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 mostinformation 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.

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Abarth Punto Evo “esseesse”

Scagliarini Motorsports Creates One-off 4×4 504 Coupe Zagato Elaborata

American-based design house Scagliarini Motorsports has unveiled its latest creation, the 504 Coupe ZagatoElaborata, or 504cze. As the name implies, the car is inspired by Zagato’s 500 Coupe concept that was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show last March.

Painted in a bright Lamborghini Arancio hue –that’s orange to you and me- the 504 Coupe Zagato Elaborata is based on the Abarth 500 esseesse with power coming from a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged four-pot delivering 180HP and 300 Nm of torque.

But unlike the front-wheel drive only Abarth, the 504cze features an all-wheel drive system (hence the “4” in its name).

Other special features include a set of Brembo brakes, a performance exhaust system by Ragazzon, painted rear windows and Abarth front seats trimmed in alcantara.

As we speak, the 504cze is a one-off special due to be delivered to a client in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, Scagliarini Motorsports said it is willing to manufacture a limited production run if there is substantial interest from buyers.

PHOTO GALLERY

 

2013 Buick Encore Small SUV Puzzle Continues with Third Shot

The soon-to-be launched 2013 Buick Encore showed its face today with the release of the third photo of GM’s Facebook puzzle.

There’s only one image left for the full reveal but for the most part (three-quarters to be precise…), we now know what to expect from the five-passenger model that will make its public debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in less than a week’s time.

GM is still keeping us in the dark on the details, but to recap, we know that the Encore is based on a similar model being prepared by the Detroit firm’s Opel subsidiary for Europe (see the spy pictures here), with both models making use a modified version of the Sonic/Spark’s Gamma II platform architecture.

It is believed that the Encore will be offered with GM’s latest 1.4-liter and possibly 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline units, and a choice of front- and all-wheel drive layouts.

2012 Buick Verano Sedan

If you’ve been following the announcement on Carscoop, the 2012 Buick Verano won’t come as a delight as the new stream-lined automobile is the South United claims edition of GM’s The far east industry Buick Excelle GT that was unveiled in the first half of 2010. The two Buicks are similar in appearance right up to the somewhat gaudy opera eye brows over the longest tail lights.

New Buick LaCrosse GL Concept gets All Dressed up for the LA Auto Show

You have to look far to see what is in the final concept paper based on Buick LaCrosse sedan in 2012 and will be exhibited at the Auto Show in Los Angeles on 16-27 November.

This is due to the concept of GL LaCrosse is the most luxed-up of the standard model than anything else.
David Lyon, executive director of Buick design, explains: “The design elements that have already differentiated production LaCrosse – such as premium leather upholstered seats, ice blue ambient lighting and smooth surfaces – intensified in GL and serve inspiration for future Buick models. ”

Outside is the concept of GL wearing a cabernet red paint complimented by a brushed chrome grille and tinted, door handles and trunk lid, and around windows, taillights and headlights. The machine-face wheels of 20 inches with a round satin finish on the exterior enhancements.

Most of the changes taking place inside, where the Buick designers came up with a French-stitched leather surfaces against each other a chocolate brown color and Carmelo chocochino of doors, seats and dashboard.
GL also get house chocochino suede, metal accents on the instrument cluster and controls in the center console and custom wood trim on the steering wheel, dashboard and door panels.

“Every surface is formed of GL hinterland LaCrosse, Buick knowing that customers enjoy the finer things in life, but do not need to flaunt,” said Magdalena Kokoszynska, GL LaCrosse creative designer.

2012 Buick Verano Sedan

If you’ve been following the announcement on Carscoop, the 2012 Buick Verano won’t come as a delight as the new stream-lined automobile is the South United claims edition of GM’s The far east industry Buick Excelle GT that was unveiled in the first half of 2010. The two Buicks are similar in appearance right up to the somewhat gaudy opera eye brows over the longest tail lights.

The small Buick is primarily the automobile edition of the Western industry Opel Astra, something that is noticeable from the account appearance as well as the internal, and is designed on the same program and stocks primary website structure with the Chevy Cruze.

The VW Jetta-sized Verano methods 183.9 in. (4,671 mm) extensive, 71.4 in. (1,815 mm) wide and 58.4 in. (1,484 mm) large, offering a 105.7 in. (2,685 mm) extensive wheelbase.

Under the skin, the Verano’s front side revocation uses decoupled MacPherson struts and the raise a H Z-link design. Guiding information are carried out by an energy steering program, offering a dual-pinion carrier, while avoiding energy is presented by a four-wheel dvd braking program system with normal anti-lock and electrical braking program power syndication, as well as StabiliTrak electrical steadiness management with footing management.

At start, the new Buick Verano will presented with a normal 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder website providing an approximated 177 power (132 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. of top twisting (230 Nm), with a six-speed automated indication driving a car a vehicle the top side tires. GM says the primary Verano will come back a 0-60 mph [96 km/h] operation of 8.0 minutes and an approximated 31 mpg [7.6 lt/100km] on the road.

The Detroit car maker said a more highly effective 2.0-liter turbocompresseur website will be presented later on. In The far east, the Verano’s double sister is available with a naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter developing 145HP and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot providing 181HP.

The 2012 Verano stream-lined automobile will be given its world initial at the South United claims Global Vehicle Show in Detroit next week and go available in the States in it all 1 / 4 of 2011. Prices has yet to be produced, though an supposedly recognized file that was published online advises that the Verano will start at around $21,000.

Revealed: F21 BMW M135i

The long-time rumored BMW M135i revealed its front and rear-end for the first time. The upcoming super sporty F21 hatchback was spied in Germany by a reader of our sister-magazine BimmerToday.

The M135i will join the new BMW M Performance carsfamily and be sold along the M550d, X5 M50d and X6 M50d models. The rear-wheel drive and gasoline-powered M135i will be offered in the fall in both three and five door configuration.

Before the year-end, a BMW M135i xDrive will be launched as well.

The spied prototype sports the 1M’s Valencia Orange paint, and with the front and rear-end fully revealed. The side view is still slightly blocked by a light camouflage that most likely hides the aerodynamic lines running from rear to the front.

Compared to the standard M Sports package for the 1 Series F20, the M135i front bumper is slightly redesigned with blacked out inserts in the outer air intakes. At the rear, the diffuser is surrounded by two tailpipes, one on each side.

The prototype also comes equipped with matte black exterior mirror caps, a different approach from the gray painted caps found on the M Performance cars.

The engine is the biggest enigma in the M135i. While BMW has refrained from even acknowledging this model, we believe the M135i will make use of a turbocharged, inline six-cylinder 3.0 liter engine with 320 horsepower.

We believe that the BMW M135i will be unveiled next month at the Geneva Motor Show.

This Biker Should Better Hold his Horses…

Even though motorcycles are meant to be driven on two wheels, some riders like to pull a wheelie now and then.

But as we all remember from our younger years of bicycle escapades, one small slip up and you risk painting the road with your very own body parts.

Something tells us that this rider's first words after his fall from grace was not 'did you get this on camera'…

Opel and Vauxhall Reveal Facelifted Astra Family, gets New 192hp Twin-Turbo Diesel

If you were wondering why Opel did not show the front end of its new Astra sedan (sold as the Buick Verano in North America) during its web presentation earlier this month, this is because the entire family of the compact model has received a mid-life makeover.

The new model year Astra has been treated to a minor restyling while Opel and its sister company Vauxhall have also introduced a new array of assistance systems and a fresh 192hp (195PS) twin-turbocharged diesel engine to the range.

While not so evident, the Astra gains a new front grille with the wing-like chrome bar and Opel logo now positioned in the center, plus a redesigned front bumper with a more pronounced lower grille and the availability of LED daytime running lights.

New front indicator lamps and a new design of fog lamps (when available) round out the changes up front.

At the rear, the license plate pocket of the five-door has been re-sculpted while both the five-door and the Sports Tourer get a new chrome strip in the bumper. All models are offered with newly designed alloy wheel options.

Opel and Vauxhall refreshed the interior by using new fabrics, colors and décor moldings with new glossy paint.

The updated compact model receives a host of available assistance systems that were first introduced on the Zafira minivan and Insignia such as a second generation Opel Eye front camera with enhanced traffic sign assistant (TSA II), lane departure warning (LDW), following distance indication (FDI) and forward collision alert (FCA), plus rear view camera, advanced park assist and side blind spot alert.

Under the hood, the most interesting news has to do with the new 2.0-liter BiTurbo CDTI turbo diesel that will be offered from this fall on the three-door GTC, the five door hatchback and the Sports Tourer estate.

The four-cylinder unit delivers an output of 192hp (195PS) and a peak torque of 400Nm (295 lb-ft) allowing for 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time of 7.8 seconds, a top speed of 139mph (224km/h) and a combined fuel economy of 53.5mpg UK (5.3 lt/100km or 44.4mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

In GTC guise, the BiTurbo receives bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels, Electronic Climate Control, 6mm lower ride-height, a new body-kit and ‘Track’ interior trim, with a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.

Opel also announce enhancements to the existing 1.4 liter turbocharged gasoline unit with 138hp (140PS), which now comes equipped with an overboost function that temporarily gives a 10 percent burst of torque from 200 to 220 Nm (162 lb-ft).

At the top of the range remains the newly launched Astra GTC OPC (VXR in the UK) sporting a 276hp (280PS) 2.0-liter turbo capable of 250km/h (155mph) and a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 6.0 seconds.

Jeep Preparing 3 New Models, Hopes to Boost European Sales Five-Fold

Jeep has set its sights on improving its sales volume in the European car market more than five-fold in the next three years through the introduction of three new models, the expansion of its dealer network and to a lesser extent, by completing a football (soccer) sponsorship deal, reports Autonews Europe.

In 2011, Jeep sold 23,745 units in Europe, up 62 percent from the previous year, while in the first four months of 2012, the Chrysler Group company delivered 9,807 units.

"Our current goal is 30,000 European sales this year, but it is hard to predict how the market may perform for the remainder of the year," Jeep Europe Marketing Director Yann Chabert told journalists at the European premiere of the Grand Cherokee SRT.

Under the sales plan, Jeep wants to deliver some 125,000 vehicles in Europe by 2015, and 800,000 cars worldwide in 2014, up from 592,000 last year.

A key element to achieving this goal will be the launch of three new fuel-efficient SUVs.

These include the company's first sub-compact SUV measuring about 4.2 meters long and based on the underpinnings of the upcoming Fiat 500X small crossover that will probably be built at Fiat's Mirafiori plant in Italy.

The other two models are a replacement for the Cherokee (called Liberty in North America) that will be offered with a Fiat Group 2.0-liter turbo diesel, and a common successor to the Compass and Patriot compact models.

Jeep has also secured a three-year long sponsorship of the famed Juventus football club, which is owned by the Agnelli family that controls the Fiat Group, while Jeep will continue to expand its European network, from 518 dealerships today to around 650 by 2014.

2013 BMW Alpina B7 Facelift gets More Power and a New 8-Speed Automatic

The recent presentation of the updated for the 2013 model year BMW 7-Series range inevitably led to the facelift of the sportier Alpina B7, which was revealed today in advance of its world premiere at the historic Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August.

In addition to being enhanced with all the styling and technological updates to the 2013 7-Series sedan, the Alpina B7 also benefits from improvements to its powertrain.

The sports limo will continue to be offered in both regular and long wheelbase versions as well as with a choice of rear or all-wheel drive.

The revised 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine with direct-injection features 40 additional horsepower and 22 lb-ft more torque for a total of 540-horses and 538 lb-ft respectively. Furthermore, Alpina has swapped the outgoing model's six-speed sport automatic transmission for a new 8-speed automatic unit.

The car's top speed increases from 175mph (282km/h) to 194 mph (312km/h) with RWD and 193mph with xDrive, while acceleration drops into the low-mid-4-second range for all variants (4.3-4.4 seconds) compared to 4.5 seconds for the previous RWD model.

BMW says that all variants of the Alpina B7 come with more than 30 new parts that enhance the design and frontal aerodynamics, while new standard features include updated Xenon Adaptive headlights, LED front fog lights, ceramic secondary controls, Automatic Start-Stop, and the Active protection system.

The new car rides on 20-inch Alpina multi-spoke wheels and is finished in the classic Alpina Blue Metallic paint.

Among other options available are full LED Headlights and a new Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System.

As before, the B7’s body is manufactured in the BMW 7 Series factory in Dingolfing and hand-finished with the remaining components at the Alpina facility in Buchloe, Germany.

Pricing for the B7 in the U.S. will be $127,600 for standard wheelbase model (SWB), $130,600 for the SWB with xDrive, $131,500 for the long wheelbase (LWB) version, and $134,500 for the LWB with xDrive.

First deliveries will take place in the fall.