RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed) |
- Mini reveals Beachcomber concept, previews future Countryman crossover
- The Aston Martin Cygnet presents itself, a cross between an Aston and a Toyota iQ
- Mercedes-Benz E Class Convertible gets detailed, 2 videos and photo gallery included
- Video: GM also launches Chevy Volt Dance to go along with song, we lack words to describe it
- Kia considering rear-wheel drive compact coupe based on Kee concept
- Ferrari reveals one-off P540 Superfast Aperta, based on 599 GTB Fiorano
- 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is is the M-badged roadster you’ve been waiting for
- Lotus Formula 1 team confirms Jarno Truli and Heikki Kovalainen as its pilots
- 9ff GT9-R gets new details and photos
- Volkswagen reveals Tiguan Track and Avenue edition
| Mini reveals Beachcomber concept, previews future Countryman crossover Posted: 16 Dec 2009 04:56 AM PST  Big news for Mini fans, as the British company has just unveiled the new Beachcomber concept, which is set to preview the Countryman crossover model that the brand will launch next year. Influenced by the historical Mini Moke, the new Beachcomber is rather striking to look at and resembles early Jeep Wrangler models due to the pillar-less design. It reflects the future look and seating arrangement of the upcoming Countryman, as well as the ALL4 all-wheel drive system, patented by the British brand. The Beachcomber is also powered by the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine which will be appearing next year and boasts fabric panels which can be installed to protect its inhabitants from nature’s elements. Besides this, the off-road nature is highlighted by the big ground clearance, as well as the good attack angles and heavy duty tires. The inside seems similar to other Mini models, but also has a few elements like the rubber floor mats, which remind its inhabitants it is great off road. Expect such a cabin, with more regular elements, to also appear in the final production-ready variant of the Countryman crossover. Take a look at the pictures in the photo gallery below and share your thoughts about this intriguing concept, which will make its first appearance at the Detroit Auto Show in January, 2010, by leaving a comment. Photo Gallery: Mini Beachcomber concept
Source: BMWBlog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| The Aston Martin Cygnet presents itself, a cross between an Aston and a Toyota iQ Posted: 16 Dec 2009 03:57 AM PST  Quick, what do you get when you mix a Toyota iQ city car with Aston Martin? Why an Aston Martin Cygnet of course! The British carmaker, after shocking most of us with the Lagonda SUV concept, has now revealed a brand new creation from its design bureau: the Aston Martin Cygnet city car. Devised as just a concept, but with plenty of chances to become a reality, the car is based on the Toyota iQ, with heavy modifications of course, which were made at the Aston plant in Gaydon. It is powered by the same 1.3-liter engine, so don’t go expecting the marvelous sound of an Aston coming out of its tailpipe. You will be getting, however, a luxury interior, filled with leather and expensive gadgets that a regular iQ can only dream of. On the outside, the classic Aston grille will be matched with the iQ’s headlamps, and will see many of the original Toyota elements present, modified or not.  The Aston Martin Cygnet is just a concept for the moment, but the company does plan to shuffle it into production as soon as next year, and will be targeted to existing Aston Martin owners as a novel way of transportation, for “just” £20,000.
 What do you think about this novel concept? Is this a good direction for Aston? Leave a comment with your thoughts. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mercedes-Benz E Class Convertible gets detailed, 2 videos and photo gallery included Posted: 16 Dec 2009 02:26 AM PST  Mercedes-Benz has finally decided to reveal its upcoming E Class Convertible model, which you can call everything from a cabriolet to a cabrio. The point is, it will replace the CLK convertible model, and will be based on the already available E Class coupe. The very attractive model will appear on the market in March, 2010, and will share many similarities with the coupe model, including size and engine options, which range from V6 and four-cylinder diesels to V6 and four-cylinder gasoline ones, and will also include the top-of-the-range V8 gasoline one. The folding cloth top will go up or down in around 20 seconds, and will still leave a bit of room in the boot for your luggage, just remember to pack light. Two new systems will also be fitted to this new model: the AirCap and AirScarf. The first will consist of a set of deflectors, which will raise from the upper edge of the windshield, and prevent air from entering the cabin. The latter will provide neck-level heating, so that customers can see the sun even in those chilly days. Overall, I think the new E Class convertible looks great. See for yourself in the photo gallery below, and hit the jump to see a video presentation of the model and a demonstration of the AirCap system. Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E Class Convertible
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| Video: GM also launches Chevy Volt Dance to go along with song, we lack words to describe it Posted: 16 Dec 2009 01:26 AM PST  When GM revealed the Chevrolet Volt hybrid model, it said that it will bring a new age for the company, and through smart marketing, will attract a huge number of US citizens. But I’m fairly certain that the aforementioned smart marketing didn’t include the wacky Chevy Volt song we revealed to you last week. Now though, it seems that GM’s marketing department went completely crazy, and hired people to do the Chevy Volt dance. That’s right … the Chevy Volt dance routine, complete with choreography, flick-flacks, somersaults and even a few breakdance figures. Ah, don’t forget the YMCA-style letters made with hands part, which just screams “smart marketing”. Hit the jump and brighten your whole day, as something this funny just can’t be missed, although GM’s new PR boss, Susan Docherty, had no idea that the dance even got approved. Source: GM-Volt Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Kia considering rear-wheel drive compact coupe based on Kee concept Posted: 16 Dec 2009 01:03 AM PST  Kia’s design boss Peter Schreyer has recently talked about the new models the South Korean company is planning, and highlighted his own wish of a compact, rear-wheel driven, coupe model, which will take on competitors like the Mazda MX-5 or Toyota’s upcoming model based on the FT-86 concept and Subaru’s own take on that project. The new car, which might borrow elements from the Kee concept which was shown last year, might even share the platform from sister company Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe model. Sadly though, it won’t appear anytime soon, as Kia is focused on moving mainstream models, and until a worthwhile case is made with the Kee coupe, it won’t appear.
Frankly, the more rear-wheel drive coupes, the better, and if Kia will combine its low-cost nature with the already proven platform of the Genesis, we might have something very interesting to look forward to. But until the decision is made in South Korea, we’re going to have to wait a bit. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ferrari reveals one-off P540 Superfast Aperta, based on 599 GTB Fiorano Posted: 16 Dec 2009 12:48 AM PST  It definitely pays to be Edward Walson, the son of the guy who invented cable television, as you can just go to Ferrari’s Special Projects division with a 599 GTB Fiorano and ask them nicely, with a considerable amount of money, to create a unique car based on it. That is the case with this, the P540 Superfast Aperta model, which even though began life as a 599, is now a unique convertible model, based on the Carrozzeria Fantuzzi-designed Ferrari which appeared in the movie Toby Dammit.
No modifications were made to the engine, which is a 6.0-liter V12, developing 620 HP and 608 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is pegged by Ferrari at 17.9 liters/100 km and CO2 emissions at 415 g/km, but when you’re rich enough to order a custom Ferrari from the company itself, these numbers don’t really matter. Source: Ferrari Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is is the M-badged roadster you’ve been waiting for Posted: 16 Dec 2009 12:28 AM PST  BMW’s entry in the roadster market, the Z4, has reached a whole new level with the latest generation, which gathered praises from many respected journalists. But even though the regular models were pretty quick, the Bavarian company has now announced the Z4 sDrive35is model, which, in lack of a better description, is the M-badged roadster you’ve been waiting for, except it won’t feature the M in its name. But it will feature it in its highly customized 3.0-liter twin turbo engine, which can now develop 340 HP, in the European version, and 335 in the US one. Torque numbers have been upgraded to 450 Nm, and can even reach 500 Nm thanks to a special overboost button (hopefully that button will be in the gear knob). The roadster will have a Launch Control system, which will take it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and keep on going to 250 km/h (155 mph). The engine will be coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and provide a fuel consumption of around 9.0 liters/100 km (around 26.1 mpg US), and will emit 210 g/km of CO2.  This new high performance Z4 will be offered with the M Sports Package, which includes a new, properly aggressive front bumper with wider air intakes finished in matte aluminum, a set of 18-inch light allow wheels, with 19-inch ones optional and a new rear bumper which accentuates the tailpipes and features a two-piece diffuser. Expect the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) and to appear on the European and US markets in spring, 2010. Source: BMW Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Lotus Formula 1 team confirms Jarno Truli and Heikki Kovalainen as its pilots Posted: 16 Dec 2009 12:06 AM PST  As you heard a few months ago, Lotus is coming back to Formula 1, albeit in a rather different way. Even though the Malaysian team will only borrow the name, under license, from Proton, which currently owns the famous British brand, and will use some of the company’s racing expertise, it is enough for old time Lotus fans to start watching the next season of Formula 1. Now, they will be happy to know that the team has officially signed Jarno Truli and Heikki Kovalainen as its drivers for the 2010 season. The two pilots, each with one Grand Prix win in their resume, will provide valuable expertise and experience to the rookie team next year, according to a spokesperson. As you can see, a new logo has also been found, reviving the famous British Racing Green with gold inserts, which made the Lotus F1 team famous. Hopefully the new team will make the Lotus name proud and duke it out with the best team out there in the next season. Source: WorldCarFans Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 9ff GT9-R gets new details and photos Posted: 15 Dec 2009 11:49 PM PST  When you talk about Porsche customization, 9ff quickly comes to mind, as the tuning company managed to turn already powerful German machines into rockets on four wheels. While it is still working on its Panamera project, the company has now unveiled the eagerly awaited 9ff GT9-R, which will come in multiple editions, with the top one developing 1120 HP. Powered by the 4.0-liter six-cylinder Boxer engine, the highly customized car can spring from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, and reach 300 km/h in 15.8 seconds. But what’s more exciting is its top speed, speculated at around 414 km/h (257.2 mph), which makes the GT9-R one of the fastest production cars in the world.  For those of you which don’t want that much HP under the bonnet, you can opt for the 987 HP model, which is still quite fast. An even “less powerful” version will appear in the near future, developing 750 HP. The engine in all the variants will be coupled with either a six-speed manual or a sequential gearox, while the five-speed Tiptronic is also available for the 750 HP edition. 9ff will also offer unique styling choices and other options, for a price of course, which no doubt will be quite high. Source: 9ff Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Volkswagen reveals Tiguan Track and Avenue edition Posted: 15 Dec 2009 11:32 PM PST  Frankly, out of the current crossover crop which has assaulted the market, the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of my favorite, even though it hasn’t really turned into a fabulous best seller for the German company. In order to satisfy those with a hunger for higher end accessories, VW has now revealed the Track and Avenue edition of the Tiguan, which will be exclusive to the European market, but not in the UK. Customers will see options like a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, flared arches, a brand new diffuser, restyled front fog lights accompanying bi-xenon headlights, plus they will be able to choose from two new colors: Oryx White Pearl Effect and Island Grey Pearl Effect. On the inside, you’ll be able to see things like leather upholstery, sport seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel plus an upgraded sound system.  This upmarket model will be coupled with the 2.0-liter TSI engine, which outputs 197 HP, and can be fitted with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, while two flavors of the 2.0-liter TDI engine will be available, one developing 138 HP, available only with an automatic, and a more powerful 168, which can be coupled with manual. Overall, this new Track and Avenue edition of the Volkswagen Tiguan will see its price start from €38,225 ($55,640). Source: Volkswagen Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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