Thursday, January 28, 2010

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)


Toyota extends unintended acceleration recall to Europe

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 03:02 AM PST

Toyota extends unintended acceleration recall to Europe

I know most of you are getting sick and tired about the issues regarding the major recalls coming from Toyota, but it seems that the company will be expanding it to Europe, not only to North America as it was up until now.

According to the Toyota spokesman for Europe, Paul Nolasco, the Japanese corporation is in talks with regulatory bodies and organizations to start recalling specific vehicles into service so that the issues concerning unintended acceleration, whether they are linked to faulty floor mats or malfunctioning gas pedals, will be resolved.

The specific models, or their number isn’t known yet, but you can clearly guess that a lot of customers will be affected, given Toyota’s popularity, which has surely taken a nose dive in recent weeks. Either way, if you have a Toyota or maybe even a Lexus model, and the acceleration has been acting up, you should be more careful. It is still unknown if the Japanese company will (be forced to) suspend its sales in the territory, but maybe GM and Ford will extend their incentives in Europe.

Source: Automarket

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Toyota extends unintended acceleration recall to Europe

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Video: New Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG tunnel commercial shows Schumacher behind the wheel

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 02:29 AM PST

Video: New Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG tunnel commercial shows Schumacher behind the wheel

Mercedes-Benz always thinks ahead, at least this is what you can say after it presented a new version of the SLS AMG tunnel commercial, in which the car, driven by a professional pilot, goes upside down in a tunnel, proving physics isn’t a match to the engineering of the MB supercar.

But while the original video showed an unnamed driver, the new version of the ad shows none other than Michael Schumacher, which recently signed with Mercedes GP Formula 1 team for the 2010 season (see what they did there?).

If you’re interested in seeing the new ad, with added Schumacher, hit the jump!

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: New Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG tunnel commercial shows Schumacher behind the wheel

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GM and Ford reveal new incentives to current Toyota owners while rental companies pull models from fleets

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 02:17 AM PST

GM and Ford reveal new incentives to current Toyota owners while rental companies pull models from fleets

Toyota is going from bad to worse in the last few days, as not only did it issue a huge recall for the unintended acceleration issues and was also forced to suspend the sale of the models in question until a solution will be found, but now GM and Ford are trying to steal its customers by offering some very interesting incentives.

If you are a current Toyota owner and decided that a model from either Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet or GMC will suit you better, GM now has various offers for any type of purchase. If you choose to lease, you will get a waiver of up to three payments or $1,000. If you take a loan, you will get zero percent interest for the loans for 60 months. Last but not least, for those willing to pay cash, a $1,000 discount will be given.

If you might fancy a Ford model, you can get a $1,000 discount if you trade in a model from Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Honda or Acura, made between 1995 and 2010, and is applied to all models in the Ford stable, from the Fusion hybrid, to the F-150 pick-up of the Shelby Mustangs.

As yet another low blow, car rental companies like Avis Budget Group or Enterprise Holdings, have announced that they will pull the models affected by the recall from their big fleets.

No matter how you put it, things aren’t good for Toyota.

Source: Fox Business, Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

GM and Ford reveal new incentives to current Toyota owners while rental companies pull models from fleets

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Porsche considering entry-level model, might be based on upcomind Audi R4

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 01:23 AM PST

Porsche considering entry-level model, might be based on upcomind Audi R4

Porsche isn’t wasting any time, and has already established quite a lot of plans with its newest buddy, Volkswagen, with the brightest example being the shared platforms between the next generations of the Cayenne and the Touareg SUVs.

But according to VW group’s chairman, Martin Winterkorn, a new entry-level Porsche model might soon make its way into showrooms, and, according to some rumors, might share a lot of its underpinnings with the upcoming Audi R4 sportscar, which is previewed by the e-Tron concept.

“The Porsche model range is firmly based on the 911, Boxster, Cayenne and Cayman, and it will stay that way,” said Winterkorn. “We are also investigating opportunities for a smaller sports car and a smaller SUV - but I cannot say more at the moment.”

The model, dubbed the “new 356″, is rumored to be priced at around $55,000, and might sport one of the company’s first forced-induction four-cylinder units, which will offer a better fuel economy than current engines fitted to the Boxster or Cayman, and might output somewhere around 250 HP.

It is expected that the same aluminum/steel platform will be shared by this new Porsche and the Audi R4, alongside things like the transmission system. But while the R4 may arrive as early as the middle of next year, the Porsche won’t be rushed, and will be making an appearance at the end of 2012.

Overall, a pretty bold move for Porsche. What do you think? Would this “people’s Porsche” make an impact on the future market? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment.

Source: Autocar

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Porsche considering entry-level model, might be based on upcomind Audi R4

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Schumacher can be a champion once more, Ferrari Formula 1 boss says

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 01:04 AM PST

Schumacher can be a champion once more, Ferrari Formula 1 boss says

Formula 1 is set to have one of its most exciting seasons yet during 2010, as not only did former 7-time champion Michael Schumacher decided to race once more, but he will do so at Mercedes GP, and not Ferrari, with which he earned most of his titles.

This fact will prove to be a challenge, according to Stefano Domenicali, the team manager of Ferrari, which revealed that even though the German driver took a three-year break, he will be quite competitive once more.

"We can’t forget we wanted him to be Felipe Massa’s replacement last season," Domenicali revealed. "He will be one of our rivals, just like Mercedes, and Rosberg, McLaren, with two great drivers, and Red Bull. The title will be fought between ourselves and another three teams. Michael is ready to fight for the title. He is a great champion and a great driver, and if he has chosen to come back it’s because he knows he will have a competitive car, and he too will be, surely."

With Schumacher teaming up with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes GP and current champion Jenson Button joining former champ Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, Ferrari, with Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso, will have quite the competition. May the best driver and team win!

Source: Autocar

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Schumacher can be a champion once more, Ferrari Formula 1 boss says

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Renault confirms Twingo CC with scale model

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 12:49 AM PST

Renault confirms Twingo CC with scale model

New car models should be some of the best kept secrets in the world, but luckily for many fans, they just aren’t as spy shots, leaked documents and performance sheets always make their way onto the Internet and into the hands of enthusiasts.

That’s what happened with the upcoming Renault Twingo CC model, which was revealed, in one way, by a scale model. The figure showed just what we might expect from such a car, as it’s basically a slightly longer version of the Twingo city car and boasts a folding metal roof.

Renault confirms Twingo CC with scale model

According to a Renault source, the new model is expected to be a best seller, considering it will have a very attractive price and boast a stylish appearance. Combine that with great fuel efficiency and low emissions and you might have a winner.

Expect the Twingo CC to arrive alongside the bigger Megane CC at March’s Geneva Motor Show.

Source: Autocar

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Renault confirms Twingo CC with scale model

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Video: Castrol unveils huge soccer ball-kicking machine (no, really)

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 12:38 AM PST

Video: Castrol unveils huge soccer ball-kicking machine (no joke)

Hmmm, I’m pretty certain reputed engine oil manufacturer Castrol has way too much free time on its hands, as instead of just sticking to making decent oils, it has decided to take its marketing to a whole new level, not limiting itself to various ads with famous soccer/football player Cristiano Ronaldo.

And just what is this new level? Why a huge soccer ball-kicking machine of course! It seems that Castrol wanted to promote both its oils (we think) and Cristiano Ronaldo’s impressive kick, which sends the ball flying at around 130 km/h (around 80 mph), and hosted a special competition in Japan, in which it challenged people to take a free kick and hit the ball as fast as possible.

While average people managed to score about 96 km/h, the machine, operated by a human sitting on top and reportedly called the Ichi-Go, scored a whopping 206 km/h, and quite frankly we’re surprised the ball was intact afterwards.

Hit the jump to see this rather baffling video.

Source: Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: Castrol unveils huge soccer ball-kicking machine (no, really)

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Volkswagen considering R performance edition for next-gen Jetta

Posted: 27 Jan 2010 11:52 PM PST

Volkswagen considering R performance edition for next-gen Jetta

Volkswagen is keen to capitalize on the entry-level sedan market, especially in North America, and its main weapon will be the next-generation Jetta, which will be produced at its Mexico plant, thus cutting the expenses associated with importing it from its native Europe.

But while the new Jetta, as previewed by the New Compact Coupe concept at the Detroit Auto Show, does look pretty good, it seems VW is also considering an “R” badged performance edition, much like the Scirocco R and Golf R.

According to the rumors, the sportier Jetta will use the same turbocharged 2.0-liter engine from its hatchback brothers, which produces 265 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is also a possibility that it will be offered in either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive setup, with VW confirming that AWD will be present on some editions of the Jetta wagon. For those of you who forgot, the Golf R features AWD while the Scirocco FWD, so the two different setups are already fully-functional.

What do you think? Would such a sporty Jetta make you interested in the car? Share your thoughts below.

Source: InsideLine

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Volkswagen considering R performance edition for next-gen Jetta

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Toyota was obligated to stop selling recalled vehicles, its decission doesn’t seem so voluntary anymore

Posted: 27 Jan 2010 11:37 PM PST

Toyota was obligated to stop selling recalled vehicles, its decission doesn't seem so voluntary anymore

Toyota is currently going through one of its darkest periods, with a huge number of its most popular vehicles being recalled due to unintended acceleration worries, either due to faulty gas pedals or troublesome floor mats.

The carmaker’s biggest announcement came yesterday, when it said that it will suspend any sales of the faulty vehicles, until the fix will be implemented. The measure, while raising an even bigger question mark over the Japanese carmaker, did improve a bit of its tarnished image, by making it seem like it is sacrificing its sales figures to do the right thing.

But lo and behold, a statement from the David Strickland, the administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has revealed that Toyota was obligated by law to suspend the sales of vehicles for which a solution hasn’t been found.

This definitely goes against the statement made by Toyota yesterday in which it revealed that it is voluntarily stopping sales and production of the eight vehicles affected by the problem. It seems that company just can’t catch a break these days.

Source: The Detroit News via Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Toyota was obligated to stop selling recalled vehicles, its decission doesn’t seem so voluntary anymore

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Carlsson brings limited C25 model based on Mercedes-Benz SL600 to Geneva

Posted: 27 Jan 2010 11:06 PM PST

Carlsson brings limited C25 model based on Mercedes-Benz SL600 to Geneva

Carlsson has just announced that it will unveil at the Geneva Motor Show a limited edition model, dubbed the C25, which will see … you guessed it, 25 models being made.

But you will definitely enjoy those 25 models, as they are based on the Mercedes-Benz SL600 model and will be powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine with 753 HP and a torque of 1150 Nm (848 lb-ft), that propels it from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds. Top speed for the C25 is 218.7 mph (352 km/h).

A wide array of safety features were installed, and the engineers have also fitted the company’s own C-Tronic adaptive and variable suspension, in order to improve the handling of the car, alongside a new set of brakes. 20-inch lightweight wheels were also added, and are wrapped in high performance tires.

Carlsson brings limited C25 model based on Mercedes-Benz SL600 to Geneva

On the inside, customers who will be lucky to buy one will find a mix of tanned buffalo leather, carbon fiber and suede, all available in various colors. Performance parts like race seats, five-point belts, roll bars and cage are also present, to make sure you can take it on the track.

In case the model got you interested, be warned that you might need to move to a different country, as Carlsson will sell one car per country, but has yet to reveal just what territories will receive it, and for how much.

Source: WorldCarFans

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Carlsson brings limited C25 model based on Mercedes-Benz SL600 to Geneva

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