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Tuesday, June 1, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- 2011 Citroen C4 revealed ahead of Paris debut
- Video: Ferdinand GT3 RS is the world’s slowest Porsche
- Cadillac to get seven seat crossover based on Lambda platform
- Future Infiniti M and G might share platform with Mercedes-Benz E Class
- Tesla boss Elon Musk says he’s broke
- Ford issues its largest Chinese recall for 237,000 Focus models
- Automotive black box (EDR) price to reach $5,000 if US safety bill gets passed
- US Treasury already hires bank to handle GM’s IPO
- McLaren invests in carbon fiber technology for its supercars
- Tuned Kia Soul Edition Irmscher 001 revealed
| 2011 Citroen C4 revealed ahead of Paris debut Posted: 01 Jun 2010 02:16 AM PDT  After much speculation, the new 2011 Citroen C4 has been unveiled by the French company. While its debut is still scheduled for the Paris Motor Show in September, these first official photos will be welcomed by fans. First off, while Citroen is hyping up the C4 as a all-new model, it still sits on a modified version of the old model’s chassis and will retain many of the engines used by its predecessor. Still, its new design and the fact that it will only be offered as a five-door hatchback will satisfy a lot of people. The style of the new C4 borrows heavily from the bigger C5 as well as from the DS High Rider concept we saw at the beginning of the year in Geneva. Unlike its predecessor, the 2011 C4 will arrive only as a hatch and targets models like the Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus. It will employ a fresh design combined with increased utility. While the former C4 featured some extravagant options, the new one is a bit more conservative. Still, even if you won’t have a central-mounted display, you will be able to change the background light for the new dashboard as well as customize plenty of accessories. The steering wheel no longer has a fixed center, but Citroen knows that won’t affect many potential buyers. As we revealed above, the engine lineup will be almost the same as the outgoing C4, but will see the addition of the first e-HDi diesel-electric hybrid system. According to sources, it will use an electric motor, combined with the 1.6-liter HDI unit, to achieve around 109 g/km of CO2 emissions and an impressive fuel average. Even if it isn’t as funky as its predecessor, we really like the new 2011 Citroen C4. What about you? Check out the photo gallery below and then cast your verdict on this new French hatch. Photo Gallery: 2011 Citroen C4
Source: Citroen Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Ferdinand GT3 RS is the world’s slowest Porsche Posted: 01 Jun 2010 01:38 AM PDT  The new Ferdinand GT3 RS has been officially revealed as the world’s slowest “Porsche” yet the most eco-conscious of all, with absolutely zero emissions. While some of you may be scratching your heads, the model is actually actually made from a cardboard body around a PVC tube chassis, wrapped with gold tin foil and made to look like a regular Porsche 911 sportscar. It has no engine, so it only gets around with the energy of the driver. Still, this doesn’t mean it’s not lightweight as it tips the scale at just 220 pounds or 99 kg. As any self-respecting Porsche, it also has a massive rear wing, plus front air inlets to help the driver reach dizzying speeds. Hit the jump to check out a German presentation of the new Ferdinand GT3 RS model. If you want to see this marvel of technology in real life, it is on exhibit at the Museum of Art, in Linz, Austria. Source: Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Cadillac to get seven seat crossover based on Lambda platform Posted: 01 Jun 2010 01:16 AM PDT  Before the bankruptcy, every time GM released a new platform or model, it was the rule of thumb to have every brand develop its own version, most of the times with little or no modifications except badge swapping. This strategy, together with other factors led to the bankruptcy of the old GM. But even though it seemed like it learned its lesson, the new GM still continues this strategy. A Cadillac official has just confirmed that the luxury brand will get its own version of the seven-seat crossover model based on the Lambda platform. The architecture is already used on the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, so a Cadillac model would complete the lineup. No other details were given, but it’s safe to assume that the same direct injection 3.6-liter V6 will be used for the Caddy-badged version. Do you think GM is doing the right thing here by adding a seven seat crossover to its luxury range? Share your thoughts below. Source: InsideLine Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Future Infiniti M and G might share platform with Mercedes-Benz E Class Posted: 01 Jun 2010 12:59 AM PDT  The auto industry was pretty surprised a few weeks ago when Daimler and the Renault Nissan alliance announced a new partnership regarding platform and engine sharing. The goal of the new alliance is to save up to $1 billion in research and development costs. We know many of those collaborations will occur for the small car segment, but according to a new report from Japan’s Best Car, bigger models will also see some sharing going on. According to the mag, the future Infiniti M and G models might soon use the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz E Class. If it will come true, this would mean some serious benefits and saved costs for both luxury brands. The M and G, together with the E Class are primarily considered bread and butter models, meaning their high sales result in considerable profits. If the manufacturing costs will be reduced, an even larger profit will be scooped. Still, even if this platform sharing possibility sounds great, we’re not holding our breaths. What about you? Would you welcome such a change? Source: PistonHeads via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Tesla boss Elon Musk says he’s broke Posted: 01 Jun 2010 12:25 AM PDT  Believe it or not, starting your own car company, especially one dedicated to selling electric vehicles, isn’t that easy. If you need an example, here’s Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who used part of his money from selling PayPal to EBay to start the electric carmaker, as well as a few other companies. Now, the rich guy isn’t so rich, as he revealed in court documents for his divorce from his wife, Jennifer, that he is almost broke. According to the statements, Musk now relies on personal loans from friends and has monthly expenses of around $200,000. His only income is “just” $8,255, probably his salary as Tesla CEO. As such, his only remaining liquid assets are worth $650,000. Musk did reveal that he hopes to get some cash incoming after Tesla goes public in the near future, but until then, he is just making ends meet. So, if you thought of getting your own electric Roadster, help Musk out and buy one now. Source: CNN Money Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ford issues its largest Chinese recall for 237,000 Focus models Posted: 01 Jun 2010 12:09 AM PDT  Ford has just announced its biggest recall ever in the Chinese market, affecting 237,000 Focus models. According to the report, the vehicles in question, all sedans, suffer from an ignition problem, with several owners experiencing stalling, after traveling at low speed for a certain amount of time. A new engine calibration software will be installed free of charge and the cars will be as good as new. The problems are present with Ford Focus sedan models manufactured between August 18, 2008 and May 28, 2010. The vehicles are produced in China by the Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co. joint venture between Ford (35%), Mazda (15%) and Changan Auto (50%). Source: Automotive News Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Automotive black box (EDR) price to reach $5,000 if US safety bill gets passed Posted: 31 May 2010 11:59 PM PDT  Last week, we talked about a new car safety bill which is currently up for discussion at the House of Representatives. If it will get passed, it will mandate that all new cars should have Event Data Recorders (or simply put automotive black boxes), which need to record events for a longer period of time, not for just five seconds, as is the case now. But while some may already praise the bill as a future triumph of safety, the new regulations will have an impact on the actual price of the EDR device. According to sources, if the devices will become more resistance (fire and water proof, according to the new bill) and will see their storage capacity increased, the price for an actual device will reach somewhere between $4,000 and $5,000. Besides the increase in cost, the size of the device will also be augmented, in order to store more data. As such, from the dimensions of a bulky phone, reports indicate that it will become as big as a shoe box. This will raise even more problems for carmakers that need to fit the device into their cars. Official data shows that around 85% of current vehicles sold in the US have EDRs, but if the new ruling will enforce stronger and better devices, you can be sure that it will have a big impact on the price of new cars in the future. What do you think? Is the trade off between cost and safety a valid one? Share your thoughts below. Source: Automotive News Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| US Treasury already hires bank to handle GM’s IPO Posted: 31 May 2010 11:39 PM PDT  General Motors is slowly getting back on its feet and, judging from the fact that it is pumping out new models and that it has paid back the cash loans it received from the US and Canadian governments, things are looking pretty good. That is why a new report shows that the US Treasury Department, even though it wanted to refrain from messing around with the internal affairs of GM, has appointed investment bank Lazard Frères & Co. as a consultant on the upcoming public offering of GM stock. As you all know, after the company was bailed out, the US government still owns 61% of all shares. GM’s executives have been planning for an IPO (Initial Public Offering) around the end of the year and this bank should definitely help them out. While GM is definitely on its road to recovery, people still have their doubts about the carmaker. As such, Lazard Frères & Co. will provide advice and consult GM on when is the right time to go public. For its services, according to a report, the bank will get $500,000 a month for the first year and $250,000 per month after that if the IPO doesn’t occur. Source: Detroit News Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| McLaren invests in carbon fiber technology for its supercars Posted: 31 May 2010 11:16 PM PDT  McLaren has just joined other carmakers like BMW or Mercedes-Benz who have partnered up with specialized carbon fiber companies to produce materials set to be used on current road-going cars. While BMW or Mercedes want to use carbon fiber components on everyday cars, McLaren’s new partnership with Salzburg-based Carbo Tech will see the material used on all future supercars, including the upcoming MP4-12C. McLaren invested a total of around $185 million and will help Carbo Tech build a new plant dedicated to supplying carbon fiber monocoque to the carmaker.
As we’ve mentioned before, the first car to enjoy the new component is the MP4-12C, whose monocoque body weighs just 176 pounds (80 kg) while still meeting crash standards. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Tuned Kia Soul Edition Irmscher 001 revealed Posted: 31 May 2010 11:04 PM PDT  The Kia Soul is one funky little compact MPV, a fact which hasn’t eluded German tuning company Irmscher. As such, the group decided to put its Opel or Chevrolet programs on hold and revealed the Kia Soul Edition Irmscher 001 project. While some (including us) might have wanted a power increase, you’ll find just cosmetic enhancements and interior upgrades. Among the new features boasted by the tuned Soul are things like a black finish on the roof, side mirrors, front bumper and on the new 18-inch wheels. Special graphics were also added on top of the special white paint scheme.  For the inside, customers can choose from two color combinations: either red and black or graphite and black. A black carbon fiber material was also used on the dashboard, as well as on the steering wheel and gear knob. All regular engines from the Kia Soul are available for the Edition Irmscher 001, so there are plenty of choices. Source: CarScoop Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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