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Monday, May 31, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Motorsport Weekend: F1 Turkish GP, WRC Rally of Portugal and Nascar Charlotte races results
- Dodge Viper-based Maybach Exelero replica can be yours for $680,000
- Video: Audi showcases the new 2011 TT
- 2011 Buick Regal might get wagon and hatchback variants plus diesel engine
- Jaguar F-Type sportscar set to be produced, to rival 911 or R8
- Video: Lexus LS steering wheel defect showcased by Toyota
- Mercedes-Benz plans new electric cars with China’s BYD
- Lotus preparing to axe the Europa
- Saab’s future 92 going ahead as planned, will target Mini
- Nissan Leaf US reservations full, CEO Carlos Ghosn says
| Motorsport Weekend: F1 Turkish GP, WRC Rally of Portugal and Nascar Charlotte races results Posted: 31 May 2010 04:15 AM PDT  Welcome to a new edition of Motorsport Weekend, our own feature where we take a look at some of the most interesting races from the past three days and share the results with you. We were treated to several exciting races this weekend, with the Formula 1 Turkish GP in Istanbul, the WRC Rally of Portugal and the Nascar Charlotte races, the Coca-Cola 600 and the TECH-NET Auto Service 300, taking place in Concord, North Carolina. Curious to see how Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastien Loeb or Kyle Busch faired in their respective races? Then hit the jump and find out. This culminated in a crash for Sebastian Vettel in the last third of the race, involving his teammate, Mark Webber. Opinions are divided as tho whose fault it is (we’re still undecided), but it cost Vettel valuable points and Webber eventually came in third, after leading almost the entire race. The first two spots were occupied by McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, while props went to Michael Schumacher, who came in fourth, but also to Renault’s Vitaly Petrov, who put on a good show and managed to resist Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso for almost the entire race. The overall standings still see Mark Webber first, but Button is 5 points behind and Hamilton trails by 9 points. In the constructors’ championship McLaren now leads, but Red Bull trails by only 1 point. Moving onto the World Rally Championship, we saw the Rally of Portugal take place this weekend. While many deemed Citroen’s Sebastien Loeb as a clear winner, Citroen Junior rally team driver Sebastien Ogier took the win, after a show of force and a flawless performance. Loeb, even though he pushed as hard as his C4 WRC would let him, only managed to end on second place. Completing the all Citroen podium was Loeb’s teammate Dani Sordo. Ford’s Mikko Hirvonen managed to end up fourth, scoring some points for the Blue Oval. Overall standings still show Loeb first, with Ogier 38 points behind and Hirvonen with 50 points behind. Citroen Total leads the team standings, followed by BP Ford with 26 points behind, and the Citroen Junior Team, with 83 points behind. The Nascar races that took place at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Coca-Cola 600 and the TECH-NET Auto Service 300, were both dominated by the Busch brothers, Kyle and Kurt. The Tech-Net Auto Service 300, counting for the Nascar Nationwide Series, showed a resilient Kyle Busch, who managed to keep Brad Keselowski at bay even if he suffered a pit lane penalty and a few mechanical problems. In the end, he still crossed the checkered flag first, followed by Keselowski and Joey Logano. Overall, Keselowski still leads, but Kyle Busch is just one point behind and Kevin Harvick trails by 94 points. Moving onto the main event, the Coca-Cola 600, counting for the Nascar Sprint Cup, this time it was Kurt Busch’s time to shine. The driver showed an almost flawless race and crossed the finish line first, followed by Jamie McMurray and his brother, Kyle. Overall Sprint Cup standings still show Kevin Harvick in the lead, with Kyle Busch in second, trailing by 29 points, and Matt Kenseth in third, trailing by 119 points. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Dodge Viper-based Maybach Exelero replica can be yours for $680,000 Posted: 31 May 2010 02:52 AM PDT  Even though it didn’t achieve record sales, Daimler’s Maybach luxury brand really got the media talking with the stunning Exelero concept model (pictured above), commissioned by tire manufacturer Fulda. Only one was made, so when it came to auctioning it off, it fetched around $8 million, presumably from an African diamond tycoon. Now, for those who were bummed about not getting their hands on a Maybach coupe and who don’t want to order Xenatech’s 57S coupe version, are in luck. A company in Switzerland is now offering to create replica Maybach Exelero models, based on the Dodge Viper sportscar, of all things. It will be powered by an 800HP turbocharged 8.3-liter V10 engine and boast 23-inch wheels. Interior and exterior options can be catered to the customer’s desire, but the starting price is around $680,000 (€550,000, to be exact). Interested in the offer? Then check out the official ad on JamesList. Source: JamesList Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Audi showcases the new 2011 TT Posted: 31 May 2010 02:34 AM PDT  Audi has been revealing refreshed models left and right at the beginning of the year. Among them was the 2011 TT facelift, which was revealed for both the roadster and coupe models at the Leipzig Motor Show. Bringing a revised design, a new engine option (2.0-liter TFSI) plus various other options, including the LED daytime running lights, the new Audis was well received. Now, the Ingolstadt company has revealed a video with the 2011 Audi TT, both in coupe and roadster form, in action. Peter Hirschfeld, product marketing representative for the TT also weighs in on the important changes suffered by the facelifted models. Hit the jump to check out the video. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Buick Regal might get wagon and hatchback variants plus diesel engine Posted: 31 May 2010 02:13 AM PDT  The 2011 Buick Regal is quickly becoming the turning point for the Tri-Shield brand and a bold experiment for General Motors. It seems that the badge-engineered Opel Insignia will share a lot of things with its European cousin. We’ve seen the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and the six-speed manual confirmed for the upcoming Regal, but some even bigger news have now been revealed by Car and Driver. According to the magazine, the Regal will also receive the two other body styles of the Insignia, a slightly shorter five door hatchback form and a full pledged wagon version. While both are rumored to join the sedan at one point in time, we don’t know how much customers are going to have to wait. Besides the new body forms, a special treat is prepared to US diesel fans, as such a unit will make its way onto the Regal in the future. No figures were given, but it will certainly boost the green credentials, alongside the flex-fuel capable gasoline engines. Factor in the performance oriented Regal GS, and the new Buick model is set to really blow away the competition. What do you think? Share your thoughts below. Source: Car and Driver Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Jaguar F-Type sportscar set to be produced, to rival 911 or R8 Posted: 31 May 2010 01:30 AM PDT  Jaguar is getting better and better, largely thanks to its new corporate overlord, Indian car company Tata. Seeing as how costs have been cut and beautiful models like the new XJ are being sent into public success, room (and money) for growth is guaranteed. According to the new Jaguar Land Rover boss, Carl-Peter Forster, new products are being developed for the two brands. Among the new Jaguar models, according to the executive, we might see a fresh sportscar, derived from the old F-Type concept we saw in 2000. We still don’t know anything concrete, but rumors have been flying around about a resemblance with the iconic E-Type, and it might go against other more affordable sportscars like the Porsche 911 or the Audi R8. Still, even though it’s a bit murky, the promise of a dedicated Jaguar sportscar is quite enticing. What do you think? Source: AutoExpress Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Lexus LS steering wheel defect showcased by Toyota Posted: 31 May 2010 12:53 AM PDT  Toyota has learned from its previous mistakes and is now treating every recall with the upmost respect. Among the measures it is taking with each new defect is releasing videos of the problems and, subsequently, with the fixes implemented to resolve the problems. We’ve seen it done with the recent 2010 Lexus GX460 SUV and its drift-inclined side and now with the latest Lexus recall, for the 2010 LS 460 and LS 600h limousines. As you know, the steering system has a defect where if you turn the wheel full tilt to one side, and then rapidly turn it back, the wheel will be off centered. The system eventually centers the wheel, but it does take some time. Hit the jump to check out the video of the 2010 Lexus LS steering defect. Source: LexusEnthusiast Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mercedes-Benz plans new electric cars with China’s BYD Posted: 31 May 2010 12:29 AM PDT  Chalk another partnership for German company Daimler, owner of Mercedes-Benz, as the group has just signed a contract with China’s Build Your Dreams (BYD). The new 50:50 joint venture between the two companies, called Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd., will specialize in manufacturing all new electric vehicles for the already booming Chinese market. Daimler has long been interested in expanding its electric endeavors, and partnering up with BYD, the leading battery technology developer from China, is a huge step in that direction. Wang Chuanfu, BYD boss, revealed that the first car in this new partnership will arrive as soon as possible. No concrete date was given though. Daimler has partnered up with the Renault Nissan alliance a few months ago, in terms of small car development and platform sharing. It is also rumored to be preparing a deal with Toyota, that will see the two groups collaborate in terms of fuel cell technologies and future vehicles. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Lotus preparing to axe the Europa Posted: 30 May 2010 11:50 PM PDT  It may come as a surprise for quite some people, but it seems that besides the ever present Elise sportscar and the new Evora, British company Lotus also kept on selling the Europa model since 2006, when it first launched the car as a bigger brother to the Elise. Since then, the Europa didn’t really tug any heart strings, largely due to the brutish design, nor attracted any performance enthusiasts with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, capable of 200 HP and 200 lb-ft of torque. Now, the Europa is getting ready to be axed from the lineup, as many European dealers aren’t taking anymore orders. The Evora will receive a bigger marketing effort and occupy the place soon to be left empty by the older model. Will you miss the Europa? Share your Lotus opinions below. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Saab’s future 92 going ahead as planned, will target Mini Posted: 30 May 2010 11:27 PM PDT  Even though it dropped out of the media spotlight after being rescued in the nick of time by Spyker from GM, Swedish carmaker Saab is still going ahead full steam with its revival plans. A big part of the Saab renaissance will be a completely new 92 successor, a compact hatch designed to take on other premium city car rivals like the Mini or the newly revealed Audi A1. According to Victor Muller, the company’s CEO, the new 92 will be reminiscent of the teardrop-shaped Saabs of yesteryear and the brand is already in talks with quite a few carmakers to share the future platform of the 92. This would achieve a much needed reduction in developments costs, given Saab’s still rocky financial situation. Muller revealed that he is checking in with designers every day for updates on the future 92, and that when he’s not talking with his team, he’s reaching out to manufacturers for the platform development. Given the already popular Mini, the Fiat 500 or the new Audi A1, plus other premium city cars from the likes of Mercedes-Benz or BMW, is Saab making the right choice to dive into this segment? Pitch in your two cents below. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Nissan Leaf US reservations full, CEO Carlos Ghosn says Posted: 30 May 2010 11:09 PM PDT  It seems that Renault Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn was right on the money earlier this year when he said that thanks to the upcoming Leaf electric vehicle, his company has no other competition. In order to drive the point home, the Nissan CEO revealed that all of the models scheduled for US sale in 2010, 13,000 in total, have been reserved. Do bear in mind that we’re talking about the refundable $99 reservations, but still, achieving such an impressive number in just a few months is mighty impressive. We should still wait until Leaf test vehicles start arriving in dealerships and people can actually test out the new EV, but given the low price (after you factor in tax cuts or discounts), the Leaf might be an offer no eco-conscious guy or gal can resist. With this new data, Ghosn said that factories will go into overdrive in order to produce even more cars for both the US and the European markets in the next few years. Source: Detroit Free Press Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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Friday, May 28, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Test drive with the new Citroen C3 Picasso
- Ford might be close to shutting down Mercury brand
- Porsche Boxster fails at parking in Shanghai
- House of Representatives examines regulatory bill for black box and brake override systems
- Video: Ferrari California tears it up at the Yas Marina circuit
- Volkswagen once again looking to purchase Malaysia’s Proton?
- Toyota and Daimler might be planning fuel cell research partnership
- Former BMW designer Chris Bangle returning to Fiat?
- Need For Speed World arriving on July 20 for free
- Cadillac recalls 2010 SRX crossovers over engine problems
| Test drive with the new Citroen C3 Picasso Posted: 28 May 2010 04:02 AM PDT  After we tested the new C3, we got our hands on its funkier brother, the Citroen C3 Picasso, which we tried on a beautiful weekend. The first time I saw the car was a year and a half ago, at the Paris Motor Show. That's also the spot where one of its rivals, the Kia Soul, made its debut. The two cars didn't really blow me away as I wasn't interested in their compact MPV segment. But after trying out the C3 Picasso, I saw that I was hugely mistaken. Curious to see why? Then read on. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ford might be close to shutting down Mercury brand Posted: 28 May 2010 03:39 AM PDT  Reports are arriving, courtesy of Bloomberg, about a big decision set to be made at the Ford headquarters. It seems that due to slow sales and dwindling brand appeal, the Blue Oval is very close to shutting down its Mercury division and continuing with just two brands, the mainstream Ford and the upmarket Lincoln. Ford officials have limited their comments on saying that the future of the Mercury brand is laid out and they will follow it. According to sources at the beginning of the year, the division will receive its own badge engineered version of the 2012 Focus but not much else. With the ambitious One Ford plan to release the same cars with minimal changes all around the world, plus the fresh start of the Lincoln brand with a focus on quality features, it seems Mercury just doesn’t have a big role in the future of the Blue Oval. Will this mean the company is preparing to go the way of Oldsmobile, Pontiac or Hummer? Only time will tell. Source: Bloomberg Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Porsche Boxster fails at parking in Shanghai Posted: 28 May 2010 03:26 AM PDT  A Shanghai Porsche Boxster owner decided to really showcase the more practical aspects of his convertible sportscar, and parked the car right on the stairs leading to a road underpass in his own city. The guy took advantage of the small width of the Boxster and had absolutely no problem leaving the sportscar on those stairs (he even left some room for the actual pedestrians!).  So, what do you think of his ingenuity? Parking fail or resourcefulness win? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. Source: Shanghaiist (thanks for the tip, Gideon!) Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| House of Representatives examines regulatory bill for black box and brake override systems Posted: 28 May 2010 03:15 AM PDT  After the recent incidents with Toyota models and the unintended acceleration issues, the House of Representatives tasked one of its committees to create a new bill which will require automakers to implement even data recorders (aka black boxes), as well as other safety features in their future cars. The bill has now been passed by the committee and is up for public debate at the House of Representatives. Besides the event data recorder part, systems like brake override, pushbutton starts and even pedal placement are also regulated by the new bill. While such features were standard on quite a few cars, the House feels like a common regulation would help investigations in car crashes and, of course, augment the safety factor. If the bill is passed, it’s onto the Senate where it can be voted and become an actual law. Source: Automotive News Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Ferrari California tears it up at the Yas Marina circuit Posted: 28 May 2010 01:44 AM PDT  The Ferrari California didn’t really make supercar purists that excited when it was first revealed. Slowly but surely though, the sports grand tourer, with its folding hardtop and optional dual-clutch transmission earned a lot of fans among those not really interested in owning a Ferrari just for its sheer power (although it can develop 450 HP). Now, in order to really showcase the sporty side of the California, Ferrari has released a fresh video of one of its test drivers, Marc Gené, tearing up the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit, in Abu Dhabi. The footage is extremely nice, so you’d better hit the jump and check it out for yourselves. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Volkswagen once again looking to purchase Malaysia’s Proton? Posted: 28 May 2010 01:34 AM PDT  Volkswagen is seemingly bent on purchasing almost every other small carmaker it can find, only to boost its ever-expanding portfolio. After the recently announced partnership with Suzuki, the German carmaker is once again the target of new rumors, pointing to a possible acquisition of Malaysia’s Proton. For those not familiar, the company is one of Malaysia’s biggest carmakers and owns British sportscar manufacturer Lotus. There were rumors between 2004 and 2007 about a possible collaboration between the two groups, but nothing really came out of those talks. Now, it seems that VW and Proton might learn to play nice together, so that the German company can sell even more cars in the Asian territory and Proton may increase its exports and sales figures. Do you think this partnership, if it will be made official, will prove successful for Volkswagen and Proton? Share your thoughts below. Source: Canadian Business via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Toyota and Daimler might be planning fuel cell research partnership Posted: 28 May 2010 01:08 AM PDT  Another day, another report of a future industry partnership. After hearing about Volkswagen’s official purchase of Italdesign Giugiaro, reports are now coming in about a new partnership between Toyota and Daimler. According to Reuters, the two companies are planning to kick start a joint venture which would research and develop new fuel cell technologies for future electric vehicles. Both carmakers have been documenting the new technology for quite some time, so this new partnership might make a lot of sense. Daimler has also partnered recently with the Renault Nissan alliance, but that only covers small car development and platform sharing. The company is also part, alongside Toyota and other carmakers of the so-called Hydrogen Alliance, a group that supports the development of fuel cell vehicles. The two companies refused to declare anything about a partnership, so perhaps an official announcement isn’t too far away. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Former BMW designer Chris Bangle returning to Fiat? Posted: 28 May 2010 12:38 AM PDT  Chris Bangle is without a doubt one of the most controversial car designers from recent times. The man was responsible for the design of BMW models from the 2000s and generated a huge amount of discussions. Now, the designer, who left the Bavarian company in February, 2009, in order to pursue his other design goals, is rumored to be returning to the car industry. The American is rumored to join one of his former employers, Fiat. It seems that according to some reports, Bangle, whose non-compete agreement ended in March, this year, might be tempted to once again take on the chief designer role at the Italian company, where he was responsible for the Fiat Coupe, back in the day. The decision might have something to do with the Italian group now owning Chrysler, a company in much need of a clearer design direction. Nothing is official as of yet, but if Bangle were to return to the car industry, his name alone would garner quite a lot of attention. What do you think? Is Fiat making a deal to bring back Bangle, and if so, will it be profitable in the end? Share your thoughts below. Source: Caradisiac via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Need For Speed World arriving on July 20 for free Posted: 28 May 2010 12:21 AM PDT  Need For Speed World, the next title in the long running racing game franchise, has just been confirmed for a July 20 release date. For those not in the know, NFS World is a “massively multiplayer online action racing game”. The title will combine maps from previous titles like NFS Carbon or NFS Most Wanted, and allow people to race against one another as well as engage in police pursuits. The best part is that the title will be free-to-play, but there’s catch though. You will be able to download the title and play it until level 10. Afterwards, you can continue racing other people but you won’t acquire anymore experience. Those who want to continue progressing will need to buy a $20 Starter Pack, which ensures progression until level 50, as well as a few exclusive cars, extra cash to spend on power ups and access to special features. Those who pre-order the starter pack will also get in on the current beta stage and receive a head start (on July 13) in the final game. NFS World is now available for pre-order at the EA Store, and will also appear on other digital download outlets like Direct2Drive or Impulse. Source: EA Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Cadillac recalls 2010 SRX crossovers over engine problems Posted: 27 May 2010 11:57 PM PDT  Cadillac has officially issued a recall for specific versions of its 2010 SRX crossover over a potential problem with the engine when it is fueled with a mixture of less than the required 91 octane rating. 547 vehicles are affected by this problem, all powered by the 2.8-liter V6 engine. It seems that when people fill up the tank with non-premium fuel, the engine cannot regulate its function, leading to the possibility of pre-ignition. This, in case you didn’t know, may result in damaged pistons or other internal components of the engine. Owners of the affected 2010 Cadillac SRX crossovers will be notified as soon as possible by the carmaker. They will need to go to the nearest dealership to get the engine control modules fixed. For more details, you can contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. Source: NHTSA Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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