New Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 Review

by automobilereview on April 1, 2010

Cosworth and Subaru have teamed up again to bring a tuned version of the Impreza STi to the Geneva Motor Show next month. The two companies do not plan a lengthy collaboration on multiple projects as the Cosworth/Subaru STi is described as a “one-off” project.The best hot hatch ever has a name: it is called Subaru Impreza Cosworth and on business card will write 400 HP.

If the match for hot hatch supremacy was until now quite balanced, Cosworth will cut relax the existing disputes with any rival. Cosworth Impreza STI is the “Galactic” hot hatch which will reduce the competition to silence with a 400 HP power of, more than the standard offer in Subaru Impreza STI version. Helped by al will drive traction, this torpedo will manage to reach 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds, a time that can stand beside many famous supercars.

Engine-mods aside, Subaru reported that the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 will feature a bespoke brake package with six-pot callipers and 355mm discs at the front developed in partnership with AP Racing, an upgraded suspension and a new sport exhaust system.The model is made in collaboration with people from AP Racing, suppliers of components for Formula 1 and WRC, who worked in particular of the braking system. To control the 400 HP, the CS400, as will be known the torpedo, comes with 355 mm brake discs of size. An upgrade will suffer also the suspension, which it has settings will be close enough to the rally patterns

The automaker added that the Cosworth edition of the Impreza STI also benefits from bespoke interior and exterior styling treats, without getting into any more details.

The Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 will be on sale in June and Subaru are promising that a wide range of upgrades have also been made to the suspension and exhaust and to the styling. But they’re keeping that under their hats until a bit neeraer the time. What we do know is that there will be just 75 Scooby Cossies built, so if you want you probably need to get a shimmy on. How much? Subaru aren’t saying, but we’d guess around £40-45k.

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New Alfa MiTo 1.4 MultiAir Review

by automobilereview on March 10, 2010

Alfa Romeo has announced Alfa MiTo 1.4 MultiAir which features a new system developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies. At launch, the Alfa MiTo 1.4 MultiAir will be available with power levels, 105 hp, 135 hp. The company promises it will also add a turbocharged 170 hp version as well.

The 170 hp version of the Alfa MiTo 1.4 MultiAir will offer a power to weight ratio of 6.7 kg/hp and a power of 124 hp/liter which is the highest value ever recorded for an Alfa car. The Alfa MiTo 1.4 MultiAir 170 hp will be equipped with a 6-speed gearbox and will offer a fuel economy of 4.8 l/100km and a 139 g/km CO2 emissions level. The Alfa MiTo 1.4 MultiAir will have a 0 to 100 km/h time of just over 7.0 seconds.

If you want an Alfa MiTo and would want it to be have Fiat’s revolutionary technology MultiAir that cuts CO2 emissions and fuel consumption while also increasing output, then you’ll have to pay 600 euros on top of the base price tag. Therefore in Italy, the MiTo with MultiAir will cost 17,400 euros.

Prices will be slightly different across European markets. First to get the MiTo are Germany, France and Italy this month. The rest of Europe will get the car in October. The MultiAir technology makes the car’s system capable of cutting the emissions but also boosts the power level in small displacements engines. For example, the 1.4-liter MiTo with MultiAir results to a 20% power boost and CO2 emissions are cut by around 10%.

This brand-new power unit, designed to work in conjunction with the Alfa DNA device, allows the excellent dynamic attributes of the Alfa MiTo to be exploited to the full. This makes long trips satisfying and comfortable but also guarantees plenty of thrills on more demanding stretches of road, the natural terrain of any Alfa Romeo, due to the well-balanced weight/power ratio and the excellent speed of response to the driver’s commands.

The 105 HP 1.4 power unit also ensures full involvement at the wheel, making the Alfa MiTo an indisputable star of town traffic, ensuring full safety and ease of driving under all conditions.

The MiTo also achieves excellent performance with its 170 HP MultiAir power unit version available in the exclusive “Quadrifoglio Verde” outfit. This marks the reappearance of one of the historical symbols most dear to Alfa aficionados throughout the world, who are passionate about the glorious past of a brand that has made a trademark out of racing and motorsport.

The introduction of the new MultiAir engines has also brought fresh colours to the MiTo, a winning model that is already sold in 34 countries throughout the world and 5 different continents. It can already be ordered in the new metallic shade Tornado Blue, which will complement the already extensive array of exterior colours.

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New 2010 Volkswagen Touareg Review

by automobilereview on February 15, 2010

Volkswagen has just unveiled the new generation Touareg, but the German tuner CoverEFX has just now prepared a new tuning package for the old versions. Either they really love the old version or they are not quick on the draw. Volkswagen’s all-new Touareg range includes a clever hybrid version that can hit 62mph in 6.5sec or travel 30 miles on electric power alone.
Previously called the Touareg 2, the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg comes with high style, a luxurious and comfortable cabin, and some of the strongest off-road capabilities in its class. But the base model has abysmal fuel economy and a sluggish engine.
With a base price of nearly $41,000, the Touareg is one of the more affordable SUVs in its class. Even the more expensive TDI diesel model, which starts at around $44,000, is relatively affordable for a luxury midsize SUV. The Touareg’s standard four-wheel drive system is capable on rough terrain and makes it a good value. On other SUVs in this class, all- or four-wheel drive systems cost extra.
Volkswagen has put the Touareg on a diet and it has lost 208 kilograms in the base version, but the body has a five per cent greater torsional ridgity. The Touareg as the Volkswagen design DNA with a similar front end design as the Golf which results in a smaller frontal area which improves the Cd value. Other aerodynamic improvements were made as well as the reduced ground clearance all help reduce drag and improve fuel consumption. An eight speed automatic transmission which is a first in this market segment also helps to improve fuel consumption.
Like the old car, this latest Touareg should be just as good off road as on. A Torsen limited slip differential is standard but buyers can opt for a ‘Terrain Tech Pack’ that brings low ratio gearing and centre and rear differential locks. And the optional Area View camera package that gives multiple views of the car’s extremities should be as useful when it comes to negotiating rock strewn mountain passes as when trying not to curb the wheels outside a posh Surrey school.
For 2010, the Touareg loses a few options, including the V8 engine, adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and the locking rear differential. It now gets standard wood interior trim and Bluetooth. But buyers interested in the Touareg may want to wait until the 2011 goes on sale. VW has redesigned it and has even added a gas/electric hybrid model. Even if you’re not interested in the new model, you could snag a great deal on the 2010 Touareg simply because a 2011 model is sitting right next to it.
The 2010 Touareg comes in two trims, the base VR6 FSI and diesel-powered TDI. Both models come standard with VW’s permanent four-wheel drive system.

Volkswagen has just unveiled the new generation Touareg, but the German tuner CoverEFX has just now prepared a new tuning package for the old versions. Either they really love the old version or they are not quick on the draw. Volkswagen’s all-new Touareg range includes a clever hybrid version that can hit 62mph in 6.5sec or travel 30 miles on electric power alone.

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