by Import RPM on February 2, 2010
Following Nissan’s lead with the introduction of the 40th Anniversary Nissan 370Z, Mazda will also be launching a special edition MX-5 Miata to celebrate the car’s 20th anniversary. The new MX-5 will make its debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show. This model will be extremely rare with production limited to only 2,000 units, but it will be made even more elusive thanks to Mazda’s decision to make it exclusively available in Europe. In addition to 20th anniversary badging, this special edition MX-5 will feature a chrome grille and door handles, updated front fascia, unique 17-inch wheels, and special serial number to highlight its limited production. The only performance update to the MX-5 is an upgraded front suspension strut tower bar. For more details, see the official press release below. [click to continue…]
by Import RPM on January 30, 2010
The 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo finally has arrived in showrooms across the country this week. This latest generation combines timeless styling with some of the most advanced technology of any sports car in its class. With a base price of $132,800, the 2010 911 Turbo isn’t for everyone, but considering this car’s incredible performance, it’s priced competitively. For 2010, the Porsche 911 Turbo is equipped with a 3.8-liter turbocharged six cylinder engine that produces 500 horsepower. Not only can it tackle twisty back roads with ease, but it can also sprint to 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 196 mph. To see, and hear, this new 911 Turbo in action, check out the video below. [click to continue…]
by Import RPM on January 28, 2010
During the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March, Volkswagen will be introducing its new performance division, R GmbH, to better compete with the likes of Mercedes’ AMG and BMW’s M divisions. Although VW buyers can order performance components through the VW GearStore, there’s no official word on whether vehicles from this new division will make it to US showrooms. One of the first products to emerge with the R-treatment is the 2010 Volkswagen Golf R. Making its initial debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year, the Golf R is rumored to become available in North America. This Golf R is powered by a 270 horsepower turbocharged and intercooled inline four-cylinder engine that can propel this sporty hatchback from 0-62 mpg in 5.7 seconds. [click to continue…]
by Import RPM on January 25, 2010
Top Gear fans rejoice! Season 13 finally premiers tonight on BBC America. The latest season is packed with plenty of delights for any car buff, including amazing rides like the new Porsche Panamera, Bugatti Veyron, a classic Jaguar K120, and Lamborghini Murcielago SV, just to name a few. New episodes will also become available for download on iTunes each Monday night. In addition, coinciding with the return of Top Gear to BBC America is the release of seasons 11 and 12 on DVD. These DVDs feature hours of never before seen footage and commentary, perfect for fans that just can’t get enough of of the show. Check out the trailer for the upcoming new season below, or test your knowledge of the show by checking out the interactive map of where Top Gear has been in the US. [click to continue…]
by Import RPM on January 25, 2010
The economy has not only stunted auto sales, but it has also has played a large role in the derailment of some high-performance vehicles, namely the replacement for the legendary NSX. But the economy certainly has not stood in the way of the all-new Lexus LFA. Priced from $375,000, demand for this supercar has already surpassed its limited production run of a mere 500 units. But despite garnering an abundance of orders, there’s still time for interested buyers to submit their orders as the opportunity to claim your own LFA is scheduled to officially end in March, after which point the 500 cars will be allocated to customers possessing confirmed orders with deposits. About 150 units of this 552 horsepower V10-powered Lexus are destined for the U.S. [click to continue…]
by Import RPM on January 24, 2010
Among the releases of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show was MINI’s first foray into the compact crossover segment. The 2011 Mini Countryman will go on sale in early 2011 with two engine choices including a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower and 118 lb-ft. of torque. BMW claims that acceleration from 0-62 mph will require 10.5 seconds with this engine. The Countryman S model will receive a twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that will feature direct fuel injection and variable valve management. Producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque, the S model will sprint t0 62 mph in 7.6 seconds. Both engines will be mated to a six-speed manual gear box or an available six-speed automatic transmission. The added traction of MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system will only be offered with the MINI Countryman S. [click to continue…]
by Import RPM on January 23, 2010
The Acura TSX is one of our favorite import sports sedans. Although it lacks the sportiness of the BMW 3 series or the luxury of the Lexus IS, the TSX does offer a balance of performance, technology, and more importantly value. In addition to this unique combination of attractive qualities, the 2010 Acura TSX is also available with either a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine or a powerful 280 horsepower V6. But soon, premium entry level buyers will also be able to opt for a hybrid powertrain as the TSX will become Acura’s first hybrid model. The 2011 TSX hybrid will be the first of several hybrids to come to Honda’s luxury brand, while high-output V8 engines remain off the table – at least for now. [click to continue…]
by Import RPM on January 9, 2010
Certainly one of the most unique concepts to be shown at the Detroit Auto Show next week will be the MINI Beachcomber concept. While it’s highly unlikely that we’ll see some of the rugged Bomcomber’s features on a production vehicle anytime soon, it is likely that some the styling and proportions found on this vehicle will be seen in MINI’s upcoming crossover vehicle. To generate a little more excitement around MINI’s presence at NAIAS, a teaser video has been released highlighting a number of their products such as the MINI E electric vehicle, and of course the Beachcomber concept. Although its only shown briefly, it will be easy to see more of this funky off-roading MINI when it officially debuts next week. [click to continue…]
by Import RPM on January 9, 2010
While had celebrated the New Year by watching the festivities at Times Square, there was a frenzy brewing in Long Beach, CA. Driving a Subaru Impreza STi, Travis Pastrana pulled off a record-breaking car jump over the Long Beach Harbor. Covering a total of 269 feet, the Subaru flew over the water before landing on a floating barge and violently skidding into the backstop. Of course, Pastrana emerged triumphantly unscathed from the death-defying feat. If you missed this New Year’s stunt, take a look for yourself below. [click to continue…]
by Import RPM on January 6, 2010
There has been plenty of buzz about the possibility of a 1-Series tweaked by BMW’s M division, but now we can say that such a car has finally been confirmed. The M version of the BMW 1-Series will provide buyers with blistering performance in a relatively affordable package. BMW will be able to pull this off by introducing modular production processes that will make such a performance car financially feasible for both the consumer as well as for BMW. Powering the M 1-Series will be the automaker’s new turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six-cylinder engine that will provide about 350 horsepower. Although details are still scarce, expect to see this car arrive in 2011. [click to continue…]
