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Thursday, June 24, 2010
RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Toyota’s chief test driver dies in Lexus LFA car crash around the Nurburgring
- Hyundai prepping upgraded 429 HP 5.0-liter V8 for Genesis Coupe?
- Video: Tuned 1997 Volkswagen Golf GTI packs 800 HP, reaches 208 mph
- 2011 BMW 5 Series M Sport package leaked
- Buick promotes 2011 Regal with parties in the ‘Moment of Truth’ campaign
- Switzer Performance reveals 900 HP, E85-powered Nissan GT-R E900
- 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0 Turbo reaches 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, does 34 mpg highway
- Mini Countryman aerodynamic kit leaked onto the web
- Fiat’s Abarth brand to create dedicated sportscar
| Toyota’s chief test driver dies in Lexus LFA car crash around the Nurburgring Posted: 24 Jun 2010 04:10 AM PDT  It’s a sad day for Toyota, as the company has just revealed that its chief test driver, 67-year-old Hiromu Naruse, has died in a car crash involving a prototype Lexus LFA Nurburgring edition. The car, which was revealed a few weeks ago, was still in testing, and Naruse was doing just that around a highway near the actual Nurburgring circuit. It seems that he veered onto the opposing lane and crashed, head-on, with a BMW prototype. While the two BMW occupants have survived, it seems that Toyota’s Naruse died immediately. Even though the cars were prototypes, they had all the safety equipment fitted, and the drivers were also wearing helmets. Hiromu Naruse was one of the most respected people from Toyota, being with the company for 47 years and testing out all of the performance models released by the Japanese company. The Lexus LFA was considered his greatest achievement, as Naruse was called the Godfather of the LFA. Not a lot of other things are known at the moment, but you can feel free to hit jump and see some footage from the crash site captured by German TV. Source: Autoblog via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Hyundai prepping upgraded 429 HP 5.0-liter V8 for Genesis Coupe? Posted: 24 Jun 2010 03:51 AM PDT  The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is one mighty impressive model and one of the few which can actually put up a fight against the big ol’ American muscle cars, like the Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro. But seeing as two aforementioned rides have gotten an increase in power with the 2011 model year, the Genesis Coupe is lagging behind. Not for long though, as the South Korean company is preparing a bored out version of the already popular 4.6-liter Tau V8 engine, taking its displacement figure to a nice and round 5.0-liters. Officially, this upgraded engine will be put to use in the 2011 Genesis Sedan and the new Equus. Unofficially though, sources are saying that the 5.0-liter V8 is also going to be squeezed into the Genesis Coupe, in order to really take the fight to the 2011 Ford Mustang, which has its own 5.0-liter V8 engine. Performance and power ratings prove that, with the new engine, the South Korean model has the upper hand on the Yankee muscle, with 429 HP beating the ‘Stang’s 412 HP. The Blue Oval pony car does develop more torque, 390 lb-ft, as opposed to Hyundai’s 376 lb-ft, but it will still be one heck of a battle. Hyundai hasn’t revealed if the 5.0-liter V8 will be used by the Genesis Coupe, but we wouldn’t be too surprised if it will appear. Ford, the ball is now in your court. Source: Car and Driver via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Tuned 1997 Volkswagen Golf GTI packs 800 HP, reaches 208 mph Posted: 24 Jun 2010 01:07 AM PDT  Remember that crazy-tuned 1,032 HP Volkswagen Polo drag racer? Well it seems that sparked a new trend of taking older VWs and tuning the heck out of them to produce new levels of performance. One such example is a 1997 Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk 3), which now has a VR6 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, capable of a dizzying 800 HP. In order to see what the new engine can do in the tiny hatchback, Dubsquared and T1 Race Development handed it over to driver Jeremy Freedman, which took it to the Texas Mile event. The result was a staggering top speed of 208.1 mph or 333 km/h. Hit the jump to see the speed run, plus a pretty interesting way of getting yourself ready before such an event. Source: Eurotuner via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 BMW 5 Series M Sport package leaked Posted: 24 Jun 2010 12:48 AM PDT  The 2011 BMW 5 Series is by far the Bavarian company’s biggest bet this year. We’ve already seen the sedan in late 2009 and the new Touring (aka wagon) variant be revealed for Europe. Throw in the long wheelbase edition made exclusively for the Chinese market and things are already pretty clear. Now, thanks to BimmerToday, we get to check out the M Sport accessories package, which will be available for the 2011 5 Series. As you can see above, the package is showcased on the 5 Series Touring, but rest assured as most of its features will be making their way onto the sedan, that will be launched in the USA.  The M Sport accessories package includes a restyled front fascia, with a more aggressive look and enlarged air vents, new side skirts but also a rear diffuser. On the inside, you can find a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, as well as a special gear shifter and new options plus all the M badges you could want. No word yet on whether or not mechanical or performance upgrades are included in the M Sport package, but more will be known once the kit is revealed by BMW. Source: BimmerToday via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Buick promotes 2011 Regal with parties in the ‘Moment of Truth’ campaign Posted: 24 Jun 2010 12:25 AM PDT  The 2011 Buick Regal marks a turning point for GM’s Tri-Shield brand, which will gain a new identity and position itself as far away as possible from the ‘Buick is for old guys’ image. As such, the marketing team has launched a new campaign, called the ‘Moment of Truth’. If you’re thinking this is just a new series of ads or billboards which will be appearing across the US, then you’re very wrong. In order to highlight the new ‘hip and groovy’ Buick, the company will be hosting parties across the USA, where participants will be given flip cameras and asked to record their feelings about the party and about Buick itself. So, people from Miami, New York, Philadelphia or Chicago, get ready to party with Buick! Seriously now, the campaign might be onto something, as the majority of its new audience target, the 35-40 year olds, don’t exactly think too fondly of Buick or aren’t even aware of the new products. The new campaign will be kicked off at the end of June, so get ready for partying, new Buick style. Source: Automotive News via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Switzer Performance reveals 900 HP, E85-powered Nissan GT-R E900 Posted: 24 Jun 2010 12:01 AM PDT  Ohio-based Switzer Performance sure loves the Nissan GT-R. After revealing the very impressive P800 tuned GT-R, which achieved 800 HP and 700 lb-ft of torque, the company is at it again. This time though, things went a bit more greener, and we’re not talking about the color option. Switzer decided to jack up the power even more. How did it do that? By adapting the GT-R for E85 ethanol fuel. The result is the new Switzer Performance Nissan GT-R E900. In case you can’t tell by the name, Godzilla can now output 900 wheel horse power, while keeping its emissions much lower than when it ran with regular gasoline. As you can imagine, a lot of changes were made to the mechanics of the model, in order to run with E85. Switzer also partnered with New Zealand’s Dodson Motorsports in order to fit new parts to the engine and transmission. The result is the aforementioned 900 HP at the wheel, a 0 to 60 mph of under 3 seconds and a top speed of 220 mph. Now that’s what we call saving the planet, in style! Source: Switzer Performance via Jalopnik Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0 Turbo reaches 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, does 34 mpg highway Posted: 23 Jun 2010 11:32 PM PDT  Hyundai is going all out with the 2011 Sonata model, as not only did it implement the new, more attractive design language, but also threw everything plus the kitchen sink in terms of options. Now, after pleasing regular fans, those with a desire for a bit more performance out of their sedan will be treated by the South Korean company with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0-liter Turbo model. As you already know, the new car is powered by a direct injection, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, capable of 274 HP. Up until now though, we didn’t know just what impact the potent engine will have under the hood of the Sonata: will it offer adequate performance or be weighed down by the sedan? Worry no more, as Hyundai has revealed the first official performance details. The Sonata 2.0 Turbo will be able to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 6.5 seconds. Better yet, it seems that the fuel economy won’t be so bad, with Hyundai estimating 22 mpg US in the city, and an equally impressive 34 mpg on the highway. Expect the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T to hit dealerships in the following months. Source: Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mini Countryman aerodynamic kit leaked onto the web Posted: 23 Jun 2010 11:09 PM PDT  Mini is all about being able to customize your favorite model from the range, and, as such, a plethora of options are made available, ranging from purely cosmetic vinyls (hello Union Jack!) to slightly more functional kits, like the aerodynamic package. So far, the latest model in the Mini lineup, the not-so-Mini Countryman has just seen the Getaway package revealed. Now, thanks to the guys at Motoring File, we now get to check out the upcoming Aerodynamic kit for the compact crossover.  As you can see above, the changes aren’t that noticeable, as are those on the Aero kits for the regular Mini models. The front fascia sees the addition of a new air dam, in a gray or matte black finish, continued on the sides of the car through enlarged wheel arches and side skirts. The mirrors have also seen minor changes, while the rear side of the Countryman has a new apron. Still, these leaked shots aren’t official, so perhaps the British brand might add a few other accessories to this aerodynamic kit for the Mini Countryman. Source: MotoringFile Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Fiat’s Abarth brand to create dedicated sportscar Posted: 23 Jun 2010 10:53 PM PDT  Among Fiat’s biggest bets from the last few years was the resurrection of its performance division, Abarth. Luckily for the Italian company, it proved a worthy investment, as Abarth-tuned 500 or Punto versions are selling like hot cakes. Now, seeing as how the division has proven itself, it seems that a dedicated sportscar might appear in the near future. According to the head of sales and marketing, Antonino Labate, this new model, which will act as a halo car for the rest of the range, will be built completely in house. This goes against previous rumors about the performance Abarth model, which hinted at a possible collaboration between the Italian company and Lotus, with the British brand lending its Elise chassis. These rumors led to the sketch above, showcasing the Abarth SS Concept by IDE. Still, the future Abarth sports coupe will follow the same philosophy as the Elise, with a rumored output of 240 HP and a curb weight of around 2,000 pounds (900 kg). Expect the car to arrive in the next couple of years, according to Labate. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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