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- Porsche 911 GT2 RS leaked in new photos ahead of debut
- Land Rover to go front-wheel drive with future LRX
- Audi R8 catches fire on Dutch highway
- Infiniti planning hatchback, compact crossover and own version of Nissan Leaf
- Ford Grand C-Max seven-seat MPV coming to USA from Spain
- Lexus cutting prices on F-Sport accessories for IS and GS models
- Toyota offers to replace rusted Tundra frame for 2000-2003 models
- Ford confirms hybrid and plug-in hybrid C-Max MPV for Europe
- Porsche offers Sport Classic accessories, Turbo steering wheels to current 911 models
- Seat Ibiza Bocanegra ST arriving at Worthersee
| Porsche 911 GT2 RS leaked in new photos ahead of debut Posted: 11 May 2010 02:54 AM PDT  The worst kept secret of Porsche, the 911 GT2 RS, has been once leaked in a set of photos before it will be formally launched around the end of the week. After seeing the first photo of the GT2 RS, captured at a VIP dealer event held by the German company, two new photos of the hardcore performance model have appeared, showcasing the 911 GT2 RS in greater detail, both inside and out. As you can see above, the 200 lbs in shaved weight owe a lot to the carbon fiber bonnet, as well as other accessories made from the lightweight material. The cooling of the big engine, capable of a rumored 620 HP, will be ensured by the air vents in the front but also those on the side of the performance model.  On the inside, as you can clearly see, Alcantara has been used extensively. A two-tone black and red trim is present, but for an estimated asking price of $315,000, you can figure out that Porsche might offer other options to its customers. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS will be revealed, in all its rear-wheel drive hardcore glory, at the end of the week. Until then, check out these two new leaked photos. Source: Autogespot via ThisWeekInMotors Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Land Rover to go front-wheel drive with future LRX Posted: 11 May 2010 02:10 AM PDT  The unbelievable is happening, Land Rover fans, as sources from the company say that the next model, based on the Range Rover LRX concept, will receive a *gasp* front-wheel drive option! Why, you ask, is a quintessentially off-road brand like Land Rover going to send engine power just to the front wheels? The company “cannot ignore the growth of the two-wheel-drive SUV segment.” As such, soon after the LRX will be launched in all-wheel drive format, a FWD version will be made available. Currently it is rumored that both editions will be appearing at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, at the beginning of fall. It seems that besides the popularity of this configuration, a FWD LRX will allow for improved fuel economy and lower emissions. The AWD model will achieve an impressive 140 g/km of CO2 emissions, but the FWD will do even better, at 130 g/km. Autocar also reports that a PSA-sourced 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine might appear, capable of 185 HP. It will be coupled to a manual six-speed gearbox. Last but not least, it seems that even though we’ve grown accustomed to the LRX name, Land Rover wants to change it to something else, with variants even include the Range Rover Compact. While purists are definitely going to want to tar and feather LR execs, this decision might help the off-road company a lot, especially with tougher emissions standards both in Europe and the US. What say you? Is a FWD Range Rover LRX to your liking? Share your thoughts below. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Audi R8 catches fire on Dutch highway Posted: 11 May 2010 01:47 AM PDT  The Audi R8 is one extremely popular supercar, offering some great thrills but also a bit of practicality and, most importantly in these tough times, a price that won’t require an arm and a leg. Sadly, it seems the Ingolstadt carmaker does have a ’slight’ problem with some of its R8 models: they catch fire! We’ve seen an Audi R8 devastated by a fire in Germany and even in our native Romania. Now, a new report comes from the Netherlands. It seems a potential customer took a matte black R8 for a test drive from a local dealership. On one of the Dutch highways, after 20 km, the car caught fire. Luckily the driver managed to stop in the emergency lane and quickly got out. Before the fire consumed the model, he managed to capture the image above. The supercar had just 4,000 km (2,485 miles) on the dashboard, so it was practically new. The Dutch police is investigating the incident and will decide who is to blame, either the driver, the dealer or perhaps Audi. Source: Autogespot via GTSpirit via Automarket Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Infiniti planning hatchback, compact crossover and own version of Nissan Leaf Posted: 11 May 2010 01:24 AM PDT  Nissan has some big plans with its luxury division, Infiniti, especially after the Renault Nissan alliance announced a partnership with Daimler. According to some trusty sources, Autocar reports that at least three new models will soon join the Infiniti range. Among them will be a hatchback model, set to rival competitors like the Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series, a compact crossover, slotting in below the EX, and its own version of the upcoming Nissan Leaf electric vehicle. The hatchback Infiniti might be based, according to sources, on Mercedes-Benz’s next A Class platform, but don’t forget that Nissan is also rumored to prepare its own hatchback, which will rival the Volkswagen Golf. The compact crossover might also be based on the A Class platform, but nothing is known for sure. Infiniti’s Leaf EV, most likely, will be just a badge-engineered version of the Nissan, with some exterior changes and more quality materials on the inside. As you know, the Japanese company poured big money into the Leaf’s development and wants to get them back as soon as possible. Reports also indicate that European and Asian markets might soon receive some new diesel engine variants for other Infiniti models, as the Japanese company wants to fit Mercedes-Benz’s popular four-cylinder units in the next G lineup. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ford Grand C-Max seven-seat MPV coming to USA from Spain Posted: 11 May 2010 01:04 AM PDT  Besides talking about the future hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the C-Max five-seater MPV, Ford has also confirmed that the seven-seater Grand C-Max will be making its way over the Atlantic, from the plant in Valencia, Spain, to the USA. When is the big sliding door MPV going to get on the cargo ship? Late 2011, apparently. At that time, the Grand C-Max is going to fill the gap left by the old Freestar and attack the big MPV market head on. Ford didn’t reveal what engines will be making an appearance under the bonnet of the big C-Max, but rumors are already flying around about a direct injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder and with the great option of upgrading to a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-pot. In case you paid attention in recent weeks, that specific unit will soon be available with the next generation Explorer SUV and Edge crossover later this year. Source: Ford Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Lexus cutting prices on F-Sport accessories for IS and GS models Posted: 11 May 2010 12:46 AM PDT  With summer rapidly approaching, people are once again aiming to showcase their rides to the public. Seeing as how you can’t even go outside with a stock car, accessories and various packages are the way to go in order to add that extra bit of flavor to your ride. Lexus knows this and has just announced that it has cut prices on its F-Sport accessories packages, currently available for the IS and GS lineups. You will now be able to order a suspension lowering kit for $1,450, for $4,495 you will also receive a set of new wheels wrapped in performance tires and if you want to go all out, you’ll get all that plus a new performance braking system for $8,995. The sales on the F-Sport packages will start on June 1 and continue until the July 31. Source: Lexus Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Toyota offers to replace rusted Tundra frame for 2000-2003 models Posted: 11 May 2010 12:29 AM PDT  2000-2003 Toyota Tundra pick-up trucks may have a ’slight’ rust problem, as the models have seen some serious issues with their spare tire compartments. Toyota knows this, and is preparing a pretty big surprise for affected owners. If you have holes wider than 10 millimeters (around half an inch), then you might have the whole frame of your pick-up truck replaced, free of charge. The Japanese company will extend its frame corrosion guarantee, meaning that if your Tundra is in working order (if it starts, isn’t damaged or salvaged), it will be fixed for free. A loaner vehicle will be supplied by the dealership while the frame is being replaced, a repair which, according to some sources, may cost as much as $10,000. If this offer turns out to be true, then Toyota might score some serious points in the eyes of the consumer for upholding its guarantee and keeping customers happy. Source: Kicking Tires Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Ford confirms hybrid and plug-in hybrid C-Max MPV for Europe Posted: 11 May 2010 12:12 AM PDT  Ford has just unveiled that its Valencia plant in Spain will be the first to produce hybrid and plug-in hybrid models destined for European use. The models in question will be based on the new C-Max MPV, a five-seater that sits on Ford’s new compact car platform. Readers with a keen memory should already know that this platform will also be the base for the 2012 Focus hatchback. The hybrid system is an all new assembly, different from the one on the Fusion Hybrid found in the USA, for example. Not a lot is known, but considering the C-Max will be the first model to benefit from the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, our fingers are crossed so that the unit might be paired with an electric motor. The new platform also allows the use of an electric powertrain, as highlighted by the announcement of the 2012 Focus Electric, but Ford officials haven’t confirmed such a version for the C-Max. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the C-Max will hit the European market around 2013. Source: Ford Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Porsche offers Sport Classic accessories, Turbo steering wheels to current 911 models Posted: 10 May 2010 11:35 PM PDT  Porsche, besides thinking of new models to release that aren’t sportscars, has listened to a few customer suggestions concerning its bread-and-butter model, the 911. As such, it has released new accessories and options packages for current 997-generation sportscars. They consist of both retro-inspired things but also eagerly awaited upgrades. First off, the company will offer special Fuchs wheels, inspired by a five-spoke design used by Porsche from 1966 to the 1980s. While those wheels aren’t featured in the above image, a new aerodynamic front fascia as well as a fresh rear wing appear. These will make your 911 models look just like the race cars from the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. In case you just want to feel more special inside your regular 911, you’ll be happy to hear that non-Turbo models, equipped with the PDK dual-clutch gearbox, can finally opt for a Turbo steering wheel. What does that bring? It replaces the wheel-mounted toggle switch shifters for the gearbox with regular paddles behind the actual wheel, for an easier and sportier drive. All of these new Porsche accessories and options are already available in Europe and will soon hit North America. Source: Porsche Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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| Seat Ibiza Bocanegra ST arriving at Worthersee Posted: 10 May 2010 11:19 PM PDT  Seat isn’t arriving at the upcoming Worthersee Tour empty handed, as the Spanish carmaker, part of the Volkswagen Group, has revealed that it will bring forth a Bocanegra version of the recently revealed Ibiza ST station wagon. As you can tell by the name, the new project will take styling cues from the older Bocanegra concept and the special edition made last year for the regular Ibiza (pictured above). From what we can tell, the upgraded Ibiza will boast a special two-tone paint, with black accents in the front as well as on the exterior mirror housings. The special black tone will also be used for the front grille and on the roof of the Ibiza Bocanegra ST. For the inside, the Spanish carmaker added sports seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum sports pedals. The whole package is rounded off with a set of enlarged wheels. Besides the Seat Ibiza Bocanegra ST, the company will also present other accessories for models like the Leon. Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com Related posts:
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