Fresh off the press!
PRESS | Alfa Brera MY 08 and Alfa Spider MY 08
The new Alfa Spider and Alfa Brera models offer the public a greater optimized range and significant interior improvements in the fields of comfort and on-board well-being. To render the cars even more beautiful, some new aesthetic touches have been introduced, such as the new chassis colour Ice White and a 18″ spoked wheel with a sporty dark finish.
The greatest change though is in the driving compartments which are even more welcoming and sophisticated, thanks to the use of high-quality materials and innovative solutions. For example, the black interior (from roof to carpet) confers a strong sporty feel to the vehicle. A feel strengthened by the introduction of new front seats (introduced to the Alfa Brera MY 08 also) in a “sporty” arrangement which offer a more ergonomic holding for increased driving pleasure and comfort. Among other things, the electronic seats have a new button which simplifies the back adjustment. To further improve on-board comfort, at the centre of the dashboard we find the integrated satellite navigation system, and all the commands for dual-zone climate control. Carried out in a refined design, from today the displays have a more immediate and intuitive graphical interface, as well as a new arrangement of dials for climate control.
Changes have also been made to the painting on the dash, control panel and sporty steering-wheel, so conferring a plucky look to the entire body. This does not detract in any way from the special elegance that has always distinguished these two vehicles. The inserts in the dashboard and door panel, as well as the handle and opening lever are in a new metallic paint. At the same time, the radio display, gearshift and steering-wheel are made in high-quality material such as carbon-fibre or aluminium. The interior furnishings are available in a new soft and black material with metallic glints and two types of upholstery: Pelle Frau and the prized Poltrona Frau, characterized by the unique and soft comfort, available in black, leather and red-purple. The leather upholstery on the seats can be matched to the dashboard and panels, which are lined in Frau leather with sporty stitchings in tune with the seats.
The interior shows off sporty pedals lined in aluminium, externally the rear logo si fitted with a “push” system for an immediate and easy opening of the trunk. The rear and front brake calipers are in red aluminium.
Lastly, the optimization of the 2008 range foresees a unique rich set of arrangements. These include: VDC, 7 airbags, dual-zone climate control, radio commands on the driving-wheel, cruise control and 17″ alloy wheels. The range of optionals on offer is also broad: xenon headlights, 18″ or 19″ alloy wheels, infomobility services with commands on the steering wheel, Hi-Fi Bose®sound system, Blue&Me, Blue&Me Nav, CD-changer and a sensor to alert insufficient tyre pressure.
Further changes in the 2008 range, is the optimization of the model structure, for the improvement of comfort and dynamism. For example, in comparison to previous models the alloy wheels have been lightened via optimization of the properties of aluminium alloy. For larger dimensions, “flow-forming” technology has been used. The front suspension brackets has been made in aluminium. In the same manner, the stabilizing bar is of the tubular kind, whilst the front-brake calipers (on the 4-cylinder models) are in mono-block aluminium. All these design changes have reduced the total weight of the vehicle by several kilos.
The heart and real strength of every Alfa model is the engine. Beneath the beautiful design and feisty personality, both the Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider are fitted with advanced and excellent motors of outstanding performance: the two “petrol” JTS (2.2 with 185 Cv and 3.2 V6 with 260 CV) direct injection engines are both mated to an automatic 6-speed gearshift. Also on offer, the automatic Q-Tronic shift which is exclusive to the 3,2 litre, whilst the self-shifting Selespeed is available for the 2,2 litre models. In addition, the two Alfa Romeo models offer a 2.4 JTDM 20v, the plucky Multijet turbodiesel with two power ranges: 210 CV (mated to an automatic 6-speed gearshift) and 200 CV (offered with Q-Tronic).
As well as the “Alfa Romeo temperament” provided by the engines, the two new cars guarantee excellent dynamic performances, thanks to the high wishbone front suspensions and Multilink in the rear. The Alfa Brera MY 08 and Alfa Spider MY 08 offer the chance to have the 3.2 litre version, with only front traction, allowing a top speed of 250 km/h.
In terms of safety, the Alfa Brera MY 08 and Alfa Spider MY 08 have many innovative electronic instruments for dynamic control of the car’s behaviour (from braking to traction). They are implemented to raise yet further the dynamic limits, hence not intrusively for the driver, but all to the advantage of safety. The use of these gadgets has been studied with aim of improving as much as possible driving pleasure. It’s in this arena that the brand new “Electronic Q2″ system is fitted to the entire range of the Brera MY 08 and Spider MY 08 models.
Both the new Alfa Romeo models become true reference points in their sector. Thanks primarily to the numerous renewals which have been listed up to now, as well as the different features which distinguish the two vehicles. The new Alfa Brera MY 08 is a coupè of great prestige, that arouses strong emotions, guaranteeing the greatest driving pleasure, drawing inspiration from the brand name’s historical legacy in this field. One has only to remember the 1900 SS, Giulietta Sprint, Alfetta and the Giulia Sprint GT.
However, within the Alfa Romeo tradition, the Spider has always been in high-relief, representing the “free and exciting” expression of cars. It’s in this spirit that the Alfa Spider MY 2008 renews itself, as the natural evolution of Spider’s developed by Alfa Romeo in it’s long history. A confirmation of the Spider’s “essential and simple” character, united to the technological superiority that distinguishes the “new Alfa generation”.
PRESS RELEASE (Source: Alfa Romeo)
Auto Gallery | Alfa Romeo Brera (top) and Alfa Romeo Spider (bottom)
Featured Video | Maserati Chicane and Sfida
Video Update (Source: Autoblog)
PRESS | Debut for new endurance racer
Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, adds another member of the 911 family to its range of products. The new GT3 Cup S, based on the road-going GT3 RS sportscar, is created exclusively for racing purposes. The Weissach-developed and built vehicle will race in international championships which run in accordance with FIA GT3 regulations.
To a large extent, the 3.6-litre boxer engine is identical to the power unit used in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup and the international Carrera Cup championships. Power output has in-creased by 20 horsepower to now 440 hp (324 kW) at 8,000 rpm. Maximum torque is up by ten Nm to 430 at 7,250 revs per minute. The power increase results from optimised engine electronics and a modified exhaust system.
In contrast to the GT3 Cup, the body of the Cup S is not based on the road-going GT3 but on the GT3 RS. In the wider wheel arches, considerably larger wheels can now be mounted. At the front, the rims measure 10.5 inches in width with 12 inch wheels fitted at the rear. The front section and flares are significantly different to the GT3 Cup components. An adjustable front-splitter generates more downforce at the front axle. The rear-wing is wider and positioned higher than the Cup version and provides more downforce at the rear axle.
Several suspension components for the GT3 Cup S have been taken from the more powerful GT3 RSR which races in the GT2 class at international long-distance championships. The braking system of the GT3 Cup S was adjusted to the increased power compared to the GT3 Cup. At the rear the diameter of the brake discs has grown by five millimetres to now measure 355mm.
The new GT3 Cup S costs 250,000 Euro plus national VAT and is scheduled for delivery to customer teams from April. Additionally, Porsche offers a kit to upgrade the 2007 Cup models to the GT3 Cup S standard.
PRESS RELEASE (Source: Porsche)
Featured Video | Rinspeed sQuba
The Rinspeed sQuba is a concept car that can drive / float underwater! Being laughed at during its development this concept car has left the critics speechless.
PRESS | Tata Motors unveils the People’s Car
Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group and Tata Motors, today unveiled the Tata ‘NANO’, the People’s Car from Tata Motors that India and the world have been looking forward to. A development, which signifies a first for the global automobile industry, the People’s Car brings the comfort and safety of a car within the reach of thousands of families. The People’s Car will be launched in India later in 2008.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi, Mr. Ratan N. Tata said, “I observed families riding on two-wheelers – the father driving the scooter, his young kid standing in front of him, his wife seated behind him holding a little baby. It led me to wonder whether one could conceive of a safe, affordable, all-weather form of transport for such a family. Tata Motors’ engineers and designers gave their all for about four years to realise this goal. Today, we indeed have a People’s Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms, to be fuel efficient and low on emissions. We are happy to present the People’s Car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility.”
Stylish, comfortable
The People’s Car, designed with a family in mind, has a roomy passenger compartment with generous leg space and head room. It can comfortably seat four persons. Four doors with high seating position make ingress and egress easy.
Yet with a length of 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, with adequate ground clearance, it can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas. Its mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the powertrain at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and manoeuvrability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars.
When launched, the car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. Both versions will offer a wide range of body colours, and other accessories so that the car can be customised to an individual’s preferences.
Fuel-efficient engine
The People’s Car has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system.
Meets all safety requirements
The People’s Car’s safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements. With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tubeless tyres further enhance safety.
Environment-friendly
The People’s Car’s tailpipe emission performance exceeds regulatory requirements. In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manufactured in India today. The high fuel efficiency also ensures that the car has low carbon dioxide emissions, thereby providing the twin benefits of an affordable transportation solution with a low carbon footprint.
(For more information: www.tatanano.com )
PRESS RELEASE (Source: Tata Motors)
