Thursday, May 13, 2010

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)

RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)


Video: Ford Fiesta takes on Lamborghini Gallardo

Posted: 13 May 2010 02:19 AM PDT

Video: Ford Fiesta takes on Lamborghini Gallardo

Ford is definitely pulling out all the stops to promote its Fiesta model ahead of its US launch this summer. We’ve seen marketing on Twitter, Facebook and all over the TV.

Now, the company is sharing a few YouTube videos of ‘practical’ tests involving the Fiesta. The newest one involves the tiny compact hatchback taking on a another car.

What car might that be? It’s ‘nearest’ rival, the Lamborghini Gallardo. No, we’re not kidding, the Blue Oval took its petite hatchback and challenged the V10-powered Lambo in a series of tests.

While the drag race was won by the Gallardo, the other tests weren’t that easy. Hit the jump and check out the video of the Ford Fiesta versus the Lamborghini Gallardo.

Source: GTSpirit

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: Ford Fiesta takes on Lamborghini Gallardo

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Video: BMW M3 GTS is the fastest M3 ever made

Posted: 13 May 2010 02:07 AM PDT

Video: BMW M3 GTS is the fastest M3 ever made

Although the BMW M3 GTS has been revealed to the public late last year, not a lot was known about the Bavarian road-legal rocket, not even if it’s going to make it to production.

Now, BMW finally pulled the curtain, and confirmed that it will be making the M3 GTS, the fastest M3 ever made. The engine from the regular coupe has been enlarged, now displacing 4.36-liters and producing 444 HP together with 325 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque.

0 to 62 mph is achieved in 4.4 seconds while the top speed of the BMW M3 GTS is 190 mph (205 km/h).

In case you’re interested, the M3 GTS starts at €136.850 in its native Germany (around $173,785) without taxes. Not worth it? Then hit the jump and check out a video of the Bavarian rocket lapping the Nurburgring.

Source: BMW

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Video: BMW M3 GTS is the fastest M3 ever made

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NHTSA opens new investigation in another Toyota recall delay

Posted: 13 May 2010 01:35 AM PDT

NHTSA opens new investigation in another Toyota recall delay

Just when you thought Toyota was out of the hole it dug for itself with the huge recalls and the big fine it received for delaying the official announcement of those recalls, the Japanese carmaker is now subjected to a new investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The reason? A delayed recall, of course. This time, an older recall is the actual reason, which affected 1989-1998 T100 pick-up trucks and 4Runner SUVs.

It seems Toyota found out about a problem with the steering linkages on these models in 2004, and initiated a recall in its native Japan that same year. The carmaker didn’t do the same in the USA until September 2005. The reason behind this decision was that driving patterns for Japan and the US are different, and it didn’t know if the problem would manifest here.

According to the NHTSA, the steering defects resulted in 16 accidents, including 3 deaths and seven injuries. The Japanese company says that it alerted the NHTSA after it received 54 complaints under the five days regulated by the law.

We can’t really say for sure if Toyota is to blame once again, as the investigation is still underway, but if it turns out to be true, the company will no doubt be hit with another huge fine in the wallet and another stain on its reputation.

Source: Consumer Reports via Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

NHTSA opens new investigation in another Toyota recall delay

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Hybrid Range Rover Sport Range_e coming in 2013

Posted: 13 May 2010 01:17 AM PDT

Hybrid Range Rover Sport Range_e coming in 2013

Land Rover is preparing yet another big step forward, as after it announced that the future Range Rover LRX will boast a front-wheel drive version, it has revealed the Range Rover Sport Range_e prototype.

The car you see above will preview, according to LR, a future diesel-electric hybrid model, and will serve as a test for the powertrain that will be fitted to the green SUV when it will appear in 2013.

Rumors are already speculating that underneath the bonnet of the Range_e will be a 3.0-liter V6 diesel coupled to an electric motor through a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. This is expected to cut both fuel economy and CO2 emissions in half.

Five Range Rover Sport Range_e hybrid prototypes will begin testing around the UK later this year, but expect the green technology, both in diesel-electric and gasoline-electric variety, to appear, in the future, on all Land Rover and Range Rover models.

Source: CarMagazine

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Hybrid Range Rover Sport Range_e coming in 2013

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Audi A1 demand surpasses scheduled production

Posted: 13 May 2010 12:55 AM PDT

Audi A1 demand surpasses scheduled production

We’ve been teasing Audi for its extended marketing campaign for the A1 city car, but it seems that the gamble paid off in full, as the Ingolstadt company has just announced that orders for the new compact might surpass the scheduled production of 50,000 units this year.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s head of sales and marketing, revealed that if the trend continues, all models might soon be accounted for and new customers will be put on a waiting list.

The plant in Brussels, Belgium, has already started production, with 500 A1 units being rolled off the assembly line each day. The manufacturing target for 2010 is 50,000, and will grow to 80,000 in 2011 and 100,000 in 2012.

According to Audi, almost 90% of people interested in the A1 are first-time Audi buyers. As was revealed at the beginning of the year, the carmaker hopes that the city car will lead their interest to bigger models in the Audi range.

All in all, Audi will definitely get back its development money plus the cash it dropped for marketing efforts like ‘The Next Big Thing’ short movie series with Justin Timberlake.

Source: Autocar

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Audi A1 demand surpasses scheduled production

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Honda CR-Z will appeal to tuning fans, executive says

Posted: 13 May 2010 12:34 AM PDT

Honda CR-Z will appeal to tuning fans, executive says

Honda is marketing its newest hybrid endeavor, the CR-Z, as a sports coupe capable of eliminating the image of a slow but fuel efficient car from the minds of enthusiasts.

But seeing as how the car will be pumping out just 122 HP and 128 lb-ft of torque, not a lot of people are actually confident that this model will be any good.

You know what type of people will fall in love with the car, though? Tuners, at least according to John Mendel, executive vice president for automobile sales at American Honda. According to him, the spiritual ancestor of the CR-Z, the CRX, was a symbol for tuning enthusiasts. Because of that, they will absolutely fall in love with the new hybrid model.

Honestly, we’re having a hard time believing tuners might actually be interested in the car, at least from a mechanical standpoint. Sure, it looks pretty good and the aerodynamics will no doubt be top notch, but nothing short of an engine transplant will make it a great tuning choice.

What do you think? Are customizers going to fall in love with the Honda CR-Z hybrid? Share your thoughts below.

Source: Automotive News via Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Honda CR-Z will appeal to tuning fans, executive says

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GM might partner up with Google to use Android OS on future cars

Posted: 13 May 2010 12:07 AM PDT

GM might partner up with Google to use Android OS on future cars

In today’s car market, making good vehicles isn’t enough, as more and more features need to be added in order to attract people. As such, Ford and Microsoft teamed up for the Sync/MyFord infotainment system, which offers anything from great satellite navigation to support for various mobile phones.

General Motors isn’t sitting passively, and even though it has its OnStar system, it might try to partner up with one of Microsoft’s rivals, Google. According to a report coming from MotorTrend, the US carmaker might use the Android mobile operating system on future models.

According to MT, this collaboration will pave the way for a new era in infotainment systems. The Android OS currently has a pretty big marketplace filled with interesting applications, which might turn owning a GM car into a much more pleasant experience.

Still, as MT notes, this might interfere with the duties of GM’s OnStar system. We won’t know for sure when or even if the partnership will be made official, but you can be pretty sure that it will be better than the Chinese Google Android car, the Roewe 350.

Source: MotorTrend

Post published on Rpmgo.com

GM might partner up with Google to use Android OS on future cars

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Subaru recalls 29,443 Outback and Legacy models over faulty CVT hose

Posted: 12 May 2010 11:48 PM PDT

Subaru recalls 29,443 Outback and Legacy models over faulty CVT hose

Subaru and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have just revealed a new recall that affects 29,443 Outback and Legacy models.

The problem with these cars stems from a cooling hose for the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which may crack and lead to leaks and spills. The issue can manifest on Outback and Legacy units manufactured between July 31 and December 1, 2009.

Owners of such vehicles are advised to go to their nearest Subaru dealership where a new hose will be fitted, free of charge. If you are unsure about your own car or want to find out more info on this recall, you can call Subaru at 1-856-488-8500.

Source: NHTSA

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Subaru recalls 29,443 Outback and Legacy models over faulty CVT hose

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Kia presents Ghost Soul special edition

Posted: 12 May 2010 11:36 PM PDT

Kia presents Ghost Soul special edition

Kia is really pulling out all the stops in promoting its funky little half-hatchback half-MPV model, the Soul. After releasing a few other customization projects, the South Korean carmaker has now revealed the Ghost Soul special edition.

No, Kia won’t offer a free poltergeist with every purchase, but it will throw in a few extra features. The car is based on the Soul+ trim line, meaning you get new fender vents, a rear spoiler, a plethora of chrome accents and a new set of 18-inch wheels.

Kia presents Ghost Soul special edition

On the inside, the Ghost Soul boasts leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, plus a set of heated leather seats, that replace the old bucket ones from the stock equipment. The Audio Upgrade package is also a part of the Ghost Soul, meaning you can enjoy a new central speaker plus a subwoofer while making ghosts sounds on the road.

The Kia Ghost Soul special edition starts at $20,185, but doesn’t include destination charge. It is currently available across all US dealerships.

Source: Kia

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Kia presents Ghost Soul special edition

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Uma Thurman set to promote the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Posted: 12 May 2010 11:24 PM PDT

Uma Thurman set to promote the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta

It seems Audi isn’t the only carmaker set to promote one of its new models with a star from the USA, as Alfa Romeo has just announced that Pulp Fiction or Kill Bill actress Uma Thurman will be starring alongside the new Giulietta hatchback in a series of ads, filmed in the USA.

It seems that the lovely actress will be using her talents to evoke five different types of personalities, all encompassed by the stunning new Giulietta. Alfa says that Uma Thurman can really highlight the multiple characteristics of the new hatch, from sporty, to comfy and anything in between.

The ad campaign will start airing in Italy on May 16, so until then we can only dream of how the lovely Hollywood actress will interact with the lovely Italian hatchback.

Source: WCF

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Uma Thurman set to promote the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta

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