Tuesday, April 27, 2010

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)


Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid already has 900 people interested

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 02:36 AM PDT

Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid already has 900 people interested

We saw a lot of great concepts at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, but all of them paled in comparison to the Porsche 918 hybrid sportscar concept, which practically stole the whole show.

Boasting a huge amount of power but also some massive green credentials, thanks to its electric motors helping out the big V8 engine, the 918 Spyder was adored by both the public and the media.

The Stuttgart carmaker followed up and revealed that if interest is high enough, the concept will be rushed to production, much like it did with the Carrera GT hypercar back in the day.

Now, Bloomberg reports that 900 people have already manifested an interest in the hybrid sportscar. According to the development chief for Porsche, Wolfgang Duerheimer, the company needs around 1,000 letters of interest and the case for the production of the 918 Spyder will be complete.

You heard him rich people, get to it, as this is the plug-in hybrid we can all approve of.

Source: Bloomberg via Autoblog

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Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid already has 900 people interested

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Citroen Metropolis concept showcased in new photos

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 02:02 AM PDT

Citroen Metropolis concept showcased in new photos

German carmakers prepared an onslaught of new long wheelbase models or luxury limousines for this year’s Beijing Motor Show. From the 2011 LWB BMW 5 Series to the 2011 Audi A8 L or the facelifted Maybach lineup.

In terms of concepts though, suffice to say the Chinese were dazzled by the stunning Citroen Metropolis concept, a luxury limousine longer than a LWB Mercedes-Benz S Class and wider than a Maybach. The concept previews, as you would expect, the future C6 limousine, and possibly a long wheelbase variant, given the popularity of the setup in Asia.

When it was announced we only received a few images of the car, even those rendered in CG. Now, Citroen released some real life photos of the luxury limousine. Check all of them out in the photo gallery below.

Photo Gallery: Citroen Metropolis Concept

Citroen Metropolis ConceptCitroen Metropolis ConceptCitroen Metropolis ConceptCitroen Metropolis Concept

Citroen Metropolis ConceptCitroen Metropolis ConceptCitroen Metropolis ConceptCitroen Metropolis Concept

Source: Citroen

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Citroen Metropolis concept showcased in new photos

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Video: Ken Block gets interviewed after Gymkhana Three Ford Fiesta reveal

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 01:31 AM PDT

Video: Ken Block gets interviewed after Gymkhana Three Ford Fiesta reveal

As most of you know by now, famed American rally driver Ken Block has revealed his massively ugpraded Ford Fiesta model he will race in the upcoming Gymkhana Three video.

After showcasing the 650 HP Fiesta, the driver talked a bit with Ford in a video interview. In it, he details his fascination with Ford rally cars and how the new Gymkhana Three Fiesta is one of the best he ever wrangled. His experience in the 2010 WRC season, behind the wheel of a Ford Focus and in the Rally America, with his Monster Ford Fiesta are also discussed.

Hit the jump and check out this interview with Ken Block plus a few more candid shots of his Fiesta rally car.

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: Ken Block gets interviewed after Gymkhana Three Ford Fiesta reveal

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Citroen presents interior photos of the DS High Rider concept

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 01:03 AM PDT

Citroen presents interior photos of the DS High Rider concept

Citroen made a lot of heads turn at the Geneva Motor Show when it presented the DS High Rider concept, a preview for the future DS4 crossover that will no doubt appear sometime in the near future.

All we saw then were exterior shots. While we didn’t mind, seeing as how the DS High Rider was an attractive concept, a few interior photos wouldn’t have hurt our overall impression.

Now, the French carmaker decided to shed some light on the inside of the future DS4 and revealed a couple of interesting pictures. Why are they interesting? Because instead of going all futuristic and swoopy, these shots actually show an interior much closer to production.

Citroen presents interior photos of the DS High Rider concept

We can also see some elements taken from the DS3 premium hatchback, which was already revealed, but thankfully the DS High Rider opts for a more distinguished feel rather than bright color inserts.

Word on the French street is that a production-ready model of the DS4 might arrive as soon as the Paris Motor Show, so until then you need to make due with the pictures revealed thus far.

Source: Citroen

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Citroen presents interior photos of the DS High Rider concept

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Video: Stolen car returned to owner all pimped-out

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 12:46 AM PDT

Video: Stolen car returned to owner all pimped-out

Getting your car stolen is probably one of the worst things that can happen to any auto fan, partly because you don’t have a lot of chances to get it back.

A 31-year-old Brooklyn teacher also went through the same experience, when her 1996 Honda Accord was stolen three years ago. She reported it to the police, but they told her that getting it back was a long shot.

Hearing that, the teacher lost all hope. That’s why when the NYPD told her a few months ago that her Honda Accord was found in a chop shop, she could hardly believe it.

But that’s not the most interesting thing about this story, as the slow, automatic transmision-equipped Accord was now fully tuned, with a new VTEC engine and a manual transmission. It seems that the thieves or a new owner decided to invest quite a lot in the old Honda, showcasing its true potential.

Check out the full news video after the jump.

 

Source: NYDailyNews and CarScoop

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: Stolen car returned to owner all pimped-out

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Porsche recalls 2010 Panamera over front seatbelt issues

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 12:23 AM PDT

Porsche recalls 2010 Panamera over front seatbelt issues

If you thought luxury carmakers aren’t subjected to recalls, you’re pretty wrong, as Porsche has just announced that it will be calling back to dealerships around 3,176 2010 Panamera super sedans over a potential defect to the front seatbelts.

It seems that when the front seats of the Panamera are in an extreme forward position, the seatbelt mount might become detached from its anchor, leading to a failure. Needless to say, if you’re in a crash, you want your seatbelt to be as secure as possible.

The fix for this problem consists of an additional anchor that will be added by Porsche mechanics in dealerships. Owners will be notified immediately and the repair will be free of charge. As of yet no injuries stemming from this problem have been reported.

Source: NHTSA

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Porsche recalls 2010 Panamera over front seatbelt issues

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GM reveals first pre-production Opel Ampera

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 12:04 AM PDT

GM reveals first pre-production Opel Ampera

We’ve been hearing a lot about the Chevrolet Volt these days, but GM is also heavily investing in its European brother, the Opel Ampera.

As you know, the Ampera (which will be badged as a Vauxhall in the UK), will share almost the exact same underpinnings as the Volt, from the battery packs to the extended-range electric vehicle powertrain (the Voltec).

Now, the car is one step closer to its 2011 release as the company revealed the first pre-production Opel Ampera, at its plant in Warren, Michigan.

“We’re right on target for producing the Ampera for European markets later next year,” said Andrew Farah, Vehicle Chief Engineer for the Ampera “There’s still work to be done, but being able to drive an Opel Ampera off our pre-production line is a great accomplishment for the teams here and in Europe.”

These pre-production Ampera models won’t be sold or leased, and will only serve as publicity tools in order to get people interested in the final model. They will also be subjected to endurance testing, even though the hard work has already been done on the Chevrolet Volt.

Source: GM via CarScoop

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GM reveals first pre-production Opel Ampera

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Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso insures thumbs for $13.9 million

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 11:52 PM PDT

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso insures thumbs for $13.9 million

In a rather awkward publicity attempt, Ferrari Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso has just insured his thumbs (the actual fingers) for a whopping $13.9 million.

Why did he do that? Because the Bank of Santander, one of his main sponsors, wanted to get its insurance programs promoted through the media.

“Alonso’s thumbs are a big symbol as, apart from being essential when driving a Formula One car, they represent a sign of victory and that everything is under control and well protected,” revealed a spokesperson.

Still, we do find it a bit awkward that just his thumbs were insured and not the whole hand (maybe the premium would have gone way up). Anyway, we do admit we’re a bit jealous of the Spaniard. Driving around in the company’s Maserati GranCabrio with insured thumbs is definitely one of our dreams (minus the thumbs part).

Source: Autocar

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Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso insures thumbs for $13.9 million

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Video: Underground Racing-tuned Lamborghini Gallardo reaches 250.1 MPH

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 11:38 PM PDT

Video: Underground Racing-tuned Lamborghini Gallardo reaches 250.1 MPH

Remember the tuned Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera that Underground Racing revealed during last fall? Yeah, the one with the ridiculous 1,500 HP total output, when running in racing conditions.

The team decided to really showcase how its efforts transformed the Gallardo and took it to the Texas Mile event. Here, the car, driven by Richard Holt, managed to reach an astounding 250.1 MPH (403 km/h).

For those who forgot, a stock Lambo Gallardo Superleggera ‘only’ manages to reach 202 mph or 325 km/h. Curious to see the Gallardo reach that dizzying speed? Then hit the jump and check out the video.

Source: Autoblog.nl via WCF

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Video: Underground Racing-tuned Lamborghini Gallardo reaches 250.1 MPH

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Ford reveals Fiesta S1600 in the UK

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 11:20 PM PDT

Ford reveals Fiesta S1600 in the UK

While the rest of Europe is enjoying the Sport+ edition of the Ford Fiesta, the company’s UK branch decided its consumers need something a bit more exclusive, announcing the Fiesta S1600 limited edition.

Before you ask, this car has no ‘official’ performance upgrades so you’ll still have to wait a bit until the proper Fiesta ST appears. Still, for a price, Ford dealerships do offer the Mountune performance package, that adds 20 extra HP to the total output of the 1.6-liter engine.

Only 650 models will be made, but you’ll be getting a modified body kit, a set of 17-inch white wheels and racing stripes. For the inside, Ford added a leather-wrapped steering wheel, new covers for the handbrake and gear knob plus, wait for it, ‘Motorsport’ floor mats.

If you don’t want to wait for the ST version, pricing for the Ford Fiesta S1600 will start at around £16,645.

Source: Ford

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Ford reveals Fiesta S1600 in the UK

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