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;