Ferrari 458 Italia tuned by Novitec Rosso

It was just last week Novitec Rosso showed us their Race 606 tuning package for the Ferrari California. Now in preparation for the Geneva Motor Show next week the German tuner of the prancing horse has revealed early their program for latest model from Maranello, the Ferrari 458 Italia.

Novitec Rosso has kept engine modifications basic for the brand new model. They've added a new carbon-fiber airbox, a high-performance exhaust system made from nickel-chromium-based superalloy Inconel, which weighs 21 kg (46 lbs) less, as well as sport exhaust manifolds, sport catalysts and a rear muffler with a sound control flap that can be activated by a button on the steering wheel. Lastly, a remapped engine management system for optimized ignition and injection was added resulting in an additional 39 PS (28.7 kW / 39 bhp) from the 4.5-liter V8 for a total of 609 PS (448 kW / 600 bhp) at 9,100 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque has grown from 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) to 569 Nm (420 lb-ft) at 5,400 rpm.

For a top speed in excess of 330 km/h (205 mph) Novitec Rosso fine-tuned the body components using the wind tunnel at the University of Stuttgart. Made of carbon fiber the aerodynamic-enhanced kit consists of a lower spoiler, right/left wing flaps and ventilation louvers attached to the original bumper fascia. Also in carbon fiber are the fenders, side skirts, carbon-fiber mirror housings, rear spoiler and diffuser. And last but not least the roof panel and engine hood are also made from carbon fiber.

Custom-tailored versions of the three-piece Novitec Rosso NF3 wheels were developed for the 458 Italia. Novitec Rosso chose a staggered combination of size 9Jx21 wheels in front and size 12Jx22 on the rear. Custom-manufactured Pirelli PZero tires are mounted in size 255/30 ZR 21 and 335/25 ZR 22 front to rear, respectively.

NOVITEC ROSSO sport springs lower the ride height of the Ferrari by 35 millimeters while the hydraulic front lift system can raise the front lip of the car by 40 millimeters to help clear speed bumps or parking garage ramps.

Source: Novitec Rosso

Report: Diesel Chevrolet Cruze confirmed for U.S.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the crew at GMInsideNews, General Motors is mulling the notion of introducing a diesel Chevrolet Cruze to the American market. Sources within the Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant responsible for piecing the compact sedan together have confirmed that a diesel Cruze will be built for 2013. If that's not enough to wipe the stink of skepticism off your person, GMI says that additional sources within The General's engineering team have confirmed that an oil-burning Cruze is on the company's schedule.

Production is rumored to kick off on the project at some point next year.

There's even rumor that GM is currently testing diesel Cruze models around the greater Detroit area right now. While no power or fuel economy numbers are available at the moment, GM is expected to make use of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the new model. That would be the same lump found in the Holden Cruze CDX, which turns out 147 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque with up to 34 miles per gallon combined.
[Source: GMInsideNews] 

Imperia GP struts its retro hybrid stuff in Belgium

The modern automotive era has seen more retro brands revived than we can remember. Marques like Bugatti, Spyker, Abarth and Mini are perhaps the most prominent among them – to say nothing of counteless resurrected model nameplates from the Volkswagen New Beetle to the Dodge Challenger – and each has brought its classic caché back from the dead with a modern take on the original. Imperia, however, plans on doing one better.

Active throughout the first half of the 20th century, Imperia is back with retro styling along the lines of a Morgan or Wiesmann, but with a decidedly modern twist: it's a hybrid. Propulsion is provided by the combination of a 207-horsepowr 1.6-liter turbo four and a 134-hp electric motor. Such a small package driven only by the electric motor can hit 62 from a standstill in a solid six seconds, or just four with internal combustion kicking in.

The product of some three years of development, the first pre-production prototype was recently unveiled at its home Belgian Auto Show, and is set to hit the market shortly with a 90,000-euro price tag, or 120,000 euros for the first edition.
[Source: Imperia via WorldCarFans]