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Thursday, February 11, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- 2011 Volkswagen Touareg presents itself
- Toyota reportedly scraps current FT-86 design for a new one
- Proof that Lamborghini can’t buy you class
- Video: Nissan officially reveals Juke crossover
- Videos: 2011 Volvo S60 gets presented, driven and crashed
- Honda adds another 378,758 vehicles to explosive airbag recall
- Kia unveils Ray plug-in hybrid concept in Chicago
- Opel highlights future plans, will reach profit in 2012
- Video: Ford presents the 2011 Edge crossover in Chicago
- Video: Hennessey unleashes VelociRaptor 500 Ford F150 pick-up
| 2011 Volkswagen Touareg presents itself Posted: 11 Feb 2010 04:32 AM PST  After a pretty big success for its current SUV model, Volkswagen has finally decided to present the next generation of the German car, the 2011 Touareg. Sporting the overall basic shape of the previous model, the new Touareg does feature a few more dynamic lines, with the biggest change appearing on the front fascia, which borrows heavily the new design line showcased on the Scirocco, Golf VI and Polo. The stand-out feature however is the LED contour of the headlights adding a certain note of style to the SUV. But even though the design will bring some much needed changes to the looks of the Touareg, the biggest and most expected modifications have been made under the hood. The engine range for the 2011 model will be constituted of a 280 HP 3.6-liter V6, a 240 HP 3.0-liter TDI V6 (31.8 mpg) and a range-topping 340 HP 4.2-liter TDI V8 (25.8 mpg). The most important model, however, will be the hybrid version of the Touareg, which combines a supercharged, direct injection 333 HP 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with a 47 HP electric motor, totaling 380 HP with a combined fuel average of just 28.6 mpg (US). The new Touareg, which according to VW is now 20% more efficient, has also shed around 460 pounds (around 200kg). It will use an eight-speed automatic gearbox on all models, without any low-ratio gearbox. For those who want to really take their SUV off road, there will be a special “Escape” edition for the 3.0-liter V6 TDI, which includes reduction gearing, electronically controlled locking center and rear differentials and a five-way traction control management system for the four-wheel drive system. Overall, the new Touareg seems to bring quite a lot of interesting things. Check it out in the photo gallery below, and wait for the Geneva Motor Show next March to see it live. Until then, share your thoughts about it below. Photo Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
Source: Volkswagen Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Toyota reportedly scraps current FT-86 design for a new one Posted: 11 Feb 2010 03:22 AM PST  A new, pretty worrying report has just arrived concerning Toyota and its FT-86 concept, which previews the company’s new rear-wheel drive sports coupe: the current design, which was showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show and the Tokyo Auto Salon, has been scrapped in favor of another, tamer one. It seems that the Japanese company has commissioned three design teams, the Toyota Technical Center from Japan, the Toyota Europe Design Development and the Calty Design Research bureau from North America, to issue designs for the FT-86. The European design was favored at first, and was chosen for the model we saw up until now, but it now seems that Toyota has opted to go with the Calty Design one, which takes a tamer approach at the looks of the new Japanese rear-wheel drive coupe. Do bear in mind that this is still in rumor stage but if it turns out to be true, we’re definitely going to miss the current FT-86 design. Source: Holiday Autos via FT-86club via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Proof that Lamborghini can’t buy you class Posted: 11 Feb 2010 02:54 AM PST  In case you have enough money to buy a Lamborghini, then good for you. But don’t go thinking that an Italian sportscar can buy you class immediately, not even if you get the chance to ride in one. This picture right here proves that thing. A passenger in a Lamborghini Gallardo, from what we can tell, saw fit to further highlight his “worth” and to mock other motorists on a highway. How did he do that? By mooning other people. Luckily, some guy managed to take a picture of the idiot and now all other Lambo others can bow their heads in shame for what this guy did to them and to the Italian brand Source: Zoso Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Nissan officially reveals Juke crossover Posted: 11 Feb 2010 02:08 AM PST  Yes car fans, that “thing” above is the new Nissan Juke, the company’s next attempt to spice things up in a traditional car segment, the B one in this case, after the Qashqai managed to take on the C segment and win quite a lot of fans. The new Juke is based on the Qazana concept, and uses an highly modified Nissan Micra platform. Its controversial design is due to the Paddington Design Centre, in the UK, and seeks to attract young male buyers, which want something out of the ordinary for their urban life. From the looks of it, the Juke is quite out of the ordinary, to say the least, but its engine lineup will still be quite solid. The top of the range will be a 187 HP 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, which will be coupled with a four-wheel drive configuration and a CVT transmission. Two-wheel drive models will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox, and two other engines: a 113 HP 1.6-liter gasoline engine and a 110 HP 1.4-liter diesel. Quite a lot of features will be included in the Juke, including keyless entry and start, a rear-view camera and automatic headlights. You will also be able to order options like underbody protection plates, illumination door sills and even a roof spoiler. The Juke is scheduled to be revealed for the European market at the Geneva Motor Show, in March, while the US-spec version will premiere at the New York Auto Show in April. Until then, check out the photo gallery below and hit the jump to see a video presentation of the controversial mini crossover. Photo Gallery: Nissan Juke
Source: Nissan Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Videos: 2011 Volvo S60 gets presented, driven and crashed Posted: 11 Feb 2010 01:15 AM PST  Volvo has unveiled yesterday the new 2011 S60 sedan, which will sports the new brand design, and also a plethora of safety features, with the pedestrian collision system being the most important one. In order to fully show off the new car, which will see its formal debut at the Geneva Motor Show this March, the Swedish company released five new videos, showcasing the interior and exterior design, how it drives on the open road and on the city, and, last but not least, how it handles in a crash. Hit the jump to enjoy the new 2011 Volvo S60 in these videos. Source: CarScoop Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Honda adds another 378,758 vehicles to explosive airbag recall Posted: 11 Feb 2010 12:58 AM PST  Airbags save plenty of lives each day, but it seems that some specific ones in Honda models can just as easily take them. Back in 2008, the Japanese company found out about a problem with the airbag inflator device, which can deploy the airbag with such violence that it (the inflator) can rupture, effectively sending its metal pieces like shrapnel in towards the driver and passengers. At that time, around 4,000 2001 Accord and Civic models were recalled, but in July last year, the Japanese carmaker also added around 440,000 2001 and 2002 Accord, Civic and even 2002 Acura TL models to the recall. Now, 378,758 vehicles, including 2001 and 2002 Accord, Civic, Odyssey, CR-V and a few 2002 Acura TL models, are set to be recalled in the next few weeks into dealerships so that a fix can be implemented. This isn’t Honda’s first big recall of the year, as it already called back 646,000 Fit/Jazz from all over the world due to a problem with the power windows, which could lead to fires erupting. Source: Honda Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Kia unveils Ray plug-in hybrid concept in Chicago Posted: 11 Feb 2010 12:41 AM PST  After Hyundai presented its Blue-Will plug-in hybrid, it was only natural that Kia will showcase its own take on that type of technology. After a bit of teasing, the South Korean company has presented the Ray PHEV at the Chicago Auto Show, which is going these days in the windy city. The model, presented as a pure concept, will use a 151 HP 1.4-liter petrol engine (smaller than the Hyundai concept), mated with a 78kW electric motor, powered by a pack of lithium-ion batteries. According to Kia, the car can go for 50 miles on electric power alone, averaging 202.3 mpg, and around 750 miles using the combined power output, averaging 77.6 mpg. These impressive figures are due to the great aerodynamics of the car, having a drag coefficient of just 0.25. Even though it mimics other hybrid shapes like the Toyota Prius or the Honda Insight, the Ray also has such features as a one-piece underbody and slim 20-inch wheels wrapped in low-resistance tires. Weight was also saved on the inside of this concept, with the use of mesh seats made from lightweight materials, with mesh also being used on the door inserts. Notable features include the solar panels on the roof, which provide more power to the heater, a Microsoft-designed infotainment system and the presence of rear-hinged “suicide doors”. While some of you may think this concept is previewing a production model, voices are saying that Kia will use it only as a presentation for the technology, and offer it on already established models like the Cee’d hatchback. For that purpose, the company also unveiled that a sub brand, called EcoDynamics, will be introduced to highlight the most fuel efficient vehicles in its lineup. The Kia Ray concept can be admired at the Chicago Auto Show and below, in our photo gallery. Photo Gallery: Kia Ray Concept
Source: Kia Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Opel highlights future plans, will reach profit in 2012 Posted: 11 Feb 2010 12:10 AM PST  Opel/Vauxhal’s new CEO, Nick Reilly, revealed yesterday the future plans for the company, now that it is safely established that it will continue under GM, and won’t be sold to another corporation. The five-year business plan, presented by Reilly, ensures that the company will reach profit in 2012, and that until 2014, an estimated £9.7 billion (around $15.1 bn) will be invested in the carmaker. As such, it will seek out loans from various European governments including Germany, UK, Spain an Austria, amounting to £2.4 billion. To kickstart the process, GM has also contributed with £500 million.
Said overhaul will still require a capacity reduction of around 20%, meaning that 8,300 jobs will need to be cut, with 7,000 affecting manufacturing and the rest in sales and administration structures. The money attained will then be invested in three key ares: the development of new vehicles, including one which will slot in beneath the Corsa, the introduction of fuel efficient cars, like the upcoming Ampera, and the possibility of expanding to the Middle East and Asia.
With the new vehicles like the Insignia or Astra looking extremely good, both in terms of quality and price, and with this stable future direction, Opel might just fulfill these plans. What do you think? Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Ford presents the 2011 Edge crossover in Chicago Posted: 10 Feb 2010 11:56 PM PST  Even though it doesn’t have the importance of the Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS), the Chicago Auto Show, which is going on these days in the windy city, is still host to a few new models. One of them is the 2011 Ford Edge facelift, which comes with a restyled appearance and a few new engines in the lineup for the Blue Oval’s crossover. The most important unit, from the three engines available, is the new EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which promises improve fuel economy and lower emissions while keeping power levels at a respectable level. The standard engine on the 2011 Edge will still be 3.5-liter V6 one, which develops 285 HP and 253 lb-ft of torque, while the Edge Sport edition will include the 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine capable of 305 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque. Among the new things in the improved Edge is its restyled front fascia, and the slightly revised rear end. The brake system has also received an upgrade, complete with larger rear rotors and revised brake booster. The Edge SEL and Limited trim lines will now sport 18-inch wheels, with 20-inch ones available as an option, while the Edge Sport (pictured above) will go all in with 22-inch wheels as standard. As with all new models from the Blue Oval, the MyFord Touch infotainment system is included, appearing as standard on the Edge Limited and Sport. It will boast a 8-inch color touchscreen LCD, which will match the revised instruments, and the dual multi-tasking 4.2-inch information panels, located on each side of the speedometer, which can be operated by the switches located on the steering wheel. Hit the jump to see the video presentation of the 2011 Ford Edge and enjoy the photo gallery below. Photo Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge
Source: Ford Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Hennessey unleashes VelociRaptor 500 Ford F150 pick-up Posted: 10 Feb 2010 11:24 PM PST  Ford’s F150 Raptor pick-up truck is an extremely popular vehicle in the USA, but even though it has plenty of grunt for the everyday tasks it needs to do, the tuners at Hennessey believed an increase in power is never a bad thing. As such, they fitted a Whipple supercharger onto the Raptor’s 5.4-liter V8 engine, taking its power up to 501 HP and 520 lb-ft of torque. The engineers also threw in some other engine mods like a K&N intake, upgraded fuel injectors, a stainless steel exhaust system and, as usual, an updated the ECU for increased performance. The result is a massive decrease in the 0 to 62 mph time of this new model, dubbed the VelociRaptor 500, from 8.4 to 5.6 seconds. Quarter mile times have also been improved, as the performance pick-up will now be able to sprint it in 14.1 seconds while reaching 97 mph. In case these features sparked your interest, the full kit costs $10,950, or you opt to have it installed by the guys at Hennessey themselves, for $14,995, which also includes a one-year warranty. In case you’re still not convinced, hit the jump to a video of the Hennessey VelociRaptor 500. Source: Hennessey Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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