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Monday, June 14, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Video: Porsche refuses Mini challenge
- Aston Martin plans six new and refreshed models until 2016
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evo XI might use diesel hybrid technology
- Next Subaru Impreza WRX STI to use diesel engine alongside gasoline unit?
- Video: GM settles Chevrolet vs Chevy debate
- Is Need For Speed Hot Pursuit: Race the next game in the NFS series?
- BMW stops sale, recalls 1 Series models over fire risk
- Lexus SC430 set to be axed in July, may return in 2014 as V8 hybrid
- Subaru reveals STI-tuned Legacy 2.5GT tS in sedan and wagon form
- Chevrolet unveils Cruze-engined Spark for use as safety car in WTCC
| Video: Porsche refuses Mini challenge Posted: 14 Jun 2010 04:40 AM PDT  Late last week, Mini USA pulled out all the stops and publicly challenged Porsche to a race between the Mini Cooper S and the Porsche 911. Even though the challenge received a lot of media coverage, it seems Porsche has politely refused to race against the British brand at the Road Atlanta circuit. Here’s the response from the German company:
At the end, Porsche directs Mini to one of its older video montages, entitled Racing, no posing. Hit the jump to check out that video once more. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Aston Martin plans six new and refreshed models until 2016 Posted: 14 Jun 2010 04:22 AM PDT  Aston Martin is by far one of the most respected carmakers in the world, but, sadly, this hasn’t been paying the bills lately at the Gaydon HQ. As such, the British sportscar manufacturer is planning some serious shakeups to its lineup, in order to become more profitable but also to meet the strict fuel and emissions regulations that will be adopted by the EU and in the USA. Luckily for us, the blokes at Autocar have gotten their hands on Aston Martin’s six-year plan. Even if some of the entries were already known, there are still quite a lot of interesting tidbits of information. First off, 2011 will see the introduction of the Aston Martin Cygnet city car, essentially an upmarket Toyota iQ, designed for AM fans that want something to zip around town. It’s small engine and low weight will definitely improve the fuel average across the lineup. Next up, the iconic DB9 is set to get a drastic overhaul in 2013, as its VH aluminum alloy chassis will be upgraded. The main goal is to decrease weight yet ensure great handling. A key role will be played by an optimized version of the V12 engine, currently under the bonnet of the DB9. It will also be put on a diet and will see the addition of emission-reducing and fuel-saving technologies. 2014 will see the same treatment be applied to the Vantage model. Even if sales of this specific car have suffered from the economic downturn, Aston is confident that with the right upgrades and a strict diet, the Vantage will continue to shine among the opposition. Still in 2014, Aston Martin will push the Lagonda brand front and center. The first model will be a luxury SUV, in the vein of the concept we saw last year. Before you worry, Aston has revealed that the design will be overhauled, in order to give it a sense of class. It is expected that the British carmaker will borrow the GL Class chassis from Mercedes-Benz. The Aston Martin DBS will also receive its own refresh, in 2015. More power will definitely be added, while the weight will be reduced. Given the high sales of this specific model, it’s safe to say that not a lot of things will change. Last but not least, in 2016, Aston might also refresh the Rapide super sedan. The fate of the model will rest with the sales figures it will achieve up until then. Given the shared chassis with the DB9, the same changes are also expected to hit the four-door model. As an overall design line, expect cues to be taken from the recent One-77 hypercar, as well as a few other internal projects from Aston. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mitsubishi Lancer Evo XI might use diesel hybrid technology Posted: 14 Jun 2010 03:47 AM PDT  Hot off the heels of the rumor that the next generation Subaru Impreza WRX STI might get a diesel version, the guys at Autocar have followed up with the report that the next Mitsubishi Lancer Evo XI will use a diesel hybrid powertrain. As you may remember, the next Evo has been rumored for quite some time. At the beginning of the year, it was deemed a certainty that the Evo XI will use a hybrid system, combining a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Now, it seems that the aforementioned project has been changed. Instead of the petrol engine, a diesel unit will work in tandem with the electric motor, in order to continue pushing an adequate amount of power, but also keep the CO2 emissions and fuel average as low as possible. Besides the powertrain change, not a lot of the features on the current Evo X will be changed. The S-AWC all-wheel drive system will receive slight alterations, in order to cope with the new things. So, both the next Subaru Impreza WRX STI and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo XI are scheduled to switch over to diesel engines. How do you think this will affect the popularity of such models? Share your thoughts below. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Next Subaru Impreza WRX STI to use diesel engine alongside gasoline unit? Posted: 14 Jun 2010 12:13 AM PDT  The rumor mill has started spinning once more, this time powered by the guys at Autocar, which have revealed that the next generation Subaru Impreza WRX STI sportscar might see, alongside a traditional gasoline-powered version, a diesel option. It seems that stricter emissions and fuel average regulations are forcing the Japanese company to consider a diesel option for their hot model. This oil burner is set to be based on the current 2.0-liter turbodiesel unit, found on stock Impreza models, and might be good for around 200 HP and over 300 lb-ft of torque. The changes don’t stop here, as the next Impreza WRX STI might see the gasoline version decrease its displacement. According to the inside voices, the 1.5-liter flat-four engine also found on stock Impreza models might be used for the next generation performance sportscar. As you can imagine, Subaru hasn’t commented on the rumors, but considering the changing times and new regulations, a diesel and a smaller gasoline engine aren’t that far fetched. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: GM settles Chevrolet vs Chevy debate Posted: 13 Jun 2010 11:58 PM PDT  At the end of last week, General Motors let loose a media storm when an internal memo was leaked. In it employees were forbidden to use the Chevy nickname when talking about the Chevrolet brand. Faced with a PR scandal, the company quickly issued a few statements in order to calm down Chevy fans. The gist of the reasoning behind the memo was that Chevrolet was quickly expanding overseas, and in order to keep that brand consistency, employees will need to use the full name, especially when talking about international products. In order to drive the point home, GM’s social marketing boss Joe LaMuraglia put up a video interview with Sales VP Alan Batey. In it, they say that because Chevrolet is doing so well on an international level (for every unit sold in the US, Chevy sells 2 in abroad), a single name is needed. Still, this doesn’t mean GM wants to erase the Chevy nickname from the history books. Hit the jump and check out the (shaky) video interview. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Is Need For Speed Hot Pursuit: Race the next game in the NFS series? Posted: 13 Jun 2010 11:35 PM PDT  The next title in Electronic Arts’ Need For Speed racing franchise might have been already leaked onto the Internet, right before the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) will open its doors tomorrow. According to the picture above, snapped by an insider at the EA booth from E3, the next NFS title will be called Need For Speed Hot Pursuit: Race. As you know, the NFS franchise is set to receive quite a few new titles in the upcoming months, but this is the most important one. Press members are already teased by EA, which sent out fake speeding tickets, emphasizing the fact that this game will have police in it. Long time fans will no doubt remember that NFS Hot Pursuit titles not only let you race fast supercars and escape the cops, but also allowed you to become a cop, and bust illegal racers. So, will this new title allow the same thing? We’re pretty much sure. Also, it seems that this game will be developed by Criterion Games, which now has a great big countdown clock on its website. All we can do is wait until tomorrow to see where the NFS series goes next. Source: Destructoid Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| BMW stops sale, recalls 1 Series models over fire risk Posted: 13 Jun 2010 11:14 PM PDT  BMW has just issued a recall, affecting its 1 Series models, manufactured between 2008 and 2010. According to the Bavarian company, the front seatbelt retractors (aka the things that tighten up the actual belt), can ignite in certain “severe” accidents and result in a fire. As such, BMW has notified dealers to stop selling or delivering 1 Series models. Existing owners will be notified of this problem. They are expected in service areas for a free fix that will remove any fire hazard. For more details about this BMW recall, you can contact the company at 1-800-525-7417. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Lexus SC430 set to be axed in July, may return in 2014 as V8 hybrid Posted: 13 Jun 2010 10:51 PM PDT  The Lexus SC430 has had its demise rumored for quite some time. Now, it seems that it is all-but-confirmed to get the axe this July. Still, as with the upcoming death of the Mercury brand, we’re pretty sure not a lot of people will mourn its death. According to sales figures, just 1,000 SC430 models were sold last year. As such, Toyota and Lexus are going to cut the convertible model from the lineup. Don’t be sad though, as rumors from Automobile magazine, as well as some earlier voices, say that a new generation will appear around 2014, boasting an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 engine plus a hybrid assembly, capable of around 400 to 500 HP. This so-called Lexus SC600h will most definitely attract new customers to the range. Until then, if you want a luxury convertible, then you’re going to have to find another model (from sales figures, you already did). Source: Automobile Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Subaru reveals STI-tuned Legacy 2.5GT tS in sedan and wagon form Posted: 13 Jun 2010 10:38 PM PDT  Subaru isn’t just about the Impreza and its numerous performance editions, as it has just revealed the newest creation of its STI tuning division, the Legacy 2.5GT tS. In case you’re wondering, tS stands for ‘Tuned by STI’, which means that both the sedan and the wagon variants of the Legacy received a wide array of sporty and handling upgrades. Sadly, the 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine hasn’t received any tweaks, keeping the power level at 265 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. Still, we’re pretty sure people will enjoy things like the enhanced aerodynamics, thanks to a restyled front bumper and a subtle rear spoiler. A set of 18-inch wheels were added, wrapped in performance tires. For the inside, customers will get a mix of leather and alcantara, complete with contrast stitching. STI branding is also par for the course.  The real improvements were made to the handling of the Legacy 2.5GT, as it received Bilstein suspension and new strut tower bars. Add in the upgraded sports exhaust system and you’ve got yourself a perfect ride for any self-respecting family person. Sadly, the Subaru Legacy 2.5GT tS is exclusive to Japan, as only 600 models will be made. Still, you can bet STI is developing some upgrades for international Legacy models as well. Source: Subaru Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Chevrolet unveils Cruze-engined Spark for use as safety car in WTCC Posted: 13 Jun 2010 10:23 PM PDT  Mercedes-Benz continued its partnership with the Formula 1 competition at the beginning of the year by releasing the SLS AMG safety car. For the WTCC, where its Cruze model is making a good impression during the current season, Chevrolet wanted something a bit more special. As such, Chevy has just unveiled a very special Spark model, that will be employed in the racing competition as a safety car. Before you laugh, bear in mind that this Spark uses the same 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine that will be available for the US-spec Cruze. Capable of 140 HP, this Spark safety car will certainly be more than up for the challenge. The first appearance of the tiny model will be at the Zolder race, in Belgium, between June 19 and 20. Until then, those who tuned in to the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race were also able to catch a few glimpses, as the Spark safety car was showcased alongside the Cruze WTCC racer and the Corvette C6.R GT2 models. Source: Chevrolet Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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