he 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mark VI) is upon us, and as suspected, the thinly-veiled "concept" shown in Paris is an exact duplicate of the production model we'll be getting in the States this summer.
With redesigned front and rear fascias, artfully sculpted haunches and Scirocco-inspired headlamps, the Mark VI is a subtle evolution of the outgoing model that lends a bit more aggression to the three- and five-door hatch. Power is provided by a tweaked and turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four putting out 210 horsepower (10 hp more than its predecessor) and 206 lb-ft of torque beginning at 1,800 rpm. The run to 60 mph comes in at 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph.
A six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch gearbox are available, along with a standard sport suspension, DCC adaptive damping (with settings for Normal, Sport and Comfort) and an XDS electronic differential that monitors traction and sends power to the outside wheel. The interior remains largely unchanged, with standard plaid seating (leather is optional), along with stainless-steel pedals, aluminum shift knob and a flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Officially Official: 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI coming Stateside this summer
BMW 135i tii up against V8 supercar, F1 racer at Australian Grand Prix
BMW's little 1 Series has proven itself to be a credible performer that's able to hang with nearly anything else it likely to encounter on the road. But against an Australian V8 Supercar and BMW's own Formula 1 racer? Not a chance. Regardless, these three vehicles will indeed face off at the upcoming F1 season opener Down Under. To help level the playing field, each vehicle will start with a handicap, so the real excitement will begin near the end of the lap when the three cars close in on one another as they sprint to the finish line.
The 1 Series that's taking part in the event will be equipped with the German automaker's potent 3.0L twin-turbo inline six and will wear 18" alloys bolted up to a tuned suspension set up with cross-drilled brakes. A set of tii decals and a full BMW Performance aerodynamic body kit top things off. The race will be repeated 5 times starting on Thursday, March 26th.
Spycam: 2011 Ferrari F450
It was five years ago that the current Ferrari F430 debuted at the 2004 Paris Motor Show and the storied Italian sports and racing car manufacturer is currently hard at work creating a successor designed to both increase power while decreasing emissions and fuel consumption at the same time. Dubbed the F450 by virtue of its enlarged 4.5L V-8 reportedly based on the present 4.3L unit, speculation has power surpassing that of the 430 Scuderia at 500 horses or more.
While the mule our spy shooters caught undergoing winter testing is still wearing modified F430 bodywork, the larger fenders, air scoops, and exhaust system all hint at the need for a wider stance and increased breathing -- no doubt, for a car that will be creating more power. The F450 will also reportedly receive Ferrari's new dual-clutch gearbox that debuted in the California. The new gearbox features quicker, smoother shift action than the automated manual presently used in the F430.
