New Fiat 500 at Tallinn Motorshow 2008
© busse molanurk
Hot News: My New Blog..!!!!
Hey if you are music freak too, I have a new blog for you. There are the latest videos and of course you can give me some comment and watch it. Click here to view my new blog. Enjoy...
Hot News: BMW's Electric Car
BMW is poised to give the go-ahead to a tiny Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) that will help to revolutionise city-centre driving. The rear-engined city car could be called Isetta and will first arrive in American showrooms in 2012.
The project was created because of new Californian regulations (soon to be copied by 12 other US states) which require big car makers to sell between a few hundred and a few thousand ZEVs every year from 2012.
However, global sales of the new model are also likely, because BMW has decided that the concept will be ideal for sale in cities all around the world. Indeed, many European cities have already established low-emissions zones.
BMW chief Norbert Reithofer recently said the company “would be obliged to sell a Zero Emissions Vehicle under the US regulations and that a battery car was “the most likely answer”.
Reithofer also said that BMW could have built just a few hundred cars to meet the US regulations but admitted that the company was also wondering if it could use the basic concept “not just for an electric car but also for a range of city cars”. These cars would use petrol and diesel motors, and could even feature BMW motorcycle engines.
The Californian regulations state that ZEVs can either be a fuel cell or battery-powered vehicle with a range of over 200 miles, or an Advanced Technology, Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) powered by a hybrid powertrain, by compressed natural gas (CNG) or by a methanol fuel cell.
BMW has yet to decide what badge the new Isetta will wear. “It could be BMW, Mini or another name,” Reithofer said. He also said that “co-operation [with another car maker] is possible” but stated that BMW would decide by the end of 2008 “whether to go it alone”.
Because the volumes are relatively low and the potential investment is high, sources in Germany say that BMW could also team up with Mercedes’ Smart division to work on a new vehicle.
BMW is said to be looking seriously at basing the new Isetta on a small zero-emissions concept developed by Austrian engineering powerhouse Magna Steyr. Magna already builds the BMW X3 and will build the Aston Martin Rapide. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures)
Spied: 2010 Audi S4
This next-generation Audi S4 could be the super-saloon that ends the German power wars.
Our spies have caught the 2010 S4 undergoing high-speed testing at the Nurburgring and sources suggest that there’s a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 under the bonnet instead of the current model’s V8.
Insiders tell us that Audi wants to reduce the weight and improve the fuel economy of its new S4, while offering performance that’s on a par with the current models.
Meanwhile, it looks as though the range-topping RS4, likely to arrive in 2011, will retain its V8 in an effort to separate the appeal of the two variants.
Audi sees the new S4 as a rival for the likes of BMW’s 335i while the next RS4 will take the fight to the M3. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
Hot News: The Reborn of Ford Capri
It's the car every Ford fan has been waiting to see! Here’s the new Capri.
The original was one of the most famous and best loved models in the firm’s history, and left the scene in the late Eighties. Now, the time has come to reinvent the classic.
Affordable coupés are experiencing a real renaissance, and Ford has already proved its talent for building niche products with models such as the S-MAX compact MPV and Kuga 4x4. So the stage is set for the Capri to make its stunning comeback.
One thing is for sure – it will not be short of competition. Audi has its A5 and Volkswagen has resurrected the Scirocco, while Toyota is planning a Celica replacement based on Subaru Impreza running gear.
There’s also Hyundai’s forthcoming Coupé, plus news that Peugeot has at last given its 308 RC Z the green light for production.
But while there will be an army of rivals, the Capri will certainly have style in its favour. As you can see from our pictures, the new Ford is a real feast for the eyes. If it seems a little familiar, that’s because it takes some cues from the 2003 Visos concept.
However, it mixes those with the company’s latest design themes. At the front there are the trademark twin grilles, with a large lower air intake incorporating neat spotlights. Bold Mondeo-style headlamps complete the Capri’s striking look.
Its profile harks back to the original model, with a tail-heavy stance and familiar C-shaped rear windows and thick pillars. At the back, strong shoulder lines combine with distinctive tail-lights and a sloping tailgate to create a pert-looking rear. A neat roof spoiler and venturi-style lower bumper finish the design off.
Inside, the Capri will offer a 2+2 seating layout, with a cabin inspired by the current-generation Mondeo’s. Under the skin, it’s likely that Ford will follow VW’s approach with the Scirocco, which sits on the Golf platform, and base the car around the Focus. That will mean a front-wheel-drive layout and a similar engine line-up to the family model, with the range topped by the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged unit from the ST hot hatch.
An RS version, powered by a 3.2-litre six-cylinder motor and offering four-wheel drive, could also be on the cards.
With the Focus as a starting point, things bode well for the Capri’s hand-ling. Engineers will give the new model a sporty suspension set-up to ensure excellent grip and agility. There’s even the possibility it will benefit from the Mondeo’s adaptive damping system. This would provide the car with sharp handling or refined cruising ability at the flick of a switch.
As Ford has yet to officially confirm its new Capri plans, we won’t see the car before the next decade. However, it has been reported that the blue oval is planning to reveal a concept version of the coupé at a major motor show in 2009.
New Car: 2009 Mazda 2 MPS
And Mazda is also readying a hot hatch version of the 2 supermini. Complete with a sporty bodykit, the 2 MPS (in red) goes on sale in late 2009. There’s no word yet on what engine it will have, but it’s thought to be a turbo variation on the existing 1.5-litre petrol with more than 170bhp. Factor in sporty suspension, and it’s a real rival for the Vauxhall Corsa VXR.
New Car: 2009 Mazda 6 MPS
And as you can see from our picture of the hatchback, the MPS will be a head-turner, with new spoilers, large air intakes, lowered side skirts and bigger alloy wheels. It’s believed that the model will use a turbocharged version of the 6’s all-new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, pumping out around 280bhp, so it will have the punch to back up the looks.
Like the previous-generation 6 MPS, there will be four-wheel drive, stiffened and lowered suspension and uprated brakes. The car will cover 0-60mph in six seconds, with a top speed limited to 155mph. Mazda is expected to take the wraps off a concept version at October’s Paris Motor Show, where bosses will gauge public reaction. The production model should arrive in 2010. However, unlike its predecessor, which was available only as a saloon, the firm has plans for estate, coupé and cabriolet MPS variants, as well as the hatch.
Hot News: AMG to Produce Cleaner Engines and Hybrids
After adopting the "no replacement for displacement" mantra and swapping out its 5.5-liter supercharged engines for normally-aspirated 6.2-liter units, AMG might once again be reconsidering its options. According to a recent report by U.K.-based Car, AMG could be contemplating a return to forced induction, using 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8s that could produce in the neighborhood of 570 horses and 665 lb-ft of torque. Not enough? A full 700 horsepower and 885 lb-ft could be available in an even more potent version. What's the reason for the switch? Reportedly, AMG isn't content with the emissions and fuel economy of its latest engines, leading them to develop more environmentally responsible powertrains (if you can call any 700 horsepower engine environmentally responsible, that is). What else is on AMG's horizon? How about hybrid versions of its cars under the BluePower moniker, a highly efficient electric direct-drive transmission, and a 40 percent overall cut in emissions by the year 2012? All of this is on its way according to the report, as well as the highly-rumored gullwing coupe supercar, codenamed C197. Specifications are said to include an eight-speed automatic, a 6.2-liter V8, and world-beating performance. Meanwhile, with Mercedes increasing the power of its own engines, there may soon be little difference between power output of the standard motors versus AMG's hot-rodded mills. Especially when AMG R&D chief Wolf Zimmerman has already told Car that 'We're almost at the top in terms of power now." After that, it's reportedly all downhill.
Spied: 2010 Lincoln Navigator V8 Diesel
The only sign that this mule isn't a run-of-the-mill Lincoln Navigator is dual exhaust coming out the passenger side of the Ford SUV, a fairly clear indication that Ford's new 4.4-liter diesel engine is lurking under the Navigator's hood. Eariler today an F-150 mule was also caught prowling around, also with the diesel on board.
Details of the 4.4-liter V-8, which will also appear in many of the expected places such as the F-150, Super Duty, and E-Series large vans, were leaked earlier this month after a recent Ford dealer meeeting. The engine is closely related to the 3.6-liter turbodiesel installed in European Jaguars and Land Rovers and is being designed in-house to be built at the automaker's Chihuahua, Mexico engine plant.
Compared to the current 5.4-liter V-8 found in many of Ford's larger vehicles, the new diesel is said to achieve nine percent more horsepower, 15 percent more lb-ft. of torque, and 20 percent better fuel economy, respectively. The automaker says 0 to 60 times in the two engines will be about the same. In addition, Ford is developing a urea injection system along the lines of Mercedes' Bluetec diesels to keep the new 4.4-liter running clean.
The diesel variant of the Navigator should arrive shortly after its expected freshening for 2010, either as a late-introduction 2010 model or as a 2011. It should also make its way into its Expedition sibling about the same time.
New Car: 2009 Volkswagen Passat R36
Could the Mitsubishi Evo X have a new rival? This aggressive-looking VW Passat R36 is the scorching R36, and it’s ready to go head-to-head with the Japanese super-saloon.
With a 296bhp motor, four-wheel drive and a quick-shifting semi-automatic gearbox, the newcomer certainly has all the ingredients. And unlike the Evo, the German model is available as both a stylish saloon and practical estate.
Externally, the R36 is distinguished by a deeper front bumper, bi-xenon headlights, side skirts and twin exhausts at the rear. Further adding to the sporty new look is a 20mm lower ride height and 18-inch alloy wheels that hide large, blue painted brake callipers.
Climb aboard and you’ll find heavily bolstered sports seats embossed with the ‘R’ logo, while aluminium covers the dashboard, door trims and pedals. The overall effect is much more luxurious that the stripped-out, racer feel of the Mitsubishi.
But the big news is underneath the tweaked bodyshell. Here you’ll find a 296bhp 3.6-litre V6 connected to six-speed dual clutch gearbox. As a result performance is blistering, with the sprint from standstill to 60mph taking just 5.6 seconds for the saloon and 5.8 for the estate. Both versions have a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.
Also included are lowered, stiffened suspension and the German firm’s 4motion all-wheel drive transmission. This should mean high grip levels and handling that’s much sharper than the standard car,
Prices for the scorching Passat start at £30,990 for the saloon, rising to £32,150 for the versatile estate.
New Car: 2009 Keating TKR
The 1,000bhp club has a new member – and it’s British! With 1,500bhp, the Keating TKR delivers even more power than the Bugatti Veyron supercar.
The mid-engined two-seater is designed solely for track use. But don’t panic, as there is a roadgoing model, too. The latter is called the SKR, and looks the same as its more powerful stablemate. It’s available with a choice of four engines, offering outputs ranging from 404bhp to 656bhp. The fastest street-legal car does 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds and can hit 205mph.
All models use the same General Motors-derived 6.0 and 7.0-litre V8s, and engineers have used superchargers and twin-turbos to boost power.
The Keating’s sleek lines, tall rear spoiler and air vents look as if they are straight from the race track. And with a bespoke steel spaceframe chassis and fibreglass bodywork, it’s light, too.
As the firm, based in Astley, Greater Manchester, builds cars only in low volumes, there is enormous scope for owners to personalise their model from a huge line-up of options. This includes everything from carbon fibre body panels to a complete chassis, and also offers a raft of cabin extras. As a result, few TKRs will look the same once they leave the factory.
The supercar is the brainchild of company founder Anthony Keating – a businessman and engineer – and has been eight years in the making. Prices start from £80,000.
New Car: 2009 Ford Focus ST
he fastest Ford Focus is ready to earn its stripes – and Auto Express has the first official pictures of the scorching new ST.
With a sleek new look, improved interior and extra hi-tech kit, the revitalised motor has the VW Golf GTI firmly in its sights.
Externally, the newcomer now gets the freshened-up face found on lesser models, including the swept-back headlamps. However, there’s also a new deeper front bumper, side skirts and roof-mounted spoiler at the rear, where you’ll also find LED tail lamps.
Inside, there are higher quality materials for the dash, upgraded dials and heavily bolstered Recaro seats. Options include a voice-activated sat-nav, carbon finish trim and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Under the skin the ST remains unchanged, which is no bad thing. Power comes from the same smooth and punchy 222bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged motor, Performance is blistering with the sprint from standstill to 62mph takes just 6.8 seconds, while the top speed is 150mph.
Elsewhere, minor tweaks have been made to the excellent chassis to give the sharp-handling Focus an extra dose of refinement.
As before the model will be available both three and a five-door bodystyles and with the same three trim levels. Prices start at £18,250, rising to £20,850.
Hot News: Maserati Baby Coupe
Could this one-off design study for a Maserati coupé become a production reality? Designed by newly relaunched Italian coachbuilder Carrozerria Touring Superleggera, the A8 GCS Berlinetta is currently just an idea but Maserati is currently considering adding a new small coupé to its line-up, to be priced between £50,000 and £60,000.
More compact than the £78,605 Gran Turismo, the baby two-door would compete against lower-end Porsche 911s, pricier versions of the Mercedes CLK, Jaguar’s planned XE coupé and even the Nissan GT-R and BMW M3.
Maserati sees a considerable gap between the top end of the Brera coupé range from sister company Alfa Romeo and the 4.2-litre V8 Gran Turismo.
At one time there was talk of Maserati offering a ‘mini’ Quattroporte; this smaller saloon could share its core architecture and probably some drivetrains with the new Alfa 169 flagship. But insiders have concluded that the two models would excessively cannibalise one another’s sales.
Maserati boss Roberto Ronchi said that the firm needs a third model to continue making a profit, which it is, if on a modest scale.
An additional car would take Maserati’s production to around 15,000 units annually, about the maximum capacity of its Modena plant. Last year it made 7353 cars, a third more than during the previous 12 months, and this number should rise again in 2008 with growing sales of the Gran Turismo and the Quattroporte, and the limited-edition 8C that it is building for Alfa Romeo.
Hot News: Bugatti Veyron Targa
Make way for the world’s fastest drop-top. Bosses at the VW Group have given the green light to a Targa version of the Bugatti Veyron.
Featuring a removable hard-top roof panel, it will deliver an incredible driving experience thanks to its 987bhp 6.0-litre W16 engine – and all at an amazing price. While the ‘standard’ car costs £840,000, the Targa is likely to be close to £900,000!
Only 80 will be built, against 300 for the coupé. But engineers are said to have decided against a full convertible as the Targa-style opening was the only roof that would fit inside the Veyron’s safety cage.
Even though the hard-top will be removable, there will be no space for it to be stored inside the car. If the heavens open, though, owners can make use of a fabric cover that can be extended to protect the cabin.
To cope with the loss of structural rigidity brought about by the removal of the roof, engineers will reinforce the Veyron’s chassis – a process which is likely to add to the model’s already hefty 1,950kg kerb-weight. As a result, the Targa won’t quite match the performance of the coupé version – the maximum speed will be limited to 217mph. That’s still quicker than the Pagani Zonda Roadster, though.
The wraps are expected to come off the Veyron Targa officially at a major motor show in 2009.
New Fiat 500 "show in shop" (IV)
New Fiat 500 "show in shop" at Attica (Greece)
Source: Fiat 500 official site (gr)
New Fiat 500 at Lisbon Motor Show 2008
New Fiat 500 at Lisbon Motor Show 2008 (Portugal)
© Miguel A. Lopes
New Fiat 500 - Italian Auto Moto Festival
New Fiat 500 - Italian Auto Moto Festival (Bristol, UK)
© tonylanciabeta
Hot News: Aston Martin Supercar
Is Aston Martin about to break with tradition and introduce a mid-engined V10 supercar to challenge Lamborghini and Ferrari? This model has caused a stir on the Internet, where message boards are awash with images of the sleek machine.
But while Aston is said to be considering a new two-seater to sit at the top of its range, it would probably be front-engined – unlike this suggestion by Dutch designer Sabino Leerentveld.
But while Aston is said to be considering a new two-seater to sit at the top of its range, it would probably be front-engined – unlike this suggestion by Dutch designer Sabino Leerentveld.
New Fiat 500 - Car+Sound 2008
New Fiat 500 Car+Sound 2008 (Sinsheim, Germany)
at Pioneer stand - © Team Pioneer
Spied: 2010 Saab 9-5
This is a mystery GM prototype snapped wearing Swedish registration plates – but although it’s a similar size to next year’s long-awaited replacement for the Saab 9-5, we believe that it’s a new Holden lurking under the disguise.
According to registration details this car is a Holden, and the shape of the grille opening and the large circular badge clearly visible under the front disguise seem to back that up – it’s possible that this is a close-to-production prototype of Holden’s version of GM’s new large front-drive family of vehicles.
According to the database attached to this particular licence plate, this car is 485cm long, 180cm wide and weighs 1650kg. It has a 260bhp engine (probably a V6 unit) driving an automatic gearbox and rolls on 245/45 R18 wheels.
If it is a Holden, Saab engineers could be working on either a four-wheel drive transmission, or on turbocharged petrol engine for the car. Saab is a centre of excellence within GM for both these areas of engineering.
All GM brands will use the Epsilon 2 platform as the basis for new vehicles. The first to be unveiled in Europe will the Vauxhall Insignia in July, followed by the new Saab 9-5 in early 2009. Buick, Saturn, Pontiac and Chevrolet will also build cars based on the Epsilon 2 chassis.
Epsilon 2 is flexible enough to be fitted with a least three ‘levels’ of engineering content. For example, Saab is expected to the top-end chassis specification of double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear end. Lower status models, by contrast, will get plain McPherson struts at the front end. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Picture)
Spied: 2010 Cadillac CTS Wagon
The wagon variant of the Cadillac CTS has been caught testing ahead of its likely debut at the Paris Show in October, where it will probably be shown with the new 250hp, 406lb ft 2.9-liter V-6 turbo-diesel that will be critical for CTS' success in the European market.
The CTS wagon will be produced along side the sedan and coupe versions at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in Michigan starting in the spring of 2009. Production volume is expected to be around 10,000-12,000 vehicles, with the majority destined for Europe.
The CTS wagon has been the subject of huge debate within GM. Execs with a North American focus couldn't see the point of doing a wagon because volumes would be small; more global oriented execs realized a wagon had a lot more acceptance in Europe, and would help grow (with the Coupe) perception of the CTS as a family of vehicles.
In the U.S., the CTS will help the upcoming Lambda-based crossover -- which will not, despite reports to the contrary, be called the BRX -- fill the void left by the moribund SRX, which gets the axe in the first half of 2009.
Approving the development of the CTS wagon was a critical step in the globalization of GM, and of the Cadillac brand.
New Car: 2009 SEAT Leon Cupra
Copa load of this ‘super’ Leon – it’s the most powerful car SEAT has ever made!
Under the striped bonnet lies a highly tuned version of the 2.0-litre TFSI engine from the standard Cupra, which pumps out 281bhp. As a result, the Copa completes the sprint from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, and goes on to a top speed of 157mph.
To cope with this pace, engineers have revised the Leon’s suspension and uprated the brakes. So as well as being faster than the standard Cupra, the Copa should handle better.
SEAT has developed the model to mark the seventh year of its one-make race series, the Supercopa, which supports the DTM German touring car championship.
And with its bold stripes and aggressive bodykit, it looks like a racer for the road. A pair of leather bucket seats features inside, while the unique paintwork is echoed on the centre console with two vertical white racing stripes in direct contrast to the black-on-white exterior. Other details include Copa-badged floor mats and alloy pedals on the inside, with black-painted 18-inch alloys and twin tailpipes outside.
The upgrades don’t come cheap, though – the limited edition costs £31,000 in Switzerland, where the Copa is on sale. It’s likely to be cheaper if SEAT decides to bring it here.
Under the striped bonnet lies a highly tuned version of the 2.0-litre TFSI engine from the standard Cupra, which pumps out 281bhp. As a result, the Copa completes the sprint from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, and goes on to a top speed of 157mph.
To cope with this pace, engineers have revised the Leon’s suspension and uprated the brakes. So as well as being faster than the standard Cupra, the Copa should handle better.
SEAT has developed the model to mark the seventh year of its one-make race series, the Supercopa, which supports the DTM German touring car championship.
And with its bold stripes and aggressive bodykit, it looks like a racer for the road. A pair of leather bucket seats features inside, while the unique paintwork is echoed on the centre console with two vertical white racing stripes in direct contrast to the black-on-white exterior. Other details include Copa-badged floor mats and alloy pedals on the inside, with black-painted 18-inch alloys and twin tailpipes outside.
The upgrades don’t come cheap, though – the limited edition costs £31,000 in Switzerland, where the Copa is on sale. It’s likely to be cheaper if SEAT decides to bring it here.
Priced Scion XB for 2009
Scion's released prices in the set of their 2009 Scion XB and TC models. The slenderly change the xB has undertaken is in wrest: Stingray Metallic grant by will replace Nautical cadaverous. With a five-authorize away quickly by the hand transmission, the Scion xB starts at $15,750.Shoppers who insufficiency a four-accelerate automatic are determination to go at $16,700. united as well in the
New Car: 2009 Audi A3
Finally, the wraps are off the new A3… And Auto Express has the first official pictures.
Available in standard three door form, and as a five door Sportback, the car is set to hit the road this summer, sporting a new look, and a range of technological improvements.
Highlights include the dramatic new headlamps – which are like those fitted to the new A3 Cabriolet.
The new hatch gets a new interior too, and for the first time offers a new seven-speed semi automatic gearbox.
The equipment range for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback has also been re-structured to and there are four trim levels to choose from.
As ‘Standard’ the A3 and A3 Sportback has a comprehensive level of specification and is now fitted with manual air conditioning on all models. As an upgrade the re-defined ‘SE’ trim offers a range of convenient features including the driver information system, multi-function steering wheel, front fog lamps and a different alloy wheel design.
Air conditioning is now offered as standard across the range, and all models are fitted with the chorus radio system with four speakers as standard, with Concert radio including an Aux-in socket standard on Sport and S line There are also modern infotainment options available, including the Bose Sound System and iPod and USB connections.
Prices for the newcomer are still to be announced.
Hot News: New Audi S4 to Get Supercharged V6
Those who assumed the 2010 Audi S4 would share its powertrain with the S5 appear to be incorrect. Instead, look for an all-new forced-induction 3.0-liter V-6 that will generate something close to the 340 horsepower found in the outgoing S4’s 4.2-liter V-8.
Why is the Audi S4 moving from a V-8 to a V-6, just as the BMW M3 moved from an inline-six to a V-8? In two words: Fuel economy. Audi’s strategy is to deliver comparable or improved overall performance by toeing the line on weight and maintaining power output by using forced induction on a smaller displacement engine.
The new V-6 also will be the base offering in the A6 Quattro, replacing the 3.2-liter V-6. Known as TFSI, which in the past has been Audi’s internal moniker for four-cylinder turbos, the new engine may be referred to as the 3.0T in the model name, possibly indicating a twin-charged system using both a supercharger and a turbocharger. While Volkswagen has a “twincharger,” Audi has not yet offered such a system. At the very least, we expect the new V-6 to be supercharged.
Don’t look for a dramatically lower weight in this S4. Compared with the outgoing 2008 A4, the redesigned 2009 A4’s body is approximately 10 percent lighter. The A4 and S4 will use identical sheetmetal this time around—the new S4 apparently was not developed by Audi's high-performance division, Quattro GmbH, but the S4 will be distinguished by having distinct cladding from the A4. Not only does the sharing save money, but stresses the exclusivity of the RS 4 which will better stand out with its distinct sheetmetal—including bulging fenders—and a V-8.
A trick differential like the one in the BMW X6 adds about 40 pounds. We expect to see Audi roll out its Magna-sourced “sport differential” (BMW uses ZF) in the S5 and Q5 as well, to combat understeer in its four-wheel-drive vehicles.
The supercharger will make the V-6 weigh about the same as the V-8 overall. Add in the requisite safety and luxury features that every new model gets, and it’s a wash. Expect Audi to claim a nominal weight reduction of only 20–100 pounds for the new model, putting it at about 3900 pounds.
Audi will debut the 2010 S4 this fall sometime after the 2008 Paris show in October—making the L.A. show in November a possibility. Expect the new S4 to compete with the BMW 335i for efficiency but the Audi probably won’t have the edge in performance and will cost significantly more. Watch for more details on the new S4’s engine in the coming days.
Hot News: Fiat 500 Hybrid
The 500 is going hybrid! Auto Express has learned that the in-demand Fiat will soon become even more appealing – with a petrol-electric engine that offers incredible fuel economy and super-low CO2 emissions.
It will be based on the company’s forthcoming 900cc two-cylinder unit – which will debut at July’s Good-wood Festival of Speed in West Sussex. The engine is mated to a motor and a battery pack, and will allow small cars like the 500 to run solely on electricity for short distances. Add a stop-start system and VW DSG-style twin-clutch gearbox, and it promises reduced CO2 emissions – engineers estimate a figure of below 90g/km!
That would help Fiat comply with the European Commission’s plans to impose an average 120g/km limit on the model ranges of all firms selling cars across the Continent by 2012.
No details have been revealed on the engine’s output, but it’s likely to come in two forms, as previewed by the Panda Aria concept at last Sept-ember’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
That car debuted the 900cc twin alongside a 105bhp turbo version, and Fiat also has plans for a normally aspirated 65bhp variant. The hybrid 500 is likely to benefit from other green technologies seen on the Aria, which include low-rolling-resistance tyres. The featherweight two-cylinder engine is 20 per cent lighter than a four-cylinder motor, so owners could expect 80mpg-plus fuel economy.
Alfredo Altavilla, boss of powertrain technologies at Fiat, told Auto Express the hybrid drivetrain should go into production in three years’ time. It would feature across Fiat’s small car range, making appearances in the Panda and Grande Punto.
And while the first petrol-electric cars may not be seen in showrooms until 2011, the all-new two-cylinder petrol engine will be available in the 500 before the end of the year.
It will be based on the company’s forthcoming 900cc two-cylinder unit – which will debut at July’s Good-wood Festival of Speed in West Sussex. The engine is mated to a motor and a battery pack, and will allow small cars like the 500 to run solely on electricity for short distances. Add a stop-start system and VW DSG-style twin-clutch gearbox, and it promises reduced CO2 emissions – engineers estimate a figure of below 90g/km!
That would help Fiat comply with the European Commission’s plans to impose an average 120g/km limit on the model ranges of all firms selling cars across the Continent by 2012.
No details have been revealed on the engine’s output, but it’s likely to come in two forms, as previewed by the Panda Aria concept at last Sept-ember’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
That car debuted the 900cc twin alongside a 105bhp turbo version, and Fiat also has plans for a normally aspirated 65bhp variant. The hybrid 500 is likely to benefit from other green technologies seen on the Aria, which include low-rolling-resistance tyres. The featherweight two-cylinder engine is 20 per cent lighter than a four-cylinder motor, so owners could expect 80mpg-plus fuel economy.
Alfredo Altavilla, boss of powertrain technologies at Fiat, told Auto Express the hybrid drivetrain should go into production in three years’ time. It would feature across Fiat’s small car range, making appearances in the Panda and Grande Punto.
And while the first petrol-electric cars may not be seen in showrooms until 2011, the all-new two-cylinder petrol engine will be available in the 500 before the end of the year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
