RPMGO Car Blog |
- 4WD BMW M5 Confirmed
- Chinese Investment Saves Saab, For Now
- Electric S-Class, Under Consideration
- What Traffic Signs Have in Common with Fiat Punto Evo Features?
- VW Beetle R In The Works
- Kia Recalls 58,322 Spectra Models
- GM Plans Korea-made Chevrolet Malibu
- Chevrolet Volt, Now Available For Order In Canada
- Ram Long-Hauler Concept Revealed
- Ford GT40 Prototype, Up For Auction
| Posted: 03 May 2011 04:00 AM PDT  BMW Concept M5 The German car manufacturer BMW has confirmed that a four-wheel-drive version of the M5 will eventually be released. The company's new and highly anticipated rival to the Mercedes E63 AMG was revealed last week at the Shanghai Auto Show, in the form of a concept, packing a V8 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers 552 hp.  BMW Concept M5 BMW refuses to share more information about the car, but we do know that 4WD version is under development, along with a China-only long-wheelbase version. We will have all the information about the M5 later this year after its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where BMW will bring the production-ready version.  BMW Concept M5 Expect to see greater straight-line performance in comparison to the outgoing generation, along with a 25% improved fuel efficiency, thanks mostly to the new 7-speed Getrag-engineered dual-clutch gearbox, along with a wide array of measures from the company's Efficient Dynamics portfolio, like the automatic start/stop system, brake energy recuperation, as well as on-demand auxiliary functions for the car's water pump.  BMW Concept M5 Source: BMW via Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Chinese Investment Saves Saab, For Now Posted: 03 May 2011 03:30 AM PDT  2012 Saab 9-3 Griffin Saab's problems with cash flow have been solved, at least for a couple of months, courtesy of a significant Chinese investment that will allow the Swedish automaker to resume production at its factory in Trolhattan. Spyker, the owner of Saab, has announced this week that they've signed up a deal with Hawtai, a Chinese car manufacturer, which will invest 150 million Euros, taking 29.9% stake. They will also give Spyker another 30 million Euros as a convertible loan. This deal will clear the path for Saab's entry to the very competitive Chinese market, which is very important for the company's attempt to boost up sales to a profitable level. Hawtai decided to make this move because of Saab's potential for technology sharing as well as the company's European sales network. The Trolhattan factory has been closed for more than a month due to unpaid bills, the suppliers refusing to send the necessary components. Production should restart next week and everything should be back on track. Yesterday, Spyker grabbed another 60 million Euros of funding from a Lithuanian-owned investment fund and Vladimir Antonov, a very wealthy Russian businessman. Source: Saab via Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Electric S-Class, Under Consideration Posted: 03 May 2011 03:00 AM PDT  Next-gen Mercedes-Benz S-Class For the next generation of the Mercedes S-Class, the German automaker might offer an all-electric version, according to the company's technical boss, Thomas Webber. We already know that the new S-Class will be available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions so an all-electric model shouldn't come as a surprise.  Next-gen Mercedes-Benz S-Class The conventional engines that will power the S-Class are going to be the new V6 and V8 MoVe gasoline units developed by MB. One of the diesel engines will be the one in the current S250 CDI, a 4-cylinder 2.2-liter that produces 201 hp and 369 lb.-ft, which is the smallest engine ever installed in an S-Class.  Next-gen Mercedes-Benz S-Class As soon as we find out more about the next-gen S-Class, we'll let you know. Stay tuned.  Next-gen Mercedes-Benz S-Class Source: Mercedes-Benz via Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| What Traffic Signs Have in Common with Fiat Punto Evo Features? Posted: 03 May 2011 02:54 AM PDT
A new revolution into the automobile-mobile joint happened: the world's first not-printed car catalog, Fiat Street Evo, available on every street from the city. Actually, we are talking about an application launched by Leo Burnett Iberia which recognizes traffic signs and transforms them into all the features of the Fiat Punto Evo car. How is this possible?
By capturing the signs with the app, the interpretation of signs uses the same system as those would be QR codes and associates to every sign the features directly related to that specific sign. For example, for the parking sign, the app presents the parking sensors the car has. In addition, this virtual and interactive catalog shows you the location to the nearest Fiat dealer, to see the car on your own for real and even schedule a test drive. Click here to view the embedded video. We truly believe this is a handy cool easy to use application, which saves you from getting bored by reading the classic catalogs. But, what do you think about it? Do you find it useful and pleasant? [Source: Iphonedroid] Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Posted: 03 May 2011 01:00 AM PDT  2012 VW Beetle Gone are the days of the Beetle's feminine image. The second generation of the model looks more masculine and the "R" version promises to be a lot more aggressive. Although the standard model was just unveiled last week in Berlin, Shanghai and New York, insiders of the German automaker Volkswagen have revealed that a sportier "R" version is under development.  2012 VW Beetle The new "New Beetle" is lower and wider in comparison to the first generation, offering a more hot hatch-like driving position. Already announced is a 2.0-liter turbo Sport version, packing 197 hp. This means that the R version will offer well over the 200 hp mark. Most likely, the engine of the New Beetle R will be mated to a DSG gearbox.  2012 VW Beetle Once more information surfaces the web, we'll let you know.  2012 VW Beetle Source: Autocar Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Kia Recalls 58,322 Spectra Models Posted: 03 May 2011 12:30 AM PDT  Kia Spectra Just about every car manufacturer out there has issued a recall for at least one of its models. However, not many of them (or better said, none) did this over fears that the fuel tank may fall off. Kia has issued a recall for 58,322 Spectra models (2004-2007MY, United States) built from November 7th, 2003, until March 6th, 2007. This recall concerns the cars sold or registered in the states that rely heavily on road salt for melting the ice during the wintertime.  Kia Spectra Kia informed the NHTSA that there is a possibility that because of prolonged exposure to salt, the fuel tank straps that hold the tank may rust, and the tank might fall on the road, causing a fuel leak and in a worst case scenario, a fire.  Kia Spectra The automaker said that these fuel tank straps will be replaced, and they will also attach new hardware with zinc-coated parts, free of charge. The safety recall will start this June.  Kia Spectra PS: No wonder Kia's motto is "The Power to Surprise"… Losing the gas tank of your car, now that’s what we call a surprise!  Kia Spectra Source: Kia via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| GM Plans Korea-made Chevrolet Malibu Posted: 03 May 2011 12:00 AM PDT  2013 Chevrolet Malibu We've talked last week about GM's intentions to sell the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu on a global scale. To achieve this, the Detroit-based automaker has plans to build the car on several continents, and at the beginning of this week they've announced that the Malibu will be built and commercialized in Korea. At the beginning of this year, General Motors Korea said that they will stop using the Daewoo brand, opting for the Chevrolet name for the local market.  2013 Chevrolet Malibu This might come as a surprise to most of you, including us, but the U.S. is not going to be the first country that will get the redesigned Malibu, as at first, production will start in South Korea, at the factory in Bupyeong. Later on, the car will roll out of the factory in Jingjiao, China, and in early 2012, the U.S.-made Malibu will be introduced. In the United States, the Malibu is going to be produced at the Detroit-Hamtramck, Fairfax and Kansas factories. General Motors added that there is a growing interest for the model in Korea, although none of the previous generations were official sold there.  2013 Chevrolet Malibu The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu received its official debut last week at the New York and Shanghai auto shows. It will be commercialized in almost 100 countries on six continents, and each of these regions will come with specific power unit selections. The North American Malibu will be available with either a 4-cylinder 2.5-liter engine that cranks out 190 hp, and a 2.4-liter ECO power unit with eAssist system, producing 180 hp. In China, the Malibu will be offered with a 2.0- and a 2.4-liter 4-cyilinder engine, along with a 1.6-liter turbocharged power plant.  2013 Chevrolet Malibu In Europe, besides these gasoline engines, the Malibu will get several diesel engine options.  2013 Chevrolet Malibu Source: General Motors via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Chevrolet Volt, Now Available For Order In Canada Posted: 02 May 2011 11:30 PM PDT  Chevrolet Volt Yesterday, General Motors has started taking orders for its Chevrolet Volt, a car that has a base price of CA$41,545. At first, the extended range electric vehicle is going to be available in Vancouver, Toronto, Victoria, Montreal, Quebec City, Oshawa and Ottawa-Gatineau. First delivers of the Volt will occur in Q3 2011. GM Canada said that within a year of the retail launch, the car will be available at all dealerships across Canada.  Chevrolet Volt The Chevy Volt will be sold in only a single trim level, and customers will be able to add two optional packages: a Rear Camera and Park Assist Package, and a Premium Trim Package. It will be sold with a 3-year / 60,000 km bumper-to-bumper coverage and a 5-year / 160,000 km roadside assistance. General Motors also throws in an 8-year / 160,000 km limited warranty for the 16 kWh lithium-ion battery.  Chevrolet Volt As a reminder, the Chevrolet Volt is powered by an electric motor that is fed by the aforementioned battery, and can be driven in electric mode for up to 80 km. After the battery is drained, the conventional 1.4-liter gasoline engine kicks in and acts as a generator, providing an extended driving range of up to 500 km with a full tank of gas.  Chevrolet Volt Source: General Motors via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Ram Long-Hauler Concept Revealed Posted: 02 May 2011 11:00 PM PDT  Ram Long-Hauler Concept Measuring an almost incredible 24 feet (7.3 meters) long, we completely agree with the Chrysler Group saying that "they don't get much bigger" than their new Ram Long-Hauler Concept truck. This huge vehicle is based on a Class 5 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, and sports a stretched wheelbase that measures a whopping 197.4 inches in length and is 79.1 inches tall.  Ram Long-Hauler Concept As you would expect from a truck that has these dimensions, its weight is also quite astonishing, standing at 9,300 lbs (4,218 kg). Ram affirms that this truck has a maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating of 37,500 lbs (16,783 kg).  Ram Long-Hauler Concept Under that massive hood is a big 6-cylinder 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel power unit that has a peak torque of 800 lb.-ft, mated to a 6-speed Aisin automatic gearbox. It sports a 4WD transfer case linked to a 4.88 Dana 110 axle with dual rear wheels. To reach your destination, you need a pretty large fuel tank, and luckily, the Long-Hauler has one as Ram fitted the truck with three of them, with a total capacity of 170 gallons.  Ram Long-Hauler Concept It features a full Kelderman Air Suspension and massive 19.5-inch Alcoa aluminum rims, while the 2+2 interior has a DVD player with an overhead screen for the passengers in the back, along with a rear center console that sports tray tables, cup holders and a refrigerator.  Ram Long-Hauler Concept Ram said that at the moment, the Long-Hauler remains a concept, but they will show it off across the United States during this year in order "to gauge public opinion", which means that if it receives a positive feedback, we might see one the next year in our rear view mirror.  Ram Long-Hauler Concept Source: Chrysler Group via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Ford GT40 Prototype, Up For Auction Posted: 02 May 2011 10:18 PM PDT  Ford GT40 Prototype RM Auctions is known for selling some of the world's rarest and most exclusive cars. Their latest offering will be a 1965 Ford GT 40 prototype which will be auctioned on May 21st at the Villa d'Este auction. Ford built only five prototypes of this model and this one, the GT/111, participated in the Targa Florio rally, but encountered several problems.  Ford GT40 Prototype Its V8 4.7-liter engine was only firing on 7 of its cylinders, and on the latest lap, the car crashed. The roadster was transported back to England where it was stripped down and forgotten, due to the reason that the coupe was the predominant body style during those days of racing.  Ford GT40 Prototype As it happens with many rare cars, it was eventually discovered and restored, and RM Auctions expects to fetch from $3.6 to $4.3 million.  Ford GT40 Prototype Source: RM Auctions via WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com |
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