Largest Parade of Alfa Romeos

To celebrate Alfa Romeo's 100th birthday, one of the Italian firm's UK dealers, Allams Alfa Romeo in Espom Surrey, attempted to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest ever parade of the brands cars this past weekend. To break the record, a minimum of 200 cars were required to take part in the two-mile drive.

Alfa Romeo owners responded to the dealer's call and on Sunday 7th February, a total of 312 cars including an Alfa SZ Coupe and a Spider 2000 Veloce, arrived at the Epsom dealership shattering the previous record.



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MTM Golf VI GTI / GTD Tuning Packages

MTM puts the Golf GTI and GTD under mighty pressure

• Up to 100 hp more and fantastic characteristics for the Golf GTI

• 205 hp for the diesel Golf GTD

The sixth generation of Golf - optional with the 3 magic letters GTI or GTD - is like his predecessors an object of desire for the tuners. Either up to 310 hp (228 kW) for the GTI or 205 hp (151 kW) for the GTD, the VW and Audi refiner from Wettstetten offers for both cars different power and configuration stages, which improve significantly the characteristics and have a positive effect on the car.

The results: faster lap times, optimum value and lots of recommendations. And that not only in the MTM domains - best vehicle dynamics, thanks to a perfect complete package of power enhancement, exhaust system, suspensions and sport rims - but also for fuel consumption. In a comparative test, the MTM Golf GTD had a fuel consumption less than 8 litres per 100 km, which relegated its competitors to the fringe.


With the GTI for a new takeoff

The GTI drivers of the sixth generation will be spoiled with MTM products, which stand more for technique rather than optics. Four power enhancement stages, beginning with 270 hp (199 kW) through the optimization of the ECU and it even goes further. In its upper stage, MTM reaches more than 300 hp through the modification of the ECU, MTM turbocharger with exhaust manifold and complete 4 pipes exhaust system. The exact characteristics are 310 hp (228 kW) and a torque of 410 Nm, with a time of 1.16 min realized on the small track of Hockenheim, top speed of about 270 km/h and 5,7 seconds from 0 to 100.

MTM provides the new GTI with 19" sport rims in new BIMOTO 9-spoke-design which offer enough space for the MTM brake system with 380 mm discs. Last but not least, MTM advises the in-house suspension kit, which lowers the front about 30 mm.

For the ones who are only searching 'a little bit' more, they are in good hands at MTM. The 60 hp upgrade compared to the series car and also the 18" sport rims in the Bimoto Design - available since the beginning of 2010 - enable a first entry into MTM high quality tuning already available from 2.698 Euros incl. taxes.


Mighty Diesel power. The Golf GTD by MTM.

With a power upgrade - through ECU modifications - of 205 hp (151 kW) and a torque of 380 Nm, the MTM Golf GTD is clearly ahead of the series GTD, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h of 7,1 s instead of 7,8 s and a particularly higher flexibility.

For those who are looking for more than a power upgrade, it's also possible to revert to MTM's full range of tuning products. Starting with the well-known MTM exhaust system in 4-pipe-optic and 80 mm diameter, over MTM suspensions, MTM sport rims in the BIMOTO design and MTM brake system, the Golf GTD can perfectly provided with.

Nobody has to be afraid of the prices: 800 Euro (incl. taxes, excl. installation) for the power upgrade, 1.499 Euro for the 18" rim set and for the ones who pay an additional charge of 400 Euro even gets a 19" rim set.


Source: MTM; Photos easycarblog

No diesel Jeep Wranger for North America

The Jeep Wrangler won't get a diesel engine in North America in 2011, as Chrysler Group LLC had implied when it laid out its five-year business plan on Nov. 4. At least not yet.


If there's one single item we think the Jeep Wrangler sorely needs, it's a new powertrain. The current 3.8-liter V6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission are extremely long in the tooth and make Chrysler's mountain goat feel downright anemic when traveling on paved roads. It could be argued that a small-displacement diesel engine would be the ideal way to add some much-needed grunt and improved fuel efficiency to the iconic off-roader, but apparently that's not going to happen – at least not here in the United States.


"We have no plans at the moment for diesel Jeeps in North America, although one of the things I've learned in this business is to never say never," said Michael Manley, president and chief executive officer of the Jeep brand. "I wouldn't rule it out, but specifically on Nov. 4, we were commenting on diesel in Europe."


Fortunately, that doesn't mean the 70-year-old Civilian Jeep won't get any updates at all. According to the Toledo Blade – the Jeep brand's hometown newspaper – Chrysler is likely to use its new Pentastar V6 engine, which we'd hope would also include a new six-speed automatic transmission, in the Wrangler starting next summer. Also, we're told that more special edition models will join the recently unveiled Islander and Mountain models.
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Detroit Auto Show: Revenge Verde Supercar adds mean to its green

U.S.-based Revenge used the 2010 Detroit Auto Show to introduce the world to its Verde Supercar, and we were there with cameras in hand to capture the event on film memory cards. Honestly, we were impressed with the Verde's outer appearance, though we couldn't get close enough to see the interior or the car's underpinnings.


Speaking of which, Revenge claims that the Verde shares a good portion of its aluminum chassis with the dearly departed Ford GT. Powertrain options are, shall we say... interesting. We're certainly not complaining about the Roush-sourced Ford Racing V8 with 605 horsepower or the supercharged GM LS9 with 638 horses. It's the Hp2g Hybrid drivetrain option that we're a wee bit leery of... not that we wouldn't love to believe that the V8 engine puts out 400 horsepower while running on E85 and returning upwards of 100 miles per gallon, it's just that we need to see it for ourselves before we believe it.


Moving on, the bodywork is fashioned from aluminum and carbon fiber, which allows for a weight of 3,500 pounds. Performance estimates put the 0 to 60 time at between three and five seconds, depending on the powertrain chosen. Top speed will reportedly be over 200 miles per hour, with optional gearing that could potentially allow the Verde to hit 240 mph. Pricing is set at $190,000 and Revenge says it's planning to put cars in paying customer's hands later this year. We'll see.


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Lamborghini shifts R&D focus from more horses to fewer pounds

-Lamborghini is seemingly content with a number just shy of 700 raging horses. That doesn't mean that the Italian supercar manufacturer won't continue its unabated push towards ever-quicker acceleration – though top speeds higher than 211 miles per hour sound unlikely – but there's clearly more than one way to skin a cat Prancing Horse.


Why not just build a bigger engine? Simple, as company CEO Stephan Winkelmann correctly observes, "It has come to the point where acceleration equals consumption. More consumption means increased CO2 emissions." Apparently, the answer to the power conundrum will be less weight. "We will use composite materials in the right place, when it also has the right cost, stiffness and mechanical characteristics," explains R&D chief Maurizio Reggiani.


Lamborghini has made progress with its re-engineered Murcielago LP670-4 SV. The new version of the car has added 30 hp while shedding 220 pounds, mostly through use of carbon fiber. The "670" in the car's name reflects its horsepower rating. The car can reach 62 mph in 3.2 seconds.


Expect aluminum to be used in place of heavier steel, along with improved aerodynamics and stop/start technology to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. We've also heard repeated rumblings of full hybrid powertrains, though those seem more likely to come at the tail end of the decade. Whatever the case, it should be interesting to see how all the world's supercar manufacturers – Lamborghini included – grapple with the push to be green while also upholding their performance traditions.
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JAGUAR RETURNS TO LE MANS

The year 2010 marks 75 years of the Jaguar name on both road and race cars. As a continuation of this great heritage, Jaguar can confirm it will return to the famed Le Mans 24 hours. With a total of seven wins between 1951 and 1990, Jaguar is the single most successful British make in the race's history. Jaguar will return to Le Mans this year lining up on the starting grid on 12th June 2010 with an XKR GT2 run by JaguarRSR.

Paul Gentilozzi, Principal Partner, JaguarRSR commented: "We are delighted the ACO has granted us entry in the prestigious 24 hours of Le Mans. It is a race that is held dearly in the hearts of motorsport fans across the world and for Jaguar to be racing again is something special.

"We are fortunate to bring an international line up of the world's finest driving talent including Scott Pruett and Marc Goossens as our drivers for this race."


Gentilozzi, who will drive the JaguarRSR XKR GT2 in the 2010 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) added: "Spirits will be high around Jaguar's return to Le Mans but we must remember the incredibly high level of competition - a podium place in our category will not fall into our hands. That said, I can guarantee 100 per cent commitment from JaguarRSR and urge fans of Jaguar and Britain's racing heritage to support the team whole heartedly."


C.J. O'Donnell, Global Marketing Director of Jaguar Cars said: "Motorsport has always been important to the Jaguar brand. Our domination of Le Mans in the 1950s was a foundation on which the company was developed. It was twenty years ago that Jaguar last won Le Mans with a TWR Jaguar Sport entry driven by John Nielsen, Price Cobb and Martin Brundle. Returning to Le Mans will reignite excitement for the marque across the globe, all the more poignant in our 75th year.


"With the introduction of the new XK, XF and XJ, the Jaguar brand has advanced cutting-edge technology, stunning design and our 'R' performance driving experience. We now return to motorsport to demonstrate this achievement and the prowess of the Jaguar XKR."

In 1951, the C-type won Le Mans at its first attempt, with a further victory in 1953. The D-type took Le Mans wins in 1955, 1956 and 1957 while this racing success was followed in 1988 with the Jaguar XJR-9LM, a V12-powered Group C car. Another outright victory would follow in 1990 with the Jaguar XJR-12.


ENDS

Details of Jaguar's wins at Le Mans 24-hours:

1951
Model: C-type
Race No.: 20
Drivers: Peter Walker, Peter Whitehead
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): First Jaguar win; 2244 miles, 93 mph

1953
Model: C-type
Race No.: 18
Drivers: Tony Rolt, Duncan Hamilton
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): Second Jaguar win; 2540 miles, 106 mph

1955
Model: D-type
Race No.: 6
Drivers: Mike Hawthorn, Ivor Bueb
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): Third Jaguar win; 2570 miles, 107 mph

1956
Model: D-type
Race No.: 4
Drivers: Ron Flockhart, Ninian Sanderson
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): Ecurie Ecosse entry; fourth Jaguar win; 2507 miles, 104 mph

1957
Model: D-type
Race No.: 3
Drivers: Ron Flockhart, Ivor Bueb
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): Ecurie Ecosse entry; fifth Jaguar win; 2732 miles, 114 mph

1988
Model: XJR-9LM
Race No.: 2
Drivers: Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries, Andy Wallace
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): TWR Jaguar Sport entry; sixth Jaguar win; 394 laps, 3313 miles, 138 mph

1990
Model: XJR-12
Race No.: 3
Drivers: John Nielsen, Price Cobb, Martin Brundle
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): TWR Jaguar Sport entry; seventh Jaguar win; 359 laps, 3034 miles, 127 mph
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2010 New York Auto Show: New Kia Optima

The next stage of Kia's transformation from design also-ran to serious contender will kick off at the New York Auto Show in few weeks. After launching the Forte sedan and Koup, the new Sorento and, most recently, the Sportage, Kia's new design language is being applied to the Optima. The all-new 2011 Kia Optima is longer, wider and lower than the car it replaces although we don't know by how much. While it's not as aggressive as the sketches released a few weeks ago, this Optima is certainly a huge step forward.

• Kia will formally unveil its new 2011 Optima at the 2010 New York Auto Show.

• Only two photos of the future Optima have been released.

• Pricing has not yet been announced, but is likely to be similar to the outgoing Optima.

The base 2010 Kia Optima LX starts at $18,690, including a $695 destination charge.
via:autoblog

Press Release

Next generation Kia Optima to showcase confident new design direction
World premiere to be held at 2010 New York Motor Show

(SEOUL) March 14, 2010 – The next generation Kia Optima (currently, also known as 'Magentis' in some markets) is set to make its world premiere next month at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

"The next generation Optima possesses the power to surprise," says Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer. "It's a car that people will simply not expect from Kia – and that's exactly what we set out to achieve."

The Optima exudes an athletic confidence from every angle and shutline – its raked roofline, the high and pronounced shoulder line of its sculpted flanks and its extended wheelbase are complemented by boldly flared wheelarches and a shallow glasshouse that create a saloon with a muscular and self-assured stance.

The striking visage of the Optima features a new interpretation of Kia's bold 'tiger' family face that's edged by piercing projector headlamps.

Longer, wider and lower than before, the Kia's coupe-like profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further still and enhances its cab-backwards proportions.

Spacious, and with class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment, the Optima's intelligently configured and driver-oriented cabin underlines this newfound poise and presence.

"The Optima embodies Kia's confident new design direction," says Schreyer. "It's a global car with individual appeal."

The Kia Motors press conference for the New York International Auto Show will take place on April 1, 2010 from 10:10-10:35 a.m. at the Kia Stand on Level 1 of the 'Jacob Javits Center' located between 34-39 Streets on 11th Avenue in New York City.