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

Even though it was obvious that the Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid sportscar would be making its way to production, given the positive feedback from both the media and the regular public, Porsche made the thing official today.

The Supervisory Board has given the green light to the development of the 918 Spyder as a hybrid sportscar, which will be made as a limited series.

Michael Macht, President and Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG: “Production of the 918 Spyder in a limited series proves that we are taking the right approach with Porsche Intelligent Performance featuring the combination of supreme performance and efficient drivetrain concepts.”

No other details were given, but it is expected that the production model will keep the same powertrain as the concept. This means that the 500 HP V8 will be combined with two electric motors, capable of 109 HP each. This allows not only high performance, but also all-electric, zero emissions driving, for up to 16 miles. The fuel average was estimated at around 78.4 mpg (3.0 liters/100 km) and emissions were ranked at 70 g/km of CO2.

Pricing has yet to be established, but given the impact the model will have, it will definitely be much more than a Chevrolet Volt, even with a tax credit of $7,500.

Source: Porsche

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Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid sportscar officially heading to production

Barely has the digital ink dried on our own article about the launch of the 2011 Audi A7 Sportback, and the Ingolstadt automaker has already revealed the S Line sports accessories and appearance package for its new five-door limousine.

As you can see above, the S Line kit adds a more aggressive body kit, with a reworked front bumper, improved side skirts and a rear diffuser with chromed tailpipes. Besides that, the exterior is rounded off by a set of 19-inch S Line alloy wheels.

The interior is decked out in Aluminum trim, while a mix of leather and Alcantara decorates the seats and the three-spoke multi-function steering wheel. As par for the course, S Line badges are plentiful, both on the inside and on the outside.

Until the S7 or RS7 performance versions appear, the new Audi A7 Sportback with the S Line appearance package will definitely satisfy those wanting a bit more personality with their five-door ‘coupe’.

Source: Audi

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2011 Audi A7 Sportback gets S Line sports package

Pagani is definitely becoming as popular as the other Italian supercar manufacturers like Ferrari or Lamborghini. As such, the company has been assaulted with orders for specific one-off models, all based on the current Zonda.

The latest one seems to be the Pagani Zonda HH, which is currently being teased on a new website.

According to the guys from the TeamSpeed forums, the model has been ordered by an American customer, and will boast the best of what Pagani can currently offer. It will combine elements from the Zonda F, with high performance components like a carbon-titanium tub, ceramic-coated titanium exhaust and carbon ceramic brakes, taken from the Zonda R.

All these new components are going to make the Zonda HH much lighter, tipping the scales at around 2,670 pounds (1,210 kg). The power will come from the same AMG V12 engine, capable of 680 HP. As opposed to the standard Zonda though, the engine will be mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, operated by a stick shift, according to the mysterious customer.

Not a lot is know as of yet, with just the teaser shots and the TeamSpeed info being available. Expect more details in the following months about this special Pagani Zonda HH one-off.

Source: TeamSpeed via WCF

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Pagani prepping Zonda HH one-off hypercar

Ken Block is by far one of the most renowned rally drivers currently active in the USA, even though his performances aren’t ground breaking. Instead, he relied on the Gymkhana drifting videos to make sure that his name is known across the world.

Want proof? The upcoming Gymkhana Three video is already hyped beyond critical mass, with people eagerly anticipating what Block will do with his tuned Ford Fiesta rally car.

Seeing the amount of publicity that Block makes for the Blue Oval’s compact model, radio station KROQ interviewed the rally driver and asked about the possibility of a Ken Block special edition Fiesta.

Surprisingly, Block admitted that such talks exist, but nothing is concrete at this moment. For the moment though, he will continue to focus on his Rally of America efforts, as well as planning the next Gymkhana and preparing for more races in the World Rally Championship.

What do you think? Would a Ford Fiesta Ken Block edition achieve impressive sales? Share your thoughts below.

Source: KROQ via Autoblog

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Ken Block edition Ford Fiesta might appear in the future

It’s a bit hard to believe, but the Toyota Prius hybrid is turning 10 years old this year.

“Toyota recognized in the 1990s that sustainable transportation would become a huge challenge in the coming decades,” said Jim Lentz, president and COO of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. “Those realizations proved accurate, and if anything, even more profound considering what we know today.”

The Japanese model has been launched in the US market back in summer of 2000 as an awkward four-door sedan (pictured above), with a mildly impressive fuel average.

Still, despite not so positive reviews, in 2004, Toyota hit jackpot with the second generation Prius, and its hatchback body style. The model became a pop icon, with celebrities and eco-minded people buying them as fast as Toyota made them.

Now, in 2010, the third generation Prius has been revealed, boasting an increased power output but still maintaining a reasonable fuel average.

According to Toyota statistics, over 1.8 million Prius hybrids were sold since the car was revealed, with nearly 900,000 purchased in the US alone. Besides the regular hybrid models, new cars packed with lithium-ion batteries and plug-in capabilities are being tested out, and are expected to arrive around 2012. Also, according to a recent report, the next generation Prius might be produced in the USA, but that won’t happen until 2016, at least.

Still, if you’re among the people who love the Prius, raise your glass and celebrate the most popular hybrid on Earth.

Source: Toyota

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Toyota celebrates the Prius’ 10th birthday

It seems that Volvo‘s odyssey will come to a final conclusion next week, as Ford will complete the sale of the Swedish brand to Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely.

According to a report from the Detroit News, the Blue Oval and the Chinese company will sign off the last papers, and Volvo will become the property of Geely, alongside all assets, plants and liquidities.

Geely is expected to pay up to $1.8 billion for the Swedish brand, less than a third of what Ford paid for the company back in 1999.

Expect many leadership changes, as Li Shufu, the founder of Geely, will become chairman of Volvo, while the brand’s CEO, Stephen Odell, will go on to lead Ford of Europe. Hans-Olov Olsson, a former Volvo executive will be kept as vice chairman.

The Ford-Geely-Volvo odyssey has continued for quite some time, ever since the Blue Oval decided to sell off its European brands, in order to focus more on itself. Hopefully Geely will known how to take care of Volvo and continue its growth.

Expect the official news to arrive next week.

Source: Detroit News

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Ford to complete Volvo sale to Geely next week

Toyota had some big plans for its US production, at least a few years ago. At that time, blockbusters like the Prius hybrid were set to be built at its own plant in Mississippi. Sadly, after the economic downturn, GM pulled out of its joint venture at the NUMMI plant, forcing Toyota to move the production of the Corolla in Mississippi.

Hybrid fans shouldn’t worry though, as the company’s executive vice president, Atsushi Niimi, revealed for Reuters that the Prius will be manufactured in the USA.

There’s a pretty big catch though, as the first US-built Toyota Prius will be part of the next generation hybrid. That model is expected to hit somewhere around 2016, so until then, the cars will still be imported from Japan.

So, why the long wait? Well, it’s largely because Toyota isn’t confident that the US market will make a comeback from the economic crisis anytime soon. As such, investments in the land of freedom and apple pie will be kept to a minimum. The recent recall scandal also made the Japanese company appear less than great in the eyes of American consumers.

So, if you want to drive around in a Toyota Prius manufactured in the USA, you’re in for a long wait.

Source: Reuters via Autoblog

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Toyota to manufacture next generation Prius in the USA in 2016

Mustang and Nascar fans have no doubt heard about the legendary Jack Roush. He is not only the boss of the Roush Fenway Racing team, but also the owner of the Roush Performance tuning company.

Sadly, the 68-year old Roush has been involved at the beginning of the week in a plane crash, his second in 8 years. It seems that while attempting to land his company’s private jet on the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the plane went out of of control and, despite Roush’s last second corrections, nose dived into the tarmac.

Luckily, both Roush and one of his female employees, Brenda K. Strickland, managed to walk away from the crash site. The hospital revealed that his condition was critical, but is now stable. His company revealed that Roush will walk away healthy, but some surgery is needed.

This is Jack Roush’s second airplane crash in 8 years, as he was forced to crash land his World War II fighter in a lake back in 2002.

Hit the jump to see the news story from ESPN and let’s wish mister Roush a healthy recovery.

Source: ESPN via Autoblog

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Video: Nascar and tuning legend Jack Roush injured after plane crash

Even though Swedish automaker Volvo prides itself with making some of the safest and most reliable cars around, this doesn’t mean problems can’t leak through the quality control.

This is seemingly what happened with the 2004-2005 Volvo XC90 SUV, as the NHTSA has started an investigation on 93,487 such vehicles. The cause of the inquiry comes from a potential problem with the lighting system, which can cause the headlamps and/or turn indicators to stop working in certain conditions.

As such, all of the older SUVs will be inspected by the federal body. 21 complaints have been filed up until now, but no incidents were reported. Luckily, if a technical problem is to blame, it will most likely demand for a new control module to be installed.

Stay tuned for the results of the NHTSA investigation, as well as news of a potential recall.

Source: Bloomberg via Autoblog

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Volvo XC90 gets investigated by the NHTSA over faulty lighting system