RPMGO Car Blog |
- 2011 Vauxhall VXR8 Announced
- 2012 BMW 1 Series Coupe And Convertible Announced
- Gemballa 2011 Porsche Cayenne
- 2012 Ford Focus UK Pricing Detailed
- Volkswagen Taxi Concept
- Vauxhall Ampera UK Pricing Published
- APS Volkswagen Golf R Stage 2
- In Depth – 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT
| Posted: 16 Dec 2010 03:31 AM PST  2011 Vauxhall VXR8 Yesterday Vauxhall announced the 2011 VXR8 model and published the price list for the United Kingdom market. The car will be officially on sale as of March 2011 and is based on the higher-spec GTS model, featuring full leather trim (as standard) and an updated exterior and interior look. The car sports a powerful 6.2-litre V8 engine that will do 431 PS. This rear-wheel drive car has a starting price of 49,500 pounds (including the increased VAT) and will be available for ordering at the end of the year. The 2011 Vauxhall VXR8 is based on the recently launched HSV E3 GTS that debuted in Australia a few weeks ago. The outgoing generation of the VXR8 is based on the lower-spec ClubSport R8. The new model is considerably cheaper than the Jaguar XFR, Audi RS6 and the Mercedes E63 AMG with 13k-29k pounds and also more affordable than the Mercedes C63 AMG or the BMW M3. The new model features an updated "Shockwave" grille, sleek new wing-vents and LED running lights for the front of the car. On the back, you will find the "Superflow" rear spoiler, twin exhaust tips that imitate the front grille shape and LED tail lamps. Similar with the outgoing generation, the 2011 model sports MacPherson struts/progressive rate coil springs in the front and a modern multi-link independent setup at the rear of the VXR8. A premiere to this model is the MRC – Magnetic Ride Control which is a system that adapts up to 1000 times / second to driver inputs and road conditions. This technology is based on the MRC installed by Corvette on their ZR1 supercar and functions by sending an electric current through damper units that are filled with "soft" magnetic particles that harden when the input reaches the maximum value, providing users of the cars great handling, stopping power and exceptional level of the ride. A new feature on the 2011 model is the Launch Control which is activated when the driver of the VXR8 selects the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Competition Mode. This system is capable of dictating the level of the torque which is delivered to the rear wheels of the Vauxhall, for maximum acceleration.  2011 Vauxhall VXR8 The fourth-generation of the large-capacity V8 6.2-litre LS3 engine is capable of producing 431 PS and an incredible torque of 550 Nm. These figures allow the car to reach 60 mph from start in 4.9 seconds. The top speed of the 2011 Vauxhall VXR8 is 155 mph. The engine of the car can be linked to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or with an automatic transmission that will work through a mechanical limited slip differential. The inside of the car has received important updates, the VXR8 now benefits from full leather trim (as standard). The front occupants of the car will sit in special HSV Performance Seats that are 8-way adjustable. In order to bring a cleaner and integrated appearance, the car benefits form a new instrument cluster and surround along with an updated switchgear and central stack. Standard on all trim levels are the Aux-in/USB inputs, Bluetooth with touch-screen dialing and phone book display and support for the iPod. The new model can be equipped with an Enhanced Driver Interface – EDI which is connected to the on-board computer of the Vauxhall VXR8 and constantly streams real-time car performance and dynamics to the generous 5-inch monitor. The driver has the possibility to browse through a wide variety of data, including lap times, drifting levels, power and torque as well as the G-forces levels. The drivers of the car have the possibility to download this data and further analyze it through the MOTEC i2 software which is included. Post published on Rpmgo.com   |
| 2012 BMW 1 Series Coupe And Convertible Announced Posted: 16 Dec 2010 03:30 AM PST  2012 BMW 1 Series Coupe And Convertible After the launch of the 1-Series M Coupe, BMW will add two new models to its least expensive range of cars. The two models are the coupe and convertible versions of the 128i and 135i which will receive mild styling updates and a brand new powertrain (only for the 135i). As an optional feature, the 128i can be fitted with Xenon headlamps which come as standard on the 135i, and for the 2012 model, they feature a horizontal LE eyebrow that complements the corona running lamps. In the back of the car, BMW equipped both models with LED running lamps that are similar to the rest of the lamps found on the other BMW cars. Standard on the 135i and optional on the 128i is the tweaked M Sport package which consists of an aero kit, an increased top speed limiter and more sporting suspension geometry. As an optional feature, the car can be equipped with M-branded interior trim components and sport seats. Similar to its bigger brother, the 3-Series, the 135i from BMW is equipped with the N55 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger that is capable of outputting 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque. As standard, the engine is linked to a manual 6-speed gearbox, but can be fitted to a 7-speed DCT gearbox that was first available on the beautiful Z4 roadster. With this transmission, the car needs 5.1 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint and with the standard gearbox, it will reach 100 km/h from start in 5.4 seconds. The cheaper 128i will be fitted with the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter power unit that equips the outgoing generation. This engine produces 230 hp and a 200 lb-ft and can be linked with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or with a Steptronic transmission. Both of the cars benefit from a complex suspension system that features aluminum double-pivot suspension in the front and a 5-link fully independent rear suspension made out of lightweight steel. Both cars are equipped with the proprietary DSC technology – Dynamic Stability Control, which includes DTC – Dynamic Traction Control, a function that provides electronic intervention in order to avoid loss of automobile control, but at a higher threshold before activation. The driver has the possibility to disable both systems if he wants to take full control of the car. As an optional feature only on the 135i Coupe, is the Active Steering which is a variable ratio steering system. The electronic rear brake management simulates a differential lock for allowing a stronger acceleration in low-traction conditions and in turns. The rear differential of the 128i and the 135i is from a new generation of final drives that were designed and optimized in order improve fuel efficiency and smoothness of the ride. For the first time, the differential sports double-helical ball bearings which allow it to run at lower temperatures which are reached more quickly due to the reduction of the fluid required in the differential. The front suspension of the car features a double-pivot spring and strut front suspension that has an anti-roll bar, made out of aluminum, and is capable of offering the perfect balance between low weight and stiffness. In order to improve the dynamics of the 1-Series, the German engineers at BMW updated the stable stack control arms and thrust rods, along with an almost perfect wheel positioning. The pricing for the 2012 BMW 1-Series will be published at the beginning of 2011, closer to the launch of the cars. The outgoing model has a basic price of $29,450 (for the 128i model) and $36,350 (for the 135i model). Our guess is that these two prices will not be very different for the 2012 model. Post published on Rpmgo.com  |
| Posted: 16 Dec 2010 03:28 AM PST  Gemballa 2011 Porsche Cayenne This week Gemballa revealed the tuning program for the Porsche Cayenne sport utility vehicle. Based on the Cayenne II 958, the all-new Gemballa Tornado offers an increased power and a different exterior look. The SUV will be equipped with the Stage Two power pack which raises the engine's output by 35-40%, reaching 675 hp – 700 hp. With this tuning program, the Cayenne is estimated to offer an incredible torque of 1000 Nm. In order to safely handle all that power under the hood, the engineers at Gemballa have equipped the SUV with Brembo brakes that have 420 mm vented discs with 6-pot calipers for the front wheels and 405 mm vented discs and 4-pot calipers for the rear wheels. The car now rides on 10.0J x 22-inch rim that have 295/35 ZR22 tires at the front and 12.0J x 22-inch wheels with 335/30 ZR22 tires at the rear of the Cayenne-based Gemballa Tornado. The wide body kit of the car has now increased to 2.05m in width and it is manufactured from carbon fiber. Also new are the rear lights of this car which have been entirely redesigned. This tuning program for the Cayenne is the first product of GEMBALLA GmbH and according to the CEO of the company, Andreas Schwarz "Carbon-fiber is a high strength, low weight structural material that needs to be used honestly, and not just for decoration". Other than the roof panels, hatchback and the steel body-in-white rear quarter, all the other steel body components have been replaced by carbon-fiber equivalents. The engineers at Gemballa managed to shave off 70 kg from the original version by adding a carbon-fiber bonnet, doors, side still covers, rear hatch outer skin and front/rear bumper/valance. All of these new panels use the factory mounting points. Despite these significant changes in comparison to the original Porsche Cayenne, the security-related features like the door side impact protection or the passenger safety have not been altered in any way. Also, the high level of comfort of the Cayenne is still there, according to the Gemballa press release.  Gemballa 2011 Porsche Cayenne Looking at the 2011 Gemballa Porsche Cayenne sport utility vehicle from the front, you will notice the large grille which is flanked by the two smaller ones, all of them offering the necessary amount of ram air for the two stages of uprated, twin-turbocharged power units. Beside the fog lights, Gemballa installed the brake cooling ducts. The matte black visible carbon finish was used on the redesigned tail panel and rear corners of the Cayenne. The recessed surfaces available in matte finish visible carbon offer the Tornado a stronger sculpted appearance, similar to the Avalanche GTR. All of the four disc brakes of the car are cross-drilled and slotted; and were designed and manufactured exclusively for the company in these sizes. The Stage One tuning program for the 2011 Porsche Cayenne developed by Gemballa offers a total engine power of 580 hp and the Tornado will be fitted with the Stage Two program which will offer between 675 and 700 hp. This model will celebrate 30 years of activity for the Gemballa brand. There is no information at the moment regarding the price of the Stage Two program, but what we do know is that Gemballa will be making only 30 of these cars, so grab one while you still can. Post published on Rpmgo.com  |
| 2012 Ford Focus UK Pricing Detailed Posted: 16 Dec 2010 03:27 AM PST  2012 Ford Focus Ford has recently announced the price list for the 2012 Focus in United Kingdom and the fact that sales will begin in March 2011. The basic model will cost 15,995 pounds (including 2011 VAT increase). The entire range of the Focus will feature DAB digital radio, USB connectivity, voice control and Torque Vectoring Control system. The petrol and diesel power units will emit from 109g CO2/km and will do 67.3 mpg. The proprietary Torque Vectoring Control technology was first launched on the C-MAX model and is capable of balancing the distribution of the power unit torque between the driven front wheels of the Focus in order to optimize the stability and the grip of the car. Other standard features of the Focus lineup include ABS, ESP, ISOFIX child seat attachments, front, side and curtain airbags, Ford Easy Fuel which prevents misfuelling and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm. The basic model is the Focus Edge, with a price of 15,995 pounds and is equipped with a petrol 1.6-litre 105 PS power unit and for 1,000 pounds more, the car can be fitted with a 1.6-litre 95 PS TDCi engine. The officials at Ford said that the Zetec trim level will be the most popular among customers. With a starting price of 16,995 for the 1.6 petrol engines, the Focus gets 16-inch alloy wheels, sports-style seats, front fog lamps, leather steering wheel and Quickclear heated front windscreen and door mirrors. Moving upwards the Focus lineup we find the luxurious Titanium series that starts from 18,745 pounds and is fitted with a 1.6-litre 125 PS petrol engine. In addition to the features listed above, the Titanium will get you Sony audio, cruise control with speed limiter, Ford's tire deflation detection system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing front wipers, Hill Start Assist – HAS, dual electronic automatic temperature control and keyless start.  2012 Ford Focus The top of the range 2012 Ford Focus is the Titanium X that has a starting price of 21,245 pounds for the 1.6-litre 150 PS EcoBoost petrol engine. This trim level comes with power driver's seat, headlamp jet wash, power-fold mirrors, LED day running lights, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Active Park Assist, 17-inich alloy wheels, heated front seats and partial leather trim. As optional, the Focus can be equipped with a Low Speed Safety System, a Lane Keeping Aid or the proprietary Blind Spot Information System. For those customers that will choose the Sony DAB Navigation System, they will also benefit from a rear-view camera. The selection of powertrains for the 2012 Ford Focus offers three petrol power units (including the new powerful 1.6-litre 150 PS EcoBoost) and four diesel engines. These will be the upgraded versions of the 1.6 TDCi and 2.0 TDCi powertrains linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox (as optional, the car can be fitted with a dual-clutch PowerShift automatic gearbox for the 2.0-litre engine). For the cars equipped with the 1.6-litre TDCi or the 1.6-litre EcoBoost, they will come as standard with the start/stop technology. The 2012 Focus will be available with two additional colors: Candy Yellow and Candy Red. Post published on Rpmgo.com  |
| Posted: 16 Dec 2010 03:25 AM PST  Volkswagen Taxi Concept Based on the soon to be released Up! city car, the German automaker Volkswagen has revealed the London-style Taxi Concept. The car was designed in order to meet the many challenges that are faced by conventional cars in modern cities, with even tighter restrictions on emissions and space. The heart of the Volkswagen Taxi Concept is an electric motor that is fed by the high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. With a decent capacity of 45 kW/h, the batteries of the Taxi Concept allow the electric motor to output 115 PS which translates in theory to a top speed of about 75 mph. The Taxi Concept will have an estimated driving range of about 186 miles when the batteries are 100% charged. For an 80% charge level, the batteries will need only one hour of charging. The Taxi Concept measures 1,600 mm in height, 3,730 mm in length and 1,680 mm in width, making it shorter than the current smallest model from the German automaker, the Fox. However, thanks to the fact that it has a longer wheel base and minimal front and rear overhangs, it has a more spacious interior with enough room for two adults to sit in comfort along with some luggage. The theme implemented in the Volkswagen Taxi Concept is simplicity, with a clutter-free and elegant interior look. The most important functions of the car like the climate, fare and entertainment info are all grouped onto one touch screen display that is installed next to the driver. In the back of the car, the passenger will have a similar screen that shows information about their route and their immediate environment.  Volkswagen Taxi Concept Although the car has a modest size, the Taxi Concept does not feel cheap, on the contrary, thanks to its cream leather and individual seats, it feels quite elegant. The styling of the car was inspired from the UP!, Space UP!, and the Space UP! Blue concept automobiles and sports deliberately tongue-in-cheek details like the silver Union Jack on the Roof as well as the City of London's coat of arms resplendent on both sides of the car as well as onto the dashboard of the Taxi Concept. The fancy daytime running lights that are mounted within the headlight units are coupled with a distinctive "Taxi" light located on the roof. The light has two settings – green when the taxi is free and red when it is occupied by a client. On the back of the car, the Taxi Concept's light units are integrated into the 60/40 split tailgate. Behind, there are a pair of cubbies that will house the personal belongings of the driver. Although the Volkswagen Taxi Concept does not adhere to the current legal requirements that regulate taxis in England's capital, it does however offer a glimpse on what will the future small and efficient taxis will look like. By efficient we mean that probably all future taxis will be fitted with electric motors sooner or later in order to be more nature-friendly and efficient at the same time. Post published on Rpmgo.com  |
| Vauxhall Ampera UK Pricing Published Posted: 16 Dec 2010 03:23 AM PST  Vauxhall Ampera At the beginning of this week Vauxhall announced the pricing for the Ampera model in the United Kingdom, prior to 2012 when this E-REV = Extended-Range Electric Vehicle will be on sale. Running only on batteries, the Ampera is capable of a range up to 50 miles and along with the conventional engine, the range goes up by 310 miles, reaching a total of 360. The basic price for the 2012 Vauxhall Ampera is 28,995 pounds. The advantages of purchasing the car consist of not having to pay the 5% company car taxation, the TFL congestion charge or the Vehicle Excise Duty payments. In addition, the car benefits from a 5,000 pound reduction offered by the Plug-In Car Grant program.  Vauxhall Ampera According to the press release published by Vahuxall, the Ampera is the only real-world electric automobile solution for a family. In order to fully charge the batteries of the car you will have to wait for about 4 hours via a household 240v electricity socket with an average cost of approximately 1 pound (depending on the applied tariff). Driving the car within the 50 miles range guaranteed by the electric motor will save you money both on the short and long run. The car will be available for sale in showrooms in the first months of 2012 with a price of 28,995 pounds, after all of the reductions. Once we will have more details regarding the trim levels available for the car, we will publish them as soon as possible as this is one of the most interesting cars that will be launched in 2012, along with its main rival, the European version of the Chevrolet Volt, which will be available at dealerships in November 2011. Post published on Rpmgo.com  |
| Posted: 16 Dec 2010 03:22 AM PST  APS Volkswagen Golf R Stage 2 Yesterday APS announced the tuning program for the Volkswagen Golf R, dubbed Stage 2. With this upgrade, the car has received a high flow catalyst; Milltek large bore turbo down pipe as well as various Milltek stainless steel sports exhaust systems. These exhaust systems come with a switchable electronic exhaust valve, dual 100mm ceramic black tailpipes and 2.75-inch bore tubing. The APS Volkswagen Golf R Stage 2 is capable of producing between 320 hp and 330 hp (depending on the exhaust system installed). Customers can choose a resonated Milltek cat back exhaust or a non-resonated cat-back system. The price for the APS Volkswagen Golf R Stage 2 is 1999 GBP (including VAT). Drivers of the Golf R can get at a more affordable price the Stage 1 program that costs 445 GBP (including VAT + fitting). This entry-level program consists of an updated ECU remap, raising the power unit of the Golf R to 308 hp. The engineers at APS have already started working on a Stage 3 tuning program which will allow the Golf R to output 350 hp thanks to the updates that will be brought to the turbocharger. Besides the power upgrades, APS offers a list of chassis upgrades for the Golf R: three-way adjustable Haldex Gen4 four wheel drive controller, uprated suspension bushes, Brembo GT big brake kits, sports lowering springs, KW height and damping adjustable coilover suspension and 18-19 inch Sportec Mono 10 forged allow rims fitted with Toyo tires. Post published on Rpmgo.com  |
| In Depth – 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT Posted: 15 Dec 2010 01:11 PM PST  2011 Chevrolet Cruze The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has great chances of becoming a hit in terms of sales because the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla are at the end of their product life cycles which means that the Cruze will (probably) be more popular among customers thanks to its fresh new appearance. Another reason for a possible success is that General Motors now has the wherewithal to produce a small-sized automobile that shows they understand these types of cars. These times are very good for GM to win a couple of hundred customers from Honda or Toyota; time will tell if this is going to happen. When you give the 2011 Cruze a closer look, you will notice that there is not much in the way of historical lineage as far as the exterior design is concerned. The car does not have anything related to a smaller Chevrolet car: you will not find a trace of the Cavalier model nor you will notice Coblat in those scowling headlamps. Regardless of tastes, the Cruze is a very good looking car, no doubt about it, at least in our humble opinion. Looking at it from the front, you will notice that the angled flying "V" language of the headlights extends to the Cruze's interior, which is the model's pièce de résistance. The engineers over at Chevrolet made several updates for offering a smoother engine and used more sound deadening materials. Taking these two into consideration, it will be very hard for you to notice the engine of the sound at idle. In comparison with its main segment rivals, Chevrolet is cleverly keeping pace with the market trend if you look at the hydraulic engine mounts and the laminated windshield. Looking back five years ago, the small-sized Sentra model from Nissan was regarded as the vault of solitude, but at the moment this car (or the Corolla/Civic) is considerably noisier when put side by side with the 2011 Cruze. The situation is the same not only when the engine is idle but also when driving on the road. Another reason for this noise difference between the Cruze and the rest is because the latter are not equipped with 6-speed automatic gearboxes. The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT will cost you $18,000 (basic price) and with a few upgrades the price reaches the $20k mark. What gives the Cruze the edge over its rivals is the fact that it offers a bundle of features even on the entry-level trim levels, like USB port or Bluetooth. In most cases, such features are present on pricier trims. The inside space and rooms for legs is very generous for a car in this class. The driver has all the space he wants for his knees and both front and back passengers can get full circulation through their extremities, even after sitting in the car for 1-2 hours. The quality of the interior components and the finish of it are good, but not great, definitely there is place for improvements. There is a contrast in quality of the interior parts because the material used for the steering wheel is great, and so is the pattern on the seats, but the plastic insert in the cell phone cubby looks and feels rather cheap. The same contrast can be seen on the plastics used on the dashboard and doors. The 1LT trim level of the Cruze is the most affordable one that allows you to get the 1.4-liter turbo; the LS entry-level trim is equipped with a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four. All of the trims come as standard with 6-speed gearboxes (the manual gearbox is available on the LS and ECO trims). As far as the safety features are concerned, all of the trims come with traction and stability control. The LT gets four-wheel disc brakes (optional on the 2LT). There aren't many cars in this segment that feature four-wheel disc brakes; the only exception we can think of is the Suzuki SX4. The era of newly developed cars has begun with the Cruze, Focus, Elantra and the Fiesta, we will have to wait and see how takes the first place in this battle.  2011 Chevrolet Cruze The people over at AutoBlog.com, managed to drive the Cruze 1LT and consider that the strongest point of the car regarding the actual driving situation, is the low noise level. However, the Mazda 3 is quicker and lighter than the Chevy and there are other cars that have a more direct steering feel. Plus, there are a bunch of cars under the 3,000-pound mark that give more confidence when braking. A major downside of the Cruze is the fact that similar with other General Motors cars, it does not feature a direct injection power unit. The 1.4-liter turbo is a very good engine, but not for a car that has a weight similar to the Chevrolet Colorado. Maybe later on Chevrolet will introduce other engines, more powerful, that will be able to make the car a little bit quicker and agile, because although this car wasn't designed to be fast, it needs some power under that attractive hood. Without any doubt, the 2011 Cruze is better than the Toyota Corolla, but this does not mean that it will sell better than the Japanese rival. The Corolla is a very popular car despite its flaws (the design would be the major one), so the Cruze will have to struggle to get customers that are very well acquainted to the Corolla, although it is at the end of its lifecycle. All things considered, the Cruze is significantly better in comparison to the outgoing model, but there is still a lot of room for improvements. Some of the most important minuses of the car are the lack of more powerful engines, a more direct steering feel and higher quality interior components. However, it still looks great and has plenty of features even on the cheaper trim levels, making it a very attractive option. Source: AutoBlog.com Post published on Rpmgo.com  |
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