Author: EuroCarBlog.com

This Peugeot RCZ test drive by Autocar takes us through some of the more interesting design features of the 2+2 coupe, including the stunning aluminium arches and double bubble roof, as well as a brief introduction on just what this car means for Peugeot. The RCZ is set to mark the start of a new era for the company, not only as it branches out into new segments, but also as it redefines itself in the market.

Autocar reveals that the RCZ is based on the Peugeot 308, but with a totally revamped suspension system and wider and lower wheelbase, all to give the RCZ a more precise driving feel. This particular model of the Peugeot RCZ is equipped with the 1.6-litre THP petrol engine with 200 hp, which will be available at a later date to the launch model engines: the 1.6-litre with 156 hp and the 2.0-litre HDi with 163 hp.

Unfortunately Autocar says that its a smooth ride, but that the modest performance is not going to ’set your hair on fire’. This is a disappointing revelation for me, as I was hoping that Peugeot had managed to transfer some of its rally performance onto the RCZ to make this a competitive coupe model. On the positive side, though, this is pegged as the only Peugeot this side of the year 2000 that is any fun to drive.

Returning to my question mark about whether any of the past Peugeot grunt of the great GTi models is apparent on the RCZ, the answer is apparently no. It’s a good car, it’s a fun car, but it’s not a great Peugeot that will go down in the history books. We weren’t necessarily expecting a groundbreaking Peugeot that would bring back that rally feeling, but we can’t help feeling that Peugeot has missed an opportunity with the RCZ to build something worthy of that tradition. It’s like the brand relaunch is ignoring the positive parts of Peugeot tradition in light of more recent disappointments, and won’t be looking at anything from the past in its attempt to produce something that drives well, but that doesn’t really speak the old-school Peugeot language.

Autocar differs, saying that the Peugeot RCZ is a step in the right direction. Peugeot is back with a good-looking drivers’ car which is fun and easy to drive and that can only be a positive thing. The model that will bring us back to the Peugeot tradition could be further down the track after this respectable effort at a car that could prove competitive in its segment. We’ll just have to wait and see. Watch the video and see what you think of the RCZ now that it’s actually out on the road.

Here’s another video of the Audi RS 5 coupe, this time complete with funky music and commentary. Audi has produced some not-so-interesting cars over the years, but it would be difficult to deny that the RS 5 is the hot performance version of an already sexy car. Marketing spiel or not, the Audi A5 has ‘persuasive elegance’ and we’d have to agree.

For the record, the Audi RS 5 is equipped with a 4.2-litre FSI V8 engine with 450 hp and 430 Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 250 km/hr and can reach 100 km/hr in 4.6 seconds. Did we say it looks good in red? I mean, I’ll have mine in just about any colour, not to be picky, but the red just exudes speed.

These leaked pics of the new Mercedes R-Class show a significantly redesigned front end sporting a new bonnet, larger grille in ‘wide-screen’ style, new bumper and modified lights which include the new foglight design and changes to the indicators. It’s a less angular design overall that fits in with other models in the Mercedes family.

The R-Class rear generally remains unchanged apart from new look tailights and bumper, and a squared off exhaust. The interior is pretty much as it ever was but with a few new Mercedes technology touches. The steering wheel, in a new design, gets air conditioning controls and we can also expect an AMG sports interior with different seats, steering wheel paddles and stainless steel pedals.

The new Mercedes R-Class will be presented at the upcoming New York auto show, where we should get more details, including news on the engine range. In the meantime, the guys at Autoblog are betting on the standard V6 line-up of petrol and diesel.

Leaked Mercedes R-Class pics

This Volkswagen Scirocco R tuning by B&B takes the 261 hp up to an impressive 306 hp. Torque has also been increased from the R version’s 350 Nm to a new level of 410 Nm at 1,900 rpm, and that’s just the first level of the tuning version.

Level 2 makes adjustments to the exhaust for optimal air induction with improvements to air flows, ignition and fuel injection to get 320 hp and 435 Nm of torque. Top speed is up to 275 km/hr, over the 275 km/hr of Level 1 tuning. The ultimate B&B Scirocco R tuning is Level 3 which has a special turbo unit, sports exhaust and air intake over the other changes. Power gets to a whopping 357 hp with torque at 480 Nm at 2,600 rpm. Top speed reaches 280 km/hr.

The impressive figures all come with using the Volkswagen Scirocco R 2.0-litre TSI engine. If you want a little tuning done, this is one that won’t break the bank with the Level 1 and 2 B&B tuning packages costing 1,198 euros and 2,798 euros respectively. Level 3 is more costly, coming in at 7,998 euros.

BandB Volkswagen Scirocco R tuning

Source | WorldCarFans

The Alfa Giulietta in Quadrifoglio Verde version seen in this video is being used to demonstrate the Alfa DNA system and the Giulietta equipped with ESP. While we already have an idea of the three suspension modes for standard, sports and all-weather driving, this is probably one of the best looks that we’ve had so far of the new Alfa hatchback in action. For more details on the car, see our posts on the Alfa Giulietta, including the official video, live pics from Geneva and pricing and competitors details.

Source | Autoblog.it

After being served a notice and having his Mercedes C 63 AMG impounded, McLaren F1 driver Lewis Hamilton could become the world’s most famous and capable hoon – or at least Australia’s most famous and capable, according to Car Advice. On practicing a few burn outs outside the Albert Park F1 circuit, Hamilton was served a summons and had his car impounded in what will go down as Australia’s most high profile “hoon” arrest.

As Car Advice reports, Hamilton is most likely the most famous hoon ever arrested in the state of Victoria, Australia, and certainly the richest, earning more than 22 million euros a year. He joins a list of famous hoons, including:

Victoria’s youngest hoon, Laney Frankland, 5, whose 49cc minibike was impounded when Victorian police swooped as the girl rode the bike in parkland under parental supervision. The title of oldest Victorian hoon is also hotly contested – on February 28 this year a 90-year-old man stormed past the previous 80-year-old 150km/h record holder to become the state’s oldest hoon after driving drunk at more than 20km/h over the speed limit.

According to the authorities, Lewis Hamilton has felt the full force of the law and should be embarrassed by his actions, “feeling a level of discomfort” over the sanctions. But really, with Hamilton’s earnings and the fact being famous means everybody else does stuff for you:

When Laney Frankland’s minibike was impounded, the $550 fine was more than the minibike cost. In comparison, Hamilton makes about $3800 per hour for every hour of every day of the year, 24/7. He makes $580 in about nine minutes, so he basically earned twice what they fined him while he was stopped at the roadside.

You’ve got to wonder that Hamilton’s notoriety now as a ‘hoon’, and the great PR rap he’ll get for this, far outweighs any imposition of having the Mercedes impounded or paying $550 for ‘improper use of a vehicle’.

BMW’s new premium compact city car to arrive in 2014 would have front wheel drive and could be called ‘Urbanic’. Alternatively, it could be called ‘Compactive’ if BMW trademark registrations are anything to go by, although we could be looking at marketing hypotheses more than anything.

Despite this, there seems to be little doubt that BMW will release a compact city car in competition with its own Mini brand, and models such as the Alfa Romeo MiTo and, of course, the new Audi A1. Aside from that, there’s plenty of speculation to indulge in when perusing the trademark application – check it out after the jump.

* M 50 d
* Urbanic
* Gran Coupe
* Compactive
* Compactive Tourer

* i1
* i2
* i3
* i4
* i5
* i6
* i7
* i8
* i9

* E1
* E2
* E3
* E4
* E5
* E6
* E7
* E8
* E9

Source | BMWBlog

The Peugeot RCZ will appear at the Nurburgring 24 hours with two RCZ models. Peugeot is fitting them with a new aerodynamic kit, but otherwise the vehicle will have the same standard components, or components from the Peugeot Sport range. Celebrating 200 years of Peugeot, this Peugeot RCZ is called 200 Ans and is equipped with the 2.0-litre HDI FAP engine with 200 hp, compared to the 163 hp on the series version.

Peugeot is using the Nurburgring 24 hrs as a chance to do some endurance testing of models based on their series cars – similar to the Lexus LFA and the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. The 24 hours Nurburgring is turning into an interesting race for these kinds of tests, with the Porsche 911 GT3R Hybrid also participating this year.

Source | Lebuzzauto

The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta car configurator is online and it’s definitely worth a look if you’re considering buying an Alfa Giulietta. Who would have said it would look this good in black, for example? You can play around with the Alfa Giulietta interior, exterior colours, engine choices, wheels and all the options.

The Alfa Giulietta is on sale at an entry level price of 20,300 euros, topping off at 29,000 euros for the Giulietta Quadrifoglio version. The intelligent pricing makes it a competitive option for this segment, and with that classy Alfa look, we think it could become every bit as successful as the Alfa MiTo.

Source | Autoblog.it

The Ferrari 599 GTO pricing really makes this a car of your dreams and as we say we’re I’m from “tell ‘em they’re dreamin’”. The ‘entry-level’ 599 GTO will cost nearly 320,000 euros (including taxes) and if you want any of the mouth-watering options, you’ll have to have a very large bank loan approved.

The Ferrari 599 GTO with carbonfibre front spoiler costs an additional 3,350 euros, while more carbonfibre for the motor compartment will set you back another 7,775 euros. We recommend skipping anything that looks remotely like leather or Alcantara for the 599 GTO interior, and just go with the standard. At the price above, we hope the 599 GTO actually does come with seats.

But really, anyone who can actually afford this new Ferrari is unlikely to split hairs over the pricing of coloured brake calipers or the 7,176 euros needed for racing stripes painted on the side. So much for the economic crisis – all the 599 GTO models to be produced have already been sold. We’ll have more official spec details come April 7 when the official Ferrari 599 GTO presentation takes place.

Source | Autogespot via Autoblog

The historical video celebrates the life of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (RennSport), tracing a 40 year history. While we probably identify the first modern model of this kind as the Porsche 996 of 2003, the RS tradition actually started back in 1972. This video describes how the Porsche 911 GT3 RS was created and if you’re a fan, there’s so much footage here that you won’t know where to look.

The video takes us to the second generation 911 GT3 RS which is described as the “definitive track car for the road”. It’s equipped with a 3.8-litre engine with 450 hp and plenty of Porsche technology. This is not, though, a simple sports road car model – developed by Porsche motorsports, this really takes track driving to the roads. The video is a fantastic comparison of Porsche across the years – check it out above.

I’m quite taken with the Citroen DS3 Racing, having a soft spot for anything remotely rally-ish, and here is a nice gallery of pics of the DS3 R, along with the details. A limited run of 1000 units of the Citroen DS3 R will be produced and will go on sale in the second half of this year. The DS3 Racing is equipped with the 1.6-litre THP engine with 200 hp and 275 Nm of torque. It’s quite the pocket rocket, in short.

Citroen has also concentrated on making the DS3 R style something special, with larger dimensions and a lowered wheel base. It measures 395 cm long, 174 cm wide and 145 cm tall. The orange and grey colour scheme will be present on all models, as will the carbonfibre finish used on the front bumper, side skirts and rear spoiler.

Citroen DS3 Racing

Here’s the first spy video of the Ferrari 599 GTO seen testing at the Nurburgring. Did we mention it’s going to be fast? The unofficial 670 hp can be heard in these brief but spine-tingling eight seconds. Check out all the unofficial 599 GTO technical specs in our post from yesterday, and keep your fingers crossed that we will see this on April 7 as the date fixed for a possible presentation.

Source | Autoblog.it

After news that an Alfa Giulietta GTA could be in the works, here is the first rendering of a hypothetical Giulietta GTA design. If the project gets the green light, it would be the return of the GTA name, meaning Gran Turismo Alleggerita, after appearing on the Alfa 156 and Alfa 147 high performance versions.

Both of those models were equipped with the Busso 3.2-litre V6, 24V engine with 250 hp. Impressive as that engine is, the Alfa Giulietta GTA would be equipped with a 1750 TBi engine which already appears on the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde version with 235 hp. The GTA version, though, would probably use MultiAir technology, resulting in a higher power output of 250 hp.

This particular engine will appear on the Alfa Romeo 4C show car present at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August. The event will celebrate 100 years of Alfa Romeo, and the Giulietta GTA could be a nice birthday present. Whatever the engine used, power is unlikely to be below 275 hp for the Giulietta as it competes with the Volkswagen Golf R and its 2.0-litre TSI engine with 270 hp.

Source | Theophilus Chin

The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 details have been released well before originally expected at the New York Auto Show. The race version SLS AMG will not have the 5.5-litre V8 twin turbo M157 developed by AMG, but rather the 6.2-litre aspirated V8 from the SLS road version. The former should appear on the S Class models with 545 and 570, while the latter for the record, has 570 hp and 650 Nm of torque.

Significant changes to the aerodynamics have been made, including a large rear wing, front splitter and extractor. This racing SLS AMG GT3 should prove to be a real missile, and its cost could amount to 500,000 USD by the time it goes on sale in autumn this year. The official debut is still expected for the 2011 New York show, and maybe in the future the SLS Black Series could be developed on the basis of this model…

Mercedes SLS AMG GT3

A compact Bentley city car could be in the works to compete directly with the Aston Martin Cygnet. This rendering of the Bentley Barnato (here’s hoping they change the name), shows how Bentley’s stylistic themes would fit onto a luxury city car.

The rendering took the Citroen DS3 as a basis, although if a Bentley city car was to be produced, it would more likely take the new Audi A1 as the basis, given that Bentley is part of the Volkswagen group. Bentley would provide a bit of competition to Aston Martin, taking on the same ideas of surprising the market and entering a segment not traditionally its own, as the Cygnet.

Bentley would also be looking at introducing a car like the Barnato to reduce the overall high CO2 emissions of the Bentley range. This would be an additional move to the recently announced introduction of ethanol across the range. We’re not sure that the market will be too impressed by the Bentley’s and Aston’s of the world creating city cars to reduce the carbon emissions of the range, but as long as it’s a Bentley someone probably will buy it.

Source | Autoblog.nl

According to rumours on the internet, the Ferrari 599 GTO presentation will take place on April 7, meaning it won’t be long before we see this extreme, track-focused Ferrari. According to AutoGespot, the Ferrari 599 GTO will have a new version of the six-litre V12 from the 599XX, and power could be up around 620 to 670 hp.

It looks like we still won’t reach the milestone of 700 hp, but in compensation impressive torque is also expected, between 610 and 620 Nm, and acceleration to 100 km/hr could take just 3.3 seconds. The “base” model version of the 599 takes 3.7 seconds, the Enzo 3.6 and the Ferrari 458 Italia takes 3.4 seconds, putting the 599 GTO figure in a natural sequence of evolution. Apparently 0-200 km could take just 9.8 seconds which is scary stuff, as far as I’m concerned.

We knew the Ferrari 599 GTO would be a hot performer, and if these figures are confirmed, they put it at the top of supercar performers. Even a weight reduction of 195 kg is expected, meaning the 599 GTO will weigh around 1,495 kg. Compared to the Ferrari 599XX the exhaust system also gets an overhaul, which could prove music to our ears.

Ferrari 599 GTO rendering

The Alfa Giulietta will have its own official presentation a few weeks’ from now, despite already appearing at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. We’ve seen plenty of Giulietta pics, as well as live pics of the Giulietta from the show, and here, finally, is the official video.

After seeing a video of the Giulietta in the snow, we now get a closer look at it in action, along with some information regarding the details of the model. The Alfa Giulietta will have dual pinion steering, Alfa DNA with electronic differential, start&stop system and multilink suspension which should appear on other Fiat Group models in the near future. I like the video – cute and clever. Take a closer look.

Dacia is working on a low-cost MPV which you can see in these spy photos, where the camouflage includes the exterior body of the current Dacia Logan MCV. Underneath, however, is a new chassis and engine unit for a model that will be part of the Renault Grand Scenic segment. The low-cost MPV will be larger than the Renault, with a shorter wheel base and changed wheel height.

The new aggressive marketing campaign from Dacia includes a US model of the Dacia Duster under the Renault brand, and this new MPV could provide an opportunity for a new range of engines. With the Duster, Dacia production lines are running at capacity and so this new model could move to Renault’s North African facilities for manufacturing. It will be interesting to see how Dacia’s expansion plans turn out, but so far some intelligent choices regarding the model range have provided for a positive start.

Source | Automarket.ro

After the presentation of the McLaren MP4-12C which included an interview with F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, we see the MP4-12C track testing at Goodwood with the two drivers. Hamilton and Button clearly have to draw the company line and are unlikely to say anything negative about the car, unless you include “remember that it’s a road car” in that category. We get more of an idea of the MP4’s supercar driving characteristics and clearly McLaren have concentrated on building a technologically impressive vehicle, while also making sure that driving feel is part of the equation.