Another day, another Fiat 500 variant that we Americans can drool over knowing we can't get it here in the States. This one is special, though, as it was designed to commemorate Karl Abarth's 100th (born on November 15, 1908) birthday. Not just a styling exercise, the Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100" tribute comes with an upgraded 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Acceleration to sixty takes just 7.3 seconds, helped along by shortened gear ratios while its top speed is now 131 miles per hour. Suspension bits are revised as well, with lowered springs and new 17-inch alloys fitted with low-profile Pirelli PZero Neros.
Karl Abarth tribute: Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100"
First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid
It's probably best to call the new Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid a mild, rather than full, hybrid, because it can't propel itself on electrical power alone. In other words, the BlueHybrid is not powered by the two-mode system co-developed with GM for big SUVs, which will be an option for the M-Class next year. This is a smaller, cheaper system designed to be scaleable across all Mercedes car lines.
Despite its comparative simplicity, the S400 BlueHybrid's gasoline and CO2 savings are significant: some 21% in the European test cycle, compared with the regular V-6 S350. It's also quieter at rest and more muscular in real-world acceleration. There's very little penalty over the standard V-6 in terms of weight -- just 170 lb -- and none at all in passenger or luggage accommodation or payload.
Lexus confirms 2010 RX SUV, IS Convertible and updated LS for L.A. Auto Show
The Los Angeles Auto Show will play host to the world premiere of the 2010 Lexus RX SUV, with the Japanese luxury brand confirming today that both the new RX 450h hybrid and RX 350 will be on show at next week’s event. You can check out previously leaked images of the 2010 Lexus RX SUVs here, which reveal a longer, wider, and taller model than the current version.
Recently revealed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the 2010 IS Convertible will also be making its North American debut in L.A. The IS 250C and IS 350C convertibles feature a lightweight aluminum three-panel roof, which means that they should be heavier and less rigid than their sedan counterparts. The IS 250C will come with a 2.5L 204hp (152kW) V6 engine mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, while the IS 350C gets a 3.5L, 306hp (228kW) V6 with a six-speed automatic.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
