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- Mini Countryman officially presents itself
- Video: Opel promotes new Astra through augmented reality website
- What Lancia models do you want to get the Chrysler badge?
- The new Mazda5 MPV gets detailed ahead of Geneva debut
- Ford preparing minor facelift and new engines for Mondeo, plans global Mondeo/Fusion replacement in 2012
- Video: See Google Earth running on Audi’s MMI system
- 2011 Shelby GT350 Mustang reveals itself
- Peugeot might resurrect GTI badge for future models
- Fiat’s Marchionne: Chrysler and Lancia might finalize merger this year, will complete each other
- Video: Dacia Duster arrives this May, receives new off-road ad
| Mini Countryman officially presents itself Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:22 AM PST  After posting a few teasers, two concepts and a few leaked pictures, Mini has finally presented the Countryman crossover version, which will be available for all current editions like the One, Cooper or Cooper S, and will sport the company’s first four-wheel drive system: All4. Set to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show this March, the biggest change in this model is, like I’ve said above, the All4 traction system, which has an electro-hydraulic differential, which can send between 50 and 100% of the torque to the rear wheels. The engine lineup will be consist of five existing ones, which have recently been upgraded. First off, the Countryman One will have the new 1.6-liter 98 HP gasoline unit, the same one which will be featured on the Cooper variant, but with 24 extra HP, meaning 122 HP, while the Cooper S will see the turbocharged variant, using Valvetronic technology, which generates 184 HP. Diesel fans will get the One D 98 HP unit and the Cooper D, which generates 112 horses. All of the engines mentioned above will receive BMW systems to enhance their efficiency like brake regeneration (KERS), auto start-stop or gear shift indicator. The Mini Countryman can easily house four people, in four individual seats, and can store up to 350 liters in the boot, and over 1170 liters if the rear seats are folded down. On the inside you won’t see large changes, as the big center dials are still present, among many storage spaces and the elongated center console. In terms of options, the Countryman includes A/C, an upgraded audio system, satellite navigation, Bluetooth support, panoramic roof, adaptive headlights, wheel from 16 to 19 inch, as well as a sports suspension which lowers it by 10 mm, and defeats the purpose of going off road in it. Overall, a pretty attractive model which might get some new people interested in Mini. Check out the high-res photo gallery below. Photo Gallery: Mini Countryman
Source: Mini Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Opel promotes new Astra through augmented reality website Posted: 20 Jan 2010 04:35 AM PST  Augmented reality is the latest craze in promoting just about anything, and it now seems that cars make no exception. After Citroen released a special website for its upcoming DS3 model, Opel/Vauxhall has followed and presented a new type of promotion for its next generation Astra hatchback. All you need to do is visit this address, go to Gallery>3D Experience, make sure you follows the steps there, and that you have a webcam and somewhere to print out the special Astra symbol, and you will soon have the new car right in front of you, showcasing the FlexRide and AFL+ features of the car. Hit the jump to see the video of the augmented reality website and how it works. Source: TorqueAstra Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| What Lancia models do you want to get the Chrysler badge? Posted: 20 Jan 2010 04:11 AM PST  We reported earlier on Fiat’s CEO Sergio Marchionne’s statement that the Lancia and Chrysler brands will soon merge together in order to have a full lineup of models. This definitely makes sense, considering Lancia is specialized in small European cars, while Chrysler deals with the big American sedans. We’ve already seen the Lancia Delta get the Chrysler badge treatment at the Detroit Auto Show, but now we want to ask you Chrysler fans which other models from the Lancia family should follow. Hit the jump to see the current Lancia lineup and then share your thoughts with us.  First off, from the smallest to the biggest, is the Lancia Ypsilon, a small city car, designed to be agile around the busy roads, but still have a some style. It is based on the Fiat Punto and offers a 1.2 or a 1.4-liter engine, in both gasoline and JTD diesel variants. Considering the flood of compact hatchbacks in the US these days, it might stand a chance against them.  Next is the Lancia Musa, a car marketed as a mini-MPV, and shares quite a few things with the Ypsilon we mentioned earlier. Now while such a car might attract some people, the niche is just too small to even be worthy of a Chrysler badge, plus you’ve got the PT Cruiser which fills it, with average success.  Last but not least in the current lineup, but with the fewest chances, is the Lancia Phedra full size MPV, which is developed in partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroen. Not only is it from outside the Fiat family, but the Chrysler Town and Country is already present on this niche. We didn’t mention the Delta because the model is all-but confirmed to be heading in the USA, and, frankly, has the biggest possibility of success from all the other Lancia models. The Thesis mid-size sedan was discontinued at the beginning of 2009, and it is expected that a new model might soon appear, resulting from a cooperation between the two brands. What other Italian cars should get the Chrysler treatment? Share your thoughts below. Our pick is the Ypsilon, basically because the rest aren’t even remotely interesting. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| The new Mazda5 MPV gets detailed ahead of Geneva debut Posted: 20 Jan 2010 03:26 AM PST  Mazda is preparing to occupy a bigger chunk of the MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) market, and has just revealed the new Mazda5 model, which will be shown to the public of the Geneva Motor Show this March and will hit the European market this fall. In terms of design the new model is heavily based on the new generation Mazda3, with the “happy” front end from the hatchback appearing with only a few differences. The design also has a few flourishes, in the form of the waving lines on the doors and also features a sliding rear door, to make getting in and out of the people carrier much easier.  The 7-seater model will be powered, from what we can figure out from the sparsely detailed release, by two engines: either a 1.8 or a 2.0-liter gasoline one, specifically developed for the Mazda5. A six-speed manual gearbox will be offered with the model, and will also include the i-Stop technology (Mazda’s own Auto Start Stop system). Hopefully we will get more details about the Mazda5 before its debut in Geneva, until then, we’re going to have to wait and see. Source: Mazda Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Posted: 20 Jan 2010 01:30 AM PST  Ford is pushing step by step its new “One Ford” strategy, which will see global vehicles, with only slight differences between them be marketed all over the world. The first was the new Fiesta, next up will be the new Focus in 2011, and, naturally, the Mondeo/Fusion mid-size sedan will also be scheduled around 2012. But before the new car arrives, Ford is getting ready to launch a minor facelift for the European Mondeo, which includes slight cosmetic upgrades, like a set of LED lights and a few restyled bumpers, but also a wide array of new engines, all in compliance with the EURO 5 emissions regulations. The lineup will consist of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost gasoline one, which develops 203 HP, and two editions of Duratorq TDCI units, a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter, which haven’t received performance figures just yet. The new PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission will also arrive with this facelift, as a standard for the gasoline engine and optional for the diesel ones. The Ford Mondeo is pretty popular in Europe, and with such modifications, it will still keep selling until the global replacement arrives in a couple of years. Source: Autoblog.it via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: See Google Earth running on Audi’s MMI system Posted: 20 Jan 2010 01:03 AM PST  Audi revealed at the end of last year that the MultiMediaInterface system (MMI) in the new A8 limousine will be using Google Earth as its navigation software, in order to reveal to people a more accurate display of cities, roads and other useful information. Now, a new video has appeared, showing Google Earth in action, just how it will work on the A8, when it will be launched this spring. The system allows you to check out the map in your region, hover over cities and check out Wikipedia entries about their history or what points of interest are present. Inserting an address is also quite interesting, as you can use either the large dial, or the touch-sensitive portion besides it, to etch out letters, and the system will register them. Hit the jump to see Google Earth running on the Audi MMI system. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Shelby GT350 Mustang reveals itself Posted: 20 Jan 2010 12:44 AM PST  The 2011 Ford Mustang, with its new 5.0-liter V8 engine has certainly made plenty of muscle car fans anxious to get their hands on it, but now, traditional Ford customization company, Shelby, has presented the 2011 GT350 Mustang, its own upgraded take on the upcoming sportscar. Available as a post-order upgrade, customers will be able to ship their new Mustangs directly to the Shelby plant in Las Vegas, or drive the cars there themselves. At that location, the models will receive a wide array of upgrades, including a new Ford Racing supercharger, which boosts power to around 500 HP, a Ford Racing suspension, a Baer braking system, Borla exhaust or Cragar wheels. A new bodykit (a bit on the chunky side) will also be added, which features a redesigned front fascia, a splitter, functional hood scoop, rear deck lid filler panel, and a revamped rear fascia with a center exhaust exit. The paint finish will only be available as white with blue racing stripes. What’s the cost for this aftermarket goodness? Shelby says $33,995, but before you place your order, the price doesn’t include the base car, which will also cost around $30,000. Put them together and that’s a lot of cash for a customized American muscle car. In order to justify your purchase, check out the gallery below. Photo Gallery: 2011 Shelby Ford Mustang GT350
Source: Shelby Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Peugeot might resurrect GTI badge for future models Posted: 20 Jan 2010 12:18 AM PST  Many hot hatchback fans were disappointed in Peugeot at the end of last year when it announced that it will not launch any more GTI-badged models, effectively axing its impressive history created by the 205 GTI (pictured above) or the 306 GTI. But after the brand’s re-imagination, which started with the restyled logo and culminated with the SR1 hybrid sportscar, the possibility of a GTI-badged hot hatchback still exists. Of course it will possibly be based on the future cars of the French brand, like the 208, which might arrive around 2012.
The source also added that the market conditions need to be just right, so that a GTI model can be justified as a worthy expense. Other details weren’t revealed, but this should make many Peugeot fans quite happy. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Fiat’s Marchionne: Chrysler and Lancia might finalize merger this year, will complete each other Posted: 19 Jan 2010 11:57 PM PST  Part of the joy of being the CEO of a large carmaker is that you can hook up your various brands with models from other ones, and in some cases even play matchmaker with some of them. Such is the case with Fiat’s Sergio Marchionne, who has decided to merge the Chrysler and Lancia brands so that the two companies can benefit from each other’s models, in order to complete a lineup of cars. Said merger, according to Marchionne, might take place as early as the end of 2010.
The Fiat executive also said that the recently exhibited Chrysler-badged Lancia Delta might soon reach US showrooms, in order to see the public’s reaction, and revealed that there won’t be any conflict, as Lancia isn’t sold in the USA. Do you think this merger will be the best for both brands? Leave a comment below. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Dacia Duster arrives this May, receives new off-road ad Posted: 19 Jan 2010 11:36 PM PST  “Great news!” The Dacia Duster has received a concrete release plan, as the new low-cost Romanian crossover will be presented in March at the Geneva Motor Show and will arrive this May in showrooms. For those of you who have forgotten about the car, it will be Dacia’s first attempt at creating a 4×4 model, and considering it will have the same low-cost nature as the Logan or the Sandero, the Duster will definitely be a hit in both its native Romania and in other European markets, where Dacia is growing by leaps and bounds in terms of popularity. It will be offered in two variants: either 4×2 or 4×4, with three engine choices: either a 1.6-liter 110 HP gasoline, or a 1.5-liter dCi diesel unit, which will be capable of either 85 or 105 HP. Still not completely sure of the new Dacia Duster? Hit the jump to check out a video which demonstrates its abilities, both on and off the road. Source: Mediafax via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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