Friday, March 12, 2010

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)


2010 Formula 1 season – a full preview

Posted: 12 Mar 2010 04:07 AM PST

2010 Formula 1 season - a full preview

Formula 1, after offering us one of its most exciting season from the last few years in 2009, is preparing to for 2010’s first race: the Bahrain GP, this weekend.

The 2010 F1 season promises to up the ante even more, with reigning champion Jensen Button moving to McLaren, alongside former champ Lewis Hamilton. But the main headline of the pending season is the return of the most successful driver of all time, 7-time champ Michael Schumacher. What’s even more interesting is that he won’t be joining the team which made him famous, Ferrari, but the new Mercedes GP (formerly known as Brawn GP).

Curious to see the complete calendar of races plus the team and driver roster for the 2010 F1 season? Then hit the jump and check out our preview.

Before we dive into the lists, there are a few things that you should note before the season starts. The first is the new points system, awarding 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 point, depending on their finish position. This will award the winner more points, and entice the racers to move up the ranks.

Secondly, this season will ban refueling during races. This translates into all the cars starting with a full tank, and no strategies about beginning with less fuel, to keep the car lighter. As a side effect, we should now see pit stops taking just 4 seconds or less and the 2010 cars will be longer than older ones, due to the increase in fuel tank dimensions.

Several other changes have been made, but nothing too severe. It’s worth mentioning that the Korean GP, set to take place on October 24 is dependent on if authorities can finish its construction on time. If not, it will either not take place or a replacement will be found.

Here are the drivers taking part in the 2010 Formula 1 season, followed by their nationality, the team and the team’s engine supplier. The list takes into consideration the driver’s starting number.

Drivers

1 Jenson Button (GB) McLaren-Mercedes
2 Lewis Hamilton (GB) McLaren-Mercedes

3 Michael Schumacher (DEU) Mercedes
4 Nico Rosberg (DEU) Mercedes

5 Sebastian Vettel (DEU) Red Bull-Renault
6 Mark Webber (AUS) Red Bull-Renault

7 Felipe Massa (BRA) Ferrari
8 Fernando Alonso (ESP) Ferrari

9 Rubens Barrichello (BRA) Williams-Cosworth
10 Nico Hülkenberg (DEU) Williams-Cosworth

11 Robert Kubica (POL) Renault
12 Vitaly Petrov (RUS) Renault

14 Adrian Sutil (DEU) Force India-Mercedes
15 Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) Force India-Mercedes

16 Sébastien Buemi (CHE) Toro Rosso-Ferrari
17 Jaime Alguersuari (ESP) Toro Rosso-Ferrari

18 Jarno Trulli (ITA) Lotus-Cosworth
19 Heikki Kovalainen (FIN) Lotus-Cosworth

20 Karun Chandhok (IND) HRT-Cosworth
21 Bruno Senna (BRA) HRT-Cosworth

22 Pedro de la Rosa (ESP) BMW Sauber-Ferrari
23 Kamui Kobayashi (JPN) BMW Sauber-Ferrari

24 Timo Glock (DEU) Virgin-Cosworth
25 Luca di Grassi (BRA) Virgin-Cosworth

Next up is the list of races taking place in the 2010 Formula 1 season, complete with starting date.

Races

Bahrain GP 14 March
Australian GP 28 March
Malaysian GP 4 April
Chinese GP 18 April
Spanish GP 9 May
Monaco GP 16 May
Turkish GP 30 May
Canadian GP 13 June
European GP (Valencia) 27 June
British GP 11 July
German GP 25 July
Hungarian GP 1 August
Belgian GP 29 August
Italian GP 12 September
Singapore GP 26 September
Japanese GP 10 October
Korean GP 24 October
Brazilian GP 7 November
Abu Dhabi GP 14 November

Overall, the 2010 F1 season promises some heated battles. Hopefully it can deliver on all of them, and we’ll be in for some great races. Stay tuned this Sunday, March 14, for the first race, the Bahrain GP.

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2010 Formula 1 season – a full preview

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Mercedes-Benz reveals new pics with E Class Cabriolet

Posted: 12 Mar 2010 03:21 AM PST

Mercedes-Benz reveals new pics with E Class Cabriolet

With the summer season approaching, Mercedes-Benz is kicking its marketing campaign for the new E Class Cabriolet into overdrive.

As such, it has released new photos of its convertible model, in order to further promote it. Shown in the E350 BlueEfficiency and the E500 with AMG sports accessories versions, the model is looking very attractive.

As you all know, it is based on the E Class Coupe, and will receive a variety of engine options. It’s also pioneering a lot of new technologies for a convertible, including the AirCap, which protects inhabitants from gushing winds, and the AirScarf, which, in lack of some better terms, blows hot air around your neck.

Either way, check out the new pics with the Mercedes-Benz E Class Cabriolet (Convertible in some markets) in the photo gallery below. For more images, head on over to the complete gallery.

Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E Class Cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz E Class CabrioletMercedes-Benz E Class CabrioletMercedes-Benz E Class CabrioletMercedes-Benz E Class Cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz E Class CabrioletMercedes-Benz E Class CabrioletMercedes-Benz E Class CabrioletMercedes-Benz E Class Cabriolet

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz reveals new pics with E Class Cabriolet

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Video: Lamborghini Gallardo shows off in the snow

Posted: 12 Mar 2010 02:47 AM PST

Video: Lamborghini Gallardo shows off in the snow

When you consider vehicles made for snowy conditions, a Lamborghini Gallardo isn’t at the top of the list, to say the least.

But the team at Reiter Engineering believed that a set of BF Goodrich snow tires would be enough for the Gallardo to have some fun in the snow, at a German ski resort.

As a testimony to the efficiency of its all-wheel drive system, the Gallardo had no problems. To see the Italian supercar tear some snow up on the course, hit the jump.

Source: Reiter Engineering via Jalopnik

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Video: Lamborghini Gallardo shows off in the snow

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Chevrolet looking globally for new Corvette design, wants younger buyers

Posted: 12 Mar 2010 01:22 AM PST

Chevrolet looking globally for new Corvette design, wants younger buyers

When any car fan thinks about the USA, the first things that come to mind are the iconic muscle cars, like the Mustang or Camaro, and the powerful Corvette. Their tough, aggressive design, coupled with the big engines under the bonnet, have impressed plenty of people, in North America and around the globe.

But at least for the Corvette, things aren’t pretty, as even though it has plenty of power, and a rather attractive design, sales are going downhill and the average buyer age is around 54. Even though Chevy loves its senior owners, it isn’t good overall.

That’s why GM is looking beyond US design bureaus for the next generation of the Corvette, and commissioned all of its studios to submit designs. According to GM’s vice president of global design, Ed Welburn, the new ‘Vette needs to be leaner and meaner, in order to combine harmoniously with the power it has.

This doesn’t mean we’re in for a radically different Corvette, as the quintessential design won’t be changed radically. Instead, a lot of improvements will be made, in order to satisfy the younger audience and cater to a more global market. Expenses won’t be cut on the inside either, as an improvement is necessary, according to Welburn.

While the current Corvette looks pretty good, at least in our opinion, a fresher and leaner take wouldn’t hurt. What do you think? Share your thoughts in a comment below.

Source: AutoWeek
Photo Source: Capt Kodak’s Flickr

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Chevrolet looking globally for new Corvette design, wants younger buyers

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Video: Guy tries to show off during BMW burnout, fails completely

Posted: 12 Mar 2010 12:50 AM PST

Video: Guy tries to show off during BMW burnout, fails completely

Give anyone a rear-wheel drive car, and sooner or later you will see them attempt a burnout, a donut or anything in between. Depending on their skills, some might achieve, while others will fail.

Guess in which category this BMW 3 Series owner goes into? A reminder for anyone attempting such things: keep the doors locked, keep your extremities inside the car at all times, and if you really, really want to get out and show off during a donut/burnout, make sure the car is remotely stationary.

You can find this guy’s near-death experience while doing a burnout after the jump.

Source: Fail Blog

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Video: Guy tries to show off during BMW burnout, fails completely

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Bentley adding Flex-Fuel W12 engine across Continental range

Posted: 12 Mar 2010 12:34 AM PST

Bentley adding Flex-Fuel W12 engine across Continental range

Bentley was extremely proud that its Continental Supersports was named one of the greenest cars in Germany, due to it being 85% recyclable, and has just announced that it will be adding the flex-fuel W12 engine from the Supersports coupe and convertible across the entire range of Continental models.

In case you didn’t know, the special 6.0-liter W12 engine in the Supersports can run on regular gasoline, as well as E85 bioethanol, or any mix between the two. Starting this July though, the British company announced that all Continental models, almost half of its vehicle lineup, will sport this capability.

This really helps the company’s plan of reducing CO2 fleet emissions by 15 percent until 2012. The only remaining models to run on petrol alone are the Brooklands coupe, Azure sedan and the new Mulsanne. But it will soon change, as the Brooklands is approaching the end of its life cycle and, according to the company, the Mulsanne will also receive a bioethanol version in the future.

Overall, if you want to flaunt your wealth and be green (not the Lambo variety), the new Bentley Continental models will certainly be a good idea.

Source: Automotive News

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Bentley adding Flex-Fuel W12 engine across Continental range

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Porsche Panamera convertible leaked by patent photos

Posted: 12 Mar 2010 12:20 AM PST

Porsche Panamera convertible leaked by patent photos

It seems that patent registration has once again foiled the plans of a carmaker. This time, it seems Porsche is the victim, with the Panamera convertible being the model patented.

For those of you who don’t remember, the idea of a convertible Panamera was rumored, but tough financial conditions made its development process grind to a halt. Now, it seems that the bold, four-door convertible might be getting a reboot.

As you can see, Porsche is taking a rather risky step, and keeping the four-door configuration even in the convertible body. The B pillars have been eliminated, while it seems that A ones have received some reinforcements, specifically the triangle supports for the windscreen.

Porsche Panamera convertible leaked by patent photos

From the largely unchanged shape of the boot, we can figure out that the Panamera will use a folding cloth top, to balance out the added weight of the reinforcements. Insiders are already claiming that new types of steel will be used, in order to keep the curb weight of the model as low as possible.

Without a doubt a four-door Panamera convertible is risky, but in this day and age where every carmaker is trying to carve out a unique niche, it might be a winning gamble for the Stuttgart manufacturer. What do you think? Is the Panamera Spyder a great idea? Sound off in the comment section below.

Source: Autocar

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Porsche Panamera convertible leaked by patent photos

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Video: Toyota shows you how to safely stop its hybrid vehicles (including Prius)

Posted: 12 Mar 2010 12:05 AM PST

Video: Toyota shows you how to safely stop its hybrid vehicles (including Prius)

Toyota Prius owners are taking a big risk by driving the car every day, as two recent incidents show that even if the floor mat doesn’t jam the accelerator pedal, there are still quite a few problems affecting mostly second generation (2004-2009) hybrids.

In order to remedy this situation, and to really get the message across, the Japanese company released a new video in which it properly explains the procedures you have to take, in order to stop, change gear or turn off the engine of the hybrid vehicle in question, whether it is a Prius, Camry or Highlander.

To check out the proper stopping procedures for any Toyota hybrid, in case of unintended acceleration, hit the jump to see the video.

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Video: Toyota shows you how to safely stop its hybrid vehicles (including Prius)

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Mitsubishi recalls 2004 Endeavor and 2010 Galant over corrosion issues

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 11:50 PM PST

Mitsubishi recalls 2004 Endeavor and 2010 Galant over corrosion issues

Mitsubishi has joined the recall party and announced that 2004 Endeavor SUVs and 2010 Galant sedans might suffer from possible corrosion issues, and are set to be called back to dealerships where a solution will be implemented.

56,113 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor SUVs are a part of this recall, all from states were road salt is used during the winter. It seems that the substance in question, combined with a few other debris, might cause the fuel filler pipe, together with its reinforcing bracket, to leak, spilling fuel.

2,307 2010 Mitsubishi Galant sedans are also affected by the recall, but not because of fuel leaking out. Instead, it seems that the plating on the automatic transmission’s oil cooler pipe may be insufficient, and can’t fully protect it from corrosion. As such, transmission fluid may seep out due to a leak.

Galant models are set to be recalled in March, while Endeavor ones will be visiting dealerships in July. Owners can contact Mitsubishi for more details at 1-800-222-0037.

Source: NHTSA
Photo source: viZZZual’s Flickr

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Mitsubishi recalls 2004 Endeavor and 2010 Galant over corrosion issues

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Alfa Romeo reportedly planning 4C roadster concept for Pebble Beach debut

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 11:31 PM PST

Alfa Romeo reportedly planning 4C roadster concept for Pebble Beach debut

The rumor mill has started spinning in regards to Alfa Romeo, as the brand, which is celebrating its centenary this year, is reported to prepare a new concept, set to be unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The new concept, likely to be called the 4C, will pick up from where the successful 8C Competizione left off, and take the role of halo car over the rest of the Alfa lineup. It’s going to be a bit different this time, as according to Automobile, the company is aiming for a lower price, around €50,000 ($70,000), as opposed to the 8C’s $200,000+ tag.

In order to achieve such a thing, elements like carbon fiber or a Ferrari-sourced engine won’t be used, instead relying on a smaller four-cylinder engine, capable of around 250 HP. The concept, which according to speculations will be a convertible (Spyder), will have a limited run, up to 5,000 units, some of which might be making their way across the Atlantic to US shores.

With Alfa not in the best of financial situations, the idea of a reasonably priced 4C might be the best solution to increase popularity, but also profit. That is, until the Giulietta is officially launched on the market.

Source: Automobile

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Alfa Romeo reportedly planning 4C roadster concept for Pebble Beach debut

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