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Wednesday, June 23, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- See the video conclusion of the Mini Cooper S versus Porsche 911 challenge
- Lotus teases ‘dawn of a new era’, might switch from sporty to luxury
- Videos: Toyota reveals hilarious Sponsafier ads
- Cadillac CTS Coupe convertible might arrive from Drop Top Customs
- Honda S2000 replacement gets new details, might feature hybrid power
- Ford France offering one-off Focus RS models with Le Mans-winning liveries
- 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid starts at $19,200 in the USA, goes on sale August 24
- Volvo issues global recall for 29,000 2010 and 2011 models over six-speed gearbox
- Mini partners with three fashion designers on unique models set to benefit AIDS research
| See the video conclusion of the Mini Cooper S versus Porsche 911 challenge Posted: 23 Jun 2010 02:51 AM PDT  As we revealed yesterday, the Mini versus Porsche challenge, where the British city car manufacturer challenged the German sportscar maker to a race between the Cooper S and the 911 Carrera S, has seen its result, with the 911 beating the Cooper S. Now, Mini has revealed the conclusion video, showcasing both the atmosphere at the Road Atlanta track where the event was held, but also the race and the post-race celebrations (champagne included!). The video is most definitely worth a watch, especially if you’ve been following the whole challenge, and because Mini does leave the door open for a future race. Hit the jump and check it out. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Lotus teases ‘dawn of a new era’, might switch from sporty to luxury Posted: 23 Jun 2010 02:34 AM PDT  Lotus surprised a lot of people a few days ago when it sent out the picture above with the Stonehenge monument and said that we are at the ‘dawn of a new era’. We didn’t really think much of it, as it was just a tease, but according to a new report coming from Lotus’ Malaysian owner, Proton, the British sportscar manufacturer is in for a massive change. It seems that Lotus will be switching its age old tradition of manufacturing small, lightweight, blazing fast sportscar to something a bit more upmarket, with high end features and luxury options. Proton has recently hired a lot of former employees of Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin, so there might be something to this rumor. Also, it seems that the smaller Toyota engines which power pocket rockets like the Elise might soon see bigger versions, like the IS F’s V8 or, by a pretty long shot, the Lexus LFA’s V10. We’re pretty fond of Lotus’ current lightweight image, but sales figures haven’t been very encouraging. According to the report, Lotus, in the ten years under Proton ownership, has never been profitable. Perhaps this paradigm shift might make things better for the two companies. What’s certain is that the new plan will be announced at the Paris Motor Show, this September. Source: Lotus and Paul Tan via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Videos: Toyota reveals hilarious Sponsafier ads Posted: 23 Jun 2010 02:09 AM PDT  Toyota, like any automaker which wants to really succeed in the USA, has its own race cars in the Nascar championship, specifically the Camry Cup Car models. Now, in order to win even more fans, it has launched a special ‘Sponsafier’ campaign, where people can create their own custom designs for the Toyota Camry Nascar racer. Besides seeing your design trade paint on the track, a lot of other prizes are also available. Of course, a series of ads were also revealed, in order to promote the campaign. This time though, Toyota has seemingly struck gold, as the commercials are quite funny and entertaining. Hit the jump to see some of the ads and then go to the Sponsafier website to design your own Toyota Nascar racer. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Cadillac CTS Coupe convertible might arrive from Drop Top Customs Posted: 23 Jun 2010 01:50 AM PDT  Many automakers offer convertible versions of their popular, performance oriented models. But for those who don’t, coachbuilders and customizers are more than happy to offer their services. One such example is Florida-based Drop Top Customs, which has been offering conversion kits and soft-top versions of cars since the 1970s. After showcasing the convertible editions of the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro, it seems a new project is being prepared. According to a report, seeing as how Cadillac won’t be offering a convertible version of the new CTS Coupe, Drop Top Customs is researching the project. The CTS family is already pretty large, with the popular sedan, the SportWagon and the new Coupe, which arrives in dealerships at the end of summer. Going by tradition, the conversion will see this CTS Convertible boast a folding cloth top, and the price should be around the $20,000 mark. No concrete announcement was given, so you’ll still need to enjoy that CTS Coupe with its regular roof. Source: Detroit News via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Honda S2000 replacement gets new details, might feature hybrid power Posted: 23 Jun 2010 12:55 AM PDT  Honda made a name for itself with sporty models over the years. Sadly, the present isn’t the same, as the only sport-inclined model currently in the range is the new CR-Z hybrid coupe. Still, that will change in the future, as the Japanese company is already patenting technologies for the successor of the S2000 sportscar, which was phased out late last year. According to Autocar, the heir to the throne of the popular S2000 will use the Jazz/Fit platform, and feature a mid-mounted engine. Expect besides the internal combustion unit an electric motor, as hybrid power is deemed almost a certainty for the new car. The use of aluminum and other lightweight materials is also rumored, in order to get the curb weight as low as possible and improve handling. Couple these things with a rear-wheel drive setup and a six-speed manual gearbox like the one on the CR-Z, and the S2000 replacement sounds extremely good. The design of the car isn’t known at the moment, and the above picture is of the Honda S2000 Concept the Japanese company premiered a few years ago. Sadly, voices are saying that the model will appear around 2014, when it will battle against Toyota’s own sportscar endeavors, like the production FT-86 or a hybrid MR2-inspired roadster. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ford France offering one-off Focus RS models with Le Mans-winning liveries Posted: 23 Jun 2010 12:26 AM PDT  The current Ford Focus RS really took the notion of a hot hatch and blew it out of the water. Sadly, it will soon see the end of its lifecycle. Until then though, at least in France, it will have a proper sendoff, thanks to a series of unique models. The five Focus RS versions you see above are all decked out in special liveries, which were showcased by historic Ford race cars at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race over the years. While the light blue and orange Gulf livery sported by the Le Mans-winning GT40 in 1968 and 1969 is easy to spot for any racing fan, the other editions are also worth explaining. The black and silver stripe livery was showcased by the Ford Mk II which won the 1966 race. The red and white stripe came from the Mk IV which won in 1967. The White and thin blue center stripe was used on the Mk IIB France special edition in the 1967 race. Last but not least, the two-tone white and blue livery was made famous by the Capri RS 2600 which won the Touring category at Le Mans in 1972. Only these five cars will be available for purchase, but you’ll also get special Recaro racing seats set to match the exterior livery, plus a personalized numbered plate. Outrageous? Yes, but so is the 305 HP Ford Focus RS as a whole. Source: Ford Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid starts at $19,200 in the USA, goes on sale August 24 Posted: 23 Jun 2010 12:00 AM PDT  Honda has finally priced its ‘next big thing’ the CR-Z ‘Sport Hybrid Coupe‘. The new model will start at a pretty reasonable $19,200 in the USA, and start shipping on August 24 across the country. The retro-inspired hybrid will have two trim lines, a base and an EX one. The base with a six-speed manual gearbox will start at $19,200, but without a $750 destination charge. If you opt for the CVT gearbox for the base, you’ll need to pay $19,850, but you’ll be getting an improved fuel average (35/39 mpg US as opposed to the manual’s 31/37). The CR-Z EX packs an upgraded 360 watt sound system, as well as leather-wrapped steering wheel and bluetooth connectivity. It can be yours for $20,760. The most expensive version will be the EX with Honda’s ‘Navi’ navigation system and the CVT gearbox, which has a price tag of $23,210. Will you be checking out the 2011 Honda CR-Z when it goes on sale at the end of August? Share your thoughts below. Source: Honda Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Volvo issues global recall for 29,000 2010 and 2011 models over six-speed gearbox Posted: 22 Jun 2010 11:46 PM PDT  Volvo hasn’t eluded the dreaded recall epidemic which has been affecting carmakers left and right these weeks. The Swedish company has just announced that it will issue a global recall set to affect 29,299 models from the 2010 and 2011 model year editions. The vehicles in question include the C30, S40 and V50, produced between 2009 and 2010. The cause of the recall is the six-speed manual gearbox, which features a faulty mechanism that can cause it to jam up. As you can imagine, not being able to change gears is a pretty bad thing. No incidents were reported as of yet, and Volvo will be letting owners know about the recall as soon as possible. All repairs will be done free of charge. Source: Reuters via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mini partners with three fashion designers on unique models set to benefit AIDS research Posted: 22 Jun 2010 11:34 PM PDT  The Life Ball is one of the biggest fund raising events that benefit AIDS/HIV research in the world. British carmaker Mini has been a long time partner of the charity event, offering unique, one-off models created in partnership with various fashion houses. Now, for this year’s edition, which will take place in Vienna, on July 17, the British brand is at it again. This time, three designers were chosen to customize specific Mini models, including the Countryman, the Cooper hatch and the Cooper Cabriolet.  Calvin Klein’s creative director, Francisco Costa, took an all-black treatment to the new Countryman crossover. Diane von Furstenberg revealed a red-themed Cooper hatchback model, while Kenneth Cole presented an industrial-themed Cooper Cabrio.  All of the proceeds will go towards the the AIDS/HIV research, a cause to which Mini has contributed over half a million Euros in the ten years it has collaborated with the Life Ball. Source: Mini Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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