Tuesday, March 9, 2010

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)


Toyota Prius experiences unintended acceleration on California highway, police manage to stop it [Video]

Posted: 09 Mar 2010 04:15 AM PST

Toyota Prius experiences unintended acceleration on California highway, police manage to stop it [Video]

Just after Toyota revealed that the unintended acceleration problems will soon be a thing of the past and that recalled vehicles are being fixed as soon as possible, the owner of a second generation (2004-2009) Toyota Prius has claimed that his car accelerated without his intervention on a highway to San Diego.

It seems the man wanted to overtake a slower vehicle, but his Prius wouldn’t stop accelerating. He called 911 and a California Highway Patrol car approached him on the highway. He says that after many attempts of pushing the brake pedal and shifting it into neutral, the car eventually started decelerating.

The CHP car then moved in front of the Prius, in order to prevent it from accelerating even more. An inquiry is already underway by the police, while Toyota already sent a representative at the site to investigate the problematic Prius.

Hit the jump to see an MSNBC report about the incident, including a statement from the owner of the Prius.

Source: Jalopnik

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Toyota Prius experiences unintended acceleration on California highway, police manage to stop it [Video]

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Videos: Mercedes-Benz GLK challenges bike messenger in New York

Posted: 09 Mar 2010 04:00 AM PST

Videos: Mercedes-Benz GLK challenges bike messenger in New York

The new Mercedes-Benz GLK is the first entry in the crossover market from the German luxury carmaker. Its boxy shape and small size suits perfectly people who want something with a taller ride height, but don’t want to spring for an ML or the even bigger GL class.

Looking to prove the worth of the GLK in crowded cities, the team at Mercedes-Benz.tv released a couple of videos, about a challenge they received from a New York city bike messenger, saying he can beat the GLK through the hectic NYC traffic.

The gauntlet was thrown at the challenge was immediately set up. To see who won you’re going to have to hit the jump!

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Videos: Mercedes-Benz GLK challenges bike messenger in New York

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IDEA Sofia presents itself

Posted: 09 Mar 2010 03:49 AM PST

IDEA Sofia presents itself

The 2010 edition of the Geneva Motor Show was filled with interesting concepts. One such model which really captured the attention of visitors was the IDEA Sofia sedan, presented by the I.D.E.A. Institute from Italy.

The concept takes elements from the previous concept showcased last year in Geneva by IDEA, the Era, but also borrows cues from performance sedans like the Aston Martin Rapide. As you can see, the rear doors are barely visible, and the overall figure is similar to a coupe.

IDEA Sofia presents itself

The team behind it says that it can accommodate engines from a front or mid-mounted V8 to even a hybrid powertrain, which could see the battery pack added in the back. The size of the Sofia easily places it in the limousine segment, allowing for ample room for all passengers.

Sadly this is just a design concept, and as of yet, no manufacturer expressed any interest in breathing life into the project.

Source: ZerCustoms

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IDEA Sofia presents itself

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Bentley Mulsanne officially detailed

Posted: 09 Mar 2010 01:55 AM PST

Bentley Mulsanne officially detailed

Bentley presented its brand new flagship limousine, the Mulsanne, at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. But it waited until the Geneva Motor Show last week to formally unveil all of the details behind the new model.

Starting with the most important aspect, the Mulsanne is powered by a 6.75-liter V8 engine, capable of 505 HP and 752 lb-ft. It will be coupled with an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which will enable the British limousine to go from 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds, and up to 184 mph.

While these figures don’t seem much, bear in mind the Mulsanne weighs around 5,700 pounds. The huge weight, coupled with its size (dwarfing the BMW 7 Series for example), means a fuel average of 16.7 mpg on the EU combyned cycle.

Bentley Mulsanne officially detailed

The car will be sitting on 20-inch alloy wheels, covering powerful brakes, branded with the Bentley logo. For the inside, you’ll be able to choose from 24 standard colors, in any combination, and also 23 various shades for the seat belt (!). You’ll also find more electronic systems, technologies and devices than you can shake a stick at, making the Mulsanne quite modern under its classic appearance.

Official release details and the price of the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne will be revealed at a later date.

Source: Bentley

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Bentley Mulsanne officially detailed

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Fixes are working on all recalled vehicles, Toyota says

Posted: 09 Mar 2010 01:32 AM PST

Fixes are working on all recalled vehicles, Toyota says

Toyota held a press conference yesterday where it talked about the new issues concerning already recalled vehicles. Its general manager of electronic systems at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Kristen Tabar, revealed that inquiries are being made into the recent complaints about already fixed vehicles suffering from unintended acceleration.

“We don’t think there is a ghost issue out there,” revealed Tabar. "We need to verify claims, facts and evidence. Until we do that, we can’t say there is nothing.”

Toyota spokesman Mike Michels also revealed that most of the complaints lodged up until now about unintended acceleration in repaired vehicles were due to faulty fixes, implemented by some dealerships. Quality checks will be made in the future, in order to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

Tabar also debunked a recent simulation ran by Southern Illinois University professor David Gilbert, who “proved” that recalled Toyota vehicles can still accelerate without the the driver’s intervention. Through a series of facts, she revealed that the professor rewired some of the safety system, in order to obtain the result.

In the end, Toyota said that it will allow as many independent councils and companies to check the way it handles the cumulated recalls, so that everything will be crystal clear.

Source: Automotive News

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Fixes are working on all recalled vehicles, Toyota says

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Audi continuing to tease A2 revival

Posted: 09 Mar 2010 01:17 AM PST

Audi continuing to tease A2 revival

In recent months Audi has been focusing all of its efforts into the recently-revealed A1 city car. But this doesn’t mean that a possible revival of the A2 badge is excluded, as the CEO of the company, Rupert Stadler, recently revealed.

While talking with Auto Week, the executive said that there is still plenty of room between the new A1 and the current A3 for a different type of model. This, coupled with earlier rumors about a possible all-electric A2 might signal a revival of the model.

Add in the technology showcased on the A1 e-tron at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, and the possibility of a new compact car coming from Ingolstadt is very likely. Still, rumors are pegging its release around 2014, so don’t start saving up your money just yet. US customers should also be weary, as this future model, alongside the A1, haven’t been confirmed for a release in that continent.

Source: AutoWeek

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Audi continuing to tease A2 revival

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F1 legend Sir Stirling Moss injured after falling down elevator shaft

Posted: 09 Mar 2010 12:51 AM PST

F1 legend Sir Stirling Moss injured after falling down elevator shaft

One of the most successful Formula 1 drivers Great Britain ever gave, Sir Stirling Moss, has just been involved in an accident in his own London home, after he fell three stories down an elevator (or lift, as Brits call it) shaft.

Despite suffering quite a few injuries, including broken ankles, a few chipped bones and skin damage, the famous driver is alright, and the doctors are confident in the recovery of the 80-year-old F1 legend.

It seems that the elevator doors opened by accident, while the lift was still one floor above. Sir Moss believed that the cabin was already there and then fell to the bottom of the shaft. After a 10 year activity in the heyday of F1 and going through some pretty severe crashes, it seems Sir Moss still proves he is a survivor.

Thanks for the tip, Gideon!
Photo Source: p_c_w’s Flickr

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F1 legend Sir Stirling Moss injured after falling down elevator shaft

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Video: Suzuki promoting Grand Vitara with SUV-asaurus ad

Posted: 09 Mar 2010 12:33 AM PST

Video: Suzuki promoting Grand Vitara with SUV-asaurus ad

Suzuki is pretty proud of its Grand Vitara crossover, and in order to showcase its qualities, it has presented a new, very original and funny ad.

After charting the disappearance of the big, heavy SUVs much like that of the dinosaurs, the company then reveals just how different the new GV is, being efficient, lightweight and off-road capable.

To watch the complete SUV-asaurus ad from Suzuki, hit the jump.

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Video: Suzuki promoting Grand Vitara with SUV-asaurus ad

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Acura TSX Sport Wagon getting ready for New York debut

Posted: 09 Mar 2010 12:23 AM PST

Acura TSX Sport Wagon getting ready for New York debut

With the Geneva Motor Show beginning to close its doors, the auto industry is looking forward to the next big event, the 2010 New York Auto Show. During this convention Acura has just announced it will be debuting the TSX Sport Wagon.

Essentially a rebadged European Honda Accord Touring (hopefully with Type S styling), the new model will represent a more classical approach to wagons than the current (and controversial) US Honda Accord Crosstour. After its New York debut, the TSX SW will be reaching dealerships this fall.

No other details were given by Acura, but it did emphasize the engine options for the TSX sedan, the 201 HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder or the 280 HP 3.5-liter V6. As such, there’s a big chance that these mills will also be offered with the new Sport Wagon.

More details and photos are set to appear at the end of the month, with the start of the New York show.

Source: Acura

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Acura TSX Sport Wagon getting ready for New York debut

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Lexus announces IS350C F-Sport limited edition

Posted: 09 Mar 2010 12:06 AM PST

Lexus announces IS350C F-Sport limited edition

Lexus fans were quite pleased with the very powerful IS-F coupe which, according to them, is a worthy opponent to the BMW M3. But for those who want to feel the wind in their hair, there wasn’t something adequately powerful, like an ISC-F.

That thing won’t change now, but Lexus is trying to make amends, and announced that a limited edition IS350C F-Sport will be made. The hardtop convertibles will be priced at $58,375, which includes the $875 destination charge.

Lexus announces IS350C F-Sport limited edition

For all that money you’ll either get an Obsidian or Tungsten Pearl paint scheme, but also upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels and Blistein shock absorbers which get the IS350C F-Sport one inch closer to the ground. Handling also received an upgrade thanks to a beefier sway bar.

The interior will also reflect the more exclusive nature of the Lexus IS350C F-Sport, with a leather-wrapped shift knob, special floor mats and, of course, a plate with the specific number of your limited model. With only 100 to be made, you’d better act fast if you want to get your hands on them.

Source: Lexus

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Lexus announces IS350C F-Sport limited edition

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