After hearing the rumor that the Pagani Zonda R broke the lap record at the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit, we saw the video confirmation of the amazing feat at the beginning of the week.

Now, the company’s founder, Horacio Pagani, stars in a brand new video, showcasing how important the Zonda R model is for the Italian supercar manufacturer.

We also see Marc Basseng, the German driver who drove the extreme supercar the record breaking 6:47 run.

If you want to indulge in more footage with the stunning Pagani Zonda R, then hit the jump and check it out.

Source: Pagani via Automarket

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Video: Horacio Pagani shows off the Zonda R and its record breaking Nurburgring lap

Even though BMW has yet to acknowledge whether or not it will actually manufacture the X4 crossover, it seems that rumors about the new model are spreading like wildfire.

After hearing that it might receive an X4 M performance version, the lads from AutoExpress have revealed that it will also sport a highly frugal 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, in order to balance out the thirstier M-badged crossover.

Besides that, the new BMW X4 will borrow design cues heavily from the current X6 Sports Activity Coupe, but combine them with some systems found on the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Most importantly, the two-stage hatchback will be present on the X4, for that extra dose of practicality.

Not much else was revealed, but you shouldn’t start saving up for this new coupe/crossover model until BMW actually confirms the new model.

Source: AutoExpress

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BMW X4 gets new details rumored

Porsche is continuing its hybrid push, and has officially confirmed that in 2011, it will launch the Porsche Panamera Hybrid.

The more efficient sedan will use the same setup currently available on the 2011 Cayenne Hybrid. This means that a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine, capable of 329 HP, will be combined with a 46 HP electric motor, thanks to the Tiptronic eight-speed gearbox.

The system is a parallel hybrid assembly, meaning that for a certain distance and time, the Porsche can use just electric power. This allows the Cayenne to achieve an improved fuel average, as well as lower emissions than its internal combustion engine-equipped brothers.

No word on when exactly we will see the Porsche Panamera Hybrid, but there’s still some time before 2011 hits.

Source: Autocar

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Porsche Panamera Hybrid set to appear in 2011

Last week we revealed the scorched remains of what used to be a Ferrari 458 Italia supercar.

Now, photos of the actual car being on fire have appeared, courtesy of our friends from WreckedExotics.

As we can see, it seems that the car was actually owned by a Swiss man, even though in the previous pictures it was surrounded by cars registered in France. The incident took place on July 14, and, luckily, no one was hurt.

It seems that the rear-mounted engine caught fire first, and eventually spread to the rest of the car. In the end, as we saw last week, just a hulking pile of aluminum remained.

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New Ferrari 458 Italia on fire photos appear

With every new supercar, no matter how powerful or obscene, you can bet that there will be people with questionable taste getting their hands on some of them.

Such is the case with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, owned by an Arabian and parked on the streets of London. We’ve seen some pretty interesting Arabian nightmares customizations up until now, but this one takes it up a notch.

As you can see, the powerful German supercar is wrapped in a matte purple (or mauve, for the artistically-inclined) body vinyl, hiding the original red paint job. For an added contrast, the wing mirrors are also wrapped in fake carbon fiber.

In case the picture above wasn’t enough punishment for you, hit the jump to see a video of the purple Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in action on the streets of London.

Source: Axis of Oversteer

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Video: Matte purple Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG may cause blindness

Ford isn’t the only automaker trying to get in touch with the cool kids through social media websites like Facebook or Twitter, as Mazda has also revealed it is ‘hip’ (or whatever the kids are calling it these days) with the social movement.

The Japanese company decided to use a bold new way of promoting the 2011 Mazda2 compact: a dedicated Facebook game called DriverVille.

The application was developed by Frima, a Facebook game developer, and concentrates on you building your own street racer and customizing your ride in order to race against friends. Think of it as a Need For Speed for Facebook.

As you can imagine, it targets more casual gamers and Facebook users, like those who are already into other apps like FarmVille. It also heavily promotes the Mazda2, as well as the racing endeavors of the Japanese team.

More importantly however, besides the fun aspect of the game, is that the company is also holding sweepstakes, with prizes like 64GB iPod Touch devices, as well as the grand one, a new 2011 Mazda2.

If you want to check out DriverVille, as well as read more details about the competition, check out Mazda’s official Facebook page. While you’re at it, don’t forget to ‘Like’ our own RPMGO Facebook page (see what we did there?).

Source: InsideFacebook

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2011 Mazda2 gets promoted through Facebook game DriverVille

Just as its luxury division, Lexus, issued a recall over potential steering problems for older LX 470 SUVs, Toyota has also revealed its own recall, over other steering issues.

It seems that Toyota Avalon sedans, manufactured between the 2000 and 2004 model years, have a problem with the steering lock bars. Under stress, these bars can crack, making the whole steering column difficult to operate, or even impossible, if the car is standing still.

What’s worse is that in severe right-hand turns, with enough speed, the lock bars can engage, effectively leaving your steering wheel unmovable and stuck in a turning position.

No incidents were reported as of yet, but Toyota is taking no chances and will inform owners of the recall. A new steering column bracket will be installed for free in authorized dealerships. If you want more details, you can call Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Source: Toyota

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Toyota recalls 2000-2004 Avalon models over a steering lock problem

Just as people were seemingly forgetting about the problems of the 2010 Lexus GX460 and its drift-happy attitude, the Japanese luxury carmaker has revealed a brand new recall, regarding one of its older SUVs.

This new recall affects Lexus LX 470 models, manufactured between 2003 and 2007. 39,000 vehicles are affected by a problem with the steering column, specifically the snap ring, which can disengage when a severe shock is applied to the wheels (hitting a pot hole, for example).

As you can imagine, having the snap ring disengage effectively leaves you with no control over the steering of the car.

Fortunately, no incidents were reported because of this problem. A new snap ring will be fitted in authorized Toyota and Lexus dealerships, as well as a new component. Customers will be notified in the middle of August. Until then, you can contact Lexus for more details at 1-800-255-3987.

Source: Lexus

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Lexus recalls 2003-2007 LX 470 SUVs over steering column problem