RPMGO Car Blog |
- McLaren Veyron-killer In The Works
- Renault Twizy Pricing Announced
- American Muscle Car Legend – Ford Mustang
- Top 10 Cheapest Cars Of This Year
- Fast and Furious 6 is on the way
| McLaren Veyron-killer In The Works Posted: 14 May 2011 04:00 AM PDT  McLaren Mega Mac (rendering) It seems that McLaren is working hard on a new flagship model that will beat the all-mighty Bugatti Veyron and all other supercars to date. Known inside the company as the "Mega Mac", the car will most likely be launched sometime in 2014 and only 500 units will be ever made. The price tag for the hypercar will probably be between 350,000 and 400,000 pounds. Sources inside the company say that the new vehicle will be "bigger, angrier and more functional looking" than the MP4-12C, despite the fact that it will have a family resemblance to both the current model and the iconic McLaren F1. In addition, the car will sport active aerodynamic systems, including both front and rear spoilers which will be deployed in certain conditions, along with a rear airbake, similar to the one we already saw on the MP4-12C. The interior cabin will offer all-round visibility while the luxury features will be kept down to a minimum, along with a limited luggage room located behind the seats. Rumors say that it will feature on-board data logging as well as a video camera in order to allow the driver of the car to film his/her own track time – pretty cool if you ask me. Now to the really interesting stuff about the "Mega Mac" – it will be powered by a V8 5.0-liter engine that will produced 799 hp, offering 160 hp / liter. This power unit will be developed in partnership with Ricardo. All of the 590 ponies will be available at 7,500 rpm and the peak torque of 590 lb.-ft will be delivered between 3,500 and 6,800 rpm. This engine will be mated to a Graziano 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Performances are not set in stone at the moment, but we should expect to see a 0-60 mph sprint in 2.8 seconds, 0-100 mph in 5.5 seconds and a 0-200 mph time in 20 seconds. Despite the fact that the 0-60 mph time is longer than the one of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, McLaren's hypercar will reach 200 mph faster than Bugatti's 22 seconds. Just like the aforementioned MP-12C, the new model from McLaren will benefit from a carbonfibre Monocell, using similar, but updated, aluminum pushrod suspension, along with a 5-stage traction control system, adaptive dampers and hydraulic anti-roll control. To stop the car in an efficient manner, the engineers will install Brembo carbon-ceramic disc brakes, along with Brake Steer and electronic brake force distribution. Source: AutoCar.co.uk Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Renault Twizy Pricing Announced Posted: 14 May 2011 03:00 AM PDT  Renault Twizy The French automaker Renault has revealed the price list for its Twizy model which will be available from 6,990 Euros later on this year. However, the low-spec model has only a 5 hp (5 PS / 4 kW) electric motor, enabling it to reach a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). In addition, the battery is not included in the price, which means that you will have to lease it for 45 Euros / month.  Renault Twizy The mainstream model can be yours for 7,690 Euros and comes with a 17 hp (17 PS / 13 kW) electric motor, allowing the car to reach a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). The monthly fee for the battery lease is 49 Euros.  Renault Twizy Both variants have the same lithium-ion battery that guarantees a driving range of up to 62 miles (100 km) with a single charge. You can recharge the battery in about 3 1/2 hours.  Renault Twizy Source: Renault via WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| American Muscle Car Legend – Ford Mustang Posted: 14 May 2011 02:21 AM PDT
This week's "classic cars" article is dedicated to my favorite muscle car of all times, the legendary Ford Mustang. The first generation of the model was launched back in April 17, 1964 and the 1965 Mustang was Ford's most successful launch since the famous Model A. The "Mustang" nameplate is the third oldest nameplate in production, after the F-Series pickup truck line and the Falcon. The Ford Mustang is considered to be the first "pony car" in the world – a sports car-like coupe that has a long bonnet and short rear decks. The first production car rolled off the assembly line on March 9, 1964 and it was introduced to the general public on April 17, 1964 at the New York World's Fair. The name "Mustang" is credit to executive stylist John Najjar, who was a big fan of the P-51 Mustang, a WW II fighter plane. He was involved in the design of the prototype.
The first generation of the model was produced from 1964 until 1973. The overall development of the car lasted only 18 months and the T-5 prototype was a 2-seat, mid-mounted engine roadster. It was powered by a Taunus (Ford Germany) V4 engine. The reason why Ford abandoned the 2-seat design was because of the poor sales of its 1955 Thunderbird model, another 2-seater. For this reason, it was remodeled as a 4-seater. The "Fastback 2+2" model traded the car's regular trunk for more interior volume, along with adding exterior lines that looked a lot like the one found on the 2nd gen Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray or the iconic Jaguar E-Type. This version was not available as a 1964 1/2 model, but the first car was built on August 17, 1964. To achieve an affordable $2,368 MSRP and to shave off development costs, Ford used lots of simple and familiar components, many of them borrowed from the company's other models. The chassis, drivetrain, suspension and the interior were derived from the Fairlane and Falcon models.  1973-1978 Ford Mustang II The second generation of the Ford Mustang was launched in 1974 and was manufactured until 1978. Lee Iacocca, who worked for the development of the original model, became the president of the company in 1970 and he wanted a more fuel-efficient and smaller Mustang. The first plans were to launch a model based on the company's Maverick, but Ford changed its mind and opted for the Ford Pinto. Introduced just two months before the oil crisis of 1973, it had a reduced size, making it a worthy rival for the Toyota Celica. During its first year, Ford managed to sell 385,993 units of its Mustang II model in comparison to the first generation that managed 418,812. The model was available in both coupe and hatchback versions, along with a "Ghia" luxury edition.  1985–1986 Ford Mustang GT The third generation debuted in 1979 and was built until 1993. It was based on Ford's longer Fox platform that was initially developed for the Fairmont and the Mercury Zephyr models. The cabin was updated in order to accommodate four people in comfort, although it had a smaller back seat. The body styles available for the 3rd gen model were: coupe (aka notchback), hatchback and a cabrio version. It was available in various trim levels: L, GL, GLX, LX, GT, Turbo GT, SVO, Cobra and the Cobra R.  2002 Ford Mustang Convertible In 1994 Ford launched the fourth generation of the Mustang and produced it until 2004. The entry-level model featured a V6 3.8-liter OHV engine that produced 145 hp for the 1994 and 1995 models and 150 hp for the 1996-1998 models. This power unit was linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The design of the car underwent some serious changes and was based on the company's updated version of the RWD Fox platform, dubbed "Fox-4".  2007-2009 Ford Mustang GT/CS The fifth and latest generation of the Ford Mustang was introduced in 2004 at the North American International Auto Show and it was an entirely redesigned model, based on Ford's all-new D2C platform for the 2005MY. The design reminds us of the late 1960s fastback Mustang and its exterior style was developed by Sid Ramnarace. The 2005-2009 models had a V6 4.0-liter SOHC engine that produced 210 hp, replacing the old V6 3.8-liter pushrod engine. The "GT" version had a more powerful V8 4.6-liter engine that delivered 300 hp. The 2010MY was launched in the spring of 2009 and brought changes to the GT version which was updated to similar specifications to that of the 2008-2009 Mustang Bullitt V8 4.6-liter, producing 315 hp @ 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 325 lb.-ft (441 Nm) @ 4,250 rpm. It also came with new spring rates and dampers for improving control and ride quality, new wheel sizes and it was offered as standard with stability and traction control.  2011 Ford Mustang For the 2011MY, Ford updated all of the engines in the Mustang lineup. They also replaced the hydraulic power steering pump with an Electronic Power Assist Steering, which doesn't use belts, making the car more maneuverable at low speeds and providing better grip at higher speeds. A new addition is the V6 3.7-liter engine that weighs 40 lb less than the previous generation and packs 305 hp, while the peak torque is 280 lb.-ft. The upcoming generation of the Ford Mustang is expected to be launched sometime in 2014 or early 2015. Rumors say that it will be based on a global platform and it will feature independent suspension. Source: Wikipedia.org, Motor Authority | Photos: allfordmustangs.com Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Top 10 Cheapest Cars Of This Year Posted: 14 May 2011 01:27 AM PDT
If you live in North America and you are in the market for a very cheap car, here are the least expensive models that you can buy this year. All the prices are MSRP + destination charge: 01. Hyundai Accent GL – Starting From $10,705
 Hyundai Accent GL A little bit more expensive than the previous generation, but still the most affordable car you can buy, the Accent GL (formerly known as the Accent GS Base and Accent Blue) is what you would call a standard car. For the base model, you can forget about the AC system (another $1,000), power windows, automatic gearbox, radio, etc. If you want all of these, prepare to pay $13,415 for the Accent GS, but in this price range, you'll find better cars. The Accent GL features a 110-hp engine and power steering. You need to know that in crash tests, it didn't score so well and the safety equipment is quite limited. 02. Nissan Versa 1.6 – Starting From $10,740
 Nissan Versa 1.6 If the Accent isn't your cup of tea, maybe this Nissan Versa will do the trick. You get two more doors, more space inside the cabin and better resale value. The 2011MY comes as standard with door locks and power windows, but you don't get a stereo or many options for the paintwork: only black, silver and blue. If you add AC, automatic gearbox and antilock brakes, the price tag jumps to less than $13,000. For $15,780, you can get the Versa 1.8 that comes with AC, stereo, cruise control and ESP. 03. Chevrolet Aveo LS Sedan – Starting From $12,685
 Chevrolet Aveo LS Sedan For the entry-level Aveo you'll get AM/FM radio with MP3 player input jack, OnStar and AC. There are lots of colors to choose from and for $200 more, you can get the hatchback model. On the down side, the Aveo is not a very good car to drive, lacks safety equipment and if you add power windows and a CD player, the price jumps past the $15,000 mark and for that money, there are lots of cars to choose from. 04. Kia Rio Base Sedan – Starting From $12,990
 Kia Rio Base Sedan Just like the aforementioned Hyundai Accent GL and the Nissan Versa 1.6, it comes with a very short list of standard equipment. The engine is quite eager but the car's non-power-assisted steering feels awful in the curves and you'll have to work a lot while parking the car. The more expensive Rio LX ($15,690) comes with AC, ABS and a CD player. It does look better than the Accent and the Versa though, but not a very good car to drive. 05. Smart ForTwo Pure – Starting From $13,240
 Smart ForTwo Pure No AC, no power windows or mirrors, not even a stereo for the cheapest ForTwo. You do get automatic gearbox, ABS, ESC and side airbags. If you want the comfort features, prepare to pay another $2,000 for the ForTwo Passion. 06. Toyota Yaris 3-door Liftback – Starting From $13,615
 Toyota Yaris 3-door Liftback It offers a pretty good standard package that includes AC, ABS, ESP, along with an $800 optional automatic transmission. For $300 more, the 5-door version of the Yaris can be yours. It looks really good, it is easy to drive and thanks to its small size, you can squeeze it into small parking spaces. 07. Kia Soul Base – Starting From $13,995
 Kia Soul Base If you are in the market for a funky mini-wagon, the Kia Soul Base might be the solution for you. You'll get as standard: power windows and locks, ABS, ESP and CD stereo with USB. You can choose from only three colors: black, white and silver. Under the hood there is a 1.6-liter engine that produces 122 hp and it can be mated only to a manual transmission. The car is pretty comfortable, safe and practical. 08. Ford Fiesta S Sedan – Starting From $13,995
 Ford Fiesta S Sedan Same price as the Kia Soul Base, and the latest model in this top. You get four doors, a pretty capable 120-hp engine, ESP, power steering, AM/FM + auxiliary input jack. The Fiesta is known as one of those cars that are very fun to drive and this S Sedan version is no exception. We recommend paying extra for the 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. 09. Suzuki SX4 Sedan – Starting From $14,244
 Suzuki SX4 Sedan The entry-level SX4 Sedan is a pretty basic car as you don't get an automatic gearbox, AC, stereo and the only color available is white. However, you do get ABS, power windows and locks and a pretty potent 2.0-liter engine that cranks out 150 hp. It features a pretty big back seat and is very fun to drive. The styling is also quite nice. 10. Nissan Cube 1.8 – Starting From $14,740
 Nissan Cube 1.8 The Nissan Cube 1.8 comes with a lot of standard equipment: AC, CD player, ABS, ESP and power windows and locks. The design is pretty cool and you get a lot of space inside the cabin. While some of you will like its cutting-edge style, others will disapprove. Outside of this top 10 we find the Mazda2 Sport, with an entry-level model that will set you back $14,795; Hyundai Elantra GLS ($15,625); Kia Forte LX ($15,690); Scion xD ($15,765); the Mitsubishi Lancer DE ($15,755); Honda Fit ($15,850); Mazda 3i SV ($16,595); Nissan Sentra 2.0 ($16,270); Honda Civic DX Coupe ($16,355) and the Volkswagen Jetta S ($16,765). As you can see, there are a lot of cars to choose from if you are looking for something very affordable that will get you from point A to point B. If we were to choose a car from this top 10, it would have to be the recently introduced Ford Fiesta S Sedan as it offers plenty of standard equipment and it looks pretty good. Plus, it probably is the most fun to drive car in this price range. Source: cars.about.com Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Fast and Furious 6 is on the way Posted: 13 May 2011 07:09 AM PDT We got lucky. Our patience did not left us and we stayed for the ending credits of Fast Five. We got to witness and see the breadcrumbs the producer left us. Two more minutes of FBI searching for criminals on wheels. They found something. Looks like Fast and Furious 6 is on the way with Michelle Rodriguez in the cast again as Letty. No other details are yet exposed, but we’ll keep you posted with updates.
Post published on Rpmgo.com |
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