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Monday, May 31, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Motorsport Weekend: F1 Turkish GP, WRC Rally of Portugal and Nascar Charlotte races results
- Dodge Viper-based Maybach Exelero replica can be yours for $680,000
- Video: Audi showcases the new 2011 TT
- 2011 Buick Regal might get wagon and hatchback variants plus diesel engine
- Jaguar F-Type sportscar set to be produced, to rival 911 or R8
- Video: Lexus LS steering wheel defect showcased by Toyota
- Mercedes-Benz plans new electric cars with China’s BYD
- Lotus preparing to axe the Europa
- Saab’s future 92 going ahead as planned, will target Mini
- Nissan Leaf US reservations full, CEO Carlos Ghosn says
| Motorsport Weekend: F1 Turkish GP, WRC Rally of Portugal and Nascar Charlotte races results Posted: 31 May 2010 04:15 AM PDT  Welcome to a new edition of Motorsport Weekend, our own feature where we take a look at some of the most interesting races from the past three days and share the results with you. We were treated to several exciting races this weekend, with the Formula 1 Turkish GP in Istanbul, the WRC Rally of Portugal and the Nascar Charlotte races, the Coca-Cola 600 and the TECH-NET Auto Service 300, taking place in Concord, North Carolina. Curious to see how Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastien Loeb or Kyle Busch faired in their respective races? Then hit the jump and find out. This culminated in a crash for Sebastian Vettel in the last third of the race, involving his teammate, Mark Webber. Opinions are divided as tho whose fault it is (we’re still undecided), but it cost Vettel valuable points and Webber eventually came in third, after leading almost the entire race. The first two spots were occupied by McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, while props went to Michael Schumacher, who came in fourth, but also to Renault’s Vitaly Petrov, who put on a good show and managed to resist Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso for almost the entire race. The overall standings still see Mark Webber first, but Button is 5 points behind and Hamilton trails by 9 points. In the constructors’ championship McLaren now leads, but Red Bull trails by only 1 point. Moving onto the World Rally Championship, we saw the Rally of Portugal take place this weekend. While many deemed Citroen’s Sebastien Loeb as a clear winner, Citroen Junior rally team driver Sebastien Ogier took the win, after a show of force and a flawless performance. Loeb, even though he pushed as hard as his C4 WRC would let him, only managed to end on second place. Completing the all Citroen podium was Loeb’s teammate Dani Sordo. Ford’s Mikko Hirvonen managed to end up fourth, scoring some points for the Blue Oval. Overall standings still show Loeb first, with Ogier 38 points behind and Hirvonen with 50 points behind. Citroen Total leads the team standings, followed by BP Ford with 26 points behind, and the Citroen Junior Team, with 83 points behind. The Nascar races that took place at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Coca-Cola 600 and the TECH-NET Auto Service 300, were both dominated by the Busch brothers, Kyle and Kurt. The Tech-Net Auto Service 300, counting for the Nascar Nationwide Series, showed a resilient Kyle Busch, who managed to keep Brad Keselowski at bay even if he suffered a pit lane penalty and a few mechanical problems. In the end, he still crossed the checkered flag first, followed by Keselowski and Joey Logano. Overall, Keselowski still leads, but Kyle Busch is just one point behind and Kevin Harvick trails by 94 points. Moving onto the main event, the Coca-Cola 600, counting for the Nascar Sprint Cup, this time it was Kurt Busch’s time to shine. The driver showed an almost flawless race and crossed the finish line first, followed by Jamie McMurray and his brother, Kyle. Overall Sprint Cup standings still show Kevin Harvick in the lead, with Kyle Busch in second, trailing by 29 points, and Matt Kenseth in third, trailing by 119 points. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Dodge Viper-based Maybach Exelero replica can be yours for $680,000 Posted: 31 May 2010 02:52 AM PDT  Even though it didn’t achieve record sales, Daimler’s Maybach luxury brand really got the media talking with the stunning Exelero concept model (pictured above), commissioned by tire manufacturer Fulda. Only one was made, so when it came to auctioning it off, it fetched around $8 million, presumably from an African diamond tycoon. Now, for those who were bummed about not getting their hands on a Maybach coupe and who don’t want to order Xenatech’s 57S coupe version, are in luck. A company in Switzerland is now offering to create replica Maybach Exelero models, based on the Dodge Viper sportscar, of all things. It will be powered by an 800HP turbocharged 8.3-liter V10 engine and boast 23-inch wheels. Interior and exterior options can be catered to the customer’s desire, but the starting price is around $680,000 (€550,000, to be exact). Interested in the offer? Then check out the official ad on JamesList. Source: JamesList Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Audi showcases the new 2011 TT Posted: 31 May 2010 02:34 AM PDT  Audi has been revealing refreshed models left and right at the beginning of the year. Among them was the 2011 TT facelift, which was revealed for both the roadster and coupe models at the Leipzig Motor Show. Bringing a revised design, a new engine option (2.0-liter TFSI) plus various other options, including the LED daytime running lights, the new Audis was well received. Now, the Ingolstadt company has revealed a video with the 2011 Audi TT, both in coupe and roadster form, in action. Peter Hirschfeld, product marketing representative for the TT also weighs in on the important changes suffered by the facelifted models. Hit the jump to check out the video. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Buick Regal might get wagon and hatchback variants plus diesel engine Posted: 31 May 2010 02:13 AM PDT  The 2011 Buick Regal is quickly becoming the turning point for the Tri-Shield brand and a bold experiment for General Motors. It seems that the badge-engineered Opel Insignia will share a lot of things with its European cousin. We’ve seen the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and the six-speed manual confirmed for the upcoming Regal, but some even bigger news have now been revealed by Car and Driver. According to the magazine, the Regal will also receive the two other body styles of the Insignia, a slightly shorter five door hatchback form and a full pledged wagon version. While both are rumored to join the sedan at one point in time, we don’t know how much customers are going to have to wait. Besides the new body forms, a special treat is prepared to US diesel fans, as such a unit will make its way onto the Regal in the future. No figures were given, but it will certainly boost the green credentials, alongside the flex-fuel capable gasoline engines. Factor in the performance oriented Regal GS, and the new Buick model is set to really blow away the competition. What do you think? Share your thoughts below. Source: Car and Driver Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Jaguar F-Type sportscar set to be produced, to rival 911 or R8 Posted: 31 May 2010 01:30 AM PDT  Jaguar is getting better and better, largely thanks to its new corporate overlord, Indian car company Tata. Seeing as how costs have been cut and beautiful models like the new XJ are being sent into public success, room (and money) for growth is guaranteed. According to the new Jaguar Land Rover boss, Carl-Peter Forster, new products are being developed for the two brands. Among the new Jaguar models, according to the executive, we might see a fresh sportscar, derived from the old F-Type concept we saw in 2000. We still don’t know anything concrete, but rumors have been flying around about a resemblance with the iconic E-Type, and it might go against other more affordable sportscars like the Porsche 911 or the Audi R8. Still, even though it’s a bit murky, the promise of a dedicated Jaguar sportscar is quite enticing. What do you think? Source: AutoExpress Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Lexus LS steering wheel defect showcased by Toyota Posted: 31 May 2010 12:53 AM PDT  Toyota has learned from its previous mistakes and is now treating every recall with the upmost respect. Among the measures it is taking with each new defect is releasing videos of the problems and, subsequently, with the fixes implemented to resolve the problems. We’ve seen it done with the recent 2010 Lexus GX460 SUV and its drift-inclined side and now with the latest Lexus recall, for the 2010 LS 460 and LS 600h limousines. As you know, the steering system has a defect where if you turn the wheel full tilt to one side, and then rapidly turn it back, the wheel will be off centered. The system eventually centers the wheel, but it does take some time. Hit the jump to check out the video of the 2010 Lexus LS steering defect. Source: LexusEnthusiast Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mercedes-Benz plans new electric cars with China’s BYD Posted: 31 May 2010 12:29 AM PDT  Chalk another partnership for German company Daimler, owner of Mercedes-Benz, as the group has just signed a contract with China’s Build Your Dreams (BYD). The new 50:50 joint venture between the two companies, called Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd., will specialize in manufacturing all new electric vehicles for the already booming Chinese market. Daimler has long been interested in expanding its electric endeavors, and partnering up with BYD, the leading battery technology developer from China, is a huge step in that direction. Wang Chuanfu, BYD boss, revealed that the first car in this new partnership will arrive as soon as possible. No concrete date was given though. Daimler has partnered up with the Renault Nissan alliance a few months ago, in terms of small car development and platform sharing. It is also rumored to be preparing a deal with Toyota, that will see the two groups collaborate in terms of fuel cell technologies and future vehicles. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Lotus preparing to axe the Europa Posted: 30 May 2010 11:50 PM PDT  It may come as a surprise for quite some people, but it seems that besides the ever present Elise sportscar and the new Evora, British company Lotus also kept on selling the Europa model since 2006, when it first launched the car as a bigger brother to the Elise. Since then, the Europa didn’t really tug any heart strings, largely due to the brutish design, nor attracted any performance enthusiasts with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, capable of 200 HP and 200 lb-ft of torque. Now, the Europa is getting ready to be axed from the lineup, as many European dealers aren’t taking anymore orders. The Evora will receive a bigger marketing effort and occupy the place soon to be left empty by the older model. Will you miss the Europa? Share your Lotus opinions below. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Saab’s future 92 going ahead as planned, will target Mini Posted: 30 May 2010 11:27 PM PDT  Even though it dropped out of the media spotlight after being rescued in the nick of time by Spyker from GM, Swedish carmaker Saab is still going ahead full steam with its revival plans. A big part of the Saab renaissance will be a completely new 92 successor, a compact hatch designed to take on other premium city car rivals like the Mini or the newly revealed Audi A1. According to Victor Muller, the company’s CEO, the new 92 will be reminiscent of the teardrop-shaped Saabs of yesteryear and the brand is already in talks with quite a few carmakers to share the future platform of the 92. This would achieve a much needed reduction in developments costs, given Saab’s still rocky financial situation. Muller revealed that he is checking in with designers every day for updates on the future 92, and that when he’s not talking with his team, he’s reaching out to manufacturers for the platform development. Given the already popular Mini, the Fiat 500 or the new Audi A1, plus other premium city cars from the likes of Mercedes-Benz or BMW, is Saab making the right choice to dive into this segment? Pitch in your two cents below. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Nissan Leaf US reservations full, CEO Carlos Ghosn says Posted: 30 May 2010 11:09 PM PDT  It seems that Renault Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn was right on the money earlier this year when he said that thanks to the upcoming Leaf electric vehicle, his company has no other competition. In order to drive the point home, the Nissan CEO revealed that all of the models scheduled for US sale in 2010, 13,000 in total, have been reserved. Do bear in mind that we’re talking about the refundable $99 reservations, but still, achieving such an impressive number in just a few months is mighty impressive. We should still wait until Leaf test vehicles start arriving in dealerships and people can actually test out the new EV, but given the low price (after you factor in tax cuts or discounts), the Leaf might be an offer no eco-conscious guy or gal can resist. With this new data, Ghosn said that factories will go into overdrive in order to produce even more cars for both the US and the European markets in the next few years. Source: Detroit Free Press Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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