|
|
|---|
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- GM to shut down Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick production
- Redesigned Volvo C70 spotted in Spain during commercial shooting
- MINI Rolls Royce edition spied, production not confirmed
- GM in talks with Penske over Saturn sale
| GM to shut down Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick production Posted: 08 Jun 2009 10:22 AM PDT  When GM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week and announced company restructuring, we were expecting a lot of brand sales and canceled products and that’s exactly what we got. In the past week, GM announced the sale of two of its brands, Saturn and Opel and now a press release announces the end of the Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick medium duty trucks production, which will take place on July 31, 2009. The Kodiak and TopKick were introduced in 1980 as stronger versions of GM’s existing medium-duty C-Series trucks and today they are produced at the GM plants in Flint, Michigan, US and Toluca, Mexico. Also, US President Barack Obama’s armored car, though it’s badged as a Cadillac, is actually built on a GMC Topkick chassis. [Source: GM] Post published on Rpmgo.com GM to shut down Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick production Related posts:
  | |||
| Redesigned Volvo C70 spotted in Spain during commercial shooting Posted: 08 Jun 2009 09:29 AM PDT  This January, at the Detroit Motor Show, Volvo introduced the S60 Concept, a car which previewed the Swedish carmaker’s upcoming styling philosophy. And we have the first signs of this philosophy, because the upcoming redesigned Volvo C70 was spotted during the shooting of a commercial in Barcelona, Spain and we can clearly see the S60 Concept’s influence on the coupe-cabriolet’s look, especially at the front part, where we have a completely new redesigned front fascia. At the rear, the changes are not that impressive, all we can see new are the restyled tail-lights and the larger Volvo name. There’s no official confirmation, but considering the car’s already starring in a commercial, we’ll probably see the car’s debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September or even sooner. If that happends, sales will probably start some time next year. Check out one more photo after the jump.  [Source: Volvo4life.es / Via Carscoop] Post published on Rpmgo.com Redesigned Volvo C70 spotted in Spain during commercial shooting Related posts:
 | |||
| MINI Rolls Royce edition spied, production not confirmed Posted: 08 Jun 2009 08:58 AM PDT  The Rolls Royce Ghost is one of the most anticipated cars and it has been called by many the new ‘baby Rolls’. But if that’s the ‘baby’, what do you call this MINI? It features a Royal Blue paint finish, restyled bodykit and new alloy wheels, while the interior is covered in cream leather and high-quality walnut veneer. So, what’s up with this model? Well, the car was confirmed by a MINI spokesman, who said that it was created for a recent dealer event, but the odds of this model going into production are very slim. “MINI is known for successfully marketing special edition models. But for every 100 that are proposed, 99 don’t make the final cut,” the spokesman said. However, Auto Express reports that the company will soon present a limited edition MINI based on another BMW owned brands. So stay tuned, because once we have more details, we’ll let you know. Photo Gallery: MINI Cooper Rolls Royce Edition
[Source: Auto Express] Post published on Rpmgo.com MINI Rolls Royce edition spied, production not confirmed Related posts:
 | |||
| GM in talks with Penske over Saturn sale Posted: 08 Jun 2009 06:40 AM PDT  On Friday, GM has confirmed the negociation with Penske Automotive Group over the sale of its Saturn brand. The move will be part of GM’s restructuring plan and, if completed, it would save more than 350 dealerships and 13,000 jobs at Saturn and its retailers in the United States. Through this deal, Penske would obtain the rights to the brand as well as certain other Saturn assets, but no factories. However, GM would continue production, on a contract basis, of the Saturn Aura, Vue and Outlook. Penske Automotive Group is a part of Penske Corporation, a Bloomfield Hills, Michigan-based, closely-held, diversified transportation services company led by auto racing legend Roger Penske, who’s the company’s Chairman. PAG is the world’s second largest automotive dealership group, with 15,000 employees and operating 253 retail automotive franchises, representing 40 different brands. In the United States, PAG has 152 franchises in 19 states, selling new and previously owned vehicles, finance, insurance products, replacement parts, and offers maintenance and repair services on all brands it represents. "This is the combination of two iconic teams: Saturn and Penske," said Saturn general manager Jill Lajdziak. "GM had the vision to create Saturn and has the desire to see it succeed in the future. [..] There has been a groundswell of support for Saturn, with our retailers and owners urging us to save the brand," said Lajdziak. "We heard their call loud and clear, and it inspired us as we worked to secure Saturn's future." "Saturn has a passionate customer base and outstanding dealer network," said Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Automotive Group. "For nearly 20 years Saturn has focused on treating the customer right. We share that philosophy, and we want to build on those strengths." According to GM, the transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of this year and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the agreement will not be disclosed at this time. [Source:GM] Post published on Rpmgo.com GM in talks with Penske over Saturn sale Related posts:
 |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Rpmgo.com To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
Inbox too full?  | |
| If you prefer to unsubscribe via postal mail, write to: Rpmgo.com, c/o Google, 20 W Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
Friday, June 5, 2009
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Angry Range Rover owner finds a creative way to get back at dealer
- MINI Cooper R57 Convertible by AC Schnitzer
- Top Gear destroys Mitsubishi Evo VII
- GM to get rid of its jet fleet
- New Volkswagen pickup to be called ‘Amarok’
- Jaguar C-Type renderings unveils amazing roadster
- Video: Rare $2 million McLaren F1 goes out in flames
- Magna won’t be able to sell cars in the U.S. and China
- Lamborghini Murcielago successor delayed until 2012
| Angry Range Rover owner finds a creative way to get back at dealer Posted: 04 Jun 2009 05:54 PM PDT  I’m sure employees from the Lookers Land Rover in Colchester, Essex weren’t very happy when they saw this Range Rover Sport in front of their showroom one morning. The owner was probably very angrey when the dealership failed to deal with his complaints about his £50,000 Range Rover and decided to list all the car’s flaws with large yellow vinyl letters. He wrote “If you want trouble free motoring do not buy one of these!!! Don’t take my word for it, look on the net” and then listed everything that went wrong with his car. Because the vehicle is parked on public property, the dealership couldn’t do anything about it, instead offerd to change this guy’s cars with a new one. Don’t know why, but I don’t think that made him happier.  [Source: Daily Mail / Via Jalopnik] Post published on Rpmgo.com Angry Range Rover owner finds a creative way to get back at dealer Related posts:
 | ||||
| MINI Cooper R57 Convertible by AC Schnitzer Posted: 04 Jun 2009 05:29 PM PDT  German tuner AC Schnitzer though that with the summer already here it would probably be a good idea to release a tuning program for the MINI Cooper R57 Convertible. And you gotta give it to them, the little fellow looks pretty good. The pacakge features a body kit with new front spoiler, sporty rear skirt, sport exhaust system with chrome accents, plus a set of decal packages and, of course, several wheel packages. The interior didn’t remain untouched, AC Schnitzer offering a whole range of accessories including aluminium gear knob and pedals or velour floor mats. Under the bonnet, the German engineers worked on a power upgrade kit which increases the Cooper S’ power output from 175 to 208 hp (226 hp for export models). Other performance upgrades include limited slip differential, height adjustable sports suspension and aluminum strut brace for the front axle. Full Photo Gallery: MINI Cooper R57 Cabriolet by AC Schnitzer
[Source: AC Schnitzer] Post published on Rpmgo.com MINI Cooper R57 Convertible by AC Schnitzer Related posts:
 | ||||
| Top Gear destroys Mitsubishi Evo VII Posted: 04 Jun 2009 04:59 PM PDT  And they’re back! We really don’t have many details on this, except for the photos, but we have Jeremy Clarkson, a wrecked Mitsubishi Evo VII and military personnel. This was probably one of those crazy challenges Top Gear brings every season, only this time something went completely wrong. Or who knows, maybe the challenge was to create a convertible Evo VII in a more ‘creative’ way. Anyway, here are the photos: Full Photo Gallery: Top Gear wrecks Mitsubishi Evo VII
[Source: Lancer Register / Via Autoblog] Post published on Rpmgo.com Top Gear destroys Mitsubishi Evo VII Related posts:
 | ||||
| GM to get rid of its jet fleet Posted: 04 Jun 2009 04:28 PM PDT  As part of the restructuring process the ‘new GM’ is going through, the company has decided to get rid of its private jet fleet, including the hangar used to house them at the Detroit Metropolitan Area. The fleet includes two Gulfstream V jets leased from Suntrust Leasing Corp since 2001 and five Gulfstream G350 jets leased from AVN Air LLC since 2007. A new G350 starts at $30 million, while the Gulfstream V is no longer in production but its pricing started at $50 million, so GM’s fleet is valued somewhere at around $250 million. Also, GM will save $488,000 a year just by giving up on the hangar rent. Good news for the company, but bad news for its execs, who’ll have to use commercial flights from now on. [Source: The Wall Street Journal] Post published on Rpmgo.com GM to get rid of its jet fleet Related posts:
 | ||||
| New Volkswagen pickup to be called ‘Amarok’ Posted: 04 Jun 2009 04:05 PM PDT  Last year at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show Volkswagen unveiled the Pickup Concept which previewed the company’s upcoming pickup truck. Back then we heard rumors about the vehicle being called the Robust or the Taro, but it seems these rumors were wrong, because today VW announced that their new pickup will be called the Volkswagen Amarok. So, what does this stand for? Amarok means “wolf” in the Inuit language (one of the Eskimo people who live in northern Canada and Greenland). Also, the name translates ‘he loves stones’ in South America. Either way, the point is that VW tries to tell us that their pickup will love off-road. The VW Amarok will be launched as a double-cab pickup with four-wheel drive, while a single-cab version will be introduced later. It will be powered by Volkswagen’s next generation common rail turbo diesel engines and will be produced at the company’s Pacheco plant near Buenos Aires in Argentina. It will be launched first in South America in early 2010, followed by Central America in Spring 2010, then Russia and Europe in the summer, as well as Africa and Australia. Prices, specifications and on-sale dates will be announced next year. Full Photo Gallery: Volkswagen Pickup Concept
[Source: Volkswagen] Post published on Rpmgo.com New Volkswagen pickup to be called ‘Amarok’ Related posts:
 | ||||
| Jaguar C-Type renderings unveils amazing roadster Posted: 04 Jun 2009 03:51 PM PDT  My God, does this look amazing or what? According to Auto Express, Jaguar is looking to revive the C-Type and create a new roadster which will compete roadsters like the Porsche Boxster, BMW ZZ4 or Mercedes Benz SLK. Jaguar’s new owner, Tata Motors, through the voice of it’s chairman Ratan Tata has expressed many times plans to expand the Jaguar range and with the roadster market growing, it looks like the C-Type might come true. From these renderings we can see the car will probably follow the XF’s styling, with the bold mesh grille, sharpened LED headlights, bonnet power bulge, slim tail-lights and chrome strip. Auto Express sources unveiled that a wide range of engines will be available, including an entry-level 235 hp 3.0 liter V6 and a top of the range 380 hp 5.0 liters V8. Jaguar’s six-speed automatic transmission with wheel-mounter paddles will also be available. Considering the starting price which will be under £40,000 ($65,000), we can say the other roadsters should be really, really afraid of the new Jaguar. So, when will we see a production version of the new C-Type? Well, like all carmakers, Jaguar’s also going through some not so good times, so we won’t probably see it eariler than 2012. [Source: Auto Express] Post published on Rpmgo.com Jaguar C-Type renderings unveils amazing roadster Related posts:
 | ||||
| Video: Rare $2 million McLaren F1 goes out in flames Posted: 04 Jun 2009 03:24 PM PDT  When you own a beautiful and rare car like the McLaren F1 valued at more than $2 million you can consider yourself one lucky man, right? Well, not if you’re name’s Irv Kessler and you have to watch your F1 going out in flames. Apparently, the 53 year old man was driving on Airport Boulevard in Santa Rosa California when he saw smoke coming out of the engine bay. He pulled over and when he was about to look closer to see what happened, the car burst into flames and firefighters had to come and put out the fire. As you can see from the video below, the car’s almost completely ruined but fortunately for his owner it was insured. [Source: The Press Democrat / Via Jalopnik] Post published on Rpmgo.com Video: Rare $2 million McLaren F1 goes out in flames Related posts:
 | ||||
| Magna won’t be able to sell cars in the U.S. and China Posted: 04 Jun 2009 03:02 PM PDT  Frank Stronach, Magna International’s chairman, recently told reporters present at a news conference in Ottawa that the agreement they signed with GM prevents Opel’s new owner from selling vehicles in the United States. When reporters asked, he said that applies to China too, he said yes but added that the situation in China might change in the upcoming years. “Yes, for the moment, but keep in mind that General Motors — we’ve been working together for 50 years, we’ve been great partners, and they still own 35 percent (of Opel).” Stronach added that he expects Opel to break even in three years, and to turn a profit in four, also announcing that Magna won’t probably buy Saturn and Saab too (GM looking to sell these two brands too). “We have to digest Opel now, and we have got a mouthful, so we’ll see how quickly that will take place,” he said. [Source: Reuters] Post published on Rpmgo.com Magna won’t be able to sell cars in the U.S. and China Related posts:
 | ||||
| Lamborghini Murcielago successor delayed until 2012 Posted: 04 Jun 2009 02:44 PM PDT  Though everybody was expecting to see a successor for the Lamborghini Murcielago soon, German magazine Auto Moto und Sport revealed that the Italian carmaker has pushed back the launch date for the new car. Nothing’s official so far, but it seems that we won’t see a new Lambo earlier than 2012. Lamborghini cars are known to have a quite long lifespan, models like the Countach or the Diablo being produced for sixteen, respectively eleven years. And while the Sant’Agata company managed to keep the car quite fresh, by launching the LP640, the Reventon, the LP650-4, the LP670-4 SuperVeloce and several limited editions, the Murcielago has aged and a successor is more than welcome, but we’ll have to wait for that. As for the new Lambo, there aren’t many details available but there are a lot of rumors. Some expect Lamborghini to replace the steel chassis with an aluminium one, based on the Audi R8’s. What’s almost sure is that the Murcielago successor will have all-wheel-drive and a revised version of the current V12 will probably be under the hood. According to other rumors, the car will feature a shorter front overhang and a wheelbase similar to the Murcielago’s. We’ll let you know once we have more details. [Source: Auto Moto und Sport / Via Autoblog] Post published on Rpmgo.com Lamborghini Murcielago successor delayed until 2012 Related posts:
 |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Rpmgo.com To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Inbox too full? | |
| If you prefer to unsubscribe via postal mail, write to: Rpmgo.com, c/o Google, 20 W Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
