12/18/2010

RPMGO Car Blog

RPMGO Car Blog

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Pricing Revealed

Posted: 18 Dec 2010 05:31 AM PST

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The recently launched 2011 Hyundai Sonata received a positive feedback and made it to the final list of the North American Car of the Year award. In addition to the naturally aspirated turbocharged models, the Sonata is available with a more eco-friendly powertrain, a hybrid that is capable of doing 35 mpg city / 40 mpg highway. Sales will commence in January, 2011 and the basic price for the car will be $25,795 (without the $750 in destination charges).

Except this more efficient and friendly to the nature powertrain, the Sonata Hybrid will feature LED taillights, LED tail lamps, iPod / USB connectivity, automatic headlamp control, Bluetooth and fog lights. For $5,000 more, customers can get the premium package which consists of an Infinity premium sound system, HD radio, a rear backup camera, satellite navigation, 17-inch alloy wheels and panoramic sunroof.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

In comparison to its most important American rival, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Sonata is $3,000 cheaper but the Ford's advantage is that the Fusion will do 41 mpg on the highway. The Hyundai is powered by a 2.4-litre Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder power unit and features a HSG – Hybrid starter-generator. Equipped with a 270V lithium polymer battery, the Sonata's engine is linked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Some of the most important safety features of the car include the electronic stability control with traction control system (TCS).  As standard, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is offered with anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Other standard features include the 4.2-inch TFT multi-function trip computer that has a hybrid technology display; dual automatic temperature control; remote keyless entry, alarm and immobilizer; tilt & telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls; heated mirrors; automatic light control and solar control glass.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Pricing Revealed

ABT 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 10:39 AM PST

ABT 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

The German engineers at ABT Sportsline have just unveiled their latest creation – the ABT 2011 Volkswagen Touareg, which offers a various design upgrades for the lastest sport utility vehicle manufactured by VW. In addition, the engine has received a little bit of tweaking in order to develop more muscle. With the occasion of this launch, the general manager responsible for the tehnical development at ABT, Christian Abt, stated that "more power wouldn't hurt with a car as diverse as this, but it was important for us that the tuning suited the characteristics of the Touareg."

The VW Touareg equipped with the 3.0 TDI power unit received a power boost as now it is developing 282 hp (207 kW), compared to the standard model that is capable of outputting 240 hp (177 kW). This tuning program is dubbed ABT Power. For those Touareg drivers that still need more power, they can have the ABT Power S tuning program, which offers the engine a total output of 310 hp (228 kW) and 610 Nm of torque.

For the V8 4.2-litre turbo diesel engine, the tuning program developed by ABT allows it to deliver 385 hp (283 kW) which is a lot more in comparison to the standard model that offers 340 hp (250 kW). The torque has also gone up from 800 Nm to 870 Nm.

ABT 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

With the occasion of this tuning program, ABT has added their own designer wheels, the ABT CR and BR, both being available in various sizes of up to 22 inch. Both these rims are wrapped in high-performance tires offers by the German tuner.

As far as the aerodynamics is concerned, the ABT 2011 Volkswagen Touareg received a fresh new front grille, an updated rear spoiler and a redesigned rear skirt. The exhaust system is now benefiting from 2 double tailpipes, all thanks to the engineers at ABT.

According to the press release, the ABT Sportsline offers various important performance upgrades that make the Wolfsburg-based SUV seem even more superior, offering more power and more torque. "The ABT Touareg is a mountaineer, a workaholic, an elegant glider, a fast touring car and an agile XXL."

ABT is a well-known German aftermarket specialist in creating tuning programs for Volkswagen and Audi primarily. Their latest and most important creations beside the Touareg are the ABT Audi TT RS, ABT Audi A1, ABT Audi R8 and the ABT Volkswagen T5 Facelift.

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ABT 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

Anderson Lamborghini Gallardo White

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 10:37 AM PST

Anderson Lamborghini Gallardo White

Another day, another tuning program, and this time we are talking about the Anderson Lamborghini Gallardo White. The Dusseldorf-based Andreson tuning company has become popular for offering very bold solutions for top flight vehicles from around the world exceeding the declared manufacturer specifications. Their latest product, inspired from the beautiful Italian super car, the Lamborghini Galardo, is yet another proof of the inexhaustible creativity of the team of engineers from the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, according to the published press release of the company.

The performance kit that comes with this tuning program takes the power of the Gallardo from 500 hp to 600 hp, which is considerably more. This was done thanks to the various modifications brought to the original car, like the use of a software optimization and by adding a modified air filter along with a sport exhaust system with additional Rennkats. The program developed by Anderson includes a remote-controlled valve adjusting system that allows the driver of the Gallardo to choose from one of the three different levels of noise and at the same time, it reduces the overall weight of the Italian beauty by 22 kg.

The driving dynamics of the car have also been improved thanks to the special sport suspension module combined with an accurate undercarriage. With the occasion of this new tuning program, Anderson launched new three-piece shiny rims painted with a deep fish and having the following dimensions 9×20 inch for the front wheels and 12.5 x 20 for the rear wheels. The car sports 245/30-20 high-performance tires in the front and 325/25-20 for the rear wheels, offering the necessary adherence with the asphalt surface.

Anderson Lamborghini Gallardo White

As far as the exterior of the Anderson Lamborghini Gallardo White is concerned, you will notice the carbon trim, the updated rear spoiler, the redesigned rear bumper diffuser, new side skirts and a fresh front apron. In addition, the car benefits from taillight and window tinting and LED lights that contrast the red-painted calipers.

The interior design of the car has also undergone some modifications, featuring white carbon details on the shift lever, the border of the internal light in the roof lining, the dashboard, the shift paddles, and the hand brake lever and on the vents. Black and white leather along with black Alacantara materials was used for the seats of the White Racing Edition. The edges of these seats are entirely done in white. The doors as well as the seats have diamond-shaped stitching, giving the car a very interesting look, both from the interior, but also from the exterior.

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Anderson Lamborghini Gallardo White

Cam Shaft Cadillac CTS V

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 10:35 AM PST

Cam Shaft Cadillac CTS V

The German aftermarket engineers at Cam Shaft have come up with their own version of the Cadillac CTS-V sedan. The car comes equipped with the Wait4Me performance upgrade kit that includes a more generous air intake, a re-mapped ECU and an increased, 0.4 bar boost pressure. With these upgrades, the 6.2-liter V8 power unit that powers the Cadillac is now capable of outputting 630 hp. The price for this tuning program developed by Cam Shaft for the CTS-V is 3,800 euros (including the fee for installation).

Cam Shaft Cadillac CTS V

In addition, owners of the Cadillac can get for 2,250 euros more the Matt-White exterior foil and if they want to add the new black rims, they have to pull out of their pockets another 3,250 euros. In order to boost the styling of the Cadillac CTS-V, the people at Cam Shaft have added several chrome-plated parts for offering extra contrast.

The engine that powers the Cadillac CTS-V is the same one as the one on the beautiful ZR 1 model, developed by the same manufacturer. The wheel bolts of the Cam Shaft model are black nickel-plated, offering the perfect contrast of black and white. Both the doors and their visible edges can be foiled if the customer wants to, offering a very special look to the car.

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Cam Shaft Cadillac CTS V

Renault Megane RS N4

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 10:33 AM PST

Renault Megane RS N4

Last week Renault officially unveiled the Megane RS N4, a rally car designed entirely for private racing teams. The car is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine that is capable of outputting 265 hp and 340 Nm of torque. Aside from this additional boost in power, the RS N4 is offered with an Ohlins suspension system as well as a limited slip differential. The car benefits from all of the rallying equipment you could think of, including racing seats with 6-point harness, a full roll cage and a 6-speed Sadev gearbox. Although the car is only front-wheel drive, it will most likely handle herself in a competition with all-wheel-drive cars.

According to the press release, the Renault Megane RS N4 was inspired by the heritage of group N-homologated cars developed by the French automaker for the last 25 years. Some their most important cars were the 5 GT Turbo, the R11 Turbo, the R21 2l Turbo, R19, 16V, the Clio Williams and the Clio Renaultsport.

The Group N regulations impose very strict rules on the modifications that can be brought to the car, and according to Renault, this works very well into the advantage of the RS N4, due to the fact that the standard production model offers the right equipment for developing a Group N eligible car. The car features a PerfoHub independent steering-axis front suspension design that permitted the people over at Renault to come up with a chassis for the RS N4 that combines directional stability, traction and driving comfort in a very safe environment.  The car benefits from 3-way adjustable shock absorbers that permit the settings to be fully adapted to all types of driving styles.

The suspension of the car was developed in collaboration with Ohlins and consists of four spring-shock absorbers that benefit from the latest developments in technology. The hydraulic rebound shock absorbers are 3-way (high and low-speed compression, rebound) adjustable. With these settings, the car can be tweaked to fit the level of grip, the road profile, the driving style as well as the weather conditions. The car is equipped with 18-inch wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich tires.

As far as the braking system is concerned, the Renault Megane RS N4 is equipped with large 355mm-diameter discs and 4-piston one-piece calipers on the front wheels. On the back of the car, we find the same grooved discs available on the production model, but this time fitted with double-piston fixed calipers. Due to the racing regulations, the ABS is disabled on the RS N4.  To the standard braking system, Renault has added a vertical lever-operated hydraulic handbrake which proves its efficiency on hairpins.

Moving inside the cabin, the driver has the possibility to control rear braking pressure with the help of a limiter system. The pedal assembly and the master cylinder have been borrowed from the production model, accordingly to the racing regulations.  The car is also equipped with an LCD screen that offers all the necessary information regarding how the power unit of the RS N4 is running. Another feature is the tripmaster and the LEDs for optimized gear changes.

Taken from the MeganeRenaultsport250, the F4Rt 1998 cc 16-valve turbocharged engine did not receive any specific preparation for the internal components. However, various updates were brought to the electronic engine management system and the engine flywheel. These upgrades were developed by Cosworth Electronics in order to further enhance the performance of the power unit, despite the adoption of a regulation 33mm turbo restrictor. The maximum output power of 265 hp is achieved at 4,000 rpm while the maximum torque of 470 Nm is available at 3000 rpm. The air intercooler of the Renault Megane RS N4 can be sprayed with water in order to optimize performance on special stages. The specific exhaust line of the Megane incorporates a catalytic converter fully compliant with the standards imposed by FIA. In addition, the car sports an expansion chamber.

Renault Megane RS N4

The independent steering-axis front axle was first installed on the Superproduction version of the Renault R21 Turbo at the end of the 80s, and the first production model developed by the French automaker to receive it is the Megane Renaultsport. By permitting the steering and the suspension to work independently, the car offers very good grip and handling in all conditions.

The gearbox of the car features a self-locking limited slip differential. Various final torque settings permit the final gear ratios to be properly adjusted, according to the specific characteristic of the events. AP racing developed the specific clutch system for the RS N4. To keep the temperature of the gearbox down, Renault installed an oil radiator.

The monocoque of the Renault Megane RS N4 has been stiffened and strengthened in order to reach high levels of passive and active safety. The bodyshell of the car is equipped with a welded roll cage that is fully compliant with the FIA regulations and in addition, it has been validated by static load calculations. Inside the cabin, Sabelt offers the compulsory safety gear. As standard on the Megane Renaultsport N4 racing kit is the cut-out switch, the electronically-controlled automatic fire extinguisher system, and the two bucket seats that feature the HANS-compatible 6-point harnesses.

The design and ergonomics of this car haven't changed that much in comparison with the standard production model. The only addition brought to the RS N4 is the roof-mounted air intake that is incorporated in the external lines of the vehicle in order to differentiate it from the production model. The car also got a new front bumper that has an integrated F1-inspired aerodynamic blade. Other modifications include the rear diffuser and the centrally-positioned exhaust outlet.

The length of the car measures 4,302 mm; overall width is 1,848 mm; height is 1,423 mm; wheel base is 2,640 mm; front and rear tracks 1,627 mm – 1,600 mm; SCx is 0.75 and the fuel tank has a capacity of 60 liters. The price for the N4 kit is 57,500 euros.

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Renault Megane RS N4

Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 Sport

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 10:32 AM PST

Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 Sport

Earlier this month, Land Rover unveiled the limited edition of their Freelander 2 SD4 Sport model, available exclusively for the UK market. Only 500 cars of this model will be produced and they will be offered in three colors: Firenze Red, Santorini Black and Fuji White. Inside the car, the customers can choose between two color combinations: ebony and pimento or ebony and ivory. The car is powered by a diesel engine that outputs 190 PS and allows the S4 Sport to reach 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds. The top speed of the car is 118 mph and the power unit is linked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The CO2 emissions of the Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 Sport are 185 g/km which is a low level for a car of this size and weight.

The SUV is equipped with the IPMS – Intelligent Power Management System that guarantees a "smart charging" of the battery by recovering the kinetic energy when the car is slowing wherever possible, instead of eating up fuel by charging when the SUV is accelerating. In addition to this, the Freelander 2 SD4 Sport is compatible with 10% biodiesel in comparison to the usual 5%. This is how the engineers at Land Rover managed to get the 185 g/km level of CO2 emissions and reduce the fuel consumption of this sport utility vehicle.

Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 Sport Interior

As far as the exterior appearance of the car is concerned, it has a new complex black finish on the grille as well as the side vents. In addition the car sports a new body styling pack that offers a much cleaner profiling to the front corners. The Freelander now rides on 19-inch Shadow Chrome alloy rims and to enhance the limited edition appearance, it sports a privacy glass. As a standard feature, the car will benefit from front and rear parking sensors.

According to the managing director of Land Rover UK, Colin Green, "the Freelander 2 SD4 Sport Limited Edition offers customers the practicality, performance and efficiency of our best selling compact sport utility vehicle." The Freelander 2 is at the moment the best-selling Land Rover model, with over 215,000 units sold since 2006 when it was officially launched.

Sales will commence in early 2011 at a starting price of 33,945 pounds for the basic model.

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Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 Sport

Alfa Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 10:30 AM PST

Alfa Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni

Based on the 1750 Quadrifoglio Verde, the Alfa Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni has received a bundle of modifications with the occasion of this demo model. The car now rides on 235/35R19 tires and holds in its boot a revolutionary Segway i2 self-balancing electric vehicle. In addition, the car benefits from a dashboard-integrated iPad plus an internet connection. The tires of this special car are available in acid green while the paint of the car is a matte charcoal grey pattern. This demo unit sports a new aerodynamic package that includes a carbon fiber diffuser, carbon side mirror coverings, side skirts and a redesigned front bumper.

Thanks to the addition of a new exhaust, air intake system and turbo, the car now outputs 286 hp, which is 51 hp more in comparison with the standard version developed by Alfa Romeo. The car has been lowered by approximately 4 cm thanks to the usage of KW threaded strut housings which allow height adjustments as well as calibration of the shock absorbers in compression and extension. The standard braking system of the car was replaced and the engineers installed revolutionary Tarox B360 10pot calipers and composite discs that measure 330×26 in diameter for the brake rotors.

Alfa Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni

The 51 hp power increase was available by adding a new bearing-mounted rotary turbine as well as a downpipe complete with metal catalyst. In addition, the car received complete Ragazzon stainless steel exhaust that features wide diameter pipes for an aggressive look. The air intake was also heavily modified by using a special carbon air box to upgrade the performances of the engine that powers this demo car.

For the interior of the car, besides the already usual Alcantara, leather and carbon, the Alfa Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni benefits from Conte of Florence applied quilting. According to the press release, the concept that was at the foundation of this design was mobility in the modern world.

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Alfa Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni

Chevrolet Orlando UK Pricing Revealed

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 10:29 AM PST

Chevrolet Orlando

At the beginning of this month Chevrolet revealed the UK pricing for their MPV model named Orlando. The car will be officially on sale in January, 2011. The car will be available with a choice between two diesel engines and one gasoline power unit. The latter is a 1.8-litre unit that is capable of outputting 141 PS and has a level of CO2 emissions standing at 172 g/km. The diesel configurations consist of either a 130 PS unit or a more powerful 163 PS engine. The CO2 emissions are 159 g/km and 186 g/km, respectively. All of these engines are linked as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and as an optional feature, the Orlando can be fitted with an automatic gearbox.

The basic price for the MPV with the diesel engine starts from 17,645 pounds and goes up to 23,195 pounds. A more affordable model is the one equipped with the petrol engine which will be available for sale at a starting price of 16,395 GBP and reaching 18,195 GBP with all the optional features, including the automatic transmission.

The entry-level Chevrolet Orlando LS model is equipped with an adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, three 12v power sockets, six airbags, remote central locking, electric mirrors and windows, follow-me-home headlights and air conditioning. In addition, it sports an innovative supplementary rear-view mirror that allows not only the driver but also the passenger to sell all of the vehicle's occupants. Behind the stereo facia, the Orlando has a cubby compartment that was designed for concealing a phone, an iPod or any other type of MP3. The entry-level LS can be fitted with either the 1.8-litre engine or with the 2.0-litre diesel engine.

Chevrolet Orlando

Moving up, we find the LT trim level that features an upgraded sound system that has steering wheel audio controls, electric rear windows, front fog lights, leather-covered steering wheel, driver's armrest, a chrome-effect tailgate handle, climate control, 16-inch alloy rims, USB port and rear parking distance sensors. In addition, the LT can be fitted with the most powerful engine in the Orlando lineup, which is the 2.0-litre diesel that outputs 163 PS.

The highest trim level available for the Chevrolet Orlando MPV is the LTZ that can be equipped with any of the engines available. In addition to all of the above mentioned features, the LTZ gets chrome-effect body detailing, rear cargo net, power-folding door mirrors, a gloss black centre console, blue ambient panel lightning, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, automatic cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The customers that choose the LTZ trim level and a diesel power unit, have the possibility to buy the optional Executive Pack (2,000 pounds) that offers 18-inch alloy rims, satellite navigation, heated front seats and full leather upholstery.

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Chevrolet Orlando UK Pricing Revealed

2011 Nissan Cube US Pricing Announced

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 10:27 AM PST

2011 Nissan Cube

At the beginning of December, Nissan revealed the price list for the United States market of their Cube model. The car sports a 1.8-liter power unit that is linked to a manual gearbox or with the CVT transmission developed by Nissan. The car will do 31 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg combined. The 2011 Cube is available in three trim levels (S, SL, Krom). The base model will set you back $14,290 with the manual transmission, goes up to $17,750 for the SL trim and at $21,290 for the special Krom trim.

The 2011 Nissan Cube new enhancements include the SD – Secure Digital card-based navigation system with a generous 5-inch color touch screen; the XM NavTraffic capability and the USB connectivity for the SL Preferred Package and 1.8 S Krom Edition. The XM Satellite Radio can equip the 1.8 S Krom Edition (XM subscription required and it is sold separately). With the 2011 model, the car is now offered with a new exterior color, dubbed Golden Ginger.

The car was developed on Nissan's B-platform and features a standard 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder power unit that is capable of outputting 122 hp, linked to either the 6-speed standard manual gearbox or with the optional Xtronic CVT – Continuously Variable Transmission that guarantees a smooth shifting process.

The interior of the 2011 Cube was designed in order to invite five passengers, offering very comfortable front seating as well as a 3-position sliding, and reclining theater-style rear seat. Interesting interior features of the Cube include the asymmetrical Fine Vision gagues, the "Water Drop" accents as well as the detachable multi-hooks. The technology that comes as standard with the 2011 model includes the RearView Monitor and Interface System for the iPod, the Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and the Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition.

2011 Nissan Cube

The top of the line Cube 1.8 S Krome Edition comes equipped with exclusive lower and upper front grilles, 16-inch aluminum-alloy rims, rear roof spoiler as well as fully integrated front and rear bumpers fascias and body side sills. The Krom trim level is offered with a custom interior made out of exclusive gray and black seats, aluminum-trimmed pedals, an upgraded audio system that features a Rockford Fosgate powered subwoofer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The MSRP for the 2011 Nissan Cube are:

Cube 1.8 M/T $14,290 USD;

Cube 1.8 S M/T $15,650 USD;

Cube 1.8 S CVT $16,650 USD;

Cube 1.8 SL CVT $17,750 USD;

Cube 1.8 S Krom Edition CVT $21,190 USD.

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2011 Nissan Cube US Pricing Announced

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