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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Porsche 918 Spyder Concept revealed, 718 HP plug-in hybrid [Video]
- Audi A1 e-tron ER-EV concept revealed
- Mercedes-Benz reveals new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 for the S63 AMG
- Audi A8 hybrid concept presents itself
- 2012 Ford Focus Wagon revealed before Geneva debut
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the new Formula 1 safety car
- Video: Audi teases live unveil of the A1 from the Geneva Motor Show
- Skoda Fabia vRS arrives with 178 HP in Geneva
- Volkswagen presents the new Sharan MPV
- 2010 Geneva Motor Show preview: All of the big premieres
Porsche 918 Spyder Concept revealed, 718 HP plug-in hybrid [Video] Posted: 02 Mar 2010 03:40 AM PST For Porsche fans who thought the Cayenne Hybrid and the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car were bad news, the Stuttgart manufacturer is twisting the blade, and has just announced the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept car at the Geneva Motor Show. Porsche revealed that the 918 Spyder Concept is the preview of things to come from the company, and not just an insight into a new production car. Either way, judging by the power figures, we would gladly welcome it. The car has a 500 HP V8 engine, which works together with a pair of electric motors (one for each axle), developing a combined 218 HP. The complete power figure of 718 HP is enough to propel the 918 Spyder from 0 to 62 mph in a whopping 3.2 seconds and reach 198 mph. What’s better yet is that the expected fuel average will be around 70 mpg (US) or around 3 liters/100 km. The CO2 output is pegged at an extremely frugal 70 grams/km. Porsche revealed that the concept boasts a parallel hybrid setup, allowing for even a full EV mode (E-Drive) which sees the two electric motors propel the car for up to 16 miles. Other modes include Hybrid, which does just what you’d expect, Sport Hybrid, which favors the conventional engine more, and Race Hybrid, which uses the full extent of the gasoline engine, and the full power of the motors. According to Porsche, the 918 Spyder Concept lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in just 7:30 minutes. While purists will frown at the sight of such a concept, the power figures make it a great Porsche. What do you believe? Hit the jump to check out a video of the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept and then share your thoughts with us. Source: Porsche Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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Audi A1 e-tron ER-EV concept revealed Posted: 02 Mar 2010 02:36 AM PST Audi has been pretty busy promoting its new A1 city car model, but it won’t release just the regular edition of the premium hatch at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, but also an Extended Range Electric Vehicle, called the A1 e-tron. For those of you not yet familiar with ER-EVs, the setup is similar to the one on the Chevrolet Volt. The electric motor completely powers the car, and when its battery reserve runs low, an extended range conventional engine kicks in to recharge it. For the A1 e-tron, the setup includes a 45kW (61 HP) electric motor, which can see its power boosted to 75kW (102 HP) in short bursts. 0 to 62 mph time is around 10 seconds, pretty decent for such a model. What’s more interesting is that Audi didn’t opt for a conventional gasoline or diesel engine to provide the extended range option, but a single-rotor Wankel unit, which isn’t so popular these days (except for the Mazda RX-8). While the motor and the rest of the electronics will sit in the front, where the conventional engine is found on normal cars, the Wankel unit, displacing 254cc, will sit in the back, with the battery pack. Audi revealed that the full range of the car is 130 miles, with a fuel average of 124 mpg (US). Overall, the lightweight city car is looking pretty good. It’s also another step in Audi’s strategy to develop the e-tron badge the same way as the quattro one. Source: Audi Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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Mercedes-Benz reveals new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 for the S63 AMG Posted: 02 Mar 2010 01:30 AM PST Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division has just unleashed its newest engine, codenamed the M157, promising increased performance and improved efficiency. The unit in question, a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8, will gradually replace the aging 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated unit. The first car to feature the new mill will be this summer’s revised Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, and before you ask: no, it’s not going to change its name because of the smaller engine. But while many of you firmly believe that there’s no replacement for displacement, check out the performance figures of the new engine before you reach for those rocks: in the standard form, the 5.5-liter V8 will develop 544 HP and 586 lb-ft of torque, improving on the old engine. For those who want even more power, a special AMG performance package is available, taking the output to 571 HP and 660 lb-ft. So, the new engine can certainly develop a huge amount of power, but how about efficiency? Well MB says it, in the S63 AMG, will do 23.5 mpg (US) running on the EU combined cycle, but that might change because of the different testing procedures by the EPA in the USA. Either way, technologies like Auto Start Stop, kinetic energy regeneration and cylinder deactivation will be included. The engine’s efficiency will also be booster by 25% over the old one thanks to the SpeedShift MCT seven-speed gearbox which is already found on the E63 and SL63 models. The first Mercedes-Benz S63 showcar with the new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, and, as you can see above, is decorated in the historic livery of a 300 SEL model, which won its class and finished second overall during the 1971 24-hour Spa-Francorchamps race. Source: Mercedes-Benz Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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Audi A8 hybrid concept presents itself Posted: 02 Mar 2010 01:02 AM PST Just before the Geneva Motor Show will open its doors to members of the press, Audi officially revealed the A8 hybrid “design study”. The car, based on the 2011 Audi A8 limousine, combines a 2.0-liter TFSI engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 245 HP and 354 lb-ft of torque. Performance figures include a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.5 seconds, but what’s really important about this concept is the 38 mpg average (on the EU cycle), improving the standard A8’s figure by 20%. Full EV drive mode is available, but for just 1.2 miles and for speeds up to 40 mph. While the lihium ion battery is stored in the boot, Audi is quick to point out that 14 cubic inches of space are still available, for all your needs. The Audi A8 hybrid concept will be sitting on special 21-inch wheels, and be adorned with hybrid badges at its debut during the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Source: Audi Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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2012 Ford Focus Wagon revealed before Geneva debut Posted: 02 Mar 2010 12:43 AM PST Ford is slowly but surely adding to the lineup of cars based on its new C platform. After revealing the C-Max and Grand C-Max last year, the four-door sedan and five-door hatch version of the 2012 Focus at the Detroit Auto Show this year, the company will now present the 2012 Ford Focus Wagon, at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The car is pretty much just what you’d expect, a wagon variant of the 2012 Focus we saw earlier in Detroit. Its elongated look and utilitarian concept most likely won’t arrive in North America, given the lack of demand for such models in the US, for example. Frank Davis, executive director of Ford’s North American lineup revealed that the last time a Focus wagon was offered, market share never surpassed 14 percent, meaning it was extremely bad for business. However Davis doesn’t rule out the introduction of the 2012 Focus Wagon in the US, if the demand exists. This is due to the global product the new Focus will be, sharing almost 80% of its parts all around the world. As such, the changes made to the Michigan assembly plant would be minimal to produce the Wagon variant. Either way, Europeans will be able to see the new car at the Geneva show starting today. Production of the 2012 Focus is set to begin this fall, in both Europe and the US. Source: Ford Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the new Formula 1 safety car Posted: 02 Mar 2010 12:27 AM PST Formula 1 is one of the most extreme motorsport competitions, with the special race cars reaching dizzying speeds on the track. As such, whenever there’s a crash, a safety car of equal performance must be used to set the pace of the racers. Starting with the 2010 F1 season, the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar will be used, as the SL63 AMG will be retired from duty. The 571 HP SLS AMG has received some modifications, but no performance ones, keeping true to its already extreme nature. A carbon fiber hood with a front-mounted camera, a rear number plate with another camera and the special, “aerodynamically-designed” light bar (all-LED) have all been added to the German supercar in order to make it ready for safety car duty. It will be driven by former DTM driver Bernd Mayländer, who also wrangled the SL63 AMG last season. Mercedes-Benz will also supply a special C63 AMG Estate (aka wagon) model, which will be used as the F1 Medical Car. Overall, a pretty big win for MB, which hopes to impress everyone not only with the safety car, but also with their Mercedes GP race cars, driven by Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. Source: Mercedes-Benz Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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Video: Audi teases live unveil of the A1 from the Geneva Motor Show Posted: 02 Mar 2010 12:08 AM PST Audi will be showcasing quite a lot of models and concepts at the Geneva Motor Show. It’s biggest bet however is the new A1 premium city car, which the Ingolstadt manufacturer hopes will pave the way for success in the new market segment. As such, it will live stream the premiere of the A1 straight from the Geneva showroom floor, today at 1:30 p.m. CET. In honor of this occasion, it has released a short teaser video about the new car. Hit the jump to see the video, and don’t forget to check out this address for the live broadcast of the Audi A1’s launch in Geneva at 1:30 p.m. CET. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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Skoda Fabia vRS arrives with 178 HP in Geneva Posted: 01 Mar 2010 11:52 PM PST Volkswagen’s Polo GTI won’t be the only small hot hatch at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, as its cousin, the Skoda Fabia vRS will also be showcased at the Swiss convention. Boasting the same 1.4-liter twincharged (aka supercharged and turbocharged) engine from the Polo GTI and the Seat Ibiza Cupra, the Skoda will squeeze 178 HP from it. This translates in a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.3 seconds, and up to 140 mph. As expected, a seven-speed DSG gearbox, complete with paddle shifters, will be standard. Skoda is also hoping to go one step further with the styling of the Fabia vRS hatch, giving it a complete body kit, a rear diffuser and even twin exhaust pipes. The car will also be sitting on bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels, most probably wrapped in performance tires. Those of you who didn’t like the previous Fabia vRS with its diesel engine should rest assured, as the Czech company ruled out such a version for the current hot hatch. Expect it to go on sale, in Europe, this summer. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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Volkswagen presents the new Sharan MPV Posted: 01 Mar 2010 11:34 PM PST After a bit of teasing, Volkswagen has finally decided to reveal the next generation of its popular Sharan people carrier, which it will be showcasing at this week’s Geneva Motor Show. This new model brings quite a lot of new things to the company’s MPV. First off, its platform will be the same one used by the Golf and the Passat, moving away from the one VW shared with Ford. Influences from the current Golf are present, especially on the front fascia. It’s quite probable that the new Sharan will also receive many of the engines already available on the Golf, as well as the DSG dual-clutch transmission. Those that want that extra bit of safety will be pleased to hear that a Haldex all-wheel drive system has also been implemented in the new MPV. Typical features of any self-respecting people carrier are included, like sliding doors to ease the access to the third row of seats. Expect the same Sharan platform to be used by the upcoming Seat Alhambra, which is set to debut at the Paris Motor Show, this fall. Source: Volkswagen Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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2010 Geneva Motor Show preview: All of the big premieres Posted: 01 Mar 2010 07:16 AM PST The 2010 edition of the Geneva Motor Show is kicking off this week, and even though we won’t be attending, we thought of compiling a special list for those who are. It’s filled with the biggest premieres, announcements, new cars and concepts which will be present on the show floor. We’ve tallied up every major brand participating at the big European event, and included links to our in depth stories about their specific premieres. Enough talk, let’s get right to business shall we? Hit the jump to see RPMGO’s 2010 Geneva Motor Show preview! Alfa RomeoThe Italian carmaker will be showcasing quite a few projects in its booth. The biggest one is the formal launch of its Giulietta (formerly known as Milano) hatchback, which it hopes will take on popular C segment models like the Volkswagen Golf or the Ford Focus. Besides the gorgeous hatch, Alfa Romeo will also be showing off, indirectly, three concepts for its future 159 replacement, each coming from major Italian design studios. We’ve already seen the Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept from Style Bertone, but the works from Italdesign Giugiaro and Pininfarina have yet to be revealed. Aston MartinAston Martin is set to premiere the awkward Cygnet city car model, which is basically an odd mix between a Toyota iQ and classic Aston styling cues. It will be extremely interesting to gauge the reaction of the Geneva visitors to this car. What’s even more interesting is that Aston might even bring its Lagonda SUV concept to Geneva, a model which also left us pretty puzzled when it was first revealed. AudiThe Ingolstadt manufacturer will bring quite a few new models to the Geneva show. First off we have the new A1 city car, which Audi hopes will introduce new people to the premium brand. These people will then be lured by more powerful models like the Audi RS5, with its 4.2-liter V8 capable of 450 HP. For when they get older, those customers will also be able to enjoy the 2011 Audi A8 limousine, which will see its European debut, both in regular and in hybrid form at the Geneva Show. Rumors are also coming in about another mysterious Audi concept, but nothing is certain though. We might also see the restyled version of the e-Tron electric roadster in the Swiss city, so there will certainly be enough models to go around. BentleyBentley won’t bring many new models to Geneva, but will premiere the Continental Supersports Convertible model in the Swiss city. Alongside it, we will also see a few other Continental-based editions, as well as the Frankfurt-premiered Mulsanne. BMWBMW will bring quite a lot of new or refreshed models and accessories packages at the Geneva show. First off, let’s start with the restyled BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, which were revealed at the beginning of the year. The 2011 BMW X5 facelift will also be revealed at the show, both in regular and with the M Sport package. Speaking of more aggressive accessories, the company will also showcase the performance package for the X6 model as well as the Competition package for the M3. The list of completely new cars will include the more aggressive BMW 335is, the 2011 5 Series as well as the 2011 ActiveHybrid 5 Series. Expect the ActiveE electric concept to also be present at the Bavarian booth. CadillacCadillac is keen on reviving its European operations, and will bring the new CTS Coupe and the CTS-V Coupe models at the Geneva Motor Show. It might even showcase the XTS Platinum concept, but nothing has been confirmed at the time of writing this article. ChevroletChevrolet will most definitely feature the Aveo RS Concept in Geneva, alongside a few other models which it hopes will up their sales in the European territory, according to the plan laid out by General Motors. ChryslerThe US carmaker will be present at the show, alongside its new partner Fiat. A joint press conference is scheduled, so expect some news, which might include Chrysler models badged as Lancia ones, set to be marketed in Italy and the rest of Europe. CitroenCitroen will definitely have its booth filled with interesting premieres. First off, we can expect the very hot DS3 Racing limited edition hatchback to make an appearance. Besides it we will see the DS High Rider concept, previewing the future DS4 production car, as well as a new plug-in hybrid concept, the Survolt. DaciaLow-cost Romanian carmaker Dacia is hoping to make a big splash at the Geneva show with its Duster crossover model. It aims at offering a cheap yet reliable car, following the same recipe which made the Logan and the Sandero so popular in countries like Germany or France. FerrariFerrari will set a new milestone in its history at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show as it will showcase a special 599 prototype equipped with a hybrid powertrain. Although it just uses the KERS regenerative braking system the company employed on its Formula 1 race cars, the idea might get fully developed in the next few years. FiatFiat is set to bring quite a few new things to the Geneva show. First off, the new TwinAir two-cylinder 900cc engine will make its official debut on the 500, Panda and Punto Evo. Set to boast a great fuel average and extremely low CO2 emissions, the new unit is definitely a feat of engineering. But as I’m sure many of you demand more power, Fiat’s Abarth performance division will satisfy that by showcasing enhanced versions of the 500C convertible model and of the Punto Evo hatchback. FordFord will bring restyled editions of its C-Max and Grand C-Max people carriers, but most importantly, will showcase the 2012 Focus model, which will bear almost the same attributes all around the world. Performance fans might also receive their first glance at the current Focus RS Clubsport edition, which, according to some voices, will develop 350 HP. HondaHonda is targeting the future, and will showcase a wide array of cars and concepts at the Geneva show. First off, we’ll see the Euro-spec CR-Z hybrid hatchback, as well as the FCX Clarity fuel-cell model, which is set to be marketed in specific countries, where the infrastructure allows for such a model. In terms of concepts, Honda will reveal the 3R-C personal mobility device as well as the EV-N retro-looking electric prototype. Sadly though, we don’t think they’ll make a pretty big impact on the public. HyundaiHyundai will be showcasing quite a lot of its models in Geneva. Besides a scheduled facelift to the i30 hatch, dubbed the i30U, the company will also unveil the i-Flow concept sedan. It will preview a new D segment contender to the likes of the Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat. InfinitiPremium Japanese carmaker Infiniti is keen to expand its presence in Europe, and will use the 2010 Geneva show to promote its new M series of cars, consisting of the standard M37 and M56, as well as a special diesel-powered edition of the luxury sedan, using the new 3.0-liter V6 unit. KiaKia will bring one highly expected model to Geneva, the 2011 Sportage crossover, which will use its more aggressive looks to take on competitors like the Hyundai Tucson (ix35). We might see some of the new concepts it has been showcasing in the US at the European convention, but don’t bet big money on that. KoenigseggWe haven’t heard a lot of things about Koenigsegg ever since its bid for fellow Swedish carmaker Saab was canceled, but it seems the company will unveil a new supercar at the Geneva show, called the Agera, packing a whopping 910 HP. LamborghiniLamborghini is set to debut a new, even more powerful edition of its popular Gallardo supercar at the Geneva show. Dubbed the Gallardo LP570-4 SV, the car saw its power output increased, its weight reduced and its craziness factor augmented to new heights. LexusLexus is prepping to release a special model for the European market, the CT200h hybrid hatchback, which it hopes will increase sales, due to the popularity of the body style in the continent. Sadly though, from what we know so far, it will basically be a pretty yet even more expensive Toyota Prius. LotusThe British sportscar manufacturer will showcase the 2011 Elise model, which sports new styling cues from the Evora, as well as hybrid version of the Evora, which uses a small petrol engine to charge two electric motors for a combined output of 408 HP. MaseratiMaserati won’t be showcasing many models at the 2010 Geneva show, but it will be revealing the limited Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition, which will be sold this summer to people with money to burn. MazdaMazda is set to reveal quite a few models. The first will be the facelifted Mazda6 sedan, which will make its European debut, while the Mazda5 people carrier will also be showcased. As a tribute to fans, the 20th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 Miata will also be hosted at the Japanese booth. Mercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz is set to predominantly feature the new F800 Style Concept it revealed last week, previewing the future CLS models. Alongside it will be the E Class E300 Hybrid prototype, as well as other E Class models featuring the MercedesSport accessories. MiniThe centerpiece for the Mini exhibit at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show will no doubt be the Countryman crossover. The new model is set to open up the brand to a new segment, and attract even more customers to its funky models. MitsubishiMitsubishi is betting big on the upcoming ASX crossover model, which was already released in Japan under the RVR name, and will be revealed for the US as the Outlander Sport in the next few months. NissanNissan is set to bring the new Juke crossover at the Geneva show, betting on its awkward looks to win over many visitors. Facelifts to the Navara and Pathfinder off roaders, the 2010 Patrol, as well as the possible release of its new global compact car will also be featured. OpelOpel, now permanently owned by GM, will bring a few new treats to Geneva visitors this year. The facelifted Corsa is among them, as well as the new Meriva people carrier. The most important exhibit though will be the Flextreme GT/E plug-in hybrid concept, which borrows technology from the upcoming Ampera hybrid. PaganiAlmost to be thought a no-show in Geneva, Pagani revealed one last special edition based on its extremely popular Zonda Cinque. The Zonda Tricolore boasts a new paint scheme, honoring the Italian Air Force acrobatics team. PeugeotPeugeot will premiere a new concept in Geneva, the 5 by Peugeot. As you could have guessed, it previews the future 508 sedan, set to appear at the beginning of 2011, replacing the aging 407 and 607 models in the lineup. PorschePorsche will have a pretty busy stand in Geneva, showcasing the 2011 Cayenne SUV, with its multitude of engines and even the hybrid powertrain option. Sticking to hybrids, the Stuttgart carmaker will also feature the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car. RenaultRenault is set to debut two new convertible models in Geneva, preparing for increased summer sales. First off, the Twingo-based Wind cabriolet will be showcased, with its innovative folding roof opening and closing in just 12 seconds. The bigger Megane CC will also be revealed, with its folding glass roof. SeatSeat is set to bring the wagon variant of its popular Ibiza compact hatchback, dubbed the Ibiza ST. Voices are also saying that a new Tango convertible concept might also be showcased, but we’re not so sure about that. SubaruSubaru will bring out a crossover-ish version of the Impreza hatch, called the Impreza VX. The jury’s out on whether it will be a proper new model, or just a regular Impreza with a few extra plastic guards thrown on top of it. New concepts like the Hybrid Tourer and even a small electric one are rumored to appear. SuzukiSuzuki will be bringing a hybrid version of its Swift compact hatch, and will also showcase the Euro-spec Kizashi sedan, a model already pretty popular in the US. ToyotaToyota is set to bring a facelifted Auris model, complete with a hybrid HSD variant. Quite a few concepts will also be showcased for European eyes, while the 2010 RAV4 will make its formal debut. VolkswagenVolkswagen will be bringing out a lot of new cars at the 2010 Geneva show. Starting from small to large, the Polo GTI and the CrossPolo will be presented, the CrossGolf will also share floor space while the 2011 Touareg SUV will be featured extensively. VolvoVolvo will be presenting its new S60 model at the Geneva show. We already saw it in videos and in teasers, but the attractive Swedish sedan will be sure to capture the attention of many people. An interesting teaser also appeared recently, in which the company promises that a few “Naughty Volvos” will be making an appearance at the Geneva show. We’re definitely interested in that! That’s it, these are all of the expected or already announced premieres from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show which officially opens to the public on March 4. Stay tuned to our website for all of the latest news about the European convention. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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