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Monday, May 10, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Audi and Volkswagen still undecided on future R4 and Bluesport models
- Formula Rossa Ferrari roller coaster hits 60 mph in 2 seconds, reaches 149 mph
- Mercedes-Benz unveils new V6 and V8 units, boasts increased power and efficiency
- Aston Martin V12 Vantage coming to America, brings Carbon Black edition
- Consumers Reports lifts ‘Do Not Buy’ warning off 2010 Lexus GX460
- Video: Volvo S60 safety demonstration goes wrong
- Toyota planning $50,000 hydrogen-powered sedan by 2015
- Next Bumblebee Chevrolet Camaro spied on Transformers 3 movie set
- Mini Countryman gets Getaway package
- 1962 Ferrari Superamerica goes for $3.8 million at Monaco auction
| Audi and Volkswagen still undecided on future R4 and Bluesport models Posted: 10 May 2010 03:40 AM PDT  The Audi R8 supercar has been a huge success for the Ingolstadt carmaker, part of the Volkswagen group. The smaller Audi e-tron electric roadster concept has also been met with huge interest by both the media and the regular consumers. As such, people have started pointing to a future R4 roadster, which will slot in below the R8 and attack the compact sportscar market, dominated by another VW Group entity, Porsche, with its Boxster. Now, a new report from Autocar seems to suggest that the fate of the R4 project is still undecided, as the company needs to figure out what type of chassis the model will have. It needs to decide between cheaper yet heavy pressed steel or expensive but lightweight spaceframe, like on the R8. While Audi might favor the spaceframe, Volkswagen also wants to develop its own roadster, based on the VW Bluesport concept it showcased at the beginning of 2009. Reports also indicate that Porsche is examining the possibility of launching a model under the Boxster, also based on this common architecture. As of yet, nothing is known for sure, but we can expect a limited series Audi e-tron to appear around 2012, so the production-ready roadster(s) might arrive soon after that. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Formula Rossa Ferrari roller coaster hits 60 mph in 2 seconds, reaches 149 mph Posted: 10 May 2010 02:35 AM PDT  The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park is already shaping up to be the perfect holiday destination for any car fan. From a Ferrari F430-shaped roller coaster to a big number of other attractions, this is the recipe of supercar-themed fun for the whole family. But for the more hardcore fans, the Italian supercar manufacturer revealed the Formula Rossa roller coaster. Set to have its trains designed like the Formula 1 cars the company has in the motorsport competition, the ride will provide thrills worthy of the famous racing championship and will be the world’s fastest roller coaster.  How so? It will be powered by a 20,800 HP winch system, capable of propelling the ride from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2 seconds flat and up to 149 mph (240 km/h)! The roller coaster trains will take 16 passengers for a 1.3-mile ride, subjecting them to 1.7 Gs of acceleration and even offering them protective eye wear, to prevent the wind from hurting anyone. We don’t know about you, but October 28, the opening date for the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi park can’t come quick enough. Until then, check out a video of the Ferrari Formula Rossa roller coaster at the official FerrariTV website (it can’t be embedded, sadly). Source: Ferrari Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mercedes-Benz unveils new V6 and V8 units, boasts increased power and efficiency Posted: 10 May 2010 02:24 AM PDT  Mercedes-Benz isn’t just making changes to its performance engines, like the new 5.5-liter twin-turbo AMG unit, but also on its mainstream powerplant lineup. As such, it has just revealed two new direct injection units: a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 and a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6. Both engines now feature a wide array of new technologies, from an improved direct injection, to a multi-spark system that works together with a direct auto start-stop mechanism. The main goals of these new engines are to increase power output and to keep fuel averages plus emissions as low as possible. The V8 engine now develops 435 HP (as opposed to the outgoing 388 HP), while reducing the fuel average by 22%, from 19.12 mpg to 24.75 mpg (on the EU test cycle). CO2 emissions have also dropped by 22%, from 288 g/km to 224 g/km. Last but not least, torque was increased to 516 lb-ft.  The V6 unit suffered a bigger change that its V8 brother, as its V angle was modified, from 90 degrees to 60. This resulted in a decreased weight, affecting both performance and fuel average. The new 3.5-liter engine develops 306 HP (as opposed to the previous 272 HP) and has a torque rating of 272 lb-ft. The unit is 24% more efficient, averaging 30.94 mpg and emitting just 177 g/km of CO2. Both the twin-turbo V8 and the V6 will be appearing late this year on the S and CL Class models, with other cars getting them in 2011. Source: Mercedes-Benz Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Aston Martin V12 Vantage coming to America, brings Carbon Black edition Posted: 10 May 2010 01:55 AM PDT  Rich Americans can finally rejoice as Aston Martin has officially revealed that it’s going to bring the V12 Vantage model to both North and South America later this year. Why should you get excited? Well, the V12 Vantage draws power from a 6.0-liter V12 engine, capable of 510 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque. This translates in 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph. Couple that with the awesome sound of the V12 Vantage and you’ve got yourself a must buy if your wallet can afford it. As a special treat, Aston will also bring the Carbon Black special edition V12 Vantage, which was revealed at the end of last year in Europe. Besides the extreme performance of the powerful model, it will also add a multiple-coat paint, which requires 50 man hours to complete. Also included are ten-spoke, diamond-cut alloy wheels with gloss black detailing, a carbon fiber side strake and a bright finished grille. For the inside of the Carbon Black V12 Vantage, customers will get Obsidian Black leather with contrast silver stitching, as well as a piano black trim and a 700 watt Aston Martin Premium Audio System. In case you’re interested, orders are already open and delivers will begin at the end of the year. Source: Aston Martin Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Consumers Reports lifts ‘Do Not Buy’ warning off 2010 Lexus GX460 Posted: 10 May 2010 01:01 AM PDT  It's been one heck of a month for the 2010 Lexus GX460, as after it was tested by Consumer Reports, going all tail-happy on the drivers, it received the infamous 'Do Not Buy' warning. As you already know, Toyota acted quickly and revealed in just a week or so a new software update for the Vehicle Stability Control on the luxury SUV. This prevented the car from sliding out of control during corners (aka drifting), ensuring that the luxo-barge keeps it together. Now, after the sale of the 2010 Lexus GX460 has been restarted and owners are being called in for the software fix, Consumer Reports has once again tested the SUV in its own facilities. The results should make Toyota and Lexus quite happy, as the 'Do Not Buy' warning has officially been lifted. Hopefully the Japanese carmaker will be more careful with its safety tests and won't be plagued by such problems in the future. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Volvo S60 safety demonstration goes wrong Posted: 10 May 2010 12:51 AM PDT  The new Volvo S60 is being hyped up pretty hard by the Swedish company not just for its new safety systems but also for its improved performance, through the Naughty Volvos campaign. But seeing as how the Scandinavian carmaker is famous for its leading safety technology, people still expect the 2011 S60 to provide the best protection money can buy. As such, the company organized a little demonstration for the collision warning system. Those not familiar with the technology should know that if the car detects you're going to crash, it will alert you and, if you don't respond, it's going to brake the car for you. As such, the company sent a new S60 towards a parked truck at 30 mph. What should have been a safety demonstration quickly went awfully wrong for the Swedish company, as the new sedan crashed into the back of the truck. The company said that it was human error, as the vehicle wasn't fully prepared for the test, but the video of the crash is still pretty intense. Thankfully, as you can see, the passenger compartment isn't even scratched after the crash. Hit the jump to see this failed Volvo S60 safety demonstration. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Toyota planning $50,000 hydrogen-powered sedan by 2015 Posted: 10 May 2010 12:38 AM PDT  Toyota, thanks to its hybrid and electric endeavors into the realm of car propulsion, hasn’t really gone with the hydrogen fuel cell trend, calling such vehicles expensive and unnecessary. Still, this hasn’t stopped the company’s research and development branch from working on such a technology. The fruits are already being seen, a fact which prompted Toyota to say that it will release a hydrogen fuel cell sedan by 2015. How did the company go from calling such tech expensive to promising a production-ready model? Thanks to the big price drops recorded by fuel cells. This, according to a company representative, will allow the Japanese company to break even quickly at a price of $50,000 per car. Unlike other companies, Toyota wants to really profit from this market segment, and even though it could price the sedan lower, in order to contend with other future models like the Chevrolet Volt or Nissan Leaf, it will keep it around the $50k point, in order to get back its investment. Source: Bloomberg via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Next Bumblebee Chevrolet Camaro spied on Transformers 3 movie set Posted: 09 May 2010 11:42 PM PDT  GM is ready to once again fully endorse film maker Michael Bay and his next explosion-gasm movie, Transformers 3, which is currently in production around various cities of the world. In that endorsement is included a new edition of the Bumblebee Camaro, which, in case you’re not familiar with the Transformers franchise, is the car form of Autobot (aka good robot) Bumblebee. Now, thanks to a few eagle-eyed paparazzi who were tailing Megan Fox, we have the first photos of the next Bumblebee. Before you ask, that floral marking is just a watermark the guys at Megan-Fox.net added onto the image. Rest assured the next Bumblebee Camaro will sport some new racing stripes, which will continue onto the roof of the car, but also a fresh wing which won’t go unnoticed. Concept-style rear-view mirrors are still present on this model, reminiscent of the fact that the first Transformers saw Bumblebee take the role of the Camaro concept model. Still, right before or after Transformers 3 hits, expect GM to release a Chevrolet Camaro Bumblebee Edition in order to capitalize on the hoards of people going to see the explosion festival which will no doubt be TF3. Source: Megan-Fox.net via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mini Countryman gets Getaway package Posted: 09 May 2010 10:57 PM PDT  The Mini Countryman has definitely changed a few things for the British brand, now under BMW control. For one thing, the Mini isn’t so mini anymore, a fact approved by some but hated by others. Mini knows this compact crossover won’t appeal to those with a hunger for a stylish city car, so it is promoting the Countryman as a ‘getaway’ model (no, don’t think of bank heists). In order to further drive the point home, the carmaker has now revealed the 2011 Countryman Getaway package. For just €306, Europeans will be able to get everything they need for a quick picnic or country outing straight form the carmaker. Included in the package are two folding seats, which can be put together as a table (extra seats are available for a higher cost), a ‘five-in-one cover’, which can be used for either a picnic blanket, a poncho, a sleeping bag or a bed cover, and an apparel kit, consisting of a set of boots, a Mini t-shirt and a parka. Overall, if you really enjoy pulling over the car and enjoying the scenic beauty, then this new Getaway package might be the right thing. Source: Mini Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 1962 Ferrari Superamerica goes for $3.8 million at Monaco auction Posted: 09 May 2010 10:39 PM PDT  We revealed last week the world’s newest most expensive car, a stunning Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, which went for over $30 million at a private auction in California. Now, another high end auction recently took place in Monaco, held by RM Auctions. Although there weren’t cars as elusive as the Bugatti, we were still treated to some extremely expensive cult cars, like a 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina SWB, which was sold for a whopping $3.8 million, turning it into the most expensive Superamerica model. This wasn’t just a fluke, as many other rare cars fetched a pretty penny at the Monaco auction, including Ferrari models like a 1957 250 GT Tour de France ($3.2M) or a 1959 250 GT California Spyder ($2.8M). Another prized Italian model, a 1960 Maserati Birdcage fetched $3.3 million. In case you’re wondering, the auction raked in an estimated $45 million, in total. Recession? Says who? Source: RM Auctions via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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