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Wednesday, November 4, 2009
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Magna issues statement about failed Opel purchase after GM’s decission
- No-brainer: Mercedes-Benz preparing Black Series version of SLS AMG supercar
- 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet to be revealed at SEMA
- Ferrari organizes parade of models through the Emirates, video included
- GM decides it will keep Opel, turns back on Magna deal
- Renault introduces the Twingo RS Light, the base for future racing packages
- Toyota says it will improve quality, shift focus from trucks to hybrids in the US
- Volvo purchase will make Geely a worldwide brand, says Chinese executive
- Nissan wants to small a cheap car in the vein of the Tata Nano
- Tips on getting your car ready for the winter season
| Magna issues statement about failed Opel purchase after GM’s decission Posted: 04 Nov 2009 02:03 AM PST  As you heard earlier today, General Motors has announced that after all that effort, it will keep German carmaker Opel, and said that the deal it had with Canadian partsmaker Magna and its partner, Russian bank Sberbank, is off. Even though it’s sure that the decision didn’t go so well with either Magna or Sberbank (perhaps some Canadian or Russian spies will pay a visit to Fritz Henderson, GM’s CEO), the partsmaker issued a statement, through the voice of its Co-CEO, Siegfried Wolf, in which it says it understands GM’s decision and thanks everyone involved.
Well it seems that Magna was prepared for such a decision on behalf of GM. As I’ve said, hopefully the decision of the US corporation will be the best for Opel and for everyone involved. Source: AutoEvolution Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| No-brainer: Mercedes-Benz preparing Black Series version of SLS AMG supercar Posted: 04 Nov 2009 01:52 AM PST  Although it was pretty clear, given the regular trend in recent supercars, that an upgraded version of the recently revealed Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG would appear at one point in time, rumors are now revealingfacts about the power output as well as a few other details of the future Black Series SLS AMG from the German company. This new model, pegged for arrival around 2013, will use the same 6.2-liter V8 engine, but will see its power upgraded from the current 563 HP to well over 600 horses and its torque from 479 lb-ft to over 500. The gearbox will stay the same though, a seven-speed dual-clutch one, but expect the suspension as well as the braking system to be tweaked. Also, the Black Series SLS AMG will go on an extreme diet, so many of the luxuries in the standard model won’t make it in this hardcore, track-oriented version. For better or for worse, it is certain that this future model will appeal to quite a few rich people, as it is estimated that it will cost 50% more than the current SLS AMG ($263,999 or €177,310), fighting models like the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet to be revealed at SEMA Posted: 04 Nov 2009 01:23 AM PST  If there’s one thing Americans love, its drag racing. This was highlighted by the massive success that Ford’s Mustand Cobra Jet enjoyed last year, as all of the 50 units set to be made were sold before they could get it off the assembly line. Now, in order to celebrate the 2010 model, the company decided to build another limited 50-unit run of the Cobra Jet, codenamed FR500CJ, which debuts at this week’s SEMA show. Set to be built at the Auto Alliance plant, it will receive the engines from the Romeo plant. But don’t go thinking this is just another attempt to squeeze profit from those who didn’t manage to get one last year, as the new model doesn’t only brag with its updated body, but also many tweaks and fine touches, which came from the people who bought the models last year.  Already found on the show floor in Las Vegas, you can still enjoy this pictures if you couldn’t make it (like us). Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ferrari organizes parade of models through the Emirates, video included Posted: 04 Nov 2009 01:17 AM PST  Ferrari definitely knows how to take care of its Arab customers, as it has just organized a special event, in collaboration with Ferrari Middle East, the local Emirates Ferrari dealer the Ferrari owners’ club from the Arab country. The whole pack was constituted of almost 100 Ferrari models, both old and new, with the lead vehicle being the recently revealed Ferrari California. Between the drivers who were in the parade were Michael Schumacher, as well as Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa or Giancarlo Fisichela, but also the president of the Italian supercar maker, Luca di Montezemolo and the Italian ambassador in the country, Claudio Doniosi Hit the jump to see the video of the beautiful Ferrari models parading through the United Arab Emirates.
Source: WorldCarFans Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| GM decides it will keep Opel, turns back on Magna deal Posted: 04 Nov 2009 12:49 AM PST  In a move more likely to Fritz Henderson waking up one night and saying “eh, I love those Germans at Opel, that’s it, the deal’s off”, the GM board, with Henderson in the first line, has announced that it will keep German carmaker Opel and said that the deal with Canadian parts supplier Magna and its Russian partner Sberbank is off. The large company said that Opel, or Vauxhall as it is known in a few territories, is quite important (many of its other brands like Buick are essentially rebadged versions of the European models), and that it will collaborate with the European Union and German government so that it can restructure and make it profitable once again.
Hopefully this move will prove to be a good one for both GM but especially for Opel in the long run. What do you think? Was it better for the German carmaker to be bought by Magna-Sberbank? Leave a comment with your thoughts. Source: Jalopnik Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Renault introduces the Twingo RS Light, the base for future racing packages Posted: 04 Nov 2009 12:33 AM PST  Renault doesn’t only focus on its main hot hatchback, the Megane, but also has high hopes for its compact car, the Twingo. We’ve already seen what tuners could do to the old generation, but now the company has revealed that Twingo RS Light, which will be the base model for any tuner and for its special performance division. Besides offering the 1.6-liter 133HP engine standard to the RS, the company will modify this version by removing any “luxuries” like the A/C unit, side airbags and other accessories. All of this will cost performance enthusiasts €14,500. But in case you really want a Twingo for your track days, you’d better have some extra money lying around in the next few months, as Renault also divulged that the R1 and R2 performance packages will be appearing shortly. The first one will be the R2, which will take the overall output to 160 HP, and add a sequential Sadev five-speed gearbox, a ZF differential and a new Marelli ECU. Add a set of Ohlins suspensions and a performance braking one and it will cost you around €30,000.  For those of you who don’t have that money but still want a bit of an extra “oomph” with your compact hatchback, the R1 package will appear in March 2010, taking the output to 140 HP and also feature a new performance gearbox as well as a few other modifications, like a roll cage. This package will only cost you €10,000. While I’m not sure how many people will be interested in this small rocket, you can be sure that Renault wouldn’t have gone through the effort if there wasn’t profit to be made. Source: Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Toyota says it will improve quality, shift focus from trucks to hybrids in the US Posted: 04 Nov 2009 12:16 AM PST  We’ve heard quite a bit of rumors recently about the future plans from Toyota, but now its executive vice president for North America and global manufacturing, Atsushi Niimi, has stepped forward to reveal some hard facts about where the Japanese company will go. The first topic was build quality, which he says will improve and match the older times when people could count on a Toyota through thick and thin, no matter what. He also revealed that new safety functions will be implemented, in order to minimize “tragic accidents”, like the recent one caused by the faulty floor mat. Addressing the North American market, the Toyota exec says US engineers will play a bigger role in redesigning models from Japan and deciding which models make the jump across the ocean and which don’t. In terms of its current lineup, Niimi said that mid-cycle facelifts won’t appear that often, as the corporation will focus on bigger changes. But one of the most important aspects was that it will start trimming from its truck and pick-up range, as many models contradict each other, and focusing, at least in North America, on other hybrid models, possibly different body versions for the Prius. Source: Automotive News via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Volvo purchase will make Geely a worldwide brand, says Chinese executive Posted: 03 Nov 2009 11:58 PM PST  You probably read last week that Ford has announced that its preferred bidder in the sale of Swedish carmaker Volvo will be Chinese automaker Geely. The company has big plans for the Scandinavian brand but is still taking its time with the contract and the necessary research before putting its money where its mouth is, at least according to its chairman Li Shufu.
Rumors are pegging the deal between Ford and Geely to cost the Chinese company around $2 billion, which in hindsight, is much better than the $6.45 billion Ford paid for the Swedish brand back in 1999. Needless to say, the technology pioneered by Volvo will most certainly make up for the financial effort for the Chinese company. Don’t forget though that the deal isn’t done and there are plenty of things which can change before the contract is signed. Source: Gasgoo via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Nissan wants to small a cheap car in the vein of the Tata Nano Posted: 03 Nov 2009 11:46 PM PST  It seems that one of the newest trends in the automotive industry is the introduction of small cheap cars, targeted at nations which are still in development, with the prime example being the Tata Nano, coming from India. The popularity that the tiny model is enjoying has now sparked the interest of many other big carmakers, one of them being Nissan, which reportedly is preparing to launch its own small vehicle platform, dubbed V (think Versatile). This new car, which is in development for quite some time, will use fewer parts than current compact Nissan models, and will target countries like Thailand, India or China, at the middle of 2010. Nissan also has high hopes for the small model, hoping to sell over one million vehicles per year as early as 2013. This also means that it will launch the V in other territories besides the Asian countries, like Europe or the US, around 2011. Do you think that such small, cheap vehicles are the future? Leave a comment with your thoughts. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Tips on getting your car ready for the winter season Posted: 03 Nov 2009 06:03 AM PST  In most countries, the winter season is rapidly approaching, meaning that your precious car will be subjected to some serious wear and tear. In order to prevent it from breaking down or becoming seriously damaged, there are a few things you need to keep in mind and inspect, preferably before the snow starts falling or you’ll find yourself in the emergency lane of any road. So in case you can’t borrow Ken Block’s TRAX STI Subaru-based snow cat, you might want to hit the jump and find out all of the tips on getting your car ready for the upcoming winter season.
First off, you need to check the level of the fluids in your car. During the winter, all of them are important: the anti-freeze (for obvious reasons), the oil, the windshield wiper fluid (make sure you have the proper dilution or one especially for the winter season), the power steering liquid and, the most obvious one, the fuel. Don’t go hoping that your little car will survive with fumes until the next fueling station, as with the heating turned up, the revving of the engine and the tough driving conditions, expect worse fuel average than normal. Another very important thing is the set of tires you currently have on the car. We all know the smoother summer ones are great for when you want to do mini-burnouts around the city, but opt for a new set (including the spare) of winter tires, which have more grooves and provide a better grip, which in some cases can make the difference. In case you’re strapped for cash, you can fit your driving wheels with winter ones, that is if you don’t have and AWD vehicle, or can opt for chains which you can strap onto the tires when the snow covers the road. In terms of mechanics, you might want to service it, but in case you want to save a few bucks, then you need to check the battery first, and in case it has been failing until now, consider getting it replaced, as the A/C, windshield wipers and other systems will take a toll on it. You might also throw a pair of jumper cables in the boot, to be on the safe side. Other components of the engine, like the spark plugs or drive belts, might also be checked out, but only if you have experience working with them. The brakes are also very important, and, in case you have been experiencing some sideways slides in the wet or on the snow, then you need to get to a service station and have them resynchronize the whole system, so as to now spin out of control on the road. Other things you might want to have in the boot, in the winter season only, after that you can throw back in everything plus the kitchen sink, are a shovel, a bag of sand, a pair of blankets, some matches, a flash light and, of course, a medical kit, for extreme emergencies. This is what we could think of; do you have any other tips about getting ready for winter that we might have missed? Don’t be shy and drop a comment below. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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I never get tired of early Vegas postcards and photos. I especially like the ones with Cadillacs in them and the Tropicana postcard is one of my all-time favorites.
~~ Desert Inn Hotel Casino Postcard ~~
~~ The Tropicana Hotel Postcard ~~
~~ The Moulin Rouge Postcard ~~I never get tired of early Vegas postcards and photos. I especially like the ones with Cadillacs in them and the Tropicana postcard is one of my all-time favorites.
~~ Desert Inn Hotel Casino Postcard ~~~~ The Tropicana Hotel Postcard ~~~~ The Moulin Rouge Postcard ~~Tuesday, November 3, 2009
8th Annual Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival
0 comments Posted by thomas albertine at 9:40 AM
The warmth southern hospitality was on display during the 8th Annual Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance (www.hhiconcours.com)!
Congratulations to Carolyn Vanagel, Executive Director, and further event organizers in making this event a success! Please click on http://www.hhiconcours.com/ for additional information this wonderful event!
See you in 2010!
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Ken Block reveals Subaru-based TRAX STI, a true snow tank, video included
- Wheelsandmore introduces YarroW Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 with 620 HP
- 2010 European Car of the Year finalists have been announced
- McLaren denies the delay of the MP4-12C’s launch in the US
- GM CEO says Chevrolet Volt will enter production in late 2010
- Toyota and Subaru’s sports coupe might get a convertible version
- Mercedes-Benz crash tests its newest SLS AMG supercar in new video
- Prodrive to debut Mini Crossover in WRC?
- Next generation Saab 9-3 “unlikely” to use GM platform
- Range Rover Sport gets tuned by Prestige
| Ken Block reveals Subaru-based TRAX STI, a true snow tank, video included Posted: 03 Nov 2009 05:41 AM PST  I’m sure most of you have heard about Ken Block, who is a popular rally driver slash stunt man, collaborating deeply with Subaru and promoting the fabulous WRX STI Impreza model. But up until now he has only modified the model for rally stages, fitting special performance parts and regular things you might expect on a car. Now though, it seems he found himself surrounded by snow, and deemed that a Subaru might do great on said surface. Not content with fitting snow tires or anything like that, Block decided to take a rally-spec WRX to Vermont SportsCar where its power was boosted to 400 HP, saw Group-N dampers fitted and, just as a last minute adjustment, had its wheels replaced with cat tracks. That’s right, as you can see in the image above, Block now has the TRAX STI, a true Subaru tank for driving in snowy conditions. If you want to check out the vehicle in action (trust me, you do) hit the jump to see a video of it.
Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Wheelsandmore introduces YarroW Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 with 620 HP Posted: 03 Nov 2009 05:13 AM PST  Even though owning a Lamborghini can put you into a very exclusive company with various other rich people and famous celebrities, this doesn’t stop tuning companies from offering tricked out versions of the models from the Italian supercar maker in order to appeal to those who want an even higher degree of exclusivity. This new project from Wheelsandmore is further testimony to this, as the team modified the rather exclusive Gallardo LP 560-4, taking the power to 620 HP and 785 Nm (580 lb-ft). Dubbed the YarroW, the new Gallardo was on the receiving end of a revamped ECU, a new carbon airbox, a stainless steel exhaust system with valve control, as well as an enhanced braking system and a coilover suspension. The engine kit costs €12,500 while the brakes are €13,998 and the suspension a measly €8,999.  On the outside, Wheelsandmore, as its name suggests, fitted a set of 20-inch wheels with 3-piece forged rims, offered in various color and surface options, wrapped in Dunlop Sport Maxx tires. They will cost “just” €11,400. The body kit, which wasn’t priced, includes things like a carbon fiber rear diffuser or side mirrors, while on the inside we can find various carbon fiber accessories. Source: WorldCarFans Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2010 European Car of the Year finalists have been announced Posted: 03 Nov 2009 02:20 AM PST  While Car of the Year competitions may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they are definitely a sign that its participants do offer some of the best experiences you can have on four wheels. We’ve already revealed the list of finalists for the North American car and truck of the year competitions, and now the European version of the contest has also chosen its seven cars which will fight over the Car of the Year award. They are: There will be 58 jurors from 22 countries, who will cast their vote until November 27 and proclaim the winner on November 30. Considering both the fact that last year’s winner was the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, and that our own Car of the Year contest held in Romania (at which our sister site AutoMOD participated) chose the Opel/Vauxhall Astra, the German model is a safe bet for this year’s competition. What’s your favorite model out of these seven? Leave a comment with your pick. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| McLaren denies the delay of the MP4-12C’s launch in the US Posted: 03 Nov 2009 02:06 AM PST  If you’ve been reading our blog for the last few months, you most definitely know about McLaren’s upcoming supercar, the MP4-12C, which will give rival carmakers Ferrari, Lamborghini or even its old partner Mercedes-Benz, a run for their money. Set to be released in early 2011, the car is already eagerly anticipated all around the world. But recent reports indicated that the company might delay the launch of the supercar in the United States, as finding dealers willing to market the car was proving to be rather difficult. But all of those rumors are nonsense, at least according to McLaren which revealed, through the voice of a spokesman, that: “All is on-track. Retailers are very keen and the customer list is strong.” He also took the chance to clear things up, as certain speculations indicated that McLaren pulled out of the December’s Los Angeles Motor Show, by saying that it has never intended to go there in the first place. So there you have it US McLaren fans, the British supercar will appear in 2011 at a dealer near you. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| GM CEO says Chevrolet Volt will enter production in late 2010 Posted: 03 Nov 2009 01:51 AM PST  During a recent conference call at Washington, GM CEO Fritz Henderson was asked by a Senator about the state of one of the company’s biggest gambles, the Chevrolet Volt electric car. Henderson replied that everything is going smoothly and that it will enter production around late November or early December, 2010. As you all know, the government is quite interested about the measures GM is taking in order to become more popular and to generate a bigger profit, especially after getting all that bailout money from the tax payers. Henderson, besides praising the Volt, also revealed that he expects less than one percent of the cars sold through its “May the best car win” strategy, those with the 60-day Money Back guarantee, in case you forgot, to be returned. The executive also revealed that market share and brand reliability will increase, after a recent report deemed GM cars lagging behind its fellow Detroit rival, Ford, which didn’t receive any bailout money. Source: DetNews via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Toyota and Subaru’s sports coupe might get a convertible version Posted: 03 Nov 2009 01:33 AM PST  While most fans considered this fact a no-brainer, it seems that a Toyota executive confirmed that a convertible version of the company’s rear-wheel drive sports coupe, the FT-86, developed in partnership with Subaru, will appear, if demand is strong enough. We’ve already talked extensively about this joint project, which manifested in Toyota’s case with the FT-86 concept presented at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show and for Subaru in many spy shots and speculative renderings. We’ve also revealed that at least Toyota hasn’t decided on a name, but that it is quite possible that it will be Celica, in an effort to please fans of the famous sports coupe, which was discontinued a few years ago. While Toyota’s FT-86 will most probably be powered by a 2-liter boxer engine from Subaru, and will feed its power to the rear wheels, according to recent rumors, Subaru will create an all-wheel drive version, powered by a more powerful engine. But until next year when the FT-86 might enter production, we can’t know for sure any of these things. Source: AutoTelegraaf via MotorAuthority Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mercedes-Benz crash tests its newest SLS AMG supercar in new video Posted: 03 Nov 2009 12:35 AM PST Mercedes-Benz has just released a new video in which its newest supercar, the SLS AMG, is being crash tested at its safety labs. The brilliant supercar is being subject to all kinds of damage, and, from what we can see, manages to keep its inhabitants quite safe, even under the most extreme conditions. But while many of its buyers won’t pay much attention to its safety options, much rather preferring the performance ones, especially the massive 6.2-liter V8 engine, it’s good to know that it is a safe car. Hit the jump to see the video. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Prodrive to debut Mini Crossover in WRC? Posted: 03 Nov 2009 12:14 AM PST  Wild speculation time everybody! It seems that renown rally team Prodrive, which up until now represented Subaru in the WRC competition and produced world champions like Colin McRae, Richard Burns or Peter Soldberg, is working with a carmaker completely new to the rally scene and on a car that hasn’t been launched yet. Hmmm, whatever could it be? *cough* Mini Crossover maybe? When asked about the possibility that his team is indeed working with the British brand, the technical director, David Lapworth, said that he can’t confirm or deny such a thing, and that in the following months it will become harder and harder to keep the project a secret.
When asked by Autocar if the rally team has a working prototype of the car that they will use in the competition, Lapworth revealed that: “That would be difficult, the car doesn't exist yet.” While there are certainly plenty of cars which haven’t been launched, it seems that all of the current rumors indicate the Mini Crossover, set to be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, as the prime target. Autocar also suggest that if the rumors were to come true, Mini and Prodrive will test the car during 2010, attend a few stages in 2011 and if things go along smoothly, will enter for the full season in 2012. Do you see such a thing coming true? Leave a comment with your thoughts. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Next generation Saab 9-3 “unlikely” to use GM platform Posted: 03 Nov 2009 12:01 AM PST  As you all know, Swedish carmaker Saab has been going through some tough times, but as fellow supercar maker Koenigsegg has officially bought it from GM, things are beginning to get a lot clearer about its future. We’ve already revealed the future plans that the new owner has for Saab, as it will manufacture fewer cars, but more expensive, in an effort to take the brand upmarket. Now, according to an executive from Saab, it seems that the next generation of its main sedan, the 9-3, won’t be based on a GM platform. For those of you unaware, the current 9-3, which received a facelift a few years ago, is based on a heavily modified version of the Epsilon platform from GM, outfitted with new suspension and various other subsystems, which made it more expensive to produce. According to Saab Global Brand and Sales Operations Director Knut Simonsson, it is “more unlikely than likely” that the next 9-3 will be using an American platform. Don’t forget that the company is also preparing a special Koenigsegg edition of the current 9-3, after which a much needed revamp will be made to the whole lineup. For fans of the Swedish manufacturer will still have to wait and see though, as the reconstruction process has just begun for Saab. Source: Leftlane Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Range Rover Sport gets tuned by Prestige Posted: 02 Nov 2009 11:37 PM PST  UK-based tuning company Prestige has just revealed its latest project, based on the Range Rover Sport, in which the team attempted to give it a more urban and muscular look, removing any doubts that the SUV could be used in other places except the city. First off, the bodykit is quite intriguing, with the front bumper boasting new air intakes and fog lights, and in order to achieve a wider presence on the road, the arches of the wheels have been enlarged. Side skirts were also added, as well as a set of air intakes in the rear door paneling. Speaking of the rear, the bumper has also been lowered and in order to support the new exhaust pipes.  On the inside you will be able to find custom leather finishes as well as a few other trinkets. If you want more exclusivity, Prestige also offers LED headlights, a side wing, bonnet vents, new radiator grilles or even spoilers for the rear of the Range Rover Sport. While it does look rather good, I would still prefer my SUV to look the part, and take comfort that if I buy such a big car, the next road bump won’t have me worried that I’ll lose any body kit parts. Source: WorldCarFans Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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