Alfa Romeo 4C with 300 hp

Alfa Romeo will introduce in Geneva the production version of the Alfa 4C.

The turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine draws its power from the traditional Alfa Romeo displacement of 1,750 cubic centimeters. He was with a view to use in the new 4C on both the A-like outlet optimized again thoroughly.

The power to weight with Alfa Romeo's "less than 4 kg per horsepower" to. If we go from a total weight of 1,200 kilograms (and much more likely the extremely compact construction Alfa-athletes do not get on the scale), it would mean that the small 1.75-liter engine will mobilize at least 300 hp.

This unit in all-aluminum construction, the sophisticated Alfa TCT automatic transmission (with dual dry clutch) in combination with rear-wheel drive and an additional "Race" mode for the Alfa DNA vehicle dynamics program suggest a correspondingly ambitious dynamics.

For the mid-engine sports car takes Alfa Romeo back to materials that were used also in the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The material mix of carbon fiber aluminum to facilitate the total weight of a few pounds. In addition, the Alfa 4C is extremely compact: it is less than 4 meters long, 200 meters wide center, 118 cm tall and has a wheelbase of just under 2.4 meters.

A straightforward design language also characterizes the interior of the Alfa Romeo 4C. Clearly visible: the unclad portions of the carbon fiber chassis. They emphasize its function as a protective cell survival and emphasize both the very light such as high strength "framework" of 4C.

The in-house Centro Stile Alfa Romeo 4C will be built in the subscribed Maserati Modena factory, it comes in the course of 2013 to the market.

Photos: Alfa Romeo

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VW Golf R Cabriolet 265 hp

The sports version of the VW Golf Cabriolet can now be ordered in good time before the hopefully soon begin open air season from 43,325 euros. Thus, the Wolfsburg then bring the most expensive but also the fastest Golf Cabriolet history on the market. Ensure the sporting buyer is then screwed but also the already known from the sedan 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with 195 kW / 265 hp under the hood. However, this engine has in the closed variant good 270 hp and there is the force transmitted to all four wheels. The convertible drivers must be satisfied with a pure front-wheel drive.

This has then also a significant influence on the acceleration values. While the car in 5.7 seconds to sprint takes to 100 km / h, then it takes the open-air golf 6.4 s already good, we do not want search the fly in the ointment, because after all, that's enough for the fleet ride along the beach promenade all from. And the consumption falls by 8.2 l/100 km to 0.3 l of at least less than the sedan. In the circuit takes you back to the Volkswagen Cabrio to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The competition on the street recognizes the R variant of the fresh-air golf, for example to the "Talladega" alloy wheels in 18-inch format, the lowered by 25 mm sport suspension or the specially designed front and rear bumpers. Sill extensions and a rear spoiler in body color provide a muscular appearance of the dashing Lower Saxony. Also make the black calipers with the R logo, the R-typical tailpipes left and right and the black exterior mirror housings immediately clear that this is a special vehicle anrollt. Inside, there are of course the obligatory leather sport seats, to admire the leather sport steering wheel and a lot of applications of aluminum and stainless steel.

Photos: © Volkswagen

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BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo: Business Class for the highway

After sedan and wagon now the third body version of the Munich bedrock comes on the market. In early March, the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo in Geneva will be presented to the world public, 15 June, the rollout is in the car dealerships. He looks from the front even as "ordinary" 3, so show up at the rear of the car but a few design changes.

But beautiful in order. Front of course greets the BMW-typical radiator grille. The elongated headlights connect the front view of the car with the fenders. The long bonnet has exactly like the low roofline somewhat. Of a coupe But the highly stretched tail displays already recognize that it needs to be more space than a flashy sports car. The already compared to the 3 Series Touring had grown to 20 cm long and had grown by 8.1 cm in height to make it clear. This is then also the rear-seat passengers in the form of abundant legroom used to benefit. And also equipment with a luggage compartment volume from 520 to 1600 liters is larger than on the Touring.

On the trunk lid then emblazoned which automatically from a speed of 110 km / h extending mini spoiler. He and lengthened by 11 centimeters compared to the wheelbase Touring will be important building blocks for a good driving stability. The necessary dynamics of three petrol and two diesel engines will provide. In the petrol, the buyer has the choice between the top engine, the 335i in a six-cylinder version and the two four-cylinder 328i and 320i. When the diesels are the 318d and the 320d in the offer. The power range of the engines ranges from 143 to 306 hp. All units are working with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The drive is provided by BMW as usual via the rear wheels. For the power transmission standard with a six-speed manual transmission is responsible. Optionally, an eight-speed automatic will be booked. To save fuel, all models have been the mandatory start-stop system.

Starting in July 2013, can be not only the usual trim levels Sportsline, Luxury Line and Modern Line again the M-Sport package can be ordered. In the summer is to be added then another diesel engine and the xDrive will be available. For merchant gets the Gran Tourismo from € 36,150, what are the proud 1,800 euros more than the Touring.

Photos: © BMW

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