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Friday, March 26, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Next generation Mercedes-Benz S Class to go all-hybrid in US except AMG variant
- Ferrari 599 GTO starts at $430,000 (€319,495) according to leaked pricing sheet
- Google Android-powered Roewe 350 car enters production in China
- Volvo scrapping V70 in favor of XC70, axes S80 V8 from US lineup
- Ford confirms new concept, 2011 Edge for Beijing Motor Show debut
- Subaru recalls 2010 Tribeca over faulty door latches
- First Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon to be auctioned off in Palm Beach
- Fiat 500 joins Abu Dhabi police force
- Geiger Cars reveals Hummer H2 Bomber, complete with rubber tracks
- B&B tunes Volkswagen Scirocco to 357 HP in three stages
| Next generation Mercedes-Benz S Class to go all-hybrid in US except AMG variant Posted: 26 Mar 2010 03:13 AM PDT  USA’s love story with hybrids is pushing more and more carmakers to invest in that technology just so it can market it more accurately in that territory. It doesn’t even matter the hybrid versions are the most expensive nor that they aren’t even the most efficient in the range, if you have even the tiniest electric motor to help the internal combustion engine, then you’ll sell in the USA. Mercedes-Benz is the latest carmaker to follow this train of though, and is apparently experiencing a lot of success with the S Class S400 hybrid (pictured above), especially among eco-conscious celebrities. According to a new rumor though, the hybrid push will come to shove with the next generation S Class, as all US variants will be available as gasoline-electric hybrids. The new S lineup, set to debut in 2012, will bring a variety of engine choices, including very frugal CDI (diesel) units. Sadly, those won’t be available in the USA, as MB believes only hybrids S models will become popular. Performance enthusiasts needn’t worry, as the performance AMG variant will remain gasoline-only. Do you think Mercedes-Benz is onto something here or that it is jumping head-first into the hybrid sea without thinking of consequences? This is just a rumor for the moment, but sources are claiming it might receive the green light soon enough. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com No related posts. |
| Ferrari 599 GTO starts at $430,000 (€319,495) according to leaked pricing sheet Posted: 26 Mar 2010 02:42 AM PDT  The imminent release of the Ferrari 599 GTO has really sparked a huge amount of interest in the fans of the Italian supercar manufacturer. We were already treated with a presumably leaked photo of the 599 GTO, but now a new piece of the puzzle appeared, containing the pricing sheet of the new performance Ferrari. So, how rich do you need to be in order to snag one of the scheduled 500 units set to be made? Quite a lot (ain’t that a shocker?). The base price for the Ferrari 599 GTO starts at €319,495 or around $430,000, at current exchange rates. But that’s not all, it seems that for all that money you still won’t be getting a fully-decked out performance model. There are a lot of various features you can opt to add, from full leather or Alcantara interior, to a carbon fiber engine bay or a four-point harness, all for a (large) price. You can check out the leaked Ferrari 599 pricing sheet here, and a select few might also start making arrangements with the bank. Source: Autogespot via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Google Android-powered Roewe 350 car enters production in China Posted: 26 Mar 2010 02:12 AM PDT  Cars aren’t competing against each other just through engines or performance figures, but also through the various technical systems they use. In terms of technology, Google is one of the biggest companies, so it’s pretty obvious to figure out that some of its software will make their way onto the cars we can drive today. We’ve already seen Google Earth be used on the upcoming Audi A8 as the primary navigation system, but Chinese company SAIC (GM’s partner there), has just revealed that the infotainment system in the Roewe 350 will use the Google Android mobile operating system. In case you’re not familiar, Android is quickly becoming a very popular operating system for smartphones, thanks to a lot of useful features. The Roewe 350, constructed by SAIC under license from British companies MG and Rover, will use the latest version, 2.1, on the infotainment system of the car. The Roewe 350 is set to debut at the upcoming Beijing Auto Show, and will be available on the market shortly thereafter. The price is pretty affordable, ranging from $10,250 – $19,000, but as you can imagine, it is just available in China. Given the partnership between SAIC and GM though, there are chances the technology might reach other vehicles. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Volvo scrapping V70 in favor of XC70, axes S80 V8 from US lineup Posted: 26 Mar 2010 01:48 AM PDT  Volvo is preparing some huge changes to its US operations, as an internal dealer document has been leaked onto the Internet. In it we find all sorts of interesting tidbits about what models will continue to live on, what will die and what engine choices will be added. First off, it seems that the V70 wagon has its days numbered, due to its sales dropping because of the XC90 and XC60. Instead of the traditional wagon, Volvo will add a front-wheel drive version of the XC70 crossover, to fill the gap. Performance fans will also be sad to hear that the V8 engine option for the S80 limousine will be axed from the current lineup. The gap won’t be left open, as an upgraded T6 unit, with 300 HP and 325 lb-ft of torque will appear, offering almost the same performance, but with less weight and improved efficiency, as the old V8. The 2011 S40 and V50 models will soon be available with just one engine, the turbocharged T5, with 227 HP and 236 lb-ft of torque. Also, all-wheel drive variants will be phased out, as well as manual gearbox-equipped ones, in favor of FWD and automatics. Overall, some big changes coming from Volvo, but required nonetheless to keep its US operations alive. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ford confirms new concept, 2011 Edge for Beijing Motor Show debut Posted: 26 Mar 2010 01:35 AM PDT  Ford has just issued its traditional press release for the upcoming Beijing Motor Show, set to take place between April 25 and May 2, in the Chinese capital. But between the Asian premiere of the 2012 Ford Focus, which will be appearing all around the world in practically the same format, and the reveal of new technologies, the Blue Oval has a few aces up its sleeve. The first is the launch of the 2011 Edge, which will be bringing the new MyFordTouch infotainment system to the Chinese market. Two robots, which will demonstrate the EcoBoost technology, as well as a crash-test safety dummy, will also be showcased on the company’s stand, for that extra touch of awkwardness. But the most important tidbit of information in the press release is the tease of a new global concept car. We wish we could tell you more, but Ford won’t say another thing, so until the Beijing convention opens, we’re left with rumors and speculations. What do you think this new concept will be? Given the wide range of choices, your guess is as good as ours. Source: Ford Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Subaru recalls 2010 Tribeca over faulty door latches Posted: 26 Mar 2010 01:12 AM PDT  Subaru has just revealed that a new problem has been plaguing 1,585 2010 Tribeca models, regarding the door latches and the power window system. It seems that due to improper assembly, when the power windows are down, they might make contact with the door latches, subsequently opening the door of the vehicle. While this doesn’t seem like much, if you’re driving down the highway and decide to get some wind in your hair, an open door would cause a “few” problems. Subaru has already started notifying dealerships and has issued letters to all owners, so that the faulty Tribeca models, manufactured between September 4, 2009 and March 8, 2010, can be fixed as soon as possible. If you are among the owners of the big SUV, contact Subaru at 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783). Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| First Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon to be auctioned off in Palm Beach Posted: 26 Mar 2010 12:51 AM PDT  GM has just announced that the first model of the limited edition Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon series will be auctioned off at the upcoming Barret-Jackson event, set to be held in Palm Beach between April 1 and 3. This is a tradition, as many other Chevrolet models were auctioned at such gatherings, with some proceeds going to charity, like the recent Corvette Z06, which helped Haiti at the beginning of the year. Besides the special car, the winning bidder will also get a private tour of GM’s Performance Center, where the LS7 and LS9 engines are being manufactured. In case you forgot, the limited edition Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon features a lot of special options, including Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, magnetic ride control and enhanced cooling. In terms of looks, the model, as you could have guessed, has a carbon fiber raised hood, black headlamps and mirrors, as well as carbon fiber rockers and splitters. If you want to own the very first one, make sure to bring quite a few cash in Palm beach at the beginning of April. Source: GM Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Fiat 500 joins Abu Dhabi police force Posted: 26 Mar 2010 12:34 AM PDT  After scaring a lot of criminals with the introduction of a Nissan GT-R in its fleet of squad cars, the Abu Dhabi police force, more specifically its Al Ain branch, has employed an even more “frightening” model: the Fiat 500. As you can imagine, the news struck fear into the hearts of criminals and crime rates have dropped below 0. In all seriousness though, the 500 will mainly be used at police events, in order to portray a friendlier image of the law enforcers into the local community.
 It definitely seems like the Abu Dhabi police fleet is getting more exotic by the minute. What do you think should be the next additions? A Tata Nano or a Pagani Zonda perhaps? Share your thoughts below. Source: CarMiddleEast via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Geiger Cars reveals Hummer H2 Bomber, complete with rubber tracks Posted: 26 Mar 2010 12:09 AM PDT  Before the winter season arrived, we revealed to you Ken Block’s awesome Subaru Impreza WRX STI Trax off-road machine, which combined the Japanese model with special off-road rubber tracks, in order to tackle any terrain. But if you though the Impreza didn’t look just right, sitting on those big tracks, Geiger Cars has just the thing for you: the Hummer H2 Bomber. As its name suggests, the vehicle is based on the H2, and saw Mattracks 88M1-A1 rubber tracks added, in order to “guarantee unrivalled traction on virtually any type of terrain, whether the vehicle is needed for agriculture, emergency services or expedition.”  Geiger also threw in a new 6.2-liter V8 engine, capable of 398 HP and 423 lb-ft of torque. If you don’t want to mortgage your house to pay for gas, a version running on LPG Autogas is also available, as an option. In terms of looks, the Bomber has a matte silver paint job and a roof box complete with Hella lights. For the inside, passengers will enjoy a sunroof, a Kenwood navigation system and a new rear seat entertainment system. Even though the Hummer brand is slowly being killed by GM, you can still own this awesome example of the potential its models had. Source: Geiger Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| B&B tunes Volkswagen Scirocco to 357 HP in three stages Posted: 25 Mar 2010 11:56 PM PDT  The Volkswagen Scirocco R is currently one of the most attractive models in the whole lineup from the German carmaker. With its 261 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque, you would think that its power levels are more than generous, but the tuners at B&B thought otherwise, and revealed a new three-stage tuning kit, squeezing as much as 357 HP from the VW ‘Rocco. The first level includes an upgraded ECU and an optimized electronic injection system. This translates in an increase to 306 HP and a new top speed of 171 mph (275 km/h). The second level adds a new exhaust system, an optimized air induction technology and calibrates the air flow, ignition and fuel injection. The result? 320 HP and 321 lb-ft of torque. The level 2 B&B VW Scirocco is now capable of 173 mph.  The third level goes all out, fitting a new B&B turbocharger, a sports exhaust system and a new air intake, besides the other, previous changes. Power, like we revealed above, is rated at 357 HP and 354 lb-ft of torque. Maximum speed is 174 mph. Overall, the new tuning options from B&B are certain to make many Scirocco R owners extremely happy. Source: B&B Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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