Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

For those who thought that Alfa Romeo’s irresistible 8C Competizione couldn’t get any sexier, the company has decided to release a Spider version which will also be produced in a limited run of only 500 units. The new model will get a classic fabric soft top which will operate electronically from a button on the dashboard.

There are some styling tweaks which differentiate the Spider from its coupe sister but essentially it’s a stock 8C Compitizione, sans roof. Alfa have said that they optimised some of the external styling elements, like wing mirrors, using computer models and tests in wind tunnels etc.

However, there's no word on how the car has been modified to deal with the loss of structure due to the roof being chopped off, which always affects performance and handling. The engine and gearbox are identical to the units used in the Coupe.

Press Release

Alfa 8C Spider, a global preview

Debuting at Geneva showroom is the captivating Alfa 8C Spider. Like the Alfa 8C Competizione, the Gran Turismo which received resounding global praise; the new “discovery” will be produced in a limited edition run of 500.

Elaborated by the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, the new car re-affirms the brand's excellence in this sector, as shown by some Spider's being regarded among the most beautiful cars in global automotive history. Cars such as the Giulietta Spider from the 50's or the legendary Duetto made famous by “The Graduate” from 1967 with a young Dustin Hoffman. Today, it's the Alfa 8C Spider's turn to take centre stage and project into the future the values of technology and emotion which belong to the Alfa Romeo legacy.

Obviously, the new vehicle inherits all the winning features of the Coupè version. Starting with the two “sport seats” setup and the fascinating exterior lines, which characterized by sculpted and finely designed bodywork, “dress” the automotive and mechanical excellence of the model.

In detail, the marked dynamics of the vehicle are highlighted by the horizontal groove “built” into the bonnet at wheel level. The oversize wheels and powerful “muscles” of the rear mudguard accentuate the personality and force of the model, without diminishing the elegance of those fluid lines. Instead they highlight the formal beauty of the singular external features: the “teardrop” fog lights set like a precious jewel in the front mudguard, the front Led lights, a synthesis of technology and rationality, and the essential door handle.

Furthermore, in the front we can find the characteristic Alfa Romeo stylings, with a new interpretaion of the “whiskers” and shield. Without forgetting, that this innovative range anticipates the elements and proportions of the future Alfa Romeo cars, always with complete respect for the historical legacy of the brand.

It's worth underlining that to reach these top levels of areo-dynamic efficiency, solutions which don't limit themselves to the design of the form have been adopted on the Alfa 8C Spider. All the surfaces and profiles of the uprights and windows, together with the form and positioning of the rear-view mirrors, have been optimized using computer models and tests in wind tunnels and real-life environments. As a result, air flows round the vehicle following it's natural path, unhampered by corners and irregularities. The end result is a negative LC (lift coefficient) which like competition vehicles, contributes to stability at high speeds.

But the peculiarity of this vehicle, is the hooded top fitted with electro-hydraulic automatic control (controllable via a button on the dashboard). The hooded top of the Alfa 8C Spider is composed of two overlapping sheets: the external one is made with a multi-thread textile which can withstand the elements, whilst the interior has high sound-proofing qualities. Furthermore, the hooded roof-top, available in various colours, has been perfected aesthetically, aerodynamically and for acoustic comfort. It has also been perfected from a functional point of view, with specially developed film-reels to render more agile, rapid and secure any explanations of the functioning.
In the interior, the Alfa 8C Spider guarantees a sophisticated environment, thanks to the vast use of composite materials in the dashboard and internal panels, as well as the use of anatomical seats, produced in carbon fibres, that can be adjusted according to the physical characteristics of the driver (up to now, a feature only available to racing cars). Furthermore, for maximum possible personalization of the interior, the client can chose between different environments and aesthetic solutions. All distinguishable by the particular attention to detail and artisan workmanship: from the contrasting stitches, colour tone and exclusive matchings. The bucket seats are upholstered in Frau flower leather (an exclusive and innovative treatment of the weave, in which the leather is bound to a natural fibre, creating a look of great visual impact).

In analogous fashion to the interior, the same care has been taken in realizing the exteriors: from the alloy wheels to the brake calipers, every detail can be chosen to your particular design, because every Alfa 8C Spider can only look similar to itself. An unmistakable car made to measure for the owner's personality. The unique and un-repeatable Alfa 8C Spider announces the pleasure of a sporty drive with full respect for the brand's legacy.

Like in the best Alfa Romeo tradition, hidden under this pretty “dress” is the best of what's available in the field of mechanics and propulsions. Firstly, the Alfa 8C Spider has a rigid and light structure (the compact frame is made in steel for maximum torsion to guarantee a drive which is always precise and sure, whilst the body is in carbon fibre). We are dealing with a choice motivated by the need to reduce as much as possible the weight but also to optimize the centre of gravity for agility and drive-ability in the more demanding journeys.

Still under the banner of sophisticated technology, the Alfa 8C Spider adopts the new “8 cylinder mated to a 5-speed gearbox with 90°” and a capacity of 4691 cm3 which has been designed with one specific aim: guarantee extraordinary performances without relinquishing the fluidity of the gearshift or the ease of use in any driving context. Like so, a powerful and progressive propulsion is born with a top power of 450 CV at 7.000 rpm and a maximum torque of 7.500 rpm. This engine has been mated to a self-shifting 6-speed gearshift (with computerized selection of the gears via levers behind the steering-wheel), and a self-blocking differential unit.
As in the legendary Formula 1 vehicles from the 50's, the Alfa 8C Spider sports the Transaxle design which guarantees the best equilibrium in the partioning of weight. The propulsion is placed in the rear whilst the gearshift is placed behind along the differential and hydraulic motor unit. The Transaxle design foresees a tight connection between motor and gearshift, which is fitted with a self-blocking differential. The two groups are linked by a tubular element, at the interior of which rotates the transmission driving shaft: in this manner the load is distributed in an optimal manner between the front and rear suspension.

So much power can only be entrusted to an excellent braking system: the Alfa 8C Spider is fitted with carbo-ceramic Brembo (CCM), 380 mm in diameter on the front-wheels and 360 mm on the back-wheels. This solution guarantees a powerful brake action even in the most intense uses. The marked reduction in weight, in comparison to a traditional set-up, reduces the masses unsupported by the vehicle and so improves the dynamic performance and driving comfort. Furthermore, the mono-block calipers guarantee maximum rigidity and minimal deformation, given the high loads generated by the pressure of the pistons on the brake-linings.
Therefore, the Alfa 8C Spider “declares itself Alfa” all the way, confirming control and driving pleasure with no compromises. Since always, gear comfort and dynamic performance are qualities specific to Alfa Romeo cars: in this case they have become veritable strong points. Thanks to for example, the suspensions which foresee a high wishbone suspension with brackets and uprights in forged aluminium, that act as a supplementary strut for alignment control.

Contributing also to the brilliant road control are specially developed 20” tyres to insure excellent performance, the tyres have a: 245/35 front-suspension and a rear-suspension of 285/35. Fitted on perforated rims in fluid moulded aluminium to ensure lightness and maximum brake ventilation efficiency. Lastly, the Alfa 8C Spider uses an evolved VDC Alfa Romeo traction and stability system, which ensures the driver feels at one with his car.

Fiat 500 Abarth coming soon

“With a strong sporty personality, the new car will be powered by a Fire 1.4 16v petrol Turbo engine, which delivers a maximum of 135 bhp (100kW) at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 206Nm at 3,000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode…” says Fiat with a straight face. Say what? Only 135 bhp? We waited so many months for a measly 135 horses? We must have been robbed.

See, previous generation Ford Focus used a 2.0-litre engine to generate a similar amount of buzz in the hood. So 135 seems impressive for a 1.4, albeit force-fed. But scratch under the skin a little and you’ll discover that 500 Abarth’s closest nemesis, MINI Cooper S, squats with 172 horses underneath her belly. Fact is, a region of 135 bhp hasn’t been made by a compact hot hatch since Fiesta ST came into power. That was during the middle ages.

Yes we are simply bowled over by the exceptionally stylish 500 Abarth with its smokey wheels, fat wheel arches and honeycomb mashed grille. It’s the stuff of legends even as it does not move. And when it moves, to 100km/h to be precise, over 8 seconds will go by. Compare this with Cooper S’s 7.3 odd and you start to ask questions like “will they make an even faster version”? They will.

As far as handling goes, Fiat has put to use a Torque Transfer Control system that hugs bends like your aunt used to hug you, promising handling that is highly entertaining. Perhaps I’m missing the point entirely here, perhaps 500 Abarth doesn’t care if the other kid is quicker off the block, or that he is better-endowed. Perhaps. Perhaps Abarth only cares that she can offer the best value entertainment for buck in her block, and believes that being a showstopper doesn’t necessarily involve a test of manhood.

Wallpapers 6

Ferrari F430 Spider F1 by Novitec

656 hp cabrio

Novitec has finished its Ferrari 430 Spider Supersport just in time for the cabriolet season. Novitec released the Ferrari 430 Supersport last year after thoroughly testing it in the University of Stuttgart wind tunnel, maximising aerodynamics and down force.

The Novitec Spider Supersport isn't just the open-top version of the coupe but has been uniquely enhanced with a special KW coil over suspension systrem which not only improves driving dynamics but also has an additional hydraulic adjustment. The front of the car can be raised by 40 mm at the touch of a button, a major plus point in case your garage is at the bottom or top of an incline. If the car hits 80 km/h the suspension automatically returns to its normal settings.

The Novitec F430 Spider Supersport is powered by a 656 hp /662 Nm torque bi-compressor engine, with modified ECU, watercooled intercooler, modified turbine blades, separated oil circuit and stainless steel 90 mm tailpipes. The car sits on 20 inch Novitec NF3 three piece wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero Rosso (front: 235/30R20, back:325/25R20) rubber. Carbon covers the engine compartment and the ventilation louvres, while the lights are all blackened.

Hartge BMW M3 Accessories

Tuning firm Hartge has released their range of accessories for the new BMW M3. Available options include a new electronic control unit module which upgrades the top speed limit of the car to match the rating of the tires. For Pirelli P ZERO tires the speed limiter rating goes up to 340 km/h / 211mph.

Body enhancements include a discrete boot spoiler, carbon casings for the exterior mirrors, and Hartge badges for the hood and boot. Inside there are a number of different steering wheels which can come in leather, with a carbon fiber cover, or with a cover that features a mix of carbon fiber and chrome. Also available are a set of three aluminum pedals for cars with manual transmissions, an aluminum foot rest, Hartge gear knobs, a leather and aluminum handbrake handle, a Hartge steering wheel emblem, and branded floor mats.

Hartge also offers a variety of wheels can be equipped with either Continental or Pirelli tires.

Mercedes CL 65 AMG by Vath

There are already plenty of ways to get your monster-Benz thrills, but one more couldn't hurt, now could it? Aimed at those drivers for whom the Mercedes CL 65 AMG's 612-horsepower V12 just isn't enough, German tuning firm Vath has released a tuning package for the high-performance luxury coupe.

With Vath's kit, the twin-turbo 6.0 liter V12 in the big Benz cranks out 718 horsepower. Of course, that kind of power wouldn't be any fun with an electronic nanny aboard, so Vath also removes the CL 65 AMG''s speed limiter, allowing this boosted beast to run all the way up to a reported 211mph (340 km/h), which suggests that this CL 65 AMG can run down most supercars while providing an opulent and relatively quiet ride. A high-performance carbon brake kit, 20-inch wheels and a lowered suspension are also part of the package, to help the CL 65 AMG handle the additional performance.

Style-wise, the Vath-tuned CL 65 AMG gets a carbon bodykit with a revised spoiler up front and an integrated air diffuser at the rear.

Lorinser Nardo3 at Geneva

German tuner Lorinser has released details about their plans for the Geneva Auto Show, where they will introduce the Nardo3 and the C-Class T-Model.

The C-Class T-Model is based off of Mercedes’ C320 T CDI and comes with a special Lorinser diesel module, tuned to deliver 192 kW/261hp instead of the 164 kW/224hp delivered by the standard model. It also features an aerodynamic styling package and 19-inch wheels.

Using the Mercedes SL as a platform, the Nardo3 pushes the biturbo V12 to create 485 kW/660hp and 1013 Nm of torque. Top speed is limited to 325hm/h to prevent damage to the transmission. Exterior differences include a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust, unique wheels, extended side skirts, modified side vents, and a new front end. Production will be limited to 50 copies.