As the Rascal Flatts say, fast cars and freedom are every driver’s dream. It’s the perfect combination to make you feel alive. Nothing artificial, just the pure thrill of driving a great car! No care in the world but having to stop for gas.
Simple things that make a man happy. You need a great T-shirt to go with that.
Get ready for the summer with a T-shirt that’s all about those fast cars and that freedom. And make sure you check out the Revvnation Store for more cool stuff!
Post tags: Tags: fast cars freedom, RevvNation, revvnation store, revvnation t-shirt
As you might know, the New York Auto Show starts today in the Big Apple. After the first two press days, the public will be welcomed to the convention. During April 2, the World Car of the Year awards will finally be given in each category.
As you remember, the three finalists for each category were announced at the beginning of March, at the Geneva Motor Show. At that time, we asked you to vote for your favorites and see just how your opinion ranks with the one from the automotive press from all over the world.
As a reminder, the finalists for 2010 World Car of the Year are: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Toyota Prius and the Volkswagen Polo.
The finalists for 2010 World Performance Car of the Year are: Audi R8 V10, the Ferrari California and the Porsche 911 GT3.
The finalists for the 2010 World Green Car of the Year are: Honda Insight, Toyota Prius and the Volkswagen BlueMotion (Golf, Passat, Polo).
Last but not least, the finalists for the 2010 Car Design of the Year are: Chevrolet Camaro, Citroën C3 Picasso and the Kia Soul.
We already have quite a few votes submitted, so cast your opinion in all of the polls below.
What is the 2010 World Car of the Year?
- Mercedes-Benz E Class (71%, 44 Votes)
- Volkswagen Polo (19%, 12 Votes)
- Toyota Prius (10%, 6 Votes)
Total Voters: 62
What is the 2010 World Performance Car of the Year?
- Audi R8 V10 (52%, 31 Votes)
- Porsche 911 GT3 (28%, 17 Votes)
- Ferrari California (20%, 12 Votes)
Total Voters: 60
What is the 2010 Green Car of the Year?
- Volkswagen BlueMotion (Golf, Passat, Polo) (56%, 32 Votes)
- Honda Insight (30%, 17 Votes)
- Toyota Prius (14%, 8 Votes)
Total Voters: 57
What is the 2010 Car Design of the Year?
- Chevrolet Camaro (69%, 37 Votes)
- Citroën C3 Picasso (20%, 11 Votes)
- Kia Soul (11%, 6 Votes)
Total Voters: 54
Post tags: Tags: 2010 world car of the year, award, car-of-the-year, coty, new-york-auto-show, world-car-of-the-year
BMW’s 6 series has always been a special lineup, and produced the closest thing to a BMW supercar you could get, the M6. For the next generation though, things are going to change a lot. Not only through the complete restyle of the 6 lineup, but also in terms of the role the M6 will play.
According to new rumors, it seems that BMW will go all the way, and stay true to its promise of making a supercar based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept it showcased in the last few months. How will it do that? The company will push the future M6 to its limits, and contend with the current go-to entry-level supercar, the Audi R8.
In order to do this, it will likely use the new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, set to make an appearance on the next generation M5, but also throw in many of the fuel saving technologies used on the Vision concept, as well as some of its style. As you all know, the current M6 is pretty awesome in terms of power, but many don’t want to be seen within a five-feet radius of it.
This special combo of performance, style and fuel efficiency will definitely give the boys in Ingolstadt something to think about. Hopefully we won’t be kept in the dark for too long about this project.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: audi-r8, BMW, bmw 6 series, bmw m6, bmw vision efficientdynamics, supercar
In what seems to be a sequence taken from a real life racing video game, three guys with various Ferrari F430 variants, like Spyder or Scuderia, have raced against each other on a private road, at least according to them, up to a casino in Malaysia.
According to various YouTube comments though, that was actually a regular road, leading up to the Genting Highlands resort in the Asian country. This means that they were actually putting their own lives and the lives of other motorists on the line just so they can push their Ferraris to their limits.
We don’t approve of such things (get those cars to a closed track for God’s sake), but the resulting footage is still pretty amazing. Just close your eyes and listen to those glorious engines. For the full race sequence with three Ferrari F430 models, hit the jump.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: Ferrari, ferrari f430 scuderia, ferrari f430 spyder, ferrari-f430, hoon, racing, Video
Audi promises facelifted TT roadster and coupe in Leipzig
Sad that you won’t be going to the upcoming New York Auto Show starting today? Don’t worry, on April 9 the Leipzig Motor Show will open its doors.
What will you see there? Well besides the 2011 5 Series Touring wagon variant and the newly revealed Ford Focus RS500, Audi promises you’ll be the first to check out the facelifted TT model, both in coupe and roadster form.
No other details were given by the Ingolstadt manufacturer (the above picture is that of the recent TT-S), but expect the usual fair of restyled front and rear fascias, as well a few other tweaks. Besides the new models, you’ll also get to admire already revealed four-ringed vehicles like the A1, A8, RS5 or the e-tron roadster and A1 e-tron electric vehicles.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi-tt, facelift, leipzig
The dreaded unintended acceleration problem has been plaguing the media in the last few months, largely because of Toyota’s major recalls due to various parts failing and resulting in out of control vehicles.
But this new video shows Japanese models aren’t the only ones suffering from such problems. In it, a last generation Renault Laguna is going through a series of “unintended acceleration” incidents.
From the erratic behavior though, we can clearly figure out that no floor mat or sticky pedal is to blame. Also, we have to feel bad for the guy on that mobile stair, he totally didn’t deserve it. Don’t forget to watch it until the end, as the wiper is the real cherry on top.
Hit the jump to see this new episode of unintended acceleration (or as we say, driver fail) in a Renault Laguna.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: Car Crashes, fail, funny, Renault, renault-laguna, unintended acceleration, Video
Right before the New York Auto Show kicks off today, Hyundai decided to unleash the details of its top-of-the-range 2011 Sonata Turbo model, which will pack a twin-scroll turbocharged (duh!) 2.0-liter direct injection four-cylinder unit.
The figures for this new car? A whopping 274 HP and a jaw dropping 34 MPG (on regular gasoline!). Torque figures are also quite high, with 269 lb-ft of twisting power. You won’t be wrangling that power with a manual gearbox though, as only a six-speed automatic will be available for the 2011 Sonata Turbo.
In comparison, the regular 2011 Sonata, with its un-turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four gets 35 MPG, while the already teased Sonata hybrid will be averaging a rumored 39 MPG. All in all, there’s no valid reason to skimp paying a bit extra and ordering the Sonata Turbo when it will be available this summer.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: 2011 hyundai sonata, 2011 hyundai sonata turbo, Hyundai, hyundai sonata, new-york-auto-show
General Motors has just announced that 5,000 heavy duty vans, including the 2500 and 3500 versions of the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna will be recalled ASAP due to a potential problem with the alternator. Also, sales of the current models as well as renting to other people have been stopped.
It seems that the alternator could cause a short circuit and lead to a major fire hazard. GM isn’t joking around and has advised owners as well as rental companies to park the cars far in between and disconnect both battery cables until the model will be recalled into service.
Bear in mind this doesn’t affect the light duty versions of the Express or Savana, only the heavy duty ones manufactured between February and March this year. Current owners are asked to contact their local dealership so that they can be kept up to date for when the replacement alternators arrive.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: Chevrolet, chevrolet express, General Motors, gm, GMC, gmc savana, heavy-duty, Recalls, van
In the last few days, a report has been slowly gathering up momentum in the auto industry. It seems that China’s BYD might be interested in buying Mercedes-Benz‘s luxury brand Maybach, if it will be canceled in the near future.
Considering BYD and Daimler are already collaborating in the development of small electric cars for the Chinese market, and that the current Maybach production might be shut down, the move didn’t sound that unlikely.
Luckily for purists, representatives from both companies have come forward to deny the rumors. Daimler revealed that “Maybach is an important part of Daimler’s product portfolio. There is no other decision.” BYD also explained, through a spokesman, that “It’s not true, it’s market speculation.”
As you all know, Mercedes’ Maybach brand is the peak of luxury limousines, but having only sold 200 models in 2009, things are looking bleak. A new facelift for all the range is planned to be revealed soon, but the future isn’t bright for the luxury branch.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: byd, china, daimler, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz
NASA asked to investigate unintended acceleration problems
The investigations into the unintended acceleration problems experienced by Toyota vehicles lately have really gone off the tracks. At first we were treated to the wild speculation that even cosmic rays might be to blame for the acceleration problems of Japanese cars. Now, the Department of Transportation has revealed that two investigations, one led by NASA (yeah, the rocket scientists) and one by the National Association of Sciences, will be made into the cases of reported unintended acceleration.
It seems that because all other investigations up to this point have failed to find an explanation for the problems encountered by Toyota models, which led to some huge recalls at the beginning of the year, there’s no one left to ask than the real scientists.
NASA’s expertise in “electronics, hardware, software, hazard analysis and complex problem solving” will be put to the test, according to the Department of Transportation in this investigation, with its findings set to be published around late summer. The National Association of Scientists will conduct a broader investigation, which will see the results revealed 15 months from now.
Oh, and the cost for these studies? Just $3 million. But rest assured as the nation’s brightest minds are on the job. Too bad they will be reporting to the nation’s not so brightest minds. What do you think? Should NASA and the NAS be brought into this problem or is it just a waste of money?
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: investigation, nasa, Toyota, unintended acceleration, usa
Chrysler will break even in 2010, Fiat’s Marchionne says
Even though 2009 was a bad year to be a US carmaker, 2010 is looking pretty good for all the parties involved. Ford is doing better than ever, with customer confidence increasing by leaps and bounds, GM is slowly getting its act together thanks to some inspired choices, but Chrysler, apparently, isn’t putting a rush on its revival, at least according to some voices.
Those voices are wrong, says Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, who saved the Pentastar carmaker last year and is getting it back on its feet. During a press conference before the New York Auto Show, the Italian executive said that Chrysler will break even this year.
The optimistic statement is backed up by the launch of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a model many people have already fallen in love with, as well as the planned facelifts which will arrive later this year. Marchionne’s goal is to have 50% of Chrysler vehicles using Fiat platforms by 2014, in order to trim costs down and boost profits.
In terms of sales, Marchionne reiterated his hope that the company can sell 1.1 million vehicles this year in the US alone. Whether or not this will translate even into a tiny profit is still anyone’s guess though, a fact admitted by the Fiat executive himself. Despite the problems in sales, his company won’t resort to incentives, like Toyota, and will be selling models based on their merits.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: Chrysler, Fiat, Sales, sergio marchionne
Given the major unintended acceleration scandal, the huge recalls and the pending legal battles, not a lot of people would trade shoes with Toyota. But according to the Toyota Motor Sales president Jim Lentz, the company’s position isn’t all that bad, at least in terms of sales.
The executive revealed that due to the aggressive incentive range offered to all models within the Toyota lineup, he expects some serious growth, between 30 and 35% in year-over-year sales, for the month of March. Now I don’t know about you, but that’s a serious upswing for the Japanese company.
Lentz highlights his train of thought with the RAV4 crossover, which sold over 22,000 units in the month of March, largely due to the incentives dealerships across the USA offered. The executive ended by saying that such strategies will continue, at least until the recall will be forgotten. The offers, plus the market which is recovering from the recession, will guarantee increased sales, according to Lentz.
It’s nice to see that at least morale is high in the Toyota camp, but we prefer to wait for the actual sales results for the month of March.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: incentives, jim lentz, Sales, Toyota
We were treated to a plethora of automotive news at the beginning of this month, due to the Geneva Motor Show taking place in Switzerland. Now, the industry is preparing for a next big convention, the New York Auto Show.
The show will open its doors on March 31 for the press, and on April 2 for the general public. Although not a lot of big reveals will appear, there are certainly going to be quite a few premieres for the US soil, with many Geneva exhibits making the trip across the Atlantic.
Curious to see just which are the most important reveals set to take place at the 2010 New York Auto Show? Then hit the jump to check our complete preview.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: new-york-auto-show, preview
Times are changing pretty fast for a lot of carmakers, and tougher standards and regulations require more research into less exciting areas than some car fans might like.
Lamborghini is no exception, as the flamboyant Italian supercar manufacturer has started taking measures to reduce its CO2 emissions and to cut back on weight. Now, being asked by Car and Driver, Maurizio Reggiani, the director of research and development of Lamborghini, has gazed into his crystal ball and revealed what the future holds for the company.
In short: less weight, more efficiency, fewer emissions, no force induction of any kind and, sadly, no manual gearboxes.
We already revealed the new center Lamborghini opened at the end of last year, in order to research newer and lighter materials, as it will play a big part in improving overall acceleration for Italian models and their efficiency.
The V10 and V12 units, now used in the Gallardo and Murcielago, will also receive a lot of improvements in the future, in order to increase efficiency. Among them we can include start/stop technology, as well as cylinder deactivation, and even flex-fuel capability. Among these systems, forced induction won’t make an appearance, according to Reggiani, who wants to keep the beautiful engines naturally aspirated.
But while things sound pretty good up until now, another major step for Lambo will be the elimination of manual gearboxes, as the six-speed manual is fitted to just five percent of all new cars. The executive did promise that the company will customize its own system, and not just slap on something from the Volkswagen group in the future models.
Overall, while purists will no doubt disapprove of these measures, Lamborghini needs to get with the times if it wants to still provide cars we can drive with the regulations of the present.
Source: Car and Driver
Post tags: Tags: future, Lamborghini, lamborghini-gallardo, lamborghini-murcielago
After leaving its fans to speculate on just what the photos depicting a Lexus LFA Nurburgring edition mean, the Japanese company has finally decided to unveil the concrete details of this special package for the limited LFA supercar.
It seems that the Nurburgring will designate a special track-focused accessories package, including quite a few carbon fiber body parts like front and side spoilers, as well as a huge wing in the back. Besides that, the package will squeeze 10 more HP from the V10 engine, taking the final output to over 562 HP.
The most important change though, at least to tech-heads, will be the resynchronization of the gearbox, which will be able to shift gears in just 0.15 seconds. This means the power will be sent even more quickly to the alloy wheels, wrapped in high performance sport tires.
This package celebrates the entry of the LFA supercars in the upcoming 24 Hours of Nurburgring motorsport event, and will be applied to just 50 cars in the scheduled run of 500 LFA models. For the extra money you’ll also be able to get some special courses on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, as well as a year-long pass to drive on the circuit.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: Lexus, lexus lfa, lexus lfa nurburgring
