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Tuesday, May 4, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Ferrari won’t launch four-door models, CEO says
- Volkswagen Polo R set to arrive after GTI?
- Video: BMW gets Dynamic Car Identity proposal with rotating roundel
- GM might not bring Chevrolet Orlando MPV to the US
- Veritas RS III might enter the FIA GT1 World Championship
- Video: Fiat 500 Abarth race car goes sideways on two wheels
- 2011 Buick Regal models get flex-fuel capability
- GM recalls 40,000 2005-2006 Chevrolet Corvette models over steering issues
- NHTSA investigates 2007 Dodge Caliber over sticky accelerator pedal
- Nissan celebrates 40th anniversary of first Z-car championship win with BRE 370Z
| Ferrari won’t launch four-door models, CEO says Posted: 04 May 2010 02:19 AM PDT  The newest trend among luxury sportscar manufacturers, besides reducing weight and keeping emissions as low as possible, is the introduction of four-door sedans. We’ve seen the Porsche Panamera or the Aston Martin Rapide, so a lot of people are wondering what’s the next luxury carmaker that will go for four. According to Amedeo Felisa, the boss of Ferrari, you can scratch the Italian sportscar manufacturer from that list, as he proclaimed that a four-door model won’t appear in the future from his company.
Those who really want a four-door Ferrari should opt for a Maserati, according to Felisa. He also revealed that the research in hybrid technology or the appearance of start-stop systems was imposed on the company due to emissions regulations, but that four-doors aren’t in any other rule book. As you may remember, McLaren’s Ron Dennis also revealed that his own company will stick to making sportscars without four-doors, in order to keep the brand pure. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Volkswagen Polo R set to arrive after GTI? Posted: 04 May 2010 01:57 AM PDT  Volkswagen revealed at the beginning of the year that its new R performance division (think BMW’s M or Mercedes-Benz’s AMG) will improve a lot of models currently in the range of the German company. It seems that after the Scirocco R and the Golf R, the next model to receive a performance upgrade will be the Polo hatchback. As you may remember, VW launched the Polo GTI hot hatch (pictured above) two months ago in Geneva, with its 1.4-liter TFSI (twincharged) engine developing 170 HP. For the Volkswagen Polo R, engineers plan on adding an even more potent 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, capable of a whopping 210 HP. This unit will no doubt be connected to a DSG gearbox but, unlike the Golf R, will send its power only to the front wheels, as the Polo’s platform doesn’t support AWD, like the Golf’s. We were extremely pleased with the upcoming Polo GTI so the aspect of even more power being squeezed out of the compact hatch should make things even hotter for the 2010 World Car of the Year winner. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: BMW gets Dynamic Car Identity proposal with rotating roundel Posted: 04 May 2010 01:37 AM PDT  Car logos often need to inspire both the essence of the brand and its elegance, as opposed to other ones. This is especially true with luxury carmakers, that often want to surprise the customer with brand elements. In recent times we’ve seen things like wheel hubcaps that ‘float’, staying still while the wheel rotates, or the disappearing Rolls Royce hood ornaments. A company, Zafira Consulting & Trading, took things one step further, and proposed a novel idea to BMW. The Bavarian company should make their famous roundel logo move, specifically rotate, to elevate its brand above the rest. In order to drive the point home, the company released a video with the ‘dynamic car identity’ (aka the rotating roundel), both alone and on a Z4 roadster. While we won’t see this on stock BMW cars, we’re pretty sure tuners will definitely be interested in this, in order to give their BMW a more unique feel. Hit the jump and check out BMW’s dynamic logo. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| GM might not bring Chevrolet Orlando MPV to the US Posted: 04 May 2010 01:21 AM PDT  GM, after recuperating from its troubled 2009, began hyping up the future lineup its mainstream brand, Chevrolet, will boast this year and in 2011 on the US market. Among cars like the Cruze or the Volt was the Orlando seven-seater, already presented in concept form last year. Now, according to a new report, the Orlando might not be visiting American shores, as GM plans to launch it on other markets like Europe or Asia. Why would it do such a thing? The family needs in the US market can easily be satisfied by other choices from the Chevrolet lineup, like the Equinox, Traverse of Malibu, all vehicles with a bit more popularity behind them than the all-new Orlando, according to a GM representative. Another reason behind this rather surprising decision might be the Chevrolet Volt MPV5 extended-range electric vehicle concept, that was showcased in Beijing last month, which might make it to the USA as an eco-friendly people carrier. Source: Automotive News via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Veritas RS III might enter the FIA GT1 World Championship Posted: 04 May 2010 01:02 AM PDT  The FIA GT1 World Championship saw two races of its 2010 season already held, lining up fabulous racers like the Nissan GT-R, Ford GT1, Aston Martin DBR9 or other such rides. But according to the newest rumor, it seems that motorsport competition might get even more exotic, as luxury carmaker Veritas might bring the stunning RS III into the FIA GT1 World Championship. The company is rumored to be working a fixed-roof racer, up to the GT1 safety spec. For those who forgot the Veritas RS III is powered by a the same BMW V10 engine found on the current generation M5, capable of 500+ HP. Given that the racing alterations will no doubt increase the output, it seems the RS III might offer an interesting fight if it will enter the competition. An official announcement is expected at the beginning of summer, and the company might enter the car towards the end of the 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship. Source: Motorpasion via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Fiat 500 Abarth race car goes sideways on two wheels Posted: 04 May 2010 12:17 AM PDT  We cover quite a lot of motorsport competitions around here, but seeing as how many involve big, heavy cars that can barely overtake one another on intricate circuits, most don’t have a huge appeal. Luckily, the crazy guys at Abarth decided to prepare the Fiat 500 city car for racing duty in the Trofeo Abarth 500 competition. Do you want proof of how awesome this race series is? How about this stunning piece of racing showcased by Danish driver Benny Simonsen, who went too fast in corner and lost control of the 500’s back. If he was in a proper racing car like a tourer or a F1 vehicle, he would have just spun out. But given the crazy nature of the Fiat 500, with a high center of gravity and short wheelbase, the car went sideways for a period, then on two wheels. Luckily the Danish driver kept his cool and got the Abarth 500 back on all four wheels. Hit the jump and check out this great racing video. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Buick Regal models get flex-fuel capability Posted: 04 May 2010 12:01 AM PDT  Those eagerly awaiting the 2011 Buick Regal, which will be heavily based on the European Opel/Vauxhall Insignia sedan, will be in for a special treat this fall. Before you ask, no, the Regal GS concept won’t appear alongside its regular brethren, as this surprise will cater to the more eco-friendly Buick fans. The first models, made in Germany, are already being shipped out to dealerships with the normally aspirated 2.4-liter engine. This fall, the 2.0-liter direct injection turbocharged unit will also make an appearance. At that time, both engines will gain flex-fuel capability, meaning you can either fill the tank up with regular gasoline or E85 ethanol. For those not in the know, this technology is borrowed from Saab, as the Swedish company used flex-fuel capable engines for its 9-5 sedan, that rides on the same platform as the Regal. GM hopes that this turbocharged and direct injected engine will be able to offer almost the same average, no matter the fuel it uses. Normally, running on E85 ethanol worsened the fuel average by 15%, but according to GM, future iterations of this engine will make fuel averages even across the board. Source: Buick via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| GM recalls 40,000 2005-2006 Chevrolet Corvette models over steering issues Posted: 03 May 2010 11:42 PM PDT  The NHTSA and General Motors have announced a new recall, affecting 2005 and 2006 Chevrolet Corvette sportscars. About 40,028 vehicles will be recalled to dealerships over a faulty steering column. More specifically, cars with tilt and telescoping steering columns may see the signal sent to the vehicle electronics weaken over time. This will prompt, in some cases, the ‘Service Active Handling System’ light to turn on, and, in extreme events, can even engage the brakes on one side of the car, resulting in a crash. As such, Corvettes built between March 2004 and January 2006 will be called back to dealerships where a fix will be implemented, free of charge. Owners can also contact GM at 800-630-2438. Source: NHTSA via Kicking Tires Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| NHTSA investigates 2007 Dodge Caliber over sticky accelerator pedal Posted: 03 May 2010 11:29 PM PDT  Seeing as how Toyota was forced to issue one of the biggest recalls in history due, largely, to faulty accelerator pedals, you can be sure that the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) will thoroughly investigate any other such case. As such, it has announced yesterday that all 167,000 2007 Dodge Caliber models will be examined, as recent claims have appeared that point to a faulty accelerator pedal that, after being depressed, won’t return to its idle position. Chrysler says that this problem might appear on the 10,000 vehicles available at launch, as the parts supplied were from CTS Corp, the same company who was responsible for the sticky pedals in Toyota’s recalled models. The Pentastar carmaker confirmed that Caliber models have brake override functions, so you will be able to stop the model even if the gas pedal is pressed. Until the NHTSA completes its investigation, Chrysler has invited those with Calibers manufactured between March and April of 2006 to visit dealerships for a free pedal checkup. No incidents stemming from this problem were reported as of yet, but we’ll know more after the federal inquiry will be completed. Source: Detroit News Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Nissan celebrates 40th anniversary of first Z-car championship win with BRE 370Z Posted: 03 May 2010 11:14 PM PDT  As most of you know, Nissan is commemorating this year the 40th anniversary of its performance Z-badged cars. But besides the birth of the iconic range, the company is also celebrating 40 years since it first won a prestigious championship in the USA, thanks to the Datsun 240Z. The competition was the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Championship, held at Road Atlanta in 1970. The team that led the Datsun to victory was Pete Brock’s Racing Enterprise (BRE), with driver John Morton behind the wheel. In order to properly celebrate the first victory of a Japanese car in front of German or British models, Nissan teamed up once more with BRE to create a special 370Z model, decked out in the iconic livery sported by the Datsun 40 years ago. Even though it was customized to be up to the SCCA T2 specifications, the BRE 370Z is just a show car and will be showcased around the country this summer, including the Nashville ZCon in July. If you still want to celebrate Z cars, the 40th Anniversary special edition 370Z is still available in Nissan dealerships. Source: Nissan Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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Monday, May 3, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Motorsport Weekend: Spanish MotoGP, WTCC Marrakech, NASCAR Richmond races results
- Audi R8 GT officially revealed: lighter and faster
- Video: Tanner Foust goes drifting in his Scion tC on Mulholland Highway
- BMW returning to DTM in 2012
- Tesla planning electric crossover after Model S
- 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee might get performance SRT8 version
- Video: Test Drive Unlimited 2 trailer has cars, beaches and babes
- Ford unveils 2011 DUB Mustang V6 special edition
- 167,000 2004-2008 Acura TSX sedans recalled over potential fire hazard
- Fiat and Alfa Romeo want fans to contribute on unique 500 and Giulietta models
| Motorsport Weekend: Spanish MotoGP, WTCC Marrakech, NASCAR Richmond races results Posted: 03 May 2010 02:44 AM PDT  Welcome to a new edition of Motorsport Weekend, our own feature where we talk about and share the results from the latest and most popular motorsport races and events from the last three days. This weekend was filled with something for almost everyone, with the Spanish MotoGP, the WTCC Marrakech race and the Nascar Richmond events, that took place in the USA. Curious to see how Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Gabriele Tarquini or Kyle Busch faired in their respective races? Then hit the jump and find out.  The 2010 Spanish MotoGP treated us to a breathtaking race. Honda’s Dani Pedrosa started in pole position, but couldn’t keep it until the end of the race, largely due to the aggressive pace started by Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo. But while many Spaniards were already expecting Rossi to take a win, it was their compatriot, and Rossi’s teammate, Jorge Lorenzo, who passed the checkered flag first. The Spanish rider managed a thrilling race, climbing through the ranks from fifth to first, overtaking Pedrosa at the beginning of the last lap. The Honda rider finished second while Rossi, still not 100% after a shoulder injury, rounded off the podium. Overall standings for MotoGP find Lorenzo in first place, with Rossi trailing by 4 points and Pedrosa by 16.  The World Touring Car Championship finally saw its second stage take place on the street circuit at Marrakech, in Morocco. As you all know, street circuits guarantee almost always some type of crashes. The two WTCC races made no exception, but given their already limited number of laps per race, the safety car cut off all the racing spectacle. The first event was won by Gabriele Tarquini from Seat. The driver only had to resist in front of Chevrolet’s Robert Huff for six laps, as multiple crashes prompted the first race to end behind the safety car. The second race was filled with even more crashes, and pole position sitter Andy Priaulx from BMW (pictured above) only had to defend his position in front of Chevy’s Yvan Muller for just 2 racing laps. While heavy on the crashes, the WTCC Marrakech event was too short on the actual racing. Overall standings show Tarquini in the lead, followed by Yvan Muller who trails by 7 points and Robert Huff, trailing by 24 points. NASCAR fans were treated to two interesting events at the Richmond International Speedway in Virginia, the Bubba Burger 250, counting for the Nationwide Series, and the Crown Royal 400, counting for the Sprint Cup. The Bubba Burger 250 event was dominated by Brad Keselowski, who managed to see the checkered flag first. Still, this doesn’t mean he didn’t have any competition, as he was neck and neck with Greg Biffle until the final lap. Third place was nabbed by Jamie McMurray. Overall standings for the Nationwide Series see Keselowski in first place, followed by Kevin Harvick, 59 points behind, and Kyle Busch, trailing by 84. The Crown Royal 400 event, counting for the Sprint Cup, followed, and was fiercely disputed by Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon, both leading the race for extended periods of time. The race was eventually won by Busch, who managed to overtake Gordon with five laps to go. The third spot was conquered by Kevin Harvick. Overall Sprint Cup standings show Harvick still in the lead, but Jimmie Johnson is close behind, trailing by 10 points. Busch follows, but given the gap of 109 points, he isn’t a big threat. Photo Source: Fiat Yamaha Team’s Flickr, BMW Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Audi R8 GT officially revealed: lighter and faster Posted: 03 May 2010 01:41 AM PDT  In the last few months, rumors started appearing about a performance version of the Audi R8 supercar. While the normal version and its even more powerful V10 edition were plenty for many fans, some wanted even more. As such, the Ingolstadt company officially revealed the Audi R8 GT limited edition. The engineers have worked their magic and applied the age-old recipe for improving supercars: decrease weight and increase power. Through a thinner front windshield, polycarbonate rear windows, carbon fiber body panels and, we presume, a few sacrifices to supercar gods, the Audi team managed to shave 220 pounds off the curb weight of the R8 GT. Through some fiddling with the V10’s electronics (and more sacrifices) the power output was increased from 525 to a whopping 560 HP. When coupled with the R-Tronic gearbox, the R8 GT will be able to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and up to a top speed of 198.8 mph. Only 333 R8 GT models will be made, starting at €193,000 ($256,000) in Germany. No plans for an US launch, but you can be sure the Ingolstadt execs have something planned. Either way, check out the new and improved Audi R8 GT in the photo gallery below. Photo Gallery: Audi R8 GT
Source: Audi Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Tanner Foust goes drifting in his Scion tC on Mulholland Highway Posted: 03 May 2010 01:18 AM PDT  Going on our daily YouTube hunt for interesting car videos that we can share with all you fine folks, we found this video of drift racer and future Top Gear USA host, Tanner Foust. Although the video is a bit old, dating back from March, we knew such awesomeness can always be shared under the motto ‘better late than never’. In the footage below, Foust takes his 600+ HP V8 Scion tC drift car, sponsored by Rockstar Energy, on the famous Mulholland Highway, better known as ‘The Snake’, given its twisty corners. The racer does not disappoint, and the resulting video is a must-see for any car fan. Hit the jump and check out Tanner Foust’s drifting antics on the Mulholland Highway. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Posted: 03 May 2010 12:54 AM PDT  The DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) racing championship is set to become quite interesting once more (not that we disapprove of Mercedes-Benz and Audi duking it out), as BMW has announced that it is returning once more to the championship it left back in the middle of the 1990s. The Bavarian company revealed it will be once again appearing in the German Touring Car Championship if “certain” conditions are met. Those exact conditions weren’t revealed, but seeing as how this might once again complete the trio luxury performance carmakers starting in the championship, we’re pretty sure the organizers are going to do anything so that BMW will enter the fray. Reports are already pegging that, given the 2012 start date, BMW might enter the next generation M3 model in the race, to go against the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C Class. Either way, experience from the American Le Mans Series, where the German company currently races two M3 models will no doubt be used for this new racing endeavor. Source: BMW Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Tesla planning electric crossover after Model S Posted: 03 May 2010 12:29 AM PDT  Tesla Motors, the company responsible for the well received electric Roadster, has some big plans for the future. As most of you know, the company will enter into production the Model S around 2012, offering a luxury sedan for those with an eco-friendly attitude and a wallet capable of supporting a pricey electric vehicle. But what about after the Model S? Well, the CEO of the company, Elon Musk, says that the lineup will begin to grow at a more consistent pace. When the sedan arrives, the Roadster will end production. It will be followed, a couple of years after, by a new generation sportscar. But even though that’s fine and dandy for those with deep wallets, Musk also says that a crossover electric vehicles and many other such projects are on the drawing board and will be built so that they are affordable to the regular customer, not just rich people with a passion for EVs. Musk, who recently won the Automotive Executive of the Year Innovator Award, concluded by saying that the cars his company will make will push the industry forward and, hopefully, give other carmakers new ideas for EV development. Source: AutoWeek Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee might get performance SRT8 version Posted: 03 May 2010 12:09 AM PDT  Chrysler is betting big on the upcoming 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the first all new model since the carmaker was bailed out by the government and saved by Fiat. With the new SUV, the Pentastar hopes to get Jeep back on top of its off-road game. Judging by the things we heard up until now and by the looks of the new Grand Cherokee, the future model might finally get the company on the right track. But while we know a 3.6-liter V6 plus a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 will arrive with the 2011 Jeep GC, a new report, coming from Car and Driver, says a new engine might also join the lineup. What unit would that be? Oh, just a ’small’ 6.4-liter HEMI V8. Chrysler doesn’t want to comment on the subject, but seeing as how BMW has its X5 M performance variant, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 does have some things going for it. Reports are also speculating that the powerful GC will arrive in 2012, at least, in order to give the two other variants some breathing room. Either way, SRT8 or no SRT8, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, by all accounts, will no doubt score some sales for the Pentastar. Still, until the end of the year when it will enter the market, we have some waiting to do. Source: Car and Driver Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Test Drive Unlimited 2 trailer has cars, beaches and babes Posted: 02 May 2010 11:56 PM PDT  In terms of racing video games, there are just a few big franchises out there, like Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport or Need For Speed. But a few years ago, Test Drive Unlimited burst out onto the racing scene, offering a big lineup of luxury cars and a stunning Hawaii backdrop in which you could race them, and gaining quite a lot of fans. Now, the team at Eden Studios are at it again and revealed the first trailer for the upcoming Test Drive Unlimited 2 racing video game. From the big array of fast cars, to the stunning backdrops of the same exotic island and the babes that populate its beaches, this trailer has it all. Hit the jump and check out the first trailer for Test Drive Unlimited 2, which will arrive this fall for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ford unveils 2011 DUB Mustang V6 special edition Posted: 02 May 2010 11:24 PM PDT  Ford has a habit of churning out special editions of its Mustang pony car. With the 2011 model, things haven’t changed, as the Blue Oval partnered up once more with Roush Performance and DUB magazine to reveal the 2011 DUB Mustang V6 special edition. As the name suggests, it is based on the more tamed 305 HP V6, rather than the 5.0-liter V8, but will still look the part, thanks to visual tuning from Roush and media hype from DUB. The team at Roush added a new front fascia, a windshield banner, a stripe package and an all-black interior. DUB, on the other hand, added a plethora of logos and the 21-inch TIS wheels that offer, alongside the Roush lowered suspension, an improved stance for the ‘Stang. This special edition will go on sale this fall, and will be available in coupe, convertible or glass roof form. A six-speed gearbox will be offered, both in manual and automatic flavors. Source: Ford Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 167,000 2004-2008 Acura TSX sedans recalled over potential fire hazard Posted: 02 May 2010 11:09 PM PDT  Another recall was signaled at the end of last week, with Honda announcing that 167,000 models of its last generation (2004-2008) Acura TSX sedan will be called back to dealerships in order to prevent a potential fire hazard. The problem stems from a power steering hose. It seems that all models equipped with the 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine need to have new hoses, an o-ring gasket and power steering fluid added. Why? It seems that because it is exposed to the high temperatures beneath the hood, the hose can deteriorate rapidly, causing fluid to leak out. This fluid can reach the exhaust system, where it can result in smoke or fire. Just one such incident was reported, but Acura wants to make sure it won’t happen again. Acura TSX sedan owners will be informed by mail at the end of the month, but you can call (800) 382-2238 for more info. Source: Acura Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Fiat and Alfa Romeo want fans to contribute on unique 500 and Giulietta models Posted: 02 May 2010 10:58 PM PDT  Fiat and Alfa Romeo have a lot of things to celebrate this year. While Alfa, as you surely know by now, is celebrating 100 years since its beginning, Fiat is boasting the fact that in just 2 and a half years, it has sold over 500,000 500 city car models. In order to properly celebrate this moment, the two companies, both owned by the Fiat group, decided to host special events dedicated to their UK fans. As such, 500 owners will be able to log into this website, where they can upload a picture that will be featured in a special mosaic-themed 500 model, the Fiat 500 Thousandth. It will feature over 1,500 pictures from regular owners, famous people and those who placed the new 500 on the map. Alfisti, on the other hand, need to visit this website where they can submit photos of their own Alfa models, both old and new. They will then be added to a mosaic-themed Giulietta that will boast pictures of iconic models from the past of the popular Italian brand. Overall, Fiat and Alfa are certainly going to score some big points for these special celebrations so if you live in the UK, you’d better start submitting your photos. Source: Fiat via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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