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Thursday, June 17, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG started life as Dodge Viper replacement, report says
- Video: Mini versus Porsche challenge gets ‘Rocky’-style training montage
- First Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG crash comes from Russia
- Video: See how the Dodge Viper ACR gets turned into the ACR-X
- Videos: Mercedes-Benz starts “The best or nothing” ad campaign
- 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata rumored to get hybrid rotary powertrain
- Volkswagen formally presents the CrossPolo
- Performance Jaguar XKR confirmed
- Audi reveals Q7 audio concept with 62 speakers
- Volkswagen recalls 16,000 Routan minivans over fire risk
| Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG started life as Dodge Viper replacement, report says Posted: 17 Jun 2010 03:13 AM PDT  The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is being hailed as one of the most important supercar in recent times, combining cutting edge technology from Mercedes-Benz with massive power from its AMG division. According to a report from Inside Line though, a lot of the credit should go to the Dodge Viper team, as it seems that the SLS AMG started life as a Viper replacement project at Chrysler’s Dodge. It seems that a few years ago, the Dodge team knew a next generation Viper must be developed, so work had already started on an aluminum chassis and a new suspension system. Seeing as how Daimler still owned Chrysler, the Mercedes-Benz team decided to join in, in an effort to cut the development costs for MB’s own future supercar. After Chrysler started suffering from the impending bankruptcy, the Dodge team was pulled by company execs from the project, which was handed over to Mercedes. As you all know, afterwards, Daimler washed its hands and got rid of Chrysler, which ended up with Fiat. Now, as the SLS AMG is winning hearts left and right, the Dodge team is back at the drawing board, with a Viper replacement slated to appear around 2012. This is still a rumor, at the moment, but considering the corporate intrigues that happened with Daimler Chrysler, we wouldn’t be too surprised if the SLS AMG did have American origins. What do you think? Was Daimler capable of such a strategy? Share your thoughts below. Source: InsideLine Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Mini versus Porsche challenge gets ‘Rocky’-style training montage Posted: 17 Jun 2010 02:41 AM PDT  Things are getting crazier and crazier with the Mini versus Porsche challenge. After calling out the Stuttgart sportscar manufacturer in order to race the 911 versus the Cooper S, Mini USA has now revealed another video, showcasing the training that the two cars have endured for this race. As you can imagine, we’re not talking about racing footage around test tracks. Instead, the Funny or Die team decided to bet on the cheesiness of the 1980s, resulting in a Rocky-style training montage, complete with motivational music and various other characters, besides the cars themselves. The whole video is quite awesome, so you should definitely hit the jump and check it out. Hopefully it will convince Porsche to race Mini after all. Source: Funny or Die Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| First Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG crash comes from Russia Posted: 17 Jun 2010 02:17 AM PDT  The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is one mighty impressive supercar, delivering a huge amount of power with retro styling and, according to the famous tunnel ad, enough grip to keep it suspended upside down through a tunnel. Sadly, all these things haven’t helped one Russian SLS AMG owner, which crashed with a local VAZ 2112 on a road. As you can see above and below, the German supercar is pretty totalled, but at least the Gullwing doors still work.  No word yet on how the accident took place, but this is, as far as we know, the first car crash involving a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Hopefully (although we’re not that confident), it’ll be the last. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: See how the Dodge Viper ACR gets turned into the ACR-X Posted: 17 Jun 2010 02:01 AM PDT  The Dodge Viper is one extremely impressive American supercar. Sadly, it is fast approaching the end of its lifecycle, and its replacement is still two years away. In order to further please fans, besides the numerous special editions or dealer-exclusive limited ones, Dodge has revealed a fresh video in which it shows how the performance Dodge Viper ACR gets turned into the track-only ACR-X model. The whole process is pretty interesting, with the team fitting various race-ready accessories like a roll cage, a special fuel tank or other upgrades. This makes the ACR-X cost half as much as the dedicated Viper Competition Coupe, which is built from the ground up as a race car. Hit the jump to check out this video. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Videos: Mercedes-Benz starts “The best or nothing” ad campaign Posted: 17 Jun 2010 01:38 AM PDT  Mercedes-Benz wants to recreate its brand image, as well as highlight its new long term strategy which will see a lot of new vehicles developed and launched in the next few years. As such, the German company has revealed a new marketing campaign, complete with a new slogan: “The best or nothing.” In order to drive the point home, two ads have been revealed. While the two are largely the same, they both highlight Mercedes’ long road, from its origins with its founder, Gottlieb Daimler, to the present, where fresh concepts and new models have been revealed. Hit the jump to check out the two new ads for Mercedes-Benz. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata rumored to get hybrid rotary powertrain Posted: 17 Jun 2010 01:21 AM PDT  The next generation of the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been rumored for quite some time. Since the model has celebrated 20 years of existence and has such a devoted fan base, the Japanese company really wants to take the compact roadster to a whole new level. While new and improved engines like the SKY-G or massive weight reductions have been rumored for quite some time, Japan’s Best Car magazine is reporting on something completely different. It seems that the mag is confident that Mazda will offer the 2012 MX-5 Miata with a rotary engine option. Considering the RX-8 is set to be axed due to the famous inefficiency of its rotary engine, this option doesn’t sound that possible. But there’s more to this report, as the aforementioned rotary engine will be coupled with a hybrid powertrain, effectively being used to recharge the battery pack and let the electric motor do all the work. The same mechanism has already been seen on the Audi A1 e-tron concept. While it may make some sense, this rotary hybrid powertrain still is a bit far-fetched, largely because it will involve an increased price, contrasting the MX-5’s affordable nature. What do you think? Can the MX-5 still be successful with a pricier rotary hybrid option? Share your thoughts below. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Volkswagen formally presents the CrossPolo Posted: 17 Jun 2010 12:59 AM PDT  After revealing just a few shots of the new Volkswagen CrossPolo before the Geneva Motor Show, the German company has formally revealed its newest plastic-clad ‘off-roader’. As you can imagine, you won’t be able to take the CrossPolo on special trails or anything like that. But, if you find yourself in need of a car that must cope well with city life, but still be capable of getting dirty every now and then, well the CrossPolo might peak your interest. As you can see, a variety of plastic accessories has been added, the VW Group’s idea of off-road credibility, as well as roof rails. A set of 17-inch wheels seem a bit out of place, but they’re still standard for this model. While the Polo was already a pretty aggressively-designed compact, we must admit that the plastics, at least in the front end, do make look even tougher. The Volkswagen CrossPolo will be available in Europe and other territories, except the US, at least for now. Six engine options, neatly split between gasoline and diesel units, will be available, ranging from 69 HP to 104 HP. The 7-speed DSG gearbox is available for the most powerful units, while the manual is standard for the rest. Check out the 2011 Volkswagen CrossPolo model in the photo gallery below. Photo Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen CrossPolo
Source: Volkswagen Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Performance Jaguar XKR confirmed Posted: 17 Jun 2010 12:30 AM PDT  Jaguar executives have confirmed that a high performance version of the XKR will appear around the end of the year. According to the guys at Autocar, the lime-green XKR Goodwood Special (pictured above), will serve as the basis for this much hotter Jag. For those that don’t remember, the XKR Goodwood Special featured, besides the electrifying paint scheme, an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 engine, capable of 530 HP and 515 lb-ft of torque. Besides the increased power, the suspension was lowered, the exhaust was optimized and larger wheels were added. According to the rumors, the production-ready performance XKR will be able to reach 186 mph (or 300 km/h). Executives have also confirmed that prototype models have lapped the Nurburgring track in 7:58, a very impressive time. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Audi reveals Q7 audio concept with 62 speakers Posted: 17 Jun 2010 12:09 AM PDT  These days, for various luxury models, you’ll be able to order a variety of high end audio systems from brands like Bang & Olufsen or Bose, with an impressive number of speakers. Audi wants to completely one-up its rivals though, and has revealed a Q7 prototype with not one, not two but 62 speakers! The model has resulted from a partnership between Audi and Institute for Digital Media Technology. As you can see above, the Q7 now has 5 tweeters, 52 mid-range speakers, 4 woofers and 1 subwoofer, all sprinkled around the cabin of the big SUV. The audio technology powering the system is wave field synthesis, and is able to delay the impulses sent to speakers in order to truly get the complete experience. Sadly, media companies aren’t using this technology today, so you’ll have a lot of speakers but not all of them will be used to their full potential. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Volkswagen recalls 16,000 Routan minivans over fire risk Posted: 16 Jun 2010 11:55 PM PDT  Last week, Chrysler issued a pretty hefty recall, affecting around 285,000 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. Now, Volkswagen follows, as it has recalled 15,902 Routan minivans over the same issues, as the models in question share almost the same technical features. For those that don’t remember, the sliding door mechanism may come into contact with a wire harness. The repeated action can cause significant wear, eventually leading to a short circuit. As you know, only a spark is required to set off a fire, so the recall is quite serious. Owners will be notified as soon as possible and advised to head over to their local VW dealership for a free fix. For more details, you can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Source: NHTSA Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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