Abarth Unveils 160HP 500C "esseesse" and 180HP Punto Evo "essesse"

Fiat Abarth division expands its range with the launch of esseesse tuning kits for the new Abarth 500 C (convertible) and Abarth Punto Evo models at Motor Show this month in Paris. While the Abarth retain the most information on the "esseesse" packets that are intended to improve vehicle performance, handling and styling, the Italian company has provided information on upgrades power .

This kit, Scorpion-branded convertible 500 turbo 1.4-liter 160HP and 230Nm of torque (170 lb-ft), up to the level of the car 140 hp and 206Nm.

An acceleration of 0-100 km / h (62 mph) goes from 8.1 seconds to 7.5 seconds, while increasing the speed of 205 kmh to 209 kmh (130 mph).

Output of the Evo listening Punto "esseesse" increased from 165HP to 180HP and 250Nm and 270 nm (184 lb.-ft.) at 3000 rpm. As a result, 0-100 km / h sprint was reduced from 7.9 seconds to 7.5 seconds and top speed rises to 216 km / h (134 mph).

The "Essesse" package also includes a set of 17 inch 5 spoke alloys, diamond-shaped on a gray background for the Abarth 500 C, and 18-inch wheels in a special titanium-colored design for the Abarth Punto Evo.

Full details will be published during the presentation of cars in Paris.

Abarth 500C "esseesse"



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Abarth Punto Evo "esseesse"

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Audi Unveils Two New Special Edition Versions 143PS Diesel Engine To The Range A1 In The UK

Audi is adding two new models, the Black edition and the edition of On the contrary, a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo diesel that completes the current 1.6-liter TDI unit in the range of premium British urban A1.

The first specification new A1 Black Edition, offered exclusively with the gasoline engine 1.4-liter TFSI 185PS or 143PS 2.0-liter recently introduced TDI.

£ 1,100 worth of line compared to the respective S models in which it is based, customized package adds a number of features, including the treatment of black outline style grille and number plate holder, Dark tinted rear windows , 18-inch wheels and xenon headlights with LED daylight more.

The interior of the package increases the A1 is standard with a fully electronic control audio and climate Audi System Upgrade speaker with 180 watts output.

Contrast Edition is available with all engines in the area without the A1 1.4 TFSI 185PS, and costs £ 1,350 more than an equivalent Sport model A1. Highlights include a color that contrasts with the roof line and the new aero package, larger alloy wheels 17 inches. As an option, Audi also offers a roof spoiler cuts both ways, also in a contrasting hue.

Audi 2.0-liter TDI engine produces 143 hp and maximum torque of 320 Nm between 1750 and 2500 rpm. It is adapted to the standard six-speed manual, and pushes A1 from zero to 62 mph (100 kph) 8.2 seconds on the way in which a top speed of 135 mph (217 km / h).

According to the automaker, the 2.0 TDI returns 68.9mpg A1 fuel consumption in the UK (57.4 mpg U.S.), CO2 emissions of 108g/km.

On the road prices for the 2.0L TDI from £ 17 945 A1.

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New Suzuki Swift and Kizashi Sport to make European debut at Paris Motor Show

Suzuki has announced today that gets the not so new here looking for, but on all new 2011 Swift supermini and Kizashi sports sedan degree in Paris during the first Europeans.

It goes on sale across Europe this autumn, Suzuki is lighter, more and more spacious Swift again be available at the launch of a new 94-horsepower 1.2-liter gasoline and improved 1.3-liter 75 hp turbo diesel.

Already launched in the States (read more here), the degree Kizashi Sports tries to justify his nickname from a lower altitude deployment and style of the new 18-inch wheels and discrete parts, such as aerodynamic side skirts and put inside the level of finish.

 

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GM Shows Tuned Sonics, Notify The Cruze Concepts

General Motors to rely on its portfolio of magazines, small cars continues to increase its sales in North America and aftermarket SEMA next week in Las Vegas, Detroit-based automotive presents the customization capabilities of its sub-compact sedan Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic with a series of concepts.

Currently GM has shared some preliminary information on some of the concepts, it will show in Las Vegas with a handful of images of two sedans as Sonic.

Most of the conceptual prototypes wearing the Z-Spec shares styling, GM says it is currently being evaluated for production. Chevrolet has also been shown to Sonic Z-Spec concept at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year.

Sonic and Cruze is also present in the so-called treatment "Twilight", which GM says is a more subtle approach to tuning.

For more details on the first set of concepts, scroll down to read the information provided by GM's press release.

 

[From GM Press Release]

Sonic Z-Spec #1 – Designers took a turbocharged Sonic five-door and dressed it with concept Z-Spec accessories. They added Z-Spec ground effects, a spoiler, unique grille and graphics package – then finished it off with a Torch Red exterior and Z-Spec concept 18-inch wheels.

Inside, the Cobalt Red cabin features custom trim, including perforated black suede seat inserts, a Z-Spec sport pedal kit, sport shift knob and a racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel. Additional upgrades include performance brakes with four-piston calipers, a new high-flow exhaust system and performance suspension parts.

Sonic Z-Spec #2 – The next Sonic concept – in Flat White with Torch Red accents – builds on concept Z-Spec accessories with a more aggressive ground effects package, unique grille, rear spoiler and graphics package.

It rides on Z-Spec concept 18-inch wheels and also includes a re-trimmed interior with Z-Spec sport pedal kit, Z-Spec sport shift knob and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

It also features custom racing seats with the Z-Spec logo. The factory powertrain features the 1.4L turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission. Performance upgrades include brakes with four-piston calipers, a high-flow exhaust system and suspension parts.

Sonic Z-Spec 4D Concept – The more formal look of the Sonic sedan lends itself to a touring car-style motif, which this Ashen Grey Metallic concept picks up with concept Z-Spec ground effects, rear spoiler, grille, “Chevrolet” graphics and larger Z-Spec concept 18-inch wheels. As with its five-door counterparts, this Sonic features a re-trimmed interior – in Dark Titanium with Cobalt Red accents – Z-Spec sport pedal kit, aluminum sport shift knob and a flat-bottom steering wheel (trimmed with Cobalt Red suede).

The factory turbo 1.4L engine and six-speed manual transmission are complemented by performance upgrades that include four-piston caliper brakes, a high-flow exhaust system and suspension parts.

Sonic Dusk – The most subtle of the Sonic concepts is the Dusk. It features a Berlin Blue exterior, with a mild concept ground effects package, unique grille treatment and 18-inch concept wheels in dark Galvano Silver. Even the lights are tinted blue for a sophisticated statement.

The Mojave leather interior has custom seat inserts, Z-Spec shift knob with satin chrome trim, Z-Spec sport pedals and accessory interior trim kit. The Sonic Dusk also features a suede-trimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel, custom audio system and brake and suspension upgrades.

Chevrolet is keeping a few super-secret Sonics under wraps until the SEMA show, each representing an even higher level of performance and personalization.

Cool Cruzes

A pair of custom Cruze sedans demonstrates what is possible with conceptual accessories and a little creativity.

Cruze Z-Spec – Wearing concept Z-Spec ground effects, 18-inch custom wheels, an accessory spoiler and a high-flow grille, the Cruze Z-Spec has the looks and feel of a taut touring car. The exterior appearance of this Cruze is enhanced with a new stripe package that will be available soon, while on the inside are special seat inserts, a racing-style pedal kit, accessory shift knob and interior trim, as well as a new steering wheel.

Cruze Dusk – Complementing the Sonic Dusk concept, the Cruze Dusk suggests a more subtle and sophisticated approach to personalization, including a mild concept ground effects package, a unique grille treatment and dark-tinted wheels. The interior has custom seat inserts, along with an accessory shift knob, sport pedals, interior trim kit, a suede-trimmed steering wheel and a custom audio system.

 

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2012 Cadillac CTS Gain Sedan, Coupe And The New Car Front Grille And V6 Up With 318HP

It can be difficult to visually identify changes in the current version of the photo above look, but the Cadillac CTS has received an update for the 2012 model year brings a redesigned grille, a revised V6 engine and a new Touring Edition. The improvements will be three models CTS, including sedan, coupe and sports, with first deliveries expected in late summer.

Visual changes are limited to the front of the plate in the shape of a grid as amended, and gains a new chassis and the combination of mesh, and an updated version of the Cadillac Wreath & Crest logo with sharper and more three-dimensional raised ridges.

The most important change is hidden under the bonnet as GM 2012MY sophisticated 3.6-liter V6 engine. Detroit's engineers added larger intake valves, intake and improved design, reducing the weight of the engine through several measures. These include the use of an integrated cylinder head / exhaust manifold design, the new composite intake manifold, lighter structural and cover different connecting rods, which help to shave 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) from the previous V6.

The latest 3.6-liter V6 is not only easier but also more powerful, delivering 318HP 275 lb-ft (372 Nm) of torque, compared to the current engine 304HP and 273 lb-ft ( 370 Nm), respectively. EPA label fuel economy 18 city/27 mpg highway will remain.

Along with the new engine and grille, Cadillac is also to add new package Touring 2012. Available in 3.0L V6 and 3.6-liter V6, Touring package adds customized grid, in the end, dark wood interior of Sapele and brown suede seat more, the steering wheel and shift knob. Package comes with chrome door handles, where the version of the 3.0L 18-inch wheels with a pearl-nickel, and the model 3.6L, 19-inch polished wheels and Recaro 14-way adjustable performance seats.

Other improvements for 2012 model year CTS include standard Bluetooth phone integration on all models and availability on the side of the area warning technologies blind Coupe version.

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Porsche Unveils 2012 MY 911 GT3 Cup Racer

The all-new 911, code-named 991, may be just around the corner with its debut coming next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but that doesn’t mean that Porsche is done with the soon-to-be-replaced 997.

At least not with its racing version, the GT3 Cup, which with more than 2,200 units sold, is the number one preference for customer racing teams worldwide.

Now, Porsche has unveiled the 2012MY 911 GT3 Cup. It is based on the 991 (997) GT3 RS, with the 3.8-liter flat-six engine producing an identical 450HP at 8,500 rpm.

However, it does get a race exhaust system that features a controlled catalytic converter to reduce CO2 emissions.

The new GT3 Cup has a larger 100-liter FT3 safety fuel tank, which is filled via an opening in the hood. According to Porsche, this change makes the car more suitable for a wider range of endurance racing.

The Porsche racer rides on 18-inch wheels shod in 25/64-18 front and 30/68-18 Michelin racing tires.

Both the front and rear anti-roll bars are adjustable in seven positions in order to achieve a customized set-up for each occasion.

In addition, the Porsche Mobil1 Supercar racers, which support the F1 championship, get exclusive use of the PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes that, compared to the composite cast units used in other race versions of the 911, reduce overall weight by 20 kg.

Deliveries of the new 911 GT3 Cup will start in September and the car will be available in this specification for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Pricing starts from €161,750 (~ US$228,700) not including local taxes.

 

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Porsche Boxster + vintage Volkswagen Bug = Bugster

This is a melding of two seemingly very different cars we can get behind. The melding of one car’s running gear and another’s body isn’t a new practice, but so often it turns out terribly. Need an example? Check out the dozens of F-Body Chevrolet Camaro coupes with 4×4 running gear that haunt the depths of the world’s internet forums.

This isn’t a hack job, this is is the sort of hybrid we can throw our enthusiastic support behind. The body started life atop a humble 1973 Volkswagen Beetle chassis, while the running gear saw duty under a 2000Porsche Boxster convertible’s skin. The car was created by Siegfried Rudolf, who owns CarMaxx, an Austrian company that restores and customizes Porsche and Volkswagen cars.

Rudolf apparently got the idea after parking his restored Beetle next to his wife’s Boxster and noted a striking similarity in their wheelbases. After countless hours with a measuring tape, a Sawzall and a welder, Rudolf had the Bugster, a mid-engined 270-horsepower 1973 VW Beetle.

From off, the car looks like a nicely restored, slightly modified Bug. Up close, though, the enormous side vents, 18-inch wheels and Porsche dashboard start to hint at this thing’s dirty little secret. The car sports custom fenders to properly cover its wider track and wheels, and the whole set up rides on a fully-adjustable suspension. Delicious.

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2012 Buick Verano details and pricing leaked in dealer letter?

Following the launch of the Regal, Buick will be introducing its next all-new model sometime in 2011. Set to launch as a 2012 model, the Verano compact will slot in beneath the Regal sedan, though we’ve been told on several occasions that it will not share a platform with General Motors’ other new small car, the Chevrolet Cruze.

According to the infomongers at GM Inside News, the automaker recent sent a letter to its Buick dealers inviting them to participate in an order study in an attempt to gain knowledge about what pricing and trim levels would be most attractive to potential buyers. The details, available after the jump, reveal that the Verano will be powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four (same as the Regal) that produces 180 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and will be initially offered in four trim levels.

If the letter is to be believed, the base Verano 1SB (the alphanumeric likely being an internal designation) is estimated to start at $20,900. From there, the 1SD model adds Bluetooth, automatic climate control and remote start, and will be priced from around $22,100. 1SG models add a power driver’s seat, heated mirrors and rear park assist and should command roughly $23,300. Top-trim 1SL Veranos will have heated leather seats, premium audio, a heated steering wheel and 18-inch wheels. Expect the top-rung 1SL to retail for around $25,600, with pricing reaching as high as $26,200.

We don’t expect GM to reveal official Verano specifications and pricing until closer to its launch date, with the car being officially debuting sometime in the early 2011 auto show season.

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