Abarth presents its line-up for the 2011 Bologna Motor Show

Abarth presents its line-up for the 2011 Bologna Motor Show:

Abarth will introduce four new models at the upcoming 2011 Bologna Motor Show (December 3-11): 595 Turismo, 595 Competizione, 695 Assetto Corse and Punto Scorpione. The 595 model is inspired by the famous 595 that Karl Abarth himself presented in 1963 - based on the Fiat 500 of that period - and comes with the maximum power upgrade (that boosts the output up to 160 hp) as standard equipment. The “Competizione” version will be the more track-oriented of the two whereas the “Turismo”, although quite sporty, won’t be that extreme.

However, the real star at the Abarth’s stand in Bologna will be the new 695 “Assetto Corse”, the new small super-sports car designed for racing on the track, arguably the ultimate evolution of the whole Fiat 500 concept. This new car will pair up with the 500 “Assetto Corse”, the highly successful star of the track over the past three years. Another new model that Abarth will take to Bologna is the Punto Scorpione, an evil looking all-black limited edition of the Fiat Punto. By the way, Abarth will also introduce a special “winter kit” for this model, featuring among other things an actual Nitro snowboard “powered by Abarth”.

Abarth sold in excess of 9.000 units so far in 2011, with valuable contribution coming from Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari model (about 1,500 units sold since its debut in 2008). It is interesting to notice that since its re-launch in 2008, Abarth has been growing constantly in numbers, selling a total amount of 38,000 Abarth Punto and 500s as well as 9,500 kits for these two models.

Source : Google Reader

Mercedes C63 Amg Black Series: more images of Aerodynamics and Track Packages available

Mercedes C63 Amg Black Series: more images of Aerodynamics and Track Packages available:

Mercedes releases more official pictures of the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series equipped with the optional Aerodynamic and Track Packages. The pair would help drivers to get even more out of the already impressive model, powered by the outstanding AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine (517 hp and 620 Nm of output) mated to an AMG Speedshift 7-speed dual clutch transmission that gives the car a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 4.2 seconds and top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

AMG Aerodynamics package consists of many carbon fibre bits that improve drag coefficient and aerodynamic behavior of the car, providing it with an even more aggressive aesthetics too. This kit includes front splitter, fixed rear spoiler with adjustable blade and the so called ‘flics’ (which are those diminutive wings placed at the sides of the front bumper).

AMG Track Package comprises Dunlop’s 255/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) performance tyres - that have been specifically developed for the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series - as well as a rear-axle transmission cooling system that improves performance in race-track conditions. Its radiator is located in the rear bumper and the airflow passes through it effectively.

Source : Google Reader

Lancia Ypsilon Black&Red at the Bologna Motor Show

Lancia Ypsilon Black&Red at the Bologna Motor Show:

Lancia will introduce the new Ypsilon Black&Red Edition at the 2011 Bologna Motor Show, a model that will be available with an engine range consisting of the 1.2 Fire EVO II engine (delivering 69 hp) and the turbocharged 1.3 Multijet II (95 hp). The car will have the same price-tag as the Gold Edition, and will be equipped with a 360° audio system, 15″ alloys and blackened windows. The model will come in four different color schemes: Rosso Argilla (Clay Red), Nero Vulcano (Volcano Black), 3-layer Rosso Fiamma (Flame Red) and the two tone-scheme pictured above, with Rosso Argilla body and Nero Vulcano roof. All models will use the same red/black interior finishing in the cabin (see picture below).

Source : Google Reader

UK PM David Cameron opens McLaren new production center

UK PM David Cameron opens McLaren new production center:

McLaren’s Group Executive Chairman Ron Dennis invited UK Prime Minister David Cameron to open McLaren’s brand new production center in Woking, England, a facility that is yet another piece in the 1 billion dollars plan set by Mr.Dennis to transform McLaren Automotive into a fully-fledged car company. The new Production Center will surely produce a spider version of the MP4-12C, while other interesting projects are currently in the works.

Rumor has it that McLaren will introduce two new models by 2015: the first one will be a 800 hp V8 model intended to replace the legandary McLaren F1 - which was launched in 1992 - and the other one should be a sort of entry-level model that will be priced at around 100,000 € and produced in larger numbers than the aforementioned V8 model. McLaren is aiming at a 4,000 sold units per year target.

View the full McLaren’s new production center photo gallery

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Alfa Romeo to enter the Chinese market in 2012?

Alfa Romeo to enter the Chinese market in 2012?:

Fiat Group is planning to launch its Alfa Romeo brand on the Chinese market in 2012. Even though the timing of this operation is not totally clear at the moment, the boss of the joint-venture between Fiat and Chinese group Guangzhou Automobile, Mr. Jack Cheng, confirmed that the two companies will introduce Alfa Romeo models in that market as soon as possible, probably in the course of 2012. Cheng also stated that initially the joint-venture will sell only imported Alfa Romeo cars built in Italy, adding that if the response of the public will be positive enough, a local production might begin as well at a later time.

However, other sources report that Guangzhou Automobile’s main man Zeng Qinghong has already said that the group will actually begin producing Alfa Romeo cars on home soil starting this coming July. We will be waiting for some clarification on the matter, but in any case it seems quite likely now that Alfo Romeo will become available in China way earlier than in the US, where a slew of bureaucratic obstacles pushed its debut back to 2013. For now.

via | BorsaItaliana

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Ferrari 458 Italia "FC Barcelona Edition" spotted in Dubai

Ferrari 458 Italia "FC Barcelona Edition" spotted in Dubai:

Well, we do know that there is plenty of people around the world that are just crazy about football, but this is just over the top: the video above pictures no less than a Ferrari 458 Italia with an unbelievable FC Barcelona paint job. The ridiculous livery features a massive emblem of the club on the hood - right in between portraits of famous footballers Lionel Messi and Xavi - and the whole squad on the 2 sides, turning the Maranello’s masterpiece into some sort of odd advertising placard on four wheels. That’s how you ruin a 200,000 € sportscar, we’d say.

The car has been recently spotted in Dubai and … well, don’t worry: rumor has it that the whole thing is just temporary. We surely hope so.

via | Corriere Della Sera

Source : Google Reader

Tata Nano Model Year 2012

Tata Nano Model Year 2012:

Tata Nano will enter the new year with a light upgrade of its 2-cylinder engine, which will provide it with an handful of extra horsepower and torque and an optimized fuel consumption. In fact, its little 624 cc SOHC petrol unit will boost its output from the current 35 hp and 48 Nm up to a grand total of 38 hp and 51 Nm, although top speed will remain 105 km/h. Average fuel consumption will go from 4.23 l/100 km down to 4.08 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 92.7 g/km.

The 2012 version of Tata Nano will also boast a revised suspension set-up with reinforced anti-roll bar at the front, a new steering system and booster-assisted brakes. The model will be available in many vivid colors, with also revised wheel caps, a different exhaust and upgraded interior. The price will remain 140,000 rupees, rough equivalent of 2,000 €/2,670 $/1,700£. Well, we won’t be holding our breath for a Nurburgring lap time.

View Tata Nano MY2012 photo gallery

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