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- Future BMW M5 confirmed to get twin-turbo V8
- Video: Mini challenges Porsche to Cooper S versus 911 race
- Ferrari 458 Italia to get hardtop convertible version?
- Mercedes-Benz G Class to receive 2011 refresh
- Video: See how Red Bull got a Formula 1 car to race on sand
- Renault Latitude revealed, to replace Vel Satis as flagship model
- Video: BMW shares its logo origin story
- Mansory Porsche Panamera Turbo tuning project may cause blindness
- Chrysler also recalls 290,000 2006-2010 Jeep Wrangler over brake problems
- Volkswagen Proton partnership talks end for good
| Future BMW M5 confirmed to get twin-turbo V8 Posted: 08 Jun 2010 02:36 AM PDT  While the 2011 BMW 5 Series is mighty attractive and promises to once again make people interested in the mid-size sedan, many people are still eagerly awaiting the premiere of the 2011 BMW M5 performance version, scheduled to debut later this year. Until then, BMW M Division boss, Dr. Kay Segler, confirmed that the next super-sedan from the company will house the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, like in the X5 M and X6 M. As you know, the naturally-aspirated V10 in the current M5 was heavily rumored to be retired for the next generation, so Segler’s confirmation comes to almost no surprise. While the twin-turbo V8 currently cranks out 555 HP and 500 lb-ft of torque in the sporty SUVs, you can be certain that the Bavarian engineers are going to push it to its limits in order to squeeze out more and trump their rivals. Are you eagerly awaiting the 2011 BMW M5? Share your thoughts below. Source: Auto-Bild via BMW Blog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: Mini challenges Porsche to Cooper S versus 911 race Posted: 08 Jun 2010 02:15 AM PDT  Mini USA has always had some interesting marketing strategies. From clever ads to great promotions or catchy slogans. But this time, things have really been kicked up a notch. How so? Mini USA president Jim McDowell decided to put his former Porsche experience to good use, and challenged current Porsche USA president Detlev von Platen to a race between their flagship models: the Cooper S on one side and the 911 on the other. The race will take place at the Road Atlanta track, a few blocks away from Porsche’s Georgia headquarters. In order to really get the point across, Mini took out a full-page ad in the New York Times, created a Facebook group and even published a video with its president challenging Porsche. Porsche is seemingly up for the challenge, as Steve Janisse, Porsche’s Media Relations Manager, revealed to Jalopnik that: “Porsche has the most racing victories of any manufacturer out there — 28,000 and counting — maybe we should go for 28,001. We just need to see what they’re up to.” If the race will be held, then we’re pretty sure it’s going to be something of epic proportions. Hit the jump to see the video of the Mini versus Porsche challenge. Source: Jalopnik Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ferrari 458 Italia to get hardtop convertible version? Posted: 08 Jun 2010 02:00 AM PDT  Back in the day, when sportscar manufacturers released a fast coupe, you could be sure that a convertible version, boasting a folding cloth top wasn’t that far away. Now, things are changing, as more and more carmakers are using convertible hardtops, due to the increased resistance and better insulation. Ferrari is the latest to join the club, as its California model has a folding hardtop. According to some new rumors though, the even sportier 458 Italia model will also receive a similar assembly for its future convertible version. Before you say that this is a horrible idea, due to the added weight of such a mechanism, it seems Ferrari engineers know what they’re doing. When researching the California, the crew found out that with the right materials and know-how, a folding hardtop would be even lighter than a folding cloth top. This means that when the 458 Italia receives its convertible version, a hardtop configuration isn’t out of the question. For what it’s worth, Ferrari hasn’t commented on this rumor. Source: TeamSpeed via Autoblog Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mercedes-Benz G Class to receive 2011 refresh Posted: 08 Jun 2010 01:38 AM PDT  The Mercedes-Benz G Class is definitely one of the most iconic models in the MB range, as the go-anywhere off-roader has been around, largely unchanged, for 30 years. Still, this doesn’t mean Mercedes-Benz doesn’t want to upgrade the still popular model. Voices now claim that at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, we will see a thoroughly refreshed and upgraded 2011 G Class. While the exterior will just receive a few slight touches, we can expect a lot of changes on the inside, where more quality features will be added. Still, the G Class interior will place function over form, as when you’re battling off road courses or preparing your own paramilitary militia, you need something reliable. The engines are also going to be upgraded, in order to fulfill Euro 5 and harsher emissions regulations. The G55 AMG will remain top dog, thanks to its supercharged 5.4-liter V8, but will be replaced in the future with a G63 AMG variant, set to use the new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8. Expect to see the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen to be revealed at the upcoming Paris show. Source: AutoEvolution Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: See how Red Bull got a Formula 1 car to race on sand Posted: 08 Jun 2010 01:17 AM PDT  By now we’re pretty sure you’ve seen the video of Red Bull’s Dominican Republic shenanigans, where the Formula 1 team took one of its RB6 F1 cars and raced it on the beautiful beach. While that was pretty exciting, we’re pretty sure most of you were wondering how the Red Bull team got the very sensitive race car to actually do anything on the sand. Luckily, a behind the scenes video was also released by the team, showcasing the preparation that went into getting both the car and its driver, Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari, to perform well on the Caribbean beach. Hit the jump to see what it takes to turn a track-ready F1 car into a beach ‘buggy’. Source: AutomotiveTV via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Renault Latitude revealed, to replace Vel Satis as flagship model Posted: 08 Jun 2010 12:58 AM PDT  Renault has finally decided to reveal to the world its newest flagship model, the Latitude. The new limousine will take the place left open by the Vel Satis, which hasn’t been manufactured since last year. It is based on the Samsung SM5 model that is produced by Renault and its subsidiary in South Korea. The Latitude (which was rumored to bear the Safrane name up until recently) will open up a new age for premium Renault models, according to the French company. It boasts high end features like a dual-mode air ionizer with special flagrances, three-zone climate control, massage seats or even a Bose quality audio system.  The new design is very similar to the Samsung SM5, but will still attract people in the territories it is set to appear, from Africa to Asia or Mexico. No word yet on when the European release will occur, so we’ll have to wait until the Paris Motor Show in September to find out more. Source: Renault Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Video: BMW shares its logo origin story Posted: 08 Jun 2010 12:41 AM PDT  Many carmakers have a distinct origin story, usually encompassed by their logo. One of the most talked about logos in recent times is BMW’s. As you know, the roundel was usually associated with the first machines produced by the Bavarian company, airplanes. According to this official BMW video though, the actual inspiration for the brand’s now iconic logo was the a combination of the Bavarian colors and the logo of one of the companies it acquired during its start-up phase. Hit the jump and check out the history of BMW’s logo. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Mansory Porsche Panamera Turbo tuning project may cause blindness Posted: 08 Jun 2010 12:13 AM PDT  Among the tuning landscape of the world, Mansory is definitely one of the most … eccentric companies, to put it mildly. Sure, we saw some pretty cool projects every now and then, but sometimes, the finished model isn’t exactly what we imagined. That, at least, is how it went with the Mansory Rolls Royce Ghost. But we still had hopes for the Porsche Panamera project the company teased us with at the end of last year. Sadly, those hopes were shattered. Sure, you can find an adequate power increase for the Porsche Panamera Turbo, from 500 HP to 690 HP. You will also enjoy a fresh carbon fiber body kit, with all sorts of lightweight accessories.  But it seems the whole project went wrong when Mansory sent it off to the painting department, as the tuned Panamera was decked out in an eye-burning cobalt Blue with yellow accents. The inside isn’t for the faint-hearted, as the two-tone scheme is straight out of a horror film. What do you think? Can the power increase justify the finish? Share your thoughts below. Source: Mansory Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Chrysler also recalls 290,000 2006-2010 Jeep Wrangler over brake problems Posted: 07 Jun 2010 11:57 PM PDT  Chrysler just can’t seem to catch a break these days, as after two big recalls announced yesterday, one concerning 285,000 minivans, the other targeting 35,000 Dodge Caliber models, it has now issued another recall, affecting a hefty number of Jeep Wrangler models. 288,968 vehicles are affected by the recall, manufactured between May 15, 2006 and, according to the NHTSA website, August 9, 2010. Now we think somebody forgot to proofread the document, but still, if you own a 2006 through 2010 Jeep Wrangler, then you need to get it to the dealership soon. Why? Because there is a problem with the front fender liners, which could make contact with the front brake lines, eventually resulting in a brake fluid leak. As you know, brakes are pretty important for a car, especially one that’s being thrashed around like the rugged Wrangler. The recall will commence this month, and you can contact Chrysler for more info at 1-800-853-1403. Source: NHTSA Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Volkswagen Proton partnership talks end for good Posted: 07 Jun 2010 11:04 PM PDT  It seems that the recently rumored partnership between Volkswagen and Malaysian carmaker Proton has been scrapped. As you all know, the two companies were in talks a few years ago about a collaboration. A few weeks ago, new rumors indicated that a deal was soon to be struck between the parties. Now, Proton has officially revealed that the talks have ended with no concrete result. According to the chairman of the company, Volkswagen has revealed that it has “other plans” and won’t pursue a deal with the Malaysian carmaker. These “other plans” have already gotten rumors started about the German carmaker, most of them involving the recent partnership and stock share with Suzuki, a Japanese company with a major influence in India and Asia. As of yet though, nothing is certain except that Proton will continue to go on with help from its British subsidiary, Lotus. Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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