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Thursday, April 8, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Ferrari 599 GTO officially revealed
- 2011 Audi TT revealed, sports refreshed looks and upgraded engine
- Aston Martin enters Rapide in 24 Hours of Nurburgring race
- New Volkswagen Passat might appear in Paris
- 2011 Audi Q7 gets new V6 engines plus eight-speed automatic gearbox
- BMW: No 2011 5 Series Sports Wagon (Touring) for North America
- Video: Subaru showcases 2011 Impreza WRX STI in new ad
- General Motors announces $4.3 billion loss for second half of 2009
- Honda reportedly working on more powerful hybrid models
- EA starts its own real life Need For Speed racing team
| Ferrari 599 GTO officially revealed Posted: 08 Apr 2010 03:54 AM PDT  It’s been a long time coming, often rumored and leaked but never confirmed. Now, Ferrari has finally decided to showcase its newest model: the 599 GTO. Why should you be excited? Well, besides getting the iconic Gran Turismo Omologata badge, used only twice before this car, the 599 GTO packs a whopping 661 HP from the massive V12 engine. Torque rating is at 457 lb-ft, while 0 to 62 mph in achieved in a blazing 3.4 seconds. Top speed? Around 208 mph. If that hasn’t convinced you, how about the fact that the 599 GTO is the fastest road-going Ferrari model ever made? It set a new lap record on the Fiorano test track, beating the Enzo’s time by one whole second. Also, it now weighs just 3,295 pounds, as opposed to the stock 599 GTB Fiorano which tips the scale at 3,726 lbs (1,495 kg as opposed to 1,690 kg). The key to this amazing performance is a blend of technology from the track-only 599XX and the Formula 1 team. Case in point is the revised front end, boasting a new front spoiler with a separate wing. Carbon ceramic brakes and lighter panels were also added, all to improve the handling of the car. Most importantly, the electronics have been so fine tuned, Ferrari engineers boast “the almost complete absence of understeer and a truly communicative chassis.” If you really want to experience what the car’s got, there’s the option of turning off the traction control system, but you might want to sign that life insurance before you get behind the wheel. The company also added the Virtual Race Engineer system, which monitors the car’s other systems and display that information to the driver/pilot. Sadly, the Ferrari 599 GTO will only see a limited run of 599 units. Price hasn’t been revealed just yet, but according to a leaked brochure, it will start at $430,000. Check out the rest of the official Ferrari 599 GTO photos in the gallery below and then share your thoughts with us. Photo Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO
Source: Ferrari Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Audi TT revealed, sports refreshed looks and upgraded engine Posted: 08 Apr 2010 02:28 AM PDT  Audi didn’t waste any time, and just before the AMI Leipzig Motor Show opened its doors, it has already formally unveiled the 2011 TT model, with a mid-cycle facelift for both for the coupe and the roadster versions. So, what’s so new about the 2011 Audi TT? Well, as you can see above, the car has received a very slight refresh to its looks, with bigger air intakes, LED daytime running lights and a gloss black grille finish in the front. For the back, a new rear diffuser has been added, while the taillights are just slightly restyled. New colors are available with the 2011MY, Scuba Blue, Oolong Gray, Volcano Red and Dakota Gray. The interior received new color options, as well as special leather, capable of resisting solar heat. But while its looks are all fine and dandy, most of you are probably interested in the new performance boost the 2011 TT received. The petite sportscar now packs an upgraded 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine, which outputs 211 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque, improving on the 2010 model. Don’t go thinking the increase in power means a loss in the fuel average, as Audi boasts 36 MPG on the combined European cycle. The new engine will be able to propel the quattro-equipped TT from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.6 seconds. The six-speed S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox will be mated to the 2.0-liter TFSI engine, and will be only option for the North American market. Check out the new 2011 Audi TT facelift below and then share your thoughts about the new Ingolstadt roadster below. Photo Gallery: 2011 Audi TT
Source: Audi Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Aston Martin enters Rapide in 24 Hours of Nurburgring race Posted: 08 Apr 2010 01:53 AM PDT  The 24 Hours of Nurburgring endurance racing competition is slowly approaching its start date, taking place between May 15 and 16. As such, quite a few carmakers are announcing their participation in the prestigious event. Aston Martin is the latest to join the pack consisting of brands like Lexus, with LFA race cars, Peugeot, with its RCZ 200 Ans, or Porsche with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid. But while the entry of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage was obvious, seeing as how the car won the previous two races in the SP8 category, the British carmaker shocked everyone, as it will also race a near-stock version of its Rapide super sedan. That’s right, it seems that while many race cars will only be able to seat two, Aston Martin will be able to ride around with all of its drivers inside the racing car (although they won’t do that). What’s also impressive is that just a few modifications were made to make the Rapide race-worthy. These mods include stripping the interior of excess weight, adding extra safety features, fitting new adjustable suspension and slick, racing tires. Aston’s CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, will be leading the team, comprised of factory drivers, at the Nurburgring endurance event. Source: Aston Martin Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| New Volkswagen Passat might appear in Paris Posted: 08 Apr 2010 01:24 AM PDT  Volkswagen has definitely been keeping busy with new models, facelifts and other such things, but it seems that it has been neglecting its mid-size model, the Passat, which is basically unchanged since the current generation appeared, back in 2005. According to a new report though, it seems that will change with the upcoming Paris Motor Show, as the German company is planning to unveil the next generation of its mid-size entry to the public, and have it in showrooms by the end of 2010. According to the same report, while the new Passat will retain the same platform, it will earn more premium features, likely borrowed from the upscale Passat CC. Besides that, you can expect a variety of diesel and gasoline engines, from naturally-aspirated to turbocharged ones. Besides that, expect styling cues similar to all the newer VW models, like the Golf VI or new Touareg. Frankly, a refreshed Passat has been a long time coming. With fierce opposition coming from the East, thanks to the 2011 Hyundai Sonata or 2011 Kia Optima (Magentis), it’s time the Germans fought back. Source: Auto Internationaal via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Audi Q7 gets new V6 engines plus eight-speed automatic gearbox Posted: 08 Apr 2010 01:05 AM PDT  The AMI Leipzig Motor Show is preparing to open its doors in a couple of days, but already Audi has decided to showcase the new features it will be releasing for the 2011 Q7 SUV, in both Europe and all over the world. Those with a craving for more power will be extremely happy to hear that the supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 gasoline engine, formerly found on the S4, is now arriving, in two variants, under the bonnet of the Q7. You can either opt for a base 272 HP 295 lb-ft of torque, or an upgraded 333 HP and 325 lb-ft of torque. This unit is going to arrive both in Europe, this fall, and in North America, around November.  Diesel fans are going to be treated to a revised 3.0-liter TDI V6, which packs 240 HP and 406 lb-ft of torque. The new unit, which develops more power and weighs less will be available only for European customers, as the US-spec Q7 will retain the 225 HP and 406 lb-ft TDI engine. Last but not least, all of the current engines available for the Q7 will now be mated to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. It boasts both higher ratios and Tiptronic, as well as a regular and a Sport operating mode. The gearbox will premiere in North America this September. Source: Audi Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| BMW: No 2011 5 Series Sports Wagon (Touring) for North America Posted: 08 Apr 2010 12:33 AM PDT  BMW revealed the 2011 5 Series sedan last year, while the Touring (aka Wagon) variant has been unveiled just a few weeks ago. With it, BMW revealed that it will satisfy European demand, but didn’t specify anything about it coming to North American shores, as a Sports Wagon model. Now, an official response has been revealed by BMW NA, one which will disappoint many wagon fans: the 2011 5 Series Sports Wagon won’t be made available in North America because of the dwindling sales the current model is experiencing.
Like we suspected, those who want a bit more space in the trunk of their 5 Series will have to opt for the 5 Gran Turismo (GT) variant, which will replace the Sports Wagon with the introduction of the new generation. While it is certainly a big loss for fans, we’ve been playing around with a 5 GT lately, and up until now, there aren’t a lot of things to complain about. Look forward to our full test drive with the BMW 5 GT soon. Source: BMWBlog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Subaru showcases 2011 Impreza WRX STI in new ad Posted: 08 Apr 2010 12:21 AM PDT  We’re fairly certain Subaru fans have been jumping up and down ever since the Japanese company revealed the 2011 Impreza WRX STI in its two body styles at the New York Auto Show last week. Now, in order to further highlight the new model, which saw plenty of changes including the addition of the iconic four-door sedan option, the company released the first ad/promotional footage for it, under the ‘Fastest WRX STI ever’ motto. Hit the jump and check out this great look at both the sedan and the hatchback versions of the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI performance model. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| General Motors announces $4.3 billion loss for second half of 2009 Posted: 08 Apr 2010 12:06 AM PDT  The middle of 2009 caught General Motors in a very problematic situation, as it was bailed out by the USA and Canadian governments. It then promised to start fresh, with the main focus being to turn a profit as soon as possible. So, you would think the company managed to at least refrain from losing too much money after it was bailed out, right? Well, not that much, as GM revealed a $4.3 billion loss for the second half of 2009. Before you ready the pitchforks though, there were some reasons behind this huge amount. First off, $2.6 billion went to the retiree medical plan for UAW members, while another $1.6 billion were spent on “foreign currency re-measurement loss.” Still, things look pretty good for GM, as it revealed that:
Are you confident in GM turning a profit and being capable of repaying the government loans? Share your thoughts below. Source: GM Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Honda reportedly working on more powerful hybrid models Posted: 07 Apr 2010 11:53 PM PDT  Hybrid cars, up until now, haven’t really broken the mold in terms of power output, at least for those intended for mainstream use, like the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight. The latter company is currently hoping to change that, with the release of the CR-Z “sports hybrid coupe”. Sadly, with 122 HP coming out of the 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine combined with the Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, it isn’t looking very performance-oriented. According to MotorTrend though, Honda might be preparing some new applications for the IMA system, involving either a V6 engine or a bigger 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit. According to the report, it seems Honda wants to make a proper hybrid sportscar, and will reveal a new model soon enough. This hybrid will be a completely new car, and roughly the size of the Accord coupe edition. Besides this, the V6 engine might see use in models like SUVs or minivans, together with the hybrid system, to produce adequate amounts of power. Also, the Japanese company might also be working on an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (ER-EV), like the Chevrolet Volt, that will use a capacitor-based energy storage device. Source: MotorTrend Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| EA starts its own real life Need For Speed racing team Posted: 07 Apr 2010 11:03 PM PDT  Instead of limiting itself to racing in the various virtual worlds it has created over the years for the Need For Speed franchise of video games, Electronic Arts (EA) has decided to create its own real life racing team. Don’t go thinking this is just some lame attempt at marketing, as EA is serious, entering its team into two competitions, one in the USA and one in Europe. For its US efforts, the company will enter the NFS team in the Formula D drifting championship, which will soon see its 2010 season start. Those in Europe will get a chance to check out the NFS team in the VLN (Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring) endurance racing series, which has basically the same rules as events like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring and also takes place on the famous track. As you can see above, the cars are also pretty interesting, with a BMW Z4, presumably for the endurance racing series, and a Mazda RX8 and a Nissan Silvia for the drifting competitions. The drivers are also top notch, as EA wrangled Patrick Söderlund, Mad Mike Whiddett and Matt Powers to race these cars. Source: Kotaku Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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