Sunday, November 8, 2009

BMW 320d E90-E93 'Superchipped' to 220 HP


The easiest way to get some extra ponies out of today's cars is to update the engine software and that's precisely what Superchips proposes for the latest generation BMW 320d (E90-E93) with the 2.0-litre, 175bhp turbo diesel powerplant. The firm's remapped ECU for the diesel bimmer adds an extra 44bhp and 103Nm to the four-cylinder unit, increasing the maximum output to 220bhp and 444Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque respectively.

VW Announces Race-Inspired Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition


A special edition Jetta inspired by the TDI Cup race cars will be arriving at Volkswagen's showrooms across the U.S. in the beginning of 2010, the German automaker announced. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition gets the front bumper, side skirts and rear valance that are found on the TDI Cup race cars along with larger brakes with red calipers, 18 inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, sway bars and a sportier tuned suspension.

Renault Confirms Production of All-Electric Twizy and Zoe Z.E., Sales Start in 2011


Apparently, Nissan's partner Renault wasn't kidding when it said that it would go ahead and produce the four all-electric concept models that it displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Today, the French automaker not only (re)confirmed production of the futuristic looking Twizy Z.E. city car (for Zero Emission) and the funky Zoe Z.E. sporty supermini, but it also revealed the plants where the two cars will be built.

Leaves Opel, Bob Lutz Rumored to Chair the German firm's Board


GM Group vice president and CEO of Opel, Carl-Peter Forster has left his post as the head of the company's European operations only three days after GM's decision to terminate a deal to sell its Opel unit to Magna. While neither side gave a reason for Forester's departure, the fact that the former BMW executive was an outspoken supporter of the Magna deal pretty much explains it all.

Autodelta Premieres Alfa Romeo 159 J4 3.2 C with 352HP at MPH09 Show


Well known Alfa Romeo tuning specialist Autodelta used the MPH09 Prestige & Performance Car Show at Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London (November 5-8) to launch its latest model based on the 159 sedan. The Autodelta J4 3.2 C packs a bevy of upgrades including a supercharged V6 engine, chassis tweaks and a slightly more aggressive styling thanks to the new aero parts.

Fiat Terminates Chrysler's All-Electric Car Plans

Just over a year ago, the Chrysler Group's newly formed Envi division unveiled a series of production-based electric cars that it planned to put on sale. Fast forward a few months, Chrysler went in and out of bankruptcy, sealed a deal with the Fiat Group and then, in August 2009 under the leadership of its new CEO, Sergio Marchionne, secured a $73 million grant from the Obama administration for the manufacturing of 220 plug-in hybrid and electric pickup trucks and minivans in St. Louis and in Michigan. Well, guess what;

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Maserati Kuba SUV Design Study with a bit of Dodge Razor Flair


So what is this: a new Maserati SUV model; a concept teaser? Fortunately for those that think highly of the Italian automaker's latest designs such as the GrandTurismo, the answer to both questions is no. This is an extremely well executed but, sorry to say, far from sleek or stylish, independent design study for a crossover Maserati model created by Russian designer Andrey Trofimchuk. Furthermore, we couldn't help but notice some design similarities, especially up front, to the 2002 Dodge Razor Concept.

Right-Hand Drive 2010 Chevy Camaro on Sale in Australia for... $128,500 USD!


The good news for our fellow Aussie readers is that, while GM has not revived plans to introduce a right-hand drive (RHD) version of its new 2010 Camaro, Queensland-based Performax International, an Australian importer and converter of new US-made passenger vehicles, has announced the domestic market launch of what it supports to be, the world's first RHD version of the muscle car. The bad news is that those interested will have to be willing to dig really, really deep into their pockets...