Wednesday, March 31, 2010

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)


Fast cars & freedom

Posted: 31 Mar 2010 04:45 AM PDT

As the Rascal Flatts say, fast cars and freedom are every driver’s dream. It’s the perfect combination to make you feel alive. Nothing artificial, just the pure thrill of driving a great car! No care in the world but having to stop for gas.

Simple things that make a man happy. You need a great T-shirt to go with that.

Get ready for the summer with a T-shirt that’s all about those fast cars and that freedom. And make sure you check out the  Revvnation Store for more cool stuff!

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Fast cars & freedom

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Don’t forget to vote in our World Car of the Year polls

Posted: 31 Mar 2010 03:30 AM PDT

2010 World Car, Performance Car, Green Car and Design of the year finalists revealed

As you might know, the New York Auto Show starts today in the Big Apple. After the first two press days, the public will be welcomed to the convention. During April 2, the World Car of the Year awards will finally be given in each category.

As you remember, the three finalists for each category were announced at the beginning of March, at the Geneva Motor Show. At that time, we asked you to vote for your favorites and see just how your opinion ranks with the one from the automotive press from all over the world.

As a reminder, the finalists for 2010 World Car of the Year are: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Toyota Prius and the Volkswagen Polo.

The finalists for 2010 World Performance Car of the Year are: Audi R8 V10, the Ferrari California and the Porsche 911 GT3.

The finalists for the 2010 World Green Car of the Year are: Honda Insight, Toyota Prius and the Volkswagen BlueMotion (Golf, Passat, Polo).

Last but not least, the finalists for the 2010 Car Design of the Year are: Chevrolet Camaro, Citroën C3 Picasso and the Kia Soul.

We already have quite a few votes submitted, so cast your opinion in all of the polls below.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Don’t forget to vote in our World Car of the Year polls

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Future BMW M6 targets Audi R8, uses Vision concept cues

Posted: 31 Mar 2010 01:47 AM PDT

Future BMW M6 targets Audi R8, uses Vision concept cues

BMW’s 6 series has always been a special lineup, and produced the closest thing to a BMW supercar you could get, the M6. For the next generation though, things are going to change a lot. Not only through the complete restyle of the 6 lineup, but also in terms of the role the M6 will play.

According to new rumors, it seems that BMW will go all the way, and stay true to its promise of making a supercar based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept it showcased in the last few months. How will it do that? The company will push the future M6 to its limits, and contend with the current go-to entry-level supercar, the Audi R8.

In order to do this, it will likely use the new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, set to make an appearance on the next generation M5, but also throw in many of the fuel saving technologies used on the Vision concept, as well as some of its style. As you all know, the current M6 is pretty awesome in terms of power, but many don’t want to be seen within a five-feet radius of it.

This special combo of performance, style and fuel efficiency will definitely give the boys in Ingolstadt something to think about. Hopefully we won’t be kept in the dark for too long about this project.

Source: Autocar

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Future BMW M6 targets Audi R8, uses Vision concept cues

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Video: Three Ferrari F430 models go racing in Malaysia

Posted: 31 Mar 2010 01:25 AM PDT

Video: Three Ferrari F430 models go racing in Malaysia

In what seems to be a sequence taken from a real life racing video game, three guys with various Ferrari F430 variants, like Spyder or Scuderia, have raced against each other on a private road, at least according to them, up to a casino in Malaysia.

According to various YouTube comments though, that was actually a regular road, leading up to the Genting Highlands resort in the Asian country. This means that they were actually putting their own lives and the lives of other motorists on the line just so they can push their Ferraris to their limits.

We don’t approve of such things (get those cars to a closed track for God’s sake), but the resulting footage is still pretty amazing. Just close your eyes and listen to those glorious engines. For the full race sequence with three Ferrari F430 models, hit the jump.

Source: Jalopnik

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Video: Three Ferrari F430 models go racing in Malaysia

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Audi promises facelifted TT roadster and coupe in Leipzig

Posted: 31 Mar 2010 01:10 AM PDT

Audi promises facelifted TT roadster and coupe in Leipzig

Sad that you won’t be going to the upcoming New York Auto Show starting today? Don’t worry, on April 9 the Leipzig Motor Show will open its doors.

What will you see there? Well besides the 2011 5 Series Touring wagon variant and the newly revealed Ford Focus RS500, Audi promises you’ll be the first to check out the facelifted TT model, both in coupe and roadster form.

No other details were given by the Ingolstadt manufacturer (the above picture is that of the recent TT-S), but expect the usual fair of restyled front and rear fascias, as well a few other tweaks. Besides the new models, you’ll also get to admire already revealed four-ringed vehicles like the A1, A8, RS5 or the e-tron roadster and A1 e-tron electric vehicles.

Source: Audi

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Audi promises facelifted TT roadster and coupe in Leipzig

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Video: Driver fail shows Renault models also suffer from unintended acceleration

Posted: 31 Mar 2010 12:54 AM PDT

Video: Driver fail shows Renault models also suffer from unintended acceleration

The dreaded unintended acceleration problem has been plaguing the media in the last few months, largely because of Toyota’s major recalls due to various parts failing and resulting in out of control vehicles.

But this new video shows Japanese models aren’t the only ones suffering from such problems. In it, a last generation Renault Laguna is going through a series of “unintended acceleration” incidents.

From the erratic behavior though, we can clearly figure out that no floor mat or sticky pedal is to blame. Also, we have to feel bad for the guy on that mobile stair, he totally didn’t deserve it. Don’t forget to watch it until the end, as the wiper is the real cherry on top.

Hit the jump to see this new episode of unintended acceleration (or as we say, driver fail) in a Renault Laguna.

Source: Epic Fail

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Video: Driver fail shows Renault models also suffer from unintended acceleration

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo revealed, packs 274 HP and 34 MPG

Posted: 31 Mar 2010 12:41 AM PDT

2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo revealed, packs 274 HP and 34 MPG

Right before the New York Auto Show kicks off today, Hyundai decided to unleash the details of its top-of-the-range 2011 Sonata Turbo model, which will pack a twin-scroll turbocharged (duh!) 2.0-liter direct injection four-cylinder unit.

The figures for this new car? A whopping 274 HP and a jaw dropping 34 MPG (on regular gasoline!). Torque figures are also quite high, with 269 lb-ft of twisting power. You won’t be wrangling that power with a manual gearbox though, as only a six-speed automatic will be available for the 2011 Sonata Turbo.

In comparison, the regular 2011 Sonata, with its un-turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four gets 35 MPG, while the already teased Sonata hybrid will be averaging a rumored 39 MPG. All in all, there’s no valid reason to skimp paying a bit extra and ordering the Sonata Turbo when it will be available this summer.

Source: Hyundai

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo revealed, packs 274 HP and 34 MPG

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GM recalls 5,000 heavy duty vans, stops sale over serious fire risk

Posted: 31 Mar 2010 12:24 AM PDT

GM recalls 5,000 heavy duty vans, stops sale over serious fire risk

General Motors has just announced that 5,000 heavy duty vans, including the 2500 and 3500 versions of the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna will be recalled ASAP due to a potential problem with the alternator. Also, sales of the current models as well as renting to other people have been stopped.

It seems that the alternator could cause a short circuit and lead to a major fire hazard. GM isn’t joking around and has advised owners as well as rental companies to park the cars far in between and disconnect both battery cables until the model will be recalled into service.

Bear in mind this doesn’t affect the light duty versions of the Express or Savana, only the heavy duty ones manufactured between February and March this year. Current owners are asked to contact their local dealership so that they can be kept up to date for when the replacement alternators arrive.

Source: GM

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GM recalls 5,000 heavy duty vans, stops sale over serious fire risk

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China’s BYD reportedly interested in buying Maybach, Mercedes-Benz denies it

Posted: 31 Mar 2010 12:01 AM PDT

China's BYD reportedly interested in buying Maybach, Mercedes-Benz denies it

In the last few days, a report has been slowly gathering up momentum in the auto industry. It seems that China’s BYD might be interested in buying Mercedes-Benz’s luxury brand Maybach, if it will be canceled in the near future.

Considering BYD and Daimler are already collaborating in the development of small electric cars for the Chinese market, and that the current Maybach production might be shut down, the move didn’t sound that unlikely.

Luckily for purists, representatives from both companies have come forward to deny the rumors. Daimler revealed that “Maybach is an important part of Daimler’s product portfolio. There is no other decision.” BYD also explained, through a spokesman, that “It’s not true, it’s market speculation.”

As you all know, Mercedes’ Maybach brand is the peak of luxury limousines, but having only sold 200 models in 2009, things are looking bleak. A new facelift for all the range is planned to be revealed soon, but the future isn’t bright for the luxury branch.

Source: Autocar

Post published on Rpmgo.com

China’s BYD reportedly interested in buying Maybach, Mercedes-Benz denies it

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NASA asked to investigate unintended acceleration problems

Posted: 30 Mar 2010 11:51 PM PDT

NASA asked to investigate unintended acceleration problems

The investigations into the unintended acceleration problems experienced by Toyota vehicles lately have really gone off the tracks. At first we were treated to the wild speculation that even cosmic rays might be to blame for the acceleration problems of Japanese cars. Now, the Department of Transportation has revealed that two investigations, one led by NASA (yeah, the rocket scientists) and one by the National Association of Sciences, will be made into the cases of reported unintended acceleration.

It seems that because all other investigations up to this point have failed to find an explanation for the problems encountered by Toyota models, which led to some huge recalls at the beginning of the year, there’s no one left to ask than the real scientists.

NASA’s expertise in “electronics, hardware, software, hazard analysis and complex problem solving” will be put to the test, according to the Department of Transportation in this investigation, with its findings set to be published around late summer. The National Association of Scientists will conduct a broader investigation, which will see the results revealed 15 months from now.

Oh, and the cost for these studies? Just $3 million. But rest assured as the nation’s brightest minds are on the job. Too bad they will be reporting to the nation’s not so brightest minds. What do you think? Should NASA and the NAS be brought into this problem or is it just a waste of money?

Source: Los Angeles Times, Business Week via Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

NASA asked to investigate unintended acceleration problems

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