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- Ferrari plans six new models until 2013
- Alfa Romeo coming to North America in 2012, here’s what it brings
- 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton facelift revealed
- Top Gear USA officially confirmed for The History Channel, gets new cast
- Maybach facelift officially revealed in Beijing
- Maserati plans new mid-range M5-killer, slots below Quattroporte
- Video: Shell showcases its lubricants with transparent Nissan 370Z
- BMW confirms Megacity will get new sub-brand, uses carbon fiber
- Land Rover mocks Ford over Terrain Management system, says it did it first
- Old Saab 9-5 gets Chinese facelift: the BAIC C71 concept
| Ferrari plans six new models until 2013 Posted: 22 Apr 2010 03:58 AM PDT  Hot on the heels of the announcements Fiat made concerning its Alfa Romeo brand and its entry on the North American market, the company’s supercar division, Ferrari, also revealed its future plans. From the looks of it, it seems the prancing horse is going to get quite a workout until 2013, as the company has lined up not one but six new cars or variants of the ones already on the market. First off, 2011 will see the introduction of a Spider version for the 458 Italia that will replace the aging F430 Spider from the current lineup. Project F151 is next, consisting of a replacement for the 612 Scaglietti grand tourer which might even get to see the first implementation of the KERS-enabled hybrid system we saw on the Ferrari 599 HY-KERS concept in Geneva. In 2012 Ferrari is going to launch a successor to the Enzo hypercar that will push its engineers to its limits. Besides that, the year will also see the manifestation of project F152, a replacement for the aging 599 GTB Fiorano. 2013 will see the introduction of some more hardcore variants for both the California roadster and the 458 Italia. The California M will likely receive an array of new features to increase its luxury and performance, while the 458 Scuderia is going the lighter and faster route, in order to offer something for track and day to day use. Overall, a lot of new things are coming for Ferrari fans, so better get your check books ready! Source: Fiat Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Alfa Romeo coming to North America in 2012, here’s what it brings Posted: 22 Apr 2010 02:18 AM PDT  Fiat, in a press conference yesterday, officially revealed the plans it has regarding North America and its Alfa Romeo brand. From what was revealed, Americans will have a lot of reasons to get excited starting in 2012, when the Italian brand is going to brings the new Giulia sedan in the USA. The model, a replacement for the aging 159, will be arriving in both sedan and wagon form. Alongside it, a compact SUV is going to make an appearance, which will be built on a modified Giulietta platform. In 2013, Alfa lovers are going to receive a five-door version of the MiTo compact hatchback. If diminutive city cars aren’t your cup of tea, then the news of a Spider convertible will get you excited. From all accounts, it might be based on the Pininfarina 2uettottanta concept. In 2014 US Alfisti will receive a restyled Giulietta hatchback alongside a new, larger SUV which is going to be built on the platform of the next generation Jeep Liberty. All in all, Fiat and Chrysler are keen on making Alfa Romeo a popular brand in the USA. Hopefully, at least for fans, they will take the right steps and succeed in their endeavor. Source: Fiat Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton facelift revealed Posted: 22 Apr 2010 01:37 AM PDT  The Volkswagen Phaeton luxury limousine has been somewhat of a failed experiment for the German company, at least in Europe or the USA. In Asia though, the flagship model is scoring some impressive sales, recession be damned. As such, the German company decided to showcase the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton facelift at this week’s Beijing Motor Show, taking place in the Chinese capital. As you can see above, the new Phaeton received a refreshed look, in line with the new design line for VW models. LED lights dominate the front headlamps, while a chromed grille surrounds the VW logo. The rear of the flagship sedan has also been restyled to inspire more personality than the older and dull one. LED technology has also been used on the taillights.  On the inside, new features were added for luxury lovers. From the posh Alcantara, leather and wood inserts to the fully-adjustable power seats, both the driver and the passengers are going to feel quite pampered. The navigation system has now received Google Maps connectivity and will also detect road signs, letting the driver know the current speed limits or whether or not overtaking is allowed. The 2011 VW Phaeton also boasts its wide array of sensors that scan 164 feet (50 meters) back and 12 feet (3.6 meters) on each side and lets the driver know is maneuvering the car or changing lanes is safe.  In terms of engines, the new Phaeton will offer a 240 HP 3.0-liter TDI V6 diesel, as well as few gasoline units: a 260 HP 3.6-liter V6, a 335 HP 4.2-liter V8 and a 450 HP 6.0-liter W12 engine, the latter being reserved for the long wheelbase edition. Overall, the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is looking good, but judging from the lackluster response to the current edition, it will only have fans in Asia. The car will hit the market this fall. Source: Volkswagen Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Top Gear USA officially confirmed for The History Channel, gets new cast Posted: 22 Apr 2010 01:10 AM PDT  Top Gear fans from the USA can finally rejoice as the History Channel, alongside BBC America, confirmed that the Top Gear format is coming to the good ol’ US of A this fall. It seems that 10 episodes were picked up by History and will star a brand new cast than the one that was rumored at first. It seems that funny-man Adam Carrolla will be too busy to star, so his place is going to be taken by another comedian, Adam Ferrara. Joining him will be racing driver and stunt man Tanner Foust, who many will know from the X-Games and other championships, and last, but not least, Rutledge Wood, a race analyst for Nascar and retro car fan. The 10 episodes that will air this autumn are set to “stay true to the original format and add a sense of the American car culture.” As you may know, Top Gear USA was originally set to air on NBC, but reluctant executives scrapped the idea. Now, we’ll be able to finally enjoy (hopefully) some American-flavored Top Gear goodness. Source: TopGear Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Maybach facelift officially revealed in Beijing Posted: 22 Apr 2010 12:49 AM PDT  It’s been a long time coming, but rich people all around the world can rejoice: the Maybach lineup has received a facelift for the 2011 model year, complete with new looks, revised engines and, most importantly, more luxury features than you can shake a diamond-encrusted stick at. First off, the 2011 Maybach lineup is likely to be the last we’ll ever see of the luxury brand, as sales are dwindling and Mercedes-Benz is losing money with the current cars. Hopefully this refresh might breathe some more life into it, but things aren’t looking good. The facelifted Maybach, as was leaked a few months ago, has received improved looks, in terms of front and rear fascia. A chromed radiator grille was added, which varies depending on the versions rich people opt for, as well as a restyled hood, a new front bumper, revised door mirrors and improved rear taillights. Standard 57 and 62 models get a set of 21-spoke 19-inch wheels, while S models will boast 12-spoke 20-inch ones. The new changes, according to Maybach, made the car more aerodynamic but also increased its dimensions slightly. On the inside, the refreshed Maybach lineup really shines, as it boasts things like a 19-inch rear screen, a perfume atomizer and even a wireless internet connection. Those option for long wheelbase models will receive a new electro-transparent panoramic glass sunroof with (get ready) a liquid crystal membrane that will change the glass from transparent to opaque at the flick of a switch. Curious to see what’s going on around the car but don’t want to get near the windows or lower the privacy screen between the chauffeur and your rich self? The Maybach has you covered, as a camera can broadcast an all-round view from the car to the aforementioned 19-inch screen. Those springing for the ‘cheaper’ 57 edition will now get to experience the reclining rear seat that was available on the 62 up until now. Overall, the new Maybach facelift may seem a bit useless in today’s market, but as long as there’ll be rich people, such models do have a niche to cover. Check out the new 2011 Maybach facelift lineup in the photo gallery below. Photo Gallery: 2011 Maybach facelift
Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Maserati plans new mid-range M5-killer, slots below Quattroporte Posted: 22 Apr 2010 12:18 AM PDT  Italian luxury carmaker Maserati has always had a bit of a problem with its models, as you didn’t really know where they were supposed to slot it. The Quattroporte is a great example, as its dimensions usually recommended it for a mid-range lineup, but its price was even higher than a BMW 7 Series for example. Now, the future of the brand is a bit more clearer as will be its vehicle lineup soon enough. It seems that the Italian company will reveal a new mid-range sedan that will slot in below the Quattroporte. It will be positioned, from a performance standpoint, against other super-sedans like the BMW M5, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG or the Audi RS6. The price for this new Maserati will be around $74,000. Also, according to some rumors, the current Quattroporte will receive a new generation in the near future, that will take it even more upmarket, in order to do battle with full-size sedans and grand tourers. Expect the price of the model, now at around $120,000, to increase, in order to give the smaller model more breathing room. The rest of the Maserati offerings, the GranTurismo and GranCabrio will continue on the market, as they are still quite new in their own niches. Source: Auto Express Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Shell showcases its lubricants with transparent Nissan 370Z Posted: 21 Apr 2010 11:57 PM PDT  Lubricant and oil company Shell usually relied on its partnership with Ferrari to promote its products for quite some time. For its new Shell Helix Ultra engine oil, the company decided it needed something different, in order to showcase the cleaning capabilities of its lubricant. As such, it went to ad agency JWT for an out-of-the-box commercial. The agency then contacted Asylum Models and Effects with a rather novel idea. What was that idea? To create a transparent car, more specifically a Nissan 370Z made out of Perspex. Suffice to say that the ad is looking extremely sharp and really drives the point home. Hit the jump to see the new transparent Nissan 370Z Shell Helix ad plus a bonus making of video. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| BMW confirms Megacity will get new sub-brand, uses carbon fiber Posted: 21 Apr 2010 11:29 PM PDT  BMW has revealed that its future Megacity electric vehicle will be marketed under a completely new sub-brand that will cater to such types of models. Also, the company has just revealed that a new carbon fiber manufacturing plant will be built in partnership with SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC in Moses Lake, USA. The factory will see an investment worth $100 million and will specialize in creating carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, that will be used on the future Megacity EV.
It’s not yet clear whether Megacity will actually be the name of the sub-brand, but according to the recent trademark filings from the Bavarian brand, we might see a denomination like the E1, E2, E3 etc. be used on the future carbon fiber-reinforced vehicles. Source: BMW Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Land Rover mocks Ford over Terrain Management system, says it did it first Posted: 21 Apr 2010 11:17 PM PDT  Ford impressed quite a few people last week when it revealed the new Terrain Management System for its next generation Explorer SUV. The system, as you may remember, used a dash-mounted knob to select between various settings like normal, mud, sand or snow. Now, Land Rover, the British SUV specialist who, for some time, was under Ford ownership, published an interesting reply on its corporate blog, reminding the Blue Oval who thought of the system first. For those not in the know, back in 2005 Land Rover developed the Terrain Response system, and premiered it on the mid-range Discovery, or LR3, as it is known in the States. As you can imagine, it seems Ford used some of the insight it got when overseeing Land Rover and implemented it in the next Explorer through the chief engineer for that platform, Jim Holland. The executive, according to Land Rover, worked three years in the UK, where he oversaw Range Rover development. After clearing these things out, the company also points out a few things. Its Terrain Response system has more settings: from General to Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand or Rock Crawl. Also, in case you were comparing the next Ford Explorer with a Land Rover offer, the Brits also hint that a carmaker with 60 years of offroading experience might be the better choice. But it’s not just corporate fighting, as the company concluded on a ‘friendly’ note: “We naturally wish our friends the best of luck with their new vehicle. We just want everyone to know where the system was invented. And that was right here at Land Rover.” Source: Land Rover via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Old Saab 9-5 gets Chinese facelift: the BAIC C71 concept Posted: 21 Apr 2010 11:04 PM PDT  Things are all sunshine and butterflies for Saab now, but, at the beginning of the year, things weren’t that good. As you may remember, in an effort to get some money off of Saab, its owner, General Motors, decided to sell some of its platforms and intellectual rights to China’s BAIC. The Chinese corporation declined to say what its plans were, but now, as the Beijing Motor Show is starting to open its doors, we have a clear picture. What you see above is the new C71 concept that BAIC will be building through its BAW (Beijing Auto Works) division. Feel like you’ve seen it before? Sure you had, as this is an old Saab 9-5. Of course the Chinese plastered a futuristic front fascia, but you can’t miss that rear end. Expect other such concepts to appear in the future, as BAIC also secured the rights for the pre-2006 Saab 9-3 and two other platforms, engines and transmissions from GM before Spyker came in and saved Saab. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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