RPMGO Car Blog |
- Motorcycle Taxi Service, Headed for L.A. and N.Y.
- Rumors – Lotus Will Have To Axe Toyota-powered Elise and Exige Models
- 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Updated, New Anniversary Model Revealed
- U.S. Farm Senators Want More E85-Fueled Cars By 2016
- Toyota FT-86 Details Emerge
- Land Rover Defender Replacement In The Works
- Ford Plans On Introducing 15 New Models In China
- Lamborghini 350 GTV – Inception
- Top 10 Funny Road Signs
| Motorcycle Taxi Service, Headed for L.A. and N.Y. Posted: 18 Apr 2011 05:00 AM PDT  Bombardier Can-Am Spyder Moto Limos Club will soon start the first motorcycle taxi service to help people on-the-go make their way onto the streets of New York and Los Angeles. This idea isn't new, because similar taxi services have been around in Europe for years, but in the United States, this is a first. The company will offer 15 units of the 2012 Honda Goldwing, with or without a trailer. In addition, there are going to be an undisclosed number of Bombardier Can Am Spyder trikes, which look astonishing if you ask me. If the weather outsides will be bad, the company can give you an all-weather gear so that you could protect your expensive suite. They'll also offer a thick blanket if it's cold outside. The business will be up and running as early as next month in Los Angeles and New York. The price for a membership ranges from $125 to $250. You will be able to rent the Goldwing for up to 90$ / h. Although it might sound a little bit expensive, you will get to your desired destination a little bit faster than a regular taxi, taking into consideration that in L.A., lane splitting is legal. However, I really doubt that this business will be profitable for the company. How many among us would hop on of these? I rather take the regular cab, even if it means getting there a little bit later. Source: Moto Limos Club via MotorBiker via AutoBlog Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Rumors – Lotus Will Have To Axe Toyota-powered Elise and Exige Models Posted: 18 Apr 2011 04:00 AM PDT  2011 Lotus Elise Lotus will soon run out of Toyota 2ZZ-GE engines, which means that starting with this July; they'll have to stop making the wonderful Elise and Exige models. In order to commemorate the success of these cars, the British automaker will launch a limited number of Final Editions, and taking into consideration the financial problems the company faces nowadays, these might actually be the final ones ever made. As far as the Exige is concerned, it will be available in two trim levels. They'll make only 30 units of the Exige S260 for North America, and all of them will come bundled with Lotus' Track Pack, Tour Pack and LSD. Another 26 units will be finished in matte black. The regular version will set you back $67,500, while the matte-black model will be a little bit more expensive, at $69,900. I really hope that this won't be the end for the Elise and Exige. Hopefully, the automaker will find other alternatives to power its cars. An ideal situation would be to get the necessary funding to develop its own engines. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Updated, New Anniversary Model Revealed Posted: 18 Apr 2011 03:00 AM PDT  2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition Chevrolet has recently announced a series of updates for its 2012MY Camaro, along with a special anniversary edition. First of all, customers will be able to choose from a new "LFX" V6 3.6-liter engine that develops 323 hp (327 PS / 241 kW). Not only it offers 11 hp (11 PS / 8 kW) more than the previous power unit, but it is also more fuel efficient, capable of doing 30 mpg on the highway, according to EPA.  2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition For those of you that want more muscle under the hood, you'll need the Camaro SS version that is powered by a V8 engine. The new addition to the 2012 model is the possibility to order a FE4 suspension package, which features retuned dampers, bigger stabilizer bars and a brand new set of 20-inch aluminum rims.  2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition Design-wise, the car didn't receive many updates, except for the new rear spoiler and a different look for the headlights. With the RS appearance package, the 2012 Camaro gains a new body-color "sharkfin" antenna.  2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition The interior of the car has been fitted with a new steering wheel that looks much better than the old one, an updated trim and a revised instrument panel. Customers will be able to choose the new Rear Vision Package that consists of a rearview camera and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.  2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition The automaker is offering a limited edition package for the 2LT and 2SS models in order to celebrate 45th years since the original Camaro was introduced. This package adds bonnet strips, HID headlamps, dark silver exterior accents and exclusive 20-inch alloy rims. Inside the cabin, you'll find black leather upholstery with red, white and blue stitching, along with a white trim and 45th anniversary badging.  2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition Set to go on sale this summer, General Motors will reveal the price list of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro in the weeks to come. Source: General Motors via WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| U.S. Farm Senators Want More E85-Fueled Cars By 2016 Posted: 18 Apr 2011 02:00 AM PDT  2011 Buick Regal CSX Running cars on E85 ethanol isn't something new and you probably know that there are only a few cars in the United States running on this fuel composed of 85% ethanol blended with 15% regular gasoline. One of the reasons is because there aren't many stations that provide this fuel in the U.S. However, things could change in the following years as a bill is now under consideration by a panel in the Senate of the United States that would mandate that 90% of cars sold in the country by 2016 be fully capable of running on E85 (aka "flex-fuel" cars). According to an Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers representative, accounting for 12 of the largest car producers selling in the United States, there are less than 2% of gas stations that offer this type of fuel and most of them are available in the Midwest states. In 2006, car manufacturers have pledged to increase the number of cars they offer that accept this type of fuel to make 50% of all production flex-fuel compatible by 2012. A relevant example of such a car would have to be the 2011MY Buick Regal that offers as standard flex-fuel capabilities. The Blue Oval doubled its production of such cars between 2006 and 2011. However, if the rate of this trend continues in this rhythm, the industry will be far from reaching the 90% capability under current plans. Despite the fact that on U.S. roads there are more than 8 million cars that are capable of running on E85, there are only a few that actually are using this fuel. Originally, just about all automakers liked the ideas of these cars because they had to add only $100 of equipment in order to make them compatible, plus it was a very affordable way to get extra credits toward meeting the Corporate Average Fuel Economy gas-mileage requirements. They didn't care if people were actually using this type of fuel, but they still got the credits, which will last them until 2015. Why? Because starting with 2016, car manufacturers will only get credit for making flex-fuel models if they can show that their vehicles can actually run on this type of fuel. Taking into consideration the current pace of ethanol production and distribution, there are slim chances. Source: Detroit News, GreenCarReports | Photo: PopularMechanics Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Posted: 18 Apr 2011 01:30 AM PDT  Toyota FT-86 II Concept We have new information about what seems to be Toyota's most important model in the last couple of years, the FT-86. Akio Toyoda, who is the great grandson of Toyota's founder, revealed last week that the car will enter its production phase sometime next year. This European-developed 2+2 coupe will be manufactured in a large volume in order to satisfy the demand from the company's many markets around the world, including the United States, Europe and its homeland, Japan. After Toyota launches the model, Subaru will unveil its own version of the car, dubbed "086a", which will look different but will have just about the same mechanical specifications. These two cars are a part of a cooperative deal that started with Toyota being allowed to use the surplus of Subaru's manufacturing capacity in the United States and now they are developing cars together. Toyota is able to use Subaru's low and compact 4-cylidner power unit technology, while Subaru can benefit from Toyota's extensive market expertise and vast economies of scale. Both coupes have been developed in order to rival VW's sexy Scirocco model, but will feature a couple of built-in advantages. Probably the most important one is going to be the rear-wheel drive, which should provide better handling in comparison to Scirocco's Golf-derived FWD system. In addition, the FT-86 is going to have a lower center of gravity and will be about 200 kg lighter. Market specialists say that the demand for cars in this sector is about 60,000 units in Europe, and if it is going to be a hit, the pair of FTs will account for about 9,000 units. About 3,000-4,000 of these cars are expected to be sold in the United Kingdom. Source: Toyota via AutoCar Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Land Rover Defender Replacement In The Works Posted: 18 Apr 2011 01:00 AM PDT  2009 Land Rover Defender 110 SVX The British automaker has started working on a replacement for the company's iconic Defender model, a project that insiders describe as being the most ambitious project ever developed by the car manufacturer. A couple of days ago, John Edwards, who is Land Rover's global brand director, stated that they are "serious about replacing the Defender" and we should expect some initial results "in the next two to three years." According to AutoCar, this ambitious project will involve a significant investment by Tata, the Indian-based company that owns Land Rover. Aside from a new platform and factory space, an extensive range of body styles is expected to be offered, for station wagons, pick-ups, along with bespoke specials for commercial customers. The production of these new models will start sometime in mid-2015. A concept version of the Defender's replacement should be revealed in the next two years. Source: AutoCar | Photo: Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Ford Plans On Introducing 15 New Models In China Posted: 18 Apr 2011 12:31 AM PDT
The 2011 Shanghai Auto Show is just around the corner and Ford has recently announced that they will be introducing 15 new models and double workforce by 2015 in what is at the moment the world's largest automotive market. For achieving this ambitious objective, the Blue Oval will have to double its dealership network in China, from 340 today to about 680. The first model that the North American automaker will introduce is the new generation of the Focus, which is slated to go into production next year at an all-new plant in Chongqing in which the company invested $490 million. Initially, this factory will have a capacity of 150,000 cars annually. The company also said that they will double their workforce in China by 2015, adding 1,200 jobs. This year, Ford will create 550 jobs in various departments, like manufacturing, engineering, marketing sales & service, IT, finance, communications, legal division and government affairs. These new jobs will be at the automaker's operations in Chongqing, Nanchang, Nanjing and Shanghai. The market in China is very important for Ford and they are targeting a 70% growth in the next years that will come from the Asia Pacific and Africa region. Source: Ford via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Lamborghini 350 GTV – Inception Posted: 17 Apr 2011 06:00 AM PDT  1963 Lamborghini 350 GTV We've started the "Classic Cars" series last week with the Ferrari 125 S, the very first model produced by the "Prancing Horse". This week, we're going to dive into Lamborghini's first days, talking about their first car, the 350 GTV.  1963 Lamborghini 350 GTV You probably already know that Ferruccio Lamborghini became famous and wealthy by making tractors. Legend has it that he was jealous of all the attention that Enzo Ferrari got and he wanted to make his own car that would be faster. In order to satisfy his desire, Ferruccio built a new factory just to make his ideal sports car. However, the 350 GTV was developed and built at the tractor factory located in Cento, before the Sant'Agatha plant was up and running.  1963 Lamborghini 350 GTV The V12 engine was developed by Giotto Bizzarini, who used to work for Ferrari. The original output of the engine was around 350 hp but Ferruccio didn't want a highly-tuned racing power unit, but a smooth-running touring car, so Bizzarini had to detune the horsepower figure to 270 @ 6,500 rpm for the 350 GT, which was the production model.  1963 Lamborghini 350 GTV It had a square steel tube chassis that was welded up by Neri & Bonacini of Modena. Most of the engine components were made by ATS Microfusioni at Sasso Marconi while the transmission was developed by ZF, along with a differential produced by Salisburry. The car's body was designed by Franco Scaglione and was manufactured by Sargiotto Bodyworks of Turin. The prototype featured a bright metallic blue finish and was exhibited at the 1963 edition of the Turin Auto Show. The interesting thing is that the engine of the car was put near the vehicle, while in the power unit compartment they've put a cradle of ceramic tiles. The reason for this is because the engine, with its vertical carburetors, did not fit under the bonnet.  1963 Lamborghini 350 GTV The car was recently restored by collector Romano Bernardoni and after 20 years of storage, the engine was eventually installed in the car, causing significant modifications to the chassis. It now has a bright metallic green finish with a light-toned leather interior, and most importantly, it is fully drivable. Originally, the car was supposed to be a part of Lamborghini's museum, along with other important vehicle, but the company sold it to a collector in Japan.  1963 Lamborghini 350 GTV They've bought the car back and it is now part of the museum located at the Lamborghini factory, next to the first and last Countach, along with other exciting cars like the Cala and the Diablo Roadster prototype. Source: LamboCars | Photos: CarType Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Posted: 17 Apr 2011 05:00 AM PDT
Here's what the sign says: first, drivers in the left lane are allowed only to make a sharp left. Drivers in the second lane (from left) can either turn a secondmost sharp or a slightly less sharp left. The ones in the center lane must make a fourthmost sharp left. Drivers in the right-of-center lane will have to turn the fifthmost sharp left or go straight. Lastly, drivers in the far right lane have to either go straight or right. This sign is located in San Francisco, California. Your best bet is to stop the car and continue your trip by foot. Source: Jalopnik | Photo: Flickr This sign says that you can make a turn left only if there is not much traffic on "Aviation". However, taking into consideration that this sign is located near an airport and if you do not know that "Aviation St." is a thoroughfare, this sign actually means that you should look up into the sky and see how the traffic is going, before making a left. This sign is located in Los Angeles, California. Source: Jalopnik | Photo: Flickr
Who needs a GPS when you have this? Source: PigJockey | Photo: FailBlog
You're driving along the road and suddenly a tank tries to overpass you. Imagine that! Was this sign really necessary? I mean, how fast are tanks that we need a sign to warn us about their presence? Source & Photo: TopTenz
Thank God that they warn drivers about wet roads when it's raining. Imagine if they didn't. Source & Photo: CyberSalt
Next time, leave you TNT at home because surprisingly, you're not allowed to carry any kind of explosive in your car. Photo: TopTenz
Beware of falling cows! And what are we supposed to do when we see this sign? Fire up the barbeque? Photo: FailBlog
No comment. Photo: VeryDemotivational
For your next vacation trip, avoid going to Santa Cruz as you cannot have any fun whatsoever. Photo: TopTenz
Huh? Photo: HotRodsAndClassics Post published on Rpmgo.com |
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