Detroit gets to launch the all new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, YES PLEASE, I want.......

• Production version of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider unveiled in Detroit at the 2015 NAIAS
• Unique carbon fibre windscreen frame and available carbon fibre “halo” highlight 4C Spider’s ultralight carbon fibre and aluminium construction
• All-new Akrapovic dual-mode exhaust system,  new alloy wheel designs and a new colour also debut
• On sale in Europe this summer, with pricing and UK specification to be announced closer to launch

The production version of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider has been unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, combining scintillating performance with open-top thrills and the unmistakable soundtrack of an Italian, performance-tuned engine and exhaust.

Like its Coupé sibling, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is built around an exotic, ultra-lightweight monocoque chassis, comprised entirely of unilateral, “pre-preg”, carbon fibre layers that delivers material performance that is three-times stronger and seven-times lighter than steel. Because of its inherent rigidity, Alfa Romeo engineers were able to minimise structural differences between the 4C Spider and 4C Coupé: 

The 4C Spider features a unilateral carbon fibre windscreen frame that is adhered and bolted to the monocoque chassis; a specially-contoured aluminium rollover bar (underneath the “halo”) which provides mounting points for the new rear deck-lid; unique upper body brackets and a high-strength steel engine compartment cross beam to maximise torsional rigidity.

As with the Coupé, the bodywork is made entirely from SMC (sheet moulded compound), a low-density, high-strength composite material that is 20 percent lighter and dimensionally more rigid than steel, and even the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider’s windscreen and side windows have been optimised for lightness, using 10 percent thinner glass to reduce weight by up to 15 percent. While European specifications for the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider have yet to be announced, the weight difference between the Coupé and Spider versions of the U.S.-market models is just 10kg.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider shares much of its exterior design with its award-winning Coupé sibling – the changes are focussed purely on the metamorphosis from fixed- to open-top. The Coupé’s glazed engine cover and flowing coupé shape gives way to a more traditional spider form, with pronounced buttresses and a body-coloured engine deck-lid with three functional heat extractors and an aerodynamically tuned spoiler. 

The rollover structure is housed in a black (or optional carbon fibre) “halo”, creating visual harmony with the carbon fibre windscreen frame, where the attachment points for the removable, stowable cloth roof (or optional carbon fibre hardtop) can also be found.

Other new features to debut on the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Concept include an all-new, titanium exhaust system, mounted centrally with switchable modes which can be altered depending on the driving environment and driver’s mood. 

Developed by world-renowned exhaust specialists Akrapovic this beautifully crafted system consists of two centrally-mounted tailpipes and computer-optimised asymmetrical mufflers with a dual-mode exhaust valve system and link pipe with resonator to eliminate in-cabin droning. This optional system is finished with carbon fibre bezels on the exhaust tips. Like the 4C Coupe, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider will also be available with the standard and the Racing exhaust system.

In U.S. versions, a new Alpine premium audio system is also offered, with multiple connectivity and media options, including hands-free Bluetooth calling, Bluetooth streaming, USB/iPod/CD/MP3 capabilities, HD radio and SiriusXM satellite radio.

In addition to the existing colours available on the Alfa Romeo 4C a new Giallo (yellow) paint scheme is also offered (with matching accent stitching for the seating, steering wheel and doors available), while a new Tobacco leather interior option is also planned for later in the year.

Four all-new wheel designs also debut, either in 17-inch (front)/18-inch (rear) or 18-inch (front)/19-inch (rear) sizes in Silver or Dark finishes.

Powered by the same, all-aluminium, 240hp, 258 lb.-ft., 1750 TBi engine as the Coupé, performance for the U.S. model is on a par with the hardtop model, with a top speed of 160 MPH and a 0-to-60 MPH time estimated at 4.1-seconds.  For the North American market, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is designed with stiffer springs, larger front- and rear-anti-roll bars, and re-tuned shock absorbers. The technical specification of European models will be announced closer to its launch later in the year.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is the latest in a rich bloodline that includes some of the most desirable performance cars in automotive history: the aluminium-bodied 8C 2900 B Touring (1938); the 140mph 1900 C52 “Flying Saucer” (1952) and the car that inspired the 4C, the legendary 33 Stradale (1967) with its revolutionary magnesium-alloy and steel tubular chassis and ground-breaking styling.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider was designed by Alfa Romeo Centro Stile will be produced at the Maserati plant in Modena, Italy. It will go on sale in the UK in the summer, with prices and UK specifications announced closer to that time.

New limited edition Megane Renaultsport 275 Trophy unveiled

• New limited edition Megane Renaultsport 275 Trophy unveiled today
• Whole host of technical upgrades, on top of 10hp power hike, plus Akrapovič titanium exhaust system
• High-end options include Öhlins Road & Track dampers and bespoke MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2tyres
• Exclusive looks boosted by Trophy branding on grey F1-style front blade and Trophy decals over the rear wheel arches
• Cup chassis with limited slip differential as standard
• Interior enhancements include leather and Alcantara Recaro seats with red stitching and alloy gear knob
• Set to make UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014
• To be sold in 20 countries worldwide. UK price and specification details to be confirmed in June, with first deliveries in October

The tradition of exclusive, performance-oriented Renaultsport models continues with the unveiling of a new limited edition Mégane Renaultsport - 275 Trophy.

Following its recent facelift, the top-of-the-range Mégane now benefits from a technical upgrade and a bespoke look. The new 275 Trophy is the latest in a line of limited edition Megane Renaultsports, which began with the 265 Trophy in 2011 and continued with the Red Bull Racing RB8.

Technical upgrades for a Renaultsport thoroughbred with even sharper performance

Widely acclaimed both for its on-road performance, as well as its sublime track handling, the Cup chassis with limited slip differential comes as standard with the Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy.

 

To allow customers to appreciate the car’s dynamic qualities even further, Renaultsport’s engineers have worked extensively on its powerplant to extract yet more power, leading to an additional 10 horsepower. The two-litre turbocharged petrol engine consequently boasts 275hp, and peak power is reached at 5,500rpm. At the same time, maximum torque (360Nm) is available across a broad rev-band, from 3,000 to 5,000rpm. Despite this additional power, fuel consumption and emissions have been carefully contained to stand at just 37.7 mpg* and 174g of CO₂/km respectively.

Renaultsport and Akrapovič, the manufacturer of benchmark exhaust systems for motorcycles and performance cars, have marked their association with the standard fitment of a titanium exhaust system. In addition to benefiting from the lighter weight of titanium, Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy also features a specific, more raucous bark that is sure to appeal to those who appreciate sporty engine notes.

An equipment package with a circuit racing pedigree

Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy kicks off a partnership with the world-renowned damper manufacturer, Öhlins. The limited edition car can be specified with optional adjustable Öhlins Road & Track dampers with steel springs. This evolution of technology employed in motorsport and on the Mégane N4 rally car, allows drivers to adjust their damper settings easily and unaided.

Also available as an option for Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy for those who enjoy track days are MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. This ultra-high performance solution was developed jointly by Michelin and Renaultsport specifically for this new limited edition front-wheel-drive car.

A limited-edition version that packs exclusive styling, inside and out

The new livery includes Trophy branding on the silver F1-style silver blade, while the personalised body sides feature Trophy decals. Silver has also been selected for the chequered flag graphic at the bottom of the doors. Meanwhile, numbered door sill guards are further evidence of its exclusivity.

Like the new signature engine note, the carbon exhaust tail pipe, too, is the work of Akrapovič. Optional 19-inch black Speedline Turini wheels derived from those used by competition versions of Mégane can also be ordered to complete the racy look.

Inside, Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy comes with leather and Alcantara Recaro bucket seats with red stitching. The same hue of stitching has been carried over to the rear bench seat, while the headrests feature Renaultsport badging. Other interior highlights include visible red stitching for the Alcantara steering wheel trim and handbrake gaiter, as well as an alloy gear lever knob.

The new halo model for the Megane range is set to make its UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014 in June. It will be sold in 20 countries worldwide, with UK pricing and specification details to be confirmed in June, with first deliveries in October.

And what if that wasn’t all that appealed to them?

#UNDER8… Find out more on 16 June at www.renaultsport.com 

The ultimate Abarth - The 695 Biposto, Supercar performance, city car size.

• With 190 hp, 997 kg, a 1.4 T-Jet engine, the Abarth ‘695 biposto’ offers the best weight-to-power ratio in its category (5.2 kg/hp) as well as the best acceleration, at 0-62 mph (just 5.9 sec)
• A fusion of street and race car: it’s the road-going reinterpretation of the Abarth 695 Assetto Corse, competitor on the most famous European racetracks
• It’s the first road-going car in the world, currently in its category, equipped with H-pattern gearbox with dog rings
• The ‘695 biposto’ inherits the following from the world of racing: front intercooler, Akrapovic exhaust system, Extreme Shox adjustable shock absorbers, MXL digital data logger, Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats with 4-point seat belts, Brembo braking system, lightened 18-inch OZ rims and rear titanium roll bar by Poggipolini
• Breathtaking style for an ‘essential’ two-seater dedicated to performance: fixed front windows with polycarbonate sliding panels and specific styling kit – bumpers, side skirts, wheel arches and spoilers – with carbon inserts produced by Zender according to the instructions of the Abarth Style Centre
• Performance in complete safety: ABS, ESP and TTC, self-locking clutch-plate differential, racing-derived Brembo braking system and Extreme Shox shock absorbers
• Special kits to ensure maximum customisation

Abarth 695 biposto is not a “Limited Edition”, but it is certainly a “special” car. A perfect fusion that shows what it’s made of starting with the exhilarating performance: with a weight of just 997 kg and the 1.4 T-Jet engine, brought to 190 hp for the first time on a road-going car, the Abarth ‘695 biposto’ is the car with the best weight-to-power ratio (5.2 kg/hp) and the best acceleration (0-62 mph in 5.9 sec) in the category, reaching a top speed of 143 mph.

It’s the first time that a ‘street legal’ car, currently in its category, is offered with a gearbox featuring dog rings with controls and disc and clutch self-locking differential derived from racing, making upwards gear changes so rapid that expert drivers don’t need to use the clutch. The driver interface is a genuine work of art: an all-aluminium turret with H-configuration gear selection, worthy of a true supercar. This is unique, exclusive content, created from the racing car transmission expertise of Bacci Romano, suited to expert drivers and offered as an alternative to the 5-speed manual gearbox, teamed with 190 hp for the first time.

Abarth’s challenge was to find the perfect balance in the formula required to bring a car that guarantees the performance and feel of the track to the road, in accordance with its rules: ‘distilling’  the essence of Abarth through careful selection of high-performance materials, advanced technology and superior partners.

Everything about the Abarth ‘695 biposto’ talks racing. Starting with the intercooler, positioned at the front with specific pipes inspired by race cars, moving on to the dynamic aspiration filter casing with carbon finish by BMC, world leader in the sector of filters and air intake devices intended for racing, and arriving at the dual-stage exhaust system with titanium tail pipes by Akrapovic, a company which produces competition exhaust systems for Moto GP, Superbike, Supersport, Supermotard, Motocross, Enduro and rally raid. Pressing the SPORT button on the dashboard completely opens the exhaust valve, contributing to improved performance and enhancing the car with a powerful, unmistakable sound.

Supercar performance matched by just as much reliability and safety: ABS, ESP and TTC, disc and clutch self-locking differential and the racing-derived Brembo braking system with front floating, ventilated and perforated discs (305×28 mm) and four-piston one-piece calipers (4×38 mm). The car is also equipped with shock absorbers with hydraulic and height adjustment by Extreme Shox, leading European provider of dynamic solutions for vehicles used from F1 to Rally, as well as “Le Mans series”  and the WTCC.

Its racing impulse is completed by the front fixed windows with polycarbonate sliding panels and, together with 215/35 R18 tyres, lightened 18-inch rims by OZ. This company symbolises Italian manufacturing quality through the creation of excellent products for customising cars and bikes and can boast numerous international successes in F1, Rally, DTM and Indy car. It shares with Abarth Italian taste, racing tradition and certified quality. 

For real racing fans, who always want their performance under control, there’s the data logger from MLX, world leader in data acquisition and display technology for motorsport and racing.

For a balanced ‘formula’, the aesthetics can’t be neglected. This is demonstrated by certain exterior elements – such as the front and rear bumpers, side skirts, wheel arches and spoiler – which are more pronounced, ‘muscular’ and enhanced by carbon inserts. Made by Zender, a company known for creating high-quality aesthetic design components, according to the instructions of the Abarth Style Centre, these particular aesthetic solutions make the ‘695 biposto’ stand out at first glance.

The bodywork is characterised by a brand-new textured-effect Matt Grey colour, as if the car were created straight from the road, and further enhanced by titanium finishes for the front bonnet trim, door handles and tailgate and rear handle. The metal, known for its resistance, also characterises the hub caps, wheel bolts and water, oil and fuel caps.

The bonnet has a specific design with two bumps, inspired by the classic 124 Abarth, and is made of aluminium, in homage to the cars of the past and as a technical solution to reduce the weight of the car.

The mirror and post covers are made of carbon, as on the most prestigious supercars: this is a particular feature created in collaboration with the historic partner Adler, world leader in the sector of design, processing, production and commercialisation for high-quality plastic materials intended primarily for the automotive sector.

Carbon provides an aesthetic link between exterior and interior, characterised by dashboard fascia inserts, front and rear panels, flat as in race cars, central tunnel cover and handbrake made with this prestigious material.

The choice of prestigious materials and racing-derived technical decisions includes the front trim, where the mat, typical of road-going cars, makes way for an aluminium lining that associates the ‘695 biposto’ both with race cars and the most extreme supercars. The same metal characterises the brake, clutch and accelerator pedals and the driver and passenger side footrests.

The racing spirit of the ‘695 biposto’ is embodied in the rear titanium roll bar by Poggipolini, a company renowned for extremely high-precision machining and for structural and weight-reduction solutions, through the use of special alloys, to the extent of being a point of reference in the Automotive, F1 and Aerospace sectors.

The rear compartment, which is distinguished by the absence of seats, is characterised by a lining in a technical material which, as with the bodywork, recalls the colour and texture of asphalt. An ‘anti intrusion’ net for securing luggage and the four-point seat belts are also attached to the roll bar, in both cases with a racing flavour and made by Sabelt, major producer of seat belts and seats for race cars in Italy and reference brand for technical clothing and racing sportswear.

The same is true of the Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats with carbon shell, with upholstery comprising electro-welded Alcantara and titanium-coloured leather with brand-new colours and finishes for an Abarth. The steering wheel is marked by the same colours. Finally, the door handle and oddment net enhance the front door panel and lend the final, emphatic touch to the racing feel of the interior.

Abarth has created a car that seemed impossible. By striving for the essential, it found superlative performance and style. As in 1964, when Abarth put a series of accessories intended to enhance aesthetic and dynamic characteristics as well as safety on the price list at launch for the 695, today Abarth breaks down the offer into three customisation kits.

The ‘Exterior Kit’ brings together all the ‘resistant and light’ materials that characterise the car’s exterior: aluminium bonnet with specific design, hub caps and wheel bolts and water, oil and fuel caps in titanium.

With the ‘Carbon Kit’, you can give the ‘695 biposto’ the look of a supercar in a higher category: carbon is added to the mirror and post covers on the outside, and to the dashboard fascia, front door panel and rear-view mirror on the inside.

For those with racing in their blood, Abarth has designed a ‘Racing Kit’ with accessories that derive directly from the world of racing, like the digital data logger and the four-point seat belt attached to the seats with carbon shell. The dream of feeling like a racing driver every day, also courtesy of the technical equipment provided: suit, shoes, gloves and helmet of a real Abarth driver, with the chance to personalise them with your initials.