Novitec Alfa Romeo 8C Spider is a sexy, 600-horsepower monster

Beautiful as it is, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is widely regarded as a miserable handler. That could be chalked up to the 1990s-era Maserati platform on which it was built, but one way or another, the very thought of giving such such an archaic chassis more power to contend with could be the worst idea since New Coke. But that's not about to stop the boffins over at Novitec.The German tuning firm has a penchant for tuning Italy's finest, and have this time turned their attention to the 8C Spider. Bolting on the same supercharger and intercooler as it did with the Maserati GranCabrio, Novitec has cranked output from the 4.7-liter V8 up from 450 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque stock to a certifiable 600 hp and 434 lb-ft, figures which Novitec pegs as good for a 0-62 sprint in 3.9 seconds (down from the stock model's 4.2).The modifications applied to the sexy Spider also include a remapped engine control module and a variable stainless steel exhaust. No word on a brake upgrade, but you'd have to be even crazier to dial in that much muscle without the shoes to keep it in check. Thankfully, however, Novitec has tinkered with the suspension, fitting new coils and adjustable dampers along with Pirelli-coated modular wheels (21 inches up front, 22 in the rear) in silver on the port side and black on starboard. With all that power on tap, we can only hope the modifications to the suspension prove enough to handle it all.










[Source: Novitec via Paul Tan]

Four-cylinder engines to proliferate throughout Cadillac lineup

Traditionally, Cadillac buyers have been a V8-loving bunch. Over the past decade, the V6 came into vogue, but the four-cylinder has never really entered the discussion – until now. Car and Driver reports that Cadillac will offer turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the ATS and XTS. C/D opined that the engine of choice could be the 2.0-liter turbo that currently resides under the hood of the Buick Regal.Based on current and (known) future applications of the 2.0-liter turbo, expect output to be somewhere between 220 and 260 horsepower, though we'd likely bet that even higher output could be in store. We wouldn't be surprised if the full-sized XTS featured a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter four that will soon find itself under the hood of the 2013 Malibu. That way, General Motors could still offer 300-plus horsepower from a powertrain that is likely more efficient than the automaker's similarly powerful V6 offerings. Cadillac can also help nudge power northward and further improve fuel efficiency with hybrid and plug-in powertrains.While smaller powertrains are inevitable in the world of high gas-prices and increased fuel economy standards, getting Cadillac fans to buy into a four-pot mill could still be a challenge. But if gas prices continue to charge northward, we're guessing some consumers will actually accept the diminutive power sources with open arms. If that happens, we can expect Cadillac to offer the next generation SRX and CTS with a four-cylinder option, as well.










[Source: Car and Driver]

Honda CR-Z Mugen show car to pack 197 horsepower for Goodwood debut

Call it anticipation or call it wishful thinking, but reports of a hotter version of the Honda CR-Z have been circulating pretty much ever since the hybrid hatchback hit the market. The CR-Z may be sportier than most hybrids, but when the faithful were expecting a spiritual successor to the iconic CRX with an added jolt of electricity, many were left disappointed.Along those lines, we have good news, and we have bad news. The good news is that some new details on the hotly anticipated Mugen version of the CR-Z have dropped. The bad news is that it's still strictly a one-off show car, at least for the time being.The concept car will be revealed in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. And when it is, it won't be turbocharged as earlier speculated, but it will be supercharged. With the added benefit of forced induction, the output from the 1.5-liter i-VTEC four that forms the internal combustion part of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system will be increased by 50 percent, and when coupled with the electric component will serve up 200 metric horsepower (197 on our scale) and 181 pound-feet of torque.To go with the added power, the pseudo-works Honda tuner is also fitting adjustable dampers, a wider track, upgraded brakes and rolling stock, an enhanced aero kit and a weight-reduction regimen. Although Mugen insists it holds no plans for producing its breathed-on hybrid, there's no telling what sufficient demand might yield. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the two engine shots released to join the renderings released previously in the gallery below.

[Source: Honda UK via World Car Fans]

Porsche Panamera Diesel

Porsche has officially released the Panamera Diesel. With a range in excess of 1,200 kilometres on an 80 liter tank, the new Panamera Diesel is an economical GT saloon. Thanks to its fuel consumption of only 6.3 liters per 100 kilometer, it is the first Porsche Gran Turismo with a six-cylinder diesel engine that can drive from Berlin to Bologna without refuelling.
The Panamera Diesel has three-litre V6 engine with a rated output of 250hp achieved between 3,800rpm and 4,400rpm. The maximum torque of 550Nm is available all the way from 1,750rpm to 2,750rpm. Linked to an eight-speed Tiptronic S, the six-cylinder turbo diesel powers the new Gran Turismo from a standing start to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 242km/h. The Panamera Diesel is exclusively available with rear-wheel drive.
Adaptive air suspension is available as an alternative to the standard steel spring suspension if so desired. The new model can be recognised by the lettering “diesel” on the front doors. The Panamera Diesel costs 80,183 euro in Germany including VAT and country-specific equipment and will be available for delivery from August 2011.

[Via: GTspirit]

Porsche Panamera Diesel

Porsche has officially released the Panamera Diesel. With a range in excess of 1,200 kilometres on an 80 liter tank, the new Panamera Diesel is an economical GT saloon. Thanks to its fuel consumption of only 6.3 liters per 100 kilometer, it is the first Porsche Gran Turismo with a six-cylinder diesel engine that can drive from Berlin to Bologna without refuelling.
The Panamera Diesel has three-litre V6 engine with a rated output of 250hp achieved between 3,800rpm and 4,400rpm. The maximum torque of 550Nm is available all the way from 1,750rpm to 2,750rpm. Linked to an eight-speed Tiptronic S, the six-cylinder turbo diesel powers the new Gran Turismo from a standing start to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 242km/h. The Panamera Diesel is exclusively available with rear-wheel drive.
Adaptive air suspension is available as an alternative to the standard steel spring suspension if so desired. The new model can be recognised by the lettering “diesel” on the front doors. The Panamera Diesel costs 80,183 euro in Germany including VAT and country-specific equipment and will be available for delivery from August 2011.

[Via: GTspirit]