In 1948 at the Turin Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled the evolution of the 125 S sports race car. Designed by Carrozzeria Allemano, The 166S was produced in only 3 units, all built on the same 2620mm wheelbase chassis, but featuring different design.
The 166 S was powered by a two-litre version of Colombo’s 60° V12 engine that delivered 150bhp at 7000rpm and had a compression ratio of 10.1:1.
The first two models, 001 S and 003 S were designed by Allemano and featured prominent nose grille and headlights. The first one was the winner at the 1948 Targa Florio, and the second one at the 1948 Mille Miglia. Unfortunately both models were destroyed.
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Next January Opel will come out with new version of their successful Corsa hatchback. Changes for 2010 will include: a new array of engines, improvements to the chassis and recalibration to the steering. As usual, Opel will be offering the new Corsa in two versions: the first is a sporty coupe like three door and the other a family friendly five door model.
The new range of power plants will include two gasoline engines: a 1.2 Liter and 1.4 Liter Twinport variants as well as two different diesel options: a 1.7 CDTI and 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with fuel consumption ranging between 5.0 and 5.5 liter/100 km, about 50 MPG, with a maximum CO2 emissions of only 129 g/km, a number that is very low.
Press release after the jump.
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Revealed in 1980, the 208 GTB (and is spider version 208 GTS) features the smallest V8 engine used by Ferrari by that time. The 208 GTB replaced the 308 GTB and stayed into production until 1982, with 160 examples produced, in both right and left drive versions.
The car was designed by Pininfarina and featured a pronounced wedge profile, with a rectangular egg-crate aluminum radiator grille below a slim full width satin black front bumper. A square section indent line ran along each body side between the front and rear bumpers, which was finished in satin black whatever the main body color.
The doors featured scalloped intakes to the engine bay, the right one feeding the carburettor filter box, and the left one the oil cooler. At the rear there were twin circular light assemblies on the vertical recessed tail panel. A single piece lid hinged at the roof covered the engine bay and rear sited boot, whilst the vertical concave rear screen was bounded by buttressed sail panels. Options available were wider 7.5” rims, air conditioning, a radio, a deeper front spoiler, plus Michelin TRX or Pirelli P Zero tyres on special rims.
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Earlier this week the German automaker Mercedes Benz started to offer a gas/electric version of their full size SUV, the the ML450 Hybrid 4MATIC. However owners looking to establish a long term relationship with the new truck might be a little surprised to find out that the luxury automaker is only offering the new hybrid SUV as part of a special lease only option starting at $659 per month for a three year commitment and as low as $549 per month with a five year agreement.
Powered by a 3.5 Liter Atkinson cycle V6 gasoline engine assisted by two magneto electric motors and a sophisticated hybrid electric module that promises to return up to 46% better fuel economy than the comparable V8 powered Mercedes Benz ML550. Each of the ML450 Hybrid’s electric motors serve a different purpose. The first is affixed to the transmission output shaft and generates an additional 80 HP and 192 lb-ft of torque allowing the new hybrid powered ML450 to operate as a zero emissions electric vehicle before the gasoline engine is needed for additional support. The second combination of magnets and wound electric wires is dedicated to improving the hybrid’s acceleration and is rated at 83 HP and 173 lb-ft of thrust, bringing the green SUV’s maximum output up to 335 HP and 381 lb-ft of torque. The only downside is that at least for now, you won’t be able to pick up one of these premium hybrid luxury SUVs second hand.
Press release after the jump.
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Further development of the 125 S began in the year of its debut, 1947. Its displacement was first upped from 1,500 cc to 1,900 cc, and the resulting model was christened the 159 as the cars took their names from their engine’s single cylinder displacement.
As with the 125 S, the first version of the car was known as the 159 S and it made its debut at Pescara in the hands of Franco Cortese who finished second overall. The later 159 C version competed in the last race of the season in Modena but Cortese once again had to retire.
The cars’ technical characteristics remained mostly unchanged with the exception of the overall displacement and, of course, engine power.
Continued after the jump.
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Small cars are the perfect one for crowded cities. Expecially when you work for local authorities or police forces. Toyota UK will supply a number of 45 iQ for the Traffic Enforcement Systems that are responsible for traffic regulation and community safety.
Even if just a demonstrator car, the iQ will be equipped with a range of mobile CCTV and GPS systems, thermal-imaging cameras and numberplate-readers.
The iQ surveillance cars will be powered by a 1.0-litre engine coupled with the automatic transmission.
Press release after the jump.
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Along with the coupe version revealed in 1980, Ferrari also revealed a targa-roof version for the 208 GTB. Built especially for the Italian market, the 208 GTS remained into production until 1982 as its coupe brother, with 140 units produced, in only left drive version.
Designed by Pininfarina, the 208 GTS featured a pronounced wedge profile, with a rectangular egg-crate aluminium radiator grille below a slim full width satin black front bumper. A square section indent line ran along each body side between the front and rear bumpers, which was finished in satin black whatever the main body color. The doors featured scalloped intakes to the engine bay, the right one feeding the carburettor filter box, and the left one the oil cooler.
On the 208 GTS the rear quarter windows behind the doors were hidden behind hinged louvre panels, the left one giving access to the fuel filler cap. The only visual difference between the 208 GTS and the 208 GTB, was the black grained finish removable roof panel of the former, which was stowed in a cover behind the seats when not in place. At the rear there were twin circular light assemblies on the vertical recessed tail panel.
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The German sports car manufacturer Porsche has just launched the new race ready 911 GT3 R built around the FIA GT3 regulations, making its world debut on January 14, 2010 at the Autosport International Motorsport Show in Birmingham, U.K. The track tuned GT3 R is intended for competitors of the one make Porsche Cup series that runs alongside Formula 1 as a support race over the Grand Prix weekend, not bad company to be in.
The race car starts life as a special 911 and is then lightened to 1,200 kilos and then the flat six’s displacement is bumped up by 200 cc, the result is a 4.0 Liter boxer engine that makes a maximum output of 480 HP, and that is without the aid of any power adders. Making sure that every pony gets to the ground, the 911’s already wide arches are further flared to accommodate some extremely wide rubber. Making the race car more reminiscent of what you see on the street, the rear light clusters feature Porsche’s new LED design. Prices start at 279,000 Euro. Crew, tires and transporter are extra; but the memories of racing around with the Formula 1 crowd are sure to be well worth the expense.
Press release after the jump.
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Volkswagen is offering the new New Beetle Black Orange special editions, available for both hatch and convertible. Customers in Germany can already start ordering this new edition with prices starting from €22,550 (around $33,800 at the current exchange rates).
This new edition can be ordered in either a black exterior finish contrasting white stripes on the sides or an orange finish with black stripes. There are also 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, called "Sarasota".
On the inerior Volkswagen placed a three-spoke leather steering wheel and sports seats, fabric floor mats and gear lever gaiter with contrasting stitching in Burt marked orange and aluminum pedals.
Standard options include: air conditioning, radio "gamma CD," center armrest and electric windows.
Ford and M-Sport UK revealed today the long-waited Fiesta S2000 rally car. The car will be homologated in January 2010 and will compete in rally championships as IRC and S2000 World Cup.
The Fiesta S2000 has already completed nearly 3000kms of testing both in the UK and Europe and that extensive testing programme will continue into the start of the next year in readiness for the car’s competitive debut.
The Fiesta S2000 is the latest in a long line of rally cars produced as a result of the successful partnership between M-Sport and Ford, starting with the Escort Cosworth in the 1990s and moving on to the record breaking Ford Focus RS WRC and Ford Fiesta ST.
Press release after the jump.
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