Friday, February 19, 2010

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)


Citroen DS3 Racing formally unveiled, 200 HP hot hatch

Posted: 19 Feb 2010 03:14 AM PST

Citroen DS3 Racing formally unveiled, 200 HP hot hatch

After a photo leak last week, the Citroen DS3 Racing hot hatchback model has been officially revealed by the French carmaker in a series of very artistic pictures.

Built as a limited edition (only 1,000 units will be made) performance take on the new Citroen DS3 premium hatch, the DS3 Racing will rival the Mini Cooper S, using a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine developing a whopping 200 HP and 203 lb-ft of torque. How did the engine reach such an output? The Citroen Racing department tweaked the turbocharged, optimized the ECU and threw in a new exhaust system.

To improve handling of the DS3 Racing, Citroen also outfitted the limited edition with performance suspension and brakes, which lowered the car by 15mm. As you can easily see, slight variations to the body kit of the regular DS3 are present, including wing extensions. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted while chrome trim was applied to the door handles and exhaust tip. On the inside those lucky 1,000 customers will enjoy carbon trim on the dash, center console and steering wheel, while vibrant orange theme found on the outside will also be present in the cabin.

Check out the photo gallery below with this very attractive hot hatchback, which will be showed off at the Geneva Motor Show.

Photo Gallery: Citroen DS3 Racing

Citroen DS3 RacingCitroen DS3 RacingCitroen DS3 RacingCitroen DS3 Racing

Citroen DS3 RacingCitroen DS3 RacingCitroen DS3 RacingCitroen DS3 Racing

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Citroen DS3 Racing formally unveiled, 200 HP hot hatch

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2011 Porsche Cayenne leaked on car configurator

Posted: 19 Feb 2010 02:26 AM PST

2011 Porsche Cayenne leaked on car configurator

Porsche has slowly been teasing the next generation of its Cayenne SUV. But one thing it didn’t account for was an early refresh made to its car configurator page, where all of the models in the range are shown, from the Boxster to the Panamera and, oh hey, it’s the 2011 Porsche Cayenne!

For those of you who don’t remember, the new Cayenne will renounce many of its off road capabilities, and arrive in quite a few variants, including regular, S, Turbo, Diesel and, as a highly expected hybrid version, which will combine 330 HP supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with a 47 HP electric motor.

2011 Porsche Cayenne leaked on car configurator

From what we can see in the pictures above, the design is quite similar to the already-released 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. The overall lines are almost the same, but you should expect more luxury features in the Porsche, especially on the inside. Expect more details and the official announcement at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Source: MotorAuthority

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2011 Porsche Cayenne leaked on car configurator

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Next Jaguar XK to get new design, engine range, including V6 diesel

Posted: 19 Feb 2010 02:03 AM PST

Next Jaguar XK to get new design, engine range, including V6 diesel

The blokes over at Autocar have got their hands on some fresh information about the next generation Jaguar XK sportscar, which will bring forth quite a lot of changes for the British brand.

Not only will you see a fresh new design, bearing more aggressive lines while adopting a new type of front grille, but also new engines. Style-wise, the fast “cat” will benefit from sharper lines, accurately highlighting the performance side of the XK. For the inside, Jaguar will aim at offering the most luxurious experience in the whole segment, including hand stitched leather and high tech systems, mostly borrowed from the new XJ.

As I’ve said, a new range of engines will be included, but what’s rather interesting is that besides the naturally aspirated and supercharged V8 petrol units a new diesel V6 will also be included. Set to offer around 300 HP of power, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine will enable the XK to target the new diesel sportscar segment. It will accurately blend not only performance but also some levels of fuel economy, according to the British company.

The new Jaguar XK is set to arrive sometime in 2013, and will definitely bring with it a revolution for the Jag lineup.

Source: Autocar

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Next Jaguar XK to get new design, engine range, including V6 diesel

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Toyota and NHTSA investigating Corolla power steering problems

Posted: 19 Feb 2010 01:29 AM PST

NHTSA and Toyota investigating Corolla power steering problems

Here’s something you won’t believe, Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are investigating yet another recall for one of the models made by the Japanese company.

It seems that after unintended acceleration problems, braking issues for the Prius hybrid and even some for the Camry, the Corolla is adding another type of problem to the table: power steering ones. According to the NHTSA, 160 complaints have been made against 2009 and 2010 Corolla models, which include some 499,000 vehicles.

It seems that the car would start to veer sharply at speeds excessing 40 mph, and caused 16 injuries at the moment. No exact cause has yet to be found, but the investigation has at least pointed to the power steering mechanism.

This is just what Toyota needed right now, as it is head over heels in some huge recalls, government hearings and even a few lawsuits from the customers who feel they have been lied to, in regards to the safety of the Japanese models.

Source: Detroit News

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Toyota and NHTSA investigating Corolla power steering problems

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New Rolls Royce Ghost concepts planned: coupe, drophead and long wheelbase

Posted: 19 Feb 2010 01:05 AM PST

New Rolls Royce Ghost concepts planned: coupe, drophead and long wheelbase

Rolls Royce is keen on getting different models out there, and wants to further establish its entry-level Ghost model with various other body styles.

It seems that the British company will soon launch concept, or rather Experimental Cars, as it calls them, based on the Ghost. These will include a coupe and a convertible (drophead), which will be revealed in the next time frame to see what reaction they will get from the general audience.

According to the chairman of Rolls Royce, these concepts might get various other names than Ghost, leaving the door open for the revival of other names from the company’s rich past. According to other rumors, a long wheelbase variant of the Ghost is also on the table, as market research revealed that it won’t rival the short wheelbase of the bigger Phantom model.

Seeing as how the economy is bound to make a comeback, more Rolls Royce models will definitely make more people interested in the British brand.

Source: Autocar

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New Rolls Royce Ghost concepts planned: coupe, drophead and long wheelbase

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Hitman driving Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 crashes into Ferrari F430 in South Africa

Posted: 19 Feb 2010 12:34 AM PST

Hitman driving Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 crashes into Ferrari F430 in South Africa

Here’s something you don’t hear everyday, a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 crashed into a Ferrari F430 at a South African VIP event in the town of KwaZulu-Natal.

But even though the nature of the crash is quite exotic, we haven’t gotten to the best part. It seems that the Lambo was being driving by a convicted hitman, which was charged with killing six people, and sentenced to 72 years in prison. He was subsequently pardoned, and even attended this political event without anyone saying anything.

Hitman driving Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 crashes into Ferrari F430 in South Africa

But it seems he wasn’t too fond of the people who showed up after the crash and started taking pictures, as he reportedly began threatening and confiscated their mobile phones or cameras. Needless to say, when the police arrived on scene did nothing except call in the tow trucks for the wrecked supercars.

Thankfully a brave guy managed to score a few pics, and sent them to our friends at WreckedExotics.

Source: Wrecked Exotics

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Hitman driving Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 crashes into Ferrari F430 in South Africa

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New rumors on Mugen-tuned Honda CR-Z Type R

Posted: 19 Feb 2010 12:09 AM PST

New rumors on Mugen-tuned Honda CR-Z Type R

When Honda announced the CR-Z hybrid sports coupe, I’m sure most of you, including us, were expecting something a bit more aggressive in terms of power than the current setup of a 102 HP 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with a 20 HP electric motor.

But even though the stock model might not have blown our minds, many hardcore Honda and hybrid fans are beginning to ponder if the Japanese company will reveal a Type R performance model, or, better yet, if its traditional tuning partner, Mugen, will thoroughly give the CR-Z a power make over.

Although nothing is confirmed, the guys at AutoExpress have come forward with a few interesting rumors and speculations on the future performance CR-Z hybrid. According to them, the engine’s output will be taken to a more respectable 150 HP, but seeing as how the hybrid setup can’t be taken out of the body, the electric motor will also receive an upgrade, taking it to around 50 HP.

Other handling upgrades, like a revamped suspension, better brakes and aerodynamic accessories will also be added to the 200 HP hybrid coupe. A new Sport Plus driving mode, which will modify things like throttle response, steering and how the electric motor helps the engine, will also be added, to increase driver pleasure.

It’s quite likely that at least a Honda CR-Z Type R will appear in the future. Whether or not it will have these power figures is still unknown though. What do you think? Would 200 HP of hybrid power get you interested in the three-door hatch?

Source: AutoExpress

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New rumors on Mugen-tuned Honda CR-Z Type R

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Manhart Racing takes BMW M3 E92 to 655 HP

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 11:50 PM PST

Manhart Racing takes BMW M3 E92 to 655 HP

The BMW M3 is one extremely powerful performance model, generating a whopping 420 HP from its V8 engine. But the tuners at Manhart Racing decided there’s plenty more where those ponies came from, and revealed a three-stage tuning process to get the power up to 655 HP via forced induction.

The main tool in achieving that dizzying amount of power? A special compressor (supercharger), which increased pressure to .35 bar in first stage, resulting in 508 HP. In the second stage it was increased to .50 bar, which generated 577 HP.

For the last stage, the company fitted a high performance ASA compressor, tweaked to .67 bar, which enable the BMW M3 coupe to reach 655 HP. Of course a larger exhaust system and two race-ready catalytic converters were also installed to cope with the extra pressure.

The package, no matter what level you decide to order, includes 20-inch BBS wheels wrapped in Continental performance tires and larger brake rotors, while on the inside you’ll find leather and Alcantara trim lines.

Source: Manhart Racing

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Manhart Racing takes BMW M3 E92 to 655 HP

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Ford Transit Connect gets Focus RS engine swap

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 11:30 PM PST

Ford Transit Connect gets Focus RS engine swap

There are plenty of people who just adore the new Ford Transit Connect, especially Americans who awarded it the 2010 North American Truck of the year distinction.

But at least a few UK tuners decided the small van needs a bit more power under its bonnet, so they decided to see what they can modify. Instead of just fiddling with the stock engine, they decided a more “interesting” transplant was needed, and they swapped the old 1.8-liter with an engine from a 2003 Focus RS, good for around 275 HP.

Ford Transit Connect gets Focus RS engine swap

The turbocharged unit was then modified to run on LPG, and its output was remapped to a more fuel-friendly 200 HP. But the tuners didn’t stop there, as they also brought in a gearbox from another Focus, complete with a Quaife limited-slip differential, you know, just in case the drifting opportunity arises. Sparco fiberglass performance seats and an array of other enhancements were also given to the Transit Connect, so just be careful if you see it in your rear view mirror anytime soon.

Source: Ford Transit Forums via MotorAuthority

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Ford Transit Connect gets Focus RS engine swap

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USF1 might not make the 2010 Formula 1 season

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 11:10 PM PST

USF1 might not make the 2010 Formula 1 season

The 2010 Formula 1 season is set to receive quite a few new teams, either renamed, like Mercedes GP, or completely fresh entries, like Lotus F1.

But one specific team which was highly anticipated by North American fans is USF1, which promised to make the motorsport competition much more popular in the territory and to prove that Americans aren’t all about Nascar racing.

Sadly though, it seems things aren’t going so well with the pre-season preparations, as the New York Times is reporting that financial problems are causing a chain reaction which might lead to the dismantlement of the new team.

It seems that YouTube founder Chad Hurley isn’t supplying anymore money, and the team managers don’t have enough cash to pay engineers, suppliers or even their single confirmed driver, Jose Maria Lopez. But while nothing is official, other voices are saying that a merger with another new, but also troubled team, Campos Meta 1, might be possible somewhere along the road.

Until we hear it straight from USF1 or Campos representatives, things are still blurry. The FIA, Formula 1’s reigning body, did reveal that new teams, if they are experiencing problems, may be pardoned from the first three races, but if they can’t appear on the fourth one, they will be disqualified from the rest of the season.

Source: WCF

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USF1 might not make the 2010 Formula 1 season

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