According to AutoBild, the new compact sport utility vehicle, which will be placed below the Antara in Opel’s model lineup, is being developed in Korea by General Motors Daewoo, where most of Chevrolet’s European models are manufactured.
This smaller SUV will carry a lot of the technology available on the recently launched Chevrolet Sonic (the US-spec model), which itself is based on the Aveo (Europe). Taking this into consideration, most likely one of the engines that will be available for this baby-Antara is going to be a 1.4-liter turbocharged unit that develops 138 hp (103 kW / 140 PS) and 148 lb.-ft (200 Nm) of torque, linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
We’ll let you know once more info is released.
Source: AutoBild via WorldCarFans
BMW ConnectedDrive Concept
Next month at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the German automaker BMW will reveal the ConnectedDrive Concept car. It will be a two-seat roadster and will set the grounds for potential current and future in-car technologies designed in order to improve comfort, infotainment and most important, safety.
BMW ConnectedDrive Concept
This crossover employs a layering principal in its design and takes the EfficientDynamics language to an entire new level. The high level of comfort is guaranteed by the extended wheelbase and the electro-mechanical retracting doors which we’ve first seen in the Z1 concept. Out in the back you’ll notice the two generous air outlets, the L-design of the rear lights and their outside edge of the rear position. The concept rolls on beautiful 20-inch rims that have a 3D design.
BMW ConnectedDrive Concept
The cabin of the ConnectedDrive Concept is at least to say, unusual. BMW decided to split it into two sections – one for the driver and the other one, you’ve guessed it, for the passenger. The sections are separated by the long center console and the reason behind this concept is to offer focused attention on the road.
BMW ConnectedDrive Concept
More divisions are available with the three levels of technology we’ve mentioned in the first paragraph: technology-comfort, infotainment and safety which are distinguished by fiber optics finished in various colors. The first layer was designed for safety and is finished in a red pattern which flows to the front of the car to represent safety-specific info and the driver’s focus on the road. The second layer was designed for the aforementioned infotainment system and is finished in a “blue ribbon of light” that stretches into the section of the passenger. The final layer, a green one, represents comfort and it was conceived to focus on the interaction of the car with the surroundings. The emphasis is on the outside of the car, starting and ending with the two antennas.
2011 BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept
The German automaker did not reveal what is under the hood of the ConnectedDrive Concept. However, we do know that the official details will be published on March 1st. Stay tuned to find out more about this exquisite concept.
Chicago 2011 – Ram Tradesman
This week at the 2011 ChicagoAuto Show, the new Ram Tradesman was launched, a pickup truck based on the 1500 model. Under the hood there is a powerful HEMI engine that produces 390 hp and 407 lb.-ft of torque and is capable of doing 20 mpg on the highway, not very much but it goes with the territory.
The Ram Tradesman is available with a Class IV trailer and offers a substantial towing capacity of 10,450 lbs. The model will be available for sale with either a regular cab, a regular cab short-bed measuring 6 ft., 4 inches or a long bed, measuring 8 ft. It will be on sale in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel drive configurations.
As standard, the Ram Tradesman features a 17-inch steel spare wheel and full-size spare tire, 160-amp alternator and either a 26- or 32-gallon gas tank. In addition, it packs front & rear heavy-duty shock absorbers, a locking tailgate, halogen headlamps, front & rear stabilizer bars, cargo bed lamp and a bright chrome grille.
The Ram Tradesman pickup truck will go on sale in the second quarter of this year and will have a starting price of $22,780.
Piecha Mercedes ML Launched
I never was a huge fan of SUVs but if I had to buy one it would have to be the ML. The tuners from Piecha Design decided to roll out their upgrade program for the latest generation of this German SUV which can also be installed on the GL-Class X164 due to the fact that these two models are very similar.
The Mercedes ML now rolls on some imposing wheels, measuring 10×22-inch in the front and 11.5×22-inch out in the back. This set of wheels will set you back 6,000 Euros. Other changes include an H&R coilover suspension, which lowers the ML by 35 mm in the front and 50 mm at the rear axle – its price tag is 385 Euros.
As far as the performance of the car is concerned, the engineers installed a Power Converter Intermedia RC (357 Euros) which improves the acceleration as well as the reaction time of the accelerator pedal at low speeds.
Volkswagen Golf24
The German automaker Volkswagen will be taking the Golf24 to this year’s Nurburgring 24-hour race. Under the hood of this Golf the engineers installed a 5-cylinder 2.4-liter turbo engine that produces 440 hp (324 kW) and 540 Nm.
Volkswagen Golf24
Other important modifications in comparison with the standard production model would have to be the permanent four-wheel drive and the sequential 6-speed gearbox with paddle shifters.
The race will be organized in June, and until then, this Golf24 will be thoroughly tested. Its racing debut will occur in the Endurance Championship on the famous Nurburgring-Nordschleife circuit.
Volkswagen Golf24
We’ll let you know how fast this Golf on track is once it starts participating in some official races.
One of the sexiest cars in the last years is the Audi A7. The tuners over at ABT Sportsline considered that there is still room for improvement and came up with a tuning program for the car which includes both a power boost and aesthetics changes.
As far as the engine is concerned, the 3.0 TDI is now available with two upgraded power levels: the first one delivers 282 hp (207 kW) and 500 Nm of torque; while the other outputs 310 hp (228 kW) and 610 Nm of torque.
If you like the 3.0 TFSI petrol engine, ABT can increase its power to 410 hp (302 kW) from the standard 300 hp (221 kW).
I like that they didn’t messed with the look of the car and they made only discreet modifications. The new front spoiler fits in very nicely with the lines of the car while the side skirts and the rear skirt look like they’ve been designed by Audi themselves. That new 4-pipe exhaust unit gives the A7 a more muscular look. In addition, ABT is offering a couple of 19- and 21-inch rims in many designs.
Geneva Preview – Renault Captur Concept
Renault’s Captur Concept has been unveiled yesterday, ahead of its public debut at Geneva Auto Show next month. You would probably expect that this concept is either a hybrid or an all-electric vehicle – you’d be wrong as it is powered by a conventional diesel engine, a 1.6-liter dCi Twin-Turbo that produces 160 hp (118 kW) and 380 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to the Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission. It still is quite eco-friendly as its CO2 emissions stand at only 99 g / km.
Essentially, this concept from Renault is a crossover, measuring 4,233 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width and 1,586 mm in height, while the wheelbase is 2,624 mm. According to the French automaker, the Captur will do the 0-62 mph sprint in 8 seconds, onto a top speed of 210 km/h. The concept benefits from the new RX2 system which will improve traction at low speeds. This RX2 system is in fact an all-new mechanical self-locking differential that has the possibility to send all or part of the torque to the wheels that have the most traction.
The guys over at Renault didn’t say if this concept will transform into a production model. We’ll have more information after its official debut at Geneva next month. Until then, check out this video of the Captur:
Today I’m starting a new series of articles on rpmGO, dedicated to the cars that I don’t like for various reasons. I thought that I should start big and tell you why I never liked the Hummer H2. Simply put, the H2 is one of the ugliest cars ever made and a real gas guzzler due to its massive 8500 lbs weight.
If you didn’t know, the Hummer H2 has the chassis of the Chevy Tahoe and a body quite similar with the original Hummer, meaning that this is in fact a Chevy Tahoe in a real bad disguise. I’ve mentioned that the car is a gas guzzler. Due to its weight, it didn’t have to meet the US government federal fuel efficiency regulations. More than that, the manufacturer didn’t even have to publish its fuel economy. According to some owners, the H2 will do only 10 mpg for normal use!
Aside from the fact that you’ll have to visit the gas station quite often, the Hummer (all of the models) is a real polluter. The H2 produces 3.4 metric tons of carbon emissions in a typical year which is almost double in comparison to the Chevrolet Malibu sedan.
Another thing that I hate about the car (and probably the most) is the fact that it has those raised bumpers which most likely would prove to be fatal in a frontal collision with another car. I can’t even image what would happen if it hit someone on the street.
Last but not least, the Hummer H2 was one of those cars that benefited from tax loopholes. What I’m trying to say is that under the laws applicable when it was made, business owners could have deducted almost 50% the cost of an H2. Those people in the highest tax bracket had the possibility to save up to $10,000 if they got the H2.
Although I’m a big fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger and I grew up with his movies, he was the one that convinced AM General to make a street-legal version of the Gulf War Humvee (High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle). The rest of the story you already know it – three awful cars. Thank God that General Motors killed the Hummer brand.
We are redoing parts of rpmgo.com these days and, if something weird happens, don’t worry, we are changing things around.
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If you want to drink & drive, think again. The authorities of Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia have installed a bunch of roadside billboards that feature a dummy covered in fake blood that appears to have crashed in an attempt to curb drinking & driving.
These billboards definitely send out a message. The English translation of the text written near that dummy would be: “your body could have been here”.
Despite the fact that the billboard is very violent and extreme, it serves as a creative solution to a major problem in Russia. Drunk driving here is the cause of many car accidents, more since 2003 when the Russian government moved the legal BAC limit from 0.00 to 0.05.
Another way to warn drivers about the risks involved when under the influence of alcohol is this bottle-shaped structure that was filled with wrecked cars.
Source: Jalopnik
Revere London 2011 Range Rover Sport
One of the most desirable SUVs for tuners is without any doubt the Range Rover. Earlier today we showed you the 2011 Arden Range Rover AR7 Highlander and now we have another tuned model, this time courtesy of Revere London.
Revere London 2011 Range Rover Sport
With this tuning program, the popular SUV got a signature Revere grill while the rest of the front end has consists of a plastic front bumper and a lower fascia that is guaranteed to fit with the OEM body components. The car has a more aggressive look thanks to the contrasting paint color for the air dam and the Hella fog lamps.
Revere London 2011 Range Rover Sport
Revere announced that they will be matching several body components to the overall color of the Range Rover Sport. The air suspension now benefits from a lowering module, allowing those massive 22-inch Revere aluminum rims to fit snugly into the wheel wells.
Revere London 2011 Range Rover Sport
As far as the cabin is concerned, it will be available in over 15 different colors of leather. According to Revere, everything inside can be stitched or covered in whatever method the customer requests. In addition, this Range Rover Sport benefits from a custom-designed steering wheel, gauges as well as various audio and visual equipments.
The model fitted with the V8 4.2-liter supercharged engine will generate 410 hp thanks to the reprogramming of the ECU. The standard brakes have been replaced by Brembo units, allowing the car to stop more efficiently.
I’ve always liked subtle tuning programs and I have to say that this Revere London 2011 Range Rover Sport looks very nice.
Brabus 2008 Mercedes Unimog
Brabus 2008 Mercedes Unimog
We all know that Mercedes is one of the top dogs in the automotive business, offering models in every single segment, but what’s the deal with the Unimog? I for one can’t imagine someone buying this car(?), but who am I to judge?
Brabus 2008 Mercedes Unimog
You all have heard of Brabus, right? They are well-known for making some of the fastest Mercedes models out there. Taking into consideration that they were willing to tune the Smart car, it shouldn’t be a surprise that they decided to roll out a tuned Unimog.
Brabus 2008 Mercedes Unimog
Let’s start with the exterior look of this truck. First of all, its proportions are gigantic! It has 455/70 R24 tires that look like the ones you see on airplanes. The guys over at Brabus tried to give this vehicle a sportier and sleek look by adding new front and rear bumpers, chrome rollover bars, side paneling with air vents and a diamond plate truck bed along with a full size spare. If you want this truck, you’ll have to get it in black as it is the only color available.
Brabus 2008 Mercedes Unimog
Inside, the truck looks a little bit more normal. It has leather and carbon-fiber on most of the surface, including here the massive center dashboard / command center or whatever you like to call it. Alcantara was used to cover the tall A and B pillars. The Unimog has a COMAND system borrowed from the S-Class and features a 6.5-inch screen, a CD changer and a compass which is an exclusive feature for the Brabus Unimog.
Brabus 2008 Mercedes Unimog
From the console located between the seats, the driver has the possibility to control the power windows, locks, differential locks and a whole bunch of other functions. The seats you see in this picture are air-suspended comfort shock-cushioning units that have a full lumbar support. The Unimog benefits from two independently-controlled AC systems, heater (plus an auxiliary one) that takes great care of the passenger’s comfort.
Under its odd hood you’ll find a 6-cyilnder turbo diesel engine that produces 282 hp and a whopping 862 lb.-ft of torque, allowing this 12-ton monster to reach a top speed of over 60 mph. The driver of the Unimog has the possibility to choose from the smooth automatic function or the manual mode for changing the gears.
How much is it? $330,445 but there is only one available and it isn’t brand new, as it already reads 15,600 km on the odometer. Would you buy it if you had the money? I sure wouldn’t.
Source: TopSpeed
This Is The Fastest Solar-Powered Vehicle In The World
The Sunswift Ivy was built by a team from the University of New South Wales, Australia and made in into the Guinness Book as the fastest solar powered car, clocking an average speed of 55.2 mph (88.8 km/h) at a navy base in New South Wales.
The car took down the old record which was established back in 1988 by the General Motors Sunraycer, a vehicle that managed to achieve an average speed of 79 km/h.
The Sunswift Ivy has 1/10 of the weight a regular car has and was fitted with a 98%-efficient Brushless CSIRO 3 phase DC motor that needs only 1300 watts of solar-generated power in order to achieve the aforementioned average speed of 88.8 km/h. This is roughly the same amount of energy that a toaster needs for two pieces of bread.
The drivers who managed to establish this new world record were Barton Mawer and Craig Davis, who are professional racing drivers from Tesla European Operations.
The vehicle has just about the same size as your average family car, but is very light thanks to its carbon fiber frame. Its top speed is 71.5 mph (115 km/h) and cost AUD $280,000 to develop.
Another similar Guinness world record would have to be for the longest journey done by an EV (non-solar) without recharging the batteries – 345.23 miles (555.6 km), achieved with a Mira EV, driven by Tadashi Tateuchi from Tokyo to Osaka, Japan.
Source: WorldRecordsAcademy
Mazda Announces A Special Edition Of The Miata
Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition
A few days ago we’ve talked about Miata’s Guinness World Record. After rolling out the 900,000 unit of the MX-5, the Japanese automaker had a great idea – to make a special edition that would commemorate this important achievement. They will be making only 750 units of this model which they will most likely be sold in a few hours, onto their goal to sell 1,000,000 Miatas.
This special edition MX-5 will be available with one of the two exterior paintworks: Dolphin Gray Mica or Sparkling Black Mica. The Miata will sit on a brand new set of 17-inch bright-finish alloy rims. Inside the cabin, you’ll find a couple of exclusive interior accents, like a gray door trim, heated leather seats that have a gray stitching, a new steering wheel, instruments and vents with chrome accents, a parking brake covered in black leather with gray stitching and aluminum pedals of the models fitted with the 6-speed manual gearbox.
Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition
I wished that they would have made some upgrades to the car’s engine but the standard one is pretty competent. The Miata’s 4-cylinder 2.0-liter produces 167 hp when it is linked to the manual gearbox and 158 hp when mated to the automatic transmission.
Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition
The Japanese automaker Mazda said that this special edition will have a basic price of $30,925 for the models equipped with the manual transmission while the units fitted with the automatic gearbox will cost from $31,525. The Special Edition will be available with either a soft-top or a PRHT – power retractable hard top.
2011 Lumma CLR X650
Besides the CLR 558 GT based on the Porsche Cayenne, the engineers at Lumma are also working on the CLR X650, based on the BMW X6. The car will have its official debut next month at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
The exterior modifications brought over the standard model would have to be the redesigned front spoiler, the updated rear bumper, side skirts and the sportier-looking bonnet. The CLR X650 will also feature carbon fiber inserts on the rear lip, on the mirror covers, front kidneys and on the headlamp visors.
Inside the cabin, the car will benefit from a leather upholstered sports steering wheel and leather-covered carbon-look interior ledges. The entire cabin is covered in a black and beige leather upholstery, complemented by the decorative seams in contrasting color. It also sports color coordinated instruments plus aluminum pedals with anti-slip rubber coating, something that you’ll also find in the CLR 558 GT. Four individual Recaro sports shell seats come as standard with this model.
The increased performance will only be available for the diesel engine which will boost the power to 340 hp, thanks to the accelerator pedal power module along with the new sports exhaust system. With this engine, the maximum torque available is 670 Nm.
This SUV will also get a sports spring kit for both axles, making the X6 about 40 mm lower, promising even more agile driving. The CLR X650 is going to sit on 10×22-inch front wheels and 12×22-inch rear wheels, wrapped around in performance tires that measure 295/30 and 333/25.