Confirmation of the production of the Seat Bocanegra Concept revealed at Ginevra has arrived. The prototype seen at the show previews the aspects of the next three-door Ibiza, expected for November with the name Sportcoupè: but especially it will have the black nose reflecting the mean look of the Cupra, 2009, which as a showcar makes itself noticed for its chrome finish.

The good news is that the Cupra will maintain most aspects of the Bocanegra such as the front air vent design. Designer Luc Donckerwolke, ex-Lamborghini, has declared that given the success won for the prototype, it would be unthinkable to change the series’ version.

The Cupra will be equipped with a 1.4 TFSI at 180 hp and the new DSG seven gears and together with the new Toledo will be the most important news in 2009. The Toledo will be based on the old Audi A4 series but dressed up in Seat style.

Continue reading: Seat Ibiza: three doors in November and the Cupra in 2009

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Another video for the Alfa Romeo MiTo which continues to play on the gradual leaking of details on the part of users involved by the company, step by step. The video is in Italian but shows off the great driving of the small car.

This time Philippe Krief, tester who we already encountered in a video on the snow at Arjeplog in Lapland, Sweden, shows us the dynamic quality of the Italian car. The tester explains the novelties introduced in suspension to increase rigidity and reduce the body roll compared to the 147, then notes the lower shift chosen for the steering and finally checks off with the AlfaDNA function.

Continue reading: Alfa Romeo MiTo: driving details

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At the Beijing 2008 show, Ford has taken the opportunity of the “first” new Chinese Fiesta to present a world preview of a concept car very similar to the series. The Ford Fiesta S is in fact a clear example of the coming ST.

In addition to some modifications to front details, the side “miniskirts”, the rear spoiler and newly designed wheels, what really strikes is the choice of the five door body. The decision can be explained by the fact that Ford still hasn’t revealed anything of the Fiesta ST and prefers to play and hide behind an apparently “insignificant” concept, which includes an interior the same as the new Fiesta.

In reality the message is loud and clear: the Fiesta ST will be made, and will likely be very similar to the sporty look - but not extreme, such as that of the RS - to this prototype, apart from three doors instead of five. The 2009 debut should show off the strong points of the ST, including the 1.6 turbo engine at 175 hp, and the lowered and reinforced base.

Beijing 2008: Ford Fiesta S Concept

Continue reading: Beijing 2008: Ford Fiesta S Concept

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Given that official shots are ever decreasing, we have had to content ourselves with spy shots that show the MiTo, by now nearly completely uncovered, in the course of the latest tests before its debut on the market.

Visto che le foto ufficiali continuano a scarseggiare, ci dobbiamo accontentare delle foto spia che immortalano la MiTo, oramai quasi del tutto scoperta, nel corso degli ultimi collaudi prima del debutto sul mercato.

These shots from CarAdvice, who has been working very hard in playing on the expectation of Alfa fans, spied this prototype in unusual blue livery.

There’s not much else to say: the MiTo testers will become more hunted by the paparazzi than the stars of Hollywood…

Continue reading: New Alfa MiTo spy shots

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Abarth’s invitation to the Rimini MySpecialCar 2008 is pleasing as the show can only underline the spirit and hard work of this re-born Italian brand, and the debut of the Grande Punto EsseEsse. With details finally revealed to the public, the SS has been displayed and has undergone test drives by Abarth drivers on an external windy track.

The Punto SS is the height of expression of the little Fiat from which it derives, and represents a full-bodied evolutionary step compared to the Punto Abarth 155 hp. The kit, delivered in a fantastic wooden dismountable box (the lid with badge is perfect to hang in the garage), includes a number of changes: injections, turbines, tubing, base and brake kits, and accessories.

Once assembled by official installers it is then trialled to comply with road rules, has 180 hp and official guarantee. The 20,000km placed as a limit on kit assembly results from a Fiat study, which indicates that within this mileage, even an engine exploited at 100% capacity can still guarantee the trustworthiness to include the modifications. Even if you wanted to buy a new SS it is necessary to purchase and register an Abarth 155 hp, to then convert it with the kit and proceed with updating the documentation.

Continue reading: MySpecialCar 2008: emozione Abarth

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While the BMW 1 Series Cabrio will debut over the next few days in dealerships, closing the updated cycle of the current model, for some weeks on various automobile sites and forums the first possibilities of the next generation have been seen.

Munich’s baby, originally met with by scepticism by competitors (and perhaps BMW management who had their fingers burnt with the previous 3 Series Compact) has managed to cut a niche for itself and create its own affectionate public. It is now travelling towards maturity, supported and cared for by the company who has realised that it’s much better to reveal new consumption-reducing technology (l’Efficient Dynamics for everything) on its smaller and lighter models, than on the heavier top-range products.

Continue reading: BMW 1 Series - first ideas on the next generation

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After the restyling of the Sl, the M-Class and the B-Class, Mercedes is continuing with its philosophy of renewal, lending to the A-Class an air of luxury.

The aesthetic changes as per tradition are marginal and based on continuity: the front headlights have been enlarged and are less almond-shaped, while the bumper is more edgy, taking on a “V” form.

Continue reading: Mercedes A-Class: restyling and new 1.6 diesel

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In Nomvember 2009 VW will play its ace with the sixth series of the Golf: a difficult task for the small-medium car which will have to make its way on the knife edge passage from one generation to the next. It should be a callling back to the fourth series, implicitly admitting the scarse appeal of the current range.

There will be a number of departures from the style of the fifth Golf: chrome plating will disappear and the next version will have a more subtle grill with only the brand’s logo in view. The measurements will be slightly larger, reaching 423 cm, only three more than the current model. In terms of occupancy the situation will remain more or less the same.

Auto, Motor und Sport reports that the focus will be more “driver-oriented” with notable steps forward in reducing weight and emissions thanks to a new diesel-hybrid engine. Another word from up high was “downsizing” the motors, a move that will involve all manufacturers in the coming years: the Golf will have both aspiration petrol and turbo engines from 80 to 200 hp, while for the diesel a common rail with a first in a 1.6 litre which will be offered with the 2.0 TDI.

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Its destiny was uncertain and information continuing to disappear: after all we’re talking about the heir to the Escort RS Cogsworth, a car with a strong heart and heavy feet. After having officially confermed its presence with a teaser Ford has begun to unleash onto the road the first models of the Ford RS, waited upon by fans as the first spring sun.

The two-colour duco and especially the air vents of the bonnet don’t deserve criticism for their gaudiness as in place is a 280hp with five cylinder turbo from Volvo origins. The only shame, according to rumours, is the presence of rear wheel drive, though it does have electronic differential. The debut, as already anticipated, should be in 2009.

Via | AutoExpress

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The official blog of the Alfa Mi.To has arrived online, the baby version having finally been revealed last Friday. The most interesting part is definitely the “Meet Mi.To” which allows for some lucky users to discover, and then reveal to others the Mi.To, after having seen it in person at the Centro Stile Alfa.

Navigating through the site the first technical data of the Mi.To can be read: the measurements, as we had already indicated, are 406 x 144 x 172 cm, with a wheelbase of 251, while the trunk and fuel tank capacity are at 270 and 45 litres. A curiosity: it seems that the car can be adapted for both four or five occupants, according to customers’ needs.

For the engines the 1.4 turbo 155 hp has been confirmed, the same as the Abarth Grande Punto. The five cylinder “Euro 5 ready” handles an overboost function, where the Torque passes from 206 to 230 Nm. In the video, Sergio Cravero explains the reasons behind the choice of the name Mi.To.

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