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Thursday, December 3, 2009
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- LA Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz showcases the SplitView technology in S Class models
- LA Auto Show: Dodge reveals 2010 Viper SRT10 plus ACR 1:33 and Voodoo ACR special editions
- Maserati reveals two special editions of GranTurismo S model, one for Middle East, one for Italy
- LA Auto Show 2009: Volkswagen presents Up! Lite hybrid diesel concept, does 2.44 liters/100 km (96 mpg)
- Audi S8 to pave the way for S7 and S1, Audi design director says
- LA Auto Show 2009: Infinit reveals M series, M37 and M56 due out next year alongside hybrid
- Spyker interested in buying Saab, GM boss might have resigned because of the Swedish brand
- LA Auto Show 2009: Volkswagen reveals Final Edition New Beetle collection, marks the end of the generation
- Mitsubishi confirms: Colt is coming to the USA in 2010
- LA Auto Show 2009: Mid-cycle Infiniti G37 Facelift revealed
| LA Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz showcases the SplitView technology in S Class models Posted: 03 Dec 2009 05:34 AM PST  Besides being host to new cars like the Infiniti M Series, exciting concepts like the Volkswagen Up! Lite, the 2009 edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show is also the place where Mercedes-Benz shows off the new SplitView display technology in its S Class models. The technology, which is developed by Bosch, enables the occupants of the front seats, the driver and passenger, to view different images. As such, the driver can view the navigation system or the Mercedes’ COMAND system, while the passenger can view a DVD or anything else. The big 7-inch display in the new S Class allows for the two pictures to be portrayed in detail, and in order to prevent any distraction for the driver, separates them, requiring the head of the viewer to be at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees in order to accurately see a picture, meaning that the driver would need to move his head in the place of the passenger, and not just in the front of the screen. While the technology may seem exciting, there is a problem, as many states and countries don’t allow video playback in the front of a car which is driving along a public road. Until laws will be changed or loopholes found and subsequently when the technology will become cheap/wanted enough, we might see such displays become standard on cars. Thanks for the tip, Gabitz! Source: GearLog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| LA Auto Show: Dodge reveals 2010 Viper SRT10 plus ACR 1:33 and Voodoo ACR special editions Posted: 03 Dec 2009 02:51 AM PST  I’m sure most Dodge Viper fans are aware that 2010 will be the last year the famous car will be made, but Dodge will certainly honor its snake with the best editions manufactured. At the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, the company revealed both the 2010 Viper SRT10 and two new special editions of the high performance ACR version, the ACR 1:33 and the Voodoo ACR. Starting with the regular edition, the new SRT10 will feature two new exterior paint jobs: Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, as well as a shorter fifth gear ration, which improves the top speed. The “regular” ACR will also receive a new short-throw shifter, as well as aerodynamic tweaks to the rear wing, boosting its downforce and the top speed of 184 mph. Onward to the special editions, as you might have guessed, the Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 is dedicated to the record lap the model achieved at the famous Laguna Seca racing circuit, and will feature a unique two-tone Black and Red Clear Coats (that’s the opposite of the regular Viper ACR of Red and Black), as well as piano black console bezels and red gauge highlights. The Voodoo ACR will sport a Black Clear Coat paint scheme with a single Graphite stripe, featuring a red ouline. Only 10 such cars will be made, so you’ll have to hurry. Overall, the 2010 Dodge Viper is set to go out with a bang and will most definitely be missed by many fans. Hopefully the future performance Dodge car (with input from Ferrari) will successfully replace the old snake. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Maserati reveals two special editions of GranTurismo S model, one for Middle East, one for Italy Posted: 03 Dec 2009 02:15 AM PST  Maserati is a smart company as it knows where the money is still coming from and what markets haven’t been really influenced by the recession: its native Italy, more or less, and the Middle East. That is why the company has announced two special editions dedicated to the two regions. The first one goes to the Middle East (show here in front of the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit in Abu Dhabi), where a limited run of 12 Maserati GranTurismo S models will be made, decked out in Matte White “Ice” paint, and will feature many options from the MC Sports Line. 12 is a symbolic number, as it represents the number of awards the MC12 model got in the FIA GT championship, and the number of dealerships Maserati has in the Middle East, as each of them will get a single car.  For its native Italians, only 11 cars will be made, sporting a Matte Bianco Fuji paint with pearlescent nuances, and will also feature exclusive options from the MC Sports Line. No word on pricing, but considering how exclusive these cars will be, it will definitely make a hole in the wallets of the future customers. Source: Maserati Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Posted: 03 Dec 2009 02:01 AM PST  Volkswagen took the chance at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show to present its newest concept, the Volkswagen Up! Lite. As the name suggests, it is related to the upcoming Up! city car, but does away with many features from the boxy design to the rear wheel drive and rear engine placement, for a sportier look (presumably testing out reactions to an Up! Sport) and a front-wheel drive, front engine placement. What’s most interesting about the new Up! Lite is that Volkswagen advertises it to be the second most efficient concept in the world, beaten only by the L1 model which was shown by the German company at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The diesel hybrid sees the same 800cc TDI engine from the L1, coupled through a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox with a small electric engine.  But don’t go thinking that the four-seater model will have rubbish performance figures, as the Up! Lite manages to reach 100 mph (160 km/h) and does 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a respectable 12 seconds. This is largely due to its extremely low weight of just 695 kg (1,530 pounds). As such, the car reaches a fuel economy of 2.44 liters/100 km (96 mpg (US) or 115.8 (UK). Partly to “blame” for this low weight is the combination of lightweight steel, aluminum and carbon fiber, used in all of its parts. For example the roof is made out of carbon fiber and the wheels are formed by ten carbon fiber spokes, dressed in aluminum. The outside mirrors have been replace with small cameras, as well as the inside one. Another nifty little feature is an automatic air dam, which lifts when the TDI engine needs more air.  Overall, this new Volkswagen Up! Lite concept looks pretty good, and with the promise of transporting four people with such a great economy, it might be a best seller. Until and if it reaches the road, fans are going to have to settle with the normal (phat?!) Up!, which will go on sale in 2011. Source: Volkswagen Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Audi S8 to pave the way for S7 and S1, Audi design director says Posted: 03 Dec 2009 01:30 AM PST  In a surprisingly bold move, Audi’s design director, Stefan Sielaff, revealed, after the formal presentation of the 2011 Audi A8, that the high performance S8 version, which will arrive at the end of 2010 probably, will pave the way in terms of design for other performance models, name-checking the S7 and S1. This is the first time an Audi representative even admitted to the existence of the upcoming A7, and has even confirmed that the future A1 city car will also see a performance version. He also revealed that the S8 will most likely be powered by a turbocharged V8 engine, rather the a borrowed V10 from Lamborghini, as is the current generation’s S8. Future S models will also differentiate in more ways from the standard models on which they will be based, with Sielaff confirming that more aluminum and carbon fiber inserts will be used on the inside. So there you have it Audi fans, expect many surprises from future S models, coming for every vehicle set to be launched in the near future. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| LA Auto Show 2009: Infinit reveals M series, M37 and M56 due out next year alongside hybrid Posted: 03 Dec 2009 01:17 AM PST  Infiniti has definitely prepared a lot of interesting things for the 2009 edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show, as after “wetting” the appetite of its fans with the facelifted G37 sedan, it went to the main course, the new M series lineup of models, which will consist of two normal cars, the M37 and M56, as well as a hybrid, presumably based on the M37, which will arrive sometimes in 2010 or early 2011. The new series, which will target, among other rivals, the Mercedes-Benz E Class or BMW 5 Series, will feature a wide array of safety technologies as well as all the gadgets any tech fan would want. Based on the company’s rear-wheel drive Front-Midship platform, which sees the engine placed behind the front axle, the new car aims also aims at pleasing those who want a sporty feel in their sedan. The first engine is the already familiar 3.7-liter V6 unit, which develops 330 HP with 270 lb-ft of torque. Those who want more power, can opt for the new 5.6-liter V8, which delivers 420 HP and 417 lb-ft of torque. All of the models will be coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission which features paddles behind the steering wheel, and four modes: Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow. Technologies like the Blind Spot Recognition system, which can steer the car from a possible crash, Active Noise Control, which eliminates low frequency sounds, Forest Air climate, which adds a subtle hint of fresh aromas to the air delivered by the A/C, or the Dynamic Cornering Assistance, which gently applies the brake to prevent any unwanted maneuvers, will also be emplaced. Look forward to the new models in the 2011 Infiniti M series in 2010, with prices to be announced sometime closer to the release date. Until then, enjoy the photo gallery below. Photo Gallery: 2010 Infiniti M Series
Source: Infiniti Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Spyker interested in buying Saab, GM boss might have resigned because of the Swedish brand Posted: 03 Dec 2009 12:38 AM PST  Fresh news from the Scandinavian front, as it seems that while Wyoming-based merchant bank Merbanco has retired from the new competition for buying Swedish carmaker Saab from GM, new potential buyers have risen, with the most important being Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker. But while GM revealed that it will be taking into consideration all bids for its Scandinavian brand, which has been struggling financially for quite some time, it seems that the failed deal with Koenigsegg to sell the brand to the supercarmaker might have had some big side effects. New rumors indicate that yesterday’s announcement that GM CEO and president, Fritz Henderson, has resigned was tied to the fact that he wanted Saab closed down, a measure that the board of directors wasn’t happy with, considering that the brand might be saved and the potential costs of closing down Saab might have been too high. Although we certainly won’t get a confirmation of what happened behind closed doors at GM, an announcement about the fate of Saab is approaching at the end of December. Will it be a merry Christmas for the Swedish brand? It’s all up to GM and the potential buyers. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Posted: 03 Dec 2009 12:25 AM PST  During the 2009 edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen took the chance to introduce the last (hopefully) special edition of its New Beetle model, which marks the end of the current generation which despite bearing the iconic name, hasn’t really been a hit. The Final Edition New Beetles will come in coupe and convertible flavors, each in a limited run of 1,500 units. They will all be powered by the 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder unit, which developrs 150 HP and is coupled to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox that sends the power to the front wheels. Speaking of wheels, they will be feature a unique set 17-inch alloy rims, coupled to a new sport suspension.  In terms of looks, the new Final Edition will featured an Aquarius Blue paint job, with the hardtop model sporting a black roof and integrated fog lights, as opposed to the convertible, which goes for a two-tone look, alternating the Aquarius Blue with Campanella White, the former stretching out to cover the folding canvas top. You should also expect special badging to adorn the interior of the models, which start from $20,240 for the coupe and $27,170 for the convertible. Source and Photos: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mitsubishi confirms: Colt is coming to the USA in 2010 Posted: 03 Dec 2009 12:11 AM PST  If you’re a small car fan living in the USA, things are going to become quite hectic next year. With the new Ford Fiesta aiming for a large chunk of the market, current dominated by models like the Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris, it seems that Mitsubishi will also be entering the B segment, as it revealed that it will bring its new Colt model in the USA. That’s right, you’ll be able to get the new Lancer-nosed city car which in territories like Europe, is experiencing some decent sales. But what’s more important is that Mitsubishi might also bring special editions of the model, like the highly appreciated Ralliart one (pictured above). Sadly no further details were given and until early next year, nothing will be revealed. Are you excited or should Mitsubishi keep this model outside the US? Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| LA Auto Show 2009: Mid-cycle Infiniti G37 Facelift revealed Posted: 02 Dec 2009 11:59 PM PST  As most of you car fans know, the 2009 edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show is in full swing, with yesterday being filled with announcements about new cars, facelifts and concepts. It was this day that Infiniti revealed the mid-cycle revamp of its G37 sedan. While the luxury brand of Nissan didn’t showcase any major changes on its model, plenty of fans will find the new additions to further nuance the styling of the car. Starting off with the new headlamp and foglight clusters, the G37 also saw its rear bumper redesigned and sports a new set of 17-inch five-spoke wheels. The biggest changes however were made on the inside, where customers will find a revamped center console, which borrows elements from the EX and FX crossovers, and a new white background color for the dial and LCD display.  Infiniti fans will also find the new “infotainment” system, Connectiviti, which boasts a hard disk, and can connect everything from your MP3 player to your mobile phone. Las but not least you can order lighter leather coloring and three new paint jobs: Smokey Quartz, Graphite Shadow and Vibrant Red. The new 2010 Infiniti G37 sedan will go on sale next spring, with prices to be revealed before that. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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