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Wednesday, December 30, 2009
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Spyker still confident in Saab deal while GM says it has nothing to announce
- Video: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0-liter V8 flexes its muscles in two new clips
- Lamborghini to reveal Gallardo LP570-4 SV at Geneva Motor Show?
- Audi confirms hybrid Q5 for 2011
| Spyker still confident in Saab deal while GM says it has nothing to announce Posted: 30 Dec 2009 12:49 AM PST  Even though the winter holidays are in full swing, that hasn’t stopped representatives from Spyker or General Motors to give statements about the presumed discussions for the sale of Swedish carmaker Saab.
But according to some rumors, it seems that GM might extend the deadline in order to prevent the announced wind down of Saab.
Frankly, I don’t even know what will happen, so it seems that Saab workers won’t have plenty of reasons to celebrate the new year. Hopefully some concrete releases will clarify the subject soon. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0-liter V8 flexes its muscles in two new clips Posted: 30 Dec 2009 12:38 AM PST  Ford is quite happy with the new 5.0-liter V8 engine in its Mustang, so happy in fact that it has released a plethora of news regarding it. The latest is this new video which shows the new car on the road, and another one showing the new engine on the dyno test, in order to confirm its power figures of 412 HP at 6,500 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm and its 7,000 rpm redline. There isn’t anything left to say except that you should hit the jump and enjoy this more powerful American muscle car. Source: Ford Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Lamborghini to reveal Gallardo LP570-4 SV at Geneva Motor Show? Posted: 30 Dec 2009 12:21 AM PST  It’s a bit hard to believe, but the Lamborghini Gallardo has been with us for quite some time. A secret to the longevity of the model has been the many special editions, like the LP560-4 pictured above, which were released by the Italian supercar manufacturer. Now, according to a few rumors, it seems that another one, the LP570-4 SV, might be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, which will take place in March, 2010. The model will immediately be launched on the market as soon as May, next year. The new version, besides receiving a 10 HP bump in power, will see its exterior revamped, including a new body kit, a striped-down interior (which resembles the Superlegerra), a carbon fiber rear wing, reworked front suspension as well as ceramic brakes. Seeing as how a replacement for the Gallardo will arrive as early as 2012, it’s safe to say that a few other special versions will please Lambo fans until then. Source: TeamSpeed via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Audi confirms hybrid Q5 for 2011 Posted: 29 Dec 2009 11:52 PM PST  Audi has recently released a new press statement in which it highlights its dedication to green technologies. Part of this endeavor will be a hybrid Q5 crossover, which is set to be revealed at the end of 2010, and marketed in 2011. Even though the German company strongly backs its TDI engine lineup as being the best compromise between regular power options and green living, it seems that a hybrid model would certainly arrive sooner or later. No concrete details were given about what type of hybrid setup would the Q5 have, but there are chances that the big crossover would use full-hybrid technology. It is also expected that the relatively high price will also make the costs associated with implementing such a tech be recovered sooner rather than later. What do you think? Will a hybrid Audi Q5 help the carmaker? Leave a comment below. Source: Audi Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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Tuesday, December 29, 2009
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Video: What do you do when your car slides on ice? Jump out!
- Ferrari to show off 599-based hybrid with KERS setup at Geneva Motor Show
- Ford also unveils Racing Mustang Boss 302R track cars
- Audi planning two body styles for future Q7, one will rival BMW X6
- Video: Want a drag car? How about this 1032 HP Volkswagen Polo
- Original Runduce promises full carbon fiber 600 HP Nissan GT-R
| Video: What do you do when your car slides on ice? Jump out! Posted: 29 Dec 2009 01:16 AM PST  As it is with every winter season, many unsuspecting motorists venture out on the streets thinking that driving on snow or ice is just like in the rain, and they’ll be fine. After that, videos like these surface to show us some of the results. This one, coming from the UK, shows a couple driving a Ford Fiesta in Paignton, and tried to go down a hill, coated in black ice. It seems they didn’t see the pedestrians who could barely climb nor a truck which was stuck for quite a few hours. Needless to say, the car started sliding down the ice uncontrollably, so the couple decided to do the sensible thing: they jumped out the car! Luckily, they weren’t badly hurt, but it still goes to prove that driving should be considered an extreme sport, especially in the winter. Hit the jump to see the video. Source: Jalopnik Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ferrari to show off 599-based hybrid with KERS setup at Geneva Motor Show Posted: 29 Dec 2009 12:42 AM PST  Ferrari, just like almost all other carmakers, is researching hybrid technology for its cars, and, according to Italian magazine Quattroroute, might show off a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The model, based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, will use the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), which was used heavily on the Formula 1 car the company team used in the 2009 system. Basically, it recycles the energy generated during braking and charges up a lithium-ion battery, which will sit on one side of the rear axle, while the electronic will be on the other. The electric motor which will do all the work will sit right in the transaxle setup. This particular system won’t mean you’ll be able to drive a Ferrari in electric mode, but will allow systems like Auto Start Stop to function, and might improve the fuel economy of the car, which wasn’t particularly great to start with. If these rumors are true, the Geneva show will be a must see for any Ferrari fan. Source: Quattroroute via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ford also unveils Racing Mustang Boss 302R track cars Posted: 29 Dec 2009 12:06 AM PST  After treating Mustang fans all around the world to a special treat with the release of the 5.0-liter V8 version, Ford has turned to racing enthusiasts and announced the availability of the new Racing Mustang Boss 302R model, which is designed for special competitions. The “standard”, if you can call it that way, Boss 302R features a highly tuned version of the new 5.0-liter V8, a six-speed manual transmission, roll cage, race seats with five-point belts, professional data acquisition systems as well as Brembo brakes and performance shock absorbers, which connect to track-ready tires. The cost for this edition? $79,000. In case you want something a bit more extreme, you can dosh out $129,000 for the Boss M-FR302R1, which is ready to race in the Grand-Am Continental Sports Car Challenge series, formerly known as the Koni Challenge. For that extra money you’ll be getting a higher-output motor with better cooling, a close-ration transmission, a seam-welded body, Koni dampers, upgraded ABS, tweaked exhaust and a special one-piece drive shaft.  If all these technical specs and photos got you excited, Ford will commence delivery of the new Boss Mustangs in the third quarter of 2010. Source: Ford Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Audi planning two body styles for future Q7, one will rival BMW X6 Posted: 28 Dec 2009 11:51 PM PST  Not content with sitting by the sidelines while BMW is exploiting the coupe SUV (fine, Sports Activity Coupe) market with its X6, Audi is reportedly working hard on the next generation of its popular Q7 SUV, which will see not one, but two body styles. The first will be a classic 7-seater arrangement like the current Ingolstadt SUV, but the other will follow more aggressive, coupe lines, and will take the fight to the X6. No other details are known right now, except the presumed launch date of 2013. Seeing as how the Q7 became quite popular, do you think such an endeavor will make sense for Audi? Is the X6’s market segment something exploitable? Leave a comment with your own view on the matter below. Source: 4WheelsNews via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Want a drag car? How about this 1032 HP Volkswagen Polo Posted: 28 Dec 2009 11:32 PM PST  Drag cars are usually big heavy beasts with rear-wheel drive, preferably made in the USA, but the crazy people at AME Racing looked at an old Volkswagen Polo and thought that the Golf’s little brother has plenty of racing potential. After implanting a heavily modified 1.85-liter engine, with almost all of its inner workings enhanced for track use, they added a Garrett GT 40R turbocharger, a new intercooler and fitted it with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive system from an Audi TT. After that, they swapped out any unnecessary weight, leaving the petite Polo weighing just 920 kg (2,028 lbs). The result of this Frankenstein-inian combo? 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.3 seconds, to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 6.3 and up to 250 km/h in 9 seconds. The small European compact hatchback will be able to run the quarter mile drag strip in just 9.15 seconds, reaching 257 km/h (159.6 mph). Don’t believe us? Hit the jump to watch a video of the monster dragster. Source: Motortrend via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Original Runduce promises full carbon fiber 600 HP Nissan GT-R Posted: 28 Dec 2009 11:13 PM PST  Many tuning companies come forward with outlandish ideas for projects based on certain cars, but this recent sketch from Japan’s Original Runduce will definitely set up some high expectations, presenting a full carbon fiber body kit for the Nissan GT-R. Don’t think just a couple of panels will be made from the strong material, as the team promises the car will see its body made completely from carbon fiber, as well as the extended front and rear bumpers, the new hood with extra air intakes and the massive wing on the back. Rounding things off, the company will implement a variety of engine enhancements, which promise to give the R35 GT-R around 600 HP. Expect to see the project come to life at the Tokyo Motor Show. Source: CarScoop Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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Monday, December 28, 2009
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Top Gear Season 14 Episode 6 review
- New Mazda RX-7 to replace RX-8 in 2012
- 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0-liter V8 officially detailed
- GM will organize test drives at Detroit Auto Show
- Bugatti trademarks 16C Galibier design, a production decission might be made soon
- Fiat 500 to feature new 0.9-liter two-cylinder engine
- Lotus unveils Exige S Type 72, celebrates Formula 1 return
- The $191,000 Cruden Hexatech racing game rig Santa forgot to bring us
- Share technology or get out, Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez warns automakers
- BMW 535i GT also arriving to Detroit with its twin-turbo six-cylinder engine
| Top Gear Season 14 Episode 6 review Posted: 28 Dec 2009 03:49 AM PST  A lot of people started to complain after the start of the season that things on Top Gear just weren’t the same and that laughs weren’t generated like they used to. This was talked about by the show’s producer, which said that the sixth episode, the South American Special, would fix everything. After seeing it, I’d say he is spot on, all those who complained will be proven wrong, as the episode is great by all measures. Hit the jump to read the review. After some tough adventures which went on for another day, they finally managed to get them off the barge. Jeremy opted for a Range Rover, while James went for a Suzuki and Richard for a Toyota Land Cruiser. After which, a quick “American-style” montage of them traversing the Amazonian jungle, covering a few meters at most, was shown. Things went bit smoothly, but it would soon take a turn for the worse. It’s hard to explain what happened, as this is an episode which needs to be seen, involving condoms, Viagra and river traversing. The guys traveled on one of the most dangerous roads in the world, with Jeremy coming quite close to the edge of a huge cliff, and reached altitudes of around 16,000 feet (4,800 meters), where the limits of both the cars and the presenters were pushed well beyond the comfort zone. If you need to watch one episode of this current season of Top Gear, it’s this one, as it comes close, and in some places even surpasses the Polar special, aired a couple of season ago. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| New Mazda RX-7 to replace RX-8 in 2012 Posted: 28 Dec 2009 01:35 AM PST  We’ve been hearing about the presumed revival of the iconic Mazda RX-7 from as far back as when the model was discontinued and replaced with the RX-8. But now it seems that the roles will be reversed, and the four-door, four-seater will be switched with the 2-seater coupe by the Japanese company. We’ve heard that its executives haven’t given the go-ahead just yet, but it seems that 2012 might be a reasonable date for a switch. Don’t go expecting a high performance, Rotary-engined masterpiesce though, as Mazda will follow the more efficient route, with an engine which develops around 200 to 250 HP. It is also expected of the new RX-7 that it will rival, both in performance and price with competitors like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe or the upcoming Toyota FT-86 rear-wheel drive coupe and the Subaru version of the project. Source: InsideLine Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0-liter V8 officially detailed Posted: 28 Dec 2009 01:10 AM PST  Even though the embargo was broken last week, Ford wasn’t swayed and waited until things were right to officially announce the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0-liter V8, which, if you haven’t guessed, is powered by the bigger engine, placing it on equal footing, and some would say over its competition like the Camaro SS or the Hemi Challenger. The new 5.0-liter Mustang, which will be noticeable by the many badges added by Ford, will develop 412 HP with 390 lb-ft of torque. Performance figures weren’t available, but it’s safe to say that it will be quite fast. It will also boast 32-valves and Timed Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT), which coupled with the EPAS (Ford’s own power steering), and the new six-speed automatic transmission, will generate a highway mileage of 25 mpg, while the city number will be 17. Those who opt for the manual will be getting 24 on the highway and 16 mpg in the city.  Other details will also be given at the Detroit Auto Show next month, but Ford did offer an interesting hint, saying that with the standard Mustang increasing in power, the GT500 will also need a revamp soon. Source: Ford Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| GM will organize test drives at Detroit Auto Show Posted: 28 Dec 2009 12:46 AM PST  For many auto show goers, the best thing that can happen to them, short of charming one of the booth babes, is driving the cars on display. For General Motors fans (the few which remain) that dream will come true at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show (North American International Auto Show), as the company plans to let people drive some of its newest vehicles right there. GM is currently working to settle the final details with COBO and the city of Detroit, but there is a high possibility that you’ll be able to get behind the wheel of new models like the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain or the Cadillac SRX. This will all be a part of the GM exhibition space, which reportedly covers 85,000 square feet in Detroit, and will span much of it, considering booths for brands like Saab, Saturn or Pontiac won’t be needed. Source: The Detroit News via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Bugatti trademarks 16C Galibier design, a production decission might be made soon Posted: 28 Dec 2009 12:33 AM PST  As soon as Bugatti formally unveiled the 16C Galibier concept, the whole automotive press deemed it the replacement of the aging Veyron, which will see its production terminated in 2012. But a short time after, Bugatti released a statement saying that the Galibier super sedan is just one of the concepts it is considering to manufacture after the end of the Veyron era. Now, judging by a new trademark filed at the World Intellectual Property Organization, it might be the winning idea, as Bugatti now owns the design rights for the 16C Galibier. Whether or not this means we’ll be getting a concrete announcement from the luxury supercarmaker saying that the new model will replace the Veyron is still up in the air. Given the good press and the great performance the 8.0-liter W16 engine might output, it is definitely a winner in the eyes of fans. Source: CarScoop Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Fiat 500 to feature new 0.9-liter two-cylinder engine Posted: 28 Dec 2009 12:17 AM PST  After presenting the 5-year plan for its newest subsidiary, Chrysler, Fiat’s Sergio Marchionne has just revealed the 2-year plan for its own operations. One of the most important things will be the new 0.9-liter gasoline engine, which is set to see its two-cylinder technology implemented in the 2010 Fiat 500 city car. But even though its displacement can’t be flaunted, the new unit will offer around 65 HP in the naturally-aspirated variant, and 80 or 105 HP in the turbocharged flavors, courtesy of Fiat’s MultiAir technology. But while this engine won’t specifically cater to performance enthusiasts (which can get an Abarth), it will please eco-conscious motorists, as its small form and weight means that it will have an even better fuel economy and CO2 outputs. The engine has been confirmed for Europe on the 500, but we might also see it on other small cars like the Panda or Punto Evo. Is this a good move for Fiat? Leave your thoughts in a comment below. Source: CarScoop Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Lotus unveils Exige S Type 72, celebrates Formula 1 return Posted: 28 Dec 2009 12:00 AM PST  Lotus was one of the best Formula 1 teams of yesteryears, dominating its opposition with the fabulous Type 72 in the 1970s. As it will return to Formula 1 next year, the company decided to reveal a special edition model, dubbed the Exige S Type 72. The new car, hasn’t suffered any major power increases or anything like that, as it will still output 220 HP from the 1.8-liter in-line four cylinder unit, which will take the lightweight Exige from 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds and up to 145 mph. The Exige S Type 72 will sport a set of carbon fiber ProBax sport seats, which will be wrapped in black microfiber adorned with contrast stitching, sporting the same gold tone as the wheels and emblems on the outside. Other new options include the twin oil coolers and a new adjustable front anti-roll bar. The price for this retro-inspired Exige? £35,995 (around €39,900 or $57,400). Only 40 models will be made, 20 for the UK and 20 for other countries. Source: Lotus Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| The $191,000 Cruden Hexatech racing game rig Santa forgot to bring us Posted: 27 Dec 2009 11:44 PM PST  Snow is bad for almost every type of transportation, but you’d think that Santa Claus, with quite a few years of traveling during the winter season under his belt would find it easy. Sadly, it seems he had a few problems, as he just let us know that one of RPMGO’s presents, the fabulous $191,000 Cruden Hexatech racing game simulator fell off the sleigh during his ride to our headquarters. And it’s quite a shame, as the new simulator is fully suspended, features three LCD screens, and will offer the most realistic experience short of actually getting into a car and driving it. It is completely customizable and can offer various feedback depending on the chassis setup, the suspension, brakes or the aerodynamics of the car you’ll be driving, in competitions like Formula 1, Nascar, WRC or 24-hour races. Well, it seems we’ll have to wait until next year to get one of these from Santa as our expense budget was already blown on games to play with the simulator. Source: F1 Fanatic via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Share technology or get out, Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez warns automakers Posted: 27 Dec 2009 11:30 PM PST  Venezuela isn’t such a bad country, too bad its dicta … I mean president, Hugo Chavez, stains its reputation time and time again with its wild claims and threats to other countries. But this time, it seems that Chavez has a new target in his sight: the automakers which “defile” his great country and don’t bring anything in exchange. Quite a few carmakers have factories in Venezuela, like General Motors, Chrysler, Toyota or Ford, which, according to Chavez, will need to share their technology with his own country in order to be permitted to continue their operations. If they don’t comply, Chavez said that a nationalization of the factories would be in order, even though he won’t have the know-how to operate them. Chavez backed up his claims by saying that other carmakers, from countries much closer to his heart, like China or Russia, would immediately replace the current ones. Frankly, I don’t know if this is another publicity stunt as Chavez got bored or if he will take it seriously. The automakers involved declined to comment, so we’ll just have to wait and see. Source: Yahoo! News Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| BMW 535i GT also arriving to Detroit with its twin-turbo six-cylinder engine Posted: 27 Dec 2009 11:12 PM PST  The Detroit Auto Show will be host to quite a lot of interesting cars, concepts and announcements. For North American BMW fans, it will also bring new and more efficient six-cylinder engines for the 5 and 7 Series. While we already covered the one for the flagship limousine, the Bavarian company has now revealed more details about the new 535i Gran Turismo. The odd cross between a hatchback and a sedan will benefit, besides the standard 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 which is already available on the market, from a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line six unit, which is capable of 300 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque. The new engine is also fitted with an array of technologies to make it more efficient, like the Valvetronic, and will also be coupled with a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, the same one used on the 550i or the ActiveHybrid 7 Series. Source: BMW Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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