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Wednesday, March 17, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Audi looking to release road legal R8 GT3 performance model
- Bugatti 16C Galibier concept receives new details, photos
- Aston Martin might offer completely customized one-off models
- Peugeot launching luxury sub-brand: Hors-série
- NHTSA investigating cosmic rays in Toyota unintended acceleration problems
- Video: Audi A1 gets Competition kit
- Honda recalls 410,000 Odyssey and Element models over brake problems
- Video: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi boasts cheapest Ferrari ride
- US-spec Fiat 500 to get new platform, new name a possibility
- Dodge Challenger gets $2,000 worth in free Mopar accessories
| Audi looking to release road legal R8 GT3 performance model Posted: 17 Mar 2010 03:56 AM PDT  We revealed a couple of weeks ago that Audi might be working on an even more powerful version of its R8 supercar, which harnesses more ponies out of that V10 engine and might use some new technologies. Now, Autocar has revealed that the main source of inspiration for this new version might be the R8 GT3 race car, which is crushing its opposition in various competitions and is experiencing huge demand from private teams and professional drivers. Seeing the potential in the track-only model, Audi might be tempted to release a road-legal version, in order to satisfy performance enthusiasts. The offer, according to some voices, will be similar to how Porsche released the 911 GT3. The official decision to manufacture such a car hasn’t been made yet, but Audi officials are already researching ways of making the current R8 lighter (hint: carbon fiber and spaceframe technology) and to squeeze more power from the 5.2-liter V10 engine. As you may know, the engine produces 518 HP in the R8 V10 but is capable of as much as 570 HP, as seen in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera. A more powerful R8 is bound to appear sooner or later, but for the sake of Audi fans, the Ingolstadt manufacturer might need to hurry up a little. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Bugatti 16C Galibier concept receives new details, photos Posted: 17 Mar 2010 03:04 AM PDT  Bugatti stunned a lot of rich people when it revealed the 16C Galibier concept sedan last year. After that though, it left many enthusiasts in the dark, saying only that the Galibier was a concept study, and that there are no plans to manufacture it … yet. But while the high ranking officials from the Volkswagen Group aren’t that willing to dosh out the money required to make this twin-supercharged 8.0-liter W16 sedan come to life, Bugatti has released a new set of pictures, showcasing an all-black edition. Besides offering an obscene amount of luxury features and even a special luggage set, the 16C Galibier is set to reach around 217 MPH and develop a lot of HP. This does come with a hefty price, and some say it might even trump the $1 million+ asking price of the two-door Veyron when/if it will be manufactured. Until then though, we can enjoy the new photos in the gallery below with this prestigious model. Photo Gallery: Bugatti 16C Galibier
Source: Bugatti Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Aston Martin might offer completely customized one-off models Posted: 17 Mar 2010 02:38 AM PDT  Aston Martin is looking in new directions to make a profit these days. But besides the Cygnet city car, which is just a customized Toyota iQ, it seems that the British brand might open up a new division, which can completely customize any model in the range, for people willing to pay for such a privilege. According to the Aston Martin design director Marek Reichman, the experience gained from building the One-77 hypercar from scratch has generated a new train of thought in the company: why not offer an even wider choice range, so that customers can create their own one-off model. Think of it as how Ferrari can create new editions based on current models, like it did with the 599-based P540 Superfast Aperta. As such, you will be able to order new body types for DB9 or Rapide models, with an interior made just the way you like it. Expect a considerable premium to be added to the base price, but I’m sure potential customers won’t mind. Do you think this is the way to go for Aston Martin? Leave your thoughts in a comment below. Source: AutoWeek Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Peugeot launching luxury sub-brand: Hors-série Posted: 17 Mar 2010 02:20 AM PDT  Peugeot is borrowing a page from Citroen’s play book, and has just announced that it will establish, with the release of the RCZ roadster, a new premium sub-brand, called Hors-série. As you may remember, Citroen is getting a lot of attention because of its new DS lineup, which takes regular models from the French company and adds luxury features, moving them upmarket in terms of quality and price. Seeing that, its partner in the PSA Group, Peugeot, will do the same, as hors-serie means “built outside the regular, mass production, in French. The RCZ is set to lead the pack, followed by a wagon variant of the future 508 sedan, which will also feature some interesting additions to the standard trim line. After this, another model, which hasn’t been detailed, will follow in 2012. For what it’s worth, Citroen is set to make some pretty big sales with the DS lineup, so Peugeot might be onto something. Hopefully it will be able to market it correctly and succeed. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| NHTSA investigating cosmic rays in Toyota unintended acceleration problems Posted: 17 Mar 2010 01:59 AM PDT  After analyzing almost all of the electronics in Toyota vehicles, the NHTSA is now looking towards a more “interesting” explanation for the unintended acceleration incidents which plagued vehicles from the Japanese company: Cosmic Rays. Before you burst out into laughter though, it seems that cosmic rays pose a pretty big problem for electronic systems, as airplanes and rockets have specially-shielded equipment, due to the various types of radiation coming from outside the Earth and frolicking in the atmosphere. That’s why it seems that the NHTSA received an anonymous tip explaining that such rays could have made it to the surface of the Earth and might interfere with the electronics from Toyota vehicles. The company replied to the accusations and said that the systems used in cars are different from normal ones, meaning cosmic rays can’t interfere with them. The only way to confirm these hypotheses is to literally throw a Toyota into a particle accelerator and see how it performs. Either way, this report does present a rather unique take on the whole unintended acceleration scandal. Who knows, maybe next week the NHTSA will investigate voodoo and other supernatural things. Source: Detroit Free Press Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Audi A1 gets Competition kit Posted: 17 Mar 2010 01:42 AM PDT  In the midst of Audi’s media blitz regarding the highly awaited A1 city car model, this little tidbit of news slipped through until now. The new A1 will be getting a special Competition Kit, besides the already revealed S Line accessories. This special package is inspired, as you can see above, by the iconic Audi Quattro Sport S1 rally car, being decorated in similar livery and sporting the number 1 decal on the exterior as well as the central rear view mirror housing and even the gear shifter housing.  Special decals are also available with this Competition kit, alongside a new set of alloy wheels and leather on the steering wheel and gear knob. No word if the kit will include performance upgrades, so don’t cross your fingers for that. Until the price is announced, you can enjoy the video of the Audi A1’s Competition kit after the jump. Source: Autoblog.it via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Honda recalls 410,000 Odyssey and Element models over brake problems Posted: 17 Mar 2010 01:16 AM PDT  Honda has just announced that all 2007-2008 model year Odyssey and Element vehicles will be recalled in April due to a potential problem with the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system. It seems that over a period of time, air can enter the VSA module and affect its performance. This in term influences how the brake pedal behaves, most often causing a slower response or a longer pedal travel. 344,000 Odyssey and 68,000 Element models are covered by the recall. Owners of these cars will receive a letter next month, detailing the steps required to get it fixed and how they can contact their local dealership. If these brake problems have already appeared, you shouldn’t wait anymore. Source: Honda Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi boasts cheapest Ferrari ride Posted: 17 Mar 2010 12:51 AM PDT  We’ve already talked about the massive Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park set to be opened late this year on the Yas Marina island in the United Arab Emirates. The massive construction, the first of its kind, will dwarf all other constructions on the island, including the Formula 1 circuit. But besides the many offers it will have, the Ferrari World park will also boast the cheapest ride in a Ferrari you’ll ever experience. No, it won’t offer actual cars for test drives, but it will be dressing up its roller coaster cars as Ferrari F430 models, so you can experience the excessive speeds behind the wheel of the Italian model. Besides the aforementioned GT Racing Coaster, the theme park will also feature 20 other rides, from the vertical shooting one to another roller coaster, designed to offer Formula 1 thrills to the riders. Hit the jump to check out a special video made by AMEinfo about the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park, which is still under construction at the moment. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| US-spec Fiat 500 to get new platform, new name a possibility Posted: 17 Mar 2010 12:34 AM PDT  While Europeans have been falling in love with the Fiat 500 city car for quite some time, North Americans have been deprived of the small model. That’s going to change though next year, as thanks to the new partnership between Fiat and Chrysler, the Mexico plant will start cranking out little 500s by the ton. It also seems, according to some new reports, that Americans will get an even better offer, as Fiat is rumored to use its new A car platform, which will debut on the 2011 Lancia Ypsilon and Fiat Panda, for the US-spec 500. Benefits of the new underpinnings include improved safety rating, reduced ride noise and vibration. Sadly, for Europeans at least, the new platform won’t be used in the current factories making the 500, due to the expensive overhaul required. This means that until the next generation city car appears, we’re stuck with the noisy and vibrating old version (not that anybody complained about that up until now). Besides the new platform, reports are also saying that Fiat isn’t decided on the name of the US-spec city car. While the 500 is the most obvious option, the Italian spelling Cinquecento does have a ring to it, at least for Fiat. Either way, we’re sure many Americans will be thrilled to receive the Fiat 500, no matter the platform or name. Source: InsideLine Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Dodge Challenger gets $2,000 worth in free Mopar accessories Posted: 17 Mar 2010 12:15 AM PDT  In an attempt to sway muscle car fans into its direction, Dodge has just revealed that customers who buy its retro-looking Challenger will receive $2,000 worth of accessories from its performance division, Mopar. The so-called Mopar Bucks can be spent on anything the customers wants, from performance parts, to visual accessories or even extended maintenance and things like that. We already revealed to you a few months ago many of the Mopar accessories , but a refresher is in order. The exterior appearance package will cost you $1,995 (what a “coincidence”) and include a body color hood scoop and a rear GO-Wing spoiler plus stripe graphics. For those who want a bit more power, you can opt for the $1,190 cat-back exhaust system, and throw in the $790 interior accessories package, which includes a T-handle shifter and lots of chrome finishes. Classic Mopar T/A hood is also available, for $1,275, while you can also add a rear decklid spoiler, for $316. Overall, this is a great offer from Dodge, and Challenger fans should hurry up, as it last until April 30th. Source: Chrysler Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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