RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Mercedes-Benz to present new concept in Detroit, previews future design direction
- GM sells Saab 9-3 and 9-5 technology to China’s BAIC
- Brabus unveils Mercedes-Benz GLK V12, world’s fastest SUV, in Dubai
- No money for an R8? Get a Hofele R8-style body kit for the A5
- BMW 335d tuned by AC Schnitzer breaks fastest production diesel record at 288.7 km/h (179.4 mph)
- Citroen transforms its C_42 showroom in DS3 Concept Store, offers free cookies and rides
- Mini E road testing begins in Oxford
- Toyota teases new hybrid concept ahead of Detroit reveal
| Mercedes-Benz to present new concept in Detroit, previews future design direction Posted: 15 Dec 2009 01:54 AM PST  Mercedes-Benz models have been considered for a long time as a bit too conservative, at least in terms of design. This changed with recent models, like the new C and E Class, which have adopted bolder lines and styles. But at the upcoming 2010 edition of the Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS), the German company is preparing a brand new concept, which will further elaborate the direction in which its design will move. “We want to elevate our design towards art and if any company can do it Mercedes can,” said Gordon Wagener, the design boss of the German company. Don’t go thinking it will preview any future models thought, as it will be a “pure design concept which is long and exaggerated.” That hasn’t stopped the rumors from coming in suspecting that it might have something to do with a new CLS, which might be revealed at the end of 2010. Whatever the design concept will preview, I’m sure many Mercedes fans will eagerly await the beginning of January, when the Detroit Auto Show will open its doors. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| GM sells Saab 9-3 and 9-5 technology to China’s BAIC Posted: 15 Dec 2009 01:40 AM PST  General Motors doesn’t really know what to do with its struggling Swedish brand Saab, after the negotiations it made with Koenigsegg suddenly failed. Although it has revealed that new parties are interested in the company, with Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker in the pole position, the US corporation has now revealed that it has sold the rights to the technology used on the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 to China’s Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co. Ltd, or BAIC. Part of deal consists of BAIC taking control of the technology the Swedish company used on its older models, including the drivetrains, and Saab will also provide consulting to the Chinese company on how to implement them in the new models it is preparing.
As you may remember, BAIC also partnered with Koenigsegg when the negotiations with GM were at its peak, and was also rumored to be one of the interested parties after the Swedish supercarmaker backed down from buying Saab. Hopefully this deal will offer Saab some more money to operate with before a new owner is found. Source: Automotive News via WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Brabus unveils Mercedes-Benz GLK V12, world’s fastest SUV, in Dubai Posted: 15 Dec 2009 01:22 AM PST  We’re keeping with the broken world records, as after the BMW 335d prepped by AC Schnitzer took the world’s fastest diesel title, another German tuning company, Brabus, took the Mercedes-Benz GLK crossover and placed the massive 6.3-liter bi-turbo V12 engine under its bonnet, which develops 750 HP and 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft), in order to break another record. The engine, connected with a five-speed automatic gearbox, managed to take the GLK from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, reaching 200 km/h in 12.8 and stopping at 322.3 km/h, or 211 mph, making it the fastest street-legal SUV in the world.  Of course such a performance isn’t as simple as fitting a big engine into a car, as new intercoolers, free-flow metal catalysts and a stainless steel exhaust were also added. The outside wasn’t forgotten, as a carbon fiber spoiler lip, a new front apron with bigger air dams, Brabus widestar fender flares, underside LED lights and a new roof spoiler were added. In case you want to catch a glimpse of the new Brabus GLK V12, you can see it at the Dubai International Motor Show, which starts today, and even buy it for a measly €397,000 (around $580,890). Source: WorldCarFans Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| No money for an R8? Get a Hofele R8-style body kit for the A5 Posted: 15 Dec 2009 01:04 AM PST  Damn, that Audi R8 sure is impressive right? With the new V10 engine it truly is a proper supercar. But what can you do when you don’t have the money for it? Well that’s the same question the tuning team at Hofele asked themselves, and developed a new R8-style body kit for the lower priced A5, including its coupe, cabriolet and sportback versions. For a bit of money, those of you with R8 wishes can outfit your A5 with a new front bumper, side skirts with air intakes, side blades and a rear spoiler. The R8-style rear bumper and lamella inserts plus rear diffuser are also available, to make it look like the V10 edition. This body kit is just plain wrong, but considering the big number of posers who want to make their model look like the R8, Hofele will make a fair amount of money. Source: WorldCarFans Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| BMW 335d tuned by AC Schnitzer breaks fastest production diesel record at 288.7 km/h (179.4 mph) Posted: 15 Dec 2009 12:53 AM PST  Diesel cars aren’t exactly know for top speed, as more car enthusiasts know that a true performance car needs to run on gasoline. But the team at AC Schnitzer has proven otherwise, and with many modifications to a BMW 335d coupe model, managed to break the world diesel speed record for a production model, reaching 288.7 km/h, or around 179.4 mph, at the Nardo track in souther Italy. The model, dubbed ACS3 3.5d, can output around 310 HP although AC Schnitzer didn’t specify any exact numbers. This just goes to show what potential lies within BMW cars and that with the right amount of tuning and aftermarket accessories, you can reach dizzying heights with your own car. Just remember to take it to the track for all your attempts. Source: AC Schnitzer Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Citroen transforms its C_42 showroom in DS3 Concept Store, offers free cookies and rides Posted: 15 Dec 2009 12:42 AM PST  If the following weeks will take you to Paris, make sure you drop by Citroen’s C_42 showroom located on the famous Champs Elysees boulevard in the middle of the French capital, as the company has redesigned it in honor of its upcoming model, the DS3. The showroom, now a concept store, will showcase the many customization possibilities of the new compact model, and allow visitors to check out the accessories lineup, including everything from surf boards to skis, covering your winter holiday needs. But most importantly, at the top floor of the showroom, you will be able to eat a special type of cookie, called the DS3 eclaire, designed by Fauchon, a prestigious food company. That’s not all, as after you tasted the special cookie, you can opt for a shuttle transfer in a brand new DS3 from the C_42 showroom to the Fauchon stores in Paris. The Citroen C_42 showroom is definitely an interesting building, and must be visited by any Citroen or even car fan while visiting Paris. With free cookies and rides in the new DS3, you don’t wanna miss this! Source: Citroen Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mini E road testing begins in Oxford Posted: 15 Dec 2009 12:17 AM PST  It’s a historical day for Mini, as road testing of its first electric model, the Mini E, has begun in Oxford, UK. The road trial consists of 40 members of the public using the new cars as part of their daily lives, leasing them from the UK company for £330.
BMW is set to supervise this first testing stage, with a second to begin next year. Everything from the psychological and social aspects of using an electric car to the stress it is subjecting the power grid, as the Bavarian company also partnered with Scottish and Southern Energy If the trial goes smoothly, expect the new Mini E to appear around 2011-2012, and play a big part in the fleet of cars the German car company is preparing for the Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Toyota teases new hybrid concept ahead of Detroit reveal Posted: 14 Dec 2009 11:54 PM PST  The Los Angeles Auto Show has already closed its doors and big carmakers are preparing their new models for the 2010 North American International Auto Show, or simply put, the Detroit Auto Show. One company has already started teasing the public, as Toyota released two pictures detailing a new hybrid concept car which will be revealed in January at the Detroit convention. Sadly no other details were given, but rumors are already pegging this new car to slot in below the popular Prius model and might be ready for production as soon as 2011.  With the recent rush of all-electric or hybrid small cars, Toyota’s move makes sense, as the Prius can’t contend with cars like the Mitsubishi i-Miev or the upcoming electric cars from Renault. All we can do is wait until the Detroit show begins on January 11 to feast our eyes on the new compact hybrid from the Japanese company. Source: Detroit News Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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