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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- RPMGO answers: Manual or Automatic transmission - Which is better?
- Video: Ken Block introduces his Monster Ford Fiesta rally car
- Toyota suspends sale of recalled models over unintended acceleration worries
- BMW M3 Competition Package might arrive soon
- Mini reportedly prepping John Cooper Works performance Countryman variant
- GM officially announces Saab sale to Spyker
- No cash for an Aston Martin? Get an Opel Calibra-based replica from Thailand
- USA bans texting and cell phone usage for truck and bus drivers
- Mazda unveils facelifted Atenza/Mazda6 for Japanese market, European version arriving in Geneva
- Brabus unveils Mercedes-Benz GL 63 Biturbo
| RPMGO answers: Manual or Automatic transmission - Which is better? Posted: 27 Jan 2010 03:56 AM PST Hello and welcome to the first edition of “RPMGO answers”, which is a new feature in which we take commonly asked car-related questions and, as you might have guessed, try to find an answer for them, or at least the next best thing. The first question is something which has crossed the minds of many car buyers, and, depending on their native country, will find various answers: Which is better, a manual (stick shift) transmission or an automatic one. Read on to find our answer and various things you need to keep in mind when considering them. If you’ll be buying a car for all sorts of uses, but want to be in control at all times, then the manual is for you. Not only will be able to control the car, you’ll also be much better suited to quick overtakes, as you can just downshift and use the newfound power for your acceleration. But all of these things do come at a price, as you will get a bit tired of constantly shifting in busy traffic, and your left foot will be getting quite an exercise during those times. Up until a few years ago, these were the classic elements, but with new types of automatic boxes, like Audi’s Tiptronic, or Volkswagen’s DSG, more and more attributes are arriving in the auto side, including faster response times, the possibility of sequential manual shifting, for times where you want to be in control, and with even newer ones, a better fuel economy than the manual ‘box Frankly with technology rapidly evolving, it’s everyone’s choice. In the end it just depends on how comfortable you want to be, and just what type of driver your are. Purists will always chose manual over automatics, especially in Europe for example, but markets like North America or Japan might prefer automatic ones. Feel free to share your views on this age-old debate below. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Ken Block introduces his Monster Ford Fiesta rally car Posted: 27 Jan 2010 03:52 AM PST  Ken Block made quite a few of its fans, and those of Subaru, sad when he announced that with the 2010 season, he will be racing with Ford, in the new Fiesta model, instead of the Impreza WRX STI. But fans can rest assured, the compact hatchback will definitely be up for the challenge, at least in terms of style, as Block and the Monster World Rally Team for which he will race, have presented their rally car. Block and the Fiesta will be put through its paces in the Rally America Championship and the X-Games, and Block will also try his hand with the Ford Focus RS in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in specific stages of the competition. Seeing as how the Fiesta has already proved it can race in rallies, granting Mikko Hirvonen victory in the Monte Carlo stage of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge with the M-Sport team, it'll definitely be interesting to see what Block can do. Meanwhile, hit the jump to see the video presentation of the car. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Toyota suspends sale of recalled models over unintended acceleration worries Posted: 27 Jan 2010 03:42 AM PST  We've been keeping you up to date with the recent major recalls from Toyota, most of them over unintended acceleration worries, either due to floor mats or faulty accelerator pedals, which would not return to their normal position. After these major recalls, Toyota is putting safety first, and announced that certain models are to be suspended from sale until everything gets checked out. The following eight cars have been reserved: 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, Certain 2007-2010 Camry models (hybrid not included), 2010 Highlander (hybrid not included), 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Sequoia. Toyota also mentions that no Scion or Lexus models have been affected by the recent problems, so it's business as usual for them. Source: Toyota Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| BMW M3 Competition Package might arrive soon Posted: 27 Jan 2010 03:37 AM PST  The BMW M3 is currently one of the most appreciated performance models on the market, stunning everyone with its balance and capability of being an everyday car but also offer some extreme thrills when you put your foot down. For those of you keen to show off the performance of your M3, you'll be happy to hear the latest rumor coming from BMW's M division, regarding a special Competition Package for the current model, with various bits and pieces taken from the M3 GTS, which we revealed to your last year. According to the guys at BimmerFile, we can expect things like larger wheels, reportedly 19-inch, shod in performance tires, lowered suspension by 10mm or a new EDC Sport setting with the emphasis on sport. No other details were leaked, but we might expect other upgrades made to the braking system or Alcantara on the inside on the model. Either way, the performance of the car will certainly be improved by this new Competition Package. If you won't be able to buy an M3 GTS, this will bring your car one step closer to it. Source: BimmerFile Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mini reportedly prepping John Cooper Works performance Countryman variant Posted: 27 Jan 2010 03:32 AM PST  Mini has barely announced the new Countryman crossover model, and rumors are already pegging a high performance John Cooper Works edition to be in the making at the headquarters of British brand. The new model will still make use of the BMW 1.6-liter engine, but will see its output taken to around 225 HP in the Countryman, as opposed to the regular 208 HP value for the normal JCW Mini cars. This power will of course be transferred through the ALL4 technology to … yeah, all four wheels. It is expected for the performance Countryman to also feature upgraded suspension, chassis as well as better brakes and an improved aerodynamic body kit. Rumors are pegging this variant of the Countryman to arrive sometime in 2011, although it is still just speculation. Either way, we will see a performance Countryman sooner or later, especially if Mini will enter the rally scene next year. Source: Turbo via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| GM officially announces Saab sale to Spyker Posted: 27 Jan 2010 03:09 AM PST  After a ride not fit for any roller coaster in the world, Swedish brand Saab has finally reached the end of its journey, as its current owner, General Motors announced that the company will be sold to Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker, after an extremely lengthy negotiation process, and will avoid being closed down.
The new company will be called Spyker Saab Automobiles, and it is reported that the Dutch manufacturer paid around $74 million up front, and will also give GM $326 million in preferred shares from the new financial entity. Part of the deal includes GM handing over the Trollhattan plant, together with its 3,500 workers, and also some intellectual rights, technologies and platforms that are currently used in models like the brand new 2011 Saab 9-5. The contract is also rumored to force Vladimir Antonov, the Russian backer of Spyker to step down, so that GM can sleep well at night, knowing its tech doesn't fall into the wrong hands (can you say paranoia?). Overall, it's nice to see that Saab was saved after all, but it still has a long way to go until it becomes profitable. Hopefully with the new found supporters all over the world, more models will be sold, and Spyker and Saab will have a great relationship in the future. Source: GM Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| No cash for an Aston Martin? Get an Opel Calibra-based replica from Thailand Posted: 27 Jan 2010 03:03 AM PST  Tuners go to many extremes in order to modify various cars, but sometimes they take it one step higher, and end up recreating other cars (usually very expensive ones), based on more affordable models. Such was the case with this presumed tuning project from Thailand, where a group of budding engineers transformed an Opel Calibra coupe into an Aston Martin, a DBS or DB9 from what it seems, presumably to run around like James Bond in the Asian country.  While no other details are known, it's still a pretty interesting project, and if you didn't have a trained eye, you might even believe it's the real UK-built deal. What do you think? Would we see James Bond in such a car? Leave a comment below. Source: Top Speed via CarScoop Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| USA bans texting and cell phone usage for truck and bus drivers Posted: 27 Jan 2010 02:53 AM PST  The problem of texting, or worse speaking on the phone while driving, has been talked about for quite some time. Recently the US government held a public debate on whether or not texting and cell phone usage should be banned for truck or bus drivers, as they jeopardize the safety of other traffic participants. This has generated some pretty negative reactions from truck drivers, which said that their whole business depends on staying in contact with headquarters or the client. But to no avail, as the government has passed the bill which effectively bans the use of a mobile phone while driving big machinery. Those found guilty of such a crime will support a fine of up to $2,750. The Department of Transportation also revealed that other legal remedies will be researched in the following time period so that road safety will be increased and accidents due to driver distraction will become less frequent. Source: Department of Transportation via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mazda unveils facelifted Atenza/Mazda6 for Japanese market, European version arriving in Geneva Posted: 27 Jan 2010 02:47 AM PST  Mazda has just unveiled the newest facelift made to its mid-size sedan, the Atenza, as it is known in Japan, or simply Mazda6, as it is known everywhere else in the world. The new restyle closely follows the Zoom-Zoom philosophy, and borrows from models like the current Mazda3. The changes aren't extremely noticeable, but fans will definitely observe the new five-point grille, giving the car a sportier feel, and will also be able to check out the revamped rear spoiler, and choose from 17 or 18-inch wheels. Two new colors were also added: Clear Water Blue Metallic and Midnight Bronze Mica. On the inside, piano black trim will now be available for the center console, gearshift knob, and doors, giving the Mazda6 a classier look. In terms of engines, the company announced that a new 2.0-liter DISI direct-injection gasoline unit, which will comply with all the latest emissions regulations, and will also be joined by a 1.8 and 2.5-liter units of the same variety. Diesel engines will be able to choose from three flavors of the 2.2-liter engine, offering anything from 129 and 180 HP.  Other changes were made under the body, with upgraded suspension, chassis and steering, so that customers can enjoy a better ride. The Mazda Atenza will soon be available on the Japanese Domestic Market, while the Mazda6 will be shown during the Geneva Motor Show and launched later this year in all other territories. Source: Mazda Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Brabus unveils Mercedes-Benz GL 63 Biturbo Posted: 27 Jan 2010 02:38 AM PST  The guys at Brabus haven't missed any new Mercedes-Benz model and offer a wide range of customization options and upgrades for almost all vehicles in the lineup. The latest to get such a treatment is the GL Class, with the big, heavy SUV getting a new engine, courtesy of the ML 63 AMG, and various other enhancements. The engine has been modified to deliver 650 HP with 850 NM of torque, enough to propel the SUV to a top speed of 186.4 mph (300 km/h). 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) is achieved in a pretty reasonable 4.7 seconds. The engine is also coupled with a modified Speedshift 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox, which channels its power to all four wheels. Other upgrades include a new intake and exhaust, upgraded brakes, suspension and a set of 23-inch wheels, wrapped in performance tires. Brabus offers its Widestar exterior design package, which includes 3cm wide fender flares, a new front apron, bigger air inlets, LED daytime running lights, underfloor lighting and four new extra headlamps. For the back, a new roof spoiler, restyled front apron, a rear diffuser and a set of quad-pipe exhaust were also fitted.  On the inside, customers will be treated to new materials such as Mastik leather, Alcantara, and a choice of either wood or carbon fiber inserts. There are plenty of colors to choose from, and LCD screens can be installed for the rear passengers with DVD playback capabilities. The cost for this bespoke luxury? Just €368,000 ($517,849). Source: WorldCarFans Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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