New Alfa 8C GTA

The stunning 8C has developed a mean streak. Take a look at our exclusive images of the hardest, loudest and fastest Alfa ever – the 8C GTA, which will help mark the firm’s centenary in style next year.

Following in the footsteps of the 1965 Giulia Sprint GTA, it’s a model designed to blur the lines between a no-compromise race car and a comfort-oriented road machine. Alfa has cut no corners: the new vehicle is the most extreme to leave the factory gates.

The 8C coupé’s svelte lines can still be clearly seen, giving the car real grace and elegance. However, design cues such as the aggressive bonnet vents and ice-white ‘mouth’ not only make this model stand out from the pack, but give a nod to the firm’s illustrious racing history, too.

The body panels are carbon fibre, as is the bodykit, which comprises chunky side sills, a road-scraping chin spoilerand race-style rear diffuser. A stripped-out cabin with bucket seats and the bare minimum of kit, as well as more carbon fibre trim wherever possible, will help slash the kerbweight.

Expect the 8C GTA to tip the scales at 1,450kg – around 150kg less than the standard coupé and only 100kg heavier than its premier rival, the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. And to give it any chance of competing on level terms with its scorching counterpart, Alfa knows the 450bhp 4.7-litre V8 will need some attention as well. An ECU remap is likely, along with lower-friction components and a higher rev limit to help push power past the 500bhp barrier.

With the GTA’s lightweight construction and an extra dose of horsepower, acceleration should be phenomenal. A 0-60mph time in less than four seconds seems feasible, plus a top speed approaching 200mph.

The 8C has never been a car to go about its business quietly. However, a new triple-pipe arrangement apeing the setup on Ferrari’s 458 Italia, as well as less sound-deadening, will take the symphony to a new level.

A lower and significantly stiffer suspension set-up will help to keep the 8C flat in corners and in contact with the tarmac more of the time. Carbon ceramic brake discs will be offered as an option, for fade-free stopping even on the track.

And the newcomer could be spending more time on the circuit than you may think! The original Giulia Sprint GTA was conceived as a race car, and the 8C GTA could be the model to take the legendary Alfa badge back into competition. With the Maserati GranTurismo racing in the GT4 class and the Ferrari F430 enjoying success in GT3 and GT2, there’s potentially space for Alfa to compete for honours in GT1.

Only 500 8C coupés and 500 8C spiders are planned to be built, but next to the 8C GTA they will seem commonplace!

A mere 100 examples are likely to go on sale, with a price tag in the region of £200,000.

BMW X1

BMW is adding another ‘X’ in its family SUVs box! Following in the tyre tracks of the X5, X3 and X6 comes the X1 – the baby of the range and the fourth X model in the firm’s portfolio.

These first official pictures reveal the newcomer is virtually identical to the concept, with conservative styling that looks strikingly similar to the X3. In fact, it’s only 10cm shorter.

For the first time on an X model, BMW is offering a choice of rear or four-wheel-drive variants, badged sDrive and xDrive respectively. The X1 also marks the SUV debut for the firm’s Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration technology – albeit only on manual cars. Other options include sat-nav, the iDrive cabin control system and a host of stowage compartments throughout the interior. There’s also a design package, bringing sports seats and upgraded trim.

The X1 is a strict five-seater, and prices start at £22,600 for the sDrive 18d. This is the most economical model, with its 143bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel promising 54.3mpg. xDrive versions with the same powerplant start at £23,940.

Topping the range will be the 23d. This 4WD-only car has a 204bhp 2.0-litre twin-turbo engine, and costs £29,055.

All cars come in SE trim, and there will be no petrol option in the UK at the launch in late October. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on all models except the xDrive23d. It gets a six-speed Sport automatic transmission with paddleshift changes.

Mazda MX-2 Revealed

This is Mazda’s version of a downsized, credit-crunch friendly MX-5, the MX-2.

Our illustration shows what the MX-2 is likely to look like. You can see that the Furai concept will have a strong influence in the design, while a hint of Ferrari California is also present in the headlamps.

Because the MX-2 is smaller than the MX-5 it will come equipped with smaller engines. Small capacity petrol engines ranging from 0.7 to 1.6-litres will get the MX-2 moving, while a range-topping 1.6-litre turbo pushing out an expected 160bhp. Combine that with low weight, and the MX-2 will embarrass more expensive machines with ease.

The Mini Speedster and Nissan Urge may be at design and concept stage now, but they’ll be keeping the dinky Mazda on its toes.

An insider has hinted that the MX-2 will be upon us as soon as 2012, so we can expect to see a concept reflecting the ‘downsized roadster’ very soon.

Abarth Coupe

Small, fast and efficient… Say hello to the Abarth Coupe, the most exciting performance car of 2010! Our exclusive pictures show how the sporty two-seater will shape up should Fiat put it into production, giving Abarth a three model line-up to make its assault on the performance car market. The revived brand is riding high following the raucous reception for the 500 Abarth, which goes on sale in February, while the Punto Abarth was launched earlier this year. And with increasing numbers of buyers downsizing to smaller and more fuel-efficient cars, there’s never been a better time to introduce a model like this. But can it succeed where the Smart Roadster failed?

Based on the 500’s platform, the Coupe will use a simple front-wheel-drive, front-engine layout to minimise costs. It will also mimic Ford’s conversion of the Ka into the Street Ka, by carrying the majority of components and switch gear straight over from the 500. 

A lightweight aluminium chassis and low-slung stance should ensure that it retains the go-kart-like handling synonymous with Abarth models of the past. While the compact dimensions make it perfectly suited to twisting European roads and small enough to be threaded through town traffic. If Fiat looks to the past there’s no shortage of inspiration for the new Coupe’s design. Models such as the 1959 Abarth 750 Zagato Coupe employed a similar philosophy to the newcomer with a lightweight aluminium body, two-seater layout and extravagant good looks. And as always with Italian sports cars, style is high on the agenda for the Coupe, too. 

Sloping headlights and huge front air-intakes give it a snarling face, while vents in the bonnet and behind the front wheels are a sign that there’s pace to match the car’s looks. Just like the Smart Roadster, a removable roof panel allows occupants to get the open-air experience without the need for an expensive and heavy folding top. And lastly, the trademark Abarth white and red colour scheme with distinctive decals mark the car out from other traffic. The racy theme continues in the cabin, with turbo pressure gauges and Abarth Scorpion logos a plenty. Expect sculpted racing seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, too.

Driving enthusiasts will enjoy Fiat’s Torque Transfer Control (TTC), which mimics a front limited slip differential to maximise traction in the bends, while LED flashing lights on the dash alert the driver at the optimum moment to change gear – either to extract maximum performance or boost fuel economy.

Carlo Abarth, the company’s founder, was famous for wringing impressive levels of performance from small-capacity powerplants, and the Abarth philosophy has stayed true to this day. The most likely candidate for the Coupe is the 1.4-litre turbocharged unit from the 500 Abarth, kicking out 135bhp and 180Nm of torque – although an ‘esseesse’ (pronounced essay essay) version with 158bhp and 230Nm of torque, but still returning 45mpg at the pumps, could also make it to production. With the car weighing in at little more than 1,000Kg, expect a 0-60mph time of around eight seconds for the lower-powered version and seven seconds for the ‘esseesse’.

The Smart Roadster’s downfall was its extortionately high price. But it seems Fiat isn’t about to make the same mistake. Prices for the Abarth Coupe should start from around £12,000 - undercutting the cheapest Smart Roadster by £1,500. Fiat is staying tight-lipped about it’s production plans for the Abarth Coupe, but if it does make it to showrooms, expect the care to break cover in 2010 and go on sale in 2011.

Audi S1

Take a look at Audi’s pocket rocket! This stunning machine is the S1 – a super hatch flagship that will sit at the very top of the German firm’s all-new small car range. Gunning for high performance small cars such as the MINI John Cooper Works and the forthcoming Alfa MiTo GTA, the S1 will be the ultimate evolution of the A1 line-up, packing 200bhp and a Quattro four-wheel drive chassis.

But it’s the looks that will have buyers beating a path to Audi’s showrooms. Taking the compact, chunky A1 three-door shape – previewed by the Metroproject Quattro concept, revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show – the S1 adds an aggressive bodykit. It features flared arches, filled with 19-inch alloy wheels, a neat roof-mounted spoiler, and a particularly aggressive front end with a low front splitter, deep air intakes and menacing daytime LED running lights. Chrome highlights finish the visual upgrades.

The A1 line-up is set to benefit from a wide range of innovative, small capacity, forced induction engines including a turbocharged1.2-litre TFSI unit for the entry-level model – and the S1 will be no different. Under the bonnet will be a development of the same supercharged and turbocharged 1.4-litre engine as the VW Polo GTi (Issue 1,044) and SEAT Ibiza Cupra. In those models, the unit produces 178bhp – but thanks to some upgrades and a tweak of the ECU, the tiny powerplant will produce in excess of 200bhp and 300Nm of torque.

Hooked up to a seven-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox, the S1 should provide shattering performance. Expect a 0-60mph time of around six seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. However, it’ll also be economical too – that small capacity should mean it’ll return 35mpg combined. Making sure all that power reaches the road is a four-wheel drive system, biased 40:60 in favour of the rear wheels. Together with lowered and stiffened suspension, the little Audi should feel every inch the baby Quattro, offering lightning reactions and amazing grip.

It’s also likely that Audi will make its magnetic dampers available too. These will work in conjunction with Drive Select – a system which offers owners the choice of several driving modes including Dynamic and Comfort, allowing them to sharpen steering, throttle and suspension response according to road conditions.

Indeed, the S1 is likely to be a real technological tour de force. Audi has already previewed many new ideas on the Metroproject concept car, including an interface that allows owners to control many of the car’s functions through their mobile phones. This is likely to be an option on top-spec models such as the S1. Factor in a sporty cabin with a flat-bottomed steering, figure hugging, lightweight seats and aluminium pedals and the result will be a high quality small performance car with real showroom appeal. It won’t come cheap, though. While entry-level A1 models are likely to kick off at £13,000 when sales start in early 2010, the S1 will weigh in at £25,000.

Review - Audi Q5

Styling/Image
Audi has one of the most recognisable product line-ups around and its designers got their pastry cutters out again for the Q5. The compact SUV looks like a scaled down Q7 or tall A4 depending on your preference, so it holds few surprises. Thankfully its smaller dimensions are much less ostentatious than the Q7, although its big grille is still flanked by glitzy-looking headlights. Off-roaders aren’t exactly flavour of the month these days, but the Q5’s car-like appearance and a prestige badge make it one of the most desirable 4x4s around.

Interior/Practicality
The design and build of the interior is just what we’ve come to expect from Audi. The smart layout and high quality materials provide a classy look and feel. In terms of space the cabin is merely average but the optional sliding rear bench boosts practicality. A decent boot helps to make the Q5 and good load-lugger, but its steeply raked rear windscreen restricts its ability to swallow really big loads.

Engine/Performance
Diesel engines rule in the compact SUV sector and Audi has plenty of experience here. Both the 2.0 and 3.0-litre TDI units provide decent performance but the smaller engine is more economical, making it the sensible option. Alternatively, the firm’s clever 2.0-litre TFSI petrol delivers impressive pace, but you will pay the price at the pumps when you come to sell it.

Driving experience
Excellent road manners show where the Q5 is designed to work best. With positive steering and tight body control the Audi has the kind of car-like precision that its prestige rivals can’t match from behind the wheel. Ride comfort is firm but well judged damping deals with bumps effectively. Standard-fit ESP and hill descent control boost its off-road credentials. The Q5 is no mud-plugger, but it has more than enough ability in the rough for most buyers.


Ownership Costs
Depreciation is the biggest hidden cost associated with owning any car and the Q5 scores strongly here. The allure of the Audi badge and its new status combine to give the compact SUV strong resale values – especially in 2.0TDI guise. Its reasonable CO2 emissions also provide a relatively low tax band rating so running costs are equally appealing. Decent fuel economy for the entry-level diesel seals the deal.

Safety/Environment
The 2.0-litre TDI punches above its weight and can go head-to-head with bigger engines from other manufacturers. As a result, it looks eco-friendly, with lower emissions and superior fuel economy than rival models with larger powerplants. ESP is standard across the line-up to boost safety. You also get a six airbags.

• Rating:
• On the road price: £30,780 - £36,750
• For : Styling, car-like dynamics, cabin quality
• Against : Expensive, thirsty petrol

Mercedes CLS Grand Edition

With it's uique front lights, exclusive alloy wheels and Grand Edition badging, Mercedes is hoping that no one misses the most luxurious evolution yet of the popular CLS.

Available from March, the limited edition model offers a four strong petrol and diesel engine range, and gets a bespoke interior.

Highlights include alcantara headlining and leather seats. To finish, the Mercedes also gets high gloss wood trim on the dashboard, steering wheel and gearlever.

Standard equipment includes Mercedes COMAND multimedia system, parking sensors and Grand Edition badged floor mats.

Prices are yet to be announced, but drivers can expect to pay around £50,000 for an entry level CLS280.

VW Polo GTI

VolksWagen has an all-new Polo on the way in 2009, and is readying the wildest, fastest and sportiest version ever to top the range.Following in the footsteps of the MkV Golf GTI – which showed VW could still produce amazing performance cars when it launched in 2004 – the Polo GTI looks set to be a sales smash hit.As you can see, the flagship won’t be short of visual aggression. All the classic GTI design cues are there, from the piano black grille highlighted in red to the GTI badging and deep air intakes.

Neat touches include muscular flared arches, filled by gorgeous alloys. The look is finished off by a subtle roof spoiler and bodykit – and the result is by far the most
distinctive Polo ever made.

Inside, the cabin will see some dramatic leaps in quality, with similar soft-touch plastics to those in the latest MkVI Golf (tested on Page 40). But what will really make the newcomer stand out will be its detailing – which includes figure-hugging sports seats, red piping and racy aluminium pedals.

The next Polo will be similar in size to the outgoing machine. But as it shares the PQ25 small car platform that underpins the latest SEAT Ibiza, more space has been freed up inside. Using this chassis as a base, company engineers will also add stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars, plus sophisticated traction and stability control systems.


When it was launched, the MkV Golf GTI set the standard for modern performance VWs, and the Polo GTI aims to have a similar impact. It will combine accurate steering and limited body roll with a compliant ride. Completing the package is a set of upgraded brakes.

However, the Polo’s hottest asset will be its engine: a 1.4-litre supercharged and
turbocharged four-cylinder TSI, which will grace the Ibiza Cupra early in 2009.
This produces 178bhp and 250Nm of torque in the GTI, and gives a 0-60mph time of around seven seconds and a 140mph top speed.

What will make the car fun to drive will be the way its power is delivered. The combination of turbo and supercharging means there will be a broad spread of torque at low revs, with muscular urge continuing all the way to the red line. The engine’s small capacity will also translate into strong economy and CO2 emissions. Figures of 40mpg and less than 150g/km are expected.
As with the Cupra, the GTI gets a six-speed manual box as standard, with a fast-shifting seven-ratio DSG box an option.

While the new Polo is set to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the GTI won’t be seen until early 2010. A price of around £15,500 is likely.