RPMGO Car Blog |
- 70% Of The Automakers May Fail 2012 EU CO2 Target
- Rumors – Audi R4 Axed, A2 Delayed
- Limited Edition Ferrari 599 SA Aperta (With Video)
- 35% EU Sales Increase For Nissan
- Hyundai i40 Sedan, First Sketch Revealed
- Fiat 500 TwinAir Announced
- VW Polo R WRC Packs 300 HP
- How We Roll – Fast Five’s epic song
- Opel Astra GTC-based Buick In The Works
- Jaguar C-X75, Green-lighted For Production
| 70% Of The Automakers May Fail 2012 EU CO2 Target Posted: 06 May 2011 01:00 PM PDT
According to a recent study, it seems that only 30% of all automakers will be capable of meeting the 130 g/km European CO2 target due for next year. 3.5% per year is the current average rate for improvement, which means that the 130 g/km target will not be met until 2013 by all car manufacturers. This study has been conducted by Clean Green Cars and reveals the progression of each company towards meeting the 2012 European target. For this research, they calculated real sales-weighted performance of each car company, each model range, along with each segment of the market. The study shows that already, four manufacturers have fallen below the target, and most likely, five others will fall between 130 and 131 g/km CO2. The target set by the European Union is an industry average and each of the car makers has an individual target that is based on the weight of its models. In other words, this means that the system for producers of heavier and larger cars does not have the same absolute targets as the ones that manufacture small-sized cars – the goals are set relative to the automakers' average vehicle weight. This means that it is possible for a company that has the lowest CO2 average to get a fine for missing out its individual target, while a higher emitter may reach its higher target, meaning that they will not be fined. A producer of light vehicles such as Fiat has the lowest set target, of 110.84 g/km. On the opposite side we find British automaker Land Rover, with 167.4 g/km. Only four car producers reached their below CO2 emissions of less than 130 g/km: Fiat (117.23 g/km), Citroen (121.37 g/km), Toyota (125 g/km) and BMW's Mini (128.19 g/km). Citroen and Toyota are within 1% of their requirements. The Japanese automaker Lexus has managed to achieve a CO2 emissions target a lot lower within its own 2012 objective, with 11.5 g/km below their goal of reaching 146.41 g/km. All manufacturers will have to work really hard in order reach their targets, because otherwise, EU will issue heavy fines for those that do not comply. After next year, new targets will be set, which means that all manufacturers will have to spend a great deal of research and money for improving their future models as far as CO2 emissions are concerned, and this can only be a good thing for us, the consumers. Source: Clean Green Cars via NextGreenCar Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Rumors – Audi R4 Axed, A2 Delayed Posted: 06 May 2011 11:33 AM PDT  Audi e-tron According to a recent report from Auto Motor and Sport, the German automaker Audi has decided to kill the highly-anticipated R4 model due to the reason that it might steal customers of the TT and Porsche's Boxster and Cayman models. In addition, the Volkswagen Bluesport variant would likely have been way too expensive to be competitive. From the same report, we find out that the revival of the A2 model has been postponed for 2016. Nothing is certain at the moment, but it seems that VW desires to build the car on a group platform, for reducing production costs, instead of a bespoke chassis. We certainly hope that these rumors will turn out to be untrue, especially the ones regarding the Audi R4, but I'm sure that there are many among you that wish to see a new generation of the A2, and this time, hopefully, it won't be that awful as far as the design is concerned. We'll keep you posted once more information occurs. Stay tuned. Source: Auto Motor and Sport via WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Limited Edition Ferrari 599 SA Aperta (With Video) Posted: 06 May 2011 11:14 AM PDT  Ferrari SA Aperta 599 The car in the following video is a limited edition Ferrari 599 SA Aperta roadster, one of the 80 units that the Italian automaker will roll out. Click here to view the embedded video. This is in fact the roadster version of the 599 model, and "SA" comes from Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina, the father & son team that once led the famous Italian coachbuilder. The Aperta ("open" in Italian) sports a manually removable soft-top roof.  Ferrari SA Aperta 599 It features a massive V12 6.0-liter engine that produces 661 hp (670 PS / 493 kW) and has a peak torque of 457 lb.-ft (620 Nm), the same power unit you will find in the 599 GTO.  Ferrari SA Aperta 599 Roadster With a curb weight of 3759 lb (1,705 kg), the car can do the 0-60 mph sprint in only 3.6 seconds, on its way to a maximum speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).  Ferrari SA Aperta 599 Roadster All of the 80 units have secured buyers already so you can forget about grabbing one of these beauties. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| 35% EU Sales Increase For Nissan Posted: 06 May 2011 09:00 AM PDT  2012 Nissan Micra DIG-S Driven by the launch of the new generation of its tiny Micra model, along with the strong sales of the funky Qashqai, Nissan has posted a 35% sales increase this year, in comparison to the same period of 2010. The Japanese automaker has managed to sell 235,543 cars between January and April, a significant increase of more than 61,000 vehicles compared to last year. Last month gave Nissan its biggest EU market share ever, with 53,840 units sold, achieving a market share of 3.8%. In comparison to the same period of last year, this represents an increase of more than 20%. Source: Nissan via AutoCar Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Hyundai i40 Sedan, First Sketch Revealed Posted: 06 May 2011 08:30 AM PDT  Hyundai i40 Sedan (sketch) The Korean automaker Hyundai has released the first sketch of its i40 sedan model, ahead of the car's official debut at the Barcelona Motor Show next week. The 4-door sedan was developed and engineered at the company's European research and development center in Russelsheim and will hit the UK dealerships at the beginning of next year. The car has borrowed some design cues from the sexy Volkswagen Passat CC, and from the looks of this sketch, it promises to be a real eye-grabber. Upon launch, the sedan will get the 1.7-liter turbodiesel engine like its estate sibling, offered in two output variants: 113 hp and 134 hp. The only gasoline engine available at first will be a 1.6-liter that produces 138 hp. Later on, more powerful 2.0-liter gasoline and diesel engines will be offered. In addition, a "Blue Drive" version will also be available soon after launch, featuring a 113 hp diesel engine that will do 54.7 mpg (US) and 113 g/km CO2 emissions. Source: Hyundai via AutoCar Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Posted: 06 May 2011 08:00 AM PDT  Fiat 500 TwinAir This week, Fiat has announced the TwinAir version for its popular 500 model, including the convertible one. This designation will be used not only for the models fitted with the 2-cylinder turbocharged engine, but for an entire lineup of models. The "TwinAir" lineup features upgraded equipment and bespoke styling elements.  Fiat 500 TwinAir Both the 500 and the 500C get a tiny 0.9-liter TwinAir turbocharged power unit that generates 85 hp and has a peak torque of 107 lb.-ft (145 Nm). It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 11 seconds and hits a top speed of 108 mph (173 km/h).  Fiat 500 TwinAir On the outside, the car gets a couple of styling upgrades as far as the door handles are concerned, along with the new satin chrome finish of the grille, the black alloy rims, a black tailgate spoiler and a chromed exhaust tip. The 3-door model is also offered with an optional piano black roof.  Fiat 500 TwinAir Moving inside the cabin, we find an all-black look that is highlighted by the dashboard fascia which has a satin chrome finish, while the sport seats are wrapped around in a combination of perforated leather and fabric.  Fiat 500 TwinAir Customers are able to choose from one of the two trim levels available: TwinAir and TwinAir Plus. With the first one, you get 15-inch Total Black alloy rims, ABS and EBD, start/stop system, CD/MP3 audio system, a sports kit, remote-controlled central locking system and electric & heated exterior mirrors. If you opt for the second trim, you get 16-inch wheels, manual AC, fog lights, brake assist with hill holder, ESP with ASR/MSR, Blue&Me infotainment system and a leather-covered steering wheel with radio controls.  Fiat 500 TwinAir In Italy, the base price for the Fiat 500 TwinAir is $19,200 (12,900 Euros).  Fiat 500 TwinAir Source: Fiat via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Posted: 06 May 2011 07:30 AM PDT  VW Polo R WRC Starting with 2013, Volkswagen will enter the WRC world with its own team, featuring a 300-hp Polo R WRC. The car is still under development and the German automaker revealed a prototype yesterday in Italy. Under that hood it will have a direct-injection, turbocharged 1.6-liter TSI engine, coupled to a four-wheel drive system. This power unit is expected to deliver about 300 hp and a peak torque of 258 lb.-ft (350 Nm).  VW Polo R WRC In order to comply with the FIA regulations, the car will have a 33-milimiter air restrictor at high engine speeds. That engine is going to be mated to a sequential gearbox, while the total weight will be 2,645 lbs (1,200 kg).  VW Polo R WRC As you can see from these pictures, the Polo R WRC will feature an aerodynamically-optimized body, with extra-wide wheel-arches and a huge wing out in the back. It shouldn't come as a surprise if VW will eventually launch a road-going "R" version of its popular Polo model.  VW Polo R WRC The WRC factory team will be run by Volkswagen Motorsport, which is the highly successful racing division that managed to win the last three Dakar rallies. The team started working on the Polo R WRC back in February, and we should see the first chassis later on this year. Next year an extensive testing program will be conducted. The team will get better acquainted with the competitive world of WRC this year, by entering Skoda cars in selected rally events at the end of the season. Click here to view the embedded video. Source: Volkswagen via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| How We Roll – Fast Five’s epic song Posted: 06 May 2011 07:22 AM PDT
Don Omar, Busta Rhymes, Reek da Villian and J-doe cooked up a sick beat to Fast Five‘s soundtrack. Turn up the volume and enjoy! Fast Five is in theatres everywhere. Click here to view the embedded video. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Opel Astra GTC-based Buick In The Works Posted: 06 May 2011 07:00 AM PDT  Opel Astra GTC If we were to believe our colleges from Car & Driver, Buick will get yet another Opel-based model, this time the sexy Astra GTC. We should expect to see a 3-door coupe/hatch that will rival Hyundai's Veloster model. In addition, a convertible version is also under development, but nothing is certain at the moment.  Opel Astra GTC Under the hood we will probably see the same engine as the Opel will get, a turbocharged 2.0-liter power plant that delivers 286 hp (250 PS / 213 kW). The Astra GTC's engine will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and it will also feature a front-axle limited slip differential. Other features include the FlexRide suspension that sports a compound crank rear axle and a Watt's link.  Opel Astra GTC Source: Car and Driver Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Jaguar C-X75, Green-lighted For Production Posted: 06 May 2011 06:30 AM PDT  Jaguar C-X75 The British automaker Jaguar has confirmed this week that the C-X75 will enter the production phase. We first saw this hybrid supercar last year at the Paris Motor Show and we known that it produces less than 99 g/km CO2, while at the same time is fully capable of reaching an impressive top speed of over 200 mph (322 km/h), entering supercar territory.  Jaguar C-X75 The production version will be an AWD car with a "downsized, highly-boosted petrol engine, coupled with two powerful electric motors", according to the company.  Jaguar C-X75 The concept had four electric motors that developed 195 hp (145 kW), along with two small turbine engines for creating electrical current. The production model will most likely opt for a more conventional configuration.  Jaguar C-X75 The good news is that Jaguar has affirmed that the C-X75 will be capable of doing the 0-60 mph sprint in less than 3 seconds, and on electric mode, the car will be driven for up to 31 miles (50 km). Expect to see a carbon-fiber chassis developed in partnership with Williams F1, who will bring their knowledge in hybrid, aerodynamics and carbon engineering.  Jaguar C-X75 Only 250 units will be made, with a staggering price of 781,000 to 1 million pounds, depending on the market.  Jaguar C-X75 Source: Jaguar via WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| You are subscribed to email updates from rpmGo.com To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
