Friday, April 9, 2010

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)


Spyker D12 SSUV spied, might receive new Ferrari engine

Posted: 09 Apr 2010 04:47 AM PDT

Spyker D12 SSUV spied, might receive new Ferrari engine

As everyone’s gotten used to Spyker and Saab working together from now on, new rumors are starting to appear about the next big thing coming from the Dutch supercar manufacturer.

And we literally mean big, as by all accounts, the Spyker D12 Peking to Paris SSUV (Super Sports Utility Vehicle) will be much larger than the other Dutch cars. Now, a new spy shot has appeared, showcasing, at least according to a report from Auto Informatief, a clay model of the D12.

As you can see, the vehicle still retains some of the dimensions of the show car which was revealed quite a long of time ago, but also has some new features. It seems that suicide (rear-hinged) doors will be present, as well as the increased ride height, hinting that it might have some off-road potential (maybe Saab can help here).

Beside the grainy spy shot, new details are also being rumored. The D12 name might be changed, as the Volkswagen-sourced V12 engine has been dropped, in favor of a more economical supercharged V8, of unknown origin. Already many voices hint to a Ferrari engine, possibly the one from the 458 Italia.

Until Spyker officially comes forward with new details though, we can’t say for sure just what will happen with its SSUV concept, so we’ll be in for quite a lot of speculations until then.

Source: Auto Informatief via Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Spyker D12 SSUV spied, might receive new Ferrari engine

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2011 Audi A3 receives slight facelift

Posted: 09 Apr 2010 04:27 AM PDT

2011 Audi A3 receives slight facelift

Audi is using the Leipzig Motor Show to showcase quite a few facelifts for the 2011 model year. Besides the already revealed 2011 Q7 and the 2011 TT, the company also opted to slightly refresh the looks of its hatchback model, the 2011 A3.

The facelift is available across the range, from the Sportback to the cabriolet or the S3 performance edition. The main highlights include a glossy black finish on the B pillars and grille, as well as chrome accents on the air intakes, door handles or side mirrors. A redesigned rear diffuser, as well as tinted lenses for the taillights were also added.

2011 Audi A3 receives slight facelift

Customers have more options now, including new exterior color, among which being the Scuba Blue pictured above. New 17- and 18-inch wheels are also added to the options list, while refreshed leather inserts, glossy black or aluminum accents will be found on the inside.

While not a major facelift, the refreshed looks will hopefully keep the A3 alive before the next generation arrives in the future.

Source: Audi

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2011 Audi A3 receives slight facelift

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Nissan wants new model to be “better than Volkswagen Golf”

Posted: 09 Apr 2010 04:12 AM PDT


Nissan has just revealed, through the voice of its senior vice president, Andy Palmer, that it wants to create another C segment model, targeted at the most popular contender, the Volkswagen Golf.

This is all part of Nissan’s plan to be present in 90% of the current global market. It is currently occupying only 84%, and has expressed its desire to build on the presence of the existing hatchback model, the Almera (pictured above).

“To date, we have grown by circumnavigating the competition very successfully with cars like the Qashqai, but to go further we will have to tackle the market head on,” he said. “The C segment is an obvious growth area. The Qashqai and Juke will take sales in that market, but tackling it head on means building a car that is better than the VW Golf. That's the challenge we have set ourselves. That project is a long term goal, but it is underway.”

Without a doubt the Nissan Juke compact crossover will definitely be an odd presence in the C segment, but if it truly wants to take down the VW Golf, it needs a proper hatchback, catered for a broader audience, unlike the Juke’s young, single, urban niche.

Do you think the Japanese company has what it takes to release a worthy rival for cars like the Golf or the Focus? Share your thoughts below.

Source: Autocar

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Nissan wants new model to be “better than Volkswagen Golf”

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Video: Sam Hubinette takes his 865 HP Dodge Challenger drifting

Posted: 09 Apr 2010 03:57 AM PDT

Video: Sam Hubinette takes his 865 HP Dodge Challenger drifting

The Formula D drifting competition is getting to kick off its 2010 season, and we’ve already Rhys Millen showcase his special 650 HP Hyundai Genesis Coupe this week.

Now, Samuel ‘The Crazy Swede’ Hubinette has also revealed a video in which he and fellow Samuel Hubinette Racing teammate, Andrew Comrie-Picard, practice before the 2010 drifting season starts. Their rides? Oh, just a simple 865 HP Dodge Challenger and the same Dodge Viper SRT10 which won the 2005 and 2006 Formula D championships.

Curious to see how they teared up their BF Goodrich tires on the Adam’s Motorsports Park in Riverside, California? Then hit the jump to watch this drifting extravaganza.

Source: BF Goodrich

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: Sam Hubinette takes his 865 HP Dodge Challenger drifting

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BMW set to revive 328 Kamm Coupe at Villa d’Este

Posted: 09 Apr 2010 03:42 AM PDT

BMW set to revive 328 Kamm Coupe at Villa d'Este

During this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW is set to bring back a truly iconic showpiece, one which has disappeared since the early 1960s, after having survived World War II and many other difficult times.

In case you didn’t recognize it in the picture above, we’re talking about the famous 328 Kamm Coupe model, which saw the light of day more than 60 years ago. It symbolized the new aerodynamic ideals towards the Bavarian brand aspired, and was a one-off model.

After the war, the model was acquired by former BMW executive Ernst Loof, who went on to found supercar manufacturer Veritas. Sadly, the 328 saw its end forgotten in a scrapheap after an accident. But for quite some time now, BMW engineers have been eagerly trying to revive the iconic model, by using historical documents and complicated techniques, in order to recreate the exact dimensions of the 328 Kamm Coupe.

Expect the curvy retro model to make its debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, on Lake Como, between April 23 and 25.

Source: BMW

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BMW set to revive 328 Kamm Coupe at Villa d’Este

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Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic edition revealed

Posted: 09 Apr 2010 03:28 AM PDT

Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic edition revealed

The new Opel/Vauxhall Astra has already been launched in most of Europe and in the UK. Still, this doesn’t mean fans of the older generation can’t get such models.

In order to further help them and to deplete their stock, obviously, Vauxhall released a special Arctic edition of the VXR performance model. As you may remember, the Vauxhall Corsa VXR Arctic edition was unveiled a couple of years ago.

Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic edition revealed

Basically, this “cool-er” version of the VXR has the same 240 HP power output, but will boast a black finish for the roof, exterior mirror housings, window tints as well as on several fascia pieces. Other high end features include 19-inch alloy wheels and special, heated Recaro racing seats.

Only 500 Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic edition models will be made, each starting from £23,595 ($36,019, given current exchange rates). Besides those extra goodies, you can also opt for other features, like a panoramic roof.

Source: Vauxhall

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic edition revealed

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Mini Cooper JCW World Championship Edition 50 coming to USA with huge price tag

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 11:21 PM PDT

Mini Cooper JCW World Championship Edition 50 coming to USA with huge price tag

Those who want a pretty exclusive car can always opt for a Mini, as the British brand has revealed plenty of special editions over the years. One of them was the Mini Cooper World Championship Edition 50 limited series, which was released for Europeans some time ago.

Seeing as how the US fans were left drooling over the model, the brand decided to bring a limited number (50) of models to the other side of the Atlantic. Sadly, this trip does come with a rather hefty price that only a few hardcore fans might be able to support: $40,300.

What will you be getting for such an amount? Well, the John Cooper Works edition of the Cooper, meaning 208 HP from that turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, as well as upgraded brakes and other features. Besides that, the WC50 edition includes a special Connaught green paint and a new trim line for the interior.

Still, seeing as how the regular Mini Cooper JCW starts from $29,500 (MSRP), this special edition is going to be a hard purchase to justify.

Source: MotoringFile

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Mini Cooper JCW World Championship Edition 50 coming to USA with huge price tag

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MTM-tuned Audi R8 GT3-2 gets 552 HP and RWD

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 11:06 PM PDT

MTM-tuned Audi R8 GT3-2 gets 552 HP and RWD

Quick question, what does the Audi R8 need?

Many of you might say nothing, as it is already a very capable sportscar. The guys at MTM don’t think that, and have just revealed the Audi R8 GT3-2 project. Sure, it has a power increase and a new aerodynamic body kit, but what’s so different about this car that sets it apart? How about the fact that MTM disabled the front-wheel drive part of the quattro system, leaving the R8 GT3-2 a pure rear-wheel drive car?

That’s right, after upping the power output to a whopping 552 HP/428 lb-ft by supercharging the 4.2-liter FSI engine, the guys made the car a rear-wheel drive model, offering a “unique sensation behind the wheel of an Audi”. 0 to 62 mph in achieved in 3.9 seconds, while it will be able to reach 197 mph (317 km/h).

MTM-tuned Audi R8 GT3-2 gets 552 HP and RWD

Improved suspension, upgraded brakes and a full carbon fiber body kit, consisting of the usual front bumper, with adjustable spoiler, rear wing and diffuser, were also added. The R8 GT3-2 is currently sitting on 29-inch forged wheels.

No word on price for the model, but MTM says all Audi R8 V8 owners can upgrade their Ingolstadt supercar to a GT3-2 model.

Souce: MTM

Post published on Rpmgo.com

MTM-tuned Audi R8 GT3-2 gets 552 HP and RWD

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Drive like it’s stolen

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 07:32 AM PDT

You may have gotten so used to your car, that you’ve forgotten how to properly appreciate it. It’s just like in a relationship: at some point, you start taking things for granted and there’s no pleasure in that.

Remember the first days you bought your car? You were thrilled and every drive was like a scene cut from an action movie. Well, maybe you should remember what that feels like. So, drive like it’s stolen, baby! Please the crowd, get the girl and make the other girls jealous. Of course, you can’t do it without your lucky T-shirt.

Lucky T-shirt crisis? The RevvNation store can help!

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Drive like it’s stolen

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