Citroen DS3 convertible on the way

Citroen will manufacture a convertible version of its fashionable DS3 supermini, a source has revealed.

However, facts of the DS3 Convertible are vague. It isn't clear whether Citroen will use a metal folding roof or a fabric roof. In addition, it’s uncertain if the DS3 Convertible will have the same engine line-up as the hatch, which consists of three petrol's and two turbo-diesel engines.

Citroen has confirmed that there won't be a convertible variant of the DS3 Racing. The hot hatch is due to go on sale in the UK later on this Summer.

Prices for the DS3 Convertible have yet to be announced, but expect to pay around £2,000 over the hatchback, which would mean a starting price of roughly £14,000.

lincoln navigator 2009

Suzuki recalls over 5,500 Kizashi sedans (U.S)

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Suzuki is recalling approximately 5,701 Kizashi sedans manufactured from 13th October 2009 to 31st May 2010, due to the centre-lower glove box on the dashboard opening during a crash and perhaps cause injury if it comes in contact with the front seat passenger.

Suzuki said that it will replace the part on the affected cars for free. The company plans to notify owners with the safety recall expected to begin in mid-July. For more information, Kizashi owners can contact Suzuki directly at 1-714-996-7040.

2011 Hyundai Genesis facelift spied

Hyundai is wasting no time revising the Genesis mid-sized executive sedan. Spied testing in Death Valley, CA and somewhere in South Korea, the 2011 Genesis will take on some minor changes . The Genesis has only been on sale for 2 years – it was launched as a 2009MY in mid 2008.

Numerous alterations will be apparent like reshaped front bumper with new lower air intakes, LED day-time running lights, front/side/rear skirts, rear chrome trim, and revised rear bumper incorporating faux Lexus LS like dual exhausts.

Internally, very little change is visible, with the exception of a BMW-like iDrive system. This is likely to operate a new 8 speed automatic transmission, recently announced by Hyundai. Under the hood, the 290bhp 3.8 litre V6 Lambda and 385bhp 4.6 litre V8 Tau engines will be improved for better fuel economy and power. For 2011, an all-new 5.0 litre V8 will debut, which is expected to generate 429bhp. The new V8 will also be used in the larger Equus sedan. It is probable that Hyundai will also use their new GDI (gasoline direct-injection) engines. Additionally, AWD will also be offered.

The facelifted Genesis will go on sale in the U.S and Australia mid-2011.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pogea Racing - Fiat 500 Ferrari Edition

Pogea Racing has released an incredible upgrade package for the special edition Fiat 500 Abarth 595 Ferrari that includes both performance and styling enhancements.

Pogea Racing believes the standard 180 hp of the special edition model is not enough, so they gave it another 100 hp. This means the total output of the Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari gets up to 268PS and 330 Nm of torque. In a car this size, with front-wheel-drive, getting so close to 300 hp is pure madness.

The standard Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition makes a respectable 164-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Pogea Racing decided to take it a step further and added larger stainless steel exhaust system, modified downpipe, and a new catalytic converter. All those modifications allow for a total of 264-hp and a maximum torque of 243 lb-ft. For stopping power Pogea Racing upgraded the OEM brakes with their 4-piston brake assembly.

To add cooling to both the intake air, and to lower the combustion temperature, a modified Intake cooling system was created. A center-mount, larger, more efficient intercooler replaces the two smaller original intercoolers. Additional air is being pumped into the engine compartment to cool the accessories via the carbon fiber parts of the Assetto Corse. Fuel injection is optimized by changing fuel pressure valves and using upgraded Bosch fuel injectors.

With the added power comes upgraded four-piston caliper brakes.  Options available include an upgrade suspension, unspecified carbon fiber parts, and leather upholstery.  Taking a cue from the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, the car appears to be painted in the same Scuderia Red with grey race stripes around the venting on the hood.  Pricing on the Pogea Racing 500 package begins at €3400.




Press Release

The mighty Italian - Fiat 500 FERRARI DEALERS EDITION with 268 PS

When there is a new project at Pogea Racing, one can be absolutely sure that everything is well studied to the smallest detail.

The hardest part of the development process was to avoid using a separate Tuning Box Unit. Unlike other "tuners", Pogea Racing starts with the OEM ECU of the Fiat 500 Abarth, instead of relying on a separate controller unit. Pogea Racing develops the software data to work directly with the vehicle's ECU. This assures that instructions that are sent from the ECU direct all normal functions of the car properly. An auxiliary unit cannot control all functions, and will ignore the vehicle's ECU's commands. Herein lies the principal difference between Pogea Racing's development and other Tuners.

Pogea Racing chose a very rare model, the Fiat 500 FERRARI DEALERS EDITION of Abarth. The standard engine is already relatively strong, coming with 165PS and 230Nm. Pogea Racing increases the performance of the small Italian model by adding 100hp on top of the standard engine, producing 268PS and 330 Nm total power. The Pogea Racing model was also measured and developed on one of the most modern all-wheel drive dynamometers. To get this power out of the mighty Italian car, they changed the exhaust system and replaced it with a larger stainless steel exhaust system, modified downpipe, and a new catalytic converter. The tailpipes can be chosen by the customer from many available Designs.

Power comes from the new hybrid turbocharger from Pogea Racing. Currently, there are two turbocharger variants that the customer can choose from. To add cooling to both the intake air, and to lower the combustion temperature, a modified Intake cooling system was created. A center-mount, larger, more efficient intercooler replaces the two smaller original intercoolers. Additional air is being pumped into the engine compartment to cool the accessories via the carbon fiber parts of the Assetto Corse. Fuel injection is optimized by changing fuel pressure valves and using upgraded Bosch fuel injectors.

For increased stopping power Pogea Racing upgraded the OEM Brake system with their 4-piston brake assembly. This detail is very important to Pogea Racing, and they developed a brake system with identical weight to the OEM brake system, but about 1,8m reduced braking distance when compared to the OEM brakes. You can round up the entire kit with TÜV Approval and with an optional warranty for engine, turbo, and transmission. Pogea Racing completes its tuning work exclusively at their headquarters in the center at the Bodensee.

Apart from the performance cure Pogea Racing also offers Assetto Corse Parts as legal TÜV Approved Parts dealer in Germany for the current models. The parts come directly from the factory in Italy. So now your Fiat can become optically at least a large Ferraristi, or even an image of the 100 PS Assetto Corse. Pogea Racing has other services; leather work, individual suspension systems, and carbon fiber parts can also be part of your individualization. Now there is one tuning company which makes just about everything for your little Italian. Prices for the smallest Change begin at 3400€.

Hyundai Avante/Elantra exceeds 5,000 orders (SK)

Hyundai Motor Company has announced that it has received over 5,000 pre-orders for the all-new, Avante/Elantra compact sedan in South Korea.

Hyundai began taking orders on the 21st June and has since gained remarkable popularity for the newest addition to its line-up. The new Avante made its public debut at the Busan International Motor Show in April.

For the South Korean market, the Avante is available with a single engine; a 1.6 litre GDI (gasoline direct-injection) Gamma 4 cylinder petrol engine that produces 138bhp/140PS and 167Nm (133 lb.ft) of torque. It is linked to either a standard 6 speed manual transmission or a 6 speed automatic.

The new Avante is feature packed with numerous standard features such as 6 airbags, rear parking sensors heated front seats, ambient lighting, colour TFT LCD information display. Optional items include HID headlamps w/ LED tail-lamps, heated rear seats and a 10 way electrcially adjustable driver seat.

Since its launch back in 1990, the Avante/Elantra sold in excess of 6m units worldwide. Expect to see the redesigned Avante to make its North American debut early next year.

ESC to get cheaper (UK)

Bosch has designed and developed a new steering-wheel sensor that should make fitting stability control cheaper and more widely available in small cars. The system uses technology to establish the angle of the steering wheel, something that is increasingly used in stability control systems.

It's cheaper than previous systems, which, Bosh says, makes it particularly suitable for small cars where standard fitment of stability control is less common.

It is estimated that it costs £200 for car manufacturers to fit stability control and that if it were standard on every car it would reduce road deaths by 30%. According to motor industry research centre Thatcham, which monitors fitment rates and tests effectiveness, only 63% of new cars in the UK have stability control fitted as standard – one of the lowest figures in Europe.

The 2008 Fiat 500 has ESP as standard, while the 2009 Citroen C1 has ESP as an option.