and high performance Evolution model. Both the Sportback and Ralliart had high levels of equipment, based on the Australian Lancer VR-X. The main difference being that these cars came equipped with Mitsubishi's 2.4 L4G69 engine (rated at 160 hp (119 kW)/162 ft·lbf for the Sportback, and 162 hp (121 kW)/162 ft·lbf for the Ralliart), included a new, stiffer suspension package that improved handling and lowered the cars stance by 1 centimeter, 16" alloy wheels, front bucket seats borrowed from Japan's Mitsubishi Evolution GT-A, Fog Lamps, and a new aerodynamic ground package. The Ralliart also came equipped with a cosmetic rear deck spoiler, and clear rear tail lights. The Sportback was equipped with a 4-speed INVECS-II automatic transmission, with no option for a manual transmission, while the Ralliart came with a 5-speed manual transmission with an option for the 4-speed automatic. The Sportback was also available in the lower spec LS trim.

Due to Mitsubishi's deteriorating financial situation and slow sales, the Lancer Sportback wagon was cancelled in the United States one year after its release. But the Mitsubishi Lancer wagon was sold in Canada, Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and is still available in at least the last as of February 2009. The Lancer Ralliart is based on the Evo VII-VIII and Lancer OZ Rally.

Australia

The 2003 facelift, designated the CH series, introduced a heavily updated VR-X, which included new 16" alloys, stiffer suspension, body styling kit, and gear shifter borrowed from the Lancer Evolution. In 2004, the new Lancer wagon was introduced as a direct replacement for its ageing predecessor).

In August 2005, all Lancers were upgraded to the 2.4 L 4G69 engine, producing 115 kW (154 hp) and 220 N·m (162 lb·ft) of torque. The upgraded engine also saw a change in trim levels and upgraded equipment—the ES and LS models now featured a more upmarket looking black interior, while the VR-X gained a new black grille to closer resemble the Lancer Evolution IX. The equipment levels of all models were also upgraded, with the LS and VR-X gaining climate control, and a premium audio system sourced from the luxury Mitsubishi Verada. The Exceed model was discontinued, and all updated models now used JDM sized rear bumpers instead of the larger USDM sized versions. Additionally, the wagon also saw these changes; and as of 2007, continues to be sold alongside the sedan.

The ES and LS models were given a minor facelift for the 2007 model year; this time gaining the same front grille as the US models, and putting it into line with the current corporate look—similar to that of the Colt and the locally built 380. Prior to the introduction of the all-new ninth generation Lancer, a limited edition ES model dubbed 'Velocity' went on sale. This package included VR-X grill, rear spoiler, leather/alcantara bolsted seats, sports pedals, 15" OZ alloy wheels and chrome exhaust tip—all for the same price as the previous standard ES.

Other markets

In Japan, the Lancer Cedia was offered with many different trim levels and engines, including options which were never seen in export markets. It was also one of the first models to use the INVECS-III CVT transmission. There was also a Ralliart version of the sportswagon which was powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L GDI engine. As of 2007, the seventh generation Lancer sedan is still being sold alongside the new eighth generation, which is known in the home market as the Galant Fortis.

In Pakistan, this variant was launched in 2005 with cosmetic changes from the front and the back. Thai production was switched to the new model, and in all markets except for India the seventh-generation model was no longer marketed, four years after the Cedia's introduction.

India received the new Lancer in 2006, known locally as the Mitsubishi Cedia to distinguish it from this version that is still assembled and sold as the Lancer because of its continued popularity.

In some European markets, the Lancer began to take the place of the Carisma in 2004. It is powered by a 1.3 L SOHC 4G13, 1.6 L SOHC 4G18 engine and a 2.0 L DOHC 4G63 (all 4-cylinder).

In Malaysia, the Lancer was made available after Mitsubishi had sold all its shares in Malaysian carmaker Proton, marking the return of Mitsubishi in Malaysian market after being absent since 1985 due to the agreement with Proton. The Lancer sold in Malaysia was powered by the 4G18 engine which also powered the early 1.6 Proton Waja model.

In the Philippines, the Lancer underwent a facelift, now without the central semi-triangle in the grille. It is offered in 2 trims, the base GLX with a 5-speed manual and the GLS with an all-new INVECS-III CVT with manual override. All of them are powered with an l4 1.6L 4G16 SOHC engine.

Eighth generation (CY2A - CZ4A)

In 2005, Mitsubishi revealed the Concept-X model car at the Tokyo Motor Show and its Concept-Sportback model at the Frankfurt motor show. The new Lancer is based on these two concepts. The new Lancer was officially revealed in January 2007 at the Detroit Motor Show and went on sale in North American markets on March 2007 as a 2008 model. New Lancer features Mitsubishi's next-generation RISE safety body.

North America

For the United States, the new Lancer was initially available in DE, ES, and GTS trim levels. DE and ES are powered by a GEMA based 4B11, 2.0 liter DOHC engine producing 152 hp (113 kW) (except for California models which have been detuned to 143 hp (107 kW) to meet regulations). Transmission options include a brand new CVT, sourced from Jatco (code: F1CJA), alongside a regular 5-speed manual sourced from Aisin AI (code: F5MBB). GTS models get a 6-speed (fixed gears in sport mode) paddle shift version of the CVT.

In Canada, a fourth model (SE) was introduced to the Lancer lineup late in the model year. The SE model is a cross between the ES and GTS models. It includes the skirt package similar to the GTS, a rear spoiler, and unlike the GTS model, the SE includes a sunroof. Features not included in the SE model that are found in the GTS are the FAST key, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone interface, automatic climate control, Rockford Fosgate sound system, carbon fiber trim pieces, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and 18" wheels.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback (North America)

For U.S. markets, starting with the 2009 model year, an ES-Sport version was released similar to the SE model for the Canadian market. Externally the ES-Sport is similar in appaearance to the GTS' skirts, spoiler, mirrors, etc (with the exception of the wheels, the ES-Sport retains the ES wheelset). The ES-Sport also uses the ES 2.0 liter engine.

For 2009, the GTS is powered by a 2.4 L 4B12 engine producing 168hp and 167 lb ft.

Mitsubishi plans on selling the five-door hatchback version, known as the Sportback, in the U.S. for the 2010 model year, starting in late Summer 2009.

Australia

The Lancer was released in Australia in October 2007, designated as the CJ series. It will come in ES, VR, VRX and, since the forth quarter of 2008, Aspire trim levels. Active stability control and traction control will be standard on all models. Standard on the ES will be dual front airbags and a driver knee airbag. The VR and VRX will get side and curtain airbags also. It will have a 2 litre 4B11, 113 kW (152 hp) engine and be equipped with a 5-speed manual or with a 6 speed CVT transmission as a $AUD2300 option. A Ralliart model will follow, and a Lancer Evolution will also make the line up. The Lancer also scored a maximum of 5 stars in the ANCAP crash test. As of September 2008, Mitsubishi's Australian website revealed a new trim level called Aspire. A 2.4 litre engine has been introduced for the Aspire along with leather seats, High Intensity Discharge headlights, Rockord-Fosgate premium sound system and CVT as standard. The MMCS entertainment and satellite navigation unit is an option. The VRX has been upgraded with the larger engine. The Lancer Sportback is now available in Australia as of October 2008, the model line up includes ES, VR, VRX and Ralliart.

Asia

With the exception of the Lancer Evolution X, the Lancer is marketed as the Galant Fortis (Latin for strong, steadfast and courageous) in the Japanese domestic market. It comes in 3 trim levels: Exceed, Super Exceed, and Sport.

The new Lancer was released on September 15, 2007 in Taiwan and has been named Lancer Fortis. It's powered by a 4B11, 2.0 litre DOHC engine outputting 157 hp (117 kW) and the transmission is a 6-speed (fixed gears in sport mode) version of the CVT. However, unlike other Lancer models in USA and Japan, Mitsubishi has changed the front and rear ends to make it look like a family car.

Due to popular demand of the 7th-gen Lancer in Singapore, it will continue to be sold alongside the new Lancer which will be called the Lancer EX to differentiate itself from the former. The 1.5l, 2.0l and the GTS (marketed as the GT) variants are available in Singapore. For MY2009, the GT has been refreshed all around with updated front grill, darkened clear tail lamps, and chrome lining with an additional floor console internally. Rear brakes has also been upgraded for the 2.0 variants to disc brakes for better stopping power.

In Malaysia, only the GTS is offered and is marketed as the GT. However, the national car manufacturer Proton has renewed cross-licensing and technology transfer agreements with Mitsubishi as of October 2008, and the new Proton Waja for the 2010 model year will be a re-badged 8th-Generation Lancer but with possibly different engine options.

In Indonesia, like Malaysia, only the GTS is sold and is badged as the GT using the new 2.0L engine and is sold alongside the Evolution X, and like Singapore the previous generation Lancer is still sold, marketed as the Lancer Cedia using the same 1.8L engine as the 7th generation Lancer.

Hong Kong received its unique edition of the Lancer in 2008, dubbed the Lancer 2.0. The car comes in two trim levels, without a name for either of them. Both are equipped with the 4B11 2.0 4 cylinder engine, 7 airbags, 8 speaker stereo system (manufacturer not known), Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with HID as well as 18" alloy wheels. The upper trim has Ralliart style body kit which includes a revised front bumper, side skirt, rear bumper with diffuser and the addition of a correct-to-Evolution-X rear spoiler,while the lower trim make do without the abovementioned features.

In Philippines the Lancer arrived in Mid 2008 known as the Lancer EX to differentiate it from the 7th-generation Lancer still sold in the Philippines. It offers 4 variants, GT-A (CVT), GT (M/T), MX (CVT) and the entry level GLX (M/T).

Chile

To differentiate it from the previous model, still on sale, this generation Lancer is marketed as Lancer Serie R in Chile.

Europe

In Europe, a 140 hp (100 kW; 140 PS) 2000 cc diesel model is also available which is built by Volkswagen.

As of May 2008 the previous generation Lancer is still sold alongside the "New Lancer" in both saloon and wagon forms.

Lancer Ralliart

A detuned and cheaper version of the Evo X was announced at the 2008 Detroit auto show. This model became available for purchase in the United States in October, 2008. 177 kW (237 hp), 343 N·m (253 lb·ft) of torque.

For 2009, the Ralliart is available exclusively with the TC-SST transmission, although Mitsubishi has suggested the possibility of a 5-speed transmission at a later date. The TC-SST transmission equipped in the Ralliart offers 2 modes (Normal, Sport) rather than the 3 modes the same transmission offers in the Lancer Evolution X MR (Normal, Sport, S-Sport). The car also includes a simplified version of the Evolution X's AWD system (taken directly from the EVO IX), with a simple "mechanical limited slip" rear differential. According to Edmunds.com the Ralliart model underperformed the GTS in certain tests, including the skidpad, slalom, and braking distance. However, the Ralliart outperformed the GTS in other tests, including 0-60 and the quarter mile.

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