TopSpeed Daily Update |  |
- MINI Rocketman Olympic Concept
- U.K. Commercial is Sure to Make You Remember to Wear Your Leathers
- Rumormill: Chevy Adding a Turbocharger to the Volt
- Beerfest Bumps IndyCar out of China
- Aston Martin DBS Casino Royale by Kahn design
- Mercedes SLS AMG GT runs Nurburgring in under 7:30
- Track-Focused Jaguar XKR-S Caught Testing at Nurburgring
- It's Official, Saab Awarded to NEVS and EV Plans are Already Underway
- Video: Ferrari 333 SP in action on the track
- Video: MINI promotes 2012 London Olympics with the "Britalian Job"
| MINI Rocketman Olympic Concept Posted: 15 Jun 2012 08:00 AM PDT
We already know that MINI is a staunch supporter of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. But true to their quirky and aggressive nature, the German automaker took to a different level to show it’s support for the Olympics. If special edition MINI Coopers and videos aren’t enough, MINI has decided to release a special edition model of the Rocketman Concept. Nevermind unconfirmed reports that the Rocketman Concept has been canned; MINI still sees some strong branding mileage in decking their concept model with an extensive exterior and interior make-over. The concept vehicle is not a production model, which is a real bummer. But with all the enhancements it has received, we sure wouldn’t have any problems see it in dealerships in the future. The 2012 London Olympics is a little over a month away, and MINI picked the perfect time to release this special edition concept. Too bad it’s going to remain strictly that. Find out more about the MINI Rocketman Olympic Concept after the jump. MINI Rocketman Olympic Concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 June 2012 15:00 EST.
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| U.K. Commercial is Sure to Make You Remember to Wear Your Leathers Posted: 15 Jun 2012 07:00 AM PDT
Anyone who rides a motorcycle knows that it is always safest to wear a full set of leathers – jacket, gloves, pants and boots – when you ride. Believe it or not, leathers actually can be the only thing protecting your skin from nasty road burn, and can even save your life in some severe cases. Well, some people tend to forget, or just feel silly wearing them – myself included – and we need a little reminding that everything is better in leather. Well, with England getting ready for national Ride to Work Day on June 18th, local TV stations are running ads reminding bikers of safety, including the importance of leather. Instead of giving us a graphic video about the dangers of road rash, one commercial goes exactly the opposite ways by using a double entendre to burn the need for leather in our minds. The opening scene is bad enough, using key phrases like "doing it," "leather," and "wearing protection" at various points. Only to find out that [ha ha] we're talking about motorcycle leathers protecting you while you "do it" [ride a motorcycle]. Well, at least somewhat… The last scene takes the entendre the other direction, and… Well, you'll just have to watch the above video to find out. Go ahead and have a few LOLs on us! U.K. Commercial is Sure to Make You Remember to Wear Your Leathers originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 June 2012 14:00 EST.
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| Rumormill: Chevy Adding a Turbocharger to the Volt Posted: 15 Jun 2012 07:00 AM PDT
  On the surface, the Chevy Volt is actually a pretty good looking car, if you are able to ignore the fact that it pumps out only 149 horsepower from its paltry1.4-liter engine and uses an electric motor for 30 miles before the gas engine ever kicks in. We're not trying to say it's a sports car, but it could certainly fall into the sports sedan area. Unfortunately, we come right back to that 149 ponies and that immediately disqualifies this otherwise stylish car from sniffing the sports sedan segment. Well, GM obviously has noted the potential for the Volt and rumors are now swirling around that Chevy will start installing the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that the all-new Buick Verano T is receiving into the Volt. As of now, this is still a rumor, but given that the Cadillac ELR and its sexy exterior is due to debut any time now and will likely ride on the same platform as the Volt, it only makes sense to use the powerful boosted 2.0. The ELR with only 149 horsepower would be like dumping a Civic Si engine in a Ferrari, it just doesn't quite fit the looks. We are uncertain if the Volt receives the full-powered version of the 2.0-liter engine, or a detuned model, it will mean that the Volt could push up to 270 horsepower, if it receives the full-power 2.0. Also floating around is a rumor that this new engine will receive a larger electric motor for a little extra gasoline-free oomph. All we can say is that we truly hope that these rumors are true, as the Volt in its current form is underwhelming, to say the least. We'll keep you updated as more details roll out on this possible upgrade. Rumormill: Chevy Adding a Turbocharger to the Volt originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 June 2012 14:00 EST.
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| Beerfest Bumps IndyCar out of China Posted: 15 Jun 2012 06:00 AM PDT
IndyCar was all set to make its Chinese debut on August 19th, but the folks in Qingdao, China have better things to do, so its mayor cancelled the race. What is this better thing to do? Well, drink beer, of course. Yup, the August 19th race date directly overlapped the Qingdao International Beer Festival, which runs from August 11th – 26th and the mayor just didn't see it fit to have something as small and unpopular as IndyCar interrupting its drinking festival, so he gave the IndyCar race Das Boot! Now IndyCar must scramble around and attempt to find a replacement race and another China-based race is highly unlikely. There are rumors circulating that a second race at Texas Motor Speedway attached to the very end of the IndyCar 2012 season is going to be the likely replacement for the Beerfest-bumped race. We are willing to bet that IndyCar is a little bit embarrassed to be bumped out of China, due to a 15-day-long beer festival. Who would have known that the folks in Qingdao took their drinking so seriously? Now the citizens of Qingdao can enjoy their two weeks of imported suds without interruption. NASCAR may want to give the mayor of Qingdao a call, as they may be able to design an entire marketing campaign around the two… Beerfest Bumps IndyCar out of China originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 June 2012 13:00 EST.
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| Aston Martin DBS Casino Royale by Kahn design Posted: 15 Jun 2012 05:00 AM PDT
While the world is preparing to say good bye to the Aston Martin DBS, more and more tuners have turned their attention to the car that became famous thanks to its part in the James Bond movie Casino Royale. The latest package comes from British tuner Kahn Design who has tried to offer the DBS an alluring combination of style, sophistication, majesty, convention, comfort, and practicality. Kahn’s package doesn’t include any power upgrades, but it does include a smoky exterior finish befitting of a spy. It has matte black front splitters, privacy tinted glass, a matte black rear diffuser, and a matte grey twin exhaust system. Adding to the look is a lowered sports suspension, which displays the new set of diamond cut smoked black Kahn 21" RSX-F wheels (available in 9 x 20) highlighted by the red brake calipers. Not much was done to the interior except for exquisite black Alcantara sports seats and a steering wheel complete with white stitching, but with Kahn’s tuning packages, customers can always ask for any array material and color combinations. Power remains with the hand-built V12 engine producing a total of 510 hp at 6500 rpm. Aston Martin DBS Casino Royale by Kahn design originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 June 2012 12:00 EST.
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| Mercedes SLS AMG GT runs Nurburgring in under 7:30 Posted: 15 Jun 2012 04:00 AM PDT
 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT After releasing the first official details on the new SLS AMG GT - the replacement for the SLS AMG - Mercedes has confirmed that the new version is significantly improved. The company recently trekked to the Nurburgring to run the car on the famous Nordschleife race track, which it did remarkably well in barely under 7:30 - about five seconds quicker than the standard SLS AMG. The test around Nurburgring was made at the hands of Ola Källenius, AMG CEO, who unsurprisingly so, seemed to be very impressed with the car. We are still waiting for the official video from this run to be just as impressed, but while we wait, here are the official specs for the new SLS AMG GT. The new Mercedes SLS AMG GT is powered by a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that delivers an extra 20 HP thanks to new suspension components and a retuned ECU. This brings the output up to 583 HP, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, up to a top speed of 198 mph. Mercedes SLS AMG GT runs Nurburgring in under 7:30 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 June 2012 11:00 EST.
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| Track-Focused Jaguar XKR-S Caught Testing at Nurburgring Posted: 15 Jun 2012 03:00 AM PDT
Back in February 2012, it was reported that Jaguar was preparing a track-focused XKR-S Coupe. Now, the guys from BridgetoGantry have caught a very strange looking XKR-S testing around the Nurburgring track. So, why do we think this is not just an ordinary XKR-S? First, we looked at the front of the vehicle where we noticed the huge front splitter and dual canards. Then, there’s that huge rear wing at the back. These new elements should have a dramatic effect on front-end grip and feel in high-speed corners. Also, under those huge 20" wheels, we noticed an upgraded multi-piston big brake kit. So, with all these updates provided to the XKR-S, we strongly believe that Jaguar is working on an even more impressive sports coupe. However, when asked about it, Jaguar officials said that "testing various vehicles and parts do not always necessarily lead to parts or vehicles entering volume production." Let’s just hope they’re trying to keep it a secret, and not just testing parts. Track-Focused Jaguar XKR-S Caught Testing at Nurburgring originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 June 2012 10:00 EST.
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| It's Official, Saab Awarded to NEVS and EV Plans are Already Underway Posted: 15 Jun 2012 02:00 AM PDT
 few days ago, we let you know that several sources were reporting that bankrupt Swedish automaker, Saab, was finally sold to Hong Kong-based, Sweden-registered renewable energy company, National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS). This in turn booted Youngman out of the bidding war for the third time, but we had not yet seen any official reports. Well, we now have all something official. NEVS' boss, Karl Johan Jiang (interesting mixture of names) announced at a news conference that NEVS indeed won the folded automaker and that NEVS will indeed use the "Saab" name on its cars. NEVS was awarded the Saab factory, its tooling company and the 9-3's architecture, which is odd, as BAIC purchased the intellectual rights to the 9-3 several months ago. We assume that BAIC got the drivetrain rights and Saab retained the underpinnings and body. NEVS also let us know that we will not be without a new Saab vehicle on the road for much longer, as NEVS is currently developing an EV car based on the 9-3’s architecture that it was awarded and that car should be released in the next 18 months. Sales will start in China, then eventually move worldwide. Unfortunately, NEVS' bid did not include the 9-4x or 9-5 rights, so other than the 9-3, Saab will be starting all over again with brand new models, if it ever gets off of the ground. Given the Saab 9-3's somewhat sporty nature, we expect to see a higher performance EV made of it. It definitely won’t be a screamer, like the Tesla Model S, but also not as slow as a Nissan Leaf. There should be loads more information coming down the pike in the next 18 months, and we will update you as often as we can. Until then, congratulations to NEVS and the "Saab" name for making it through this long saga. It's Official, Saab Awarded to NEVS and EV Plans are Already Underway originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 June 2012 09:00 EST.
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| Video: Ferrari 333 SP in action on the track Posted: 14 Jun 2012 09:00 PM PDT
The 333 SP is one of the most amazing racing cars Ferrari has ever built, specially developed to race the IMSA championship in the USA during the mid-90s. Unveiled in 1994 the 333 SP has served as a basis to create the F50 supercar and has soon become an icon for the Ferrari line-up. The 333 SP is powered by a V12 engine delivering a total of 650 HP at 11000rpm. And with a weight of only 1900 lbs, the supercar could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3,3 seconds. But one of the most amazing things about the 333 SP is the sound of its V12 engine. And this video is offering you the chance to hear it clear and loud! The video has been shot at the Vigeant Val de Vienne track, during the 2012 Sport & Collection Video: Ferrari 333 SP in action on the track originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 June 2012 04:00 EST.
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| Video: MINI promotes 2012 London Olympics with the "Britalian Job" Posted: 14 Jun 2012 08:00 PM PDT
The 2012 London Olympics is a little over a month away so it’s hardly surprising that we’re seeing a lot of promo videos coming out hyping up the quadrennial sporting spectacle. One automaker that has taken this route is MINI and their recently unveiled video called the "Britalian Job." Produced in the same vein as the 1969 classic "The Italian Job," the video features a number of MINIs trying to chase after a thief who stole gold. Well, if you’ve ever seen the Italian Job, you’ll know how the video ends. The special edition MINIs chase after the thief and relive some of the more iconic scenes from the movie, particularly driving down the Duke of York Steps off the Mall, chasing through through Leadenhall market, and the cars coming out of the same Park Lane basement as the movie. The video even has a couple of British Olympic legends in it, including Daley Thompson and Matthew Pinset, as well as racer and model Jodie Kidd. "It was great fun making this film and London makes such a brilliant setting for an action sequence like this," said James Cracknell, British rowing champion and double Olympic gold medalist. Check out the video and see exactly what Mr. Cracknell is talking about. Video: MINI promotes 2012 London Olympics with the "Britalian Job" originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 June 2012 03:00 EST.
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