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- Porsche 918 Spyder Concept will become a reality, executive says
- Nein! BMW adding front-wheel drive on future small models
- Aston Martin explains the Cygnet city car
- Maserati might follow Ferrari’s hybrid efforts
- Toyota rumored to expand 2000-2003 Tundra rust recall to all of USA
- Mazda adding brake override system into future cars
- Video: Gran Turismo 5 Nights Trailer revealed
- South Korean Police enlist Ferrari F430, Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Gallardo
- 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon limited edition revealed
- Edo Competition tunes Aston Martin DBS to 542 HP
| Porsche 918 Spyder Concept will become a reality, executive says Posted: 10 Mar 2010 04:08 AM PST  Without a doubt one of the biggest surprise hits of the 2010 Geneva Motor Show was the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept, a hybrid with 718 HP, using a conventional V8 engine and two electric motors. The concept, which was created in a span of just five months, also impressed its creators with the great feedback it received from everyone at the show. While a concrete decision about entering production with the stylish model hasn’t been made just yet, according to the company boss, Michael Macht, it’s just a matter of time.
If Porsche will go ahead with producing the 918, it might prove to be a big winner. It will not only promote the idea of hybrid sportscars, but also provide a precedent for more manufacturers to attempt combining aggressive design, efficient technologies and lots of power. What do you believe? Would a production version of the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept attract your interest? Share your thoughts below. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Nein! BMW adding front-wheel drive on future small models Posted: 10 Mar 2010 03:42 AM PST  Every time a debate between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive occurred, you would be certain to place Bavarian manufacturer BMW in the latter category, as it always used RWD (and in some instances biased AWD) systems to power their models. Sadly for hardcore BMW fans, things will change soon enough, as inside voices are claiming that a brand new front-wheel drive platform will soon be made, in order to accommodate future city cars from both the BMW and the Mini brand. Said models would rival the new Audi A1 in the new premium compact car segment. While this has been rumored some time ago, it seems Autocar heard it straight from the BMW rep’s mouth, who said that this, alongside the other compact project: the MegaCity electric one, will pave the way for a new era for BMW. He also mentioned that if the new models will be successful, the platform might be offered with all-wheel drive and even rear-wheel drive, to satisfy purists. The compact BMW, slotting below the current 1 Series, might appear as soon as 2013, while the Mini would be arriving one year later. Either way, this is definitely a new direction for BMW. Do you think it will lose fans by adopting front-wheel drive or people will understand this shift? Leave a comment below. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Aston Martin explains the Cygnet city car Posted: 10 Mar 2010 01:38 AM PST  I’m sure almost everyone who saw the Aston Martin Cygnet city car model, disapproved of it immediately. But even though its Toyota iQ origins might be less than noble and its marketing a bit awkward, Aston’s CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, explained the reasoning behind the small model. First, he started with the most obvious one, the big sales that the Cygnet could generate. He cited the fact that Aston came close to bankruptcy quite a few times, so it mustn’t rely only on high end supercars to pay the bills. Secondly, the niche market is pretty large:
Another reason cited by Bez is the lowering of fleetwide emissions ratings. The small engine of the Cygnet can easily balance out the large V8 or V12 units, from the supercars. Also, it allows Aston to keep its models pure, at least for the moment, from hybrid technologies. There have been long time Aston clients who criticized the Cygnet when it was revealed, according to Bez. They soon changed their minds though, after being invited by Aston to test a Cygnet out, and see that even though it started life as a Toyota, more than 100 man hours were invested to turn it into an Aston.
While we can debate the Cygnet, only sales numbers will confirm if it’s going to be the next big thing, or a flop, for the British supercar manufacturers. What do you think? Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Maserati might follow Ferrari’s hybrid efforts Posted: 10 Mar 2010 01:12 AM PST  Whether we like it or not, hybrid powertrains, one way or another, will eventually reach all carmakers, including supercar manufacturers like Ferrari or Lamborghini. According to InsideLine, it seems that Maserati will also join the other two Italian brands in the quest for more efficient models. Even though they have been separated a few years ago, thanks to the same boss (Fiat), the two luxury carmakers will collaborate on future hybrid projects. This partnership includes Maserati using Maranello technology to both reduce weight and emissions from its future models. A key role will be played by the Ferrari’s KERS technology, as showcased last week in Geneva with the 599 HY-KERS hybrid concept. While we can’t say we approve, Maserati models haven’t really broken records lately in terms of sales, so perhaps offering hybrid alternatives while shedding some pounds could work wonders for the Italian luxury carmaker. Source: InsideLine Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Toyota rumored to expand 2000-2003 Tundra rust recall to all of USA Posted: 10 Mar 2010 12:43 AM PST  At the end of 2009, amidst the controversy of unintended acceleration claims and debates, Toyota released a safety campaign aimed at owners of 2000-2003 Tundra pick-up trucks, all located in the northern states of the USA. The issue regarded frame corrosion (as in rust) which was generated by low temperatures. While it was mainly affecting the spare tire compartment, the possibility of damaging the fuel or brake lines existed, so people flocked to get their trucks check up. Now, Toyota revealed that it has alerted dealers about the possibility of expanding the recall to all of the US states. The company isn’t officially pegging this as a recall, saying that complete details, after a consult with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will arrive at the end of March. Some 400,000 2000-2003 Toyota Tundra models are affected, and owners will soon be notified by Toyota to head to their local dealerships. Source: PickupTrucks Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mazda adding brake override system into future cars Posted: 10 Mar 2010 12:27 AM PST  Mazda wasn’t oblivious to the troubles of its fellow Japanese carmaker Toyota, which recalled a massive number of vehicles over unintended acceleration issues, and has revealed that it will implement brake override systems into all future cars. The safety measure will automatically override the throttle pedal, if it and the brake pedal are simultaneously being pressed. This system won’t come at a big cost for Mazda, reportedly around $50 per car, and will definitely save it some troubles in the future. As you may remember, Toyota vowed to implement such a technology in its future cars, but then the huge recalls hit, and nothing has been heard. Out of the other Japanese carmakers, Nissan is already fitting its cars with the brake override system, while other brands have yet to do so. Do you think such systems are of benefit to the safety of the driver and passengers or is it too little, too late? Source: Automotive News via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Gran Turismo 5 Nights Trailer revealed Posted: 10 Mar 2010 12:17 AM PST  Gran Turismo 5 is definitely one of the biggest racing games arriving this year. But even though a release date is still unknown, the team at Polyphony Digital released a brand new trailer, promoting their long-awaited video game. The “Nights” video was included in another blockbuster release for the PlayStation 3 console, God of War III. It includes footage with the cover car, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, but also with other ones, from events like GT races or even Nascar. Hit the jump for 2+ minutes of pure racing ecstasy with Gran Turismo 5. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| South Korean Police enlist Ferrari F430, Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Gallardo Posted: 09 Mar 2010 11:43 PM PST  We’ve seen our fair share of impressive police cars around here. From the Italy’s Lamborghini Gallardo, to USA’s Dodge Challenger or Abu Dhabi’s Nissan GT-R, all of them made plenty of criminals surrender instead of fleeing from the scene. But it seems all of these police departments have nothing on the South Korean law enforcement division, which owns not only a Ferrari F430, but also a Porsche 911 and a Lamborghini Gallardo. With such cars in the garage, where can we sign up?  This should serve as a reminder, don’t try speeding in South Korea, they will catch eventually. Source: Giz-China via Jalopnik Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon limited edition revealed Posted: 09 Mar 2010 11:26 PM PST  The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most iconic American models, having a long history in both motorsport and on the open road. That is why Chevrolet announced that a limited edition Z06 Carbon will be made, in order to celebrate 50 years since the first ‘Vette raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by John Fitch and Briggs Cunningham. Only 500 such models will be made, later this year, but you will be getting in your Z06 the chassis of the ZR1 as well as a drastic decrease in weight, thanks to the liberal use of … you guessed it, carbon fiber. The front splitter, side extensions and rear diffuser will all be made out of this material, as well as quite a few body panels.  What’s really interesting is that the Z06 Carbon will boast a completely custom lightweight hood, made out of carbon fiber. The title of lightest hood ever to grace a ‘Vette is largely due to the elimination of the transparent window. Previous Corvette owners will be sad to hear that they can’t retro-fit this hood to their cars, due to smaller size. The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in either Inferno Orange or Supersonic Blue, and will also receive upgraded brakes and suspension, allowing for improved handling on the track and off it. Look forward to the summer when you’ll find out more details and the price of this special edition. Source: Chevrolet Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Edo Competition tunes Aston Martin DBS to 542 HP Posted: 09 Mar 2010 11:04 PM PST  The Aston Martin DBS is arguably one of the most attractive models on the road. But the guys at Edo Competition believed that its power output and styling could use a few more tweaks. As such, they went to work, fitting an optimized ECU, a brand new performance exhaust system, new catalytic converters and high flow air filters. This translates in a power output of 542 HP and a torque rating of 442 lb-ft (600 Nm). The tuned Aston Martin DBS now sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds, and will reach a top speed of 199 mph (320 km/h).  In terms of handling, Edo Competition fitted a performance braking system, 21-inch wheels and an adjustable sports suspension, which allows complete control over the ride height and other options. For the inside, customers can order things like carbon fiber trim or various other leather options. Source: Edo Competition Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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