Tuesday, August 10, 2010

RPMGO Car Blog

RPMGO Car Blog


Next BMW M5 F10 gets its exterior and interior spied

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 01:12 AM PDT

Next BMW M5 F10 gets its exterior and interior spied

The next BMW M5 performance sedan (the F10 generation) has been a long time coming, especially as how the current M5 is no longer in production.

We saw some camouflaged photos a while back, but now, thanks to an eagle-eyed spy photographer, both the exterior and the interior of the next BMW M5 have been revealed.

Next BMW M5 F10 gets its exterior and interior spied

As you can see, the new M5 will feature a more aggressive take on the design of the current 2011 5 Series, while its interior has leather upholstery, Alcantara on the headline as well as aluminum trim and red needles in all of the dials.

The BMW M5 F10 will be powered by the same twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 from the X5 M and X6 M, upgraded to deliver around 592 HP.

Source: 5Post via Autoblog

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Next BMW M5 F10 gets its exterior and interior spied

European Ford Fiesta set to get refreshed looks in 2012

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 12:55 AM PDT

European Ford Fiesta set to get refreshed looks in 2012

Even though the 2011 Ford Fiesta is reaching US dealerships as we speak, the Blue Oval is already looking to the future, and is reportedly ready to implement a refresh to the European Fiesta as early as 2012.

According to the rumors, the Fiesta, which is available only as a hatchback in the Old Continent, will get a restyled front fascia, complete with LED lights. The front spoiler will be redrawn, while the interior of the compact hatch will get new options.

Most importantly though are the new engines, all wearing the EcoBoost name. The Fiesta will get a 90 HP turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder enginie, like the one on the Ford Start concept, while the performance Fiesta ST will receive a 180 HP 1.6-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine.

Expect the facelifted Ford Fiesta to appear in Europe at the end of 2012, and might reach US shores in 2013.

Source: Autoblog.it via Automarket

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European Ford Fiesta set to get refreshed looks in 2012

Video: The BMW 1 Series M Coupe goes out on the track

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 12:43 AM PDT

Video: The BMW 1 Series M Coupe goes out on the track

Even though it was one of the worst kept secrets in the automotive industry, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe was finally showcased last month.

Besides the camouflage photos, we also saw a slight video of the hot 1 Series tearing it up on the Ascari test track in Spain, with BMW M Division boss Dr. Kay Segler boasting the performance the baby M car will have.

In case you didn’t believe him, a new video has appeared, showcasing what it’s like to ride in the passenger seat while the BMW 1 Series M Coupe was driven on the actual Ascari track.

While it’s not as spectacular as the reveal video, we’re pretty sure the sound of the twin-turbo inline-six cylinder engine will be more than enough to deserve a view. So, hit the jump and see what the entry level M model can do.

Source: M-Power via Autoblog

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Video: The BMW 1 Series M Coupe goes out on the track

Toyota planning cheap and fun rear-wheel drive hot hatch to slot under the FT-86

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 12:13 AM PDT

Toyota planning cheap and fun rear-wheel drive hot hatch to slot under the FT-86

It seems that Toyota is slowly getting back on the right track, as a new report, coming from Autocar, claims that the Japanese company will be launching a fun and cheap rear-wheel drive hot hatchback.

According to the British magazine, in honor of the late Hiromu Naruse, Toyota will follow one of his pet projects, a small, front-engined yet rear-wheel drive hot hatchback. The model promises to be fun to drive but cheap enough for young buyers.

The model will presumably slot in below the much talked about Toyota FT-86 rear-wheel drive coupe, and might be based on the GRMN Hot Hatch Concept (pictured above) that was showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

The concept was based on the Aygo platform, which was adapted for rear-wheel drive, and used a 1.5-liter gasoline engine from Daihatsu. The model was showcased on the track where, thanks to its low weight of around 2,200 pounds, it impressed a lot of people.

The new Toyota hot hatch is expected to arrive around 2012, after the FT-86 will be launched.

Source: Autocar

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Toyota planning cheap and fun rear-wheel drive hot hatch to slot under the FT-86

Compact Buick Verana arrives in 2012, hybrid Lacrosse also planned, report says

Posted: 09 Aug 2010 11:58 PM PDT

Compact Buick Verana arrives in 2012, hybrid Lacrosse also planned, report says

General Motors’ Buick lineup is becoming extremely solid, thanks to modern models like the Lacrosse or the Enclave, as well as with the leader of the new revolution, the 2011 Regal.

But GM isn’t done with the Tri-Shield brand, and according to Automotive News, will launch a compact sedan in 2012, called the Buick Verana.

We’ve already heard these rumors before, but this time it is extremely likely that Buick will get a more compact model in the range. Patent shots have already emerged, and the Opel Astra/Chevrolet Cruze-based Buick Excelle (pictured above) has already been launched in China.

Alongside the Verana, GM is also planning a hybrid Lacrosse model, which will attract green-minded people to the Buick range.

Source: Automotive News

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Compact Buick Verana arrives in 2012, hybrid Lacrosse also planned, report says

Volkswagen officially owns 90.1% of Italdesign Giugiaro

Posted: 09 Aug 2010 11:32 PM PDT

Volkswagen officially owns 90.1% of Italdesign Giugiaro

Even though the announcement was made a few months ago, Volkswagen has now officially bought a majority stake in Italian design company Italdesign Giugiaro.

The German company now holds, through Lamborghini, a subsidiary of Audi, a 90.1 percent stake in the Italian company, with the remaining shares being held by the Giugiaro family.

Giorgetto Giugiaro, the founder of the Italian design and development house will remain as chairman, while his son, Fabrizio, will continue to act as vice president.

IDG has had a long time partnership with Volkswagen, with the company being responsible for the first generation Golf as well as models like the Passat Scirocco. As of yet though, it is unclear if the new ownership will allow the company to work with other automakers.

Source: Volkswagen

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Volkswagen officially owns 90.1% of Italdesign Giugiaro

Honda recalls 383,000 Accord, Civic and Element models over ignition problems

Posted: 09 Aug 2010 11:22 PM PDT

Honda recalls 383,000 Accord, Civic and Element models over ignition problems

Honda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have just announced a new recall, affecting a whopping 383,000 vehicles.

The models affected include 197,000 2003 Accord ones, 117,000 2003 Civic vehicles and 69,000 2003-2004 Element models. All of these cars have a problem with the ignition interlock mechanism, which, over time, can wear out, and allow the key to be pulled out of the ignition, even if the car isn’t in Park.

If such a thing occurs and the parking brake isn’t engaged, the car can roll away on its own, if it’s on a slope.

Owners will be notified next month to take their cars over to the nearest dealership so that a new interlock system can be fitted. For more information, you can check out Honda’s dedicated web page, as well as call (800) 999-1009.

Source: Honda

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Honda recalls 383,000 Accord, Civic and Element models over ignition problems