Autoblog

PSA: Top Gear Series 17 starts on June 26

Chris Shunk — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

There have been rumors that the Top Gear juggernaut may be nearing its end, but James May (the guy who most recently ignited the retirement talk) has been quick to shoot them down. And even if the show were nearing its end, we can at least count on another season coming, and soon. The Top Gear blog says that Series 17 begins on June 26 on BBC Two, BBC HD and all your favorite torrents immediately thereafter.

Top Gear isn't ready to release details for Series 17, but Mr. May tells the TG blog that there will be "performance cars, some electric cars, some actual racing, some proper demolition, some silly cars, and Top Gear's attempt to improve public transport." Or, put simply, the usual. May adds that the Top Gear crew hit Monaco in some hot hatches, which he found to be intimidating. We can hardly wait.

PSA: Top Gear Series 17 starts on June 26 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ford Focus ST caught cold-weather testing and track tuning

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Ford

Spy Shots: Ford Focus ST test mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

We saw the 2012 Ford Focus ST in the flesh at the 2010 Paris Auto Show, but at the time, the hot-hatch unveiled to the waiting press was merely a close-to-the-real-thing concept version. The production Focus ST should be arriving at an auto show in the near future. Apparently it's not quite ready, however, because our spy photographers managed to capture Ford engineers working over a mule-bodied example, both at the track and in the snow.

It may appear to be a standard Focus from the outside - note the standard front fascia instead of the show car's more aggressive look - but a closer inspection reveals a few unique touches first seen on the concept. For instance, a centrally mounted exhaust outlet at the rear expels emissions from the 2.0-liter EcoBoost unit lurking under the hood. Speaking of which, power is expected to be up around 250 horsepower, and the engine will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

We hope to see the 2012 Focus ST hitting dealer showrooms by the end of 2011. We also hope to score some seat time before that happens. Until then, we'll just stare at the spy photos in the gallery below, and dream about the sporty action going on under the suspiciously plain wrapper.

Gallery: Spy Photos: Ford Focus ST

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Ford Focus ST caught cold-weather testing and track tuning originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Kia Rio to spawn hot hatch?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Kia, UK, Rumormill

2012 Kia Rio - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Autocar, the minds at Kia may be mulling the creation of a hot hatch based on the all-new Rio. The news has sprouted from comments made by Benny Oeyen, Kia marketing and product planning boss in Europe. Oeyen said that the brand's perception in the old country still lags behind the quality and design that the automaker currently has to offer, and that one way to rectify that problem is with a new vehicle that can help sway public opinion. Exactly what type of vehicle are we talking about here? Oeyen pointed to a hot hatch, cabriolet or coupe as viable options.

Autocar says that a hot hatch version of the Rio is the most likely of those options, thanks largely to the fact that the segment is booming in the UK. Kia just recently unveiled a Rio show car at the Geneva Motor Show that came with a few sportier touches, including a set of large alloy wheels.

Even if Kia does pull the trigger on a hot hatch version of the Rio, chances are that the vehicle would be a Euro-only offering. If you live in the land of the free, you'll have to turn to the Hyundai Veloster for your Korean hot hatch fix.

Gallery: 2012 Kia Rio: Geneva 2011

Photos copyright (C)2011 Noah Joseph / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

New Kia Rio to spawn hot hatch? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford releases new version of the Fiesta S1600, limited to just 500 units

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Ford, UK

Another day, another hot-hatch that the United Kingdom can enjoy while thumbing their nose at our relative lack of hot-hatchitude here in the States. Ford has just announced another limited-edition run of Fiesta S1600 hatchbacks.

In 2010, Ford released a 650-car run of 118-horsepower Fiesta S1600 three-doors. A new version for 2011 uses the same engine but ups the power ante to 132 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 118 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm.

On the outside, the Ford Fiesta S1600 receives a lower front valence, larger side sills, a rear spoiler, rear diffuser and white 17-inch alloy wheels. The car is available in Frozen White or Performance Blue and both color choices get a pair of contrasting center stripes. The S1600 gets upgraded parts on the interior as well. Leather lines the heated sports seats, handbrake cover, gear level and steering wheel.

The Ford Fiesta S1600 will be limited to just 500 units and wears a price tag of £15,895, or nearly $26,000 USD. It doesn't matter how much it costs in U.S. Dollars though because we can't buy it here. That said, feel free to read all about what you'll likely be missing in the press release after the break.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford releases new version of the Fiesta S1600, limited to just 500 units

Ford releases new version of the Fiesta S1600, limited to just 500 units originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Take in the all-new Audi RS3 from every angle

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Videos, Hatchback, Audi

2011 Audi RS3 gets the silent film treatment - Click above to watch video after the jump

We already let you know earlier this week that Audi has unveiled the 2011 RS3 five-door hot hatch, and now we have video of the sporty German schnell machine.

Unfortunately, this is not a video for those eager to hear the 340 horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine or the screaming of four abused rounds of rubber. The clip we have is more of a put-on-your-favorite-song and stare. The six-and-a-half minute clip gives you the a solid glimpse at the Audi RS3 both inside and out, but there is no sound nor fury to he had. Still, beggars can't be choosers and we will take a few minutes of virtual alone time over no time at all.

Queue up some tunes, turn down the lights and hop the jump to ogle the 2011 Audi RS3.

Gallery: 2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback

[Source: Audi via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Take in the all-new Audi RS3 from every angle

Video: Take in the all-new Audi RS3 from every angle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart takes aim at the competition

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, New Car Reviews

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart - Click above for high-res image gallery

There has always been a glaringly obvious gap in Mitsubishi's current Lancer lineup. On the bottom is the... Lancer, a biggish-for-its-class economy car that no one particularly likes - at least that's what the sales charts would indicate. It's slow, filled with cheap plastics and dull. It hasn't even proven to be all that reliable by Japanese small-car standards, but at least it looks good. At the top of the heap and on a wholly different plane sits the Lancer Evolution. It's the giant-slayer, David, the little car that humbles supercars. It's also the hottest of the rally-inspired all-wheel-drive turbocharged pocket rockets. The Evo's only real competition is the Subaru WRX STI and, let's be honest, the Evo has been the better car for years now (Subaru has just updated its warrior for 2011, so a new comparison is in order). Its handling is more precise, yet at the same time more insane. The Mitsu is rawer, rougher, tougher and most importantly faster, even though it's down half a liter on the WRX STI in terms of displacement. Don't read this wrong, the STI is a fine backroad killer. But the EVO is more homicidal.

It looks like a toned down Evo, which is exactly what Mitsubishi wants you to think.

Back to that gap. In the middle of its arch rival's portfolio has long lived the WRX, Subaru's Goldie Loxian sportster, which is very fast, very nimble, but very well priced (it still starts at under $25,000). The WRX has long threaded the needle between excellent all-around performance and the customer not being able to afford a higher monthly payment. Subaru, therefore, has sold a ton of them, for not only does the WRX offer all that power and rally-bred oomph at a low price, it can be had as a wagon. Mitsubishi had nothing until this year, when the Japanese industrial powerhouse brought over two new flavors of its hopped-up Lancer, the Ralliart and the Ralliart Sportback.

Today we're taking a look at the supposedly more practical of those two additions, the five-door Sportback. When the pictures of the Lancer Sportback Ralliart started spilling onto this here internet, Yours Truly was especially excited. The main reason being that for the past eight years, I've owned a WRX wagon in one form or another. Biased? You could say that, but at that same time, I've been driving Evos against STIs and have remained aware (perhaps painfully aware) that the Evo is the sharper blade. Perhaps, then, the Sportback Ralliart could be my next fast and furious wagon, or at least go wheel-to-wheel with its competition from Fuji Heavy Industries? Hop the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Continue reading Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart takes aim at the competition

Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart takes aim at the competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS500 hacks out onto the Internet ahead of schedule

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford, UK

2011 Ford Focus RS500 - click above for high-res image gallery

We've been waiting patiently for the digital reveal of the stonking new Ford Focus RS500, but apparently others aren't quite so couth. According to one of our inside sources at the Blue Oval, the RS500's site was breached and the pictures have begun leaking out onto desktops in Europe. In response, Ford of Europe has announced that "Due to overwhelming interest shown for the new Ford Focus RS500, Ford has decided to release more information today." Uh-huh. Admittedly, while we can't condone the hacker's methodology, judging by these photographs we can understand their hurry, because Ford's latest limited-edition hot hatch looks to be a real corker.

Powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that gives 350 PS and 460 Nm of torque (that's 345 horsepower and 339 pound-feet to us Yanks), the RS500 offers an appreciable boost over the standard - and still bonkers - Focus RS and its 305 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. We're assuming that like the 'base' RS that all that power gets funneled through the front wheels, which, even with Ford's trick RevoKnuckle front suspension and Quaife limited-slip differential, figures to be something of a handful. An entertaining handful, we're sure, but a handful nevertheless. Ford hasn't released full details yet, but the current RS hits 62 mph in under six seconds and blasts to 162 mph.

If you see one of these beasties on the road (you'll know them by ~~the trail of dead~~ their 19-inch wheels and serialized one-of-500 dashboard plaques, and at least judging by the pictures above, their matte black paint), you might want to take ask for a ride - or at least take a picture. The entire 2011 production run will be spread out over 20 European markets, with the U.K. predictably getting the most (101 units), Germany getting 55 cars, France receiving 50, tiny Belgium punching above its weight with 50 units of its own, and trickling on down until the hatches get to the likes of Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Greece (five units each) and Ireland, which will receive just three.

If you're interested in picking one up and you live in one of the twenty EDM markets that the RS500 will be sold in, might we kindly suggest that you stop looking at your computer screen and get on the phone to your local dealer now? For everyone else, you'll want to check back on Wednesday, March 31 when Ford releases more information, along with added frippery like ringtones, video snippets and so on. Top tip, Helmut!

Gallery: 2011 Ford Focus RS500 (Europe)

[Source: Ford]

Ford Focus RS500 hacks out onto the Internet ahead of schedule originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 drops on unsuspecting Brits

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Mégane Renaultsport 250 -- Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not really fans of yellow cars, but every once in a while we come upon a butter-colored coupe and think, "Oh, that's not bad..." The Mégane Renaultsport 250 is just one of those cars, and makes us say again - in case we haven't said it enough - why can't we Americans have one of these?

The next evolution in the Mégane Renaultsport line, the 250 has been relentlessly fettled to provide a driver with more thrills. It comes in two versions: a race-ified Cup model, and regular. The former gets just about all the mod-cons as well as the Cup Suspension Pack with a limited slip differential, stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, grooved discs, red Brembo calipers, and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires on 18-inch wheels.

If you must have everything, don't check the "Cup" box and you'll get heated leather seats, electrically adjustable driver's seat, Renault Hands Free card, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, and 18-inch wheels on Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tires, among other things. Best of all, you can get the Cup suspension with this model if you so choose.

Both cars get 250 hp and 250 lb-ft. The Cup runs £21,995 ($35,968 U.S.) on-the-road, the non-Cup goes for £22,995 ($37,604 U.S.). The Zola-length press release after the jump will tell you everything you want to know, or you can just check it out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Mégane Renaultsport 250

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 drops on unsuspecting Brits

Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 drops on unsuspecting Brits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford passes on bringing current Focus RS to America

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford, UK, Specialty

UPDATE: Ford just wrote us to clarify that while the all-new Focus RS just introduced in Europe won't be for sale in the U.S., "Ford intends to bring some new RS' to the US (as we've already seen in the spy photos of the white car) to use as marketing assets for feedback from enthusiasts" and media.

Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an interview with Jost Capito, head of Ford's global performance, it came out that - yet again - the picture of the Focus RS above is the closest Americans will get to the Blue Oval's hottest hatch. As quoted in UK's Autocar magazine, Capito's exact words are: "Sadly, no. We'd like to, but the base car isn't homologated for North America, and that's too costly a job to carry out just for a niche vehicle like the RS."

Note that this doesn't contradict what was said last time - that the next-generation RS might come to the U.S. since the coming Focus is being developed as a global platform with North American federalization in mind. So let's put this one to bed so we can all get on with our lives and cease pining for the current Focus RS, shall we? We need to turn our attention now to pining for the next Focus RS...

Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Focus RS LIVE

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Ford passes on bringing current Focus RS to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault unveils updated Clio Renaultsport 200 hot hatch

Noah Joseph — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Renault Clio RS 200 - Click above for high-res image gallery

200. That's a mighty big number for such a tiny car, but it's the horsepower figure that Renaultsport's latest hot hatch packs beneath its bonnet. And while it may be only three measley horses more than the 197 version on which it's based and replaces, Renault's performance and motorsport division has worked to improve the aerodynamics and cut weight to make each one count more.

Complimenting the mid-cycle revised styling of the entire Clio range, the Clio RS 200 and 200 Cup benefit from Renault's Formula One program, with which the French automaker attributes the aerodynamic expertise implemented on its latest hot hatch. Air passes over the front splitter to feed the the revised 200-hp, 2.0-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine, but it also goes underneath to the flat rear bottom and exits the fully functional rear diffuser. The design also pushes air around the wider front fenders, past the side vents and around the widened track to give the new Clio RS its performance edge. The aerodynamic enhancements gives the car an even meaner look, while customers can choose from a wider variety of look-at-me colors, contrasting with either black or anthracite-finish trim.

Inside it's all business: the compact steering wheel has perforated leather trim with a yellow strip to show when it's centered, and Recaro racing buckets are available along with leather upholstery. Unfortunately the car isn't available Stateside, but across the pond the new Clio Renaultsport 200 starts selling next month at £16,570, while hardcore enthusiasts can save a bit and get the even more focused, stripped-down Cup version for £15,750. Follow the jump for all the details in the press release, and check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Renault Clio RS 200

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault unveils updated Clio Renaultsport 200 hot hatch

Renault unveils updated Clio Renaultsport 200 hot hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS heads to 'Ring in search of a class record

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Renault, Specialty

2010 Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Pretty soon, it seems like the start of Nürburgring lap time season will take its place on motorsports calendars the same way you find with Formula 1 and NASCAR. The 'Ring season officially began last week, and the title card pitted the 2009 Ford Focus RS against the Renaultsport Megane R26.R. The Ford's numbers are 297 hp and 324 lb-ft; the Renault posts 230 hp and 229 lb.-ft, and the Megane's time stands at 8:16.9 (not 8:12) on its Toyo track-friendly rubber.

For the first round, the detuned 250 hp Focus RS test car managed 8:27 on "standard Continental tires," so Ford is reportedly looking at the full-fat 297 hp car to do around 8:15. Word is if they can get that close, they'll consider adding the Toyo Cup tires to the customer options list, which could subtract at least three seconds from the Focus' time and allow it to take home the 'Ring trophy for hot hatches. Ford will be back at the 'Ring next week to give it a go. Cheating? Perhaps. Pointless? Maybe. Fun for us to watch? Definitely. Hat tip to yaroukh

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (blue)

Gallery: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

[Source: Driving Spirit]

Ford Focus RS heads to 'Ring in search of a class record originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010

Chris Paukert — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, Specialty

While it may seem like an inopportune time to exhume a performance marque, that's just what Renault is up to, says Car. According to the U.K. glossy, Renault will relaunch the Gordini brand in Europe next year with a new Twingo variant. You may recall that it was recently revealed that the French automaker's plans to bring back its storied Alpine product line has been axed, but the decades-dormant Gordini is apparently a different matter altogether.

The new lineup of hot hatches will slot in above current Renaultsport offerings, with the aforementioned Twingo reportedly being followed by Clio and Megane Coupe models. Like the Gordini-tuned cars of yore, the new models are tipped to wear blue paint and white stripes along with various performance upgrades that will make them a likely foil to Fiat's reborn Abarth lineup.

[Source: Car]

REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS starting abroad at �24,995

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Focus RS

The 2009 Focus Rallye Sport has a price: £24,995 when it goes on sale in the UK in March. That will put you about £4,000 over a Focus ST3, but for that extra money you get a car that could be much closer to Ford's WRC competitor than it is to its ST3 sibling. The 300 horses and 325 ft-lbs is channeled through a six-speed manual to the front wheels, and a wider track joins beefier driveshafts, thicker anti-roll bars, tuned springs and uprated dampers.

The car comes with a bodykit that only an RS could wear, as well as things like heated door mirrors and windshield, xenon headlights, Recaros, and Ford's Easy Fill fueling system. Only a few options are available, the ritziest one being the Luxury Pack that will give you things like automatic climate control and rear parking sensors. Thankfully, based on how popular these cars are among the five-finger set, an alarm is also standard. You can check out the full release after the jump and the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (blue)

Continue reading Ford Focus RS starting abroad at �24,995

Ford Focus RS starting abroad at �24,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST (Euro-spec)

Noah Joseph — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, First Drives

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Ford Focus ST

Save the hot hatch for last. That's what we kept telling ourselves as we wandered the Belgian countryside looking for Ford's Lommel Proving Ground. As it turns out, the facility, located next to an air force base - restricted airspace, you know - is so secret, our hosts at Ford could hardly find it. So we had a little extra time to repeat the mantra: save the hot hatch for last.

On our way to Italy to drive the new Fiesta, we took a detour to Lommel to sample some of Ford's European C-segment offerings. A variety of vehicles, including one with the new dual-clutch gearbox, a Kuga crossover and the fire-breathing Focus ST, would be on hand for us to drive around the track. But we knew that if we gave into temptation and drove the ST first, the rest would seem sluggish by comparison, even though the vehicles aren't comparable. So did we resist the urge, or give into the little demon that's always whispering in our ears to go faster? Follow the jump and we just might tell you.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST

Continue reading First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST (Euro-spec)

First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST (Euro-spec) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Volkswagen R32

Chris Tutor — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Specialty

2008 VW R32 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The scraping as I pulled into the church parking lot worried me. I'd only had one of the rarest of VeeDubs for a few hours and I might have already nicked it. An unholy shame for sure, since for two weeks I had looked forward to blasting down I-20 at the wheel of an R32. For two weeks I had wondered how loud a redlined VR6 could wail. But for the last two hours I'd done nothing but get lost in Atlanta gridlock trying to set my destination on the car's in-dash nav.

Pulling in the First Pentecostal parking lot's steep entrance was a decision made in frustration and impatience, one made easier with the R32's light, quick steering and massive acceleration. But shelter from the kamikaze traffic I expected, undercarriage damage I did not. A quick inspection revealed nothing of importance had suffered trauma. The 18-inch wheels and their low-profile Continentals looked fine. The rear differential seemed unscathed. The bumper's plastic valance was unharmed and couldn't have made the metal-on-concrete sound I'd heard anyway.

Gallery: Review: 2008 VW R32

Continue reading Review: 2008 Volkswagen R32

Review: 2008 Volkswagen R32 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Fiat Punto Abarth

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Hatchback, Fiat

The Fiat Punto Abarth -- the tarted up version of the Punto by Fiat's in-house tuning arm -- has been seen on the roads of Turin, and it's hot hot hot. The car looks every bit as good as the concept, perhaps even better, having swapped the white mirrors for red ones.

It will have a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with 155 HP and a 6-speed manual. However, buyers will be able to request an Abarth tuning kit that gets 180 HP. It will also have a lower, stiffer sport-tuned suspension. Going against other minis like the RenaultSport Clio 197 and Vauxhall Corsa VXR, which outdo it by at least 39 HP in stock form, it will probably need every last horse and suspension tweak to compete with its rivals.

The car premieres at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week. It will run £15,000 in the UK. Why, why, why can't we get these cars here?

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Fiat Punto Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Peugot 207 GT

Noah Joseph — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, PSA

Peugot will be taking the wraps off its newest hot-hatch at Paris: the 207 GT. While anticipation had been building for a road-going production version of the 207 Super 2000 rally car (hinted at with the 207 RCup concept shown at Geneva), the latest information indicates that this will be the range-topper, and that PSA will be dropping the "i" from its traditional GTi moniker.

The engine, co-developed with BMW, will be a 1.6-liter four-banger pumping out a decent 150 hp. Sixty is expected to arrive in 8.1 seconds towards a top speed of 210 km/h (approximately 130 mph). These figures point towards more of a warm hatch than a genuine hot-hatch, and likely won't be able to keep up with rival Renault's Clio 197 Renaultsport.

Three-door hatchback will be the only body-style available, and the 207 GT is expected to include such bells and whistles as stability control, an auto-tinting panoramic glass roof, parking assist and 17-inch rims. The 207 GT will be featured at thre Paris show alongside the 207 EPURE fuel-cell convertible concept.

(More pics after the jump)

[Source: Motor Terra via Motorpasion]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Peugot 207 GT

Paris Preview: Peugot 207 GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Sep 2006 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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575-HP HPA R32 - the hottest hatch of them all

John Neff — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hatchback, Volkswagen

HPA Motorsports has applied its turbo prowess to the latest and greatest of VW hot hatches, the Euro-only (for now!) R32. In stock form the R32 produces 250 bhp from its 3.2-liter V6, but after HPA gets done adding its FT575 package, the car produces an astounding 575 horsepower. With that kind of power the all-wheel drive HPA R32 can hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds while smoking all four tires at launch. In order to change the R32 into a true supercar, HPA has equipped it with twin turbos and a pair of intercoolers along with a special intake manifold, custom downpipe and a twin-bypass HPA exhaust system, all of which help the car consume copious amounts of air.

The FT575 is a complete package, however, so handling and braking are upgraded, as well. Check out Motor Trend's article to get the details on what all the FT575 package includes and this video to watch MT editors drop the hammer and cover the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds at 123.2 mph.

For those of you wondering when the Mk V R32 will make its way stateside, our friends over at VWVortex claim it will arrive in August of 2007 for around $32,850 with a DSG transmission. Sorry, no standard stick shift.

[Source: Motor Trend]

575-HP HPA R32 - the hottest hatch of them all originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Sep 2006 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi launches Colt Ralliart Version-R

Stuart Waterman — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi launched its newest Ralliart variant in the Japanese market this week - the Colt Ralliart Version-R.

Powered by a 1.5-liter, DOHC 16-valve, four-cylinder MIVEC turbo under an EVO-esque hood vent, the little FWD pocket racer is motivated by 154 hp, turning 16-inch alloys clad with 205/45 rubber. A Getrag five-speed box teams up with a Sachs clutch in the manual transmission version, and an automatic is also available.

The four-door bodyshell gets considerable reinforcement, going far beyond the usual strut tower brace to increase overall stiffness by 30 percent. Available with optional Recaro sport seats, the interior gets an aluminum pedal set, satin-finish body-color trim pieces, and the Mitsubishi Multimedia Entertainment System.

The Version-R gets its own minisite, and this nifty movie (in Japanese). Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of static pictures of the new Colt, so after the jump we've added a few of the show car version, which debuted at the 2006 Tokyo Auto Salon.

[Sources: Mitsubishi, Motorsportblog.it]

Continue reading Mitsubishi launches Colt Ralliart Version-R

Mitsubishi launches Colt Ralliart Version-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault launches new Clio Renault Sport

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 30 May 2006 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback

The European market is blessed with a host of hot hatchbacks, and this latest addition ratchets the competition up a notch. Renault's new Clio Renault Sport is distinguished by "Formula 1-inspired" aerodynamics, notably front fender extractor vents and a first-in-class functional rear diffuser. The latter generates about 88 pounds of downforce at highway speeds, maxing out at more than 150 pounds at high speed.

Power comes from an uprated version of Renault's 2-liter, 16 valve engine, redlined at over 7,500 rpm. The normally-aspirated powerplant produces 197 hp and about 159 foot pounds of torque. A close-ratio 6-speed gearbox is new for this year's model, and in combination, the revamped drivetrain is good for the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 6.9 seconds.

Broader fenders are stretched over 215/45 tires running on 17-inch alloys. Brembo brakes on cross-drilled discs provide the stopping power.

New chassis upgrades include a 2-inch wider track front and rear, and a new-design "double axis" front strut suspension, which Renault claims is immune to the torque steer that plagues many high-performance MacPherson strut-type FWD cars. The new RS also gets a stiffer rear torsion beam suspension.

Deliveries will start this summer, but order books are open now. More photos after the jump.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault launches new Clio Renault Sport

Renault launches new Clio Renault Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 May 2006 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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