Monday, March 8, 2010

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)


Video: Brad Keselowski goes airborne at Nascar Kobalt Tools 500 Atlanta race

Posted: 08 Mar 2010 04:37 AM PST

Video: Brad Keselowski goes airborne at Nascar Kobalt Tools 500 Atlanta race

The world of motorsport definitely has a lot of specific championships, but Nascar has a pretty special place. While Americans are huge fans, Europeans aren’t that into racing around oval tracks and turning left every now and then.

But with the change in rules at the beginning of the 2010 season, Nascar officials hoped that excitement would return to the competition, as it allowed for greater contact between cars on the track.

One thing they didn’t count on were huge crashes, like the most recent one, involving Brad Keselowski and Carl Edwards, during the Kobalt Tools 500 race in Atlanta, counting for the Nascar Sprint Cup. The event started with both Edwards and Keselowski in favorable positions, but after a contact between the two during the first quarter of the race, Edwards was forced to enter the pit lane and sit there while the car was being repaired.

As you can imagine, this cost Edwards the race and Keselowski was reaping the success, reaching the Top 10. After Edwards entered the race again, he wasn’t too happy, and decided a bit of contact wouldn’t hurt. As such, he tapped the Chevrolet #12 car, belonging to Keselowski. What he didn’t know was that the speed, coupled with the shoddy aerodynamics (at least according to announcers), resulted in the car going airborne and crashing severeley.

Luckily Keselowski wasn’t injured. The history between the two pilots isn’t new, as last year in Talladega, Keselowski also caused Edwards to crash and lose the race. Nascar officials revealed that a decission regarding this case, and possibly a punishment for Edwards will be revealed at the beginning of the week.

Hit the jump to see the spectacular crash of Brad Keselowski during the Nascar Kobalt Tools 500 race in Atlanta.

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: Brad Keselowski goes airborne at Nascar Kobalt Tools 500 Atlanta race

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Sbarro Autobau concept takes ugly to a whole new level

Posted: 08 Mar 2010 03:49 AM PST

Sbarro Autobau concept takes ugly to a whole new level

The 2010 Geneva Motor Show has certainly brought us a lot of interesting models, concepts and ideas. But there was one key exhibit which captured almost all of the media attention.

No, it wasn’t the Ferrari 599 HY-KERS hybrid or the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept. Not even the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera attracted as many people as the … thing (concept) you see above: the Sbarro Autobau.

Its unique styling, blending the ride height of a Lamborghini with the style of a fish lurking in the deepest sea, the Autobau was presented as a tribute to Swiss racing legend Fredy Lienhard. The … unique model is reportedly powered by a V12 engine, capable of more than 500 HP.

Sbarro Autobau concept takes ugly to a whole new level

Still, even with that much power, it can’t outrun ugly, and has officially taken the crown from the Lamborghini Alar. What do you think? Is this a new low for car design or is there some sense to this concept and its unique style? You be the judge, leave a comment with your view.

Source: Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Sbarro Autobau concept takes ugly to a whole new level

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Video: Audi explains its quattro all-wheel drive system with the new RS5

Posted: 08 Mar 2010 03:30 AM PST

Video: Audi explains its quattro all-wheel drive system with the new RS5

Audi is a carmaker with a rich history, but most of its recent achievements have been strongly tied to the quattro all-wheel drive technology, which is standard in practically every model in its range.

We’ve already talked about AWD systems and the difference between them and 4WD ones, but now the company released two comprehensive videos, showcasing its quattro technology.

While one tackles the quattro as a whole, the second video elaborates on the new sports differential, which is standard for performance models like the new Audi RS5.

Interested to see just how Audi’s quattro works? Hit the jump to see the video.

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: Audi explains its quattro all-wheel drive system with the new RS5

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Video: Aston Martin One-77 proves its worth in new footage

Posted: 08 Mar 2010 02:03 AM PST

Video: Aston Martin One-77 proves its worth in new footage

Aston Martin is preparing to launch its most powerful model to date (that is, if we don’t see a performance variant of the Cygnet), the One-77.

The car, powered by a 7.3-liter V12 engine capable of 750 HP, will reach speeds in excess of 220 mph, and thoroughly offer some extreme thrills to all of the 77 customers which will receive it.

In order to further showcase the car, Aston Martin released a new video of the One-77, while doing some testing laps. Hit the jump to enjoy this luxurious yet extremely powerful model.

Source: CarScoop

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: Aston Martin One-77 proves its worth in new footage

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1988 Volkswagen Scirocco modified to run on coffee: the Car-puccino is born

Posted: 08 Mar 2010 01:33 AM PST

1988 Volkswagen Scirocco modified to run on coffee: the Car-puccino is born

Fossil fuels will run out eventually, and until then, we need to explore as many alternative fuel sources as possible. We’re already seeing vehicles using electricity, fuel cells or even vegetable oil or biofuels.

But the team at BBC’s Bang Goes the Theory science program decided that even coffee can be added to the list, and retrofitted a 1988 Volkswagen Scirocco with a special system, allowing it to run on the substance keeping us alive every morning.

The project, entitled the Car-puccino, won’t break any molds, as it is much more expensive to maintain and to fuel than any regular model, but will prove its worth in a trip from London to Manchester, where it will be showcased at the Big Bang Science Fair. The basic principle is highlighted in the photo below (click on it to enlarge).

1988 Volkswagen Scirocco modified to run on coffee: the Car-puccino is born

According to the team, the Car-puccino will do three miles per kilogram of coffee, meaning around 56 espressos per mile, for all you coffee lovers. Overall, 73 kilos (161 pounds) of coffee will be used in the 210 km (130 mile) trip. The refueling will take place every 40 miles or so, while every 60 miles the car will need to be pulled over so that the coffee filters will be replaced.

It won’t become popular due to costs and inefficiency, but it will definitely leave the road from London to Manchester smelling pretty nice. What do you think about this novel idea?

Source: Daily Mail

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1988 Volkswagen Scirocco modified to run on coffee: the Car-puccino is born

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Toyota reportedly not willing to share EDR black box data

Posted: 08 Mar 2010 01:04 AM PST

Toyota reportedly not willing to share EDR black box data

In case carmakers are called to court in lawsuits over crashes or faulty products, most of the times they need to provide information from the Event Data Recorder, a device similar to the black box airplanes have.

Toyota, according to a recent report from the Associated Press, isn’t too willing to share said data, as in quite a few lawsuits it has denied access to it, or presented printed out variants with crucial information blacked out or missing.

To further limit people acquiring data from the EDR, Toyota uses a certain type of proprietary software, which can be decoded by a single computer in the whole of USA. As such, information regarding the speed of the car, the gear shifter position, the seatbelt, the angles of the brake and gas pedal, even the position of the driver’s chair are kept secret from crash victims or other parties.

With new reports coming in about fixed recalled vehicles still suffering from unintended acceleration, this new conclusion from AP doesn’t shine a particularly flattering light on Toyota. Hopefully the carmaker will set things straight in the near future.

Source: Yahoo Associated Press

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Toyota reportedly not willing to share EDR black box data

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Video: Check out the world’s fastest car wash

Posted: 08 Mar 2010 12:41 AM PST

Video: Check out the world's fastest car wash

The people living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, aren’t going through the best of times, as floods are rampaging through the capital city. But at least there’s one big upside for both pedestrians and car owners.

What’s that you ask? How about a free and fast shower or car wash, respectively, every time a train passes through the flooded streets.

The guys waiting on the overpass are definitely thankful for not opting for a convertible, while the people on the street probably wish they’d have taken their umbrellas that day.

Hit the jump to see the world’s fastest car wash/shower.

Source: Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: Check out the world’s fastest car wash

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Peugeot and Citroen cancel Mitsubishi purchase

Posted: 08 Mar 2010 12:24 AM PST

Peugeot and Citroen cancel Mitsubishi purchase

A few months ago, rumors were circulating about the current partnership between the French PSA group, formed by Peugeot and Citroen, and Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi. Currently the French companies both use the Outlander platform for their 4008 and C-Crosser SUVs, and are also developing their own electric city cars, the iOn and the C-Zero, both based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

The rumors at that time were deeming certain a transaction which would give PSA a majority stake in Mitsubishi, buying out the Japanese carmaker, and taking their influence global. Talks were speculated, but at the recent 2010 Geneva Motor Show, executives from all three companies met, and a conclusion has been agreed upon.

Surprisingly it seems that certain parameters of the sale haven’t been met, meaning that PSA won’t be buying any stock in Mitsubishi for the time being. Rumors circulated a while back about a purchase of around $3 billion in shares, money which would definitely help a financially-struggling Mitsubishi.

Do you think this is a bad move for PSA or Mitsubishi, or is it for the best for all of the parties involved? Share your thoughts below.

Source: Autocar

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Peugeot and Citroen cancel Mitsubishi purchase

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Geiger tunes 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 to 799 HP

Posted: 07 Mar 2010 11:39 PM PST

Geiger tunes 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 to 799 HP

The 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is already quite an impressive machine, having many fans both in its native North America and in other continents like Europe. But Karl Geiger, the boss of Geiger Cars tuning company took his passion for the model much further than most guys.

Not content with the 550 HP the 5.4-liter V8 produced in stock form, Geiger and his team added a new Whipple supercharger, larger throttle valves, an upgraded fuel injection system and ported cylinder heads, taking the output to a dizzying 799 HP and 697 lb-ft of torque. This translates in a top speed, at least according to Geiger, of 220 mph.

Geiger tunes 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 to 799 HP

The massive increase in power also demands an increase in stopping performance, and Geiger fitted 15-inch, six-piston brakes. Other handling upgrades include the three-disc carbon clutch and the heavy duty six-speed transmission. A racing chassis and adjustable control arms for the suspension were also added.

Overall, I’m sure this 799 HP 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is something even Caroll Shelby would approve of.

Source: GeigerCars.de via Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Geiger tunes 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 to 799 HP

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Hofele Design reveals tuned 2011 Audi A8

Posted: 07 Mar 2010 11:22 PM PST

Hofele Design reveals tuned 2011 Audi A8

The 2011 Audi A8 has just made its European debut last week at the Geneva Motor Show, but the tuners at Hofele Design have already revealed the first details on their upcoming performance and cosmetic tuning package for the new Ingolstadt flagship sedan.

The company tackled the 4.2 V8 FSI and the TDI variant, with some very impressive results. Power figures are now at 400 HP and 350 lb-ft for the petrol one, while the diesel boasts 395 HP and 649 lb-ft of torque. According to Hofele, these performance upgrades haven’t taken a toll on the fuel economy, still ranked at 24.75 mpg (US) for the FSI and 30.9 mpg (US) for the oil-burner.

Other upgrades include larger ventilated steel disc brakes and high performance ceramic discs can also be fitted for an extra cost. The suspension has been lowered between 40 and 90 millimeters, but as an added safety feature, the car springs back to the factory setting when traveling at over 80 mph (128 km/h). New alloy wheels measuring 20-inch at the front and 22-inch at the back have also been added by the team at Hofele.

Hofele Design reveals tuned 2011 Audi A8

Last but not least, the styling of the 2011 Audi A8 also saw an upgrade, thanks to the restyled front fascia, now boasting bigger air inlets and front fender outlets, the new side sills, and the restyled rear end, complete with a diffuser and quad-pipe exhaust. A decklid spoiler, as well as two-tone leather, Alcantara and a new steering wheel round off the Hofele tuning package for the 2011 Audi A8.

Source: WCF

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Hofele Design reveals tuned 2011 Audi A8

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