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Friday, June 4, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- 2011 BMW X3 gets detailed, camouflage photos included
- BMW 1 Series M car confirmed, packs around 350 HP
- Next Nissan Z car to get Mercedes-Benz engines, hybrid or diesel variants are possible
- Video: See the development of the 17th BMW M3 GT2 Art Car by Jeff Koons
- Volkswagen Tiguan facelift leaked through brochure
- Mini to develop a compact city car
- Ohio cops now able to give speeding tickets based on their guesses
- The Internet is making young Americans forget about cars or licenses
- NHTSA to investigate 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon door handles over hand cuts
- China announces new subsidies for hybrid and electric vehicles
| 2011 BMW X3 gets detailed, camouflage photos included Posted: 04 Jun 2010 02:56 AM PDT  BMW decided to reveal a few details concerning its next generation crossover model, the 2011 X3. According to the Bavarian company, the new car will feature a slight increase in size, which will be reflected on the larger space inside and a larger capacity for the boot (a class-leading 550 liters, according to BMW). Still, this doesn’t mean the new X3 has gotten beefier, as engineers boast a decrease in curb weight of 55 lbs over its predecessor. Its engine lineup is pretty similar to the existing X3. A 268 HP naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six will be offered for the xDrive28i, while a 302 HP twin-turbo version will be equipping the xDrive35i. European markets will also get more frugal diesel units, a 181 HP 2.0-liter four-pot for the xDrive20d and a 241 HP 3.0-liter inline-six for the xDrive30d.  According to some sources, a mid-range diesel (201 HP for the xDrive23d) as well as an ActiveHybrid variant will be offered further down the road, but no details on US availability. All these engines, except the entry-level diesel, will be offered with the latest ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, equipped with the start-stop system, in order to increase fuel economy. Overall, the 2011 BMW X3 sounds pretty good and from what we can tell from the camouflage photos, isn’t that bad of a looker either. Expect its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| BMW 1 Series M car confirmed, packs around 350 HP Posted: 04 Jun 2010 02:38 AM PDT  After a lot of speculation, plenty of rumors and the occasional inside leaks, BMW’s M division boss, Dr. Kay Segler has confirmed once again that a performance version of the 1 Series is arriving, but won’t carry the M1 badge, due to the legacy of the iconic supercar from the 1980s. Still, this doesn’t mean this 1 Series M car won’t blow people away, as the rumors are currently pegging the 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine’s output at somewhere around 350 HP. Its torque figures are set to overtake the M3’s 300 lb-ft rating. Based on the 1 Series coupe body, this performance model will receive a wide array of enhancements over the current top-of-the-range, the 135i. Besides stiffer suspension and more aggressive styling, a dual-clutch six-speed gearbox plus an electronically-controlled M differential will be added. Expect the 1 Series M car to appear next year, slotting in below the M3 and targeting the possible Audi RS3 as its main rival. Are you excited? Share your thoughts below. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Next Nissan Z car to get Mercedes-Benz engines, hybrid or diesel variants are possible Posted: 04 Jun 2010 02:16 AM PDT  Nissan’s next Z model, the successor to the current 370Z, will become much more eco-conscious, according to some rumors published by Autocar. According to them, the recent partnership between the Renault Nissan group and Daimler will also affect the next entry-level sportscar from Nissan. As such, Mercedes-Benz will offer an array of engines that might appear under the bonnet of the next Z car. And before you ask, no, we aren’t talking about fire-breathing AMG-spec engines, but fuel efficient diesels or even hybrid assemblies. According to the speculation, the 3.5-liter V6 engine, coupled with the electric motor from the S400 hybrid might be transplanted to the Japanese model. Other likely candidates are the diesel V6 from the E350 CDI or even the future Diesotto 1.8-liter unit, currently in development at Mercedes-Benz. We’re still a bit reluctant that these things will happen, but given harsher fuel average and emissions regulations, a change is definitely coming. Hopefully, instead of this hybrid mumbo jumbo, we might get to see the 370Z’s 3.7-liter V6 replaced with a smaller, possibly turbocharged V6 or maybe even a four-cylinder. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: See the development of the 17th BMW M3 GT2 Art Car by Jeff Koons Posted: 04 Jun 2010 12:48 AM PDT  BMW pleased a lot of its fans at on the 1st of June when it showcased the 17th Art Car project, led by artist Jeff Koons and based on the BMW M3 GT2 model that will race in the 24 Hours of Le mans endurance event, later this month. Now, the company released a short video, showcasing how the design and development of the car went from an idea in Koons’ mind to a real life car in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Hit the jump to check it out. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Volkswagen Tiguan facelift leaked through brochure Posted: 04 Jun 2010 12:38 AM PDT  The Volkswagen Tiguan crossover is definitely an attractive model in the VW range, but its styling will soon be augmented by a fresh new facelift. We were already treated to a slightly facelifted version of the Tiguan for the Chinese market, but it seems that European and North American territories are going to bet a much more aggressive restyling of the German crossover. This is at least according to a brochure that was leaked yesterday on the Internet. In it, we can see the new style of the Tiguan, which receives more cues from the Golf VI or the bigger Touareg, but also the interior enhancements. While the new design direction was expected, LED daytime running were added inside the headlight assembly. Key changes were also made on the inside, to become more driver-friendly. Expect the same engines to be offered with the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan facelift, but some will become more efficient, according to inside sources. The debut of the refreshed Tiguan is scheduled to be made at September’s Paris Motor Show. Source: WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mini to develop a compact city car Posted: 04 Jun 2010 12:19 AM PDT  Mini sources have confirmed that the brand is now researching a compact city car model, in the vein of the Smart ForTwo, even though officials have said that such a vehicle isn’t profitable. Why the sudden 180 degree turn? BMW is planning an all-out assault on the entry-level premium segment, with front-wheel drive cars smaller than the current 1 Series, but also on the city car market, with the Megacity electric vehicle project. As such, the money is already set to be spent, on research and on a new three-cylinder engine. This means that in order to get its investment back, the Mini brand will also develops its own compact city car project. No word on the exact specifications, like three/five doors or front/rear engine, but one thing’s for sure, it will be much shorter than the current Mini models. It won’t have Smart ForTwo dimensions, but it’s going to be easier to handle around the city, according to officials. Don’t expect anything concrete in the near future, as those same sources revealed that a concept will be revealed around mid-2011. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ohio cops now able to give speeding tickets based on their guesses Posted: 03 Jun 2010 11:48 PM PDT  It seems that Ohio police officers are some type of evolved humans, as the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that cops can now issue speeding tickets based on just their estimates. That’s right, if the officer believes you were doing 100 mph, then you can’t do anything against that. No more radars or speed cameras, the Ohio cop eye is now the best (and most accurate) method of finding out the true speed of a car. Sure, we may be (a bit) sarcastic, but the absurdity of the matter is pretty severe. The police officers only need to take a five-hour traffic course, out of which only a fraction is dedicated to making accurate estimates of the speed of cars, in order to go out and start issuing tickets. So, next time you’re passing through Ohio, make sure you’re a good 5-10 miles under the speed limit, so that you won’t have any problems with these “super-cops”. Source: The Plain Dealer via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| The Internet is making young Americans forget about cars or licenses Posted: 03 Jun 2010 11:24 PM PDT  While car culture is still alive and well, thanks to a variety of outlets, niches and media coverage, its supporters aren’t doing so well. While you and me certainly like everything related to cars, young people nowadays aren’t that into the whole suck, squeeze, bang, blow thing (we’re talking about engines, of course). We’ve seen Toyota officials blame video games for this, as driving a car virtually offers a much more pleasant experience to younger people than actually getting behind the wheel, but now another invention is getting a part of the blame. According to a new report from Automotive News, the Internet is playing a decissive factor in making young people not even get their driving license, let alone get an actual car. How does it do that? For starters, they can get all their information about cars and see how it’s like to actually own one. Secondly, they want to be always connected, something which is much harder when driving a car. As such, young people nowadays are much more content with using public transportation and watching car videos on their various mobile devices than actually getting behind the wheel. Some people might not care about this, but carmakers, in the US, Japan and all over the world, are pretty worried as sales will no doubt decline in the following years. Source: Automotive News Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| NHTSA to investigate 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon door handles over hand cuts Posted: 03 Jun 2010 11:06 PM PDT  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced that it is investigating the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2007 GMC Yukon SUVs over some potential issues with the interior door handles. 433,000 models will be inspected after over 88 complaints have been lodged against the interior door handles. It seems that the chrome plating on the handles can easily peel away, leaving sharp edges exposed. As such, when you try to open the door, in order to get out of the vehicle, you’ll most likely suffer from a hand cut. While the injuries aren’t that bad (’severe paper cuts’ was the term used), it’s still enough to cause bleeding. We don’t know how good the large SUVs are, but not a lot of people would love to shed some blood for their vehicle. The investigation is already underway, with GM revealing that it will cooperate fully. The results and the potential recall will be announced in the following weeks. Until then, better get your heavy duty gloves on when getting out of your Tahoe or Yukon. Source: Automotive News Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| China announces new subsidies for hybrid and electric vehicles Posted: 03 Jun 2010 10:51 PM PDT  China is quickly becoming the biggest car market in the world, but this has led to a pretty major pollution problem, especially around the big metropolitan areas like Beijing or Shanghai. As such, the government of the country will implement a new set of subsidies and discounts for all future hybrid and electric vehicles. The first stage of the program will affect models sold in four big cities: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Hefei. If the program proves successful and people are going to buy more eco-friendly cars, it will no doubt expand to the rest of the country. Currently, the subsidy is speculated to be around $7,320. Besides helping customers decide on less pollutant vehicles, the program will no doubt spur the development of such vehicles from the many carmakers now active in China. Besides that, you can also guess that other companies will definite kick their hybrid development into overtime, in order to profit from these new subsidies. Source: Automotive News Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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