RPMGO Car Blog |
- Top 10 Pickup Trucks
- Fast Six, Already Planned
- Pebble Beach Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of The Ferrari 250 GTO
- 2011 Turkey GP: Vettel Grabs 4th Consecutive Pole
- Ford’s Recycled Carpet, Used For Cylinder Head Covers
- Bike Built Out Of Wood Might Set Speed Record
- Spy Shots – 2012 BMW M6 Coupe
- Kia Soul Hamster Edition Revealed
| Posted: 08 May 2011 01:40 AM PDT
Today's pickup trucks have evolved greatly from the heavy-duty workhorses of the 50s and now they offer car-like comfort and features that you would normally find in premium cars, like heated seats or powerful audio systems. Here is our top 10 of the best pickup trucks at the moment: 10. Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck and is available in the following configurations: Regular Cab, Double Cab and CrewMax. Measuring more than 19 ft. long, it is the biggest truck Toyota ever made. Under that hood, customers can choose from one of the three engines available, including a V8 381-hp unit that allows the Tundra to tow more than 10,000 pounds. The V8 5.7-liter engine is now E85 flex-fuel compatible (in certain regions). 09. Toyota Tacoma
The first generation of the Toyota Tacoma was launched back in 1964 and now it has reached its 8th generation. The new model comes with the Star Safety System that features ABS, stability and traction control, along with brake assist – all standard equipment. In addition, it is offered with updated LED taillights, argent painted grille and as an optional feature, a backup monitor for the Access and Double Cabs models. Also as standard (for the Access Cab and Double Cab versions), the Tacoma sports front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints and an automatic limited-slip differential. 08. Nissan Frontier
It is a midsize pickup truck from Nissan that has borrowed some design ideas from its bigger brother, the Titan, which is a full-size truck. In addition, it also got the Titan's suspension layout, along with many components. Customers can opt for one of the two engines available, including here a V6 4.0-liter that cranks out 261 hp. The new model comes with an updated front fascia with a brand new grille, headlights, along with 16- and 18-inch rims. Another model has been added to the Frontier lineup, the off-road version PRO-4X, along with the Frontier Crew Cab LE/PRO-4X Value Truck Packages. 07. GMC Sierra 1500
This truck is available in the following configurations: Regular Cab, Extended Cab and Crew Cab. Customers can pick out one of the three box sizes: 5 ft. 8 in.; 6 ft. 6 in. and 8 ft. For the new model, it got a 6-speed automatic gearbox, mated to a 5.3-, 6.0- or a 6.2-liter engine. The SLT Crew Cab comes with a V8 6.2-liter engine that is E85 compatible. 06. Chevrolet Colorado
This is a midsize pickup truck that comes in a Regular Cab, Extended Cab or Crew Cab version. Chevrolet launched the model in 2004, retiring the S-10 pickup. Some of the engines available include the 4-cylinder 2.9-liter or the more powerful 5-cylinder 3.7-liter. The latest addition in the engine lineup is a V8 5.3-liter that produces 300 hp. Some of the latest upgrades brought to the model include the 18-inch split-spoke rims, color-keyed bumpers, performance tires and the ZQ8 sport suspension that comes with a lower ride height. 05. Dodge Dakota
Available in both Extended Cab and Quad Cab configurations, the Dodge Dakota now features a new V8 4.7-liter power unit that delivers 302 hp and has a peak torque of 329 lb.-ft, while at the same time being 5% more fuel efficient. Recent goodies added to the model include the Crate 'N Go system (offered as standard) and the updated instrument panel and center console. 04. Ford Ranger
Ford introduced the Ranger in 1982 and redesigned it 11 years later. In 1998 it received a new exterior look and the latest model looks just about the same, but comes with a few minor updates, like the new front bumper that improves fuel efficiency. In addition, it comes as standard with more equipment. You can choose from a selection of engines, including a 4-cylinder 143 hp unit or a more agile V6 207 hp power plant. New side airbags, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control have also been added. 03. Chevrolet Silverado
You can choose from one of the 40 different variants available, with a starting price of under the $20,000 mark, for the 2-door RWD Regular Cab, up to the top-spec LTZ Crew Cab (4WD) that costs $41,000. The engines available include an entry-level 5.3-liter or the high-end 6.2-liter unit. Optional features available include the XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic, Bluetooth connectivity and OnStar. 02. Dodge Ram 1500
Featuring a more aerodynamic design, a brand new HEMI V8 5.7-liter that produces 390 hp and has a peak torque of 407 lb.-ft, along with a rear coil-spring suspension, the Dodge Ram 1500 is a breath of fresh air, packing lots of new equipment, like the RamBox cargo management system along with drainable storage components integrated into the cargo box. 01. Ford F-150
The first place is reserved for the best-selling truck in North America – the Ford F-150. Over the last three decades, the F-150 has been the primary choice for those looking for a truck. The latest generation is offered with a brand new look, both inside and out, with more power under the hood, more space inside, more towing and payload capacity and better fuel economy. Ford teamed up with SIRIUS, Sony and Microsoft, and they've managed to improve the entertainment and communication features. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Posted: 08 May 2011 12:30 AM PDT
For those of you that have seen Fast Five, you remember that after the closing credits, a short scene aired that tells us a little bit about the 6th installment in the highly successful movie franchise. That scene featured Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson with the beautiful actress Eva Mendes talking about a new case which involved Letty (played by Michelle Rodriguez) who was murdered in Fast & Furious (2009), which means that we will be seeing here "returning from the dead" in the next movie. The 6th movie will also be directed by Justin Lin, who was in charge of the last three F&F movies. Here's what he said: ['Fast and the Furious 6' is] pretty much 100%. It's going to happen… At five, we're just hitting our stride. We're growing. People want to continue this journey." Personally, I loved all movies, except for Tokyo Drift which was pretty boring and the main character had no acting skills whatsoever. The rest of the movies were great, especially Fast Five and I'm very anxious to find out what will happen in Fast Six / Fast and Furious 6, or whatever name they'll give to the movie. Source: USA Today Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Pebble Beach Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of The Ferrari 250 GTO Posted: 07 May 2011 11:52 PM PDT  Ferrari 250 GTO Considered by many as Ferrari's most desirable model of all time, the 250 GTO will celebrate this year its 50th anniversary. Up until last year, it was regarded as the most valuable car in the world. The car is popular for lots of reasons, one of them being that Ferrari only made 39 units, including a single prototype.  Ferrari 250 GTO In addition, it has one of the most beautiful shapes that we've seen in a car and with its success in international racing back in the 60s, no wonder that Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance has decided to organize a gathering of as many cars as possible. They've sent an invitation to each of the 250 GTO owners, and more than 50% of them already confirmed their presence at the gathering.  Ferrari 250 GTO Now, for a quick history lesson.  Ferrari 250 GTO Ferrari produced this model from 1962 until 1964 for homologation into the Group 3 Grand Touring Car category. "250" denotes the displacement in cubic centimeters of each cylinder of the power unit, while "GTO" stands for "Gran Turismo Omologata", which is Italian for "Grand Touring Homologated."  Ferrari 250 GTO The price tag for the car when it was first launched in the United States was $18,000. It wasn't enough if you had the money as you'd had to be approved by Enzo Ferrari and Luigi Chinetti, his North American dealer.  Ferrari 250 GTO The car was based on the Ferrari 250 GT SWB and was powered by a V12 3.0-liter engine borrowed from the 250 Testa Rossa. It had an A-arm front suspension and a live-axle rear eand, along with disc brakes and Borrani wire wheels. The engine was mated to the Porsche-designed 5-speed gearbox, a premiere for Ferrari's GT racing cars. As you would expect from a proper racing car, the interior was very basic and it didn't had a speedometer. Most of the switches installed came from the tiny Fiat 500.  Ferrari 250 GTO Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| 2011 Turkey GP: Vettel Grabs 4th Consecutive Pole Posted: 07 May 2011 03:00 PM PDT
The fourth race of the 2011 F1 season, the fourth consecutive pole position for Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, becoming the first driver since Mika Hakkinen (McLaren) to take the first poles of the season. After crashing on Friday's practice session, Vettel had a good qualifying session, finished the Q3 with a time of 1:25.049. Vettel was followed by Mark Webber (1:25.454) and Mercedes' Nico Rosberg (1:25.574). Lewis Hamilton grabbed the fourth place on the grid, followed by Ferrari's Alonso. Felipe Massa only managed a rather disappointing 10th place. Here is the starting grid for the 2011 Formula 1 DHL Turkish Grand Prix: 1. Sebastian Vettel (Germany/Red Bull-Renault) 2. Mark Webber (Australia/Red Bull-Renault) 3. Nico Rosberg (Germany/Mercedes) 4. Lewis Hamilton (GB/McLaren-Mercedes) 5. Fernando Alonso (Spain/Ferrari) 6. Jenson Button (GB/McLaren-Mercedes) 7. Vitaly Petrov (Russia/Lotus-Renault) 8. Michael Schumacher (Germany/Mercedes) 9. Nick Heidfeld (Germany/Lotus-Renault) 10. Felipe Massa (Brazil/Ferrari) 11. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil/Williams-Cosworth) 12. Adrian Sutil (Germany/Force India-Mercedes) 13. Paul di Resta (GB/Force India-Mercedes) 14. Pastor Maldonado (Venezuela/Williams-Cosworth) 15. Sergio Perez (Mexico/Sauber-Ferrari) 16. Sebastien Buemi (Switzerland/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 17. Jaime Alguersuari (Spain/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 18. Heikki Kovalainen (Finland/Team Lotus) 19. Jarno Trulli (Italy/Team Lotus) 20. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Italy/Hispania-Cosworth) 21. Timo Glock (Germany/Virgin-Cosworth) 22. Narain Karthikeyan (India/Hispania-Cosworth) 23. Kamui Kobayashi (Japan/Sauber-Ferrari) 24. Jerome d'Ambrosio (Belgium/Virgin-Cosworth) Source: Formula1 | Photo: Telegraph.co.uk Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Ford’s Recycled Carpet, Used For Cylinder Head Covers Posted: 07 May 2011 02:30 PM PDT
Starting with last year, Ford has been using a material called EcoLon, which is a nylon resin, in its cylinder head covers. This material is made entirely out of recycled carpet and the company said that they have managed to save more than 4.1 million pounds of carpet from landfills. By doing this, they've reduced the consumption of more than 430,000 gallons of oil. Dana Holding Corporation is responsible for producing these non-metal cylinder head covers, which are used for the 3.0-liter Duratec power unit in Ford's Escape and Fusion models. In addition, these covers are also suitable for the 5.0-liter engine, used in the F-150 pickup truck and the legendary Mustang. This is truly a premiere in the car industry, as it is the very first automotive product of its kind that has been made from post-consumer recycled nylon. In order to repurpose the nylon, Wellman has to grind the used nylon carpeting into fiber and recaptures the material through a proprietary and patented process. The end result is a nylon resin of high quality, which Dana then uses for molding into the engine's cylinder head covers through its injection-molding process. Source: Ford via AskPatty Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Bike Built Out Of Wood Might Set Speed Record Posted: 07 May 2011 02:00 PM PDT  SplinterBike Here is something that you do not hear every day, a bike made entirely out of wood, and it is aiming for a 31-mph speed record. The SplinterBike does not have any single piece of plastic, rubber or metal – it is all wood. The bike's axles are made out of ekki, while the frame, wheels and cogs are birch. Ironwood was used for the bearings, while the handlebars and pedals come from a broom handle. The bike was developed by Michael Thompson and James Tully and they've got their inspiration after watching the Tour of Britain pass Thompson's front garden. Tully bet him 1 pound he could not make a wooden bike, and as you can see, Tully lost. Probably the most interesting thing about the SplinterBike is its drivetrain. It does not have the traditional chain that you can find on all bikes; it was replaced with a pair of 128-tooth cogs that link the pedals to the bike's rear wheel. This isn't the first bike in the world made entirely out of wood, but there are big chances that it is the fastest and these two guys want to find out if their SplinterBike can reach 31 mph. Obviously, at the moment there is no existing record, so they had to call in someone to record the bike's speed. They paid 7,500 pounds to Speed Record Club to come and find out how fast the SplinterBike really is. The team believes that thanks to the bike's 4:1 gear ratio, it should reach a top speed of 31 mph. Don't get your hopes up because this is only a theoretical estimation as the bike hasn't been ridden yet. Why? Because Michael and James do not have access to a venue that has a smooth-enough surface for those wooden wheels. Click here to view the embedded video. Source: SplinterBike via Wired Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Posted: 07 May 2011 01:30 PM PDT  2012 BMW M6 Coupe Our esteemed colleagues from WCF have managed to grab a batch of spy shots with the upcoming 2012 BMW M6 Coupe. Unfortunately, this prototype still wears a lot of camouflage, but we can see that it has been fitted with all the "M" goodies, like the big rims and the lowered suspension, along with the aerodynamic kit.  2012 BMW M6 Coupe Under that hood there shouldn't be any surprises as it will feature the same engine that we will find in the highly-anticipated F10 M5, a V8 4.4-liter twin-turbo power unit that will be mated to a 7-speed DCT Drivelogic double clutch gearbox. This engine will most likely output about 557 hp (565 PS / 416 kW).  2012 BMW M6 Coupe The 2012 BMW M6 Coupe will be revealed later on this year. Stay tuned for more information and spy shots.  2012 BMW M6 Coupe Source: WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Kia Soul Hamster Edition Revealed Posted: 07 May 2011 12:22 PM PDT  Kia Soul Hamster Concept (SEMA 2010) Kia will soon roll out a special "Hamster Edition" that celebrates the company's popular "This or That" commercial. The model comes with black exterior graphics, a spoiler in the back and cool 18-inch alloy rims.  Kia Soul Hamster Concept (SEMA 2010) The cabin gets a push-button ignition, black leather seats, automatic climate control and bespoke floor mats.  Kia Soul Hamster Concept (SEMA 2010) No information about the price list, but we know that it will hit the U.S. dealerships later on this spring.  Kia Soul Hamster Concept (SEMA 2010) PS: Who would ever buy such a thing? As if it wasn't enough that the regular model is odd-looking…  Kia Soul Hamster Concept (SEMA 2010) Source: Kia via Twitter via WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com |
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