Fiat 500 Abarth I Want One

Back in the 60’s Abarth turned ordinary small Fiats into tuned up ‘I want one of those cars’. Today and sadly only for those in Europe (I’m guessing); Abarth are tuning up the all new retro styled Fiat 500.

Due to be unveiled at the up coming Geneva Motor Show, The Fiat 500 Abarth will pack a turbocharged version of Fiat's 1.4-litre FIRE, with maximum horsepower at 5000RPM and a 0-62mph of around 8.2 seconds.

The Fiat 500 Abarth has been slightly modified with the nose pushed forward to accommodate the turbocharger and its two intercoolers. The intercoolers are fed by a deeper airdam with a wide central slit and two side elements.


No word on pricing, but I am sure it will be a hit and will definitely give the BMW Mini a run for its money.

ads from Shopzilla

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The Panasonic Strada CN-GP50U Portable Navigation Device

Panasonic have announced that they will be releasing their first portable navigation device (PND) here in the USA. The Panasonic Strada CN-GP50U is a sleek, slim design that comes with a 5-inch touch panel display.

The Strada CN-GP50U provides is access to 1.8 million searchable Points of Interest in 51 categories, such as gas stations, airports, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, ATMs and historic landmarks. It has an easy to use Graphic User Interface (GUI) and comes pre-loaded with map data for the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico, plus detailed maps of 86 U.S. cities. By using the SD Memory Card or USB port users can easily perform software updates.

The Strada can also make hands-free calls on a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone and Lane Assist helps avoid last-minute lane changes using voice guidance and by highlighting the correct lane in orange. The system even warns you when you are over the speed limit…

The Panasonic Strada CN-GP50U Portable Navigation Device should be available in December 2007 for around $499.95

Source: Panasonic Press Release

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T505 from Motorola Makes In Car Communication Easy

Motorola have announced that their first ROKR for the car will be available in early 2008. The MOTOROKR T505 portable In-Car Speakerphone and Music System connects wirelessly to your Bluetooth enabled phone or mp3 player to allow you to make calls or listen to music over the car stereo.

The ROKR T505 is equipped with Stationfinder which locates the best FM station for clear audio. The T505 is designed to clip onto the sun visor and be taken from car to car.

Here are some of the features:
Audio CallerID
2 watt internal speaker
Bluetooth enabled
Portable, No installation
Talk Time: 20 hrs
Dimensions: 76 x 78 x 22.8 mm

Source: Motorola Press Release

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The Matra MS1 Electric Bike

Here is am electric bicycle, which actually looks like something you would be seen on. The Matra MS1’s electric motor is supposedly good for 62 miles and a top speed restricted to 28mph. The motor is also charged when or if the brakes are applied. If you eventually run out of juice, the standard pedals will keep you going.

No word on when or if this will hit production, but if it does it won’t be that cheap.

Source: Engadget

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Mio DigiWalker C230

Are you always getting lost in a new city? Then the Mio DigiWalker C230 could be for you. The Mio DigiWalker C230 portable GPS navigation system is pre-loaded with maps of the US and real-time text-to-speech directions that get you to your destination while keeping your eyes on the road. For use in your car or carried as you walk the DigiWalker C230 has 1 million points of interest locations with support in English and 16 other languages.

Features in brief:
GPS Receiver Channels: 20 (SiRFStarIII), WAAS Enabled
Memory : On-board 1GB NAND flash memory
Display: 3.5" TFT with Touch Screen and 65k Colors
Storage Format: SD/MMC Memory Expansion Module
Battery: 800 mAH Li-ion
USB: V2.1
Weight: 5.08 oz (144g)
Dimensions: 3.54" x 3.30" x 0.94"

The Mio DigiWalker C230 should retail for around $250 and can be found on Amazon here.

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Sony Unveils New CDX Car Audio Units

Sony have just released 3 new car audio systems; the CDX-GT520, CDX-GT420IP and the CDX-GT320.

The CDX-GT520 is the top model in this lineup that supports MP3 and non-DRM WMA and AAC1. The system is also iPod, satellite radio and HD Radio ready. The unit features front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs; has a flip-down detachable faceplate; and a 13-segment, LCD with blue LED display; and blue key illumination. You will need to purchase the iPod adapter (model XA-120IP) with this system, that charges the device and controls it from the head unit.

The CDX-GT420IP CD receiver comes with an iPod control interface. The unit is supplied with a 4.9-foot cable has a 30-pin connector made for most iPod players and provides full menu control. Other features include MP3 and non-DRM WMA playback, red key illumination and blue LED screen

The CDX-GT320 is the entry level unit and provides iPod, HD Radio and satellite radio compatibility. Features include; MP3 and non-DRM WMA playback support and two preouts. Again you will need to purchase the iPod adapter (model XA-120IP) with this system.

The CDX-GT520 should retail for around $140

The CDX-GT420IP should retail for around $130

The CDX-GT320 should retail for around $80

Source: Sony Press Release

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The XAV-W1 in Car Audio Video System from Sony

If you are looking for an in car audio / video system, check out the XAV-W1 from Sony.
The XAV-W1 is claimed to provide ‘high quality video and audio as well as connectivity to MP3 players and various personalization options’.

The new XAV-W1 features the SA-CD audio format and also the accompanying 5.1-Channel surround sound option. It has a 7-inch video screen (measured diagonally) that incorporates the WVGA TFT high-end standard for picture quality.

XAV-W1 specs in brief:
Support for SA-CD playback
5.1 channel audio in the form of Dolby Digital surround sound and dts Digital Surround Processing
7 inch display with WVGA resolution
Supports CDs, DVD video playback
JPEG, WMA, and MP3 file format support
Satellite radio and Apple iPod ready with controller devices sold separately
Support for Sony HD Radio tuner
Includes remote control which allows back seat passengers control of the system
Rear auxiliary input - universal 3.5 mm mini-plug input
Delivers 52 watts across four channels
3AV input to connect other A/V devices
Zone by Zone support allows users to set separate audio zones for front and rear seats

You will be able to pick up the Sony XAV-W1 for around $800 dollars when it becomes available in August.

Source: Sony Press Release

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Lexus Supercar Spied Testing

Here are some of the first pictures of the up and coming Lexus Supercar without its usual testing disguise. The car looks very similar to the LF-A showcar that Lexu unveiled at eth Detroit Motor Show in 2005.


This rear-wheel-drive supercar will be powered by a front-mounted V10 and should develop around 500bhp. Lexus has still to confirm this as a new production car, but they would not be out and about testing undisguised if it was not going to reach a showroom near you soon.


The car certainly looks a cool ride.

Source: msn.co.uk

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BMW 1-Series Coupé Spied

Here are a couple of shots of the new BMW 1 Coupe that should be available at the end of 2007. The BMW 1 series is not new for those of you in Europe but in the States it might be. This is a very nice looking car and should be a very good performer and drive


In Europe the BMW 1 coupe wil be available in 4 and 6 cylinder versions, whereas the States will only see the 6 cylinder models. Now if BMW squeeze the twin-turbo 3.0 litre engine in this little car, it is sure to raise some eyebrows. Hopefully pricing will allow us mortals to have a chance at buying one. Stay tuned.

Source. msn.co.uk

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Vespa GTV Retro Styling Elegance

I was walking around the local mall yesterday and came across a Vespa display stand and was immediately struck by how great this Vespa GTV looked. The GTV model celebrates 60 years of the most legendary two-wheeler of all time by re-introducing the trademark Vespa styling and features from the 50s and 60s models.

I have to say that I have always been a fan of the Vespa design when it comes to scooters and believe that these retro designs are far superior to those flashy scooters that you see kids riding around with speakers placed everywhere.

So, if you are looking for a cheap transport solution and want style, then check out the Vespa range and in particular this 250cc Vespa GTV

Specs:
• ENGINE TYPE Single cylinder QUASAR 4 stroke with two way catalytic converter and SAS
• CYLINDER CAPACITY 244 cc
• BORE x STROKE 2.46" x 1.91" (62.8 / 48.6 mm)
• MAX POWER at SHAFT 8.7 kW @ 7,750 rpm (11.7 CV)
• MAX TORQUE 11.5 Nm a 6,000 rpm
• MAX SPEED 76 mph (122 Km/h)
• FUEL / TANK CAPACITY Unleaded / 2.4 gallons (9.2 liters)
• DISTRIBUTION SOHC
• COOLING SYSTEM Liquid
• LUBRICATION Wet sump, chain-driven lobe pump
• IGNITION Electric with automatic start
• GEARS CVT 'Twist and go' automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with torque server
• CLUTCH Automatic centrifugal dry clutch with dampers
• CHASSIS Pressed sheet metal frame with welded reinforcements
• FRONT SUSPENSION Single arm, dual-chamber hydraulic shock absorber with co-axial spring
• REAR SUSPENSION Two dual-effect shock absorbers with adjustable preload
• FRONT BRAKE Ø 8.66" (220 mm) disc
• REAR BRAKE Ø 8.66" (220 mm) disc
• FRONT TIRE Tubeless 120/70-12" / Tubeless 130/70-12"
• REAR TIRE Tubeless 120/70-12" / Tubeless 130/70-12"
• LENGTH 76.4" (1,940 mm)
• WIDTH 30.3" (770 mm)
• WHEELBASE 54.9" (1,395 mm)
• SEAT HEIGHT 31.1" (790 mm)
• DRY WEIGHT 322 lbs (146 Kg)
• AVAILABLE COLOR Aviator Gray

Priced around $6,899

Source: Vespa

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Alpha Romeo’s 8C Spied

Alfa’s supercar the 8C was spotted testing at the Nurburgring prior to its production unveiling later this year. There have been plenty of shots of this supercar, but these latest photo’s indicate some slight changes to the models that have been seen at the various motor shows.


Main changes are the altered headlamps, which now featuring a more angular housing. There are also changes to air intakes and missing vents on the front wing. The car still looks super cool though.

The 8C will be powered by a 4.7-litre V8 the 8C is anticipated to have 450bhp and 346lb/ft of torque. It will have a two-pedal, paddle-shift set up computerized 6-speed gearbox that should enable to reach 62mph in about 4 seconds. With only 500 being built, this will be a nice toy to have, if you have the appropriate spare change.

Source: uk.msn.com

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VW GTI W12 650 Concept Car

The VW GTI W12 650 concept car is powered by a 6.0L bi-turbo W12 that pumps out 650hp and 530 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic, with an estimated top speed of 201mph and a 0-62mph in around 3.7 seconds.

Lower and wider than a stock GTI, the body retains the production car's doors, hood and lights, but otherwise it's all new. A number of intakes and a redesigned C-pillar help feed air to the 12-cylinder behemoth supplying the go-power. To keep the car planted to the tarmac, VW didn't want to use a massive spoiler to generate down force. As such, the car's carbon-fiber roof acts as a giant diffuser that funnels air under the small spoiler at its trailing edge. In summary, the whole thing is a big exercise in the awesome.

The interior is Alcantara leather and fire extinguishers are integrated into the glove compartment. Don’t expect to see this for sale in a showroom near you or on the street driven by a 'boy racer'; as this is purely a show car!!!

Source: Techeblog via Autoblog

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Mercedes SLR Roadster

The Mercedes SLR roadster can’t really be classed as a gadget, but can certainly be classed as a nice toy to have. Out of reach of most mere mortals, but for some it will be a weekend ‘play thing’. The SLR Roadster is constructed almost entirely from carbon fibre with a semi-automatic top.


The roadster comes with a five-speed automatic transmission that allows it to sprint to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds. The car is alleged to be available in September in England with a price tag of £350,000. No word when or if it will be available in the States.

Source: msn.co.uk

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