Monday, July 19, 2010

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)


2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS spied during its official photo shoot

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 04:29 AM PDT

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS spied during its official photo shoot

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class has been in the works for quite some time, and was already previewed by two concepts, the F800 Style and the Shooting Break.

Now, we can finally look at the production version of the new Mercedes four-door coupe model, thanks to an eagle-eyed visitor to the MB museum in Stuttgart.

It seems that the German company was actually preparing for the first official photo shoot of the 2011 CLS in front of the establishment, but forgot that, you know, visitors actually come to the Mercedes museum. As such, thanks to Brazil’s NoticiasAutomotivas, we can examine the new CLS.

As you can see above and below, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class is pretty changed, but the differences aren’t so severe as we first expected. The front fascia has been thoroughly overhauled, with LED technology, chrome inserts and a more upright grille.

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS spied during its official photo shoot

The rear end has also seen work, with new taillights, while the overall shape has been elongated and doesn’t bear the same bubble look as the current CLS.

The official announcement of the next generation 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is set to be made in the near future, ahead of the car’s official debut at the Paris Motor Show, this fall.

Source: NoticiasAutomotivas via Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS spied during its official photo shoot

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Ferrari 458 Italia catches fire in Paris

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 04:05 AM PDT

Ferrari 458 Italia catches fire in Paris

Owning a supercar is pretty much an extreme sport, not just because of the massive power developed by these models, but also because a fire may erupt at any moment.

After our previous Audi R8 fire stories, Ferrari once again takes the center stage.

This time, a new Ferrari 458 Italia supercar caught fire on the streets of Paris. Luckily, the blaze wasn’t that severe, occupying just the rear panel of the Italian model. A passerby quickly intervened with a fire extinguisher, limited the damage suffered by the 458 Italia.

Ferrari 458 Italia catches fire in Paris

No concrete details are known, so you’ll just have to settle for these photos captured by an Autogespot forum member.

Source: Autogespot via Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Ferrari 458 Italia catches fire in Paris

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Video: Take your parking spot anywhere you go

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 03:34 AM PDT

Video: Take your parking spot anywhere you go

Finding a parking spot can easily be one of the most frustrating things about owning a car, as you can never seem to find one, especially in crowded cities.

Lukicly, this Asian female driver has come up with a great solution.

Wherever she parks, she just rolls down plastic sheets with the appropriate markings, and also hangs a ‘Parking’ sign near a light post. As such, it looks like she is parked in a legal spot, even though she is actually in a zone without any free spots.

As much as female drivers are blamed for many things, this time we think we can all learn something from this woman.

Hit the jump to see her parking spot strategy in action.

Source: FailBlog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: Take your parking spot anywhere you go

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Citroen to reveal new 2CV-inspired sub-brand in Paris

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 03:07 AM PDT

Citroen to reveal new 2CV-inspired sub-brand in Paris

Citroen is definitely feeling pretty good right now, as not only are its regular models achieving impressive sales, but its two other sub-brands, the Picasso and the DS ranges, are also achieving impressive amounts of success.

Now, according to the design boss of PSA Peugeot Citroen, Jean-Pierre Ploué, another sub-brand will be launched by Citroen at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

The French executive declined to reveal its name, but has revealed that it will specifically target a younger demographic, the so-called ‘iPod generation’. Accord to Ploué, the cars within this new family are going to feature a lot of innovations, similar to how the iconic Citroen 2CV did many decades ago.

From a design standpoint, Citroen’s new sub-brand will also differentiate itself from the existing ranges. It will feature simpler lines and an even more mainstream style than other cars, in order to attract younger customers to Citroen as a whole.

According to Autocar, one of the main inspirations for the this new family will be the older C-Cactus concept, that was revealed some time ago. Also, one of its first products will no doubt be a compact replacement for the Citroen C2, which was discontinued some time ago.

Either way, judging by the all of the great news coming from Citroen lately, we’re very excited about the brand’s Paris Motor Show announcements.

Source: Autocar

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Citroen to reveal new 2CV-inspired sub-brand in Paris

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Toyota and Tesla working on RAV4 EV, arrives in 2012

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 02:50 AM PDT


Toyota and Tesla have recently announced that they will partner up and start new research into electric vehicle drivetrains by using existing Toyota vehicles.

Now, the two companies have officially revealed what model will be the result of this research: a Toyota RAV4 Electric Vehicle.

The zero emissions crossover, according to both Toyota and Tesla, is scheduled to appear in 2012 on the US market. If the investment proves successful, the electric RAV4 might also make it to other markets, like Japan or Europe.

No other details have been revealed, so we’ll be in for some wild speculation until 2012 hits.

Source: Toyota and Tesla

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Toyota and Tesla working on RAV4 EV, arrives in 2012

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Honda to focus on hybrid technology, abandons clean diesel efforts

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 02:23 AM PDT

Honda to focus on hybrid technology, abandons clean diesel efforts

In the arms race to build greener and more efficient cars, many trains of thought have appeared. As such, automakers are now researching clean diesel, hybrid, electric or even fuel cell vehicles, all in order to cut down emissions and improve fuel average.

Honda has been fencing its bets lately, focusing on all of the aforementioned technologies. We’ve seen impressive diesel engines, hybrids like the Insight or the Civic, as well as the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

Now, according to a report from Japan’s Nikkei, things are going to change. The newspaper says that Honda will abandon its clean diesel efforts, in order to focus on just its hybrid technologies.

More specifically, the Integrated Motor Assist, which is currently available on hybrids like the Insight or the Civic, will see new features added, in order to better rival Toyota’s hybrid synergy drive tech.

Source: Reuters via Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Honda to focus on hybrid technology, abandons clean diesel efforts

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Exclusive Ford concepts to be sold at the RM Monterey auction

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 01:31 AM PDT

Exclusive Ford concepts to be sold at the RM Monterey auction

Ford fans shouldn’t miss the RM auction set to be held on August 12 during the Sports & Classics week at Monterey.

During a special evening held only for its models, the Blue Oval will be offering some stunning concepts which were revealed between 2000 and 2004.

Among the concepts set to be auctioned off are 2001 Lightning Rod Concept, the 2001 Forty Nine Concept, the 2003 Supercharged Thunderbird Concept and the 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept.

Most importantly however is the gorgeous 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept, the model which kickstarted the new life of the Mustang muscle car.

All of the proceeds will be given to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Children’s Center.

Those who want to attend should bring a hefty check book, as a lot of Ford fans are going to want to get their hands on such stunning concepts.

Source: RM Auctions via Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Exclusive Ford concepts to be sold at the RM Monterey auction

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Volkswagen set to revive Lupo name for future Up! city car

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 01:07 AM PDT

Volkswagen set to revive Lupo name for future Up! city car

The Volkswagen Up! and E-Up! concepts have definitely gone well with the media and the general public, showcasing attractive city cars with a lot of green technology.

Now, seeing as how we are still a few years from the models going to production, Autocar has revealed a new rumor, saying that when the Up! will be made, it will sport the Lupo name.

For those of you outside Europe, the Volkswagen Lupo was an ultra compact city car, which slotted in below the Polo and saw its production terminated in 2005. At that time, it was replaced with the Fox.

Now, it seems the Lupo name shall rise again, at least when the Up! concept will be revealed for the Volkswagen range. Other companies, like Seat or Skoda, will also reveal their own takes on the Up!/Lupo platform, with their own names.

What’s even more interesting is that the electric version of the city car, the E-Up!, might be wearing a different badge altogether when it will appear, in both Europe and North America. Given the new appeal of Audi’s e-tron concepts, the E-Up! might swap its VW badge for a set of four rings when it will be launched.

These are just rumors at the moment, but we wouldn’t be too surprised if they came true in the future.

Source: Autocar

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Volkswagen set to revive Lupo name for future Up! city car

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Shelby and Roush team up for a unique Ford Mustang SR-71 Blackbird charity project

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 12:23 AM PDT

Shelby and Roush team up for a unique Ford Mustang SR-71 Blackbird charity project

If you like your Ford Mustang models to come with a bit of customization, then you certainly know of the biggest names in the business, Shelby and Roush.

Given their rivalry, the two companies haven’t exactly seen eye to eye over the years, but now, for a special charity project, both Caroll Shelby and Jack Roush have teamed up to build a unique ‘Stang model.

The 2011 Ford Mustang GT SR-71 Blackbird, as its name suggests, started out as a regular Mustang GT, but was customized with elements borrowed from the iconic SR-71 Blackbird airplane.

Shelby and Roush team up for a unique Ford Mustang SR-71 Blackbird charity project

Among the modifications made to the model, we find things like a black and gray matte exterior paint job, special SVT wheels, a roll cage, as well as a Ford Racing supercharger coupled with a new high-flow exhaust system. On the inside, the sports Recaro seats boast the signature of both Shelby and Roush.

This unique Ford Mustang will be auctioned off at the EAA AirVenture, benefiting the Young Eagles charity program. It will be showcased on July 27 in the Ford hangar of the AirVenture, and sold on July 29 to the highest bidder.

Source: Roush and Shelby via Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Shelby and Roush team up for a unique Ford Mustang SR-71 Blackbird charity project

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G-Power BMW X6 Typhoon RS Ultimate V10 revealed, produces 888 HP

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 12:02 AM PDT

G-Power BMW X6 Typhoon RS Ultimate V10 revealed, produces 888 HP

Tuning company G-Power really knows how to squeeze out every ounce of performance from BMW models, revealing a lot of special projects up until now.

But seeing as how the BMW M5 will soon be retired, and with it the impressive 5.0-liter V10 engine, the tuning company decided that something special was needed. As such, G-Power took a regular BMW X6 M, and replaced its 4.4-liter twin-turbo engine with the naturally aspirated goodness of the 5.0-liter V10.

That’s not all though, as the resulting project, the G-Power BMW X6 Typhoon RS Ultimate V10, has seen the engine’s displacement increased to 5.5-liters and the addition of two superchargers. Other modifications include a remapped ECU, special pistons, a new, completely bespoke rear differential, which needs to handle all that power going to the rear wheels (the xDrive all-wheel drive system was also scrapped).

G-Power BMW X6 Typhoon RS Ultimate V10 revealed, produces 888 HP

The massive engine is connected to a six-speed manual (no automatic option), which means an output of 888 HP and 642 lb-ft of torque. The new X6 can now sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, and reach a top speed of 205 mph.

As you can imagine, a plethora of other upgrades were made to the exterior and interior of the car. A new body kit was added to the outside, as well as 23-inch wheels. The inside boasts four individual carbon fiber seats, a sports steering wheel and a new carbon fiber trim.

G-Power will produce just four BMW X6 Typhoon RS Ultimate V10, each with a price tag of €675,000 ($873,085). If that doesn’t strike your fancy, then there are plenty of other packages available from G-Power.

Source: G-Power via WCF

Post published on Rpmgo.com

G-Power BMW X6 Typhoon RS Ultimate V10 revealed, produces 888 HP

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