New Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

With the Gallardo Superleggera, to be launched at the 2007 Geneva motor show, Automobili Lamborghini presents an uncompromisingly high-performance sports car. Thanks to increased power (an additional 10 hp) and a 100 kg reduction in weight, the new range-leading Gallardo Superleggera is even more dynamic than the already very sporty Gallardo. The weight/power ratio of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is only 2.5 kg/hp, putting it in the top lightweights of its class.

The Superleggera also has the fastest acceleration in its class. It needs only 3.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph); 0.2 seconds less than the basic model, and boasting speed and grit under various driving conditions.

The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is an extremely high-performance car: it includes a standard robotized mechanical e-gear gearbox that guarantees shifting without removing hands from the steering wheel. The new Gallardo Superleggera can be ordered through the dealer network starting March 2007: production volumes will be restricted to lower numbers than the standard Gallardo.

The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera’s engine is the latest version of Lamborghini’s well-known 4,961 cm3 V10. Now 530 hp is reached in 8,000 min-1. The increase in power was made possible by the engine’s improved volumetric efficiency through reduced intake load losses and by exhaust backpressures, together with optimized electronic control. Naturally, emission levels observe the strict EURO 4 and LEV II standards.

Lamborghini engineers decreased the Lamborghini Gallardo’s already low weight when empty (1,430 kg) by another 100 kg (70kg in the USA) using advanced materials and technologies. The engine hood is made of visible carbon fibre and transparent polycarbonate, a type of material that guarantees lightness and also shows off the magnificent V10.

The rear diffuser and underbody covering, the rearview mirrors, door panels and the central tunnel’s covering are also made of carbon fibre. Further reductions in weight were achieved by replacing certain glass surfaces with transparent polycarbonate. For the interior, monocoque carbon fibre sports seats covered in Alcantara® were chosen to ensure restraint of the driver and passenger during the intense lateral accelerations that the Gallardo Superleggera is capable of achieving around curves.

Lotus Offers Luxury Touring Pack Option For Europa S

The Europa S, the Lotus that introduces the brand to enhanced levels of practicality and refinement, has a new Luxury Touring Pack Option which stretches the Europa S towards the more luxurious end of the spectrum. The Luxury Touring Pack Option dresses the interior in the smart attire of saddle tan leather, chocolate coloured leather and brown carpets.

Where the standard Europa S uses lightweight composite components for items such as the steering column shroud, dash top, instrument and ventilation binnacles and sill covers, the Luxury Touring Pack Option on the Europa S covers these and other components with four hides of soft high-grade saddle tan coloured and chocolate coloured leather.

Supportive sports seats are fitted and are also clad in saddle tan and chocolate coloured leather in a stripe pattern. Safety critical composite components such as the passenger airbag door are coated in a high-tech soft-to-the-touch material. An engine start button and a solid Walnut and Tulip wood gearknob finish off the interior package.

The Luxury Touring Pack Option also stretches to the boot: with brown carpet covering the whole of the boot area including the battery cover, a saddle tan coloured leather trimmed tailgate inner, luggage straps to prevent luggage from moving in the boot, and a saddle tan coloured leather oddment bag which is fixed to the boot compartment.

Exterior additions to the Luxury Touring Pack Option include tinted rear and rear three-quarter glass, body coloured front driving lamp surrounds, side air-intake surrounds and roof air-outlet grill. All other exterior grilles such as the front radiator grilles and the rear light grille surrounds are coloured silver.

All these added luxuries add very little weight to the feather-light Europa S so spirited drivers will not be penalised by opting for the Luxury Touring Pack.

The Luxury Touring Pack Option is available on the Lotus Europa S from April 2007 priced at £1,250 in the UK and EUR1,750 in Europe (excluding local taxes), with prices in other markets to be announced shortly.

Ford Iosis Selected For Villa D’este Concours

The Ford iosis concept car, which made its debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show as the definition of the company’s dramatic “kinetic design” form language, has been selected as one of the finalists in the Concept Cars and Prototypes class at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy.

The 2007 event takes place at the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, Italy between April 20 and 22. During the three day event, thirteen concept cars will be on display to visiting members of the public who will be able to vote for their favourite in a secret ballot at the Villa d’Erba on Sunday, April 22. The event is expected to attract around four thousand visitors.

The organising committee selected Ford iosis for its innovative impact on automotive design. Iosis preceded a range of new Ford’s products which include elements of “kinetic design” form language. These products are receiving very positive comments from customers and the media within Europe and elsewhere.

The first Ford production model that expresses the ‘energy in motion’ philosophy of the company’s dynamic new ‘kinetic design’ form language is the bold and sporty Ford S-MAX, which is Car of the Year 2007.

Together with “kinetic design” Ford has introduced a new brand philosophy of “Feel+” which is designed to highlight the new energy and emotion of Ford’s latest vehicle offerings, including the all-new Ford Mondeo.

“Feel+” is more than an advertising strapline, however, and represents a new way of thinking inside Ford for its latest products. With the emphasis on driving pleasure, high quality interiors, reliability and affordability, Ford is stepping up its delivery of new exciting products to its customers around the world.

Stefan Lamm, Ford of Europe’s head of Exterior Design said: “The iosis is a benchmark concept vehicle for us, as it represents the purest expression of our “kinetic design” form language, representing energy in motion. Iosis also signalled the design future for Ford of Europe production models - a future that is now being realised with the Ford S-MAX, Car of the Year 2007, and the all-new Mondeo, which provided the initial inspiration for this concept. We are delighted that the organisers have selected iosis to be a competitor at this event.”

New Volvo S40 And V50 Sportswagon

Volvo’s two best-selling models in 2006, the S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon, have been given a comprehensive external and internal redesign to enhance their dynamism, versatility and safety even further, while visually drawing both models closer to Volvo’s all-new S (saloon) and V (estate) styling. With effect from 2008 Volvo model year, production starts in May and first customer cars will arrive in the UK in early July.

Design

Taking a step closer to the all-new Volvo S80 saloon design cues, the Volvo S40 now features a reprofiled nose and chrome framed ‘egg-crate’ grille, complete with a 50 per cent larger Volvo badge – a clear indication of Volvo’s bolder future design direction.

This distinctive front is flanked by new clear-lensed headlamp units, while a striking full-width air intake, incorporating reworked integral fog lamps and a central mesh section, replaces the previous three-part air intake unit.

At the rear, the S40’s new tail light units – fitted with LED light emitting diode brake lights – are now smaller, with new graphics, and sit 30 mm higher than previously. A new bumper and revised boot handle design as well as a more sporting exhaust pipe layout complete the visual makeover.

Just as the S40 draws inspiration from the all-new S80, the V50 Sportswagon moves closer to the all-new Volvo V70 estate, with a sportier new grille and headlamp layout and distinctive three-part front air intake. And, like the S40, the Sportswagon features Volvo’s deep-set chrome-collared grille and larger Volvo badge.

The V50’s distinctive rear styling now benefits from slimmer tail light units that are equipped with LED brake lights, enhancing the car’s shoulders. A new boot handle, restyled bumper and a revised pair of exhaust pipes complete the look.

Restyled lower door mouldings and side sills also underline the visual changes between old and new saloon and Sportswagon models.

Versatility and Packaging

Volvo designers and engineers also gave the cabins of the S40 and V50 a thorough revision to add more storage space and carrying versatility as well as boosting the choice of interior trims.

Volvo’s iconic ‘floating’ centre stack has revised controls and is complemented by a multi-function centre tunnel storage area, a more compact handbrake design, and a revised armrest that’s longer and further forward for greater driver comfort. It can also flip through 180 degrees to act as a useful table for rear passengers.

As well as redesigned cupholders, there’s now a much larger storage area under the armrest, while the lower sections of the front door inside panels have been redesigned to accommodate larger items. The auxiliary input for the audio system has been repositioned under the armrest and is now standard across the range, while a roll-top cover for the central storage area provides heightened security.

Other changes include more dynamically styled instrument panels for the T5 and D5 models, Dynaudio speakers for the Premium Sound system, a new hard drive-based RTI road traffic information and satellite navigation system and a redesigned remote key fob with Auto Open and Auto Close for all side windows and sunroof.

New trim options for the floating centre stack comprise a Nordic Light Oak real wood matt inlay and Virtual White, inspired by the modern glossy white surfaces in sporting equipment and computers. Drivers can also now opt for the new Spring Green upholstery and three new exterior colour options have been added too.

Safety

Introducing yet more safety features, the new Volvo S40 and V50 Sportswagon can be equipped with Active Bi-Xenon headlamps that swivel the light beam in continuous sync with steering direction.

Should any of the Volvo’s airbags be deployed, the hazard lights will now automatically be activated – a feature that helps attract the attention of other motorists in the event of a single-vehicle accident in the dark.

During emergency braking or when the anti-lock function is activated, the EBL Emergency Brake Lights function flashes all three brake lights five times a second to warn following drivers of the emergency braking manoeuvre.

ISOFIX points in the rear seats are now standard, as is water repellent glass2 on the front side windows for enhanced visibility in poor weather.

Dynamics

The new Volvo S40 and V50 also benefit from an enhanced powertrain offer. The D5 diesel engine will be available with a slick six-speed manual transmission. Because of its more robust nature, the transmission can handle the engine’s full 400 Nm of torque, compared to the 350 Nm of the automatic gearbox.

The transmission, which arrives later this year, will make the turbodiesel D5 not only the fastest diesel-powered Volvo to date but also one of the cleanest – the advanced powerplant will be fully compliant with anticipated stringent Euro V emission regulations.

Finally, the turbo-charged T5 model enjoys a 10 hp increase, taking total output to a full 230 bhp

Hennessey Venom GT Super Sports Car

Hennessey released details of their upcoming supercar. It has massive power, coming from a twin-turbo version of the already powerful 8.4L V10 from the Dodge Viper.
The Venom GT should push out at least 1000 horsepower.
In a body weighing 1500 pounds lighter than the Bugatti Veyron, the Venom GT could be breaking the top speed record.

With either a six-speed manual or sequential gearbox, the Venom GT should run from 0 to 62 mph in less than 2.5 seconds. We could see the Venom GT in the concept stage in early 2009

2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR Revealed

Launching next spring, the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR model features a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts engine output to an estimated 540 horsepower.

Produced in a limited edition of 1,000 units, the Shelby GT500KR coupe comes with a custom carbon composite hood with scoops and stainless steel twist-down hood pins, a lower front air dam with chrome-trimmed functional brake ducts and large 14-inch Brembo front brakes. The suspension has been modified with an emphasis on race-inspired handling.

Drawing inspiration from the classic 1968 KR model, the Shelby GT500KR also features 40 th Anniversary exterior badging, unique striping and a distinctive interior with Carroll Shelby-signature embroidered seats and a 40 th Anniversary numbered dash plaque.

World Premiere Of Toyota Hybrid X Concept

Toyota presents a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show with the reveal of Hybrid X, a concept car that proposes a new design language for hybrid models, while also acting as an innovative technology showcase for future generation hybrid cars. Hybrid X is a vision for future environmentally friendly motoring. It fits clearly within Toyota’s environmental strategy of offering sustainable mobility for modern families. Hybrid X further extends the use of Hybrid Synergy Drive® which is becoming an enabler for vehicle concept innovation and allowing Toyota to push forward to new frontiers.

Hybrid X is designed as a four-door, four-seat open-space concept. It has the dimensions of a conventional family car with an overall length of 4,500mm and wheelbase of 2,800mm. The width is 1,850mm and height 1,440mm.

Hybrid X has been created and developed by Toyota’s European styling centre, ED², in the south of France. It proposes unconventional creative solutions that will themselves potentially become the signature points of a specific hybrid identity.

Hybrid X follows the core values of the Toyota brand design philosophy under two consistent themes: J-Factor and Vibrant Clarity. J-Factor refers to the local and global acceptance of Japanese-inspired design and cultural form, while Vibrant Clarity is the design language used to express the J-Factor. Through Vibrant Clarity, designers will infuse future vehicles with a completely original identity and emotional intensity that will be uniquely identifiable as coming from Toyota.

Interior designer, Laurent Bouzige, says: “Hybrid X is conceived as a multi-sensory experience. There is a formal style in the shape of the vehicle and the material used but every other reaction is linked to the passengers’ senses of sound, smell, sight and touch through interactive ambience.”

The strongest form element of the exterior shape is the two ‘U’ shapes created by the massive upper glass frame area and the unconventional A and C pillars. When viewed from above this gives the impression of a vast X – hence the name of the concept, Hybrid X.

The U-shaped pillars allow the general shape of Hybrid X to achieve a superior aerodynamic form, which is further enhanced by smooth surface lines and the integrated rear spoiler.

At the same time, the glass area greatly enhances visibility to create an ‘open-space’ concept which ‘frames the vision’ in all directions, including up.

Access and innovation are features of the rear-hinged passenger doors which open electronically at the touch of a button. Dynamic hints of driving performance are provided by the customised 20-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 225/40 R20 tyres.

The smooth, aerodynamic lines of the front are unbroken by headlamps. Instead, these are integrated into the dashboard and are now part of the car’s interior. These LED lamps are ‘intelligent’ and display graphic forms through animation, adopting the interactive concept of Hybrid X to communicate safety information to pedestrians or other drivers, such as safety distances, acceleration and braking.

Across the rear the energy-efficient LED lights form another U shape, reflecting the design signature of vehicle as a whole.

The driver can set the ambience within the car via an interface controlling the four senses of sight, sound, touch and smell. LED lighting systems within the car provide a variety of illumination and change in harmony with different musical backgrounds. A perfume diffuser fills the air with a gentle, relaxing aroma, while the use of many different materials and textures on the interior surfaces provides variety to the touch.

The drive-by-wire steering pad features a central screen that relays vital information to the driver about the energy flow path, fuel consumption and gear position. Interactive navigation and Bluetooth connectivity are provided by a second screen in front of the driver.

A third touch screen in the console controls the ambience settings, such as the entertainment and audio systems, lighting operation and air conditioning. A sensitive touch control on the steering pad allows the driver to switch the information displayed on the screens.

The space saving seats are formed using injected foam techniques, which make them comfortable and reduce weight. In order to further promote human interaction, the two independent rear seats can be swivelled by 12 degrees to let passengers enjoy the scenery or a more intimate tête-à-tête.

For now, it is clear Hybrid X is an innovative vehicle that conceives how Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology can deliver economical, cleaner and more comfortable motoring. It is a step closer to Toyota’s vision of the ultimate environmental driving technology and its design will influence the entire Toyota brand and its hybrid models in the future

Amazing LEGO Ferraris

LEGO Enzo Ferrari

LEGO Ferrari F430 Spider

LEGO Ferrari F430 Challenge

LEGO Ferrari F1 Racer

LEGO Ferrari 248 F1

LEGO Scuderia Ferrari truck

LEGO Ferrari Finish Line

LEGO Ferrari Fuel Stop

Photos courtesy of The Lego Group

Nissan Announces Pricing On 2008 Altima Coupe

Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on the all-new 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe, which goes on sale May 25, 2007 at Nissan dealers nationwide. The newest extension of Nissan’s best-selling Altima lineup offers dramatic styling, a sport-inspired interior and a choice of two advanced powerplants –a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6 and 6-speed manual or Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) transmissions.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5 S with 6-speed manual transmission is $20,490. Altima Coupe 2.5 S CVT with Xtronic CVT(TM) (Continuously Variable Transmission) starts at $20,990. The V6-equipped Altima Coupe 3.5 SE 6MT with 6-speed manual has an MSRP of $24,890, while the 3.5 SE Altima Coupe SE CVT with Xtronic CVT starts at $25,390.

Customers will be able to pre-order 2008 Altima Coupes at Nissan dealers beginning today under a special “Reserve Your Coupe” promotion.

The new Altima Coupe offers smaller dimensions, driver-oriented cockpit and unique styling, giving it a more sporty appearance and driving feel. Altima Coupe has a 4.0 inch shorter wheelbase and overall length is 7.1 inches less than the Altima Sedan. The Coupe also has a 2.5 inch lower profile than the Sedan version. The Altima Coupe and Sedan only share a common hood, with all other major panels, including the grille, headlights and rear combination lights unique to the Altima Coupe.

The new Altima Coupe is part of the fourth-generation Altima design, which utilizes Nissan’s all-new, highly acclaimed “D” platform with increased body rigidity and a redesigned suspension. This new platform was developed with the objective of making Altima one of the best performing large front-wheel drive vehicles available globally.

“The Altima Coupe sets itself apart from the segment by being more than just an Altima Sedan minus two doors,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “The driving performance of the Altima Coupe is biased toward sporty feel, especially when equipped with our award- winning V6. Handling is also a strong point of the new Coupe, as is the responsive feeling provided by the Xtronic CVT transmission.”

The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 utilized in Altima Coupe 3.5 SE models is the “next generation” version of the 12-time Ward’s “10 Best Engines” award- winning VQ-series V6. For use in the Altima Coupe, it is rated at 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Available with the new Altima Coupe 2.5 S models is a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve QR25 inline 4-cylinder, producing 175 horsepower (170 hp CAL) and 180 lb-ft of torque (175 lb-ft CAL).

Altima Coupe models with the 4-cylinder engine are equipped with 16-inch wheels and tires, while V6-equipped Altima Coupes come with unique-design 17- inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 215/55R17 tires. All 2008 Altima Coupes also come equipped with standard 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

The list of Altima Coupe passenger amenities includes standard Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and available Bose(R)-developed audio system with nine speakers, Bluetooth(R) Hands-Free Phone System, satellite radio and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

Available technology features include a RearView Monitor, which utilizes a small camera to help show the view behind the vehicle when in reverse gear, and Nissan Navigation System with a 6.5-inch color monitor.

The new Altima Coupe also comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags.

Also standard are front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

In addition to the new 2008 Altima Coupe, Altima is offered in a variety of Sedan models - including the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 S with SL Package, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL and Altima Hybrid (Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The new Altima is off to a strong launch, with 2007 calendar-year-to-date sales up nearly 19 percent through March

2007 BMW Concept CS

Introducing the BMW Concept CS, Germany’s leading manufacturer of premium automobiles is presenting the vision of a unique four-door car which combines the exclusivity of a genuine luxury Gran Turismo with the fascinating thrill of a high-performance sports car. This unique combination never seen before offers the perspective to enjoy sheer driving pleasure in a dimension quite unprecedented in the world of motoring.

Indeed, the BMW Concept CS is a new definition of design culture. Concentrating on powerful, expressive design, materials of the highest quality, and quality of finish in perfection, this unique new model offers a completely new understanding of premium quality.

In presenting this new Concept Car, BMW is not only entering a brand-new segment of the market never occupied before, but is also setting the milestone with a brand-new type of car. The four-door luxury Gran Turismo enters a new dimension of motoring in new style and with new features.

A new experience of dynamics and the ambience around us, exemplary quality in design and finish, extreme precision in the dimensions of the car, and concentrated luxury within the interior – these are the features that characterize the BMW Concept CS.

The sum total of such qualities in the BMW Concept CS can be created only on a sound foundation of firmly defined values: innovative power, sporting performance, aesthetic design, an open frame of mind, and full awareness of quality. Precisely these are the values BMW has been applying consistently for decades in the development of particularly outstanding saloons and fascinating, truly dynamic sports cars. And now these values are concentrated even more than before in an unprecedented manner in the BMW Concept CS.

Measuring 200.8 inches in length, the BMW Concept CS is dominated by dynamically flowing lines. From the BMW kidney grille standing out powerfully to the front, the eyes of the beholder move back along the low-slung and sleek engine compartment lid, subsequently meandering along the side-line and roof-line all the way to the deliberately short rear-end with its clear-cut air flow spoiler.

The dynamically stretched silhouette of the car proudly boasts a wide range of features typical of the character of a particularly sporting, avantgarde automobile. All of these features clearly bear testimony to excellent aerodynamics as well as a low centre of gravity helping to promote superior agility on the road. And at the same time the carefully modeled transitions between the body sections are a clear symbol of the car’s nimble character and performance, despite its size.

The interior of the BMW Concept CS also offers dynamism of a completely new standard borne out by the combination of exclusive elegance and sophisticated refinement. In designing the interior, the innovative technique of layering the individual surfaces and components provides an unprecedented combination of function and stylish reduction to the essential.

The appropriate use of joints and seams, together with layered surfaces, creates new options in the arrangement of functional elements for both ventilation and illumination. And at the same time the layering concept offers new possibilities to clearly express the class and value of the materials used as well as the precise design of the car’s interior through contrasting colors and the structure of different materials.

Featuring height-adjustable collar elements directly integrated in the seats, the four full-sized sports seats meet all the needs of personalized entertainment and communication, thus raising the experience of quality within the interior to an unprecedented standard. More than ever before, this highlights the sheer value of the materials used, the love for all details, and quality of finish now enhanced to perfection.

New Fiat Bravo In UK

The new 5-door Fiat Bravo goes on sale in the UK on 30 June. It marks Fiat’s return to the second largest segment of the UK market, which equates to almost 600,000 cars per annum or some 25% of the total. Within this sector, 5-door hatchbacks – such as the new Fiat Bravo – account for 75% of total sales.

The New Bravo was created in just 18 months from design ‘freeze’ to production. To achieve this record-breaking development time, Fiat employed new, groundbreaking, state-of-the-art Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) systems of unprecedented power and complexity, allowing the development of this new hatchback to be undertaken almost entirely through virtual analysis and engineering.

So sophisticated is the computer software involved, that not only could Fiat’s engineers simulate every aspect of the Bravo’s structural, dynamic, NVH and accommodation characteristics to a level of unprecedented detail, but they were also able to create a virtual production-line to ensure consistently outstanding component and build quality.

The benefits of these all-encompassing developments in virtual design and engineering are clearly evident in every aspect of the new Fiat Bravo, from consistently high build quality and class-leading passenger accommodation, to superior driving dynamics, minimal NVH levels and, of course, outstanding safety provision.

New Bravo has been awarded a maximum 5-star rating for adult occupant protection in the gruelling Euro NCAP crash test programme. Achieving 5 stars for adult occupant safety, 3 stars for child protection and a further 2 for pedestrian protection, the new Fiat recorded 33 points, placing it among the leaders of its category in terms of passive, active and preventive safety.

Twelve versions of the new 5-door Bravo, priced from £10,995 to £15,495 on-the-road, will be available from launch, embracing five trim levels – Bravo, Active, Active Sport, Dynamic and Sport. Augmenting an interior design founded on the fundamental pre-requisites of class-leading space, exemplary build quality, and visual and tactile sophistication, the new Fiat’s equipment specification has been carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board. ABS anti-lock braking, remote central locking, driver and passenger front and side airbags, electric front windows, a CD player, Dualdrive electric power steering and Follow Me Home headlamps are fitted as standard, even within entry level models.

This comprehensive equipment package is further boosted by a range of innovative, safety and comfort enhancing options such as dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rain, parking and tyre pressure sensors, a SkyDome glass sunroof occupying almost the entire Bravo roof area, a CD system – with subwoofer – that can play MP3 files, and Blue & Me mobile phone and MP3 player connectivity with steering wheel controls.

The new Fiat goes on sale in the UK with a choice of five powerplants, one of which is an all-new 1.4 litre T-Jet 150 bhp turbocharged petrol engine, making its debut in the Bravo. This is the first example of a new family of turbocharged petrol units developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies to combine the sporting performance and low NVH characteristics of a petrol engine with fuel economy comparable to a diesel unit and CO2 emission levels which readily comply with increasingly stringent European regulation.

Through cubic capacity downsizing allied to the adoption of the smallest possible turbocharger, Fiat’s responsive new 150 bhp 1.4 litre T-Jet engine combines performance equal to or better than a conventionally aspirated 1.8/2.0 litre petrol engine, but with a reduction of between 10% and 20% in fuel consumption and emissions. These advantages are especially useful, given the importance of the fleet market, where taxation plays a major role.

The future addition to the range of a 120 bhp version of this outstanding new unit, with performance equal to or better than a conventionally aspirated 1.6 litre petrol engine, together with significant fuel consumption reductions, will increase the new Bravo UK model range to 15 versions later this year.

KIA cee’d Three Door Revealed

Kia Motors Corporation has released the first preview image of its exciting new Kia three-door hatchback model which will make its World Premiere at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show on 11 September.

The new model will be named Pro-cee’d. Based closely on the earlier ‘pro_cee’d’ concept shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, the new production model has been developed by Kia’s design team in Europe under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

“Longer, lower and lighter than its five-door sister car, the new Kia Pro-cee’d is going to be a great drive,” enthused Mr Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Motors Europe. “Combining real style and genuine practicality, our new three-door cee’d is sure to delight existing Kia customers and attract a new group of European consumers who have not yet considered our brand.”

Manufactured in Slovakia, Pro-cee’d will be the third member of the Kia cee’d family, joining the popular cee’d five-door and the soon to be released cee’d SW models to make Kia an especially strong challenger for C-segment sales in Europe.

Production of the Pro-cee’d model range is scheduled to begin in November with first customer sales during the early months of 2008.

2007 Ruf CTR-3

Exactly 20 years after the original CTR, German tuning house RUF has announced the introduction of its third generation CTR3 coinciding with the launch of its new plant in Bahrain. The latest version will be one of the fastest Porsches on offer when it’s released.

RUF has utilized racing technologies first seen on its 911-based RT12 offering. Powering the CTR3 is a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat six engine pumping out 700 bhp at 7,000 rpm with torque topping out at 657 lb-ft. To save weight its developers added several unique body panels made from lightweight carbon-fiber as well as a new lattice tubing spaceframe.

Drive is sent to the wheels via a six-speed sequential manual gearbox that allows the CTR3 to hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 235 mph. Braking is done through 15-inch discs and 6-piston calipers front and rear. When the original CTR was released in 1987, it out-performed many of the supercars of its era including cars like the Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Countach and even Porsche’s own 959. The CTR3 is set to do the same but won”t come cheap as pricing is expected to fall at just over $500,000.

Body
Body build in steel, aluminium and kevlar-carbon. Rollover protection in A-pillar and in birdcage. The birdcage forms a torsion resistant unit with the front chassis by joining to the sill beam and the A pillar.

Front structure steel, zinc dipped
Safety passenger compartment steel, zinc dipped
Engine and transmission frame space frame and birdcage
Front bonnet and doors aluminium
Body shell Kevlar-Carbon composite

Chassis
Front axle McPherson struts, anti-roll bar
Rear axle multilink rear axle, anti-roll bar
horizontal coil over shock absorbers
Steering Power assisted rack and pinion

Size and Dimensions
Length 4,445 mm / 175.0 in
Width 1,944 mm / 76.5 in
Height 1,200 mm / 47.2 in
Wheelbase 2,625 mm / 103.3 in
Front track 1,506 mm / 59.3 in
Rear track 1,585 mm / 62.4 in

Empty weight with 6 speed manual transmission
According to DIN 1,400 kg / 3,086.4 lbs
According to EG-standards 1,475 kg / 3,251.8 lbs

Performance
Top speed 375 kph / 235 mph
0-100 kph / 0 62 mph 3.2 sec

Price
Euro 380,000.00 (plus VAT)