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Tuesday, April 6, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Motorsport Weekend: Formula 1 Malaysian GP, WRC Rally of Jordan and Nascar results
- Stop walking, start driving
- US dealers not happy with all-hybrid Mercedes-Benz S Class plans
- Video: Rhys Millen gets his Hyundai Genesis Coupe ready for 2010 Formula Drift season
- Leaked patent images showcase the production Mini Roadster and Coupe
- NHTSA decides to fine Toyota with $16 million for delayed recalls
- Video: World’s first Apple iPad-equipped car revealed
- ‘Save Hummer’ summit to be held in Chicago on April 11
- NHTSA investigates 6.2 million 1999-2003 GM vehicles over brake line corrosion
- 2011 Kia Forte hatchback revealed in New York
| Motorsport Weekend: Formula 1 Malaysian GP, WRC Rally of Jordan and Nascar results Posted: 06 Apr 2010 04:37 AM PDT  Welcome to a new edition of Motorsport Weekend, where we bring you the latest results from the most important racing events from the past few days. Even though many people celebrated Easter this past weekend, there’s no rest for the wicked. We were treated to the Formula 1 Malaysian GP, held at the Sepang Circuit, the WRC Rally of Jordan, as well as the Nascar Nashville 300 race, counting for the Nationwide Series. Curious to see how Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg, Sebastien Loeb or Kevin Harvick faired in their respective races? Then hit the jump and find out! The German driver had a great start, and surpassed his teammate, Mark Webber, who started in pole position. After that it was smooth sailing for the two colleagues, which dominated the rest of the event. Mercedes GP scored its first podium finish, not by Michael Schumacher but thanks to Nico Rosberg, who managed to earn third place. The rest of the top 10 was completed by Renault’s Robert Kubica, who showed his impressive performance last week in Australia wasn’t a fluke, Force India’s Adrian Sutil, who managed to fend off McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton for the last third of the race. 7th place went to Felipe Massa, followed by Jenson Button. The remaining two spots were occupied by surprise drivers Jaime Alguersuari, from Torro Rosso, and Nico Hulkenberg, from Williams. While it could have used a bit more show, the 2010 F1 Malaysian GP was a great race. In terms of overall standings, Felipe Massa leads, with 39 points, followed by Ferrari teammate Fernando Alonso and Red Bull’s Vettel, both with 37 points. The Rally of Jordan, counting for the WRC competition, also provided some interesting entertainment in Easter weekend. The event was won by Citroen’s Sebastien Loeb, who managed to distance himself by 35.8 seconds from runner up Jari-Matti Latvala from Ford. Citroen’s Petter Solberg managed to complete the podium of the 2010 Rally of Jordan. Sadly, this isn’t Loeb win 100%, as the French team, after Loeb became leader on Friday, asked their Junior team member Sebastien Ogier, to start earlier, so that he can clear the road for Loeb. This guaranteed a no-thrills win by Loeb on the second day, and his first career win in Jordan. Loeb leads in the overall standings, being followed by Ford’s duo, Latvala and Hirvonen, who trail by 25 and 31 points, respectively. The Nashville 300 race, held in at the city’s famous Superspeedway, took place Saturday and counted for the Nascar Nationwide Series. The race was dominated by caution warnings, with the last one, just 34 laps to go, earning victory for Kevin Harvick, his second this season. The driver managed to push his Chevrolet car to victory, with Reed Sorenson coming in behind at just 0.2 seconds. Kyle Busch managed to round off the podium and score himself more points. Carl Edwards still reigns supreme in the overall standings, followed by Brad Keselowski, who trails by 16 points, and Justin Allgaier, trailing by 21. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Posted: 06 Apr 2010 03:45 AM PDT
Sometimes, the only right thing to do is drive. Driving is a simple pleasure that can take away all the stress of a hard day. Driving is that moment of the day when you leave behind the noisy city, play your favorite track, lay back and enjoy the scenery. It’s not nearly as much fun being a pedestrian as being a driver and we all know that. The only thing pedestrians do is get in the way, with their feeble legs and scared stare. So take this simple advice into the world and make it a better place: Stop walking. Start driving. For more inspirational driving T-shirts to fill out your closet, check the RevvNation Store. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| US dealers not happy with all-hybrid Mercedes-Benz S Class plans Posted: 06 Apr 2010 02:19 AM PDT  Earlier this month a new report surfaced, which claimed that the next generation of the flagship Mercedes-Benz S Class will adopt a full-hybrid setup, at least for the North American market, given the appetite of many consumers for such models. As you could imagine, this report encountered a pretty big backlash from hardcore MB fans, who believe it isn’t a gamble worth attempting for the German carmaker. Now, some US dealers are also expressing their lack of belief in the all-hybrid S Class models. They claim that the primary buyer of such models isn’t interested in hybrid propulsion, but performance and comfort, and is willing to pay for a lackluster fuel average. MB, on the other hand, revealed at the New York Auto Show that it will continue to investigate hybrid powertrains for its models. Even though the all-hybrid S models haven’t been confirmed, the goal of lowering fuel emissions and averages in the near future might push MB towards such a decision. Other advantages include the fact that S Class buyers are early adopters of new technology, being more than willing to pay for it. Frankly, we’re not so sure any carmaker should focus on an all-hybrid lineup, largely due to the costs associated with it. Only time will tell what will happen with the Mercedes-Benz S Class, as the company might announce something concrete in the following months. Source: Automotive News Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Rhys Millen gets his Hyundai Genesis Coupe ready for 2010 Formula Drift season Posted: 06 Apr 2010 01:54 AM PDT  The Rhys Millen Racing team revealed the Hyundai Genesis Coupe track car last year. Sadly, the South Korean model didn’t really impress, netting Millen, the former champ, a not so honorable 19-th place at the end of the year. For the 2010 Formula Drift racing season, the RMR team has spent quite a lot of time optimizing the coupe model, so that it can go sideways is the best possible way. Want some proof? Hit the jump and check out the preseason testing of Rhys Millen and his 650 HP Hyundai Genesis Coupe, a must see for any drifting fan. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Leaked patent images showcase the production Mini Roadster and Coupe Posted: 06 Apr 2010 01:32 AM PDT  Mini made a lot of fans extremely excited at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show last year, when it showcased the Roadster and Coupe concepts. Furthermore, reports that the models will be rushed into production as early as 2011 have further increased the hype around them. Now, as a new testimony to the fact that they will appear soon enough in production-form, a set of leaked patent application images have been dug up by the guys at Autoblog. As you can see above and below, the Roadster (convertible) and the Coupe models look basically the same as the concepts, at least on the outside.  No pics of the interior were revealed, so that is still up in the air. Using a bit of logic though, we might find elements from the newly released Countryman in the two future models. Either way, expect them to hit the market in early 2011, with a selection of 1.6-liter engines, either naturally aspirated or turbocharged. Guessing from these sketches, a reveal at a major auto show isn’t too far away. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| NHTSA decides to fine Toyota with $16 million for delayed recalls Posted: 06 Apr 2010 01:11 AM PDT  It turns out that all those Toyota hearings, inquiries and investigations launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association and the Department of Transportation did result in something worthwhile for the average consumer. The NHTSA and DOT revealed that it will fine Toyota with $16.4 million, the maximum penalty allowed in this scenario, for delaying the recall of millions of vehicles affected by unintended acceleration problems.
According to LaHood, evidence points out that Toyota knew about these problems as early as September 2009, but decided to take action on January, 2010. The Japanese company has two weeks to issue its answer, either pay up the fine or attack the decision. No word on what the money attained will be used for, but reports of throwing it up in the air to the tune of Lil Wayne ft. Fat Joe – Make It Rain might be onto something. You can be sure that we’ll let you know about Toyota’s reaction as it is made public. Source: NHTSA Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: World’s first Apple iPad-equipped car revealed Posted: 06 Apr 2010 12:38 AM PDT  The Apple iPad officially went on sale at the end of last week, with the media blitz assaulting almost everyone, except those living under rocks. As you can imagine, the new tablet computer didn’t escape the attention of car customization companies. Doug Bernards of SoundMan Car Audio in Santa Clarita, California, didn’t waste anytime, and as soon as he got his iPad, he immediately started working on how to implement it into the dashboard of his Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck. As you can see above, Apple’s new wonder-gadget doesn’t really seem that out of place, and bear in mind it isn’t a complete installation, as some wiring still needs to be made. The build also used an Audison Bit One processor, a McIntosh (see what they did there?) six-channel amplifier, an Onkyo ND-S1 and “a special iPod dock which allows the digital signal to be pulled from the iPad and distributed to the BitOne via optical output.” Check out the complete build process in the video available right after the jump. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| ‘Save Hummer’ summit to be held in Chicago on April 11 Posted: 06 Apr 2010 12:14 AM PDT  Bummed to hear that Hummer will be closed down by General Motors in the near future? Don’t worry, there’s still something you can do to save the gas-guzzling SUV brand. A new organization, entitled Capital & Labor International Coalition, has just announced it will be holding a special ‘Save Hummer‘ rally in Chicago on April 11, and has invited a lot of people to take part in discussions and show their support for the troubled brand. Don’t go thinking this will be just a meeting between hardcore fans, as the chairman of CLIC, Thane Ritchie, has revealed it has invited everyone from the Hummer board of directors, to the company’s CEO, as well as members from the UAW union, which represent the interest of the workers at the Hummer plant in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Besides the aforementioned representatives, the company also met with U.S. Senator Roland Burris, D-Illinois, and asked him to act as a liaison between Hummer and the government, in order to plead the cause of the quintessentially American brand. While it’s nice to see that Hummer still has a lot of loyal fans, we’re not exactly holding our breath here. Sure, the ‘Save Saab’ rally worked for the Swedish brand, but Hummer doesn’t have a lot going for it if it will be saved. Either way, all you big SUV fans better circle April 11 on your calendars and meet up in the windy city. Source: CLIC via Automobile Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| NHTSA investigates 6.2 million 1999-2003 GM vehicles over brake line corrosion Posted: 05 Apr 2010 11:48 PM PDT  Even though it was just boasting the fact that it will increase the effectiveness of its braking systems, General Motors might soon be hit with a major blow by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. The federal agency has just announced that it is launching a formal investigation in over 6.2 million vehicles, mainly SUVs, pick-up trucks and 2500 heavy-duty pick-ups, manufactured between 1999 and 2003. The cause of this investigation? Faulty brake lines which might become corroded over time, resulting in increased braking distances or even full brake failure in extreme cases. The NHTSA revealed it has received 110 complaints so far, with 37 cases being certified by dealerships to have faulty brake lines. GM revealed it is aware of the investigation, and will collaborate with the NHTSA during the inquiry. Petitions have already been forwarded to the NHTSA, involving 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD pick-up trucks (pictured above). In case you own one of the 6.2 million vehicles manufactured by GM and have been experiencing braking problems, you might want to have the vehicle serviced soon, as the investigation is bound to take a while. If it will result in a recall, it’s going to certainly be among some of the biggest recalls in history. Source: Detroit News Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Kia Forte hatchback revealed in New York Posted: 05 Apr 2010 11:32 PM PDT  Five-door hatchback models haven’t really been that popular in North America. Times are changing though, as more and more models are being launched in the territory by some carmakers. Kia is joining them, as it has revealed the 2011 Forte hatchback model at the 2010 New York Auto Show. As you can see, the new five-door, which will join the existing sedan and the Koup, boasts a new front fascia, set to be revealed for the other models later this year, as well as a few other new accessories.  Among the new features will be the option of installing satellite navigation and paddle shifters for those who opt for automatic gearboxes. Expect the same engine choices, either a 2.0-liter or a 2.4-liter unit, which can be mated to a choice of manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. Expect the new 2011 Kia Forte hatchback to be appear on the North American market later this year. Source: Kia Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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