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Thursday, June 30, 2011

AMG looking to go smaller than C-Class?

df32f 16 AMG looking to go smaller than C Class?
According to the crew at Inside Line, AMG may be looking into working its magic on a model below the current C-Class. While speaking at this year’s LA Auto Show, Ola Kaellenius, the head honcho of theMercedes-Benz go-fast division, said that while there isn’t much of a case for AMG-tweaked versions of the A- and B-Class right now, that may change in the next three to four years. That means that Mercedes-Benz would have to give the go-ahead on a much smaller high-performance engine than AMG’s current go-to 5.5-liter forced-induction V8, though Inside Line says that AMG has been working in that area already.
This is our excited face.
In addition to the good news about brawnier baby Benz models, Kaellenius also said that his brand will pursue reducing weight before sliding hybrid drivetrains into its products. That means that AMG is safe from dreaded battery packs – for now. Likewise, we can keep our ears pinned for news of two new Black Series cars sooner rather than later.

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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

2006 Alpina BMW D3

2007 Alpina BMW B3 Bi-Turbo

2008 Alpina BMW D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe

Report: Dodge version of Alfa Giulietta coming for 2012

af213 11 Report: Dodge version of Alfa Giulietta coming for 2012
According to the latest reports, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta will serve as the basis for the Dodge Caliber’ssuccessor, and it’s set to arrive in late 2011 as a 2012 modelUSA Today credits Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler and Fiat, with the proclamation that some form of Giulietta will wind up as a Dodge. Considering last year’s five-year plan that shows the Caliber discontinued after 2011, Chrysler will need something to fill its place in showrooms.
Refreshes will carry the venerable LX cars, and the Sebring has been transformed into the more promising200, but those moves are mere stopgaps. Without a small car to sell against its domestic rivals, Chryslerand Dodge will be at a significant disadvantage. Fiat has expressed its desire to expand its stake in Chrysler beyond its 20 percent level, and the only way that’s going to happen is if the automaker succeeds Stateside. Enthusiasts have looked longingly across the Atlantic at the Giulietta, and if the car connects as well with the public at large and carries the right blend of quality and verve, it could be a boon for Chrysler.
375d9 2 Report: Dodge version of Alfa Giulietta coming for 2012
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Alfa Romeo Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni debuts in Bologna

99919 12 Alfa Romeo Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni debuts in Bologna
Think of Alfa Romeo and the color you’ll likely be picturing is red. But a custom version of the Giuliettaunveiled at the Bologna Motor Show has gone a decidedly greener route.
Outfitted by Italian rubber company Marangoni and fashion house Conte of Florence, the Giulietta G430 iMove is based on the Giuletta 1750 Quadrifoglio Verde and distinguished by special green tires riding on 19-inch Barracuda Karizzma alloys. But that’s only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the modifications carried out on the special Giulietta.
A Ragazzon stainless steel exhaust system boosts output up to 232 horsepower, while a Tarox braking system, KW suspension and custom aero kit also factor in to the program, along with a golf-themed leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber interior by Conte of Florence. There’s even a Segway scooter mounted in the back, and you can get all the details about the show car in the press release after the jump and view it in detail in the high-resolution image mega-gallery below.
6abb1 13 Alfa Romeo Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni debuts in Bologna
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Alfa Romeo 4C headed to American showrooms, Abarth version to follow

45c9d 14 Alfa Romeo 4C headed to American showrooms, Abarth version to follow
We’re still feeling the aftershocks from the unveiling of the tempting Alfa Romeo 4C Concept in Geneva, and reports about its production – and distribution – are already beginning to surface.
When Alfa CEO Harald Wester unveiled the 4C Concept, he indicated that production possibilities are not only being carefully considered, but that the 4C could make it to the United States to spearhead the marque’s return to these shores.
Of course, that’s what Alfa said about the 8C Competizione, with sales totaling 84 coupes and 35 roadsters across the United States. That was it – no additional (read: more accessible) Alfamodels followed. Could the production 4C pick up where its big brother left off?
If it does, rumor has it that, instead of selling through Maserati dealerships as the 8C was, the 4C would be sold alongside the Fiat 500 at the many new stores being set up in the U.S.
The same report also indicates that an additional run of Abarth versions of the 4C could be in the cards, as well. Whether they’d be even more performance-oriented versions of the same (as the Scorpion brand does with the Fiat 500 and Punto) or rebodied and rebadged as an Abarth-specific model (roadster, anyone?) remains to be seen. Regardless, consider our interest piqued.
e3f66 22 Alfa Romeo 4C headed to American showrooms, Abarth version to follow
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Monday, June 27, 2011

Transformers Film Ford Mustang Decepticon for Sale on eBay


Is US$130,000 a little too much to be paying for a Vin Diesel-driven Dodge Charger R/T? Do you think the home of the American muscle car is Dearborn? Is your DVD collection populated with Bad Boys and Pearl Harbourinstead of xXx and Stealth?

Carscoop hears you, and so does MotoeXotica of St. Louis. On eBay right now is the second of three quasi-Police issue Saleen Mustangs built for the first Transformers film in 2007.

The Mustang, which played the Decepticon Barricade in the movie, has all the Saleen goodies including a "3V modified" engine, 5sp manual tranny, 20 inch alloys as well as exterior, suspension and exhaust upgrades.

Saleen then handed the car over to the movie's FX department who added the police pushbar, decals and a host of flashing police lights. The only downside is the absence of a supercharger, which was removed so it would not interfere with the microphones placed inside the car during filming.

The car has been well looked after with 7,200 original miles (11,587 km) on the clock, and is undamaged and 100% street legal. The bidding is currently stalled at US$35,100, which is less than the (undisclosed) reserve price.

Ford Focus Review

The Ford Focus has been Ford's entry-level car since the start of the new millennium. This front-wheel-drive model is far from luxurious but nonetheless displays a surprising amount of character from behind the wheel. Its affordable price, expressive styling and availability in multiple body styles have all contributed to making this one of Ford's most popular cars worldwide.

2008 Ford Focus SE Coupe Shown


Introduced for the 2000 model year, the Ford Focus was designed to be a "world car," meaning it has been sold around the world in the same basic form as the car sold in the United States. In order to appeal to European buyers, the Focus was tuned to provide responsive handling and communicative steering.

Since that time, Ford has gone on to introduce a second-generation Focus for European markets. America's Focus, however, has continued on without a full redesign. As such, it hasn't been a top-tier choice for an economy car in recent years. Ford did perform a significant refresh for the current 2008 model, however, and it's been effective enough to keep the Focus a still-viable choice for a new economy car, particularly for shoppers focused mainly on value. As a used vehicle, the Focus represents a solid pick, especially since its lower resale value compared to import-brand competitors typically translates to lower purchase prices.

Current Ford Focus

Compared to models sold for 2007 and earlier, the current Ford Focus is more up-to-date thanks to a significant refresh. Changes include revised interior and exterior styling, altered engine and body-style lineups and additional safety equipment.

The Focus is currently available as a coupe and as a sedan, and both body styles come in three trims: base S, midgrade SE and sporty SES. All Focus models are powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that offers 140 horsepower. Cars sold in California-level emission states have a cleaner version of this engine that is PZEV-certified; it's good for 130 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic offered as an option.

Within its cabin, the Focus offers a reasonably attractive environment. Still, the Focus' interior doesn't measure up to the cabins offered by some of its competitors, both in terms of materials quality and design aesthetic. One unique feature sets the car apart: Ford's Sync system. Developed in conjunction with Microsoft, this system functions much like Bluetooth, but is simpler to operate.

Though its handling isn't as finely honed as that of the segment's performance leaders, theFord Focus offers a reasonably engaging driving experience; additionally, fuel economy is excellent. Factor in its amenable price, and it becomes clear that the current Focus has much to offer in the area of value, if not refinement.



Past Ford Focus Models

The Ford Focus is still in its first generation, but it's seen a few changes since it first appeared on showroom floors. Focus models sold from 2000-'03 were available as a two-door hatchback sedan or wagon, and came with either an anemic SOHC 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 110 horsepower or a preferable DOHC 2.0-liter engine called the Zetec that was good for 130 hp. In 2004, Ford added a 2.3-liter inline-4 to the lineup that offered 145 hp and cleaner emissions. The 2.3-liter was optional on all 2004 Focus models, except in California, New York, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont, where it was standard across the line.

A 170-hp four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission were featured in the short-lived and rare Focus SVT hatchback. Coveted by young enthusiasts, the SVT Focus was offered as a two-door hatchback in 2002, and as a two-door and a four-door hatch in '03 and '04.

In 2005, the Focus got a modest refresh that provided cosmetic changes on the outside, a revised control layout inside and a new engine lineup: a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 151 hp, and a 136-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder. A five-speed manual transmission was standard across the line and a four-speed automatic was optional on most models. By this point, a five-door hatchback had been added to the body-style lineup; it was discontinued after 2007, as were the wagon and two-door hatch.

Our editors were quite fond of the Ford Focus in its earlier years, and the car earned Editors' Most Wanted Award designations from 2000-'03. Although we consider it a good buy on the used market, the car's reliability record hasn't been perfect, particularly the 2000 models, which were plagued by recalls. We'd advise a thorough mechanical inspection before you buy. Additionally, shoppers looking at the SVT Focus should pay special attention to the quantity and quality of any aftermarket modifications the previous owner may have made.