RPMGO Car Blog |
- 2012 Ford C-Max Announced
- Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth
- Top 10 Releases In 2010 Part 2
- Top 10 Releases In 2010 Part 1
| Posted: 20 Dec 2010 03:37 AM PST  2012 Ford C-Max Ford just unveiled their latest iteration of the C-MAX model which for the 2012 model combines the updated design with the flexible seating configuration for up to seven (5+2) people. The 2012 C-MAX is an important part of Ford's global small vehicle strategy that will deliver minimum 10 cars (and 2 million units sold annually) – from a single C-vehicle platform by 2012. With the launch of the C-MAX, Ford will be introducing several unique features like the versatile 5+2 seating configuration that offers five seats in the main cabin plus two smaller seats located in the third row. Other important features of the car are the two sliding doors that allow a very comfortable entrance, active park assist, hands-free power-operated liftgate as well as an advanced system that is capable of steering the car into parallel parking spaces on its own (we are eager to see how this works in real life conditions). The all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost power unit developed by Ford is available with the C-MAX and offers the right balance between performance and fuel efficiency as well as reduced CO2 emission levels. This new engine is 20% more efficient as far as the fuel consumption in comparison with the naturally aspirated engine thanks to the high-pressure direct injection combined with the twin independent variable camshaft timing and the low-inertia turbocharging. With the EcoBoost, the C-MAX will most likely be the best 7-seat car regarding fuel economy on the highway. The entry-level power unit of the car will be a 2.5-liter iVCT I-4 (also available on the Fusion model) that offers enough low-end torque and was optimized for small crossover application. Both of these engines are linked to the 6F35 automatic 6-speed gearbox developed by Ford. Thanks to its 109.7-inch wheelbase and a respectable overall length of 178 inches, the Ford C-MAX offers plenty of space for seven passengers or for five people and a large amount of luggage. The size of the car resembles a lot to the original minivans developed in North America. For the new model, Ford has developed a clever new method for folding the second row as it is equipped with an interesting mechanism that permits the middle seat position to fold fast and very easy under the right-hand seat, which creates a very useful walk-through area located between the two outboard seats which means that the passengers have a very easy access to the third row in the back. In addition, the second row of the minivan sports the slide and recline functionality, meaning that the row can be adapted for various combinations of passenger seat positions and cargo capacity. The outboard second-row seats are equipped with the tip-and-slide forward function which allows an easier access to the third row when the second one is occupied.  2012 Ford C-Max Taken from the official press release published by Ford, here are the most important features of the Ford C-MAX: Touchscreen-operated navigation system; front and rear parking sensors, Sirius Satellite Radio; dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control; ambient lightning with illuminating footwells, cupholders available in multiple colors; Sony Audio System and the Easy Fuel system which provides a very tight seal and eliminates the risk of losing the caps or the possibility of loose-fitting. The 2012 Ford C-MAX was awarded with a 5-star rating by Euro NCAP, managing to achieve the highest score ever recorded by a car for whiplash protection and also it did extremely well for both child and adult occupant safety. Some highlights of the safety features of the minivan include the AdvanceTrac with RSC – Roll Stability Control with curve control that helps the driver to maintain the vehicle's stability; dual front and side airbags that can be tuned depending on the weight, size and belt status; first, second and third row Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags; tire pressure monitoring system; driver and passenger-side blind spot mirrors and a strong body architecture that uses many parts made out of high-strength steel. A first for the industry is the hands-free liftgate that allows the owners of the car to unlock and open the rear hatch when their hands are full in a very fast way. With the key fob, the driver of the C-MAX will have to do a gentle leg motion below the center of the rear bumper which will activate the sensors of the minivan, unlocking and raising the rear liftgate. The car will be available in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL. The 2012 Ford C-MAX will be officially launched at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Pricing was not announced at the moment of the press release. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Posted: 20 Dec 2010 02:26 AM PST  Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth A few weeks ago, the aftermarket specialists from Novitec launched their upgrade program details of the Fiat 500 Abarth. This isn't their first take on the 500, as in 2008 Novitec launched a tuning program for the non-Abarth 500. The Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth is powered by the same 1.4-liter T-Jet 4-cylinder engine but is fitted with the NT4-CORSE power kit. With this kit, the engine is capable of producing 57 kW / 77 hp more than the standard 156 kW / 212 hp and a 325 Nm torque achieved at 3,400 rpm. The tuning program is available also with power outputs starting from 121 kW / 164 hp. The kit for the 57 kW / 77 hp will set you back 3,016 Euros and consists of a special turbocharger, an optimized air-cleaner box with a sport air-filter cartridge, a special fuel pressure control, larger injection nozzles, the NOVITEC CORSE high performance exhaust system and a more efficient fresh air supply. More than that, the electronics of the Fiat 500 Abarth have been upgraded with the addition of the NOVITEC POWERJET 2 auxiliary control unit. With this power increase, the Fiat 500 Abarth is able to do the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.8 seconds and can reach a respectable top speed of 223 km/h. The torque has also increased from the standard 206 Nm to 325 Nm @ 3,400 rpm. The tuning program offers the NOVITEC stainless-steel sport mufflers and the high performance exhaust systems that are available with either one or two tailpipes (available in various shapes), giving the Abarth 500 a very exciting look in the back, an optimized performance and a more powerful engine. For the turbocharged model, NOVITEC offers some upgrades to the suspension of the car. Some of these modifications include the sport springs that will lower the 500's height by approximately 35 mm, as well as the adjustable sport suspension that is made out of stainless steel and it features stiffer gas-pressure shocks, allowing a more agile handling.  Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth The tuning program for the car also includes the custom one-piece N10 light alloy rims that are available in either 17-inch or 18-inch dimensions. The rims are wrapped in 215/40 R 17 tires, for both front and back wheels. As an optional feature, the rims can be purchased with a silver polish or they can have a matte black pattern. The starting price for these wheels is 1,106 Euros (including tires). Some exterior upgrades will come with this tuning package, like the front spoiler lip which is made from carbon and is attached to the underside of the normal front fascia. The refined shape of the front spoiler offers important aerodynamic advantages, reducing the lift on the car's front axle and further improves the stability of the direction at high speeds. To complete the sporty looks of the Novitec Abarth Fiat 500 Abarth, the lateral turn signals are black-tinted. According to the NOVITEC press release, further tuning options for the Fiat 500 Abarth are in preparation and the company also offers a comprehensive customization program for all of the car's versions. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Top 10 Releases In 2010 Part 2 Posted: 20 Dec 2010 01:35 AM PST In the first part of the article we presented the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Porsche Boxster / Cayman, Mazda 3, Mazda Miata and the Cadillac CTS / CTS-V. In the second part we will be reviewing the remaining five cars from our top. We start with the Ford Fusion Hybrid and see where the rest of the top takes us. Ford Fusion Hybrid  Ford Fusion Hybrid Although it might come as a surprise for many of you, the Fusion Hybrid from Ford is by far the most advanced car in our top 10. With the electric power engaged, the car is able to reach a respectable to speed of 47 mph. The powertrain of this hybrid is not only compact but very refined, you can barely hear it. As far as the in-car entertainment is concerned, the Fusion Hybrid is packed with the Sirius Travel Link that offers info regarding traffic, sports, and weather and movie times. The car was designed in order to keep the distraction level of the driver to a minimum as all the computer functions are voice controlled. The car is great fun to drive and something new in comparison to what you are accustomed to. The handling, the ride are all strong points of the Ford. The car is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-4 DOHC 16-valve conventional engine that is capable of producing 156 hp and 136 lb-ft. Being a hybrid; it also features a AC permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor that offers 106 hp and 166 lb-ft. The transmission of the Fusion Hybrid is a continuously variable automatic type. The base price for the car is $28,350. According to the EPA ratings, the car will do 41 mpg city / 36 mpg highway, one of the best in its class as far as fuel efficiency. Honda Accord  Honda Accord Sedan  Honda Accord Coupe The 2.4-liter standard engine of the Accord is surprisingly very quick, offering plenty of performance for a car from this class. The automatic gearbox never draws attention to itself and works just as you might expected. If you don't like the sedan version, maybe the coupe draws your attention with its sleek exterior looks and the powerful V6 engine capable of producing 271 hp, more than enough for most of us. With this engine, the Accord Coupe is able to do the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.6 seconds. The base price of the sedan version is $21,765 while the coupe can be yours for $30,015 with the entry-level trim. The transmissions available for the Accord include the 5 or 6-speed manual and the modern 5-speed automatic gearbox. According to the EPA ratings, the car will do 17-22 mpg city / 25-31 mpg highway. Honda Fit  Honda Fit Why another Honda? The Fit is very fun to drive, quite affordable and the cockpit will invade you with high quality materials that you will only find in more expensive cars of the upper segment. Not only it has a very reasonable price, but also it is very cheap to operate, making it a very wise decision for budget-minded drivers. The 117 hp 1.5-liter power unit isn't something to brag about, but it is quite enough for the Fit. If you want a car from the upper segment and cannot afford it, the Honda Fit is the perfect "imitation" of a more expensive car. The 117 hp power unit can be fitted with the following transmissions: standard 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting and 5-speed automatic for a more relaxing drive. According to the EPA ratings, the Honda Fit does 27-28 mpg city / 33-35 mpg highway. Audi S4  Audi S4 A top without at least one car from Germany would not be fair, wouldn't it? When it was first introduced in 2004, the Audi S4 was equipped with a V8 engine, but for the 2010 model, it lost 2 cylinders, however this does not mean that the car is underpowered. On the contrary, the supercharged V6 packs 333 hp which is only 7 hp less in comparison to the V8 power unit. If you want extreme driving pleasures, go for the $1100 torque-vectoring rear differential, which makes the Audi S4 an oversteering titan. In a recent test, the Audi S4 performed better than the BMW 335i, although it weighs about 400 pounds more and offers just about the same performance figures. The engine of the car is linked to a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual or a standard 6-speed manual gearbox. The base price for the 2010 Audi S4 is $46,725. According to the EPA ratings, the S4 will do 18 mpg city / 27-28 mpg highway. BMW 3-Series / M3  BMW 3-Series  BMW M3 Another German car, this time the BMW 3-Series / M3. You can go for the 328i model that packs 230 hp and will do 30+ mpg on the highway or for the more powerful M3 variant, a car that is equipped with a remarkable V8 engine that is capable of outputting 414 hp @ 8400 rpm. The M3 needs only about 4 seconds to do the 0-60 mph sprint. The 3-Series is a very comprehensive range, the car is offered with a coupe, sedan, wagon, four-door M3 configuration plus a folding-hardtop convertible for summer days. The base price for the 3-Series is $33,675 while the M3 has a starting price of $69,025. The engines can be fitted with one of the following transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting and a modern 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox. According to the EPA ratings, the BMW 3-Series will do 13-23 mpg city / 20-36 mpg highway. Other cars that didn't made it into our top include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the beautiful Nissan 370Z, Chevrolet Camaro, Porsche 911 Carrera, Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the Lexus IS Convertible. Picking out any of these cars from our top is a good idea as they all combine the most important ingredients of a car: fun to drive, comfy interior, a bundle of safety features and more than decent powertrains, especially for the sportier cars like the M3 or the S4. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Top 10 Releases In 2010 Part 1 Posted: 20 Dec 2010 12:24 AM PST Without any doubt, 2010 was a good idea for the automotive market, with many important new releases and significant updates of cars already launched. Making a top 10 of the most important cars of the year can be a little subjective, but many of you will agree at least with half of them and others are free to suggest other cars that they consider to be worth introducing in our top, either by making it longer or by replacing other models. Without further ado, here are the 10 most important car releases of the year: Volkswagen Golf GTI  Volkswagen Golf GTI Back for its 6th generation in 2010, the Golf GTI is a little bit more powerful and larger, but keeping the same spirit as the original variant which was launched back in 1976, a car that brought a new term to the automotive market – hot hatch. Why did it make our top? Simple, it is a relatively affordable car, offering a lot of practicality while at the same time it is very fun to drive, powered by a 200 hp turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine which is not only smooth, but also quite responsive. The engine can be linked to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual. The base price for the Golf GTI is $24,189. Fuel economy is 21-24 mpg city / 31-32 mpg, according to EPA raitings. Porsche Boxster / Cayman  Porsche Boxster  Porsche Cayman With the new models, the power went up by 10 hp for the Boxster and 20 hp for the Cayman, while the "S" siblings got extra 15 / 25 hp. Both offer some of the best driving pleasures in a car, making them even more rewarding than the much expensive and iconic 911 model. Both cars are really fun to drive with the manual gearbox and if you don't want to do the entire job yourself, for extra money you could get the dual-clutch PDK transmission. Not only they are fast, but at the same time they provide a high level of luxury inside the cockpit, offering plenty of cargo rooms for two people thanks to the two trunks available. The base price for the Boxster is $48,550 while the Cayman can be acquired at a starting price of $62,450. The engines can be linked to either a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission or a standard 6-speed gearbox. Fuel economy is 19-20 mpg city / 26 – 29 mpg highway. Mazda 3 / Speed3  Mazda 3 For the new version, the Mazda 3 model is powered by a 148 hp engine while the "s" variant is equipped with a 167 hp power unit. Both versions don't look like the rest of the so-called "econoboxes" and feature high quality materials, good ride feeling and solid chassis control. Let's not forget about the Mazdaspeed 3 which is equipped with a powerful 263 hp engine. Similar to the BMW 3-Series, the Mazda 3 has a bundle of features in all of the trim levels available, making it a very balanced car. The basic price for the standard version is $16,045 while the "s" goes for $19,790. If you want the extra muscle under the hood, the Mazdaspeed 3 will set you back $23,945. The available transmissions are the 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and the 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting. According to EPA, the Mazda 3 will do 18-25 mpg city / 25-33 highway. Mazda MX-5 Miata  Mazda Miata Yes we know that this is another Mazda, but the car was too good to not be included in our top 10. The Miata is probably the most popular model from Mazda and although it has only a 167 hp power unit (158 hp with the automatic gearbox), it is one of the most fun to drive sports car in the world. What makes it so great? It is very easy to drive, the gear changes are done in an instant and the steering is borderline perfect. We almost forgot the affordable selling price which starts from only $23,560. It still is affordable (a little above the $30k mark) if we add the optional features like the power-retractable hardtop or the leather seats. The transmissions available for the Miata include the 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and the 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting. According to the EPA ratings, the car will do 21-22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway. Cadillac CTS / CTS-V  Cadillac CTS Finally, something made in the US of A. The Caddy benefits from an exquisite interior that looks and feels expensive and the cabin room is far more spacious in comparison to other cars that are priced in the same category. From the outside, the CTS looks great, managing to mix comfort, driving dynamics and refinement in a very exciting way. New to the lineup is the Sport Wagon offered with a 304 hp V6 3.-6 liter. If this isn't enough, you might as well go for the CTS-V which is powered by a massive 556 hp supercharged engine, making it one of the best alternatives for the German cars. The entry-level engine is the 3.6-liter V6 DOHC 24-valve power unit that is capable of outputting 270 hp and 223 lb-ft. The base price for the CTS is $37,555 while the CTS-V can be yours for $62,845. The engines can be linked to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting. According to the EPA ratings, the car will do 12-18 mpg city / 18-27 mpg highway. In the second part of the article we will be presenting the five remaining cars of our top 10: Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Accord, Honda Fit, Audi S4 and the BMW 3-Series / M3. Feel free to suggest other cars that you consider worth belonging to this top, there are no restrictions or conditions, but we do require enough reasons to determine us to include the car(s) into the list. If we receive a positive feedback, we will do a follow-up top of the best car releases in 2010. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
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