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Tuesday 12th August 2003 Lancia To Make Frau Doris's Day Italy seems to have found the perfect solution to international diplomatic incidents - it gives away cars. Rumour has it Doris Schroeder, wife of German Chancellor Gerhard, is to be given the first Lancia Ypsilon supermini bound for the German market as a gift. The move is designed to smooth over the row caused by Italian MPs insulting German tourists. Article from: Auto Express

Meno potenti? Secondo le indiscrezioni i nuovi V6 Alfa avranno 230CV nella versione da 2.8 litri e 260 in quella da 3.2 litri.

A mio parere la Renault Espace IV è l'unica monovolume con uno stile che si distacca da quello di un furgone. Esternamente è riuscita da tutti i punti di vista, ed è sicuramente la più bella del segmento.

Nell'articolo è spiegato chiaramente perchè si tratta della nuova Boxster e non di una 911.

Personalmente trovavo interessante la Renault Avantime. A farla morire prematuramente è stato il prezzo troppo elevato, e forse un frontale non troppo riuscito, a confronto ad esempio con quello dell'ultima Espace.

(08:30 Aug. 08, 2003) Coupe scoop! We spy Porsche’s second-gen Boxster—in coupe form By GREG KABLE WE STUDIED THESE SPY SHOTS LONG AND hard before arriving at this conclusion: What you’re looking at is an early prototype of Porsche’s new Boxster Coupe, caught during recent tests at Porsche’s Weissach proving ground on the outskirts of Stuttgart. Yes, the car codenamed 987 looks a lot like a 911 in this guise, but Porsche sources say the second-generation Boxster—a roadster due in mid-2005 and the coupe 12 months later—will be far different from the 911 than today’s Boxster. Despite this prototype’s heavy disguise, several details point to its inherent Boxster-ness: the two-seat, mid-engine layout (note the blacked-out rear side windows and firewall behind the seats); relatively long wheelbase (today’s Boxster boasts a 2.5-inch longer wheelbase than the 911); and muscular hip line, short rear overhang and small spoiler—the latter aimed at replicating the retractable wing on today’s car. Porsche will push the existing 2.7-liter and 3.2-liter flat-six engines to gain about 10 hp (to 235 for Boxster, 268-270 for Boxster S) along with a considerable boost in low-end torque. Channeling drive to the rear wheels will be an optional new six-speed double-clutch manual gearbox similar to the system offered on the Audi TT, a new six-speed automatic or a traditional six-speed manual. In addition to the roadster and coupe, Porsche plans a series of performance models based on its new sub-911 coupe, including a stripped-out Boxster Clubsport model running a powered-up version of Porsche’s flat-six engine. (Fonte: AutoWeek.com)

ALFA ROMEO DEVELOPING SPLIT FRAME SEPERATE CHASSIS DESIGN FOR FUTURE SUPER-SPORTSCARS As Alfa Romeo embark on a program to return to their roots and build no-compromise sportscars, details of a new chassis design under development have emerged. The multi-material chassis demonstrates the possibility to carry out a separate chassis design for super-sportscars. Characteristics of this new concept include improved steering precision, comfort and better performance. The split-frame separate chassis architecture assures increased isolation from the principal sources of vibration (engine and suspension). This concept solves the general weight problems of fitting high-performance cars with separate chassis. The material used on the chassis provides a structurally sound design with an incredible power to weight ratio. Specific materials have been used in sub-groups of the chassis to ensure torsional rigidity and resistance to impact, whilst keeping the weight down. The chassis is comprised of carbon fibre, titanium and alluminium alloys. Advantages and possibilities: Weight control: The complete chassis (excluding the suspension) weighs less than 100 Kg. Chassis performace adapted for super-sports car: The torsional and flexible rigidity assures compliance with the Euro-NCAP standard (offset collision at 64 km/h with deformable barrier). Technologies adapted for production volumes of upto 5 cars a day: The labour intensive process of manual carbon fibre lamination has been eliminated by a new process called VRTM (Vacuum Resin Moulding Transfers). This concept represents the first application of VRTM where woven carbonfibre is used for certain high strengh chassis members." This concept of chassis manufacturing has been give the go-ahead and will be seen in Alfa Romeo sportscars in the latter half of this decade. (Fonte: Italiaspeed.com)

Cosa ne pensate? Personalmente non mi entusiasma. Ho anche qualche dubbio sull'autenticità della foto.

Ho letto qualcosa sulla minispider VW, ma non sono sicuro che sarà basata sulla futura Tupi...

Personalmente tifo per il V6 biturbo...

Sorvolando sull'autenticità della foto, posso solo dire che la trovo orrenda.

Questo valore mi stupisce molto. I valori di lunghezza e altezza mi sembrano più realistici.

Quando si decise di esportare la 164 in Estremo Oriente si sostituì il 4 perchè è un numero maleaugurante da quelle parti.

V8 diesel su Thesis?

Il design delle ultime 5er, 7er e della Z4 è certamente discutibile in alcuni dettagli, ma mi pare esagerato definirle delle schifezze. Lo spessore progettuale degli ultimi modelli BMW è indiscutibile, e sarebbe sciocco far finta di non accorgersene.

Notizia prevedibile, dato che la VW Phaeton e la Skoda Superb non verranno sostituite da un nuovo modello al termine del loro ciclo di vita.

Volkswagen plans a BMW 5-series rival By Wim Oude Weernink Automotive News Europe / July 28, 2003 Volkswagen is planning a BMW 5-series fighter positioned above the next-generation Passat and below the Phaeton flagship. Internally referred to as the C1, the medium-luxury VW model would also compete with the Mercedes-Benz E class and Audi A6. "We have seen definitive design proposals," a VW source said. "You will get an impression of it when you see the next-generation Passat, which is due in 2004." A decision to go ahead with the C1 project has been made, according to a VW engineer. "Three months ago, it was not so certain," said the engineer, who also did not want to be named. "But it has been set for 2006 in our planning, so you may assume it is definite now." The production volume for the C1 has not been set yet, but 50,000 units a year should be the minimum goal. "Otherwise it would not make sense," a VW source said. The C1 will likely be the first car based on VW's modular C platform. This platform has been developed but has never been utilized. Analysts say there could be room for a premium VW model above the upper-medium Passat. "Although the model is successful, the overall Passat segment is going nowhere in Europe," said Colin Couchman, senior analyst at Global Insight. "So a premium model would be a sensible addition for VW." But VW's main target disagrees. Asked about volume producers' moves into the luxury end, BMW CEO Helmut Panke said car companies' success depends to a major extent on maintaining focus. If designers, for example, have to work on a volume car in the morning and a luxury car in the afternoon, the focus will be lost, he said at a press briefing last week. VW believes a medium-luxury car would have potential in Europe, the USA and perhaps China. "But there is a risk of confusion within the VW group, where Audi has already its A6," Couchman said. Sales of both VW's upmarket Passat W8 as well as the luxury Phaeton have been suffering so far. During the first six months of 2003, the Phaeton sold just 2,128 units. Only 453 Phaetons were sold in June. VW had planned to sell 10,000 units of the W8-engine Passat annually but actually achieved just over half that figure in 2002. Said Couchman: "Maybe such a premium model [the C1] may eventually succeed the Phaeton, which VW may let die slowly."

Aston Martin AMV8 Vantage Davvero bella! Arriverà nel 2005. Motore V8 poco oltre i 4 litri e schema transaxle. Due posti secchi.

BMW's M-Power division is planning a massive onslaught to gain it's performance crown back from it's main rivals. Four new models are planned including a V8 powered M3 (four-door varaint), an M4 (two-door coupe/convertible), & a V10 powered M5 saloon & M6 Coupe. Under BMW's new badging all two-door variants are to get even numbers & four-door versions will be named with odd numbers. BMW has registered the names for it's sports car expansion, there is also a series of lightweight CSL specials that use Carbon-fibre materials with involvement from it's F1 division. The CSL's not only will have lighter body composits but more powerful engines. The new M3 & M4 will use a 400Bhp V8 due on sale in 2006 starting at £45,000 at todays prices, also planned is an Estate (Touring) version to take on it's rivals like the Audi S4, Mercedes C32 AMG & forthcoming C55 seen as a large market share for Tourings. The V8 version is likely to be a 4.0 Litre with drive to the rear wheels & update version of the SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox through the traditional 6-Speed manual. Although heavier than the tradition 6-cylinder engine it will be off-set by the lighter hybrid construction on all new 3 & 4-Series. The new M3/M4 will be based upon the forthcoming 3-Series due out in 2005 codenamed E90. The new M5 & M6 will feature 5.5 Litre V10s with BMW's third-generation Vanos Varible Valve timing system. Using Aluminium forward of the windscreen contributing to a 50:50 weight distribution. Prices starting at £55,000 for the M5 available in 2005 & £80,000 for the M6. Both developing 500 Bhp with 450Ib ft torque, expect 0-60 Mph in approx. 4.5 secs, weight shouldn't be more than 1756Kg which means a power to weight ratio of approx. 300 Bhp per tonne for the M5. M6 is to take on the mite of Porsche's 911 Carrera, Mercedes SL55 AMG & the new Aston Martin DB8. Sharing modified suspension from the new M5 & using a carbon-fibre roof, boot floor, bulk-head, bonnet & boot lid for the new Super Coupe. All M-Power models will have re-profiled front & rear bumpers with deep spoilers, large cooling ducts, flared wheel arches, beefed up side sills, deeper rear valance & four exhaust pipes. Also 19" alloys as standard on the M5 & M6. Also testing is being carried out on a Z4M using the new V8, but is yet to be approved. Also hot new Golf rival M2 based on the forthcoming 1-Series, with 220 Bhp high-reving 2.2 Litre

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La XM non era bella?? Sono d'accordo: era semplicemente stupenda.