Wednesday, September 15, 2010

RPMGO Car Blog

RPMGO Car Blog


Video: Ken Block’s Gymkhana Three Part 2 officially revealed

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 01:51 AM PDT

Video: Ken Block's Gymkhana Three Part 2 officially revealed

After making us quite a while for Gymkhana Three, and then releasing a pretty shoddy music video for an annoying song, we can finally say that rally driver and stunt man Ken Block has officially redeemed himself.

How? By releasing the new Gymkhana Thee Part 2 video.

Shot on location in France, at the famed l’Autodrome de Linas, a banked circuit built in 1924, Gymkhana Three really showcases what made the first three videos (including 2.1) so popular all over the Internet.

Without further a do, hit the jump to see Ken Block push his 650 HP Ford Fiesta to new (smoky) heights and really wear the rubber right off the rims. Enjoy!

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: Ken Block’s Gymkhana Three Part 2 officially revealed

2012 Ford Focus ST revealed, packs 247 HP and will be sold globally

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 01:35 AM PDT

2012 Ford Focus ST revealed, packs 247 HP and will be sold globally

As soon as the 2012 Ford Focus was revealed by the Blue Oval at the Detroit Auto Show at the beginning of the year, fans eagerly awaited any detail on a more performance-oriented version.

Now, after plenty of rumors, the 2012 Ford Focus ST has been officially revealed, in the form of a design study set to be revealed at the Paris Motor Show later this year.

Even if it’s a study, at the moment, rest assured that this is how the Focus ST will look like when it will be available in 2012. The car is powered by an upgraded 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, capable of 247 HP.

Better yet, this new hot hatch will be available globally, meaning even Americans can enjoy the goodness that was denied for a lot of years in their country. Stay tuned for more details in the following weeks ahead of the car’s debut in Paris. Until then, check out the four high res pics of the Focus ST.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus ST2012 Ford Focus ST2012 Ford Focus ST2012 Ford Focus ST

Source: Ford

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2012 Ford Focus ST revealed, packs 247 HP and will be sold globally

Lamborghini releases new Jota teaser shot, promises to reduce weight

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 01:11 AM PDT

Lamborghini releases new Jota teaser shot, promises to reduce weight

Lamborghini has released yet another teaser shot, presumably for the replacement of the current top of the range Murcielago supercar. The Jota, as it might be named, has also received a few details in a dedicated press release from Lamborghini.

According to it, the Italian supercar manufacturer will follow a new philosophy with the next model. Instead of focusing on squeezing as much power out of the engine, Lamborghini will emphasize a low weight, which in turn will benefit the handling and the acceleration.

You might remember this strategy from the beginning of the year, when Lamborghini said that with the use of new carbon fiber materials, its future cars will outperform rivals, even though the power output won’t be as high.

Either way, we’re very excited about this new Lambo model, but we still need to endure the wait until the Paris Motor Show starts at the end of the month.

Source: Lamborghini

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Lamborghini releases new Jota teaser shot, promises to reduce weight

The American Fiat 500 Sport officially revealed

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 12:58 AM PDT

The American Fiat 500 Sport officially revealed

After a lot of talk, Fiat and Chrysler have officially revealed the American version of the popular Fiat 500 city car.

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, you will know that the compact model will be appearing in dealerships later this year, and set its sights on the Mini Cooper.

Not a lot of details were revealed, except that it will be offered in three versions, the aforementioned Sport, Pop and Lounge. How they will be differentiated has also been left unexplained.

The American Fiat 500 Sport officially revealed

For what it’s worth, the Fiat 500 Sport will be powered by the turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine. It will feature a sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels and colored brake calipers.

Expect more details in the following weeks.

Source: Fiat

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The American Fiat 500 Sport officially revealed

Audi TT RS coming to the U.S. after successful Facebook petition

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 12:46 AM PDT

Audi TT RS coming to the U.S. after Facebook petition success

It seems that Facebook users know how to get behind a good petition, as the one to bring the stunning Audi TT RS has gathered over 11,500 signatures in just a month.

As such, the German company has announced that the blazing fast sports car will be making it to US shores in the third quarter (fall) of 2011.

The Audi TT RS is powered by an turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five, capable of 360 HP and 332 lb-ft of torque. It will be primarily targeted against the Porsche Boxster and the Mercedes-Benz SLK. Unfortunately, only the hardtop TT RS will be making its way over the Atlantic, as the soft-top roadster is still exclusive to the European market.

Expect more details concerning price and options to be revealed as we approach the launch of the powerful compact sports car.

Source: Audi

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Audi TT RS coming to the U.S. after successful Facebook petition

2011 Chrysler 200 starts teasing us

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 12:31 AM PDT

2011 Chrysler 200 starts teasing us

After a huge amount of speculation, it seems that the all-new Chrysler 200 will replace the aging Sebring from the carmaker’s lineup.

The company has just started teasing us with a few shots depicting various elements of the new luxury sedan. As you can clearly see, the model is based on the 200C concept we saw a few years ago, but will tone it down and replace the electric powertrain with a conventional one.

2011 Chrysler 200 starts teasing us

According to the details revealed up until now, the base Chrysler 200 will sport a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which can be had with either a four- or a six-speed automatic. Those that want more power can upgrade to the already ubiquitous 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, rated at 283 HP and 263 lb-ft of torque. This unit will only be had with the six-speed automatic.

Expect more details and teaser shots in the following days, but Chrysler fans can already start celebrating the demise of the Sebring.

Source: Chrysler

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2011 Chrysler 200 starts teasing us

2011 Shelby GT500 Super Snake takes output up to 800 HP

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 12:18 AM PDT

2011 Shelby GT500 Super Snake takes output up to 800 HP

The 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is already flying off the shelves of the famed American tuning company, but for those that demand even more power, Shelby decided to unveiled the 2011 versions of its famed Super Snake package.

The 2011 Shelby GT500 Super Snake packs a variety of upgrades over the outgoing model. Anthracite wheels, white stripes and a new type of hood scoop are all present, but the biggest change was made to the 5.0-liter V8 engine, which received new superchargers

You can order the Super Snake in three flavors, either a 660 HP, a 750 HP or a whopping 800 HP, which promises to be the fastest Mustang on the block.

Only 1,000 Shelby GT500 Super Snake packages will be offered, each costing around $30,000, without including the price of a new 2011 Ford Mustang GT.

Source: Shelby

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2011 Shelby GT500 Super Snake takes output up to 800 HP

Ferrari’s Alonso and Massa get a new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 12:06 AM PDT

Ferrari's Alonso and Massa get a new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

Right before the start of the Formula 1 Italian GP, held at the Monza circuit, Fiat’s performance division, Abarth, decided to award the drivers of the Ferrari F1 team with something a bit more special than a Maserati GranCabrio, for instance.

Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa both got a new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari model.

While you may scoff at the thought of them driving a modified Fiat 500 when they’re more used with the monster F1 machines, bear in mind that the 695 has an upgraded 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, capable of 180 HP. The cars are also decorated, as you can see, in Scuderia Red with Racing grey stripes.

If you’d like a go in such a model, be prepared to pay around $47,000, as the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari wants to live up to its name and the exclusivity it demands.

Source: Abarth

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Ferrari’s Alonso and Massa get a new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

2011 Jeep Patriot gets refreshed

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 11:53 PM PDT

2011 Jeep Patriot gets refreshed

Chrysler has decided to shine the upgrade light on another one of the Jeep models, after introducing the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the refreshed 2011 Wrangler.

Now, the 2011 Jeep Patriot can finally boast a lot of much-needed upgrades. You will find slight styling tweaks, more interior features and a few new customization options.

First off, the front fascia has been restyled, sitting much lower than before. The grille is now color matched to the exterior, while the fog lights have been repositioned. 17-inch wheels can be fitted to the new Patriot, while its exterior can be had in more color choices.

2011 Jeep Patriot gets refreshed

On the inside, the entry-level crossover has received a lot of upgrades, in order to finally make it more attractive. The door panels have received soft touch materials, the seats are wrapped in a new type of fabric, backlighting has been added to the doors while the steering wheel now has audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls.

Under the sheet metal, Jeep says it has revised the suspension and steering systems, while the 4×4 models have received an extra inch of ground clearance.

Overall, the 2011 Jeep Patriot was in serious need of upgrading, and Chrysler did a pretty good job.

Source: Jeep

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2011 Jeep Patriot gets refreshed

20 Audi A1 e-tron prototypes hit the streets of Munich

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 11:38 PM PDT

20 Audi A1 e-tron prototypes hit the streets of Munich

Audi wants to keep on with its electric and hybrid research, and has just announced that it will roll out a test fleet of 20 Audi A1 e-tron prototypes.

In case you forgot, the extended range electric vehicle was revealed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, boasting a 100 HP electric motor, which can keep the vehicle running for around 31 miles, and a rotary Wankel engine, designed to kick in when the lithium ion battery pack doesn’t have enough juice to keep powering the motor. This can add up to 123 miles to the range, meaning a total of 155 miles for the A1 e-tron.

The 20 prototypes will be rolled out around the streets of Munich, and are partly funded by the German Transportation Ministry. The federal authority will also invest in building nearly 200 electric charging stations around the city, in order to create an infrastructure capable of supporting electric vehicles.

Source: Audi

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20 Audi A1 e-tron prototypes hit the streets of Munich